Southeast Asia Travel

Paradise

2006-06-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

Phuket is beautiful. We went to the beach all day. Tomorrow we have a big day planned. We are taking a boat that leaves at 7:30 a.m. to all these different islands and will not be back til 6:30 p.m. One of the island is called "Monkey Island" so of course I am very excited about that. We are going snorkeling and other beach activities.

Sunday we leave for KL, spend the night there and leave for Cambodia on Monday. I think.

It has been a very long day and I need to get up early tomorrow!

Mom... please read Dave and Alex's blogs, they would greatly appreciate your comments.

Last Day in Bangkok?

2006-06-01T01:38:00.000-07:00

We met with students and professors from Bangkok University this morning. They have a huge campus (about 25, 000 attend the university) and the Communication Department is amazing. Their department is titled "Communication Arts" and includes journalism, broadcasting, public relations and a few other concentrations. We were all jealous of their equipment, computers, and facilities. They had everything a radio station could possibility need or want. They also had several studios with more buttons and nobs than I would know what to do with. Everyone was very friendly and polite. They served us a nice lunch then some of us went to the Vietnam embassy to get our visas (finally!).

This could be my last day in Bangkok but I am definitely coming back here. This city has so much to offer and I want to take advantage of everything. We are attempting to leave this evening so we can have 2 full days at the beach before we go to Cambodia. We have to show up at the airport and hope that there are seats available so we will see what happens. I will keep everyone updated.

Never a Dull Moment in Bangkok

2006-05-31T01:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not posted in a few days but there is so much to do here and it hard to take time out to go the internet cafe (I cannot wait to have my own computer back).

After Tricia's birthday dinner on Sunday we saw an elephant walking the streets. It was amazing to look up and see an elephant in the crowded city. I fed her some food and took lots of pictures. We are doing an elephant ride in Cambodia and I cannot wait. Here is a picture of Tray and I with the elephant (my camera does not work too well with these computers for some strange reason so that is why i steal her pictures).

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1610/2989/1600/DSCF0774.jpg

Monday we took a day trip to the beach in Pattaya. It was nice to relax for a few hours. The beaches here are very different from the U.S. We were constantly hounded by people attempting to sell us food (weird fried stuff on skewers and ice cream), souvenirs (paintings, jewerly, stones) and people even offering massages and pedicures. At first it was annoying but then we caved and started buy things. It was actually a great way to shop: watch the sunset as people came to you and you never have to leave your chair.

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1610/2989/1600/DSCF0787.jpg
the sunset on monday

Tuesday night we went to a Thai kickboxing match. Kickboxing orginated here in Thailand so we thought it would be a good thing to do. It was a lot of fun though there was no air con ( I have adopted the southeat asian term for A/C) . We watched some amatuer fights and stayed for the main event. No blood, but we saw some good fighting (not that I really know what good fighting is) it was fun regardless.

Today (Wednesday) we went to Ogilvy Public Relations. The office was very modern and they had a "lift off" room filled with swings and comfy chairs - I want swings in my offfice! A very funny and enthusatic women informed us of their clients and what they do for them. She also explained why the Thai people are so loyal to their King. As an American it was hard for me to understand why Bangkok is covered in pictures and shrines to him. She told us the story of his life and the hardships he experienced. It opened my eyes and I saw how she truly admired him. She also talked about how the king does not live a life of luxury and stays connected to his people.

We are going Bangkok University tomorrow. After that we going to see the palace and the Buddha!

Bangkok is Well Worth the Journey

2006-05-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

Taking a taxi in Southeast Asia is more like a daredevil Nascar sport. The lines on the road are known as "courtesy lines" that no one follows. Taxi drivers weave in and out of traffic and constantly cross into oncoming traffic to pass cars. It is like a rollercoaster but with seatbelts (if you are lucky).

We left Kota Baruh yesterday afternoon and took a taxi to the Thai border. We were going around 130 kilometers an hour and traveling on both sides of the road (and I thought I was a bad driver... this is a whole new world). We walked across the border and and found a taxi driver to take us to the airport. He informed us that the airport was a lot farther away than we thought. We quickly divided into two vans and we got to the airport in plenty of time to spare since they drive like maniacs here.

We flew Nok Air to Bangkok and were in the air before I could even have anxiety about flying after the last experience from Chicago to Hong Kong. Apparently the pilots are similar to the taxi drivers and they waste no time. In the states, you sit at the gate for about 30 minutes and slowly taxi to the runway and eventually take off. In Asia.. once you sit down, the plane speeds around some turns on the runway and takes off before you know it. Efficient.

Our hostel is by far the best place we have stayed at so far. It is decorated in a jungle theme downstairs and the rooms off the hallways look like little huts. Mom- I promise I will take pictures today and post them tomorrow, I keep forgetting my camera cord when we come to the internet cafes.

Today we are going to the weekend market (like a flea market) which is massive. People get lost in it and they give you a map to navigate. I have been waiting for this shopping for weeks!

I haven't even been in Bangkok for a day and already I know that I will not want to leave. The people in our hostel are very friendly and willing to give advice about where to go and where to be careful. I even met someone who graduated from William and Mary and lives in Northern VA. Small World.

Look for pictures tomorrow!!!

An Amazing Jungle and the Longest Trip to Bangkok

2006-05-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

We took a 3 hour boat ride to get to Taman Negara. The boat was more like an oversided canoe with a motor but the scenery was breathtaking. Our rooms were very nice, it was a treat to have a private bathroom. We even got a watch TV... I haven't done that since I left the states. The first night in Taman Negara we went on a night jungle walk. We saw tons of insects and leeches. But we also saw a pourpine and a slow loris (like the sloth from Ice Age.. sooo cute). At one point, we all turned off our flashlights and it was a so dark that I could not even see my hand when I held it in front of my face.

The next morning we walked the longest canopy bridge in the world. It was about 45 meters high ( they do everything in metric and I don't convert) and it took us about 25 minutes to walk all of it. My fear of heights and unsturdy bridges has been conquered. It was really scary at times when the wood on the "bridge" would creak or when it was already cracked. But they have never had an accident on it ( I made sure to ask). The view was beautiful and I got some really good pictures.

Then we hiked about 1 mile completely uphill. It was quite the hike, I have never sweat so much. When we saw the view of the jungle at the top of the mountain it was worth every drop of sweat. The view was amazing, too bad my camera ran out of memory. But I can get pictures from other people.

In the afternoon we went on the rapids and got completely soaked and then went swimming. After swimming we went to an aboriginal village and saw how they lived. They have simple huts built from coconut palm leaves, can start a fire in about a minute and kill their own food with a blow gun. They are nomadic and believe that if someone dies in their village it leaves bad spirits. They either move after someone dies or take the sick person somewhere else to die if they like the area and don't want to leave (clever). They were friendly, but shy. The government has provided them with housing that has plumbing but they did not stay there long . Our tour guide said that they are happy the way the live. Doctors attempt to go out there and provide them with medicine and shots but the children recognize the doctor's boat and run and hide. It was eye-opening to see how little they need to survive. The women are married around the age of 15 and then make babies wow... There are about 7-8 families with a total of about 50 people to a tribe.

That night we took our driver (he took us from the hotel to the water about 3 times a day) out for drink. He was very interesting. He had been out of the Malay army for 20 years and traveled everywhere. He got my favorite quote of the trip: "People is people, don't care where they from."

This is where the trip got sour.... We then took a 9 hour, cockroach infested (they literally crawled on us) train with no A/C in the 100 degree hear to ... the middle of nowhere. Kota Baruh.. that might be how you spell it. We were misinformed about several things and thought we could take a night train from here to Bangkok but that was not an option. We had to spend last night in this Muslim town, under Muslim law. All women here are covered head to toe and wear head scarves. We stick out like a sore, sore thumb.

Luckily, we found a Renaissance Hotel in this town. It was PURE HEAVEN after the day we experienced. When we finally checked-in at about 11pm the front desk people asked us: "What happened to you guys?" That was how rough we all looked. I took the most needed shower of my life and order room service and got to watch TV again!! A great way to end the day.

We are finally getting out of here on tonight, first a bus to Hat Yi, Thailand then a plane to Bangkok!! This has been an experience of a lifetime. The jungle was amazing and now I will never take American transportation for granted again, ever. Oh, the things I will not take for granted after this experience...

I have to go pack for the bus. I can't wait to get to Bangkok and see monkeys and elephants!!!!!

"This is not where I parked my car" - Nikki after we ended up the wrong place

2006-05-22T03:01:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we experienced another language barrier problem. We asked a cab driver to take us to the National Mosque but we ended up at the National Monument. We had split into two cabs and our group ended up in the wrong place. This was a situation where cell phones would have been very helpful. The other group was worried about us (well, atleast Tray was, Alex thought we ditched them to get back massages). Situations like this one make me realize how dependant I am on technology.

When we got to the mosque we had to cover ourselves with with floor length robes and a head scarf. The mosque was beautiful though it was extremely hot to be covered from head to toe. It gave me an appreciation for the women that wear it everyday. After the mosque I got a much need pedicure.

This is Jamie at the mosque:
http://pics.livejournal.com/pura_vida7/pic/0000syqe/

Today we had a meeting at TQPR (Total Quality Public Relations). The two partners, Angela and Guy, spoke to us about their clients and what they do for them. Both Angela and Guy worked at large corporate firms and left to start their own firm. There are only two levels at their firm: partner and consultant. They stressed that everyone that works for them is equal and it seemed like a friendly and creative work culture. They also have a firm in Vietnam that we might visit when were are there. Phillp Morris, AIG, and LufanthsaAirlines are some of their clients.

We went Chinatown for lunch and some window shopping. There were some really good Coach and LV knocknoffs. They were even selling the black market verison of The Da Vinci Code. I didn't buy anything because Thailand has better stuff for really, really cheap. There was a pet store in Chinatown which was interesting. So we had to go in and play with the puppies.. I hope no one eats them for dinner. The cages were so small they had no food, water, or toys. It made me sad so we had to leave.

Tomorrow we leave for the oldest rainforest in the world. We will be in Tamen Negara for 3 days and two nights. Our rooms have a private bathroom so I cannot ask for more. There are so many things I will no longer take for granted after this month long trip!

I hope to see lots of animals, espically monkeys! I have to purchase anti-leech socks (these socks refine the definition of socks, they are more like boots with cords). I am really excited for night junlge walk. We can also go exploring caves, and river rapid shooting.

After we leave the jungle on Thursday (I think) we hope to catch a bus to Thailand. That may not work and we not get to Thailand until Friday. Mom.. I know I said we'd get there Thursday and I'd email you but I not sure what is going to happen now. I will keep you keep you posted and email Thursday or Friday.

Malaysia

2006-05-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took a bus from Singapore to Malaysia and the scenery was beautiful. The ride did not seem long because the two customs stops help split it off. I experienced my first "different" bathroom at the bus station in Malaysia. Wasn't as bad as we all have joked.

We got to our hostel and... It was not what we expected to so we relocated to the Green Hut (http://www.thegreenhut.com. Last night Tray and I treated ourselves to a nice restaurant and had some really good tapas. Everyone in the restaurant was so friendly, I want to back there for their homemade sangria!! The wine here is pretty expensive but cheaper than Singapore. Most places have happy hour from 12-8 so that helps.

Tonight we are going to the orchestra at the Petronas Towers. It is supposed to be one of the nicest concert halls in the world. I am very excited to see the towers, though I was unaware that they were no longer the tallest buildings in the world. I think the tallest is somewhere in China now.. Anyone know for sure?

The concert hall is black-tie attire so we are going to look for something to wear!!!

Sister Sue ( I think you just got a new nickname) ... I get back to the states on June 11 and then I will come home in a few days after that.. take some time off work if you can!!!!

Linds-- you would have felt at home with the monkeys... remember when you had a tail???

miss everyone, love everyone

any present request? I hear Thailand has really nice jewelry...

Last Day in Singapore

2006-05-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to Edleman PR and listened to a powerpoint that stressed "Asia is big." We learn about the transition to international PR. It was very interesting and I would love to work internationally someday. After we went the Singapore Zoo and saw white tigers and lots and lots of monkeys!!!

Today we met with a woman from the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore. We discussed PR people in Singapore and the accreditation process they are currently getting underway. It was interesting to compare it to the Public Relations Society of America. The woman also gave us some good advice on places to visit.

We then travelled to Sentosa Island and the beach which was the longest walk of my life. No exaggeration. We joke that this trip is a weight loss camp.

What is going on in America?? Any big news? I feel cut off from that side of the world.

Tomorrow we leave for Malaysia!!

Yesterday was a Long Day

2006-05-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

We started our day yesterday at NUS (National University of Singapore) and learned about the history of Singapore's media and communication. Dr. Linda Perry, a professor from the University of FL who is currently teaching at NUS for 3 three years led the discussion. Dr. Perry said that the media should not report anything that could have a "tendency" to cause social unrest or disorder. We also met some students from NUS who were extremely friendly and intelligent. They talked about their communication program which is similar to our program. Their program is young and they are in the process of developing a M.S. program. They served us lunch and showed us their bookstore.

After NUS we proceeded to Bloomberg. They are a huge firm that provides information, data, news, and service to the financial markets. They have a radio station, a television station, and a magazine. Adrian Kennedy spoke with us and called PR the "dark side". He said he expected PR people to be honest, decent, and responsible.

Bloomberg has been sued by the Singapore government and lost significant amounts of money because of what they have reported. He stressed the importance of telling the straight truth ("Show, don't Tell") due to the strict censorship by the Singapore government. We then went to the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) where the majority of newspapers are published.

Michael, the editor of the Business Times spoke with us. He was very entertaining and it was a good way to end the day since we were all so tired. Check out Tray's blog for Michael's quote of the day: http://blog.myspace.com/trayanna05. Michael discussed the importance of responsible journalism. The Business Times was established to rivial the Asian Wall Street Journal and is the leading business newspaper in Singapore.

It was a day full of information and everyone was so friendly to us. We were offered food, drinks, t-shirts, and notebooks. Just what I need... more stuff to carry around with me!!

After the long day we found a cafe called "Blu Jaz" and got dinner. I had a Caesar salad.. I needed something American... We came home and I slept until 7:30 am!!!! First day that I have not woken up at 5 am. Finally the jet lag is wearing off!

Today we have a meeting at 1 then we are going to the beach to relax!

I will attempt to put pictures on tonight because it is a process!!

I miss everyone!!!!

Our First Meeting and Chinatown

2006-05-15T02:46:00.000-07:00

Today (Monday but I have no idea what the date is) we had our first meeting at the Pan Pacific Hotel (http://singapore.panpacific.com/). We met with Cheryl Ng, the head of Public Relations. She was very knowledgeable and treated us to coffee, durian cream puffs, and sausage. The cream puffs are something the hotel is famous for but it is an acquired taste (as Cheryl put it). Or as Meg said it was like eating foot-flavored ice cream.

Cheryl talked about international and local PR. Her average day starts at 6:45 am and lasts until 8 pm. She works extremely hard, though she did stress the importance of balancing work and play in your life. She is on the crisis management team and explained a situation where the hotel lost power and people were stuck in the elevator.

Here is a picture of the group with Cheryl at the hotel:
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4253/2929/1600/100_0836[1].jpg

After the meeting Tray, Tricia, Jamie, and I ventured to Chinatown. We rode the MRT (Singapore's subway) and did not get lost once! Chinatown was very interesting. The colors of the buildings are beautiful. When we stepped off the MRT we were all in awe, it was as if we had stepped into another country. There was so much to take in at one time. We did some shopping and lots and lots of walking. So much walking that my shoe broke so I HAD to buy a new pair (life is rough). I also bought a nice and some beads.

Tray and I outside the hostel on our first day:
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e46/trayanna/DSCF0665.jpg

We ate lunch in Chinatown and I have perfected my chopstick skills that were nonexistent until two days ago. The locals were impressed that we used the chopsticks and took a special liking to Tricia because she said 'thank you' in their language. They really appreciate the effort to speak the language.

The people in Singapore are very respectful and friendly. Some are very interested in us and where we are from and some are not. Our hostel is full of very friendly people from all over the world. We have met a doctor from England who is traveling the world, a dedicated backpacker from Sweden that we have "alternative" conversations with over breakfast, and some Germans who work for an airline. This is a whole new way of travel for me and I really enjoy it.

We are staying in the Arab distract of Singapore and there is a mosque a stones throw away. They call to pray 4 times a days over a loudspeaker. The first call to pray is at 5 am and it is a very different way to be woken up.

Random picture from the airport in Hong Kong. Tray, Jamie, Dave, and Alex are delirious:
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e46/trayanna/9d228210.jpg

The heat and humidity is almost unbearable at times, though I am slowly getting acclimated to it.

Time for dinner!

3 Out of 4 Ain't Bad

2006-05-13T18:19:00.000-07:00

So we took off from Chicago Thurday afternoon and then landed in Chicago about 2 hours later. During the takeoff Tray knew something was wrong and I spent about 30 minutes telling her everyone was alright. Then we heard a loud noise followed by vibrations and more loud noises. And this is when I start to panic. We see a flight attendant running to the back of the plane and making sure all the overhead compartments are closed and he says to the other attendant "We are going back to Chicago!"

The pilot gets on the loudspeaker and explains that one engine stopped working and we have to go back to Chicago. This has not happened to him in the 36 years of flying. Reassuring....

Oh and by the way, we had to drop expensive jet fuel to lose some weight so the plane could make it back. This is when I really panic. We fly back to Chicago and it was the longest hour of my life. After we land there are numerous fire trucks and ambulances awaiting our arrival. Well that was real comforting. I have never been so happy to be on solid ground in my entire life.

After standing in lines for about 5 hours all 9 of us are sitting in the bar at the Hyatt (thanks to United) toasting to our lives. What a way to begin the trip.

But... We are here now and it is absolutely amazing. The city is so clean and beautiful. Our hostel is very nice and decorated very modern. We got in at about 1 am and decided we needed to celebrate the arrival with a drink and a walk around the neighborhood. Shopkeepers were mopping the sidewalks- Sooo Clean!!!

We are going to the Orchid Garden today and maybe a prison museum.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MOM!!!!!! I love you!!!

I love everyone and miss you!!!!

I'll write more later

1 Week Countdon

2006-05-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

I leave for Southeast Asia one week from today. I have lots of shopping and packing to do before I leave!