India - week 3/4

The last two weeks have been challenging and a bit scary, but well worth every minute.
Earlier this week, Goa got the tail end of a cyclone, which apparently is the same as a hurricane, but in the Northern hemisphere (that is what I was told- don't hold me to this fact). On Monday evening the rain began. My roommate and I were in a friend's hut chatting. We sat, waiting for the rain to slow down, but it did no such thing, it only got more and more severe. Eventually, we made a break for our own hut. Because of the weather conditions, we had no power; therefore, Katyanna and I had to feel our way into our beds. When I cam to my bed, I also came across a nice puddle on top of it. (Leak #1) Suprisingly, I was very calm about the situation. There was nothing I could do, so I laid a blanket over the wet spot and crawled on it. Throughout the night, rain continued to drip on my head. Problem solved... put another blanket over my head. Although, I was ok with the dampness of my bed, I couldn't sleep. I was scared there would be sever flooding considering that where I was staying was destroyed every monsoon season and rebuilt afterward.
Eventually I fell asleep, and in the morning woke up to strong winds and seeing the beach being completely wiped out. Thankfully, no one was hurt during the storm, but it was really sad to see the huts and beach chairs, that the stafff spent so much time rebuilding, completely gone. The ocean and the storm completely transformed the beach, not just by wiping out the things that were on it, but it changed it's shape.

On a happier note... Before I leave Goa, I want to recognize all the people that made my month here wonderful. My wonderful yogi girls, the resort staff (The Dunes), Christna- my cab driver and Sunny- the best shop owner ever!
My yogi girls: without the support and positive attiude of these ladies, I would have struggled. Without the unique personality and good nature of each, I would have been bored. I love them all and can't wait to see them again!
The Dune's staff: They were fabulous! They were not only hard working and patient dealing with 20 some emotional females. Not to mention, 20 females who were practing bramachara (aka...no men). Those poor boys. They were not only there at our beckoning call, but you could always count on a big, beautiful grin from each and everyone the moment they saw you.
Christna: Again, the biggest and best smile as well as the best cab prices in town!
Sunny: He was able to give a girl exactly what she needed... A pile of beautiful colorful fabrics in an air conditioned room while serving you masala chai. I probably spent a good number of my free hours sitting on a pile of Indian silk.

India-week 2

It has only been two weeks since I've arrived in Goa. It has only been two weeks since I've began my life long journey studying yoga. It has only been two weeks sence I have met 22 of the most amazing women. In two weeks I have manged to gain knowledge useful for a lifetime and friendships that will last a lifetime.

When I signed up for this yoga program, of course I thought it would be fabulous, it's my cup of tea. I didn't realize or expect that it would exceed my expectations. My first day of the program, one of the teachers told us that in the next month a large amount of purification would be taking place within our bodies, minds and souls. So, if we needed anyone to talk to, they would be around. I blew off the statement because I didn't know what it meant, and I was just there to do some yoga. Two weeks later, after 12 hour days filled with meditation, yoga and yoga philosophy. Twelve hours of my day where I was left alone with my mind and thoughts. I had a breakdown, along with about 7 other people.

Each of us come from entirely different backrounds and locations. All of us have our own personal stories of why we started yoga and decided to drop everything and come to India. I've learned that no matter the situation or reason, no one's reason is more important than the others. We all came to better our selves and our lives.

I entered Goa with the determination to learn some yoga and lose some weight, but I soon found out I was here for much more than that. I realized that I was truely here to do some self-realization. Without going into details, it has occured to me that there are a lot of things that have happened in my life that I brush off as nothing. I have said I'm ok with it, I still say I'm ok with it, but I am sincerely not. I lie to myself, a lot, and I am not the only one. We all want to be stronger that we really are. We all want things to look perfect from the outside no matter how ugly they are on the inside. I'm working on that.

On a happier note... I love it here! I love the people, the food, even the little critters that live in my hut. My roommates are fantastic! We are like a little international family; Hong Kong, Scottland and the U.S. We became very comfortable with each other extreamly fast due to our bathroom door being nothing but a sheer curtain.

Even though I don't have a lot of free time, there is always time for a dip in the ocean and a chai masala tea (soy milk of course). This weekend, the director of the program put together a Halloween party for us. We had to scrounge through our limited resources to make ourselves a costume. The theme was, come as your favorite asana. I was "goddess" duh!
Saturday after noon, we shopped at a near by market, searching for things to gather for our costumes. In the evening, our yoga shalla was used as a giant dressing room. One of our teachers provided us with body paints and glitter to spice things up. After making ourselves beautiful we headed down the beach where we induldged in a veggie buffet and danced to Indian musice all night. "Boots with the Fur" was also thrown into the mix. It was a fabulous evening!

Yoga-India-week 1

I took a bus from Milwaukee to Chicago. I took a flight from Chicago to Newark. I took another flight from Newark to Mumbai. I took another flight from Mumbai to Goa. 48 hours later I arrived at my home for the next month, The Dunes, located in Mandrem Beach, India.
While taking my 2 hour taxi ride from the airport to my final destination, the things that make a third world country immidiately found my senses; the smell of burning garbage, the rush of driving around hills that aren't quite mountains, on the left side of the road with a man that drives like he owns a nascar. A woman wearing a traditional sarari, carrying a bag of rice on her head walking under a billboard with a Gucci advertisement. The blending of the old with the new. I loved it!
I arrived at my hut around 8am, and decided to sleep for a few hours. After my power nap, I walked down to the beach where I quickly met about 8 other girls who would be attending my yoga program for the next month. We all quickly became the best of friends. While hanging out on the beach, I watched a man lay on his back on the sand, feet in the air balancing a woman by her thighs. I sat and watched in amazement as they together coordinated many beautiful poses together while she balanced in the air. Later in the day, I wispered to another girl about the amazing show I saw on the beach earlier, not realizing that the man was sitting right next to me. He overheard me, and asked if I'd like to try. I hesitated at first... i had only been in Goa for about 5 hours at this point. However, I put away my fear and hesitation and went for it. It was amazing. Another girl took pictures for me. I will post them eventually.
Anyway, my course began on Monday and it is quite intense. From 6am-6pm I participate in 4 hours of actually practicing yoga, and in between I have courses on meditation, anatomy, and business. There is no talking everyday from 6am-10am and on thursdays there is no talking from 6am-6pm. I love it!
Because of my intense schedule and additional homework, I have little time to myself so I apologize in advanced.... you probably will not here from me the entire month. I will try to come on once a week to blog and let friends and family know that I am alive.
I am doing great! Hope you all are as well.
Namaste.

Laos part 2

outside our bungalow in tad lo

steve showing pictures

our bus to tad lo

my new pet... mr. water buffalo

mekong river

Monsoon season has began and our Laos visas have ended. However, we finished up Laos with the 4000 islands, Tad Lo and about 27 hours of bus travel.

Out of the 4000 islands on the Mekong river in southern Laos, we stayed on Don dhet. This island again had no electricity, our few hours of light and music at night were provided by generators. While occupying this island, we rented bikes to ride around the island and to other islands (there was a bridge, I am not Jesus.) While ridding around in 113 degree weather, we witnessed amazing rice fields, herds of water buffalo, children playing in the river, waterfalls, and a pet monkey take a baby chicken hostage. It was beautiful as well as entertaining. When we returned from an exhausting day of ridding, we headed to the little beach the island provided.

One afternoon, while laying on my blanket in the sand I happened to open my eyes to see a water buffalo coming right at my head, I scrambled to my feet and out of the way. I soon realized he wasn't coming for me, he was just heading for the water to cool himself off . It turned out, he came to our swimming spot everyday. I believe he preferred to cool off with the backpackers because he was spoiled by them. Everyone would sit by him in the water and splash water on him, keeping him nice and cool. Like every animal, I wanted to take him home.

The second day we rented bikes, we went to another island where we paid for a man to take us out on a boat to see the river dolphins. The river dolphins are an endangered species. From what I read there are less than a dozen of them left. I was excited to attempt to see these creatures, but doubtful that we were going to catch a glimpse of one. The odds are such as trying to find a needle in a hay stack. But, sure enough, this man new where they were. He brought us to a giant rock in the middle of the river, where we climbed out and sat, waiting, and watching for the dolphins. Although we were far away, we saw them, even heard them. It was such a treat to be able to see something so amazing and incredibly rare. Needless to say, I enjoyed myself.

After the 4000 islands, we headed to Pakse for a one night lay over, and then to Tad Lo, another little village on the river. It was quaint, quiet, and serene. When our rice/cement filled bus dropped us off, we had to walk about a mile up the road to the guesthouses. We passed up the road we were to turn down and hiked up a very large and unnecessary hill. Although the climb up that hill withl our packs on was completely out of our way and tiring, it was worth it because we saw an elephant. A wild elephant that just happen to come out of the jungle to eat whatever was on the side of the road. We were so into our own struggle up the hill that we almost didn't see the quiet 2 ton elephant standing right next to us. Steve and I both just laughed.

We eventually made it to our bungalow without being stampeded by the elephant and without any other type of injury. In the evening, Steve was sitting out on our porch with the computer doing some writing, when a little boy decided to come up and check it out. So, Steve showed him pictures of snow, and Wisconsin. He was in aw. The one boy soon turned into five. We had a little slide show going with the little boys cracking up, they taught us some words in Lao, and we taught them some words in English. It turned out to be a fabulous evening.

The next day we did some hiking to some waterfalls, I did my hiking in flip flops because I decided to throw my tennis shoes out, they hurt my feet. Believe it or not, I am much more graceful and more comfortable in my flip flops than any other type of shoe. When our path lead to a little open patch on the river we watched little naked Lao children jump from a tree into the river. They saw us across the river and put on a show by doing their fanciest jump moves. The mother in me came out when I saw a child no older than four years old climb to the tip top of this tree and jump in the river. All I could say was, "dear lord Mary Joseph." While watching these children, I immediately thought of "Darjilling Limited" when the brothers save the Indian boys in the river. I didn't want to act that scene out in real life. We watched a while longer, said "sabadee" (hello) fifty more times than continued on our hike, where Steve decided to play army, running in and out of trees, pretending to have a machine gun in his hands. I continued walking.

We left Tad Lao, Laos just in time for our visa to expire. We headed for Thailand and instead of taking a break, we decided to keep getting on bus after bus to ferry to taxi. A total of about 27 hours we traveled to get to the next island (off of the east coast of Thailand) that we wanted to explore. By the time we arrived, we were hot, sweaty, and exhausted, but relieved. We found ourselves a cute little bungalow on the beach, and here we are going to stay to soak up all the sun, sand, and ocean we can before we head back to the arctic circle, also known as, Wisconsin.

Vang Veing, Laos- home base

Jesus

rockets

Dark Cave we went swimming in

We ended our stay in Vang Veing (a place that became our home for over a week) with another 4 hours of tubing down the river, some hammock reading, and some more "Friends."
Our second tube ride down the river, we met a lovely couple from Georgia. We had a very nice time chit chatting and swimming with them. You can never go wrong with choosing to float down a river in the hot hot sun.
Hammock reading occupied most of my time for the rest of our stay in this town. I left Steve to his writing while I got lost in a juicy book about crazy suberban mothers and their affairs. While maxing a relaxing, I was able to watch a heard of the cutest cows try to cross the river, stare at the immense mountain that stood directly behind the river, and of course... swim in the river. Upon my two days of hanging out in a hammock by myself, i met a very intesting German gal/lady, not quite sure how old she was. Her "hipness" gave the idea of young, but her face... not so much. Disregarding her age and her height (she was so tall- her legs began at my neck), she was one of the most intersting people I have ever talked to. At that moment she was just on vacation in Laos, visiting a friend she had made while there 3 years earlier. From what I got, she has pretty much been every where in the world twice, except for the United States. She didn't live in Germany, she lived on an island off of Thailand. She had a Thai boyfriend who did bamboo tattooing for a living. I had a chance to meet him and watch him give a Lao man a tattoo on his bungalow bed. Connie, which is what her name was, and I sat in the river on a bed of rocks for about 3 hours talking about everything from yoga to the education system in Germany. She was a nomad who loved yoga, but not enough to give up her partying life style and become a true yogi. I admire her and her bravery for doing whatever the hell she wants. She was one of the few people you will meet in your lifetime who is truely happy and doesn't regret one desision they ever made.
Our last day in Vang Vein ended with us again going down to the river for a big "rocket party." For the Oak Creekians, this party was the equivalent to Lion's Fest. However, all day long they shot homemade rockets off into the mountains. It was fun to watch groups of friends that had gotten together to build a rocket for the occassion. It was almost like being on a co-ed baseball/volleyball team. The team would cheer and root for the success of their rocket, then get drunk off of Lao whiskey and beer, then dance and sing to music that everyone knew the words to.
After we realized that we had seen all the episodes of "friends" that the town had to offer, we decided it was time to leave. Not to mention the Ross and Chandler manurisms steve happened to pick up... we really had to go.
We made it to Vientane where we went to a museum, saw some sights, did a bit of bowling with our tubbing friends from Veng vein, and bought some books. Tonight... we head out for our next stop, Pakse.

Vang Veing, Laos

If you are fan of "Friends" or "Family Guy," Vang Vieng is the place for you. As I had previously mentioned, this town is known for their merry activity of tube floating and drinking simutaneously, but what I did not mention is that 50 percent of the restaurants/bars in this small town all consist of the exact same menu and tv's that play either "Friends" or "Family Guy." I thought I would be "Friends" out after being here for about a week, but I am not. I actually look forward to the one meal we eat a day (on accident... we forget to eat) Our meal quest is to search out the Friends Cafe that is not showing episodes we have seen already. Steve has told me that he feels as though they are now his friends, and somehow Chandler seems to pop into a lot of our conversations. Perhaps, we are a bit too involved in the show, but oh well.
Besides good ol tv, we haven't been doing much. We've been enjoying the river, the mountain, the sunshine. I don't know how else to explain this town, but lush. It has such a relaxed atmosphere that it is making it hard for us to leave. Steve's been doing a lot of writing and I've been doing a lot of Ang stuff, you know... sun bathing, talking to strangers, eating ice cream. It's what I do best.
While writing this blog I would just like to mention our "interesting" guesthouse, the babylon. we chose it because it was the only place with free wi fi. Steve is a good boy and looks for jobs, I go on facebook and play spider solitare. Anyway, the young man who owns it is Nic, yes... Nic without a "K." He is perhaps Brittish. He is an alcoholic. He lays in the common area passed out, all day. The common area is supposed to be a bar/restaurant, but I guess it's pretend. People, come in to hang out there, but they really don't have any beer or food, so no one hangs out there, not even guests. Nic's helper is a young lao man. Nic's helper once had to reposition Nic's passed out body in the common room. Nic's helper sometimes has another young man come visit him and give him massages. I am not quite sure what is going on, there is definately something though. We keep saying that we are going to leave this weird place... it is now going on day 5 or 6. Maybe tomorrow.

Laos part 1

Hmong Village

Plain of Jars
Bear rehab
waterfall

We have come a long way since chaing mai, Stephen and I have finally made it to Laos. However, we did not make it without experiencing an incredibly horrendous boat ride, fever, and car sickness.
Getting to the border of Laos, not so bad. Getting to Luang Prabang, so bad. In order to get to that magical town we had to take a boat for two days down the Mekong river, which does have the potential to be a beautiful adventure, but given the circumstances, the scenery is the last thing on your mind. Everyone, which is a very large sum of people, is shoved/crammed onto a boat that is no wider than 10 feet, where they are to find a seat on what looks like a church pew made for a smurf, two people to a bench. From there, you sit for the next 8 hours in 98.9 degree temperatures trying to stick your head out into the wind of the boat. And, yes... it was exactly 98.9 degrees, we took the temperature with our compass.
When we finally arrived to our overnight guesthouse, I took care of a delirious fever stricken Stephen. I had never seen him so sick. Needless to say, I didn't go to sleep. I stayed up to make sure he was warm, he had water, he had Tylenol. I really didn't think we were going to get back on the boat the next day, but he sucked it up and we go back on the boat built for smurfs the next morning. We made it through another 8 hours of hell, and when we got off of that boat, we splurged. We got ourselves a room with air conditioning, our own bathroom, and HBO. We stayed in this room for about 3 days, until Steve could be away from the bathroom for more than an hour. Some serious laying around was much needed.
There were a lot of tours to do in Luang Prabang, but we passed. We went to a waterfall to swim and went to a bear rehabilitation center one day, but that was it. We were ready to move on.
From Luang Prabang, we decided to do a 3 day tour, which would take us to see the plain of jars, a Hmong village, and drop us off in vang vieng, which is probably the most popular city in Laos, known for it's caves and river tubing.
When I signed up for this little tour, I did not realize that we would be going around some very swirly mountains. My equilibrium did not like these swirly mountains, I became quite car sick. I felt so sick that I actually told Steve that I would do the 2 day boat ride over again rather than drive through the mountains anymore. I was so happy when we blew a tire... the driving had no choice but to stop. When we got to a little town to fix the tire, I somehow found a pharmacy and motion sickness pills. Alleluia, praise Buddha! I slept/ passed out the rest of the way there, to the town of nothing.
In the town of nothing, there was nothing, and nothing made sense- go figure. After being in a car for about 8 hours, being sick, and not eating all day, we were quite hungry. We walked about a good 2 miles down the main road of the city to only find no where to eat. The "restaurants" that we did find, we were told, they weren't serving food at 5 o'clock in the evening. So... we headed back to our guesthouse to purchase cups o noodles and eat them in bed.
The next morning our driver took us to breakfast, which wasn't much better than the cup o noodles. From there, we went to see 3 different sites of the plain of jars. It's exactly what it sounds like. Giant rock jars dispersed through out the plains. There are different theories of why they are there, how they got there, what they were used for, but my favorite is, they were brought by giants from the mountains.
Ok...I'm going to finish up since, I now am not feeling to well. We finished our tour, we are now in Vang Veing- beautiful. Yesterday, we climbed through a dark cave and went swimming in it. We got monsooned on, a little Lao girl slapped Steve's butt, we watched about 4 hours of "friends" at a bar drinking fruit shakes while it rained. We are of course having a wonderful time.

Chaing Mai bummin

dinosaur, perhaps? (yes... this is a real animal)
gibbon- crazy cool
panda bear- love him
my delicious prawns... I didn't like them though
chef girl or-ang
Real quick... what we've actually been up to, beside me sitting on the computer planning stuff. I took a Thai cooking course one day, while Steve stayed back and did some writing. It was excellent. I got to wear an apron, I got burnt by hot grease, I ate some delicious food, I ate some spicy food, I received a cook book. They even had tofu for me to substitute the chicken and pork.
I took a 2 hour yoga class that twisted my body into formations I never thought possible. I did headstands and handstands, I sweated a lot.
Steve and I both went to a meditation yoga class, also 2 hours.... oh geeze, oh man. We sat and did different breathing exercises for the entire time. It was interesting, but the 2 hours spent playing with your nostrils and holding your breath could probably be used a bit more productively.
We went to the zoo and saw lots of cute and cuddly animals. We drank about 74 bottles of water, it was hot. We ate ice cream for lunch.
We are now spending one more day in Chaing Mai. Our friend from Australia will get here tomorrow so we will hang out with her, which equals vodka, dancing, and karaoke. After that, we are off to Laos.

yoga broke my heart

As many of you know, the past few weeks there has been a lot of talk of me going to India for a yoga program that I got into. Well... it is not going to happen due to, might I say, dumb people. I had been inquiring about this program for about the last 3 weeks or so. I had filled out my application, got accepted, received news letters, and other emails informing me on what the program would be like, how much it cost, where I was supposed to fly into, etc. I had written at least 17 emails, setting everything up. I wrote 3 emails telling the woman, whom I had been conversing with, that I was ready to pay whenever (you had to pay 25% of the fee in order to hold your place). The woman emailed me back telling me that she had put me on the enrolled list and that she would send me what I needed to do the money transfer in the morning. Five days later, nothing, so I called via skype. The man said that I was not on the enrolled list because I hadn't paid and now there was a wait for the program, the program that I had signed up for practically before it was even posted. I repeatedly told him that I had been told that I was enrolled by "X" she is the one that has been emailing me. He said he'd talk to her to try and straighten things out. A few hours later I received another email from "X" saying that she wasn't sure I was going to do the program and that they could put me on the wait list.
This email was a blow. I burst into tears like I had just recieved an email stating that my boyfriend was breaking up with me. I don't think I have ever been so excited and put so much effort into doing something in my entire life. I was going to go to India to study yoga, the one thing, besides people and animals, that I love. I was ready to go. I was going to stay in Chaing Mai, Thailand for about 2 weeks by myself, take yoga classes, swim, shop, and hangout until my program, when I then would fly to Delhi. I had bought an extra long sleeve shirt for the mountains, I was in search of a yoga mat, and pants. I was literally ready for take off. Steve was ready to head to Laos tomorrow and continue his travels. We went and had a nice dinner, thinking that we wouldn't see eachother for a month and a half. Although, of course, I would miss steve, I was so excited to be on my own. I had my little daily routine planned for my two weeks in Chaing Mai. I was ready to go and have my ass kicked my a yoga guru.
I'm trying to come to grips with the fact that I am not going, but Himalaya Valley Yoga, broke my heart. I could have went with Steve this evening to see some Muy Tai kick boxing, but instead I'm acting like a big baby hidding in my room, not ready to face the world. Perhaps, I am being a bit melow-dramatic, but I can't say enough how much I wanted to do this.
I'm putting faith into the ol saying, "everything happens for a reason." Now, I can continue my travels with the great squiggly (yes, dave, he is squiggly) stephen. Tomorrow, I get to see my dear friend Kaylee from Australia. I will now still be able to do the famous float down a river and stop at bars to drink, in Laos. I will save a few thousand dollars, and I can still take yoga classes wherever the wind blows me.

Fighting Water

I don't think I could have picked a worse picture of myself, but I had to post it because it sums up our day in Bangkok the best.




The wonderful world of Angkor Wat is now behind us. Steve and I crossed the border back into Tailand, Bangkok to be exact. We had read that Tailand celebrates their new years april 13th- 15th with a gigantic water fight on the popular khaosin road. We got in the night of the 12th and a bit of water gun shooting had began, but nothing major. Little squirts here and there. The next day we got an early start to go check out some things that we had planned on visiting, but we never got there. We got no further than one block and we were soaked. It's super hot in Bangkok, so our clothes being moist with water instead of sweat seemed glorious. We canceled our plans to visit dry places, bought two squirt guns (one which steve dropped and broke after a total of 15 seconds), filled them up, sat outside at a restaurant, drank beer, and shot people. This was only the begining. The water fight also includes people carrying little buckets full of wet clay, which when walking past you, they smear on your face, in your hair, on your arms, even your clothes. The entire day all we did was walk around. We drank, we shot people, people shot us, people dumped buckets of ice cold water over our heads, people smeared clay in just about every crevis that exists on my face. We had a blast and we slept very well.
However, the next day we became prisioners in our guesthouse. There was no way of leaving without getting soaked and clayified, unless you left before 9am, and even then we found out that it didn't matter what street you were on in the city, this is how the Tai people say happy new year. We decided to leave the wetness of Bangkok and head north to Chang Mai. We got out without being harmed, but wanted to cry when we arrived in Chang Mai. We quickly found out that it was the same thing. Our first day in this town, Steve and I had to go take care of some traveling business, we had to leave and walk around. We were soaked instantly and couldn't even get the things we needed to get done because either they were closed because of the holiday or we couldn't go in because of our state of appearance. I was trying so hard to be positive and have fun with this celebration with the attitude, if you can't beat them, join them, but it got to the point where after 3 days of people dumping water and clay on me, I just couldn't take it. Steve held his patience as well, until while we were stopped and looking at our map to figure out where we were, some ass dumped a bucket of water on him, of course ruining the map. When we finally got back to our guesthouse, we were watching the news and found out the prime minister planned on extending the holiday due to the protests that have been taking place. I felt my face burning. I did not desire another day of either sitting inside or a day of being soaked for 12 hours straight.
Luckily, the water fight has ended and we have been able to go on with our travels. At the current moment we are having lunch and drinking soda pop at "pirates cove." where when I ordered my selection off of the menu the woman told me that they did not have that, so I chose something else, they didn't have that either. I asked if they were serving food at the time. She replied by saying I couldn't have what I ordered because she didn't know how to make it. I love Tailand.

steve's blog

i keep forgetting... here is stephen's blog if you care to look. he's a good writer. i ramble, he writes. stephenthelionheart.blogspot.com.

No water, no rice, no shirt,...no problem

Cambodia. A place where even if you are lost in the middle of the jungle, a young woman would some how pop out of no where to sell you cold water, silk scarfs and t-shirts that read, "danger: mines." It is impossible to be thirsty and naked in Cambodia, which is what I have been striving for. I think that I finally have to give up on this dream.
When we first entered Phnom Penh about a week ago, it was the first time that I really experienced culture shock. I wasn't ready for the terrible history that followed this country, I wasn't ready to be bombarded by little children begging for money and candy, I wasn't ready for a man with one eye to chase me off my tuk tuk with his arm reached out and a hat flipped upside down ready to hold some money. I wasn't prepared to say, "no thank you" and go on with my day.
Some of the worst that Cambodia has experienced only happened about 30-40 years ago, when a group of people came into this country believing that they could change it by reversing the social class over night. This group of people, the Khmer Rouge, wanted a socialist/communist (call it what you will) country, and they went about doing this by killing all intellectuals and people in the government. They killed hundreds of thousands of people, and those that they didn't kill became workers in the fields. Everyone was moved out of the cities and forced to live and work in the outskirts. This supposed communist country, everyone is equal country, we support ourself country, was nothing that it claimed to be. The Khmer Rouge was killing so many people that they couldn't even finish killing people in one day, they had to begin making prison camps. The people who were working in the fields, they were maybe given one meal a day, while the rice that they were farming was exported for money. What happened here, not so long ago, is equal to what Hittler had created, but it never gained the recognition or the same amount of compassion that was given to the Jewish community.
I could probably continue writing for quite a while on Cambodia's depressing history, but I will stop there, and move on to a happier note... Siem Reip and Angkor Wat. After being in Phnom Penh I didn't think I would ever get over my feelings of guilt for being born lucky, I guess. But, I did a little investigating to see what the proper way to help those in need. Our first night in Siem Reip, Steve and I went to take a free meditation course run by and English woman and we got into a whole extravagant conversation about guilt, and the mind, and meditation, that I will not even go into detail about. Anyway, while along these lines, we talked about how to help those in need. This woman has now been living in Cambodia for about 3 years and she told me that she felt the same as I did and would continually give to the children begging on the street until she found out what happened after the begging... parents put their children out to beg to make money for them and the family. The parents give the children all the clever lines that they come up with. And, no, the money is not for school. They do not send their kids to school with the money, like they should. They continue to take the money for themselves and the "family." When young girls become to old to sell postcards and bracelets, their parents sell their bodies. Yes, they become prostitutes and I have seen quite a few with older white men. It makes me sick. I guess the moral of my story here is, don't give into the children trying to sell you things no matter how damn cute they are ( they really are the cutest. I now understand why angelina and brad adopted from cambodia)There are organizations called NGO's that are non-profit organizations that work to help all children be able to go to school. So, if you want to help, make a donation to an NGO or... if you want to get me a Christmas or birthday gift, don't bother, donate instead. I would love, love, love that!
Ok... really... happier note... Siem Riep, Angkor Wat, temples galore. For the last few days, Steve and I have been making ourselves at home in the little town of siem Reip. We rented bikes for 3 days and have been ridding them everywhere, including the crazy streets that have no traffic laws what so ever and to the far, far away temples. You pretty much just merge where you can and try not to get hit. It was hard to get used to at first, but now, it's fun. I love that about only 2% of the people drive cars, the rest drive motor bikes or ride bikes, so you can listen to a lot of different conversations while ridding down the street. I also love that my bike has a basket. The basket does have a whole in it, but I still love it. I've always wanted a cruiser bike with a basket. I feel so cute when I ride it, like I should be in a movie.
While ridding to the temples, I love every single woman screaming at me from the side of the road saying in the same monotone, yet somehow whinny voice, "Hey lady, you buys someting?" When you actually stop at these amazing and historic temples, a dozen kids run up to you, again trying to sell you postcards and bracelets and they are not (excuse my language) fucking around. These children will follow you for a good twenty minutes and they will not stop talking, even to catch their breath. They are going to cut a deal if it kills them. If you tell them you have no money, they don't buy it. "You have no money, you don't come here." They are bold. Yesterday, I tried a new technique. I now like to call myself the "cambodian child whisperer." Before they even get to me, I hold my hand up and say, "ssss." Just like Caesar Millan. It seems to work pretty well.
Today is our last day for seeing the temples and we are taking a tuk tuk (motor bike with a little cushioned, covered trailer attached to the back), and thank Buddah because after ridding about 13 or so miles everyday for the last 3 days in 95-100 degree weather, I don't think my butt nor the rest of my body could take much more. I will miss my bike with a basket, but it's going to feel so nice to have someone drive us around.

p.s. I am working on putting up pictures. The internet connection has not been too good. One day... one day...

Mount Kinabalu, I climbed you

It has now been about 5 days since the climb to the tip top of mount kinabalu, and my quads and calves are still soar. I curse going down stairs and having to pee over a squatter toilet. However, despite the aches and pains the climb was quite an experience, which can be summed up into three categories; intense climb, intense people, and awesome people.
Intense climb:
Our climb up mount kinabalu began at 9am. It was hot, I was nervous. It is 6km to the accommodations (food and sleep) for the first day. The average hiker takes 5 hours to get there and by the time you get to 6km you are at about 3000 meters, which means the higher you get, the thinner the air is, the more steep the mountain is, and, of course, the harder the climb becomes. I physced myself out before I even first began the hike. I worried about my back, altitude sickness, snakes, everything imaginable. I prepared myself for the worse, and it didn't help that I had 3 boys in  my group who wanted to practically run up the mountain and leave me  in the dust. The first km or so, I tried to keep up with the boys, but I realized that I was killing myself and that I would never make it up if I made my mountain climb a race. I soon found my own pace and i was good. I'm glad i took my time, it gave me a chance to see everything that the boys, including Steve, were just running past. and, even with my slower pace, i still made it to the accommodations in 4 hours and 45 minutes, 15 minutes faster than the average time. and only about 15 minutes behind the boys. Go me!
When we got to our accommodation I was so relieved and excited to not have to move anymore for the day. But, my relaxation dream was soon shattered when our guide gave us the key to our tin shack with no heat and a bathroom with a cold shower located up a path from our tin shack, and she gave the two guys in our group two big, white fluffy towels and a key to their heated room with a heated shower. It's not even the cold tin shack part that bothered me here. It was the fact that we still had to hike 10 more minutes up slipper stones to get there while our buddies stayed in the same building. A few swear words perhaps came out of my mouth, other than that I sucked it up and climbed to our shack where I snuggled under covers not quite tired enough to sleep, but too exhausted to even hold a book in front of my face. I wanted to sleep because our next climb began at 245am, but sharing a twin bed with big butt Steve for heat. listening to the howling wind, and dreading what was in store for me in a few hours, prevented me from doing much of that..
245 soon rolled around and I, with quite a chip on my shoulder, rolled out of bed asking myself why I sign up for these things? Steve was like a little kid on Christmas morning. He was excited and ready to go. I struggled to bundle myself up while he made me a make-shift head lamp by duck tapping my flash light to one of my headbands. I was definitely the most fashionable mountain climber there. I brought color to a world of khaki and cargo with by brown and yellow pants topped with a pair of black and white shorts, accompanied by a hot pink tank top, turquoise shirt, black sweater, orange sweatshirt, bright blue coat, gray hat and of course my delightful duck taped flashlight headband. Everyone was jealous.

After gearing up, we headed out and it was hard. I struggled, the altitude had finally gotten to me. I had a head ache, my chest hurt, I wanted to vomit. However, I kept on truckin, shimming myself up rock walls using ropes in the dark, taking breaks every five minutes. I couldn't wait to climb down, or so I thought. I did make it to the top, I was about 15 minutes late for being there for the sunrise, but it was still amazing and really cold. And although it was painful, it was worth it for the view at the top and the stars. I think a lot of people miss the stars because they're so concerned about getting to the top in time for sunrise. I have been camping in remote places often, places where the sky is clear and you can see so many more stars than in the city, but here... mount kinabalu … you can see every single star in the universe. There were so many stars you could barely see black in the sky. Those stars are probably one of the most amazing things I will ever see.
After our cold and brief stay, enough time to take a few pictures, we began our descent. It was harder than I thought. What made it so hard was, at first, the flat rock. While walking down your toes continually slam against the tips of your shoes. (maybe if I had better shoes?) Also, we had to jump down a lot of rocks and large make-shift stairs which after 3 hours or so became pretty rough on the knee joints. It also didn't help that it had rained and the rocks and dirt were slippery and wet. I fell about 10 times, literally, and I fell every which way; on my butt, on my knees, on my wrists. I'm pretty much the best faller. Don't worry dad, I didn't hurt myself in anyway that necessitated a first-aid kit or a doctor. I eventually made it down, and it was one of the best feelings I have ever had in my life because I was proud of myself, but most of all because I could now shove some food in my face and lie down.

Our trip up the mountain was filled with more than just an intense climb, it was filled with intense people. The people that were climbing the mountain were all about khaki, cargo, vests, hats, gloves, sun screen, and hiking sticks. They looked like they just robbed gander mountain. One woman, who I named Linda after having her in a dream where she stole my car and drove me off a cliff, she will be receiving #1 psycho mother of the year award. Steve and I first witnessed this woman at dinner the day before we began our hike. She came into the only restaurant on the lower half of the mountain and let everyone else know she was there. She's the kind of woman who looks beautiful from far away, but when you get up close, you can tell that some not so great plastic surgery has been done. Anyway, while climbing up the mountain in the dark in the early morning, we happened to pass her and her what seemed to be perfect little family (husband, boy 10yrs, girl 12 yrs. old) In the pitch black these are the wonderful things she said to be a good mom and keep her kids calm while hanging on the side of a mountain. “HANG ON FOR DEAR LIFE AND DO WHATEVER THE GUIDE TELLS YOU!” “I DON'T CARE THAT YOU'RE SCARED, YOU SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT THAT BEFORE YOU DID THIS. YOU CAN GO BACK DOWN BY YOURSELF, I'M GOING TO THE TOP.” Enough said.

Lastly, I have to mention my 2 favorite people while climbing mount kinabalu. First, my Stephen. The second day of climbing while I was feeling sick, he stuck with me the entire time. He held my hand all the way up and didn't give up encouraging me. He missed the sunrise for me, he's the best. The second person I would like to mention is Lu La. Lu La was our Malaysian guide. If you saw her, you would never ever think that she spent 4 days a week climbing up and down a mountain. She was the cutest, sweetest lady ever. While the boys hurried ahead, she stayed with me continually telling me to slow down and take my time, which helped me greatly. Every time I had a little trip, her gasp was so loud and concerned. I wouldn't fall and she would say with her Malaysian accent, “Angela, be careful.” then we would both laugh. This happened probably close to 78 times through out the 2 days. I asked her what would happen if I hurt myself, would she carry me down. She replied, “No, Stephen. He strong.” Then she giggled. However, the greatest thing she did was remind me it was April fools on our way down. In a little whisper she said, “Angela... Angela.... what is the day?”
I said, “Ummm... April first.”
Lu La, “What is the day?”
Me, “Ummm... Monday?”
Lu La, “No.........................what is that day?”
I finally got what she was telling me. She wanted me to trick Steve, and how could I resist that. Climbing down a mountain, can't have a better opportunity then that. So I went through with it, pretending as if I hurt my ankle. I continued the act until the other boys in our group became concerned and started taking out first aid. I believe that I got Steve good, he believes otherwise. Either way, I couldn't have done it without my darling little Lu La. I probably would not have made it up and down the mountain without her either. I proclaimed her my guardian angel.

Lifestyles of the rich and the famous

I go to bed early and I get up early. It's too hot to sleep in once the sun starts peaking through the window. Our hostel right now is clean and spacious, despite the giant cockroach that crawled on my foot during breakfast yesterday. It doesn't have air conditioning, but it does have free wi-fi. Because our mount kinabalu climb cost us quite a bit, we're just laying low for the next few days, which is fine by me. Although it is so hot during the day, it feels like my rubber flip flops are going to melt right off of my feet, I love walking around a new city.
Many times, there is nothing significant about the city as a whole, but if you walk past the markets, the little shops, the family owned restaurants, you realize that the people and their lives that are behind this city, in this third world country, are significantly different. Yes, there are some who have the means to and choose to live a western lifestyle, but it's rare. Sometimes I feel guilty about my travels. There are beggars and certain individuals who are in need of desperate help and they think that because I am white, that I have all the money in the world, when the truth is when i get back I will probably be begging on the side of the street myself. Some would say, "why don't they just get a job." To those who say that... if the solution were really that easy, that cut and dry, we would have no problems. The problems that take place in these countries, even our own country are not caused by all individuals choosing to be lazy. They're caused by governments, by religion, by governments not allowing people to be properly educated. And, who has the authority to say what is proper education anyway.
Everyday that I am here I enjoy myself beyond belief, yet at the same time it absolutely kills me. I want to help, I want to do something. I plan on doing a volunteer program for a few weeks while here, but it still drives me crazy that I can't save everyone. I don't want people to think that I am trying to be the next mother theresa, nor do I want people to even think I am a hippy/save the world/peace lover, because I am not. Not in a long shot. I know I can't save the world, but I want myself to never forget what I am seeing and experiencing.
When I get home, i am afraid of getting caught in the same old rutt. I am not even talking about the rutt of the same routine everyday, I am talking about getting caught up in my looks, the things I have, the things I want, etc. I have finally realized for the first time in my life that I am ridiculous! I always think I am fat, I am constantly comparing myself to others, I cry because I think some of my friends have better jobs than I do. When I actually write these things down that I think about and worry about 24 hours a day, it is absurd. I am beautiful, I am healthy, I don't have a possy of friends, but I have a few close friends and a family that loves me, and they who mean the world to me.
I'll leave you with this ironic fact: Throughout southeast asia/india, indiviuals walk with umbrellas, sheilding themselves from the sun. They use whitening creams to lighten their skin, some even bleach their skin. Those who have money eat, trying to make themselves fat. In their world, being fat and white equals beauty and wealth. In our world, the western world, if you will... everyone strives to be thin and tan... the look of the rich and famous.

Lists

Because I am somewhat of a neat freak/I like order in my life, I have decided to make a list blog which I will continually update. It makes me feel better... you don't have to read it.
Books I have read thus far on my journey:
1. "The Big Sur" by Jack Kerouac (jack makes me look like susie homemaker compared to his life on the road and in the big sur)
2. " The Woods" by Harlan Coben (good murder mystery. Lot's of stuff going on. good for someone with a short attention span such as myself)
3. " Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert (i love it. i love it. i love it. she makes me want to go to italy just to eat and look at gorgeous men. she's hilarious and has some of the greatest quotes)

Things I want to Eat/drink:
1. veggie corn dogs
2. unsweetened ice tea
3. brocach's fish fry
4. quesadilla
5. shamrock shake from Mcdonalds

What I want to accomplish while on my journey:
1. Go snorkling
2. Eat something I've never had before (which I think has already been done, unavoidable)
3. do a yoga retreat
4. climb mt. kinabalu
5. possibly decide what I want to do when I get back to the U.S.
6. come home with a better understanding of myself
7. make friends with someone from another country whom I can go visit
8. have my back healed by an ancient remedy
9. Come back more grounded

Things that are Steve's buddy:
1. dogs
2. cats
3. crabs
4. monkeys
5. pizza
6. garlic
7. chapstick
8. spiders
9. ice cream
10. waves
11. jelly fish
12. lizards

Things that I am good at:
1. losing clothes
2. leaving what ever i am carrying on the counter where i purchase something
3. falling
4. getting asked if i "have baby" or am pregnant (perhaps someone should sign me up for "what not to wear")
5. getting stomach aches
6. driving steve crazy

Things I like that you can only get in se asia:
1. fizzy bubbly
2.delicious street food (no hot dogs)
3. a japanese slipper
4. awesome clothes for $2
5. wicker rings
6. 7/11 on every single street corner

caves, karaoke, cuisine

Do to lack of Internet connections over the last week and the abundance of things to do, blogging was at the bottom of the list of things to do. However, I observed many interesting people, did some semi-adventurous things, day dreamed about a lot of food, and pondered many other random thoughts.
Of course traveling is not complete without a plethora of trains, plains, and automobiles. I guess for Steve and I it's more city buses. As much as it can be a pain in the ass to get to your destination by this mode of transportation, it's worth it due to the exotic people who are continually getting on and off the bus. Now that we are in Malaysia it's so hard to tell who is what nationality. The country primarily consists of; Malays, Chinese, Indians, and a mix of all of the above. I've been trying to differentiate all week, but I've only got as far as I can tell who is Indian. Beyond that, you got me.
My favorite people to watch on the bus are the children and adolescents. They don't have school buses so all kids take the city bus to and from school. I love looking at the different uniforms, the things they bring home with him, their posture, the friends they sit with and giggle with. I try to imagine what they do when they get home from school, knowing that they don''t get home and turn on nickelodeon like most American children. It's funny to think of a school bus of American children coming home from school, all wild and loud, and then to watch how maturely these kids get on the bus, pay their dues, and sit quietly with a friend until their stop. I want to teach these kids.
Where our bus rides took us this week were mainly to airports and different hostels, but we did actually fit in some gnarly activities as well. While in Miri, which is located on the island part of Malaysia, we went to some national parks and did some hiking through the jungle. Our first day there, due to us sleeping in and the lengthy bus ride, we only had time to do a short trail in Lambir national park to a waterfall where you could swim, my kind of hike. It was beautiful and wonderful because we were the only people there. So, we ate some nuts and grapes and swam our little hearts out. The bus ride was longer than the actual time we spent in the park.
Day two in Miri, we went to the Niah caves with two Australian sisters that were staying at the same hostel as us. They were an absolute blast and made the 9km hike seem like nothing. We talked so much, I forgot what we were even doing until we got to the caves. The caves were, as the girls would say, brilliant. It was literally like you were on another planet. I'm hoping the pictures do them justice. A good 15-20 minutes of our hike through the caves were in total darkness. The only thing I could think of while walking through that part was the movie, "the descent." Google it, if you've never heard of or seen it. I was a little frightened.
Our day of hiking was followed by of course a shower as well as the influence of alcohol and two sisters. With these wild sisters, we found every ladies night in town (free drinks), we danced on a stage, we sang karaoke, and ate at a Malaysian KFC at 3am. It was quite an eventful day day.
Although my KFC mashed potatoes were semi-normal, they were yet again another carb. everyday i day dream about motz. cheese and my morningstar corn dogs. I have not been having much luck with food here. Within the last 2 weeks, I have only once gotten what I actually ordered. I have been so protein deprived that I actually wanted to eat meat the other day, which in my 6 or so years of being a vegetarian I have never once craved meat. I order veggies and rice and what i get is either covered in fish oil or some how still has chunks of meat or fat in it. Therefore, i eat only rice. I found an egg sandwich at the airport yesterday, so i am hoping that protein sticks with me for a while till I can find my next fix. (I am a protein addict)
As for other day dreams, thoughts, concerns;
Steve always looks normal and I look like like an adolescent Larry king going through puberty with a tan. I am jealous, I want to be the pretty one.
We are in Kota Kinabalu now, I am still debating whether I should climb the mountain or not. I want to, but I'm scared I will hurt my grandma back.
I still really want a veggie corn dog.
I miss my Lucy girl... I want to squiggle her.
I need to buy a pair of pants.
I need to buy a razor.
I think I want to extend my trip and go to India and do some yoga.
I like traveling.
I am reading the book "eat, pray, love" yes it was on Oprah, but it is an amazing book. I am in love with it and want to marry it.

Lady Man

I should have known after stepping in dog shit immediately after exiting my hostel in Georgetown that it was going to be a rough day. What should have been a simple 5 hour bus ride to the hippest city in Malaysia, Kula Lumpur, turned into about 8 or so hours of bumpy roads with a bladder full of 100 plus (a delicious Malaysian viatamin type drink).
It all began with the bus being late to pick us up. It continued to keep behind schedule when it decided to sit at another bus stop for about and hour or so to wait for more people. I attempted to get off here to use the toliet, the bus driver wouldn't let me off. I could have cried. The bus finally began it's journey, but after a half an hour, the bus again pulled off to the side, not so anyone could get out and use the restroom, but because we were lost. After back tracking and finally getting on the right course, the bus driver should have stopped half way through to allow people to get food and use the restroom. He never stopped, he continued to pass up one rest station after another. We finally stopped at a rest station that was a half an hour outside the city. It was like a stampede of people running off the bus toward the restrooms.
When we finally arrived in Kula Lumpur, the bus driver took everyones bags out of the bus except for ours. When I pulled ours out, they were soaking wet. I was quite upset, but the wet bag on my back was actually quite refreshing for the hour of walking we did with it looking for a hostel.
The first hostel we checked out had the walls coming up the stair painted bright green with little colorful flower pots on each step on the way up, Christina Aguleria's "Come on Over" was bumping from the top. I was into it until I got to the top. The lobby if you will, looked like a horrible lab for science experiments. There were different birds locked up in little cages and fish tanks everwhere filled with jurrasic looking fish that were the exact same size as their tank. It broke my heart. However, nothing could top the Indian lady man who sat at the receptionist desk. He/she looked as though he/she was part of the display, locked behind his/her desk. I think he or she was attempting a sexy appearance with the pink lip stick and the well done hair, but the face, the face couldn't be helped. We politely checked out one of the rooms, but said no thank you and moved onto the next, which is where we are now. It is impecibly clean, very welcoming, and it has air conditioning (oh yeah!) Also, attached to it is a raggae bar that has ladies night every night. I took advantage of that with dinner last night. By far our most expensive dinner yet, 80 ringits for 7 drinks and 2 meals. In US dollars about $20.

And I would walk 1,237 steps... (Krabi, Tailand)

On the island of Ko Chang I had my fair share of spiders, in Krabi I recieved my fair share of spider monkey's. While in Krabi, I took a full day tour packed with exercise, animals, sunshine, and food- just a few of my favorite things.\

The tour began with 3 hours kayaking through limestone caves, some areas covered in lush green jungle, and mangroves. While going through the mangroves dozens of monkeys swung from the trees and watched us go by, a few even decided to join us on our kayaks. When I saw them start dropping onto kayaks, I said to Steve, "paddle, paddle, paddle!!!!!!!!" I was scared. All I could think of was rabise. However, the guides said they were nice and even cut up some pineapple for us to feed them, so I gave them a chance. These monkeys also quickly became Steve's buddies.
After our little kayaking adventure, we were taken to have some delicious lunch; rice and vegetables for me, the same thing that I have now been eating for the last 12 days, and then to the jungle to ride some elephants, which are also became steve's buddies. When I climbed onto that giant animals back, it felt surreal. I couldn't believe I was about to go for a trek through the jungle on an elephant. A Tai man drove the elephant, if you will, while steve and I sat behind him. At first I thought this would be one of the coolest things i will ever do, but I soon disregarded that thought. In order to make the elphant do what he wanted and go where he wanted, the Tai man would beat the elephant with a bamboo stick with a metal hook coming out one end. Everytime the man would hit the elephant, I would flinch. I felt so guilty for being on that animals back for my own amusement. As neat of an experience it was, I don't think I would do it again.
Because we had a full day with our tour on saturday, i decided to take today as a day to just bum around the city and plan our next destination. However, my day of regrouping and planning turned into the day I climbed 1,237 steps up a mountain to a temple. It was a bit tiring, but actually not so bad and I hate incline of any sort. It felt good to make it to the top and the view was more than worth it. It makes me sad that the pictures don't do it justice. After climbing back down, I recieved a hand made bracelet from a monk which is supposed to bring me good luck. I am really hoping it works.

dogs, jellyfish, spiders, oh my....

The markets in Bangkok could satisfy any girl's shopping desires. The heat and air pollution in Bangkok could ruin hair and make-up for any girl in 2 minutes flat- not the hair. Even Steve couldn't stand his hair. I ended up shaving it for him with his beard clippers and a ratty pair of sissors; however, I left a little on top for him for a trendy yet managable look, a mohawk. My few days in Bangkok were fabulous, but I didn't mind leaving the sweltering city for a few more days of r and r on the remote island of Ko Chang.
Getting to Ko Chang wasn't easy, but it of course was worth it. We started off by taking a night bus 8 hours to Ranong, from there we threw our bags and ourselves in a little cart built off the side of a motor bike, this bike took us to the pier where we took and hour and a half boat ride to the island. Upon getting there, there was no pier to unload ourselves on. We climbed down a ladder into the ocean and the crew threw our bags to us, really it's not as bad as it sounds, it was actually quite fun and refreshing considering it has been at least 95 degrees and sunny every day (don't be jealous, haters.) Our voyage was long, but our 4 days upon the island were stupendous.
Our bungalow on the island was literally woven out of palm leaves, our roof was tin with holes in it, our bed was a slab of wood with a palm leaf stuffed mattress. Every night we had visitors, 2 spiders. The little one slept on the toliet, the big one and I mean thick and big slept on the wall under the sink. Steve called them our buddies. Without a doubt, they were there every night when we headed in. At first I was scared, I went to bed almost everynight having to pee because I was afraid they would attack me. But, they grew on me, I knew they were protecting us from the mosquitos.
Beside talking to spiders while on the island, our daily activities consisted of: wake boarding in the ocean next to jelly fish that looked like breast implants, playing frisbee, napping, reading, drinking coconut shakes (best thing ever!), and dog watching. The resort we stayed at had 3 dogs, a momma, a daddy, and a baby. The baby was a rolly polly who's activities consisted of hanging out with us, digging big wholes in the sand, chasing sand crabs, and some how walking on the roof of the common area. Her name is Gnoa and I wanted to bring her home to play with Lucy.
The island and all it's gloriousness sucked us in, it was hard to leave. We were really starting to get the beach bum life style down, but all good things must come to an end. I believe if we stayed any longer we would have easily become fat, black, and wrinkly.