Getting used to Canada is a hassle.
No Tuk Tuk drivers to bargain with, no friendly local Thai to return my smile, and no attractive backpacker or local ladies around.
Everyone I meet seems to be fascinated by the fact that I actually took time from my comfortable Canadian life to travel in a different country. Is it so difficult to imagine yourself traveling? Sure you might have to get used to the language barrier, smells, scams, and the occasional mafia but if I can do it anybody else can do it.
I am not a different person in any aspect. I am just a regular guy that used to have a regular job with regular western desires (money, girls, power, girls, etc...). Please don't give me credit for spending my money on a trip that I wanted to go on.
After describing some of the places that I have been to on my journey and telling them stories of my experiences there the usual reply that I receive is "Wow, I wish I could do that". The truth is everybody I know can do what I did and probably more. It does not take a prodigy to travel in foreign lands. I've met ladies (who are BTW very admirable and brave not to mention hot) who risked rape, murder, robbery, and many other none pleasant things of travel to experience India - known to be one of the toughest places to backpack.
Please quit telling me that you wish. As I have quoted in my past entry "You are never given a wish without the power to fulfill it".
As for my stories, perhaps I should charge $$ as I am currently out of a job...
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Oh Canada..
Back home after 23 hours of flight, 10 hours in transit, and 3 crappy movies.
Things haven't changed much since I took off to SE Asia 2 months ago. Everyone working the same job, everyone with the same blank look on their faces, everyone slaving away for their piece of the "American Dream".
Why do we work the same job that we dislike?
For family? So that they can have the little piece of scrap left of you after you give yourself to the will of your betters for 8 hours?
For Happiness? Every country that I visited in SE Asia as very little middle class. And even though I would claim that the general populace is happier than the average north american, the happiest of the bunch was always found far from "civilization"; far from cities, in the remotest parts of the country with barely any material goods other than a home, food grown from the earth, and the water that either comes down in rain or hauled away from nearby rivers. Same people, same needs, different standards. Their smiles were the most kind, generous, authentic, self giving, audacious, and warm enough to melt the polar ice cap. They are happy by just being happy. Most Canadians I know have to tell themselves that they are happy.
For money? Is money the be all and end-all of our civilization? Must we give up our God given rights in order to make money?
For $24 an hour I gave up my freedom of speech and forgot the fact that I am honest and authentic. I was let go because I called 1 customer who was in fact lazy a "lazy ass". This was on the second day that I arrived in Canada.
I am free.
Things haven't changed much since I took off to SE Asia 2 months ago. Everyone working the same job, everyone with the same blank look on their faces, everyone slaving away for their piece of the "American Dream".
Why do we work the same job that we dislike?
For family? So that they can have the little piece of scrap left of you after you give yourself to the will of your betters for 8 hours?
For Happiness? Every country that I visited in SE Asia as very little middle class. And even though I would claim that the general populace is happier than the average north american, the happiest of the bunch was always found far from "civilization"; far from cities, in the remotest parts of the country with barely any material goods other than a home, food grown from the earth, and the water that either comes down in rain or hauled away from nearby rivers. Same people, same needs, different standards. Their smiles were the most kind, generous, authentic, self giving, audacious, and warm enough to melt the polar ice cap. They are happy by just being happy. Most Canadians I know have to tell themselves that they are happy.
For money? Is money the be all and end-all of our civilization? Must we give up our God given rights in order to make money?
For $24 an hour I gave up my freedom of speech and forgot the fact that I am honest and authentic. I was let go because I called 1 customer who was in fact lazy a "lazy ass". This was on the second day that I arrived in Canada.
I am free.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Luang Prabang
The most relaxing city that I have been to on my trip so far..
Luang Prabang still has the french colonial atmosphere with the baguette sandwiches and awesome cups of coffee in every single cafe. The coffee in Luang Prabang is unlike any other coffee served in any other part of the world. It is so strong that it is served with a water chaser so the caffeine does not damage the drinker's stomach.
I came here to stay for 2 days and ended up staying for 5. Never in my life have I spent an entire day just chilling at the local cafe reading news paper, drinking coffee, and watching the locals and the tourists go by.
It's as if time refuses to add the usual urgency that one can feel in the big cities of developed countries.
I fell in love with Luang Prabang...
"You are never given a wish without the power to fulfill it. However, you may have to work hard." - Illusions
Luang Prabang still has the french colonial atmosphere with the baguette sandwiches and awesome cups of coffee in every single cafe. The coffee in Luang Prabang is unlike any other coffee served in any other part of the world. It is so strong that it is served with a water chaser so the caffeine does not damage the drinker's stomach.
I came here to stay for 2 days and ended up staying for 5. Never in my life have I spent an entire day just chilling at the local cafe reading news paper, drinking coffee, and watching the locals and the tourists go by.
It's as if time refuses to add the usual urgency that one can feel in the big cities of developed countries.
I fell in love with Luang Prabang...
"You are never given a wish without the power to fulfill it. However, you may have to work hard." - Illusions
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Laos
My guide book says that travelers who go into Laos from any other SE Asian countries "utter a distinct 'ahhh'" when they arrive in Laos. My first thought was that this statement was absolute bollocks as most guide books have a propensity to exaggerate.
I crossed the Thailand Laos border via Chiang Khong into Huay Xai. I did get a bit of a hassle from the Laos customs as they charged more for travelers paying baht than those paying in dollars to by a 30 day visa into Laos.
The small town of Huay Xai isn't much for natural beauty, stunning architecture, or the atmosphere. It is a place for travelers who are traveling to other destinations. The one distinct feature about Huay Xai is that there are no Tuk Tuk drivers vying for business and rarely anybody hassles the travelers with trinkets and souvenirs.
I stayed in a guest house called BAP Guest house and met a nice Korean girl (lady rather as I found out that she was 8 years senior although she did not look it).
The next day I left for Luang Prabang via "slow boat" down the Mekong river. The first ride took 6 hours to a small transit town called Pak Beng.
Pak Beng was indeed known for people either going down or going up the Mekong river to other destinations. What was unique about Pak Beng was the atmosphere. Another unique characteristic about this town was that the electricity of the entire town was fueled by a small generator. This meant that electricity of the whole town was due to turn off at some point in the night.
Despite being a small tourist town, Pak Beng had it's charms. I had the first East Indian dinner in SE Asia while I was in Pak Beng. I can't recall the name of the restaurant but their Mutton Vin Aloo, buttered chicken, and cauliflower with green peas created festive flavours in my mouth.
The people in Pak Beng were very much relaxed compared to all the other locals I've met in other SE Asian countries. At first I wondered why this was so, but soon I discovered a major possible factor that may contribute to the relaxed atmosphere. After getting of the slow boat, I was approached by the usual crowds of locals who query travelers for guest houses. What was also queried was the business for Ganja. At every turn I found that some local would come up to me and attempt to sell me marijuana. At night time I even found several locals sitting around in small caffes sipping strong Laos coffee and smoking a generous sized joint.
The "magical" time of Pak Beng came when the generators where shut down and the lights went out. I was sitting in front of my guest house balcony at the time and I can recall every bit of things that contributed to the relaxed atmosphere. Since the moon light was the only light source, after the lights went out I could see silhouets of houses and the mountains that were paralleled to the Mekong river. After about 10 minutes numerous fireflies came out from their hiding and flew around in front of the guest house balcony to create the country side atmosphere that I once felt living in Korea.
I crossed the Thailand Laos border via Chiang Khong into Huay Xai. I did get a bit of a hassle from the Laos customs as they charged more for travelers paying baht than those paying in dollars to by a 30 day visa into Laos.
The small town of Huay Xai isn't much for natural beauty, stunning architecture, or the atmosphere. It is a place for travelers who are traveling to other destinations. The one distinct feature about Huay Xai is that there are no Tuk Tuk drivers vying for business and rarely anybody hassles the travelers with trinkets and souvenirs.
I stayed in a guest house called BAP Guest house and met a nice Korean girl (lady rather as I found out that she was 8 years senior although she did not look it).
The next day I left for Luang Prabang via "slow boat" down the Mekong river. The first ride took 6 hours to a small transit town called Pak Beng.
Pak Beng was indeed known for people either going down or going up the Mekong river to other destinations. What was unique about Pak Beng was the atmosphere. Another unique characteristic about this town was that the electricity of the entire town was fueled by a small generator. This meant that electricity of the whole town was due to turn off at some point in the night.
Despite being a small tourist town, Pak Beng had it's charms. I had the first East Indian dinner in SE Asia while I was in Pak Beng. I can't recall the name of the restaurant but their Mutton Vin Aloo, buttered chicken, and cauliflower with green peas created festive flavours in my mouth.
The people in Pak Beng were very much relaxed compared to all the other locals I've met in other SE Asian countries. At first I wondered why this was so, but soon I discovered a major possible factor that may contribute to the relaxed atmosphere. After getting of the slow boat, I was approached by the usual crowds of locals who query travelers for guest houses. What was also queried was the business for Ganja. At every turn I found that some local would come up to me and attempt to sell me marijuana. At night time I even found several locals sitting around in small caffes sipping strong Laos coffee and smoking a generous sized joint.
The "magical" time of Pak Beng came when the generators where shut down and the lights went out. I was sitting in front of my guest house balcony at the time and I can recall every bit of things that contributed to the relaxed atmosphere. Since the moon light was the only light source, after the lights went out I could see silhouets of houses and the mountains that were paralleled to the Mekong river. After about 10 minutes numerous fireflies came out from their hiding and flew around in front of the guest house balcony to create the country side atmosphere that I once felt living in Korea.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Journey so far
Bangkok --> Surat Thani --> Ko Tao --> Chumpon --> Ranong --> Ko Chang --> Ranong --> Ao Luk --> Krabi --> Hat Yai --> Kuala Lumpur --> Taman Negara --> Kuala Lumpur --> Pulau Pangkor --> Kuala Lumpur --> Phuket --> Ko Phi Phi --> Ko Lanta --> Trang --> Bangkok --> Aranya Prathet--> Poipet --> Siem Reap --> Angkor Wat --> Siem Reap --> Poipet --> Aranya Prathet --> Bangkok --> Ayuthaya--> Phisanulok --> Sukhothai --> Chiang Mai
Friday, February 16, 2007
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is one of the 7 wonders of the world. My first impression of the temple ruines that once was the crown Jewel of the vast Angkor empire was absolute amazement.
Then I thought to myself, "How could a country that once was such a great empire and hosts one of the wonders of the world be so poor?". Cambodia had its woes in the recent decade when Pol Pot took over and slaughtered millions of people in just few months.
It seems that everything can be bought with just 1 US dollar in Siem Reap Cambodia.
sidebar - Siem Reap is the city that houses the millions of tourists that visit Angkor Wat every year. Siem Reap means Siamese Defeated.
Your local taxi/tuk tuk driver is the pimp, the drug dealer, and your tour guide. In every street corner and in every temple you can find a child no older than 10 years of age who speaks 3 - 5 different languages. He/She knows how to say the following in the languages of choice:
1. Mr/Mrs, give me a dolla.
2. Mr/Mrs, want pineapple?
3. Mr/Mrs, want to buy post cards? 10 for 1 dolla
4. Where you from? followed by - Capital of the country that one is from
Cambodian people are extremely smart. Even though the country is poor, the people adapted to their situation uniquely and took advantage of the fact that so many millions of people (especially Korean, Japanese, and Chinese tourists) that come to see the pride and joy of their country every year.
Then I thought to myself, "How could a country that once was such a great empire and hosts one of the wonders of the world be so poor?". Cambodia had its woes in the recent decade when Pol Pot took over and slaughtered millions of people in just few months.
It seems that everything can be bought with just 1 US dollar in Siem Reap Cambodia.
sidebar - Siem Reap is the city that houses the millions of tourists that visit Angkor Wat every year. Siem Reap means Siamese Defeated.
Your local taxi/tuk tuk driver is the pimp, the drug dealer, and your tour guide. In every street corner and in every temple you can find a child no older than 10 years of age who speaks 3 - 5 different languages. He/She knows how to say the following in the languages of choice:
1. Mr/Mrs, give me a dolla.
2. Mr/Mrs, want pineapple?
3. Mr/Mrs, want to buy post cards? 10 for 1 dolla
4. Where you from? followed by - Capital of the country that one is from
Cambodian people are extremely smart. Even though the country is poor, the people adapted to their situation uniquely and took advantage of the fact that so many millions of people (especially Korean, Japanese, and Chinese tourists) that come to see the pride and joy of their country every year.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Poipet II
Story so far:
1. I'm in Poipet (Cambodia).
2. The bus station is run by the local mafia.
3. The mafia pays the police.
4. The police keep the locals under control by prohibiting competition from other small taxi drivers and transport companies.
After being used as a bate, I was back at the bus station separated from the rest of the group and my buddy Igor.
As soon as the taxi stops and I get off to talk to Goon 1 and the rest of his mafia crew. I tell him to fuck off and inform everybody at the bus station to NOT take any buses or taxis from the bus station. While I am doing this the 2 Germans get scared and decide to pay $60 US to get a taxi to Siem Reap. Pussies....
Sidebar - I was informed later that the 2 Germans were pulled over on their way to Siem Reap and got charged an extra "highway fee" by the local police (or some dude in a police costume).
Determined not to get ripped off and give money to the local mafia, I decided to talk to another group of people. There I met Matt the brave English fellow (if you are reading this Matt, I sincerely respect you for your bravery and courage), Hoshi the Japanese, and 2 Swedish girls who later ditched us.
After explaining the whole deal to Matt, we decided to venture out to the edge of the town to see if we can pick up local taxi instead of the one run by the mafia.
When we started walking towards the main road, a new fellow that I have not seen before approached us on bike and started speaking in an angry tone. He stated that he was the police and that we had to take the bus or taxi from Atta or we will be picked up by the local mafia and etc, etc...
I was a bit hesitent as first as I did not know if this fellow was really the local police but Matt directly asks him to see his badge. At first the fellow seemed hesitent but he eventually produced a card that said "Immigration Card". Immediately after seeing this card Matt said
"I saw this card a hundred times and I don't want to see it again. This is fucking bullshit"
and grab the card from the guy forcefully and threw it on the ground. At this point the fellow claiming to be the police got even more angry and said
"I cut you now!"
to Matt and started to rummage through his pocket for something. At this point I thought he was looking for a pocket knife or perhaps a gun so I immediately threw my back pack on the ground and got prepared to back Matt for violence that may ensue. When the guy pulled out a small cell phone and pretended to start dialing for back up I was extremely relieved and felt that I had accidently soiled myself :-)
Observing the obvious anger of the guy Matt immediately changed the course of the argument and apologized for throwing his "badge" on the ground. At this point we told him to go away and we walked towards the main road.
Upon walking for about 10 minutes on the main road towards Siem Reap, we were approached by a local on a dusty yellow moped who discreetly told us to continue to walk away from Poipet towards Siem Reap and a taxi will be waiting for us. A few moments later, the fellow who claimed to be the police approached us again on his moped and offered a taxi for 3 of us at $60 US. I offered him $45 for the 3 of us and he kept persisting on $60. We then told him that we were talking to Siem Reap and to leave us alone. After saying something in broken english, he took off.
About 5 minutes later he came back saying that he can arrange a taxi for the 3 of us for $45. I told him no and lowered the price to $30. He got pissed off and stated that I originally said $45 before. I told him to fuck off again and in about 5 minutes he did.
Finally we arrive at the edge of the town. At the left corner were standing the guy who claimed to be the police, the local on the yellow moped who approached us earlier, and another local on a black moped. Each of them had there own taxis and obviously were very hungry for our US $.
We took the taxi offered by the fellow who claimed he was the police because it was $30.
Lesson learned: What matters is the principle, not the money.
1. I'm in Poipet (Cambodia).
2. The bus station is run by the local mafia.
3. The mafia pays the police.
4. The police keep the locals under control by prohibiting competition from other small taxi drivers and transport companies.
After being used as a bate, I was back at the bus station separated from the rest of the group and my buddy Igor.
As soon as the taxi stops and I get off to talk to Goon 1 and the rest of his mafia crew. I tell him to fuck off and inform everybody at the bus station to NOT take any buses or taxis from the bus station. While I am doing this the 2 Germans get scared and decide to pay $60 US to get a taxi to Siem Reap. Pussies....
Sidebar - I was informed later that the 2 Germans were pulled over on their way to Siem Reap and got charged an extra "highway fee" by the local police (or some dude in a police costume).
Determined not to get ripped off and give money to the local mafia, I decided to talk to another group of people. There I met Matt the brave English fellow (if you are reading this Matt, I sincerely respect you for your bravery and courage), Hoshi the Japanese, and 2 Swedish girls who later ditched us.
After explaining the whole deal to Matt, we decided to venture out to the edge of the town to see if we can pick up local taxi instead of the one run by the mafia.
When we started walking towards the main road, a new fellow that I have not seen before approached us on bike and started speaking in an angry tone. He stated that he was the police and that we had to take the bus or taxi from Atta or we will be picked up by the local mafia and etc, etc...
I was a bit hesitent as first as I did not know if this fellow was really the local police but Matt directly asks him to see his badge. At first the fellow seemed hesitent but he eventually produced a card that said "Immigration Card". Immediately after seeing this card Matt said
"I saw this card a hundred times and I don't want to see it again. This is fucking bullshit"
and grab the card from the guy forcefully and threw it on the ground. At this point the fellow claiming to be the police got even more angry and said
"I cut you now!"
to Matt and started to rummage through his pocket for something. At this point I thought he was looking for a pocket knife or perhaps a gun so I immediately threw my back pack on the ground and got prepared to back Matt for violence that may ensue. When the guy pulled out a small cell phone and pretended to start dialing for back up I was extremely relieved and felt that I had accidently soiled myself :-)
Observing the obvious anger of the guy Matt immediately changed the course of the argument and apologized for throwing his "badge" on the ground. At this point we told him to go away and we walked towards the main road.
Upon walking for about 10 minutes on the main road towards Siem Reap, we were approached by a local on a dusty yellow moped who discreetly told us to continue to walk away from Poipet towards Siem Reap and a taxi will be waiting for us. A few moments later, the fellow who claimed to be the police approached us again on his moped and offered a taxi for 3 of us at $60 US. I offered him $45 for the 3 of us and he kept persisting on $60. We then told him that we were talking to Siem Reap and to leave us alone. After saying something in broken english, he took off.
About 5 minutes later he came back saying that he can arrange a taxi for the 3 of us for $45. I told him no and lowered the price to $30. He got pissed off and stated that I originally said $45 before. I told him to fuck off again and in about 5 minutes he did.
Finally we arrive at the edge of the town. At the left corner were standing the guy who claimed to be the police, the local on the yellow moped who approached us earlier, and another local on a black moped. Each of them had there own taxis and obviously were very hungry for our US $.
We took the taxi offered by the fellow who claimed he was the police because it was $30.
Lesson learned: What matters is the principle, not the money.
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