Day 145

Location: Port Spot in HCMC

It’s winding down soon. Since Cambodia I’ve been to Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.

For a quick recap:

Thailand was full of shows. It being a very vast and diverse county, I definitely have to return to hit the other spots. I’m dying to go up North and way South of the country one day. I remember having a talk with a South African girl about a week she spent in a Thailand kickboxing camp there and that would be an awesome thing to try out in the future. So did the usual, went to an alligator show, Transvestite show, and the works. I must say, the Buddhist temples there were one of the best I’ve seen yet. Impressive.

Singapore–
It’s a puny city/state/country. The size of the whole country is only one-third of Ho Chi Minh City. Being so, I saw pretty much all it had to offer in like 2.5 days. I must say, it sure is a clean country. It was definitely noticeable after my time spent in other Southeast Asian countries thus far. The waters are beautiful, but too bad it’s pretty much a waste dump full of contamination. Oh yeah, it was also funny that my time there reminded me of this one time in Peru.

So I was walking down a hill near Lake Titicaca and I was in front of a Singaporean and her Peruvian tour guide. He was fascinated that she was from Singapore, asking her all sorts of questions. Then he finally asked, “How do you say ‘How are you?’ in Singapore?” To which she gave him a dumbfounded look then slowly said. “‘How are you” We speak English in Singapore.” It was fraking HI-LA-RI-OUS. Of course, I’m not that cultured, so I would’ve made the same mistake but sucks for that sucker to be the one caught with the stupid question.

Malaysia–
I really enjoyed the country. Spent my time here with good folks. Food wasn’t the biz to be honest but it was fun getting lost here. I did visit Genting and its casino and even won a whooping $10 USD! It would’ve been $50 but I didn’t know when to walk away. Yay for me learning Tai Sai, dice games are fun. It was the closest I could find to Craps. Shopping here wasn’t as awesome as many professed to me. The bargains were that great, and anything of particular quality was nearly expensive as the States. One thing I’ve learned from my travel experience. Anything of particular high value is actually probably cheaper in the States and better quality (e.g. Sporting goods like REAL Adidas, and electronics. They’re gravely expensive in the countries I’ve visited).

Well my time here is winding down soon. I’m spending my last few days in Vietnam then back to American soil. To the harsh, cruel reality of the adult world. Whoopee…

Day 128

Location: HCMC, VN

I just got back from Cambodia yesterday and am off to another place tomorrow. Can I just say I’m tired as fuck? That aside, Cambodia offered me a lot more than I expected. A lot of the temples were beautiful and the scenery was nice. To be honest though I think I had a misconception of what Angkor Wat was. I knew it was a temple but me not reading up about it at all assumed it was still live and running instead of just ruins. Being ruins, of course there weren’t any elaborate gold statues and fabrics draped amuck as I imagined in my head. Nevertheless, it was massive and certainly deserving of it’s World Wonder title.

And visiting a casino in this country, it seems there’s an obsession with Baccarat here.

Day 121

Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I’m still in Vietnam.  It’s been EXTREMELY relaxing as I get to finally sleep in and everyday my cousin takes me out to just explore the city at our own leisure time.  No more waking up at 4AM to catch some shitty bus…for now.  I depart to go around Southeast Asia on Tuesday.  All that aside, I’ve been trying to keep updated with tne news.  Everywhere is in a shithole.  How not pleasant to return into that environment.  Also I just realized that there were apparently massive protests in Egypt and Jordan prior to me being there.  It was relatively quiet when I got there…aside from 24/7 news coverage.  I did remember having a very insightful conversation with a young Egyptian on his views on the Israel/Gaza situation..  Not to get all detail into it I can just say I think both sides are in the complete wrong.  Anyone who takes the side of just one (US included) is just being completely and unfairly biased.  There is no justifying either parties.

Since we’re on some small political thing, Vietnam is like super big on Russia.  They love that country.  Talking to my cousin today, who graduated from college and is a teacher, himself, students were never taught about Stalin’s treatment of Soviets back in the day.  Instead they were just taught about him being a jolly cool guy.  I just found that tidbit extremely interesting.

Not only that, I’ve just learned how drastic “history” is really just biased recollections.  History taught here in Vietnam is so different from that in the States.  I’m not saying it’s “correct” in the states.  Far from it.  It just goes to show, you can’t always just  accept that’s ttold to you.

Day 112

Location: Ho Chi Minh (Originally Saigon), Vietnam

Since the last entry I’ve left the Middle East and am currently in Southeast Asia.  I cannot start to say how glad I am to get a glimpse of the Middle East.  Though the countries I’ve gone to are fairly moderate when compared to what others imagine it was a good stepping stone into what I perceived as a complete foreign place to me.  I have decided that I must return to the Middle East to learn more about  the culture.  I’ve gotten many comments during my trip there about people’s fears about the location just to learn that is is really no more dangerous than any other part of the world and though the culture there may differ from what we are used to, that  does not deem is wrong or backwards.  From my two weeks in the Middle East never have I thought of more than the this quote by James Michener–“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.”

But that personal memo aside, my time in Egypt was fasinating.  As I stated in my previous entry I was on my way to the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum.  The Giza Pyramids are grander than I imagined.  Though my image of smooth textures have failed since age has withered away the stones.  I did enter the second Pyramid.  It wasn’t anything grand.  It actually was quite a stuffy bore but I’m not regretful since I already knew it wasn’t great.  I just did it to do it.  After that I went to see the Sphinx, which was smaller than I expected as well as surrounded by the city and not secluded by itself in the desert as movies have portrayed.  That afternoon I went to the Egyptian Museum.  I wasn’t sure I wanted to go at first but I’m certainly glad I did as I learned a lot of the Egyptian history that day and saw many beautiful artifacts, as well as King Tut’s mask.  Afterwards I took a 14 hour night train (like the one in Harry Potter but extremely cheapter) to Aswan to visit Abu Simbel.  Abul Simbel are temples for Ramses that was physically transported piece by piece after the river flooded the temples.   I can say it was the most fasinating piece I saw in Egypt (moreso than the Pyramids).  Then off to Luxor I went where I experienced a temple burnout by running through Kom ombo, Edfu, and Karnac temples all in one day.  The next day I went to the Valley of the Kings via donkey and I can say it’s the funnest means of transportation I’ve ridden.  There I visited three tombs: Ramses I, IV, and IX.  Afterwards came another night train ride back to Cairo then a flight to Vietnam where I currently am.

I’ve been here a couple of days already and it feels like home with my family.  I even met up with my parents since they are here for the Lunar New Year.  I’ve done nothing but feast on delicious Vietnamese cuisine and visited local neighborhoods, friends of families, and the Cu Chi Tunnels (tunnels the Viet Cong built during the Vietnam War to combat US Army forces).  I’ll probably just lounge here until the New Year then we’ll see where I head throughout Southeast Asia.  I desparately wanted to hit 7 more countries and say I did a good twenty, but my funds are low and I wouldn’t do the country justice by only stopping in them for a few days.  Traveling isn’t about how many places I’ve gone to, but rather how much I let myself discover.  As Daniel J. Boorstin said–“The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience.  The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him.  He goes ’sight-seeing.’”

Day 101

Location: Cairo, Egypt

I arrived into Egypt the other day noon via hydofoil.  The actual journey from Jordan to Egypt usually would not take more than 2-2.5 hours but the damn local hydrofoil takes a bloody lifetime to get going.  Then there’s the crazy chaos afterwards with everyone trying to get their things.  The stuff people transport to Egypt…why?  To work slightly backwards, since I’ve arrived in Egypt I went to Dehab I’ve snorkelled in the Red Sea (the one Moses parted when he fled Egypt to the Holy Land).  I must say it’s one of the nicest snokelling/diving locations EVER.  The coral was healthy and colorful and went directly to the shore and the water was AZUL blue.  All the colorful fish surrounded me, it was awesome.  This morning I woke up at 1:30 AM to go climb Mt. Sinai.  Anyone semi-familiar with biblical history, it is the mountain that Moses climbed to receive the Ten Commandments.  The climb was NOT a killer.  The thing that almost destroyed me was getting up there at 4:30 AM to wait until 6:30 for the sun to rise in the deadly cold.  It was well worth it though, even with my bum knees sorely in pain.  Tomorrow I’m off to the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum.

Jump back to my stay in Jordan.  I arrived in Amman and the next day I went to the Citadel where I saw the tallest Roman pillars.  The next morning I went to Manada Church to see the mosaic floor (to be completely honest, I’m not all into Mosaics so I couldn’t care less about that venture).  What I was stoke about was visiting Mount Nebo, the mountain where Moses saw the Holy Land.  Then I went to the salt shore where there stood apparently Lot’s wife.  If you don’t know the story, God told Lot to flee the city with his family but dare not turn around or face consequences.  His wife did not follow the directions and turned around to look at the falling city just to turn into a salt statue.   FYI, I’m into biblical history and Jordan contains a crapload of biblical monuments so it was a pleasure visiting the country.  Race forward I went to the Dead Sea and floated as everyone does because the Sea contains so much salt, everything floats, and nothing can survive in it (hence the name).  And the big dog was finally seeing Petra, the reason I originally decided to visit Jordan.  It’s much more than the Treasury everyone sees in pictures.  It’s a vast area in the mountains and truly deserve it’s New 7 Wonder of the World status.  After that experience I stayed at a supposed Bedouin camp but it was really fake and touristy.  Highlight was a 1 hour camel ride.  Didn’t hurt as people said.  And there I go.  I’ve surpassed the 100 Day mark.  Adios!

Day 95

Location: Amman, Jordan

So quick update since I’m on few time. I arrived in Amman, Jordan yesterday from Johannesburg, South Africa. My last month in South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland was flipping AWESOME and I won’t forget it. In fact, I’m already planning on a return to so a trip from Cape Town up to Vic Falls in one June. Since my last update I’ve been to many more game drives and seen many more animals. Swaziland I was fortunate to visit an orphanage run by the warmest woman ever. Swaziland has the 2nd highest numbers of AIDS in Africa and you can see that many of the children were physically ill and yet they carried with them such simple happiness and joy. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had yet dancing with the local kids and learning their culture. After that I went to Kruger and saw 4 of the Big Five. Missed out on the leopard but did see a small pride of Lions (2 females and 6 cubs) eating a giraffe. I must say, overland trips through Africa is the way to go and camping is not half bad. That’s the real way to bond with others. It won’t be my last time going with Nomad. Now I’m in Amman and I’m off to the Dead Sea tomorrow and etc. See you guys later!

Day 87

Location: St. Lucia, South Africa

So quick update since I’m fortunate to be staying at a backpackers at the moment with internet access.  I thought I’d have more chances to use the computer while in Africa but I’ve been constantly on the move or just perched near the tent no where near computers which is fine with me.  So since my last update Merry Christmas!!  I spent it in the country of Lesotho.  A very picturistique country in the mountains.  Did plenty of hikes.  Went to Addo Elephant National Park and saw meself some elephants, hyenas, timon and pumba.  I’ve done more hiking then I care for but I need to keep in shape somehow because this camping trip is feeding me massively.  There’s this awesome guy name Char that can cook like a God and I love him for it.  Today I went on a boat in St. Lucia and saw groups of hippos.  They were quite cute and tomorrow I’m waking up early in the morning to go on a Game drive.  I’m off to the country of Swaziland tommorrow for the next two days then I’m back to South Africa to head to Kruger National Park.  Not sure if I can update until then.  I might when I hit Jordan.

So until then, Happy Early New Years!!!  Happy Holidays y’all!

Day 76

Location: South Africa

Okay so quick update since Buenos Aires a lot has happened.  Since the last entry I’ve left South America and have entered South Africa.  Might I say Malaysian Airlines rocks the socks off me!!!  I so many movies/tv shows/games/music to choose personally on my own private tv set.  I didn’t sleep because I watched Mamma Mia!, The Mummy 3, The Dark Knight, Girl Scout (A KOREAN movie), and played Sudoku.  Anyway I got to Cape Town, South Africa.  Spent my few days there cage diving in Gansbaii with great white sharks.  Went on top of Table Mountain (possibly the oldest mountain in the world?), and explored the Waterfront and went to Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was held for 17/18 years as a political prisoner).  Afterwards I started a Nomad Adventure so for the next 20 days I’ll literally be trucking and camping around South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland.  Yesterday I explored the Cango Caves and literally rode an Ostrich…no shit.  Tomorrow I’ll supposedly bungee jump off the highest commercial bungee jumping bridge…IN THE WORLD!  I’m not sure on my internet access so expect only this and maybe very few others until next year.  Like in January of 2009, oh snap!

BA – Argentina

Quick update because Im using the computer at my hostel a. nd theres a party behind me. Im currently in AArgentinaIm staying at the notorious *Milhouse Hostel* and it lives up to its partying name. Theres constant drinking and smoking. There s a house party behind me now and actually theres also a slutty girl and horny bastard groping each other on the couch behind me as i type. BA is a pleasant city. Tehres always something to do and see. My first night there was a tango exhibition on the streets and yesterday I spent 10 hours canvasing the local handicrafts and antique markets. Today i met up with two australians and we went to a drums concert. Apologiesto the shitty typing as this cmputer sucks balls and I cant retype this AGAIN.

The Inca Trail Edition

Well, I´ve done it!  I´ve conquered the Inca Trail.  I believe I did mentally prepare myself for it perfectly because when it came to it, it wasn`t the complete hell I thought it would be.  But I didn´t underestimate it like I did when hiking the volcano in Guatemala and Canyon in Colca Canyon.  Here´s the quick recap.

Day 1

I got picked up at 8:30 AM and took a 45 minute journey to the start site.  When I arrived showed my ticket and passport and I was on my way.  Luckily I only had to carry my daypack during the hike (which was still 3.5kg).  Most hikers had porters carry 6 kg of their belongings.  The rest of my stuff was left at the hotel.  Now I must say these porters are fucking awesome.  They carry roughly 25kg of stuff on their backs, wear just plain sandals and kick everyone´s asses with racing through the Inca Trail.  Well the first day hike was not that bad.  There were slight up and down hill hikes but it was seriously majorly doable.  It was the easiest day in my opinion and I arrived at the campsite in no time.  One scary part was when I saw horses carry two green looking women back down the trail back to the beginning but apparently they could not go on.  I heard there was one group of 15 and 14 did not make it.  The one guy that did stay threw up the WHOLE time.  It´s mostly the altitide in my opinion.  People don´t prepare.  The rest is mental.  I´ll get to that on day 2.

Day 2

Woke up at 5:50 and packed up all my things (clothes, sleeping bag/pad, etc) and got a pleasant breakfast by the cook.  Then off to the ¨worst day¨of the Inca Trail.  Basically I was at 3,000m above sea level and had to climb to 4,200m above sea level (1,200METERS) up to Dead Woman´s Pass then descend 600m.  Now I must state.  Being that high in altitude is not good.  You have thinner oxygen.  People tend to get nosebleeds, headaches, stomach aches, and at worst water in their lungs.  Luckily I took altitude pills before after I suffered some aches in Colca Canyon and was fine the whole trail.  This day was NOT an easy day.  But I´ll tell you, it´s mostly mental.  I just zoned into it and hiked.  When people rest I wouldn´t pay them attention because I knew stopping would just make my muscles worst and I´ll lost my concentration so I just kept on going.  And low and behold I made it in a faster pace then average.  Like 45 minutes instead of 1.5 hours and etc.

Quotes to inspire me and people around me.  And trust me, my quotes did certainly impress many (thank you to those who know these quotes wink wink)

¨Pain is weakness leaving your body.¨

¨Pain is temporary.  Pride is FOREVER.¨ (i certainly couldn´t use the other version)

¨Pain is 90% mental…so suck it up!¨

Day 3

To be honest this was physically tougher for me than Day 2.  We started off with a 300m uphill climb which was fine.  Then supposedly 1.5 hours up and down hill climbs.  Then the killer was the 900m descend.  I don´t have the best knees and balance so this was extremely more difficult for me than just mentally climbing uphill.  I made it down but it wasn´t fun.  Inspiration was that at the campsite there were a place for hot showers (5 soles).  After 3 days of that hike hellz yea I´m going at it.  Everytime I passed a girl I got happier because that was a girl I beat to the shower.  I had no problems getting a shower when I arrived back in good time.  People behind me were a different matter.  I saw the lines to the shower later on reaching into the night.  Sucks for them.

Day 4 (the Site)

Wake up time–4:00 AM.  The porters had to catch the early train home or else they won´t be able to leave until nearly 6:00 PM.  Everyone was on a rush high and we waited by the start gate.  I got up in the rush.  And I must say, I´ve never hiked that fast for that long a period.  The other days I just went at it at my own speed but I was tailing it today because there were these douches behind me I refuse to lose to.  So I climbed up each fucking step with a fevor and when we got to the gringo killer stair hike I fucking bolted up there.  We finally arrived to the Sun Gate but unfortunately that early in the day the Cloud Forest was still at its peak and I saw nothing but clouds.  Then I hiked downhill for another 45 mins  – 1 hour to Machu Picchu and at first it was consumed in clouds and I couldn´t help but thing ¨Great…I was fortunate in weather this whole trip with no rain and today I can´t see anything!¨ But by 8:30 AM everything cleared and low and behold…the best view in the world.  It was all worth and I can´t say enough how awesome the whole experience was.  Everyone capable should do it.  Taking a train to the site if you´re able to do the hile is pussy shit.  You get no pride and glory.

I certainly am filled with it.