tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3521449270687589652024-03-18T22:06:50.677-07:00Where in the world are Lauren and Chris?Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-84009003135179471922013-03-10T11:54:00.004-07:002013-03-10T11:54:49.131-07:00The Last Chapter...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here we are, sitting on the
last plane of our trip! It's a lot more bittersweet than I thought it would
be. We have definitely been looking forward to going back to Vancouver,
but now that we're actually there it's hard to believe that the adventures are
over (for now)! On the other hand we are so looking forward to seeing friends
and family again. The more I travel, the more I appreciate how incredibly
beautiful Vancouver is, with the mountains to the North, the ocean, Stanley
Park, false creek and the fact that it is green green green in both meanings of
the word! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have so many pictures to
sift through, bags to unpack, and various odds and ends to take care of, but
more than anything we've been left feeling like we did everything we wanted to
do and more on the trip and on top of that we have met countless people along
the way who were really what made our trip so memorable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Tomatina Festival left us feeling pretty damn exhausted, but the night in an actual hotel room was heaven- what a great sleep!! We had dinner in Barcelona- one last paella, yum! The hotel room was actually a fall-back seeing as we were trying to hit up a campground but it was 60 Euro for one night!! So we payed 80 or something for a real room. Absurd, but in the end awesome!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a ridiculous argument over whether or not it was worth it to pay for the breakfast buffet in the morning (Chris 'won', and we stayed for breaky. After traveling for so long together, you're bound to have a few silly disagreements that you can later look back on and laugh at), we headed
back towards Switzerland to stay with Ketty once more. We showed up late only
to be surprised with a traditional African meal, with outfits and everything!
We were so excited to share in her traditions from home and the food was
absolutely amazing! Both Nico and Ketty have been so good to us, we hope to
return the favour one day! We took some pictures after creating our African safari background and had a great night catching up. Nico was flying in from Africa in the morning and going straight to work so we popped by for a tired hello/good-bye on our way towards Luxembourg.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does it look like we're in Gabon?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqVDUBSChM5ALeMO1oCTFFgYPsyGZAxgZ0tiJVKLJyupWdDhEOPUTKENVRMIxhJq6k6IPhkhKA0Lodc0dxoqrDrkIdoGLEghIEAoix7hNvY8RwbxTohw7JDld4XoPs9uZ8aAaXhP6OTQ/s1600/IMG_1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqVDUBSChM5ALeMO1oCTFFgYPsyGZAxgZ0tiJVKLJyupWdDhEOPUTKENVRMIxhJq6k6IPhkhKA0Lodc0dxoqrDrkIdoGLEghIEAoix7hNvY8RwbxTohw7JDld4XoPs9uZ8aAaXhP6OTQ/s1600/IMG_1213.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We met up with our buddy Onur in Geneva! We first met him in New Zealand, how cool is that?!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I must say that Chris is generally an organized person, especially for a guy. He loves his lists and is great at organizing events when he commits to them, and I love that we shared the job of Couchsurfing communications during our travels. Unfortunately, he had one small error, accidentally replacing the word 'Friday' with 'Saturday' and as a result, we showed up at our hosts' doorstep to some shocked faces. "You had said you would be arriving tomorrow..."! Oops! Anyway, it was Jean-Marc and his family of seven kids- what's a couple more people? Of course they were having family over that night (a four-person family), so now they were suddenly entertaining and feeding 15 people! We had an awesome night having home-made sushi- what a fun activity for the kids! There were bowls of different accoutrements all over the never-ending dining room table and we had small hand-sized squares of seaweed, so it was like making Japanese tacos. Delicious! Maybe the kids will come visit us in Vancouver one day (though let's hope not all seven at once!). Honestly, you have GOT to check out Couchsurfing!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgI_f3tq9IlysRZcORvgJksIRGFRCpU14YBCtWsYN72-UFIAti3sl-sPwAozYRECYdCAIOwr7-dfNEYs-yR-2dxhomSNsLghvML0O73-UGvFdv4ordv1DVm0vnYKtogKRgG7JEqKjXiI/s1600/IMG_1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgI_f3tq9IlysRZcORvgJksIRGFRCpU14YBCtWsYN72-UFIAti3sl-sPwAozYRECYdCAIOwr7-dfNEYs-yR-2dxhomSNsLghvML0O73-UGvFdv4ordv1DVm0vnYKtogKRgG7JEqKjXiI/s1600/IMG_1220.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93RPyGl69uCHEjNSxcglC7wZVEOyBDIXZArs_C0vQVyFpbcDgzwtLBIYyHWObsZL940DnfZjksG0Zu0KP2sqfBmnTkrK_0XoTuOTc4G7ieg55X1DZu5Vi2Iy5ZXfXmHN-07fH2rnMfw0/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93RPyGl69uCHEjNSxcglC7wZVEOyBDIXZArs_C0vQVyFpbcDgzwtLBIYyHWObsZL940DnfZjksG0Zu0KP2sqfBmnTkrK_0XoTuOTc4G7ieg55X1DZu5Vi2Iy5ZXfXmHN-07fH2rnMfw0/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was our last day in Europe, so we headed out fairly early, headed for Luxembourg. Here in 'Lux city' we saw the coolest street performer. Everyone gathered around to check out the illusion! We walked around a bit, but with little time to spare and after having seen soo many main squares we decided to just buy the traditional shot glass to add to our collection and move on. We detoured through Belgium JUST so that Chris could by a shot glass, but ended up in a really cool city which we both liked a lot, called Liege. We walked around the main area (starting to see a trend here?) and did a bit of last-minute shopping for chocolates and a giant bag to help us carry all our stuff home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, we made it to our last stop, Dusseldorf, and where we would meet up with our first and our last CouchSurfer for the Europe leg of the trip, Joe. We popped some champagne to celebrate all of the memories we have to look back on through our travels in the last 7 months. Chris and I both value the people in our lives so much, and I think one of the highlights for me was meeting people from all over the world and sharing experiences and stories. We met them as a couple, and learned about each other through listening to stories and opinions shared. What I love about the people we met is they were all so open, so kind, so happy. Sharing the love of travel gives you this mentality and I hope we hold on to that openness and desire to share our lives with everyone we meet in it as we return to life back home.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe! Our very first (and last) CouchSurfer in Europe!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking of important people in our lives, I can't imagine ever being able to do this trip with anyone else. Chris, to me, is the ultimate travel companion- he is up for anything, reminds me of the things that are most important, knows how to make me smile no matter what the circumstances, and has such a happy, easy-going personality that it's no wonder everyone he meets almost instantly realizes how awesome he is. There were definitely bumps in the road and we learned a lot about each other (for better and for worse) along the way, but I'm so excited for what lays ahead for us after passing this ultimate relationship test with flying colours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking back I can honestly say we're happier and closer than ever, so thanks babe! I wouldn't have wanted to be:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">dodging the cyclonic rain of Fiji, digging 'wobbles' the van out of pea gravel, partying until mugged at the Full Moon Party, sweating (and let's be honest, complaining) in Anchor Wat, braving the animal market in Bac Ha, breathing in the dust of Aswan, tandem biking the streets of Amsterdam, beer-tasting in Belgium, CouchSurfing through Europe, posing in front of the Eiffel Tower, freedom camping in Germany, hiking through the hills of Austria, checking out the Prince's palace in Liechtenstein, listening to the cowbells in Switzerland, sunbathing in Nice, surfing the internet in McDonalds, wine-tasting in Provence, getting kicked out of a lake in Carcassonne, indulging in unique views at the pool in Andorra, swimming on the coast of Spain, walking (with difficulty ;) through the streets of Marrakech, riding on a donkey-pulled platform through the outskirts of Asilah, navigating the streets of Europe for countless hours and finally getting sprayed in the face with water, fighting to stay on my feet and dodging tomatoes at La Tomatina,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">with ANYONE else!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPOnYNq5Y-TiJLI9mq2mU4S-QyzqFQ4jvM13BvbDX8U3u5F7_DhsQJGerTvz7UaOxKaWkruUExeNmKYmIW5Ujm-gB-8kEVKv5gXmfherdCdBQYof-fITQFpmQrWNbX3gO3pUbLF-7waM/s1600/IMG_1264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPOnYNq5Y-TiJLI9mq2mU4S-QyzqFQ4jvM13BvbDX8U3u5F7_DhsQJGerTvz7UaOxKaWkruUExeNmKYmIW5Ujm-gB-8kEVKv5gXmfherdCdBQYof-fITQFpmQrWNbX3gO3pUbLF-7waM/s1600/IMG_1264.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To Chris, I love you more than ever, and can't wait to top this adventure with all the more to come in our lives together!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To everyone we met along the way, we hope to meet you again and will eagerly have you to stay if you ever come to Vancouver. Thanks for all the memories and big love to you all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To all back home, thanks for following along and sharing in our journey! Happiness and adventure are that much more awesome when you share it with those you love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until the next adventure then,...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Much love, Lauren and Chris!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ha ha, we MADE IT!!!!!<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Peace Out!!!</span></div>
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Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-66247821117020369682013-03-09T18:03:00.000-08:002013-03-09T18:03:31.779-08:00Going out with a bang (and a tomato in the face)<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ahk5ja43N0jdLoqq5Dh7jd7ri8Qldo1e6Nk3f_TK9IKryXC_lgxVgN5TSkSR99r0PhBRIupuMO3YHQEf6eDbdBJ0UpNpThKr7y4AfWfNKDhsnuDwjcQMBqAekEC3rjlSpUpAcmed8uw/s1600/IMG_1121.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ahk5ja43N0jdLoqq5Dh7jd7ri8Qldo1e6Nk3f_TK9IKryXC_lgxVgN5TSkSR99r0PhBRIupuMO3YHQEf6eDbdBJ0UpNpThKr7y4AfWfNKDhsnuDwjcQMBqAekEC3rjlSpUpAcmed8uw/s320/IMG_1121.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We definitely went out in style, finishing our trip as planned, at La Tomatina!!!! For those who haven't heard of this event, it is an annual festival in Bunol, a small town 40 kilometres inland from Valencia in Spain. The premise is that basically it is a giant tomato fight. We had seen some pictures and read about it and thought it would be a fun, crazy thing to participate in. Well,,.. it was definitely crazy, the jury's still out on the fun part! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Couchsurfing also has an activities section, and the happened to be two groups organizing a meet-up for La Tomatina. We thought this would be perfect as it's one thing that we really wanted to do with a group of people so we didn't just end up hucking a couple of tomatoes at each other. We met up with almost 30 people in Valencia from all over the world, but of course mainly Aussies! After a few beers and a lot of "so how long have you been traveling for?" and "where are you from?" and "where have you been in Europe so far?", we linked up with a few choice couchsurfers to head into Bunol to party for the night. The town was crawling with loads of people who had turned up for the event. Down all the streets restaurant tables were set up outside and people were having tapas and drinks and good times. We wandered around with Megan, a fellow Kiwi who bummed a ride with us into town, and purely by chance ran into another couchsurfing group who had met up in Bunol. We partied and danced to Spanish music. They have a spanish version of 'yankee doodle', which actually seems to still be popular for some reason. There were tons of Japanese tourists at the event dressed in crazy costumes, looking like contestants on Wipeout. Fair enough as it doesn't get much quirkier than this and based on their game shows, I think the Japanese get a kick out of quirky. We headed back to the car for a couple hours of sleep and to our surprise there was dance music pounding at full blast in the property right next to where our car was parked! We were too, um, 'tired', to care and threw in some earplugs to sleep a bit before the events the next day. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couchsurfing is AWESOME! Cheers to that!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPjMaS_Yhevq9QDa8BZHuh7v2C8wo23aPDf-f1SW1aYKRwbV-_PfNS7B02ymXAJiBCUtQcmqFC_3cI6Ch2jYOWlxQtCT9rYrYrdhOlLK0A_3WNoSwAPAfwOHyEWZfOD7kQqJH8BuUUVw/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPjMaS_Yhevq9QDa8BZHuh7v2C8wo23aPDf-f1SW1aYKRwbV-_PfNS7B02ymXAJiBCUtQcmqFC_3cI6Ch2jYOWlxQtCT9rYrYrdhOlLK0A_3WNoSwAPAfwOHyEWZfOD7kQqJH8BuUUVw/s320/IMG_1162.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We woke up bleary eyed in the morning to the same blaring music like we'd never slept a minute's sleep. We picked Megan up off the ground beside our car where she'd slept among another half-dozen partiers, and headed down to the main event! This town is pretty small and they get a good 50,000 people who come in for the event. It was 8:30 in the morning and the tomato-chucking trucks didn't roll in until 11, but you have to go early if you want to be in the thick of things because there are so many people that you wouldn't be able to make it through the crowds otherwise. The other reason you go early is to experience the ridiculous but endless entertainment of the greasy pole. Yes, that is correct. Every year they put up a wooden telephone pole and attach a ham to the very top of it. The goal is to climb up to the top of the pole to get the ham. The challenge? There is about an inch of pig fat covering the entire thing from top to bottom! It was a hilarious scene: there were people trying to go it on their trying to reach as high as they could, taking running jumps and straight back down to the bottomw. Then people start to climb on top of each other, with feet in faces and elbows to the head, shirts being ripped, it was mayhem! Each time someone would get a bit higher than previously they would grab handfuls of the pig fat and throw it into the crowd and everyone would cheer at the progress made. One japanese girl was giving a go scrambling up the backs of a few tough guys and wrapped both legs and arms around the pole like her life depended on it! Someone grabbed her shirt and her boob popped out for all the thousands of people to see. She wasn't giving up though, she braved the laughing cheers from down below. Still, her efforts proved fruitless. Another favorite contender was a black guy who looked like he'd recently competed in the Olympics he was so ripped. People cheered for him every time he hit the pole by yelling "Uss-ain Bolt! Uss-ain Bolt!". I only learned this after the fact when Chris explained to me. Here I thought they were yelling "Use that pole!". Failed again! Ha ha! It was sweltering outside and we were shoulder-to-shoulder standing in a stagnant crowd for over two hours waiting for the tomatoes. We turned to the locals in the metal cage (yes, they were!) with pressurized water hoses and begged them for 'agua', and every once in a while they'd spray us and we'd be refreshed for a few minutes before we turned back into a sweaty mess. We learned from previous tomatina vets that there was no way our flip-flops would make it out alive, so we taped them to our feet. We also knew that supposedly the tomatoes were delivered by trucks that drove down the street. With us already being too close for comfort to each other it was difficult to fathom how we would ever make room for a giant truck to drive through the people without anyone getting trampled! Finally a four-man chain was made so that a guy could just reach the netting encasing the ham. He pulled just a big enough hole that after he had slid down the crowd was able to shake the ham free! And just in time!</span><br />
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<a href="http://vickyandtim2012.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/palo-jabon1.jpg?w=490" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://vickyandtim2012.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/palo-jabon1.jpg?w=490" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">The gun went off to signal the beginning of the tomato fight and things turned to chaos. We quickly realized the potential of the water hoses - they had the pressure of a fireman's hose and rather than a gentle hose down were being blasted into the faces and orifices of innocent tourists! It was a good fifteen minutes of blasting and we were just starting to question whether it was in fact a water fight rather than a tomato fight, when we caught glimpse of the first truck. It started off slowly, we caught glimpse of the odd tomato. Chris got the first one of our group in the face! Then, the trampling began as people tried to make way for the truck. Check out this video clip to see just how much of a struggle it was to stay on your feet!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://youtu.be/0sXtT4Nx9hY" target="_blank">Tomato-fight Footage!</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things quickly turned from hilarity to intense chaos which was, frankly, kind of freaky! I was clinging to Chris like my life depended on it, to avoid falling over and being trampled! Our arms were like useless chicken wings trapped at our sides, yet we somehow were able to shuffle towards the side of the street. Here, we hit the wall of people smushed up against the building and were safe, as no matter how hard someone pushed on us there was nowhere to move - thankfully! The first truck honked it's way through the masses and the tomatoes were flying! We stood frozen in place, me with my swim goggles on and Chris bravely bracing the blows. Doesn't it sound awesome!? There were five or six giant dumptrucks full of tomatoes and in between the arrival of each one we were blasted once more with the fire hoses. I guess it was actually a blessing in disguise, having the tomato seeds and juice rinsed out of your orifices so you could have a few clean breaths before the next truck arrived. I think I maybe threw three or four tomatoes, albeit not very far since I couldn't exactly get my arms out from beside me. The trick is you have to patiently wait until a tomato lands in the crevice of your elbow. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I felt like a velociraptor
throwing those things- without being able to move my arms all I could really womp up was a hard wrist-flick to launch the tomatoes. Not the most effective method, but I did what I could.
The girl beside us was crying after we were only two trucks in... again, oh the
joy! Best event ever!! We continued to get pummeled and squished and it seemed
like everyone around us was trying to convince himself that this was really
fun. Just when you thought it would never end, the horn sounded for a second
time, to end the tomato toss.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">You could
really tell that everyone respected that bell. We couldn’t believe how everyone
just dropped everything- how ironic that the crowd could be so orderly after
such an absolutely insane hour! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
streets were clogged with tomato pulp and water and a sea of floating
flip-flops and people began to wade their way out of the main drag. We slowly
marched en masse, tomato caked through our hair and wiping juice out of our
eyes, with mixed emotions of pride and relief that it was all over.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/la-tomatina-2012-spain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/la-tomatina-2012-spain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This isn't even quite in the main square...!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is almost exactly where we were standing! I couldn't find us in the picture though :(</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The locals just lapped up the sight of all the beaten tourists, but were kind enough to hang outside of their property with
hoses to rinse everyone off after the event. Chris’ favorite local was one who
was spraying people with his hose in one hand, while in the other he was
happily smoking hashish from his hookah. Classic! We eventually cleaned ourselves
up enough to warrant getting into our car to head for the ocean! One last swim
in the Mediterranean and we were good to go, mostly tomato-free, and relieved
to be able to move around freely and enjoy having our personal space back. What a way to end our crazy travels! Just a few more days of visits and driving and we will be flying out of Dusseldorf before we know it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately my jandals were retired post-Tomatina, after 7 months of almost daily use during our travels!</td></tr>
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Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com046360 Buñol, Valencia, Spain39.424357 -0.7863170000000536739.4120905 -0.80648700000005369 39.4366235 -0.76614700000005365tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-72599653850979867062012-11-14T19:24:00.000-08:002012-11-14T19:24:34.757-08:00Viva Ethpana....?<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-rYenSZzBymCPgcquz_ZdPg2bOfHTUovWsMvK-s463jbq7T3DjUJpEMQR7IthcYHKC_Z0Q30y9WHtoxvFYuZad8DcZBfHR4s5q1n2NLdxPcBY1ba27jhjk9RrMX7U5MV5mWJ78cunfs/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-rYenSZzBymCPgcquz_ZdPg2bOfHTUovWsMvK-s463jbq7T3DjUJpEMQR7IthcYHKC_Z0Q30y9WHtoxvFYuZad8DcZBfHR4s5q1n2NLdxPcBY1ba27jhjk9RrMX7U5MV5mWJ78cunfs/s320/IMG_0212.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span">Next stop Barcelona, my favourite European city! Wandering down la Rambla, drinking Sangria, marveling at Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, and hitting up one of the beaches full of beautiful Spaniards after a long day. What I love about Barcelona is not that it is necessarily the most picturesque or even the most friendly place, but it really has a little bit of everything for everyone! Chris and I camped for two nights here as this city is way too popular for us to be able to find hosts who weren't already booked up. We were literally 50 metres from the beach, a perfectly sandy beach with no rock to be seen and a man from Pakhistan selling cheap cold beers like they do on Wreck beach in Van! We were so torn because on the one hand we wanted to have time to check out the city but on the other, we kind of had it made there too! We spent the first night dedicating a good hour (at least) trying to finish a fishbowl of sangria each while people-watching on La Rambla. Spain just seems so completely different from the rest of Europe. One of the most noticeable differences is the fact that their daily schedule is completely different - the siesta screws everything up! An afternoon nap does in theory sound like a great idea, unless you're the odd one out who needs to actually accomplish something during that time. Then it gets tricky! Often places seem like a ghost town between 2 and 5pm and dinner isn't eaten until 10pm or later! You can distinguish tourists from locals based on who's sitting down at a restaurant to eat at 7 in the evening. This also becomes somewhat problematic if you're trying to sleep in a campground at midnight after a long drive and the local kids are playing a post-dinner soccer game. Although generally there's nothing better than the sound of children's squeals of laughter, call me crazy but it seems a little out of place at 2 or 3 in the morning!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We dedicated a day to Gaudi, checking out Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, La Pedrera and Casa Batllo, all featuring the uniqe architectural features that are distinctively Gaudi. The inside of Sagrada Familia is finished, which was absolutely mind-blowing to see! When I was there seven years ago it was all scaffolding. Now it is full of stained-glass windows and pillars and a ceiling that combine to mimic a forest with a canopy of leaves on the top. Every city in Europe has a cathedral, but nothing is as unique as this building. It's meant to be finished by 2020, maybe we'll have to go back to see the final product! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7MalwlHckN9HY4DLv6GKsg7VbI_6zhOMscJQzoLV-q0_q4qTiLphYCbzRLO368uBp6P7GRQfJed4KnRA3a5SGfN7ghpmUjKtX4sIW2pMUOsN3ZD0jesIgrwHcpWTzqKzhKleqhlVtxM/s1600/IMG_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7MalwlHckN9HY4DLv6GKsg7VbI_6zhOMscJQzoLV-q0_q4qTiLphYCbzRLO368uBp6P7GRQfJed4KnRA3a5SGfN7ghpmUjKtX4sIW2pMUOsN3ZD0jesIgrwHcpWTzqKzhKleqhlVtxM/s400/IMG_0237.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The <span style="font-size: x-small;">inne<span style="font-size: x-small;">r </span>'canopy<span style="font-size: x-small;">'</span></span> of Sagrada Familia!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwFBRaWbRLAwkNwyNmQFA62SH3Y6MeE2RWraf5s95D-Dk_KSiDV1z2o4i3DheEj67_CUD6uqYeTcH0k03sAmvVw8HKpvMKGH2Wj9A1Vvbli2eU9uOegYcpVxvsoI5fCHe-Cu35Rjd9r0/s1600/IMG_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwFBRaWbRLAwkNwyNmQFA62SH3Y6MeE2RWraf5s95D-Dk_KSiDV1z2o4i3DheEj67_CUD6uqYeTcH0k03sAmvVw8HKpvMKGH2Wj9A1Vvbli2eU9uOegYcpVxvsoI5fCHe-Cu35Rjd9r0/s400/IMG_0278.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The outside is pretty crazy too!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crazy, Dr. Seuss style Parc Guell :)</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Enough of Europe for a while with its price tags and predictability! We want to rough it and have some shock value again! We decided to head to Morocco for one of the final weeks of our trip! We spent the better part of two days driving down to La Linea de la Concepcion, where we would leave our car with two couchsurfers for a week while we bartered our way around Morocco. Sascha and Bruna are an international couple from Germany and Brazil, respectively! And here we thought a New Zealand - Canada relationship was exotic! Sascha works in Gibraltar and it was interesting to hear his opinions about the Spanish culture and bureaucracy. Spain is currently having quite the economical crisis. There is a high rate of unemployment, especially among the younger generations. It seems as though it is quite a challenge to accomplish many things in Spain: buying/selling a car is such a complicated process that people spend twice as much as they need to to hire someone to do it for them. Apparently instead of trying to streamline processes in the public sector, Spain is trying to create more jobs and so often times things that should be simple become more complicated. We saw first hand the economic crisis because Sascha and Bruna live in a beautiful apartment complex with only maybe 20% occupancy, if that! In any case, once again we spent a night with people who were so easy to get along with and we looked forward to staying with them again when we returned from Morocco.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A little dessert hookah, anyone? Hanging with Sascha and Bruna :)</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6tBGeuwuyQKYj6_zxVgXXsGkRYWTzrUzI_Zt_ovGmUC_kvvpBdWkTO9JGF7HkcbKbvC5wTxxYgUvSRUvlhd3ldKKxKFbCSivG9LgGQDsmumtnu7V9M9wyatFW5BWzU_r7XVv-drW60g/s1600/IMG_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6tBGeuwuyQKYj6_zxVgXXsGkRYWTzrUzI_Zt_ovGmUC_kvvpBdWkTO9JGF7HkcbKbvC5wTxxYgUvSRUvlhd3ldKKxKFbCSivG9LgGQDsmumtnu7V9M9wyatFW5BWzU_r7XVv-drW60g/s640/IMG_0901.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The best we could do for timing! Gotta love late night swims...</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> We entered back into the land of public transportation with a day of ferries and buses and trains (oh my!) to land in Fez, Morocco. Fez is known as the most traditional city in Morocco because it has a medina (old city) that is the only medieval Muslim city that still functions as it did back in the day. Walking around its streets feels like going back in time! Coincidentally, two stops before we got off the train to arrive in Fez a man named Abdul (shocking!) came into our compartment who had a son that was living in New Zealand with his kiwi wife in Christchurch. He kept calling and calling on his phone to try and get through to his son so that Chris could talk to him. It was a little weird. At the station he pointed us in the right direction of a cheap hotel and some good places to eat and asked if we would like to see the tannery where he works the following morning. We thought it sounded too good to be true... that should've been our first clue. In any case he had also offered to have us over to his place to break the fast of Ramadan with his family, so he really did seem genuine. We agreed!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The next day we were guided through the streets of the medina. The tour quickly turned into a shopping trip rather than sightseeing and it really seemed as though Abdul was quite eager to get us to buy a bunch of stuff. The first stop was the tanneries, where we were given a proper tour and explanation on the rooftop of the tannery. From here we could see all the different steps taken to make the leather that Fez is most known for. Apparently one of the steps in producing soft leather is to soak it in a solution of water and pigeon poo for up to a week. The highly scientific term 'pigeon poo' would be somewhat amusing in regular English, but there is something hilarious about hearing it in an Arabic ESL accent. It reminded me of the Dutch woman at information who tried to explain to us in broken english that they had just had a celebration for 'zee homosexuals' (in English terms gay pride parade). Anyway, pretty funny. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The white containers are where the leather is softened with ze pigeon poo, and the darker pots are where the leather is dyed! Pretty cool :)</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The tour ended with the common explanation that we were welcome to look around but needn't feel any pressure to buy anything. This is the speal that actually means 'I plan on pressuring you more than you ever thought possible to get you to buy something'. It didn't really worry us though, seeing as we weren't going to buy anything we didn't want. We feel we are seasoned barterers now after being in Asia and Egypt! Second stop, the rug shop! We were told this was a government controlled shop so not to worry, all of the rugs had price tags! Nevermind that there was nothing in the store for under $1000! Here we met the best salesman we have experienced on our entire trip. From the moment we set foot into this shop, we had at least five guys dedicated to pulling out rugs of all colours and sizes and with a flick of the wrist unrolling dozens of rugs all over the room for us to look at. From the beginning we said we couldn't possibly afford to buy one rug. The solution? "Buy two! Take one home and sell it at an auction in Vancouver and you will get 8 times what you pay for it here! That will allow you to pay for the first rug you couldn't afford in the first place!" We were speechless. We were then told that Kiwis get a 75% discount on shipping because NZ gives Moroccans an 'import agreement' allowing them to get cheap Merino wool for their rugs **cough, bullshit, cough** This guy was good, but we held strong. Even after we had unequivocally told him there was no way we were buying a rug he said "I totally understand, you don't want a rug... but, you are only in Morocco once... just... which one is your favorite, you don't need to buy it, but just for argument's sake...!" We had to walk out on him and the five others, leaving them to re-roll the thirty rugs we left unsold on the floor. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh-3f_d3KoMUy6BC5brdZJ4_A2gaXOvIBLAy13YYURjhyphenhyphenkaHzIAtkF25B1jaQMhRmGxqpdAIBMxEvpxkBMkz6uDELYpDYnNUBl1nTOh-sIOJXxoO9TYKEwEwSPZ5Sp39CfwXPtahwvkk/s1600/IMG_0402.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh-3f_d3KoMUy6BC5brdZJ4_A2gaXOvIBLAy13YYURjhyphenhyphenkaHzIAtkF25B1jaQMhRmGxqpdAIBMxEvpxkBMkz6uDELYpDYnNUBl1nTOh-sIOJXxoO9TYKEwEwSPZ5Sp39CfwXPtahwvkk/s640/IMG_0402.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w9nc42sL7Y7AKj5rIdUAf5yK-Uc81N6DIGgODEvzDFSCKsHZbyJmAJ59oLn3JEMYx3ZR6ytwrJffCguUBXxesyzu4YaZDfm3e022g0siZ7WuRW6SS4fxyYyrc0u1wE7AIoZK4NkCkKg/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1YnZYTZOwnX4aIhiTbwYl5PXX_cGivUTFDwongN0VzmYaYmZ2ViyXyCA77-MLVOTg61tkj1Br4ESa-XsjVFuUOUIjihAInZdLnFD9WqN02LbYpBhgzii54mt8xx9ugjmsmwyr9gWRvY/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1YnZYTZOwnX4aIhiTbwYl5PXX_cGivUTFDwongN0VzmYaYmZ2ViyXyCA77-MLVOTg61tkj1Br4ESa-XsjVFuUOUIjihAInZdLnFD9WqN02LbYpBhgzii54mt8xx9ugjmsmwyr9gWRvY/s200/IMG_0399.JPG" width="200" /></a>Afterwards, we had a great meal on Abdul's recommendation, saw the sights of the medina and then were left to our own devices to peruse the shops of the medina and told we'd be picked up at 6:30 for dinner. That was the last time we saw him, we were stood up!! This led us to realize that he must have been taking a cut from the few things we did buy, although we really feel like we got the better end of the deal. We puzzled over the possible explanations of this scenario for quite a while and then moved on. We'd had a great day regardless! The medina of Fez sure did deliver in the 'shock value' department: the meat market had freshly skinned goat heads and we saw a chicken's throat slashed open- not for those with a weak stomach! There were donkeys used everywhere to transport goods through the streets that were way too narrow to fit any sort of car and the smell of the tanneries would creep up and smack you in the face every now and then. In short, it was awesome and unlike any other market or city centre we have ever seen. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the quieter side streets in the Fez medina.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Snake charmer!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Marrakech is the bigger of the two cities and quite different from the older, more traditional Fez. We stayed in the 'ville-neuve', the more modern part of the city, but within walking distance of the medina. Marrakech is home to such touristy gimmicks as snake charmers, horse and carriage rides and monkeys, all in the main square of Jemaa el Fna. We did a lot of wandering through the medina and shopping a bit more than we should've. If you're not doing an organized tour (which we decided against for various reasons) then experiencing the city is somewhat limited to shopping. The local cuisine is another part of the culture, which in itself proved to be difficult at times as the locals celebrate (do they call it 'celebrating'?) Ramadan from July 20th to August 20th. During Ramadan those of Muslim religion and culture don't eat or drink anything (not even water!) while the sun is up. I don't know the background behind why this happens during one of the sunniest months of the year. Wouldn't it be easier to fast during one of the winter months where there are fewer hours of sunlight? Hmm.. maybe that is the point though, and it's supposed to be a challenge or it would be otherwise pointless? Anyway, moving on from my internal thoughts. If I had the internet right now I'd just look it up, but no such luck... Ramadan was really interesting to experience, but if you decide to go make sure you go for the beginning or end of it so that you can experience Morocco during the regular part of the year as well. Many of the shops are closed during this time and people just kind of hide out because daily temperatures are high and energy levels are low. Sometimes it felt like we were walking in a ghost town and we weren't able to find a proper breakfast spot until lunchtime! Still, it was a really cool experience to be sitting near a group of Moroccans just before sundown to see them get out their dates and coffee and snacks and eagerly await the town-wide dinner siren. It's a time of community because no matter where anyone is or what they are doing, every single muslim will sit down and share a meal with his or her neighbour. Several times we got offered a snack of dates or something during the breaking of the fast.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sure would suck to spend the day completely surrounded in food you can't eat until sundown! </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of my favorite things about the Arabic african countries we've visited - fresh squeezed delicious OJ!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAueEys3-BfNAvNGkBNI8kEVJcbkAu5qJ5PCmCq-W_WOo71h3xeX555WQP3dp3Yyqu11Gu9OE5_TPlsv_HiF0rGXpwtHCEFz_-s6UT2DzUZ5vfLhnSRg21XJ-TJiS2CvJgcpqx-CtynV0/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAueEys3-BfNAvNGkBNI8kEVJcbkAu5qJ5PCmCq-W_WOo71h3xeX555WQP3dp3Yyqu11Gu9OE5_TPlsv_HiF0rGXpwtHCEFz_-s6UT2DzUZ5vfLhnSRg21XJ-TJiS2CvJgcpqx-CtynV0/s320/IMG_0625.JPG" width="320" /></a> We got to experience the celebration of the end of Ramadan and what a city normally looks like during the day in Assilah, a small coastal town 50 km south from Tanger. We were there for one day of Ramadan as well as a normal day, once Ramadan was finished. IT was such a contrast to see people socializing over coffee, doing daily chores, or opening the shop for sales during daylight for the first time in a month. We would have liked to see Marrakech or Fez at this point - they would've seemed that much more vibrant and colourful, we are sure of it! At this point we were really wanting a couple of full days at the beach so we went to this random town with sun-bathing in mind! The "paradise beach" was a little ways outside of town, but well worth it! The crisp cool Atlantic ocean kept us refreshed in the sweltering heat and the beach was lined with restaurants for snacks when you got hungry. We had a great two days watching the camels being walked up and down the sand by their tourist-hungry owners. A few tagine meals later, it was time to head back to Spain!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was our mode of transportation for a 45-minute trip back from the beach. Comfy!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our last day of public transportation was an absolute doozy. We left Assilah at 11:30 and didn't get back to La Linea until almost twelve hours later due to late trains, late ferries, late buses, malfunctioning bank machines, misinformation, you name it, it happened! It was a bit frustrating, but at least it made us that much happier to have our own wheels back for the remainder of our trip!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It was sweet to have a plathe to go back to in Spain. La Linea de la Conthepthion. What's that? Everyone here talkth with a lithp! It'th really difficult get uthed to. Do you thee what I mean? I thought I could underthtand Thpanish quite well, but it'th a whole different ball game down here! Chris says that he heard it was because back in the good ol' days there was a king that had a lisp and it evolved into a dialect. If that's true, it makes the accent even more ridiculous! Anyway, we stayed with our international friends once again and had a great BBQ after a day of hanging with monkeys in Gibraltar! We had no idea what to expect, and hadn't even planned to visit GIbraltar, but we heard about the monkeys on top of the rock and we had to go check it out. We watched the main street get smaller and smaller as we climbed up the rock on the gondola, shoulder-to-shoulder with a bunch of other eager tourists. Before we even arrived at the top we approached the platform where there were three or four young little monkeys jumping from rail to rail and playing with each other. That was only the beginning! Once you get out, around every corner there are monkeys of all sizes, who seem to be completely indifferent to the fact that endless groups of tourists are making funny faces at them, trying to pose for pictures, and taunting them in various ways. We were no better, entertained for hours watching these wild crazy monkeys steal people's ice creams and hats and play with each other. Chris had been hanging out for some good monkey watching and of all places, we finally ticked that box in Europe! We stayed there for a good couple of hours until we had to escape the heat. It was one of the highlight events for us in Europe, for sure!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Monkeying around...</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from the 'Top of the Rock'!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8bMpxSUgPqmZkX1AiKRM1ZEj0WUo6IaMziZh7jQEdrcRu9AZNA8FKuQ6DM4tmKWq36TkQ5rnQEVJcOtn6spLrAESyu9N15liQ0DerQetqf-nKadD0FUIboEzRx9uWydrj4CpQ6Xp_bw/s1600/IMG_0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8bMpxSUgPqmZkX1AiKRM1ZEj0WUo6IaMziZh7jQEdrcRu9AZNA8FKuQ6DM4tmKWq36TkQ5rnQEVJcOtn6spLrAESyu9N15liQ0DerQetqf-nKadD0FUIboEzRx9uWydrj4CpQ6Xp_bw/s640/IMG_0806.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He even tried to grab my kindle! Cheeky monkey!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Loving that we splurged for a great camera for moments like these!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLMsXeZw4GV9NHabmJWaTpF2XqAe9oIjFv8t9N2o5IHi1AFTkeq9p_RJ7sSqUL5r2GYpi6QjcBTLvsyBT4vBMYYgiVB44QUi5JCcBgcGxeRy76zuE1ekLaj9LBPy8G_dysh8nuX874EI/s1600/IMG_1092.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLMsXeZw4GV9NHabmJWaTpF2XqAe9oIjFv8t9N2o5IHi1AFTkeq9p_RJ7sSqUL5r2GYpi6QjcBTLvsyBT4vBMYYgiVB44QUi5JCcBgcGxeRy76zuE1ekLaj9LBPy8G_dysh8nuX874EI/s200/IMG_1092.JPG" width="133" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me and Toffee!</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Originally our plan for the end of our trip was to stop and stay in one spot in Southern Spain for a week as well as one spot in Morocco for a week. We had been moving around pretty quickly and wanted to get a more in-depth taste of a place (preferably next to a surf beach) for a change. Unfortunately, because there were so many things we kept wanting to see and do this never really happened. Still, we were saved from couch-hopping when we were accepted by Brian and Jane to stay at their place outside of Malaga for five whole nights! Score! We were so excited that we would have a 'home base' from which to explore Malaga, Granada and hit up a beach or two before heading homeward bound. We didn't know quite what to expect at first, as Jane and Brian are a bit older than we are (they <i>might</i> refer to themselves as "wrinklies"), but probably about five minutes after we pulled up we felt totally at home and for the next five days we had surrogate Spanish parents taking care of us and making us feel like part of the family! Jane and Brian are originally from the UK, and have the most fascinating stories and experiences to tell. They love to travel and have done a lot of it, so we found ourselves spending the evenings having a glass of wine and chatting about every topic under the sun. Their place is in the mountains about a 45-minute drive east of Malaga. It's a beautiful house that the two have made their own, complete with a beautiful swimming pool, great view and two little dogs who have the run of the place. We were in paradise and so happy to chill before heading on our epic road-trip back up to Dusseldorf. Every morning we had fresh fruit salad and the best marmalade ever (not together as a combination, but both equally delicious)! One morning we went for breakfast with some of their friends and got to check out the closest small town of Competa, a quaint town in rural Andalucia. Our last touristy day trip was to check out the Alhambra!!! I had recently read 'The Constant Princess' by Philippa Gregory, and throughout the book there are constant references and descriptions of the palaces of Alhambra and the Arabic architecture. I was looking forward to it! Well, it was beautiful, definitely, and it was completely different from anything else we'd seen in Europe, but we just felt like there was something missing or something that just didn't quite do it for us. Or maybe we are just over sightseeing for the moment! We did get some good pictures of the beautiful Arabic inscriptions and carvings. In any case, I'd give it one thumb up and say that the guide books sure make it seem like it is the most amazing place on Earth, but I much prefer Sagrada Familia!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the impressive water features in Alhambra</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fresh fruit salad and delicious homemade marmalade every morning in an idyllic setting - it sure was tough to leave!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqDnbu6lXFvA-8nL-vAjkj8GVSw0ozAfc7Zh8U9VMtmQDlIXVbsU-ee59cOFFoXls3LPgQNZZ7aGlTFWdJ960I7Yxwqct3_UQjb4OFpsKMOPA0fqs5IWpB6euaggCAJD2cSckHpoyPRA/s1600/IMG_1089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqDnbu6lXFvA-8nL-vAjkj8GVSw0ozAfc7Zh8U9VMtmQDlIXVbsU-ee59cOFFoXls3LPgQNZZ7aGlTFWdJ960I7Yxwqct3_UQjb4OFpsKMOPA0fqs5IWpB6euaggCAJD2cSckHpoyPRA/s640/IMG_1089.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not a bad place to relax! Notice one of the other family members - Kelly :) </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhxjvw16zokutP8d2HvdZG_8fxRhlblfaWmPWLusoOlooBs9DiljUkradARdVcnxo-quyOOP8WTqOTki5hL7dMlsARVWzcBBfYrrQHoX9Yznp-FM116teMFfRYFD8n4v226QFV3T4Mrk/s1600/IMG_1116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhxjvw16zokutP8d2HvdZG_8fxRhlblfaWmPWLusoOlooBs9DiljUkradARdVcnxo-quyOOP8WTqOTki5hL7dMlsARVWzcBBfYrrQHoX9Yznp-FM116teMFfRYFD8n4v226QFV3T4Mrk/s640/IMG_1116.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our amazingly wonderful hosts! We will definitely be back one day!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">We had *tear* our last day at the beach and at Casa Kirk on Monday. We had a fancy shmancy home-cooked meal, including rice with a least 8-delicious (you'll have to ask)! Next stop is La Tomatina and we will say goodbye to our Spanish padres for now and make sure to find the opportunity for a visit in the future. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We have less than one week left!!!! It is absolutely insane to think that a week tomorrow I will be back at work (yikes!)... I need to go have a moment of silence, and perhaps one more glass of wine...</span></span></div>
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Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-13805064491291972532012-10-16T21:23:00.000-07:002012-10-16T21:23:12.257-07:00La vie est belle!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Ah, Mediterranean Europe... Endless beaches filled with tourists, people playing paddle board, gelato stands, men in tiny speedos, bare-breasted women, and tans so dark you swear people here have been sunbathing for years, like its their full-time job. Gotta love it! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many busy beaches we lied on in the French Riviera... La tee da!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Nice was the first city we hit on the French Riviera, and it oozes with posh Frenchies. It's like Kits beach on steroids, where all the well-to-do people go! The city itself has fairly narrow streets in the old town with bars, restaurants and ice cream parlors filling the squares in between. It's a beautiful city, especially at night, to sit under an umbrella, sip on a glass of wine and watch people pass by for hours on end. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous winding mountain view drive on the way from Geneva to Nice! Tough on the stomach, but easy on the eyes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the restaurant-lined streets in Nice</td></tr>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Chris and I stayed in this amazingly James-Bond style apartment building that literally hangs out over the mediterranean! We got the hook up from some friends and stayed in what used to be the maid's quarters (small room with bed and shower, etc) for free! Score!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the rooftop of the place we stayed in Nice. Doesn't get much more 'oceanfront' than that!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> The driving habits of the French (especially in the South) took some getting used to, to say the least! Particularly the parking habits. We would be following the tricky GPS directions intently and then pull up behind a car at an intersection only to find that the owner of the car had thought it acceptable to park literally in the middle of the lane, sans hazard lights!<b> </b>On the other hand, some of the French drivers believe that having hazard lights enables the driver to park absolutely anywhere. This includes but is not limited to parking in driveways, on sidewalks, and most commonly double parking for hours at a time on single lane streets! The roads are already enough of a maze without having to dodge cars every few minutes! We did however follow suit a couple of times, embracing the car culture for a quick pee break. 'When in Rome', right? The other mind-boggling part of driving through Europe is trying to fit into the parking lots made to encourage every car-owner to drive either a Smartt car or a Mini. Just to get past the gate we have to tuck in our wing mirrors and there is absolutely no room for error on either side of the car. The streak marks on the cemented corridors show that not many vehicles make it out unscathed. The American truck population would have trouble adapting to the parking conditions in Europe - trucks just don't exist! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Some of the yachts in Monte Carlo</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">While we're on the subject, Chris and I went into Monaco to spend a few hours ogling the fancy cars and yachts in and around the famous casino. You can just imagine how important those rich guys must feel having a constant stream of tourists standing next to the door of their Ferrari, pretending to be its owner. I swear they get together with their rich buddies and take bets on whose car will get the most photo ops of the day. It's amazing how the principality of Monaco is so small that in order to house the overpopulous number of inhabitants, the buildings appear to be piled on top of each other with little room to breathe and limited green space. We're not exactly the pompous type, but it's crazy to see the frivolity of people with ridiculous amounts of money!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJW2Fnla2_QXgRe6wgFLSNNWfJZLoE58z68ht_u1M-Tf1XHnOql71Fhgbf2ZeZrKvW7xdE0wcpsDwSNwvaIJ_uu7oQeNul5fX04RFT-hLhJBl7V2H3ktXR6CgKDk9-iGkqO0eUGFgCaA/s1600/IMG_9820.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJW2Fnla2_QXgRe6wgFLSNNWfJZLoE58z68ht_u1M-Tf1XHnOql71Fhgbf2ZeZrKvW7xdE0wcpsDwSNwvaIJ_uu7oQeNul5fX04RFT-hLhJBl7V2H3ktXR6CgKDk9-iGkqO0eUGFgCaA/s640/IMG_9820.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lookout over beautiful French coastline!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Monte Carlo casino!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We then had some much needed beach time for a couple of days. Chris was pumped because he can float better in the Mediterranean than any other sea and it's way warmer too! Perfect! I was just happy to bask in the hot sun and read my book. We checked out Antibes and another beach in between Nice and Monaco. It was hard work having to embrace the beach culture but hey, we're here to experience it all so we did our part! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Heading into August and being in the popular mediterranean Europe area, it became rather clear that couchsurfing would be a challenge from here forward. We opened ourselves to the possibility of going to places that might be a bit more remote, but where we might meet people who are a bit less inundated with requests from other tourists and experience more rural areas in Europe for a change. This is how we met Christine and Olivier, a middle-aged, kind, English-speaking, motorcycle-driving couple who live outside of Orange in a small town in Provence. We left the 'French Riviera' to hit up Provence. Wow, both of those areas are do well known- we're stoked we got to check them both out! We stopped in Avignon just long enough to get a picture in front of the "Pont" (bridge). I was pretty excited to be in the city that's home to the song "Sur le pont d'Avignon, l'on y danse..." etc. You frenchies will know what I'm talking about! Then we continued on to Orange to meet our hosts!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pont D'Avignon</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Lucky for us, there was a Medieval festival going on in Chateauneuf Du Pape (great French name!). The area is a well-known wine region, as are most areas in Southern France! We spent a solid five hours at the festival tasting wines, trying local specialties like nougat, sausage, cured meats and sweets, and checking out some of the events. One of the best parts was the jousting Knight's competition, which reminded us of those people that re-enact medieval battles in their backyards as a hobby. These guys were in their element! We also heard a scottish band (?) playing in the old local church and had some wine from the barrels being carried through the village streets by a bunch of donkeys. Olivier was in his glory, knowing many people from the village and going to the front of each food booth to ask for a taster for his 'Canadian' friends. It was pretty funny, as there were quite a few other tourists from other parts of France and the EU, but Olivier always seemed to get a taste of whatever it was he wanted us to try! Christine cooked up a giant feast for us when we got home later. It must've been a four-course meal, with prosciutto and melon, ratatouille and lamb, cheeses and then ice cream to boot! The French down here know how to eat! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau Neuf-Du-Pape, the beautiful little town known for it's wine worldwide!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhECaGxXmgS5AHam0kMvWhg-VuPynT2RFLmZ1fCKt2VQBfjbR4hpXEpSXtW-cjyJ6P-lZ5UM87xuesL-6lfVV3AXD2VjPTszbtCkyZh7A8OG1fI7VvyY4QUPs-ZRE8wEPhUw7nxET7-4/s1600/IMG_9906.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhECaGxXmgS5AHam0kMvWhg-VuPynT2RFLmZ1fCKt2VQBfjbR4hpXEpSXtW-cjyJ6P-lZ5UM87xuesL-6lfVV3AXD2VjPTszbtCkyZh7A8OG1fI7VvyY4QUPs-ZRE8wEPhUw7nxET7-4/s640/IMG_9906.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the barrels of wine on the donkey! We got free refills kindly poured for us - pretty kick ass!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking good, I'm so scared!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_beIuTTx-WXv9Vx5h6xigpzlB3-Sf_tBufcEpQpvWi51B4NoBFQ6nrV6O81dtfO8heOTk6FGEUmgXkt8_kXMouBVY3zBIEyLlJmigKqiMfF2mXrewQRuh-Ezs7_s3HzhaCNTgpxcGnSE/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_beIuTTx-WXv9Vx5h6xigpzlB3-Sf_tBufcEpQpvWi51B4NoBFQ6nrV6O81dtfO8heOTk6FGEUmgXkt8_kXMouBVY3zBIEyLlJmigKqiMfF2mXrewQRuh-Ezs7_s3HzhaCNTgpxcGnSE/s640/IMG_0007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's harder than it looks!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Carcassonne is a city that was recommended to us, so we headed to check out the area and be somewhere a little less touristy. Considering it is in the middle of the high tourist season, other than Nice, Paris and Munich we have done well to avoid super massive crowds! We didn't really know what to expect of the area. All we knew was that Carcassonne is where the "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" movie was filmed and when you see the old town surrounded by fortress walls you can see why they chose that location. The medieval town is protected with 52 towers, making it Europe's largest city fortifications. It also has a drawbridge and is set high up on the hill which makes for a good-looking postcard pic. We tried to go into the castle, stood in a line of 50 people or so for a solid 20 minutes during which they processed maybe 3 groups of people. Apparently this was the norm, according to the ticket-ripper, so we decided to instead appreciate the castle from the outside and spend our saved time wandering around the narrow streets inside the rest of the fortress walls and swimming at a local lake. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHlqs4Eck8KMBEHJYJHfWivGY0xd0ooTPwdVKZ4w08xgI-Lx-s27le9YviZ3SVTj4tXUidF1_DyTob7bGYlsQNSLxUR77XDM_5hT7HzL0OLaN0kzKdWD9QGy2U7NKU6KriFiPCwUWyQ8/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHlqs4Eck8KMBEHJYJHfWivGY0xd0ooTPwdVKZ4w08xgI-Lx-s27le9YviZ3SVTj4tXUidF1_DyTob7bGYlsQNSLxUR77XDM_5hT7HzL0OLaN0kzKdWD9QGy2U7NKU6KriFiPCwUWyQ8/s640/IMG_0045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may or may not be Carcassonne... I think it is another random castle we passed along the way!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4AKbVUNJIC6wjvZxdWmcjDAydfNtc2IKvzfLvbUFzUtfQai5wSUiVQtOa78QjUZayK3fOX0zHTDp1XhrnFPftjiChwa99oonLKo5PFlPtkMB-Ja3cpHdpIRbXom7E8GudXzrKHvG21k/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4AKbVUNJIC6wjvZxdWmcjDAydfNtc2IKvzfLvbUFzUtfQai5wSUiVQtOa78QjUZayK3fOX0zHTDp1XhrnFPftjiChwa99oonLKo5PFlPtkMB-Ja3cpHdpIRbXom7E8GudXzrKHvG21k/s640/IMG_0096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is definitely Carcassonne! </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Normally in Vancouver if you go to a lake it is a pretty stock-standard event. It doesn't require description because what you do is generally typical and most of them are similar in layout. We have twice now been astounded by the lake culture in France. The first time we had to pay an entrance fee. During this second occasion we followed Garmin's directions down what seemed like a footpath for a good 15kms only to reach the lake and be flagged down by a pimply-faced 'security' guard. He told us we actually couldn't go through that particular gate and that we would have to turn around and go all the way around to the other side of the gate. Then he walked in front of our car for a good kilometre while he 'led' us back where we came from, even though the only other possible route would be to drive through the actual lake itself. So a good hour later we parked up on the other side of the lake at which point we were sweating and eager to jump into the water. We swam around for literally all of five minutes before some policemen showed up and started announcing something on a loudspeaker. It was so muffled I couldn't decipher the french, but we started to notice that people were responding to whatever it was he said by getting out of the water. There were the same security guards, using their whistles very officially and ordering people to get out! We were baffled, but politely obeyed and returned to our towels, somewhat frustrated at this point that our original plan of having a quick swim had turned into an all-day affair! We waited about an hour for a man to ride around in a boat with what appeared to be probeware of some sort. Every now and again a little girl would wade in up to her knees to fill up her sand-castle bucket and get whistled at to get back onto dry land. I'm surprised the police didn't start giving out fines to whoever dared to venture too far back in! We though it was a less than opportune time to test water quality, but it was all lost in translation to us and quite amusing in any case!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_AoRqboqWhCvHe4NClukxv7ttHuq4uI7GwagzZ48me78__rIy2STz9OR0-kyl67UW41RlktX5b98DRU9_jNxVNyE6vZZmSXNmGVy1BTl0JL_abl8xXe9HcvG5CmOsz1tzocV_HOihk4/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_AoRqboqWhCvHe4NClukxv7ttHuq4uI7GwagzZ48me78__rIy2STz9OR0-kyl67UW41RlktX5b98DRU9_jNxVNyE6vZZmSXNmGVy1BTl0JL_abl8xXe9HcvG5CmOsz1tzocV_HOihk4/s640/IMG_0103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The infamous lake</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Our last night in France was spent with Ivan, who was doing an internship at a winery in the area. We stayed in this old school-house that was part of the winery. He took us on a random, but unique tour of the area in the pitch black we checked out a place that is supposed to be an optical illusion - it's too hard to explain but in any case, it was memorable...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The next morning we checked out the area in daylight and our visit ended with doing a tasting led by Ivan in the actual winery. We can confidently say that this place was</span> one of the coolest winery rooms we've ever seen! What a great way to say aurevoir to France! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Before we hit up Barcelona we wanted one extra stamp on our passport - Andorra! We wound through the mountains of Andorra listening to the Ricky Gervais "Guide To...", an amusing series in which Ricky, Karl and Steve discuss various topics. The premise is that Karl is a small-brained Englishman with inventive answers to questions of opinions on the environment, health care, the future, etc. We should've stocked up on more podcasts and similar programs for our long drive back to Germany at the end of our trip! Anyway, Andorra ended up being really cool so we stayed for an extra night and did a hike up in the mountains. Chris decided to go on an epic hike around this lake, and I dipped my feet in the water on top of this mountain while listening to the mountain horses jangle their bells while grazing nearby. Andorra has a cool vibe because pretty much every single building looks like a ski lodge. Probably a good thing considering the main draw for the country is snow sports! The passport stamp was pretty cool too! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A picnic at our empty campsite, enjoying some delicious win<span style="font-size: small;">e <span style="font-size: small;">of the region!</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Overall impressions of Southern France didn't disappoint! If anything, they exceeded our expectations, especially with the awesome people we've met! Give us more!!! On to SPAIN!</span><br />
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Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-20220024248127144542012-09-03T21:14:00.000-07:002012-09-03T21:14:22.390-07:00The Hills are Alive!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Honestly, as soon as we crossed the border
into Austria we had images of Maria running through the hills with her ‘chewdren’
in tow wearing the latest version of drapes from the bedroom. I was shocked to
find out that actually the Sound of Music has never been translated and the
people we stayed with had never even seen it!! Actual scenes from the movie
were filmed very close to where we stayed. I was pretty excited about it. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbr4kBu2EgmgEj9jTagv2WLj5C3pe3kjqr9Yf3ByXX94nR6x2yQOR0sJa1uPGrytjH7p8VC-RyYOk20HPOg52z8Ewtg-95jCCPA0f-_X5dJ_bRZy9E3ICHyjW9LVh3i5EFw3jqJZ4cepw/s1600/IMG_9370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbr4kBu2EgmgEj9jTagv2WLj5C3pe3kjqr9Yf3ByXX94nR6x2yQOR0sJa1uPGrytjH7p8VC-RyYOk20HPOg52z8Ewtg-95jCCPA0f-_X5dJ_bRZy9E3ICHyjW9LVh3i5EFw3jqJZ4cepw/s640/IMG_9370.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from one of our hikes in Austria :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWOtH2L988WtembLfsTPETZWjNeHfIgdBsltBOyzoTjX_vB6w-p9G5c_f9eJ0OPBYYBVgct5BMb5GyH281s2rR-KmUcHk8isJ3Pi024pOcV1rwQnAzMXFT87GyVAa8X8oQDHP55Ubp40/s1600/IMG_9394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWOtH2L988WtembLfsTPETZWjNeHfIgdBsltBOyzoTjX_vB6w-p9G5c_f9eJ0OPBYYBVgct5BMb5GyH281s2rR-KmUcHk8isJ3Pi024pOcV1rwQnAzMXFT87GyVAa8X8oQDHP55Ubp40/s640/IMG_9394.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So green!</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US">We both didn’t realize how much we had
missed the mountains and open spaces until we drove into Austria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming from both New Zealand and Canada, I
think we take for granted the amount of space that we have in our respective
countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Europe this is totally not
the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Austria is another story! Anyway,
we met Sigi and Andy in New Zealand when we were at a campground for a night in
the South Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They weren’t supposed
to be home during the time that we were in Europe but lucky for us their plans
changed and they invited us to stay! We were taken in by Sigi’s family, who
wined and dined us and we sat out on the back deck of their beautiful home
eating and laughing and carrying on until late. It reminded me of summer nights
at my parents’ place and we both felt so comfortable and relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a little piece of heaven! Sigi and
Andy had quit their jobs before they went traveling and hadn’t found new ones
yet since they hadn’t even been home a week before we arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This meant we were able to spend two full
days with them. We went for a hike up one of the mountains and then to check
out Hallstatt, a 5000-year old salt-mining town! The Hallstatt village is so
popular amongst Asian tourists that they have completely replicated the entire
village right down to the road signs back in China! The Winterauer family has
an absolutely gorgeous typical Austrian home, complete with wood detailing
throughout the house, flowers at the base of every window and a kind of stove
that heats the main living area throughout the cold winters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They built the house on their own and it is
cozy like a cabin so we couldn’t help but feel relaxed. All the houses in Bad
Goisern, the area of Austria where we stayed, were on properties that were a
good size and surrounded by grass fields and trees. The grass fields were
unmanicured, with wildflowers growing like crazy to later be cut in order to
feed the cows in the winter. Speaking of cows, something unique to Austria and
Switzerland is that the cows each wear a giant bell around their neck. This
helps farmers to find cows that graze in forests or further away on the
farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s quite the sound to hear a
herd of cows all jingle-jangling away while they munch on the grass! We also
wonder if this in any way affects the cow’s sanity, having a loud bell clanging
incessantly right up in your face while you’re trying to enjoy a meal! We
stayed for three nights with Sigi, Andy and the Winterauer family and hope that
someday we’ll be able to return the hospitality!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpIjnDhqeg0MSqxp4znxpCtuHYnhh1VYYK3ZDBRaH5wEAMnQeY_VtJf5fcPnF9CDbMM8Sr5ADZtRNn6FuQ0DGfOv05uN_GhXi-rCyPukuG0_4y1Y-xl6a4h6KlZIz_3JlEoriaKaD0fY/s1600/IMG_9389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpIjnDhqeg0MSqxp4znxpCtuHYnhh1VYYK3ZDBRaH5wEAMnQeY_VtJf5fcPnF9CDbMM8Sr5ADZtRNn6FuQ0DGfOv05uN_GhXi-rCyPukuG0_4y1Y-xl6a4h6KlZIz_3JlEoriaKaD0fY/s640/IMG_9389.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Sigi and Andy at the top of our hike. There are huts on the top of most mountains where you can stop in for snacks and drinks. Not too shabby!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupsWuvmyUr5abyGaWM8rrGAIWreuTrblh9Nb-wjiapMoINOgHku5ttPvqI3Fq8J2uYc5gACZor1TVgP8HRWNKpg4-xidHxqffsXH7fsMmiQ3u8cmUOsLFUCCrDiWZfvsPrMiSBy34eeQ/s1600/IMG_9437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupsWuvmyUr5abyGaWM8rrGAIWreuTrblh9Nb-wjiapMoINOgHku5ttPvqI3Fq8J2uYc5gACZor1TVgP8HRWNKpg4-xidHxqffsXH7fsMmiQ3u8cmUOsLFUCCrDiWZfvsPrMiSBy34eeQ/s640/IMG_9437.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Hallstatt the cemetery was so small that they ran out of room, and when someone new had died, they would dig up a grave in order to put the new body in it. This is where the old skulls and bones would be stored. They were painted to honour the dead. Pretty creepy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVK8Njw38FofTguEto_jpVa8BHMQxGqqYlWIzdzvHWoN0_nk4fOOOT1SAsHYQosQGcH3zONjD3S02eutONGs-Za5pIvFxcMcevgVlAdO0SYUZPLqWUwZctQy8xICMaqN9p44xWyC2iO4/s1600/IMG_9443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVK8Njw38FofTguEto_jpVa8BHMQxGqqYlWIzdzvHWoN0_nk4fOOOT1SAsHYQosQGcH3zONjD3S02eutONGs-Za5pIvFxcMcevgVlAdO0SYUZPLqWUwZctQy8xICMaqN9p44xWyC2iO4/s640/IMG_9443.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KTG8cqVq-y4aOCcDe7HYQQP1FciTWpSS_7pF-JHPrLg4f7b1Hn1YXLJVkhvNVs9tA7UE70qvY9K_NfnEmrJTdFcuiDYmCCcQGIp0A4qcpqPp8iI0smd4A-NGHb4dDlQnr-HasitXglA/s1600/IMG_9462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KTG8cqVq-y4aOCcDe7HYQQP1FciTWpSS_7pF-JHPrLg4f7b1Hn1YXLJVkhvNVs9tA7UE70qvY9K_NfnEmrJTdFcuiDYmCCcQGIp0A4qcpqPp8iI0smd4A-NGHb4dDlQnr-HasitXglA/s640/IMG_9462.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like home!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ul4qIA4fyUyfFsJpfocnWSIq6-ARN6bZNKJnCZny4ZchBjVTDkChi1jK7RgyYNsSOiB2kaFpJmZL2UfISr0M8QbaqA_6OVz39ezfXdvf2n0_GPbRAnoJ3ZxjIO9JZvH_y_dSubAdI0s/s1600/IMG_9396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ul4qIA4fyUyfFsJpfocnWSIq6-ARN6bZNKJnCZny4ZchBjVTDkChi1jK7RgyYNsSOiB2kaFpJmZL2UfISr0M8QbaqA_6OVz39ezfXdvf2n0_GPbRAnoJ3ZxjIO9JZvH_y_dSubAdI0s/s640/IMG_9396.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Winterauer family household!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh5qNCR7T4RbLVAlID1tjM1VjIi-Asduj2lRis0zpgL4Qa_1Y27ze4gKSmlV_BeFt-S9ezBTfUHv5H212vMjKIqod0LoRvKX9KpWcRugsPGMfmFjKs8jK8r9_tPihrxtzPrj617cgZ4Y/s1600/IMG_9445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh5qNCR7T4RbLVAlID1tjM1VjIi-Asduj2lRis0zpgL4Qa_1Y27ze4gKSmlV_BeFt-S9ezBTfUHv5H212vMjKIqod0LoRvKX9KpWcRugsPGMfmFjKs8jK8r9_tPihrxtzPrj617cgZ4Y/s640/IMG_9445.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallstatt, the picturesque town.. this one is actually the original, not the Chinese copy (see blog)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US">We decided that we had to hit up
Liechtenstein because we knew absolutely nothing about it and it was on the way
to our next stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So stoked that we did!
The country is a small valley whose borders are defined by the Rhine river on
the Swiss side and the mountains on the Austrian side. Our CS host Evelyne has
had hundreds of people stay with her as they pass through. She had endless
stories of some of the crazy adventures past couchsurfers had been on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also told us that yes, the Prince of
Liechtenstein does in fact invite the entire country to his castle on the hill
for breakfast every year on Liechtenstein’s national holiday! Crazy! </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVaChlbu7i14aNl2vGZtIoOrY7jrV6OqtbC7YU3St7pSgsKJjTScW6RXEkntCoyNMp-fcBkKWS5RzJBh_CtMzITMtuWoh1GQvvxkfDkQFPb3qW6n-AHqaRNhD6jVPzh1nv5fkJkdCOzk/s1600/IMG_9555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVaChlbu7i14aNl2vGZtIoOrY7jrV6OqtbC7YU3St7pSgsKJjTScW6RXEkntCoyNMp-fcBkKWS5RzJBh_CtMzITMtuWoh1GQvvxkfDkQFPb3qW6n-AHqaRNhD6jVPzh1nv5fkJkdCOzk/s640/IMG_9555.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the only wildlife we've seen in Europe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeUgEEkaHmCLrOzUiNP6EpOstbkYUSYLMKKXJO80xq1Rewv7Ts4K6smm3XCxPvXGnyN4Hfwd-FMWV4c8YDQ67IusDCHegvo6klqKeWXLgEOBpAMnAccd6WwPRjcz7JU5zfI6hqcaOnrQ/s1600/IMG_9526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeUgEEkaHmCLrOzUiNP6EpOstbkYUSYLMKKXJO80xq1Rewv7Ts4K6smm3XCxPvXGnyN4Hfwd-FMWV4c8YDQ67IusDCHegvo6klqKeWXLgEOBpAMnAccd6WwPRjcz7JU5zfI6hqcaOnrQ/s640/IMG_9526.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The prince's of Liechtenstein's castle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NURaMvREfHkRD4lzxZu3kvUW_dHzhewFhdvdLZM33M-eP6qzGyKefkdGBs4O8LFelDVGv9PeWORgrA8qxK1FtuYiik7qA1Z_dCvSV_SRciBOChzMpixinzQS2CgU9SAvN47h-UUmJNU/s1600/IMG_9543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NURaMvREfHkRD4lzxZu3kvUW_dHzhewFhdvdLZM33M-eP6qzGyKefkdGBs4O8LFelDVGv9PeWORgrA8qxK1FtuYiik7qA1Z_dCvSV_SRciBOChzMpixinzQS2CgU9SAvN47h-UUmJNU/s640/IMG_9543.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to get used to the mountain views of the area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US">Embracing the mountain culture, Chris and I
did a couple of hikes in Liechtenstein and Luzern, Switzerland
respectively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both were on mountains
which in the winter season would be covered in snow and open as ski fields! In
Luzern, Raffael took us on a hike up a mountain to see a view of the city from
a bird’s eye view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learned the different
types of edible fruits and weeds on the mountain which was fun, and Raffael
also introduced us to some Swiss/Luzern specialties: chocolate, Rivella (a
sports drink like Gatorade that somehow has milk products as one of its main
ingredients!), sausages, and the best ice cream we have ever had and will
forever try to find again! Mmm, just thinking about that ice cream now in this
heat could drive a person crazy! Luzern is a beautiful city on the lake nestled
into a valley surrounded by mountains, as many of the Swiss cities are. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2vpgArU1UD5VheQL2lSMZfSq-HZ0CQ2aC_xHwO1W3hYw2JgECSLJXRqu1viVaBnFF4Of0qx4mu8g_c0xJqC-23PklWwVlQEONzqGUGcwGvrAH7ml7U1XOsy9C1C22kw8No-TtzguVww/s1600/IMG_9588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2vpgArU1UD5VheQL2lSMZfSq-HZ0CQ2aC_xHwO1W3hYw2JgECSLJXRqu1viVaBnFF4Of0qx4mu8g_c0xJqC-23PklWwVlQEONzqGUGcwGvrAH7ml7U1XOsy9C1C22kw8No-TtzguVww/s640/IMG_9588.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our host Raffael from Luzern. Chris is on his tip-toes and he's still shorter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US">Switzerland has four different national
languages –sure gives Canada a run for its money! We headed from
German-speaking Luzern to French-speaking Fechy, a beautiful wine region (of
which there are many in France and this bordering area in Switzerland). We were
driving to meet Ketty and Nico, a couple we had met back in Luang Prabang. We
were following our GPS Emily trying to avoid her having to re-calculate every
two minutes as we navigated our way through the winding roads of Switzerland.
On a side note, we have seriously been thinking about writing to Garmin to
suggest some improvements to their current model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure it works a lot better in Canada
because we don’t have tolls on every highway that exists in our country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This unfortunately is not the case in most of
Europe, other than Germany and the infamous autobahn where freeways are in fact
‘free’ and speed limit signs act merely as roadside decorations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of Europe’s freeways in fact cost up
to $12/hour! In any case, Garmin has a handy function to avoid toll roads. This
often leads to our driving down farmer’s driveways, through fields out in the
middle of nowhere and winding up switchback roads to climb up and over a
mountain instead of going around it! It makes for some scenic drives that’s for
sure, but often we find ourselves questioning why, if this is the most direct
route, there is literally no one else on it? Anyway, end side note… “Emily”
lead us up towards a hill looking out over Lake Geneva, through sloping
vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We figured it must be a GPS
error but as the kilometres dwindled away we found ourselves amongst a
neighborhood of beautiful homes thinking “no freakin’ way they live here!?”!
Well, actually Nico’s parents live there but were away and we were lucky enough
to be there for a BBQ at a beautiful house, swimming pool and all, looking out
over the beautiful vineyards of Switzerland! We have never had so much
delicious food served in one sitting – it was a five-course barbeque! Sausage,
steak, chicken, lamb and duck! Not exactly a vegetarian’s paradise but we were
loving it! The duck led to a big debate as Chris was convinced it was not duck
but rather beef.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Swiss people were
trying to convince him that no, in Switzerland the duck meat is actually a red
meat! Apparently this is actually the case and they even dug out the packaging
from the garbage to show Chris they weren’t having him on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he’s resigned to believing them by
now, though keen to have people visit Vancouver to show them what our duck meat
looks like!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hosts Ketty and Nico :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sADFmb83YL4Wj237gaIwgSvZQbbb_GoTCUjDhd2BTgV55feJjM3chn_rB3NCZw-lMqJSnLl_jNU0r0lhjcUPYwSSeYkULG8ProY-IloyechAXX4fAbpo5l8KI0cPcN99-RHZjD5wwm8/s1600/IMG_9631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sADFmb83YL4Wj237gaIwgSvZQbbb_GoTCUjDhd2BTgV55feJjM3chn_rB3NCZw-lMqJSnLl_jNU0r0lhjcUPYwSSeYkULG8ProY-IloyechAXX4fAbpo5l8KI0cPcN99-RHZjD5wwm8/s640/IMG_9631.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the property where we had the BBQ and stayed the night. </td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ketty and Nico, like many of the people in
the area, both work in Switzerland but live in France.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems to work great as France is way
cheaper and you can get better pay in Switzerland. During the time we stayed
with them we were hopping back and forth across the border and making sure that
our groceries and gas were always bought in France.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it was half of what the price would
be in Switzerland! Crazy, and I don’t understand how the Swiss gas stations and
shopping centres would ever get any business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is no control at the border.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You could go back and forth as many times as you like I would think! In
any case, many of the older Swiss people can be quite grumpy, especially in a
driving situation or if they feel like you are inconveniencing them in any
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This seems to be the case with many
of the older generations in Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or
is it just elderly people in general? I hope not, and that’s not our experience
in other countries. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZeUjUfU_HpSC7mpUg9SCbE1uWRu7y332xs6rfzlgui_zF55E08VOk1bE_7XRgLpxdk_E1McMFDUTu73B0t1pQY0L4I5XYK94k-JzDLZ8sWSt8F1w7YT3Vlf2l5QoGar-E0dE7MXaBlQ/s1600/IMG_9718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZeUjUfU_HpSC7mpUg9SCbE1uWRu7y332xs6rfzlgui_zF55E08VOk1bE_7XRgLpxdk_E1McMFDUTu73B0t1pQY0L4I5XYK94k-JzDLZ8sWSt8F1w7YT3Vlf2l5QoGar-E0dE7MXaBlQ/s640/IMG_9718.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took us three attempts to get the tour of the UN. Finally on the third attempt we succeeded! </td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US">Next we head down to Nice where we will hit
up the Mediterranean beaches for a few days! I am so excited! European
sunshine! We are also looking forward to it as we stopped at Lake Annecy, one
of the best swimming spots in France (in terms of lakes) and we had to PAY 2
euros each to swim in the damn lake!!! Unbelievable! Again, it makes us
appreciate where we come from, because this would be unheard of in Canada or
NZ!</span><br />
<br />
Love to those back home,<br />
Lauren and Chris :)</div>
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Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-56996266394257988932012-08-16T15:26:00.000-07:002012-08-16T15:26:39.152-07:00Paris, Munich, and everything in between!<br />
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Wow, I have to close my eyes and think back in time to when
we were in Paris. It seems like so long ago! We have been on the road in Europe
for almost a month now and everywhere we have been we have met amazing people,
one experience after another! <o:p></o:p></div>
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We drove into Paris late at night, thankfully, as driving on
the roads in this enormous city is something else, and since Chris had been
drinking a lot of the Belgian ‘best beer in the world’, I had the pleasure of
navigating the streets! For an old historic city it is insane how wide the
streets are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no marked lanes
and you find yourself in this free-for-all trying to fight your way through
each intersection and in and out of roundabouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was surreal when the GPS guided us past
the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiiffel Tower as we headed towards our
friend’s place in downtown Paris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met
Cecile in Cambodia and spent a couple of evenings having drinks and chatting
with a big group of travelers during our time there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She totally hooked us up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Literally a 10 minute walk from the Eiffel
Tower, the funky apartment she lives in is in the heart of Paris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paris is the most-visited city in the world
and you can imagine why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone’s
heard of the infamous Eiffel tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Louvre, Champs
Elysees, Moulin Rouge, I’m sure the list goes on. We spent a couple of days
checking out the sights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chris was
absolutely blown away by the size and detail of the Louvre both inside and
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lost ourselves in the endless
rooms of the museum, specifically the sculptures sections. Incredible!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvJ-7TMXZalVU6tbclOgvr71RFDcXCuX3doTVvnuyMHqK2MQ19gh9YqdgI9Fiej6bf1BtSd8OqKIa6T-IbIjmxVE8iiSkLxzLkIIN7nfllAtFAtYJlCNY6Zsr0gSqXmpnpEm_BiKSaoM/s1600/IMG_8376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvJ-7TMXZalVU6tbclOgvr71RFDcXCuX3doTVvnuyMHqK2MQ19gh9YqdgI9Fiej6bf1BtSd8OqKIa6T-IbIjmxVE8iiSkLxzLkIIN7nfllAtFAtYJlCNY6Zsr0gSqXmpnpEm_BiKSaoM/s640/IMG_8376.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many people may have cheesy pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower, but how many do you know of who also have said picture when there is a disco ball hanging in the middle of the tower?? Yeah!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_oQbN_hncKsjNl44rGSY0CkyMdjAhN3Uc6hLcQcZB7wt1d2y0oTXlgLzZ1i86cdLTtChCEhHbyg5fqZ85MHiCAKTmWO21gg1SPB861B5BB1CXM7fph5S9_tRKddVnmBrwVlRZ8r2XKM/s1600/IMG_8469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_oQbN_hncKsjNl44rGSY0CkyMdjAhN3Uc6hLcQcZB7wt1d2y0oTXlgLzZ1i86cdLTtChCEhHbyg5fqZ85MHiCAKTmWO21gg1SPB861B5BB1CXM7fph5S9_tRKddVnmBrwVlRZ8r2XKM/s640/IMG_8469.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In case you're wondering, we're in from of Notre Dame... get it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrmuy229qXISJOQ65KqbP0HWgseRFkQ4K1iTi4M29rAL3S6batSxFcQFHAGSzAXGLARWliCxsrbN-R9a0mlCkIvCi_khp90B7VnrapxtzShl8STqxGWoxaGlQBo7LJrAQCnxrTnxxNx8/s1600/IMG_8980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrmuy229qXISJOQ65KqbP0HWgseRFkQ4K1iTi4M29rAL3S6batSxFcQFHAGSzAXGLARWliCxsrbN-R9a0mlCkIvCi_khp90B7VnrapxtzShl8STqxGWoxaGlQBo7LJrAQCnxrTnxxNx8/s640/IMG_8980.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This absolutely cracks me up! We took way more photos than we should have under, on, in front of and beside La Tour Eiffel! Glad the sun showed up for that day!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflV3AkF4NMUgKq_jfR08-AihM2wMkKlColPTnG2F96FteJ00YHzcGYI46sES6zdd66SCTYOJsw55pAPC6ACJ8EebQX4Etst2y-BFSL2i9Y50lkmK12Uw2i28N4UXTEVjMWSgcQKAeXVg/s1600/IMG_8570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflV3AkF4NMUgKq_jfR08-AihM2wMkKlColPTnG2F96FteJ00YHzcGYI46sES6zdd66SCTYOJsw55pAPC6ACJ8EebQX4Etst2y-BFSL2i9Y50lkmK12Uw2i28N4UXTEVjMWSgcQKAeXVg/s640/IMG_8570.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will never be able to see this pyramid and not think of the Da Vinci Code!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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By far the coolest thing that we did in Paris was completely
by accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We happened to be there
during “La Fete Nationale”, France’s equivalent of Canada Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cecile’s friends were throwing a Mojito
Party, so we learned the art of mojito-making and then snuck up onto the roof
of a nearby apartment building to watch the fireworks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t see how we will ever be able to top
that firework experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sets the
bar at a whole other level when the beautiful Eiffel Tower is included in the
fireworks display. It was a pretty perfect moment we won’t soon forget! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlt9vGBivyx8Y-iNPgNEpM3_RPGfIfF8cRuezJSVVHIbe7pJ_2lf2hRb18j_t_O5pGrnHnVnwaKCPZSDq6cGth1qouaaQrT4-suTXLoKUkQnaYyiULVjs77fvVAkWrvvsESMgONPHuFQ/s1600/IMG_8765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlt9vGBivyx8Y-iNPgNEpM3_RPGfIfF8cRuezJSVVHIbe7pJ_2lf2hRb18j_t_O5pGrnHnVnwaKCPZSDq6cGth1qouaaQrT4-suTXLoKUkQnaYyiULVjs77fvVAkWrvvsESMgONPHuFQ/s640/IMG_8765.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eiffel Tower was fully part of this fireworks show. Still working on capturing the scene properly on the camera, but you get the idea!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Parisiens definitely have a distinctive
personality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily the people we spent
our time with were exceptions to the rule! Many people in the tourism industry
were amusingly Parisien: very to the point and not overly friendly. There is
also barely any English signage anywhere in this city that is the top tourist
destination in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that
also says something about the pride of the citizens of Paris and their French
culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s clearly their city and you
are very much only a (often unwanted) visitor. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom pointed out to us an article that came
out in the Vancouver Sun recently stating that there is currently a push to
encourage friendliness of the Parisiens towards tourists because the city’s
economy is strongly supported by the tourism industry. P****<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
We left Paris and hit the road, headed toward Munich (our
next big city). On the way we traveled through the Champagne region, enjoying
scenic vineyards and tasting the specialty of the region – Champagne, of
course! The problem with driving is the same reason why it’s so great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s awesome because you get to see so many
small towns and different places that you wouldn’t otherwise get to see; on the
other hand, every place is new and you can’t do it all so it’s hard when you
pass so many places you’d like to stop at but don’t have the time for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C’est la vie!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MOm98IKxSRgusZhQHLPOnjesDSWbGWUjEGdygRxyRwDUp2j5I3fHGhsUMJnPG2OExoTaCUR8tFy8Smub6h1asorm_n3IPP6wLEMePA3Q92qSPg55siq7SbTUXzCo2I8iTTszaYH8kpI/s1600/IMG_9015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MOm98IKxSRgusZhQHLPOnjesDSWbGWUjEGdygRxyRwDUp2j5I3fHGhsUMJnPG2OExoTaCUR8tFy8Smub6h1asorm_n3IPP6wLEMePA3Q92qSPg55siq7SbTUXzCo2I8iTTszaYH8kpI/s640/IMG_9015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGXW0BLFMA4xF1G_L26fRZzvqeHm-6iYEmShYLYOQg4TaYPwy3xs1K0YgkpYYgiPD1YyMO4MHIUNmOnLDW9N3cSFiZXHXHhJltaoxhdEu4D5CW63pKVdY61HcTCV-XQvMnSd3DIOI3vs/s1600/plane.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q-tqAGR5oxwtE4WD5bWKadpzhvos7cazK40llf4XdpCWePI7NMURjAYdvK7wlVrc66FWxqbroKCzOp6D7FaU4AP1Ftze4eo-ECoexrPHBeCj9oZJLH0BWZn7yDl03jkoP1whJA4XJ0s/s1600/IMG_9033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q-tqAGR5oxwtE4WD5bWKadpzhvos7cazK40llf4XdpCWePI7NMURjAYdvK7wlVrc66FWxqbroKCzOp6D7FaU4AP1Ftze4eo-ECoexrPHBeCj9oZJLH0BWZn7yDl03jkoP1whJA4XJ0s/s640/IMG_9033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris with his refined look. Ha ha, love it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Couchsurfing has been an absolute blessing! I am sure I will
go on about it as we continue our trip because it has absolutely made our
experiences in Europe! We stayed in a small village of less than 300 people
with a family of 9 (7 kids!!) who took us out for dinner, treated us like part
of the family and helped us to learn about the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was right on the border of France and
Germany. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hope to stay with them again
on our way back to Dusseldorf and have a bit more time to see the area! Next,
we carried on to Wurzburg, where we met Sara! Sara was awesome because we she
has a great place, and she made us feel at home right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sara entertained us with her love of American
television and I now have a newfound love for Modern Family! We learned some
key German words that we don’t really have equivalent replacements for in
English. In the couchsurfing community it really seems like you are constantly
sharing and learning from one another.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7-rUDJzTHAfltheUuUA7yjlBbM2hSV6NANdD_X8sdlUFmMIImo2i-RwNs9RtCUZU5gbvxapnj0VDBjWEeCWqvTjGz-jXoN6TycIlD-y_F8sJkusJf1nGkC9T1tWuWF3iNHPe48Dk51A/s1600/IMG_9112.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7-rUDJzTHAfltheUuUA7yjlBbM2hSV6NANdD_X8sdlUFmMIImo2i-RwNs9RtCUZU5gbvxapnj0VDBjWEeCWqvTjGz-jXoN6TycIlD-y_F8sJkusJf1nGkC9T1tWuWF3iNHPe48Dk51A/s640/IMG_9112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't get a pic with Sara, so we took a picture in her apartment instead..!</td></tr>
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What is it with famous places to see and them being under
construction when you’ve traveled a long distance to see them? My immediate
thoughts are of me and my friend Marie when we went to see the Acropolis in
Athens and it was covered in scaffolding.. you can no doubt guess where this is
leading. Chris and I spent almost two days driving south towards
Neuschwanstein, the German castle that most would recognize as being the Disney
logo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We camped overnight next to a lake
about 200ks away from the castle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
neared our destination the anticipation was building. Each time we turned a new
corner we would check to see if we could see the castle nestled into the
mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We turned a final corner and
saw… scaffolding. It covered the whole face of the castle. At first we thought
it must’ve been a different castle because it didn’t look anything like the one
we were expecting. No such luck! This was the castle we’d been waiting to see! We
then proceeded to get in line for an hour amongst the other hordes of
tourists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to the front of the
line at around 1300h (that’s how they write times here) and were told the next
English tour was at 1620h. What?! Seriously, a three-hour wait for a tour? We
even asked if we could go on a tour that was any language, but no, they were
all sold out! Naturally, we weren’t going to wait that long, so we enjoyed as
much of the non-scaffolded outside as we could. It was definitely one of those
days where we felt like luck wasn’t on our side, but even then it was still
pretty damn impressive!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigltE2h12zaEquVPWY71TDV_SjzxOXDE9xlhjYRjsBb6ZMysQLU3GA3RXL9BECRpfEPjcVOCeq_uOUmmPinZsLFM3S37XG9pN4il6SIsnnzewqbi93C74s7wmQTp3KXuzRxCwyH2tNAzA/s1600/IMG_9235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigltE2h12zaEquVPWY71TDV_SjzxOXDE9xlhjYRjsBb6ZMysQLU3GA3RXL9BECRpfEPjcVOCeq_uOUmmPinZsLFM3S37XG9pN4il6SIsnnzewqbi93C74s7wmQTp3KXuzRxCwyH2tNAzA/s640/IMG_9235.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The part that looks blurred is the beautiful scaffolding!</td></tr>
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<br /><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNEfCdAWGjUFhLMunkepMMEmQXxx0l-JhtqdnmEhqTTRwfprL2tV0u0lmb0pl7y14VPMD4xo0ex5iRcEUkA_9pFxe6rsoyoYXjV4gY_xMqc6uMEEkWNM5tnFWMQRj3nMlvzbiBMfQEwc/s1600/IMG_9186.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNEfCdAWGjUFhLMunkepMMEmQXxx0l-JhtqdnmEhqTTRwfprL2tV0u0lmb0pl7y14VPMD4xo0ex5iRcEUkA_9pFxe6rsoyoYXjV4gY_xMqc6uMEEkWNM5tnFWMQRj3nMlvzbiBMfQEwc/s640/IMG_9186.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The best party night we have had so far hands down was in
Munich. I guess we shouldn’t have expected anything less, seeing as it’s the
Beer Garden capital of the world. Peter definitely contributed to our
adventures though! He was our host in Munich and he showed us such an awesome
time! We went on a walking tour of Munich and it was even more amazing than the
one in Amsterdam! I’ll use pictures to explain some of the stories we heard
from our hilarious Texan (??) tour guide. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-eMeWtKnvdKTusKzgymAeEZyp3fvdb2MJq5_XHPI2EZwbSFsyGHuaRMApEmZm90lT4-Hm85RehvWBEc8stECPf8aAXG0urWbGJDeO2BSVa94inkVc-FgiWKDMzv1JuU23th-m7qWcUE/s1600/IMG_9286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-eMeWtKnvdKTusKzgymAeEZyp3fvdb2MJq5_XHPI2EZwbSFsyGHuaRMApEmZm90lT4-Hm85RehvWBEc8stECPf8aAXG0urWbGJDeO2BSVa94inkVc-FgiWKDMzv1JuU23th-m7qWcUE/s640/IMG_9286.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
This Opera house caught fire during the winter hundreds of
years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sprinkler system was
completely frozen so the owner ran down to the beer house to ask to use beer to
put out the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After much hesitation
they created a human chain, passing barrels of beer down to the opera house to
pour onto the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately the
citizens were beer-lovers and by the time the barrel reached the end of the
line it was nearly empty from the people taking sneaky sips along the way. The
opera house burned to the ground as a result, and in its wake was a line of
drunken men leading to the Hofbrauhaus!</div>
</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaV4CRbz7lMaFcFGFcZypZUwflwo52pcvthLm38CEkOLNcIt69VmG8MR0EK3-aX20RYwnGaJeFBzT5UrulSOu1bSgSnQZT74lOiV7667QB2GD4yITso39XNaolxZ0EoogwcYfnulxlRE/s1600/IMG_9283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaV4CRbz7lMaFcFGFcZypZUwflwo52pcvthLm38CEkOLNcIt69VmG8MR0EK3-aX20RYwnGaJeFBzT5UrulSOu1bSgSnQZT74lOiV7667QB2GD4yITso39XNaolxZ0EoogwcYfnulxlRE/s640/IMG_9283.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only in Munich would you be on a guided tour that has ‘break
time’ during which you don’t grab a coffee but rather a bottle of beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked around in a group of around fifty
people with beers in hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the tour
guide was using his beer to point out different sights along the way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg436JShtz2K1e1iqP4xqTW_IF8hn1rkqs83awyv5RvpGsP_mwQSyWEQHCB1einlzoj8PdA-z0mDIk6aAFzcrf76I7YRu0Uk4SFp13Z5qnv-zPuisc_sYCdDzhZ_EhzWuSLoCqMAkXN1Vc/s1600/IMG_9318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg436JShtz2K1e1iqP4xqTW_IF8hn1rkqs83awyv5RvpGsP_mwQSyWEQHCB1einlzoj8PdA-z0mDIk6aAFzcrf76I7YRu0Uk4SFp13Z5qnv-zPuisc_sYCdDzhZ_EhzWuSLoCqMAkXN1Vc/s640/IMG_9318.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hofbrauhaus used to be a gentleman’s club – no women
allowed! The story goes that it didn’t used to have toilet facilities, so men
would have to go outside to relieve themselves in the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This posed a problem though, because going
for a pee would mean giving up your seat and quite possibly your beer. This was
unacceptable!! What to do? Make a v-shaped trough under each table! This way no
man would ever need to leave his seat or more importantly his beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crazy, eh?! To extend this one step further,
each man would bring in his own “waterslide” as they called it- a long tube
used to prevent splashing and poor aim as a result of drunkenness. To this day
there remains a small amount of chauvinism – only the men’s bathroom is
outfitted with a vomitorium, based on the assumption that women are
sophisticated and never drink beyond reason!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the tour, we headed to get some food,.. and some
beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then we went to a beer garden
for some more beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night continued
like this until we ended up at the Haufbrauhaus, the mother-of-all beer
gardens!!! We met a crew there and had a ton of fun shooting the shit and listening to the authentic accordion music.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRB-MBuu1sQZEpVChKVsaH8Qy0A_1BkuuoWyT5mnmczBLznP867aDQoMuPEylj09BIHIMH2U2kwy7Iay_Sh8ORbJU-U2Ll6r3NyDATOpUOTCS_NCOPgurUMamDuSouCxXtrGSUSAGvZM/s1600/IMG_9312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRB-MBuu1sQZEpVChKVsaH8Qy0A_1BkuuoWyT5mnmczBLznP867aDQoMuPEylj09BIHIMH2U2kwy7Iay_Sh8ORbJU-U2Ll6r3NyDATOpUOTCS_NCOPgurUMamDuSouCxXtrGSUSAGvZM/s640/IMG_9312.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently in order to be a waitress during Oktoberfest, women have to be able to carry 12 of these bad boys. Guess I won't be doing that any time soon (but seriously there are 5 you just can't see the one behind the others!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMonekfUcJV2h7huMr4hbbQS3rOKvr0T-gXCKcHI-bY7AYsqAgdHujPHEZWkEvEmdg20K0p8T8vMIlDlHbRHouBDcExt8G5rFzmvHcPh-UxFOcMwVpJkrbPLUG8UCbvsPRPG9Bvqa3zuY/s1600/IMG_9317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMonekfUcJV2h7huMr4hbbQS3rOKvr0T-gXCKcHI-bY7AYsqAgdHujPHEZWkEvEmdg20K0p8T8vMIlDlHbRHouBDcExt8G5rFzmvHcPh-UxFOcMwVpJkrbPLUG8UCbvsPRPG9Bvqa3zuY/s640/IMG_9317.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IKhjiGZ0krNLoQsHbawfTzwZSJJofHFq8Ey_q1qnuVJ-Jk8dxfuUwfXOO9Bh0DTTBST5C5Vow2v7PgBTlSMXfuYFdVJVgbcOGrnb_86p6xcTRfezs2qnWwpKjFgCFt_BrP90cDJ_z3w/s1600/IMG_9309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IKhjiGZ0krNLoQsHbawfTzwZSJJofHFq8Ey_q1qnuVJ-Jk8dxfuUwfXOO9Bh0DTTBST5C5Vow2v7PgBTlSMXfuYFdVJVgbcOGrnb_86p6xcTRfezs2qnWwpKjFgCFt_BrP90cDJ_z3w/s640/IMG_9309.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris and Peter, our Finnish-but-lives-in-Munich host!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had spoken with my dad on skype several days before and he told us
about how when he had visited the place, he and his 10 buddies had managed to
smuggle 8 glass jugs out as souvenirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thus sprung a challenge to which Chris was whole-heartedly dedicated:
how many jugs can you manage? Well, as the night wore on Chris applied his
liquid courage not to sweet-talking the ladies but rather mug-smuggling. We
discovered that our camera bag (though bulky and somewhat inconvenient on a
daily basis) was the perfect size to fit a 1-litre mug, in order to slip out of
the Haufbrauhaus unnoticed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter also
kindly allowed us to slide one mug down the sleeve of his jacket that he was
carrying out of the building. Success! Two glasses! I thought: ‘Great! Check!
Now we can head home’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chris thought:
‘That was so easy I’d be an idiot not to go and try to get more!’ This time he
got one at a time, and after two trips we had 4 glasses! This more than beat
the ratio required to fulfill the challenge!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We went to unwrap the glass from Peter’s jacket and, horror of horrors,
one of the glasses tumbled to the ground and smashed. We all looked at each
other for only a moment before Chris said ‘we have to replace that!’. He and
Peter went back in and sure enough came out with one stein each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This lead to a grand total of 6 stolen
Hofbrauhaus mugs: 5 to take home and one giant pile of glass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty hilarious! We spent the rest of
the night toting around 5 1-litre beer mugs, with nods of approval from locals
who knew exactly where those mugs came from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeA1hqIAerxMCFKW2qRYSIe51GTUUdHuTibbC84USY0_n7UAIi7Yp-HLggO31zoH7S0IRpV4enHdxEi8zpF-kxp6saZGnwLq3O81TMy3p8Mo7XqB7xxPInkhYNyFybJYkNVIwxaadM9k/s1600/IMG_9324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeA1hqIAerxMCFKW2qRYSIe51GTUUdHuTibbC84USY0_n7UAIi7Yp-HLggO31zoH7S0IRpV4enHdxEi8zpF-kxp6saZGnwLq3O81TMy3p8Mo7XqB7xxPInkhYNyFybJYkNVIwxaadM9k/s640/IMG_9324.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proudly showing off his winnings!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We woke up in the late morning with strong headaches, beer breath, and
two fistfuls of glass souvenirs which will add quite a bit of weight to our
luggage on the flight home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A successful
night out in Munich! We had such a great time with Peter, we just don’t know
how we could top that night if he comes to visit us in Van!<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Well, our next stop is Austria and then we’re headed west
through Liechtenstein, Switzerland and then on to Southern France. We’re
looking forward to some mountains and some time away from the big cities for a
while! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
September 2<sup>nd</sup> is creeping closer and closer, we
can’t believe it! We have been so lucky so far with the experiences that we’ve
had and we’re looking forward to seeing what other adventures lie ahead!<o:p></o:p></div>
Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-14152827571338078852012-07-27T14:57:00.000-07:002012-07-27T14:58:59.442-07:00Go Green, Go Dutch, Go Bike!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Ahhh, the easy life! Kicking back in a café on a
cobblestoned square, tasting the local brew, watching people pose for pictures
in front of a massive statue, craning your neck to look up at the insanely old
and intricate cathedral and feeling just a little underdressed for the
occasion. What city, you ask? It could
be almost anywhere, but one thing’s for sure: we’re definitely in Europe!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsdBx7kRcoa8nxeVeQCJuiV59hsL7FvyxUsdcy4-fQA58E7Gg-nxFUhXEDbl2C_rnhGIhSe8MVwPC66VkiHJvJG_BIPaOWQRrf5fOmlp6zTxatbLA4TrZAo4gHEGVEKpEsWuHD-r8Zn8/s1600/IMG_8313.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsdBx7kRcoa8nxeVeQCJuiV59hsL7FvyxUsdcy4-fQA58E7Gg-nxFUhXEDbl2C_rnhGIhSe8MVwPC66VkiHJvJG_BIPaOWQRrf5fOmlp6zTxatbLA4TrZAo4gHEGVEKpEsWuHD-r8Zn8/s640/IMG_8313.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This particular square was incredible- the lovely Bruges!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We flew into Amsterdam and what a perfect city to kick
off our Tour de Europe! The Dutch people sure are innovative and organized. You
can tell just by looking at the place: perfectly manicured roads, buildings,
landscapes. You can never get enough of the endless canal bridges bordered by
old skinny buildings, housing cafés spilling out onto the streets. Everything
looks picture perfect- even the sex stores and coffeeshops look posh! We were
lucky enough to be able to stay with Chris’ friend Mel (and boyfriend Dugan)
for the duration of our time in Amsterdam. This was perfect because it meant we
had a) a free place to stay, b) someone familiar to show us around town, and c)
a sweet as free tandem bike so we could join the masses while touring the
city. Awesome! We had good times
watching the Euro Cup Final and having a picnic in the park. They’re moving to Vancouver in August too so
it’ll be cool to catch up back home!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMuHaYBGl2P29NHd6EzXr-bbaWkjfh2gHj9qhWxCwaukjH6jnM7CRjAO0UA8FDCbsiD2Zu5ofgNMaIJo2cggpJbxzYSS1abfZkJBnnYOEQw1qZInq45tMXx1_nA9FUReTnno8N2_UeP8/s1600/IMG_7656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMuHaYBGl2P29NHd6EzXr-bbaWkjfh2gHj9qhWxCwaukjH6jnM7CRjAO0UA8FDCbsiD2Zu5ofgNMaIJo2cggpJbxzYSS1abfZkJBnnYOEQw1qZInq45tMXx1_nA9FUReTnno8N2_UeP8/s640/IMG_7656.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This could have been taken anywhere in Amsterdam, all these canals and buildings look the same after a while!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmM9AXmDjyVNdat9lGaUPLvx296PJiMpLn_DZ61P84x7AKoD60HklYZh_ULs00LrPGystMD7R_PHJVTk9s40kmM2nBlGUeRFWKGotRj2Kr-VNzJ_pLj-iGLhRhizgoMOH0T1S18xTTL8/s1600/IMG_7705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmM9AXmDjyVNdat9lGaUPLvx296PJiMpLn_DZ61P84x7AKoD60HklYZh_ULs00LrPGystMD7R_PHJVTk9s40kmM2nBlGUeRFWKGotRj2Kr-VNzJ_pLj-iGLhRhizgoMOH0T1S18xTTL8/s640/IMG_7705.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All you can eat chicken and ribs - dee-lish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BL7zVBJh047ac1CJZ1HYARvZma0hfwnSevk1cOP_6vm4NZn4NdkHOsZNjbrN_KwKjyULkw-_9NNymHS4JPq3BTCyuO1m35esRX2zJj1fVTCAP9A_wes8DasoN0Oz_93m8g4l9PBH3IY/s1600/IMG_7719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BL7zVBJh047ac1CJZ1HYARvZma0hfwnSevk1cOP_6vm4NZn4NdkHOsZNjbrN_KwKjyULkw-_9NNymHS4JPq3BTCyuO1m35esRX2zJj1fVTCAP9A_wes8DasoN0Oz_93m8g4l9PBH3IY/s640/IMG_7719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We would highly recommend the free walking tours to
anyone traveling in Europe’s main big cities. They are usually about 3 hours
long and give a good background of knowledge and history of the area. We learned about the true identity of
Amsterdam (beyond the stereotypic sex and drugs), which is that the Dutch are
all about two things: business and tolerance.
The East India Company led to Amsterdam being the first official stock
exchange, for example, and made Amsterdam the wealthiest city in Europe ages
ago. The tolerance comes with respect to, for example, the fact that though
Catholicism was against the law it was still known to be practiced and
tolerated as long as it wasn’t blatantly obvious. Apparently the Dutch follow three basic
guidelines for what they will tolerate: 1) is it good for business, 2) is it
hurting anyone, and 3) is it discreet.
This is also the reason why even though marijuana is officially illegal
in the country there are coffeeshops openly selling it all through Amsterdam. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYYhRjAlMjx6pYTPpnLRwaqm-a5-LijPG4hy8FdK3Mwd0JhHmNgGO_j7St6uswjxOeGBi1rBAmJyeWH8i39baDAwR_EKCtilgh-101eEPzPnM4pERmYTiDjuILvXGUMZ-hpvtz0qETv0/s1600/IMG_7976.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYYhRjAlMjx6pYTPpnLRwaqm-a5-LijPG4hy8FdK3Mwd0JhHmNgGO_j7St6uswjxOeGBi1rBAmJyeWH8i39baDAwR_EKCtilgh-101eEPzPnM4pERmYTiDjuILvXGUMZ-hpvtz0qETv0/s640/IMG_7976.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bikes decorate the streets everywhere in the Netherlands!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We also visited the red light district on the tour as
well as one night when we were out with the NZ crew: Mel, Dugan, Regan and
Chris. The prostitutes are registered
workers and tax-paying citizens but more interestingly, they’re beautiful (most
of my hooker sightings have been around East Hastings, if you know what I
mean)! It’s set up like window shopping – you walk down the street and take a
look at the girls in the windows, then pick out one that you like for your 15
minutes of… entertainment of your choice! What a crazy different world, but
clearly it works for them. Plus it’s a really cool thing to see! No pictures
allowed in that area though… you’ll have to take my word for it! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYYhRjAlMjx6pYTPpnLRwaqm-a5-LijPG4hy8FdK3Mwd0JhHmNgGO_j7St6uswjxOeGBi1rBAmJyeWH8i39baDAwR_EKCtilgh-101eEPzPnM4pERmYTiDjuILvXGUMZ-hpvtz0qETv0/s1600/IMG_7976.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycV3TSbFJfUH3FPUGcaWW7AhWn86DrQ6xg4zLASuRi64shrSRex9ICYduWh-pLP7_yGQjUyNaXs_yqxuUsnqyNszCqCMe6PbiaRDpmmcquaKUoYHSOP3vzO1AQdHWZ-CFMzHcCY5zbyg/s1600/IMG_7624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycV3TSbFJfUH3FPUGcaWW7AhWn86DrQ6xg4zLASuRi64shrSRex9ICYduWh-pLP7_yGQjUyNaXs_yqxuUsnqyNszCqCMe6PbiaRDpmmcquaKUoYHSOP3vzO1AQdHWZ-CFMzHcCY5zbyg/s640/IMG_7624.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sculpture just randomly appeard in the Red Light District one day. When the city tried to take it away the people protested as it was believed to appropriately represent the women of the red light district: firstly, the sculpted woman is anonymous, and secondly the lock put there shows that the women are free to work as they wish... thanks tour guide!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even though their national colour is orange, this place
sure is green! Lots of parks surround the outskirts of Amsterdam and everyone
has a bike kitted out with pannier bags, dog baskets and kiddie bike add-ons!
We loved being able to bike everywhere, we are so over public transportation
right now! Speaking of which, we detoured to Dusseldorf, Germany for a couple
of days to hire a rental car and have our first couch surfing experience. Both Chris and I have parents who ‘donkeys
years’ ago did the classic Europe trip –buying a van and touring around in it
with a bunch of buddies, sleeping on the side of the road however far you made
it before your eyelids got overly heavy, eating cheap with a hunk of baguette
and brie cheese as a snack from a local supermarket, c’est la vie! After having
such a fab time van camping in NZ, we naturally wanted to travel the same way
through Europe. We researched on the internet, emailed friends in the area,
asked at information in Amsterdam. Short answer: it’s just not done
anymore. With the extensive train system
in Europe and the complicated process for registering and insuring a vehicle if
you aren’t a registered resident of the country, people just don’t bother. Not
to mention the fact that it is illegal to freedom camp in many areas. If you’re planning on doing this, it is
possible, but you have to do it from the UK. So anyway, we rented a swank new
Hyundai that is great on gas and just big enough that we can squeeze into the
back to sleep for the night when needed. Well, it’s not the ultimate set-up, so
we are couch-surfing our way through Europe! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
For those who aren’t familiar with
couch surfing, basically it is an online community of avid travelers who are
either in need of a place to stay or willing to let others stay at their place. Not only is it a cheap night’s accommodation
for those budget-conscious travelers, but it is also a great way to meet
like-minded people from all corners of the world! We met Joe, our first CS
host, in Dusseldorf and had a great first experience with him showing us all
around the city and sharing a few good meals and drinks. It’s great to have a
personal tour guide and be filled in on local foods and places that are not on
the main tourist trail. Fun times!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwhqY7lJ837g6FA7AS-tTsZoEQypa8KFLmfTwGCryKrtPRq_tWbBAN3VGFd-jNuITnraKN6tsPwVTjcK6XRkZmlbHs2WRuisESgwTClxgomlA9tw2krVDBE6mRsvKxlP0-XtfTL2em3o/s1600/IMG_7750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwhqY7lJ837g6FA7AS-tTsZoEQypa8KFLmfTwGCryKrtPRq_tWbBAN3VGFd-jNuITnraKN6tsPwVTjcK6XRkZmlbHs2WRuisESgwTClxgomlA9tw2krVDBE6mRsvKxlP0-XtfTL2em3o/s640/IMG_7750.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stroll along the Rhine in Dusseldorf with Joe, our awesome first CS host!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXN3uvbCXzTOl6qee90rv3YuiW6zqucv16Ued74F-lo__VN3tJRLK9wHSXBetHQH8M9pRmteg4_0810Uuseswy_IVeZnl1r-YonVHXFoSOkjfdVuMpQSxsKOOegqiXre5Xey4V1Z69TU/s1600/IMG_7773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXN3uvbCXzTOl6qee90rv3YuiW6zqucv16Ued74F-lo__VN3tJRLK9wHSXBetHQH8M9pRmteg4_0810Uuseswy_IVeZnl1r-YonVHXFoSOkjfdVuMpQSxsKOOegqiXre5Xey4V1Z69TU/s640/IMG_7773.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty cool park walkway, the park benches are made of fluorescent lights!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18S3WVuoWW6zUMQ-ej7jEz192QS8hT_e8J3CI1qreqE4qtYv2svextDE4Wny38BOy6kgyhuvG3t6yNvnjQ1MAsQGJTu85m2qj5ISNSKln9qfPOobMwkqyS4HjVHNYtVecrfjSm6rRBf4/s1600/IMG_7782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18S3WVuoWW6zUMQ-ej7jEz192QS8hT_e8J3CI1qreqE4qtYv2svextDE4Wny38BOy6kgyhuvG3t6yNvnjQ1MAsQGJTu85m2qj5ISNSKln9qfPOobMwkqyS4HjVHNYtVecrfjSm6rRBf4/s640/IMG_7782.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Randomly we asked a bunch of Bavarian men in lederhosen for a picture - not sure why they gave me a potted plant to pose with, nor why they happened to have it at the bar with them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The other places we visited in the Netherlands were
Haarlem, the Hague, Gouda and Kinderdijk.
What a beautiful country! It’s so manicured and scenic with farmland,
windmills and sometimes even individual houses will have a small canal
mini-moat surrounding them – not too shabby! Highlights include obviously
Gouda, the hometown of the cheese! We got to taste test and bought a 3-year old
hunk of Gouda, it was so good, ah! (Couldn’t help it) We also hit the beach
town near the Hague, which was totally different and cool because the beach was
lined with restaurants set up right down on the sand. In order to sleep in our
car, Dugan and Chris had to take out the bottom part of the back seat, so every
time we want to sleep in the car we need to put this giant seat in the front
resting over the steering wheel and looking extremely conspicuous. Not the most subtle situation. In the Hague
we had our first exciting overnighter in our rental. We got all set up and climbed into bed
somewhat apprehensively, mostly just because no one does this in Europe! Well,
we lasted all of five minutes before being blinded by the lights of a security
car and being rather brusquely told to find a hotel. We have a new method – we drive to a
campground later at night so the gates are closed and then we park outside of
the gates. We can sleep easy without
worrying about trouble because if someone says anything we can just say that we
were fully planning on paying in the morning but arrived to late to check in.
So far, so good!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqAEWXOYZrGw_hI_yhBMEXUYZdHr97QBLDSyR8hn0v14SHWgzLs9ry7XWsPBigtyO30DfBhajgX-UDoBCIJWqe4YIgAm4SwXw7S3UvVK0OPYIZ0gNZrz7LnVmT_f_eew4VkpO0Ndp9u0/s1600/IMG_7886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqAEWXOYZrGw_hI_yhBMEXUYZdHr97QBLDSyR8hn0v14SHWgzLs9ry7XWsPBigtyO30DfBhajgX-UDoBCIJWqe4YIgAm4SwXw7S3UvVK0OPYIZ0gNZrz7LnVmT_f_eew4VkpO0Ndp9u0/s1600/IMG_7886.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqAEWXOYZrGw_hI_yhBMEXUYZdHr97QBLDSyR8hn0v14SHWgzLs9ry7XWsPBigtyO30DfBhajgX-UDoBCIJWqe4YIgAm4SwXw7S3UvVK0OPYIZ0gNZrz7LnVmT_f_eew4VkpO0Ndp9u0/s640/IMG_7886.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the coast of the Hague in the Netherlands, right before our sneaking van-camping experience!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUbyKQQleudadofLjRDDMhL3R8BiO3nm5bCNs1HFo_Dth9Mro1zRZTeP4G9ClcNcwg2bMbSz7-vEf3x136mVlgyLI5iOtlT87_rWYqELflLqsFnpl8lcrebjnAkS9DAU0Q3FeMq2amsE/s1600/IMG_7942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUbyKQQleudadofLjRDDMhL3R8BiO3nm5bCNs1HFo_Dth9Mro1zRZTeP4G9ClcNcwg2bMbSz7-vEf3x136mVlgyLI5iOtlT87_rWYqELflLqsFnpl8lcrebjnAkS9DAU0Q3FeMq2amsE/s640/IMG_7942.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an Escher drawing - a famous Dutch artist who combined 2D and 3D drawings.. above is one of our favorites!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFCjjCdVNe5t2nG7e8xrHOV8gjCgjJpewYiU5-t8eX0nStoD_qWExjPBJOUmRubRb65MsKc42EHif0PrbdcVT6MKVu1z1RvfoegksVWUQtXldaSyIV4efr6247ODaAc8bRcIzNtxGs1M/s1600/IMG_7982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFCjjCdVNe5t2nG7e8xrHOV8gjCgjJpewYiU5-t8eX0nStoD_qWExjPBJOUmRubRb65MsKc42EHif0PrbdcVT6MKVu1z1RvfoegksVWUQtXldaSyIV4efr6247ODaAc8bRcIzNtxGs1M/s640/IMG_7982.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think Chris is in heaven, holding this giant Gouda in Gouda! Sweet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMppCsAWf9MRlyE0_uVq1FojzdgmepxnfZ0cl0Q7ekK0lz2XdlYfYEQ_bKwoycpkNhJNoEWUewtz7DMgp8rQ2eO90NaPUzRhvfkNYJtUGsrhZSIPaPzqox4GtFbNCrXYAMgTk-vNUsjM8/s1600/IMG_8005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMppCsAWf9MRlyE0_uVq1FojzdgmepxnfZ0cl0Q7ekK0lz2XdlYfYEQ_bKwoycpkNhJNoEWUewtz7DMgp8rQ2eO90NaPUzRhvfkNYJtUGsrhZSIPaPzqox4GtFbNCrXYAMgTk-vNUsjM8/s640/IMG_8005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Kinderdijk, a collection of old windmills that were used to collect excess water from the area (which is below sea-level) and deposit it back into the nearby river.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvLsCjHNpOvi0urHNll4VMpUnMDpf5a37L7dCVHAD8Qi9vqXbVSgyJEciflUpRDUVjbhsc2OXo7xVj-colwUxDYpm712GfdNUx3TQwRerjN8Z7iLMTnMIPOWDkteSfX4WsA6vHlQiEhQ/s1600/IMG_8063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvLsCjHNpOvi0urHNll4VMpUnMDpf5a37L7dCVHAD8Qi9vqXbVSgyJEciflUpRDUVjbhsc2OXo7xVj-colwUxDYpm712GfdNUx3TQwRerjN8Z7iLMTnMIPOWDkteSfX4WsA6vHlQiEhQ/s400/IMG_8063.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beer-monacle Chris used is considerably less flattering than 'beer goggles!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In Belgium we had our second couch-surfing experience with
Valerie, one of the friendliest people ever! We felt at home straight away and
cooked some meals at home with her over our two night stay. We had a great plan
all set out to explore Antwerp, but unfortunately it was raining like crazy the
next day. This meant all we could really
do was check out a few of the different local brews in the area. Tough life!
Valerie introduced us to Vla (a kind of Dutch pudding, delish!) and melting
stroopwaffels by placing them on top of your tea cup. We’ve been really watching our diets in
Europe so far in case you couldn’t tell from everything we’ve had so far!
Belgium would be about the worst place ever I think to try to be healthy. I mean their best known foods are beer,
chocolates, waffles and French fries! Is this my kind of heaven or hell? I
can’t decide! Anyway, we left Antwerp after a second night at Valerie’s and
checked out a couple of other Belgian cities on the way to Westvleteren, home
of what is by many considered the best beer in the world, Westveleren 12⁰…!
We hit up Ghent, where we bought a small box of Belgian chocolates to indulge
in and hit up our first castle. We continued on to Bruges where we really
didn’t spend much time, other than taking a few more pictures of canals and
cathedrals! The beer in Westveleren didn’t disappoint and we indulged once
again. When in Rome, right? </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXydP3ZpE4Dd8v5PW0j_o9jKi1jY2VeEASRWOkuEFYpnXStwEU7aXAFKVhWtKJJ53WeTqP-rdW3UMMIhaKFfVIT-haoZ637i07R2HsCqJY6Cg80JiyqzA1q8EinI71zqd_PqdxY4KEUU/s1600/IMG_8082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXydP3ZpE4Dd8v5PW0j_o9jKi1jY2VeEASRWOkuEFYpnXStwEU7aXAFKVhWtKJJ53WeTqP-rdW3UMMIhaKFfVIT-haoZ637i07R2HsCqJY6Cg80JiyqzA1q8EinI71zqd_PqdxY4KEUU/s640/IMG_8082.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fridge full of Belgian beer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DHThBLyizUfORy7KZ2hTcrjEIGleNkQeepVofMdpEA9PyQo2sjOdyOXLBWPvH8_pJymzb6i5iPIZt_qahtQzckG8LtVtwPtNHLewa41Dyg0rgj5p9Wbty4fFAkTRUvTV3tg1P_hmAOU/s1600/IMG_8158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DHThBLyizUfORy7KZ2hTcrjEIGleNkQeepVofMdpEA9PyQo2sjOdyOXLBWPvH8_pJymzb6i5iPIZt_qahtQzckG8LtVtwPtNHLewa41Dyg0rgj5p9Wbty4fFAkTRUvTV3tg1P_hmAOU/s640/IMG_8158.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying Vla with our CS host Valerie. We had such an awesome time in Antwerp getting to know her. She is kick ass cool!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpEtcyX8vkcTlU1ZLq0UMgxgDxk3gdoFwS6KrebfU1qJcRURiVJo1KKK-4FDD-Pg1RYfcSoqMwYN1eG3EbUeltxBHSmha08ZeSXQABlEHB-Q48PK5tf35OH0EwQtRNwH19n57YuS8FNo/s1600/IMG_8166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpEtcyX8vkcTlU1ZLq0UMgxgDxk3gdoFwS6KrebfU1qJcRURiVJo1KKK-4FDD-Pg1RYfcSoqMwYN1eG3EbUeltxBHSmha08ZeSXQABlEHB-Q48PK5tf35OH0EwQtRNwH19n57YuS8FNo/s640/IMG_8166.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the train station of Antwerp! Incredible!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XCwz10yVZqRgvG3K_eXjyV_wlo6gIp4awa4WB3Y_so7_UhfRIc9AfbTDiNPU1FbcHPoxKjLAzx5YvR7ByPYjZf6d9yyTmvOjOHGdJnngxU-O4qz43TG04ADTHgtKTZRWy37A1WQuFQs/s1600/IMG_8333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XCwz10yVZqRgvG3K_eXjyV_wlo6gIp4awa4WB3Y_so7_UhfRIc9AfbTDiNPU1FbcHPoxKjLAzx5YvR7ByPYjZf6d9yyTmvOjOHGdJnngxU-O4qz43TG04ADTHgtKTZRWy37A1WQuFQs/s640/IMG_8333.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Often named the "Best Beer in the World"!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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So on the European countdown so far: Netherlands, check! Belgium, check! </div>
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It’s so easy to fall back into the familiarity of
comfortable transportation options and western foods. Hard to believe that just a couple of short
weeks ago we were in Thailand and then Egypt.
There are good aspects to both types of travel; in Asia traveling may be
less comfortable but also day-to-day experiences are a lot more fascinating and
you feel like you are constantly learning and opening your mind to new
experiences. In Europe, however,
traveling is a lot more comfortable and there are more subtle cultural
differences as you are traveling in another Westernized part of the world. So
far we have been really happy with the balance and by doing walking tours and
hitting up me essential tourist spots, we are still able to learn about the
deep history of various European cities.
Our next stop will have a ton of history and culture to soak in we’re
thinking,.. we hit up Paris next- time for me to brush up on my French!</div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 334.2pt;">
We're definitely starting to wonder how long we'll be able to bounce from place to place before we get tired of moving around and decide to stay somewhere for a while...? We will see!<br />
<br />
Lauren and Chris :)</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-297893774799747892012-07-08T10:24:00.002-07:002012-07-08T10:27:08.277-07:00Walk like an Egyptian!From temples to mosques, pad thai to falafels, jungle to desert, tuktuk to camel (?!) and hot to... still so freakin HOT!<br />
<br />
Landing in Egypt, we had our preconceived ideas of what
to expect. We imagined Cairo to be a fairly
modernized big city, similar to how in Thailand, Bangkok is a whole lot less
Asian than the rest of the country. We’d seen the sand dunes of Oregon and the
desert in Phoenix, surely this would be somewhat similar! Needless to say we
were astounded with Egypt and how different it was from our original picture of
it. Luckily our culture shock was eased by the fact that my parents shouted us
two nights at the Cairo Marriott as a birthday present! We got to live in the
lap of luxury, gazing out from our 19<sup>th</sup> floor balcony looking out
over the Nile and Cairo city. We could
even see the tip of the Giza pyramids from here. With an early check-in (7am!)
and a late check-out, we squeezed 3 full days in at the pool and fitness centre
and our swanky room – a great way to get over jet lag and chill after some
hardcore sightseeing in Cairo! Thanks mom and dad!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0I61NFP8h5Xm95b-iU8AGj39hIeXK8R2COTowzkkx1_vXT33_kGstYt73r79d4RuOIG02ZvYiOlRcw3j1cuq4xAJWzI3HdkUKwJfLGjcS2ymVOQsFF4Kiov1zlWgViczLPTIlSAjRw4/s1600/IMG_7139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0I61NFP8h5Xm95b-iU8AGj39hIeXK8R2COTowzkkx1_vXT33_kGstYt73r79d4RuOIG02ZvYiOlRcw3j1cuq4xAJWzI3HdkUKwJfLGjcS2ymVOQsFF4Kiov1zlWgViczLPTIlSAjRw4/s640/IMG_7139.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not bad... :)</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ74A7gGng_xWnch66nWMW3n2wr1QdmbwAuOAMRB52Pbo_79o280WgBPNJ63sXqdp7akd9DwPGilQefDnUlYm80dWz6PC0N66jbnYEMnCNnGtsT8HJG9vKC1b0K9xbYjgGDfmPzIYeIA/s1600/IMG_7166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ74A7gGng_xWnch66nWMW3n2wr1QdmbwAuOAMRB52Pbo_79o280WgBPNJ63sXqdp7akd9DwPGilQefDnUlYm80dWz6PC0N66jbnYEMnCNnGtsT8HJG9vKC1b0K9xbYjgGDfmPzIYeIA/s640/IMG_7166.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living the high life, enjoying a glass of wine on our balcony in Cairo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Speaking of sightseeing, Cairo has taken a major hit in
the tourism department. Since the revolution, most travel advisories are saying
to avoid travel through Cairo whenever possible. Luckily we didn’t have any
problems or safety concerns at all while we were there (mind you we were
staying at the Marriott), other than being told not to go near Tahrir Square
because of protesters. When one thinks of Egypt, probably one of the first
things associated with it is the Pyramids. As impressive as they were, they
were basically a ghost town – maybe 15 tourists around the whole place! We
couldn’t believe that such a hotspot tourist destination could be so dead! This
was bittersweet for us – on the one hand we got some great pyramid pics with no
one but us in the foreground; on the other hand, the ratio of tourists to guys
trying to coax you into buying a camel ride is about 1 to 30. It was really frustrating not being able to
walk two steps without having to turn down a camel, a horse, an Egyptian
Cadillac (horse and carriage), photos, guides, you name it. Everything in Egypt has a price and will
doubtless lead to someone asking you for “baksheesh” (money). Even if someone
comes up to you, asks if you’d like them to take your picture and you say “Yes,
thank-you but I am not going to pay you money ok?”,they will swear up and down that
you’re a friend and they would never even think of asking you for money…. And then
they will ask you for money. Always. So in the end we ended up just getting a
damn camel ride – I mean, can there be a more quintessential Egypt experience?
Let me just say that those things feel nothing like riding a horse. They have a
lot more sway, and getting up and getting down is a roller coaster ride! It was
a fun experience and our guide was really good and friendly and gave us some
good tips for sightseeing that day. To be fair he did earn that extra 20
Egyptian pounds that he took because he ‘didn’t have enough change’. Like I
said, always. Anyway, the rest of our time in Cairo involved seeing a few
churches and Old Cairo city, navigating through the insanely busy metro to
experience local forms of transportation (and avoid getting ripped off on taxi
fares), attempting to make it through an old market without actually having to
buy anything, and drinking the best orange juice I’ve probably ever had, for
just 20 cents, with a bunch of locals at a stand on the side of the street! We had a great time navigating Cairo amongst the friendly locals and then being able to kick back at the pool in the hotel to relax after a long day!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4UeFSALzaQM84DpGqJm7e4mUH2q-rj2bj08IZnXT0EiXjW6g-YHXQJZsP9UNQCAsgCAtJDZb00VxLXvAm0kbqeL_8Nz-jdt_n1vtIPFQchtjV-121Gnf7wjdi2HekiLSYcgSYTl1pz4/s1600/IMG_7108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4UeFSALzaQM84DpGqJm7e4mUH2q-rj2bj08IZnXT0EiXjW6g-YHXQJZsP9UNQCAsgCAtJDZb00VxLXvAm0kbqeL_8Nz-jdt_n1vtIPFQchtjV-121Gnf7wjdi2HekiLSYcgSYTl1pz4/s640/IMG_7108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best OJ ever!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yUph61Y2dpbPtvOil8in2mY6h36yMuQoT2HtguAWwHa_CBMxgdUzSWWlLJZr9mxCvt7rmcsTTFht3vcqGOQ1WHtqkWsYkD0FpCXRzbyJFKSnLbqWenbrfYIVvGD8_0TVEy31q7Yody8/s1600/IMG_7038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yUph61Y2dpbPtvOil8in2mY6h36yMuQoT2HtguAWwHa_CBMxgdUzSWWlLJZr9mxCvt7rmcsTTFht3vcqGOQ1WHtqkWsYkD0FpCXRzbyJFKSnLbqWenbrfYIVvGD8_0TVEy31q7Yody8/s640/IMG_7038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGKyfNnxUEuCKHYs19py4ybDhDSJUtDZLBC_hrfhE3jRl6E9oTIBYc4Qy9nTSqvw9N_l3-cG504Qk_1EFh4DuQbUNloc6e97LDu6KCzHxsK5VvmHomD6JbQHXTYtct73pvHq4QjYh13Y/s1600/IMG_7015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGKyfNnxUEuCKHYs19py4ybDhDSJUtDZLBC_hrfhE3jRl6E9oTIBYc4Qy9nTSqvw9N_l3-cG504Qk_1EFh4DuQbUNloc6e97LDu6KCzHxsK5VvmHomD6JbQHXTYtct73pvHq4QjYh13Y/s640/IMG_7015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egyptians pronounce this as the 'Sphinkus' - priceless! Body of a lion, head of a man, hair of a woman = awesome!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTWsP_yzZJA4ZBJmUXu4CucG1wW2cVy5npM_1x9aovX8obBrHflzaQraYUgnQkaVaAT8003FraXt-JLSaXi2jVQ9TVo_zQD2VSDLFAAn2WIyvCIqk98jdH4UaKJzZxaIsS2Ow4Vntwcw/s1600/IMG_7012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTWsP_yzZJA4ZBJmUXu4CucG1wW2cVy5npM_1x9aovX8obBrHflzaQraYUgnQkaVaAT8003FraXt-JLSaXi2jVQ9TVo_zQD2VSDLFAAn2WIyvCIqk98jdH4UaKJzZxaIsS2Ow4Vntwcw/s640/IMG_7012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The traditional pic, what a great personal photographer!</td></tr>
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For the next few days in Egypt we left the comforts of our new luxurious lifestyle and jumped on a night train to Aswan. Getting off the train here was probably the most overwhelmed I have ever felt from culture shock. Not only were we bleary-eyed from sleeping on the train and stepping into 45-degree heat that makes every mundane task just a little more difficult, but the city was experiencing a sand (dust?) storm for the first time in a couple of years. Everything was covered in a fine film of brown dust and people walking down the street would seem to disappear in the cloud. The air felt thick with dust and we had our big bags on and no map to have any idea where we were going. Enter taxi drivers, hotel owners, camel riders, restaurant owners, preying upon the lost look on our faces, and trying to disguise the dollar-signs in their eyes with the façade of ‘trying to help’… like I said, so overwhelming and frustrating, especially when you’re on a budget and need to find somewhere decent to stay that also happens to be cheap and have air conditioning (that works). The good news is that that was our hardest day in Egypt!! </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjyJ6z2XagUFcff0oP6zhrishRECrvR3qkXSvyYRDuron2_lhMNx_TX5KtDmlV-cJ6y2OJkh5WiVl6L2yDgHfOSTQcvewaVAXUWAQOyxXli3Y7CVPYqI4C9n-ci-w7kKEVbqRg2zFZFw/s1600/IMG_7239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjyJ6z2XagUFcff0oP6zhrishRECrvR3qkXSvyYRDuron2_lhMNx_TX5KtDmlV-cJ6y2OJkh5WiVl6L2yDgHfOSTQcvewaVAXUWAQOyxXli3Y7CVPYqI4C9n-ci-w7kKEVbqRg2zFZFw/s200/IMG_7239.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shisha!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Still, we had a great time trying to dance with some kids at a local fresh juice stand and yes, I tried shisha for the first time (and probably the last - as expected, I don't really 'get it'). Anyway, we spent the next day on a mission to Abu Simbel. Abu Simbel is one of the most incredibly intact temples we have seen. What makes it even COOLER is the fact that they moved the <i>entire</i> thing 200m up a hill over a period of 4 years to avoid it being submerged when the Aswan dam was constructed! Egyptian logic required us to awake at 3am to make the 3 hour drive to the temple -mental! We had to also go in a government-controlled convoy, which was quite awesome I must admit. It was a long drive straight out into the middle of nowhere, but seeing that huge temple was totally worth it! Asides from Abu Simbel and the discovery of falafel sandwiches for only 1 EGP (delicious!!!), Aswan just really wasn't our flavour and we decided to move on. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0Bl5FiuZ-4GfxkRR1tcMS8KqbQpmJIKOct3BiPjJ5kEldfFgBnxUJicDBV7SgPDW9l4Z8vm-Kfop6K8i6uWbs9hQv0BKafhk2oXjv0owrH4O_F3arpR9-ecVi45YROfnSzi8Z-ASwNU/s1600/IMG_7202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0Bl5FiuZ-4GfxkRR1tcMS8KqbQpmJIKOct3BiPjJ5kEldfFgBnxUJicDBV7SgPDW9l4Z8vm-Kfop6K8i6uWbs9hQv0BKafhk2oXjv0owrH4O_F3arpR9-ecVi45YROfnSzi8Z-ASwNU/s640/IMG_7202.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the towns we passed on the trains. Doesn't it look like an old photograph from back in the day?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4-25LHpGrm-Uqvut9jIgZfBwrQk1zMc-CikAfAQlB5yHp14tv7IlW82WkhyphenhyphenmCPf2QwdT6uy5h4t9-aF_7pJHEIEXTPo8FQMgicY-8DpzF6YCopKr5oi3nGMq_bkar3GVRcKUr9BMcAM/s1600/IMG_7217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4-25LHpGrm-Uqvut9jIgZfBwrQk1zMc-CikAfAQlB5yHp14tv7IlW82WkhyphenhyphenmCPf2QwdT6uy5h4t9-aF_7pJHEIEXTPo8FQMgicY-8DpzF6YCopKr5oi3nGMq_bkar3GVRcKUr9BMcAM/s640/IMG_7217.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dust / sand storm and our first view of Aswan.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhira-tHtJE4FplFvZWs8fDLR5iOc27MzTyGdrLXkANG6sKjlFYG_r2VLIWLpYu1y2D2usoAC0ueRZmiHPXdXZqHE1zuX5vqUo-tAjdvi7rJPU7U1sTB4Q-qCGt4Cf6uxPiVpRZArMqczE/s1600/IMG_7253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhira-tHtJE4FplFvZWs8fDLR5iOc27MzTyGdrLXkANG6sKjlFYG_r2VLIWLpYu1y2D2usoAC0ueRZmiHPXdXZqHE1zuX5vqUo-tAjdvi7rJPU7U1sTB4Q-qCGt4Cf6uxPiVpRZArMqczE/s640/IMG_7253.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The incredible Abu Simbel, way out in the middle of the desert. Pretty awesome :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A05-9ggcFe3iwqPy2Oz5EeOh-GVwcJP9hga6HtghYXHhFuEoIT8xmoqyTXfqzWRwIm1b36I3xpRoV251fQZZQGLoSIvxAWV8x3i95B3bQHGMw-LM1REqDNI274avJzzBwYhGkPhaMmg/s1600/IMG_7290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A05-9ggcFe3iwqPy2Oz5EeOh-GVwcJP9hga6HtghYXHhFuEoIT8xmoqyTXfqzWRwIm1b36I3xpRoV251fQZZQGLoSIvxAWV8x3i95B3bQHGMw-LM1REqDNI274avJzzBwYhGkPhaMmg/s640/IMG_7290.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So damn big!!</td></tr>
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On to Luxor, a much
nicer city, home to Valley of the Kings, and the most tourists we saw in Egypt.
Our favorite sight was not actually Valley of the Kings but rather Karnac, the largest temple complex ever built by man. It seemed to be never-ending, with impressively huge sculptures, obelisks,
sphinxes, and all of it amazingly well-preserved. In the heat I kept having to
give pep-talks to myself, “you’re only here once, suck it up!”, “nowhere is hotter than Angkor Wat”, “don’t drink too much water or you’ll run out and
you don’t want to have to pay five times the price of water back in the city,
do you?”, “how the hell can anyone be wearing long sleeves in this weather”,.. At Luxor Valley of the Kings we were able to see three tombs, with colourful pictures and hieroglyphics lining the walls as you walk down into each one. The colours are still so intact it makes me think they must've painted them, but I'm hopeful that it actually is legit. In any case, we had another jam-packed day of sightseeing and finished just in
time to jump on a 19-hour bus ride (actually maybe this was the worst part of
Egypt) to Dahab, where we would go diving again, yeah! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFWMpbj-KdcjdW74UxT7PWqtpS6SsoexBWvRrx7nU5T7rrd36G1ZFkB6ZP30tJziRUwGxaqCEm-qxf8TAUS6WtKSjbhSDdN-LyRU6pkownQdSzk16tRmUDOuPyBmGgD2PC7avw5H7IzA/s1600/IMG_7435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFWMpbj-KdcjdW74UxT7PWqtpS6SsoexBWvRrx7nU5T7rrd36G1ZFkB6ZP30tJziRUwGxaqCEm-qxf8TAUS6WtKSjbhSDdN-LyRU6pkownQdSzk16tRmUDOuPyBmGgD2PC7avw5H7IzA/s640/IMG_7435.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So damn big!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6t3ysVtmzCo1VDkMDfzUYcbJzwssN_02Ru1BiU7mIragfVX9Qp3IVbz-Xjy4rWyLonf3AXKdWbq2xm6oA9jpfQLP_8OWaL1bkjYuQmV07qfxEDQ3B_5LM6sDwDG7pnYBWpzYYAGlrFQ/s1600/IMG_7445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6t3ysVtmzCo1VDkMDfzUYcbJzwssN_02Ru1BiU7mIragfVX9Qp3IVbz-Xjy4rWyLonf3AXKdWbq2xm6oA9jpfQLP_8OWaL1bkjYuQmV07qfxEDQ3B_5LM6sDwDG7pnYBWpzYYAGlrFQ/s640/IMG_7445.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The impressive Karnac - I can't believe I never even knew this place existed!</td></tr>
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Dahab was the highlight of
Egypt for me (and I’m sure for Chris too, though he gets more excited about old
ruins than I do)! The reason we extended our stay in Egypt from 5 to 11 days
was because we had heard that the diving in the Red Sea is some of the best in
the world. Back in Thailand posts I
described how awesome the feeling of diving is, and we loved it just as much in
Dahab. We spent two full days (3 dives
per day) diving at sites near Dahab. Not
only are the fish life and corals beautiful and diverse, so are the dive sites
diverse in their layout. We did one dive
where we got to go down inside an underwater canyon, swim through and pop out
on the other side; we dove the Blue Hole, an 800m hole in the reef where in the
middle of it you are surrounded by 360-degrees of corals and marine life; we
entered on shore through a hole where you go through a small-ish tunnel and pop
out at the coral wall, where you float along the reef wall being pulled by the
current and if you look the opposite direction there is nothing but blue water
that appears to be infinitely deep. We dove a shipwreck called Thistlegorm, a
English world war II supply boat that was bombed by the Germans (and sunk) in
1941, which is now rated as one of the top wreck-dives in the world. We got to tour around the outer decks and see
the giant propeller, guns and tanks on the deck, and then we went inside to
explore the three levels of the boat, where we saw trucks holding hundreds of
motorcycles, piles of soldiers boots, spare airplane parts, and the captains
quarters including kitchen and bathroom. To cap it all off our last dive was at
Shark and Yolanda reef, our favorite dive to date. We saw schools of absolutely massive fish (an
arm’s length long and almost as wide), soft and hard corals, and Chris even saw
a shark deep down below us (just a small reef shark or something). It just had
everything and being a more shallow dive (18m) we had a longer time down below
to explore and observe the interactions taking place on the reef. To cap it all off, when our boat was leaving
the last dive site, five or six dolphins swam up to the front and followed
along with our boat for a good 10 minutes. Heaven!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaFnfsO0_bAOvT0z5NKEQbCDFzhXFwO8ZGkYW-s7SGNveZ2M9NHNhbi7SsCKjvUjxs6t9ip1cAXmMnx7xoIDJOnsfT5sGObwiZFjkKqgYgongjJbEcLkzHwRCGJhVvjLiMYttE0agFUo/s1600/IMG_7549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaFnfsO0_bAOvT0z5NKEQbCDFzhXFwO8ZGkYW-s7SGNveZ2M9NHNhbi7SsCKjvUjxs6t9ip1cAXmMnx7xoIDJOnsfT5sGObwiZFjkKqgYgongjJbEcLkzHwRCGJhVvjLiMYttE0agFUo/s640/IMG_7549.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our dive guide and one of the crew members. It totally sucks we can't take pictures underwater, but here we were on our way bay from a perfect day in and on the water!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZL86NPmEFj5LEP5iYrC93N0eMd-x0qSgEX9eShPz1k7dffyR8SdCzimzCcRWKBUnsP0mE33WgDhg9uwZ1USkPyWCCKChjQYTt8hvhBNuBudd1G2T0oS8RbFYrDVZ-jOQ4Z2LMIPuzJg/s1600/IMG_7534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZL86NPmEFj5LEP5iYrC93N0eMd-x0qSgEX9eShPz1k7dffyR8SdCzimzCcRWKBUnsP0mE33WgDhg9uwZ1USkPyWCCKChjQYTt8hvhBNuBudd1G2T0oS8RbFYrDVZ-jOQ4Z2LMIPuzJg/s640/IMG_7534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJF4N-NIQK8Zt9CaO7s7xSrWw0QGPCKZyTcmvP5TwdWl0bMXPpugUWE2maKmN9_322G0zE7B0GMUprEkqPc-s3PEX4DcR5Dvba-CXZrZB3udMhR9VEhBTIKjY7qIkuvL_m6PuBb5PbMrg/s1600/IMG_7481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJF4N-NIQK8Zt9CaO7s7xSrWw0QGPCKZyTcmvP5TwdWl0bMXPpugUWE2maKmN9_322G0zE7B0GMUprEkqPc-s3PEX4DcR5Dvba-CXZrZB3udMhR9VEhBTIKjY7qIkuvL_m6PuBb5PbMrg/s640/IMG_7481.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many deserted resorts around Dahab. The main area was populated though!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camel in traffic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Egypt wasn’t somewhere we had originally planned on
traveling to, just an added bonus. As a
country it has so much to offer- city life of Cairo, historical sights and
wonders of the world, and beach-side towns with endless snorkeling and diving
opportunities. Coming from Thailand, Egypt is a Whole New World! Speaking of
Aladdin songs, I’ve had many in my head since we’ve been here, specifically
“Price Ali, mighty is he, Ali Ababwa…” -everyone here is named either Mohammed, Ahmed, Hassan, or Ali. Outside
of the delta, Egypt is the most barren land we have ever seen. The deserts we have seen before have at least
some small trees, cacti, or brush. Egypt
has only rocks and dirt, as far as the eye can see. The standard buildings all look the same: rectangular
brick rooms stacked up like lego blocks except for everything is brown. We have
never seen so many incomplete housing or building products. Sometimes we’d pass
a place that looked completely deserted, a city where 75% of the buildings were
empty or incomplete- these made conditions look that much more harsh and the
land that much more barren. We were completely puzzled by this as even in Cairo there were hundreds of buildings that were vacant. We asked Oolesh, our dive guide, and he explained that it was because of Mubarek and the revolution. The streets of the cities outside of Cairo were
navigated by run-down donkeys with carts, camels and horses. While in Cairo
both women and men could be found who dressed in Western style clothing,
elsewhere the men wore full-length gallibayas (long shirts, down to the ground) and turban-style white headdresses, and the women showed only their face and
sometimes only their eyes wearing their bur'as. A different world and as a female traveler, I was
extremely grateful to have Chris by my side.
It is a great place for one’s confidence, as no matter how long a bus
ride we’d been on or how much of a sweaty mess I was, Chris would still have
someone telling him he was a lucky man (yay!) and he even got asked “How many
camels?”. Priceless!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBDAd6xu8rHI22xh6siXP9hN_fguDyRpnZUZ2DGH2ZyRLevUCz7dAhS1mEDVq-VNGL4SIv-y2MYFNy7Vmx8l15v0-2LPnIJ__BMb0iOrXA7Vnuq4RezXfCzk8Qb_ciTdQw5YUc6AF8ZI/s1600/IMG_7229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBDAd6xu8rHI22xh6siXP9hN_fguDyRpnZUZ2DGH2ZyRLevUCz7dAhS1mEDVq-VNGL4SIv-y2MYFNy7Vmx8l15v0-2LPnIJ__BMb0iOrXA7Vnuq4RezXfCzk8Qb_ciTdQw5YUc6AF8ZI/s640/IMG_7229.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical mode of transportation. Can't help but feel bad for the donkey :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It might be a surprise to some that we found Egyptians to
be some of the friendliest people we have met on our travels so far. Yes, in the touristy parts of town and top
sightseeing destinations, you could feel the desperation for ‘bakshish’ and
would constantly be fending off harassing vendors. Still, we had some unforgettable encounters
with people outside of these areas. On
the buses and trains people would go out of their way to try and speak English
to us and make sure we were headed in the right direction. We had a coffee shop owner teaching us
phrases to say in Arabic that helped us to get by during our visit. A man invited us into his shop for mint tea
and we stayed and chatted for a good half hour (mostly he told us about his
three different wives and their stamina in bed – very odd!), after which he
gave us a free bag of ginger tea (‘Natural Viagra’ he said with a wink –ew!)
and sent us on our way not asking for anything. All of the people running the
hostel we stayed at in Dahab went above and beyond to make sure we had anything
we needed. Even on our last bus ride, young Egyptian soldiers asked the bus to
stop as we were passing the airport and saved us what could easily have been an
hour-long taxi from town. </div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4cuwsVIULO8yepv1wRNgECOiuE3CIeqXvmY7bu8HnapFH57jNmWuDACjpKaPpSu6D6T4ffHjm-3Nb0iqM1cfvznsdc8DkP609bC3p5CnE_uns0JsFxjZ82HU-XGAKKlARv_yLBqv9zI/s1600/IMG_7220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4cuwsVIULO8yepv1wRNgECOiuE3CIeqXvmY7bu8HnapFH57jNmWuDACjpKaPpSu6D6T4ffHjm-3Nb0iqM1cfvznsdc8DkP609bC3p5CnE_uns0JsFxjZ82HU-XGAKKlARv_yLBqv9zI/s640/IMG_7220.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">These adorable kids were just fascinated by us! We hung out while we were waiting for our fresh-squeezed orange juice and danced to some traditional music. One of those perfect spontaneous moments in life!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />All in all, we learned so much in Egypt, and though it
was overwhelming and we had some of the longest and worst bus rides we’ve had
in the last five months, we saw some amazing things unlike anywhere else in the
world. We hope that now that Morsi is president, changes will come for Egypt
that allow the people to live more freely and the tourists to return to Cairo
and the rest of the country. The camels need the work!</span></td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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We can't believe there are only two months left in our travels! We can't wait to discover the roads of Europe, and return to Western civilization!!! </div>
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Missing everyone back home, hope the weather in Vancouver is improving! </div>
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Lauren and Chris :)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-90730820837579449662012-07-03T01:25:00.001-07:002012-07-03T01:25:28.152-07:00The Final (Asian) Countdown!<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
24 deathly bus rides, 21 tuktuks swerving, 15
boats-a-rocking, 10 scamming taxis, 8 scooter rentals , 5 moto taxiiiis…. 4
yellow kayaks, 3 sleeper trains, 2 rides on elephants and a crapload of ziplining!
(it’s not Christmas I know, but it just worked out!)</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s been an amazing, eye-opening, educational and at
times trying three months. We have seen both ugliness and beauty in different
forms in all the places we’ve visited.
Thailand was hands down our favorite country for the food (we even took
a cooking course!), Cambodia for the friendliest people, Vietnam for its
amazing scenery and Laos for the laid-back mentality and awesome activities
(i.e. Elephants and Gibbon Experience!). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It seems like we’ve been here for much longer than three
months and I can’t believe we’re moving on! We spent our last couple of weeks
in Thailand gearing up for the next leg of our trip. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Translation</i>: we really didn’t do much for the remaining time we had
in Thailand. We checked out Northern
Thailand – Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Pai, each of which was awesome and unique
in its own way. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Highlights:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruhQvKN3T0J0H_yppcYxXsbXh0V30-la9OBQSco46y7-4y_F72C2OvubGN3y_TDaGMH9MGpg3hJEnAa5RFrpFUQ509T9CMtiOVoKRIGZbvQ06UHLysP1qT9ekMXfrDD5Ilyt9Wt7HpYo/s1600/IMG_6798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruhQvKN3T0J0H_yppcYxXsbXh0V30-la9OBQSco46y7-4y_F72C2OvubGN3y_TDaGMH9MGpg3hJEnAa5RFrpFUQ509T9CMtiOVoKRIGZbvQ06UHLysP1qT9ekMXfrDD5Ilyt9Wt7HpYo/s200/IMG_6798.JPG" width="133" /></a>1. We took an awesome cooking class with “Sammy”, a
quirky Thai man who has an organic farm where he hosts a small cooking school.
The day included making five dishes each: Tom Yam soup, Green/Red Curry, Pad
Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, Papaya Salad, etc…
mm., my mouth is watering just thinking about them! We had a siesta in
between making the mains and the appetizers, snoozing in the hammocks around
the farm and enjoying the scenery.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfPT62dC75GZuz14kZbFzijqr7C42nRWe2lnbV3tPsSfUZ9UE_O7Hgb-ZcioVMa0IVJ3xOTVZwjY3QbuINrTnjslVTH3YL18IMG71uF3Eod-AdiVPdl10GrIqG1jQIrO1s7kE_eZaxOE/s1600/IMG_6803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfPT62dC75GZuz14kZbFzijqr7C42nRWe2lnbV3tPsSfUZ9UE_O7Hgb-ZcioVMa0IVJ3xOTVZwjY3QbuINrTnjslVTH3YL18IMG71uF3Eod-AdiVPdl10GrIqG1jQIrO1s7kE_eZaxOE/s640/IMG_6803.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a candid shot - act natural!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ7IinecqmWgn-p1M7-fFNW_tS2canw9PrraISY7kM1BRgogC0N8fdHfs0jHRQmxqk4DYS3p0L4U06y-sNlGTwZSqghcKL1jgjVxtZ48W0K1w8NgsW8t7MAnnw89ko7drpsUPKYZpiqs/s1600/IMG_6805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ7IinecqmWgn-p1M7-fFNW_tS2canw9PrraISY7kM1BRgogC0N8fdHfs0jHRQmxqk4DYS3p0L4U06y-sNlGTwZSqghcKL1jgjVxtZ48W0K1w8NgsW8t7MAnnw89ko7drpsUPKYZpiqs/s640/IMG_6805.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping off our food in the afternoon.. so cozy!</td></tr>
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2. The delicious hippie food in Pai (the dreadlock
capital of Thailand) was some of the best food we’ve had on the whole trip! The
sightseeing definitely left something to be desired but we had a great time
spending our final days on motorbike around the city.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgLXtUyDXCyHE_fE_nj-jLYGjxEsbh75_47-Pn5Nc8Zw7zyoVgmJrDqN6Hw4zPF3QU4IoGu3NNpCT3p3ELB1uxPB4_z2bnNVeRv59hD5UkN42jxuMTxvuhRTIOlZbrBKr3bm9UIr9q_0/s1600/IMG_6908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgLXtUyDXCyHE_fE_nj-jLYGjxEsbh75_47-Pn5Nc8Zw7zyoVgmJrDqN6Hw4zPF3QU4IoGu3NNpCT3p3ELB1uxPB4_z2bnNVeRv59hD5UkN42jxuMTxvuhRTIOlZbrBKr3bm9UIr9q_0/s640/IMG_6908.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last motorbike ride in Thailand!! So hardcore..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDP9fZAzEVlZUv3lADN2zrjmfI9kb14ArmeSzXuUMpmuHde_3p9hAC2VnZ8Yo8DZQijgiquXke2XmcLur_2w5_AZfnnjPf6oqFzMQ8T61auf6o_MKL1hfZzD0tvdXJuf0EKCWlP2k6gs/s1600/IMG_6913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDP9fZAzEVlZUv3lADN2zrjmfI9kb14ArmeSzXuUMpmuHde_3p9hAC2VnZ8Yo8DZQijgiquXke2XmcLur_2w5_AZfnnjPf6oqFzMQ8T61auf6o_MKL1hfZzD0tvdXJuf0EKCWlP2k6gs/s640/IMG_6913.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the sights in Thailand, and a traditional jumping photo - don't think we've posted one yet!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r0gBX0tdEXAJuvGOEJEtOi3sSKO6XAZFhfKvCZ3Esa_n72oOfXeHvx8vr9m3iE1t4wVyY23S4ptJzOcstqk1dkAs5YNWlZbArQsvkIHm7g_f6Cp6x4SXejvLuZDPh_53Ho8nbrr0z_k/s1600/IMG_6903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r0gBX0tdEXAJuvGOEJEtOi3sSKO6XAZFhfKvCZ3Esa_n72oOfXeHvx8vr9m3iE1t4wVyY23S4ptJzOcstqk1dkAs5YNWlZbArQsvkIHm7g_f6Cp6x4SXejvLuZDPh_53Ho8nbrr0z_k/s640/IMG_6903.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, motorbikes do cross this bridge - crazy!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFqjnTtO3LcoAgXgjb4lV_FiWYbs-ZAQKRk9XUaABHOukG73HiQqZ80aiMM2ozeKy9l_cldXqeNrI_gKuv9HpfnvMmTZReHVrL4UF0kIdq9QojCN02koz58Gric4v-faErqEF9oixSAA/s1600/IMG_6927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFqjnTtO3LcoAgXgjb4lV_FiWYbs-ZAQKRk9XUaABHOukG73HiQqZ80aiMM2ozeKy9l_cldXqeNrI_gKuv9HpfnvMmTZReHVrL4UF0kIdq9QojCN02koz58Gric4v-faErqEF9oixSAA/s640/IMG_6927.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We reunited for yet another final night with Pierre and Lucie. It was one of these girls' birthdays so we got to share the delicious cake! Yum!! </td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3. Chiang Rai was the jumping off point to see two of the
craziest sights we’ve seen on this trip: the White Temple and the Black
House. The pictures say it all, but both
of these places were created by rich Thai artists with extremely different
tastes. We were feeling a bit
templed-out but the White Temple didn’t fail to impress!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bYZv9si2FdARG0s5AOOJzG9VGqsmsJCLzgJDQX1WTigQcyJVTo0L8YYu0mBsXe8z-hRDCJYkdwtS8vYNO4t1nRk0UPckWi-KzRKg2dgWiozsxOm8GQaaleGh99LjQPTZ4Wq61lRwS4s/s1600/IMG_6630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bYZv9si2FdARG0s5AOOJzG9VGqsmsJCLzgJDQX1WTigQcyJVTo0L8YYu0mBsXe8z-hRDCJYkdwtS8vYNO4t1nRk0UPckWi-KzRKg2dgWiozsxOm8GQaaleGh99LjQPTZ4Wq61lRwS4s/s640/IMG_6630.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful white temple. The other side as well as the inside is not yet completed - I think it's 2050 or something it's supposed to be finished by. Quite the long art project!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltwNVv9uAR_aRe1rhkBYjtgBln1-YWLa_-Seuz_EXijjlZvf17lbX0Q2aN1eP23_DoZjejjOK-7AyjlolEoHJmi8xCdhB7kbrMPx718LDdwDl0-9vFt8-VHGqB47yMdKGKvR6EM4ENVU/s1600/IMG_6637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltwNVv9uAR_aRe1rhkBYjtgBln1-YWLa_-Seuz_EXijjlZvf17lbX0Q2aN1eP23_DoZjejjOK-7AyjlolEoHJmi8xCdhB7kbrMPx718LDdwDl0-9vFt8-VHGqB47yMdKGKvR6EM4ENVU/s640/IMG_6637.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the sculpted messages at the temple - I like it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU5QtTAAAeM_yVBAMqtZOIPNg-xL-L6J0tYZ7Xb6evEgwUuoGE2_i7Q40O0u01Wf_nkfxy3fZgzfXeKd1vxIHTZDpsmupE4nTPYDmF7mBLN5eTuFDPQpqU4QusG5ywBAJAxzgklXHlhU/s1600/IMG_6694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU5QtTAAAeM_yVBAMqtZOIPNg-xL-L6J0tYZ7Xb6evEgwUuoGE2_i7Q40O0u01Wf_nkfxy3fZgzfXeKd1vxIHTZDpsmupE4nTPYDmF7mBLN5eTuFDPQpqU4QusG5ywBAJAxzgklXHlhU/s640/IMG_6694.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black House - quite the contrast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uklh4yZWN7FLQ1FU-9ruN24N2kg3i_dFJnz_4Uo4VBLhMRzOQ3Q9rJoQb__ni6qrIo-EbqCMDfgAkmOYUMvoM-N5_ecgW2TSNlrEVBDPoSyDZ6i5XMY6-G8JtHTy8JOAzzY6zGL_BXQ/s1600/IMG_6702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uklh4yZWN7FLQ1FU-9ruN24N2kg3i_dFJnz_4Uo4VBLhMRzOQ3Q9rJoQb__ni6qrIo-EbqCMDfgAkmOYUMvoM-N5_ecgW2TSNlrEVBDPoSyDZ6i5XMY6-G8JtHTy8JOAzzY6zGL_BXQ/s640/IMG_6702.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black House is adorned with hundreds if not thousands of animal skins and skulls, bones, etc. A creepy place to wander around in the dark that'd be for sure!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT1EzMJEpxymAF0aUFBrQ1Q4GnbhO2AvpTfCxdCxvWTch4V_GxT-JzD6B9i-fO01rRNGH_8brxSnL_NjiOw0WwIcgvvSUhCBXpuOTgRx83QOryAjwVAmoxISZY0a_8VLE4r6fwPs4xM8/s1600/IMG_6711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT1EzMJEpxymAF0aUFBrQ1Q4GnbhO2AvpTfCxdCxvWTch4V_GxT-JzD6B9i-fO01rRNGH_8brxSnL_NjiOw0WwIcgvvSUhCBXpuOTgRx83QOryAjwVAmoxISZY0a_8VLE4r6fwPs4xM8/s640/IMG_6711.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So tempting!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
4. In Chiang Mai, one of the hill tribe women was
extremely persistent and somehow Chris ‘accidentally’ got talked into buying
her hat. She was trying to sell a bunch of other crap so Chris thought he was
being a smart-ass when he asked how much she wanted for her hat. Well, everything is for sale in Thailand! She
then proceeded to spend close to thirty minutes bartering with herself. She started off at 500 Baht (about 16$) and Chris
said no. Then we sat and chatted over a
beer while the woman kept lowering her offer: “450… ok 400… special price,
300…”. Chris adamantly said he didn’t want the hat so it didn’t matter how much
it was, but at this point we were stifling laughs as best we could. Eventually she got down to 160 Baht and Chris
bit the bullet and bought the stupid hat.
Little did we know that it would later feature in a McDonald’s photo
shoot after yet another gripping game of Yanno!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GuXs87xTX5QoJ6M3Ogrvl5jvKJ86CKOfQnouD1Y2r5UPUsgt0snobEWil3pvEO8YpgCmNyC-G6vcgJHcq4q5PAqckVaCsJuut4Jg4NurbE5z_iA1hSeWQXCfWsQnCWVzc23xDfDu3ZA/s1600/IMG_6867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GuXs87xTX5QoJ6M3Ogrvl5jvKJ86CKOfQnouD1Y2r5UPUsgt0snobEWil3pvEO8YpgCmNyC-G6vcgJHcq4q5PAqckVaCsJuut4Jg4NurbE5z_iA1hSeWQXCfWsQnCWVzc23xDfDu3ZA/s640/IMG_6867.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pro saleswoman - who knew she had another hat in her bag to replace the one on her head!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQMoh1kchxSACMDgDd1nhST1ezPWl9i3ezALgv9Yub3jcxYChEdHi7djzRhgFfN-WYwdmp2M_BFdgsl6or-X5Vdu7o5MJN8IRra73oJkJnD18nGJAIMs-g61_CjklFoIhUnQE6SuSGRs/s1600/IMG_6875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQMoh1kchxSACMDgDd1nhST1ezPWl9i3ezALgv9Yub3jcxYChEdHi7djzRhgFfN-WYwdmp2M_BFdgsl6or-X5Vdu7o5MJN8IRra73oJkJnD18nGJAIMs-g61_CjklFoIhUnQE6SuSGRs/s200/IMG_6875.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQesLYpxAegvMSOwKfcx2kz4jWgH8ZedzIxjFkAX7ZZCfC-ZiW_2RytERAC2F333IbqPyUTzYmysT6l6ep7JFBsr34SFyjRsIVCW1hKAg3ybVjM2Q8ghw6h8fHJh_CJzsjSamn2BzvagM/s1600/IMG_6870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQesLYpxAegvMSOwKfcx2kz4jWgH8ZedzIxjFkAX7ZZCfC-ZiW_2RytERAC2F333IbqPyUTzYmysT6l6ep7JFBsr34SFyjRsIVCW1hKAg3ybVjM2Q8ghw6h8fHJh_CJzsjSamn2BzvagM/s200/IMG_6870.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBb5qxhmah_A-pcOLAWfC_lPbEHAl2urqeSXcXFHRUefDm6IoT5RX3mKyKULDUO3Bfx8KoHj3BXjTQYum3WqLeH7MObavWCX3W7UBkDfAIFy-03XEbFsIQjWBm92QIuIbKtSTr-uHGS5c/s1600/IMG_6880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBb5qxhmah_A-pcOLAWfC_lPbEHAl2urqeSXcXFHRUefDm6IoT5RX3mKyKULDUO3Bfx8KoHj3BXjTQYum3WqLeH7MObavWCX3W7UBkDfAIFy-03XEbFsIQjWBm92QIuIbKtSTr-uHGS5c/s200/IMG_6880.JPG" width="133" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBb5qxhmah_A-pcOLAWfC_lPbEHAl2urqeSXcXFHRUefDm6IoT5RX3mKyKULDUO3Bfx8KoHj3BXjTQYum3WqLeH7MObavWCX3W7UBkDfAIFy-03XEbFsIQjWBm92QIuIbKtSTr-uHGS5c/s1600/IMG_6880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkkxKYaSGhLTly7MNdCSM5FqwoGVa9gDJrfbwXiNL4Ssmzd1uQyTDsyXVu8e8z5Bb-jP_En18YUvAvWvG057WllTc136Qn2LZuWEI5YGpA71sBJyLjqQO1cXmkcHvcNov5MksSlPUuEc/s1600/IMG_6885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkkxKYaSGhLTly7MNdCSM5FqwoGVa9gDJrfbwXiNL4Ssmzd1uQyTDsyXVu8e8z5Bb-jP_En18YUvAvWvG057WllTc136Qn2LZuWEI5YGpA71sBJyLjqQO1cXmkcHvcNov5MksSlPUuEc/s200/IMG_6885.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSO6JTFYnirmcHK-Do7NUV104KRkcmVd_TYa4o6pTrxPfW0CqQZEcfu3SPOa3FbUD6e8rkTW-SmmzNicf6Mb3aPGx-Qykr_gNp-BKCqWrTekHgquKpriN0tiCcTA-cmnG7sWeDF9DMCcA/s1600/IMG_6886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSO6JTFYnirmcHK-Do7NUV104KRkcmVd_TYa4o6pTrxPfW0CqQZEcfu3SPOa3FbUD6e8rkTW-SmmzNicf6Mb3aPGx-Qykr_gNp-BKCqWrTekHgquKpriN0tiCcTA-cmnG7sWeDF9DMCcA/s200/IMG_6886.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjS1_-3J4KVnUp3h0_DE86HdjCs3dt8Np8m0WUhKTw4igY44FrFdBAfBLwP6eUui572oeZfuq-hcMPmEnQU3Nd3hqgKu5KuEpiHMOYi1-zHVyaoaeE9y_SuxQouMqFvY3bcZYupQ6Oic/s1600/IMG_6888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjS1_-3J4KVnUp3h0_DE86HdjCs3dt8Np8m0WUhKTw4igY44FrFdBAfBLwP6eUui572oeZfuq-hcMPmEnQU3Nd3hqgKu5KuEpiHMOYi1-zHVyaoaeE9y_SuxQouMqFvY3bcZYupQ6Oic/s200/IMG_6888.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
5. So Southeast Asia is home to innumerable stray cats
and dogs and after having been in the area for a few months, one becomes rather
desensitized to seeing them scattered through the streets, restaurants, hotels,
you name it. There is a general mutual
understanding of “you don’t bother me, I don’t bother you”…, or so we thought!
One night after perusing yet another Night Market in Chiang Mai, we got caught
in a heavy rainstorm and were innocently making our way home when we crossed
the path of two dogs. It’s like it was a
group effort- Chris’ attention was brought towards these two dogs who were
growling unimpressed under their breath at him when a third dog came out of
nowhere and actually bit him on the leg! To be fair, the dog wasn’t locked onto
his leg in a death grip or anything, it was just a nip. But it drew blood! If that wasn’t a rabid dog
(hello, unprovoked vicious attack?!) then I don’t know what is! I barked
angrily back at the dogs in my best intimidating voice and thankfully they
retreated. But we were left with the
Rabies Dilemma – do we wait to see if Chris starts foaming at the mouth before
we jump to any conclusions or do we get him treated? Well, apparently when it
comes to dogs in Thailand there is a 0.01% chance that it may have rabies. BUT, if it does have rabies and it bit you,
you’re a gonner if you ignore it! So now we have to get a series of five shots
for Rabid Chris – 3 in different cities in Thailand, one in Egypt and one in
Amsterdam! Can you say pain in the ass (actually the ‘jab’ is in the arm)?!! <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBSpJplXd7ho_0R8EOR3DCcCc-DpxOFfmdia2kREVDrN7qhIVdxC_zA-Wo6F3twmlUdyBEPMQZMo7yaVbRbyRKUa2Brlkk18WzqQkFSBPCiqOAAUqViQ6KXD6KLumYERMaeb_Mlz7hWk/s1600/IMG_6863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBSpJplXd7ho_0R8EOR3DCcCc-DpxOFfmdia2kREVDrN7qhIVdxC_zA-Wo6F3twmlUdyBEPMQZMo7yaVbRbyRKUa2Brlkk18WzqQkFSBPCiqOAAUqViQ6KXD6KLumYERMaeb_Mlz7hWk/s640/IMG_6863.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdmYy6TD0kCWz3ab5KSm2NWCFZc4-CG4VieY2KPQWFnXYO7cfb8Cxqf8Hx2yI9onOHqdO7ZY2AlttkGUFpIQ7RdcFGs6yQ2gSvhudiD4eNUgEhb0TzYv-8waiTgSezgG0WtIocHYU2H8/s1600/IMG_6862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdmYy6TD0kCWz3ab5KSm2NWCFZc4-CG4VieY2KPQWFnXYO7cfb8Cxqf8Hx2yI9onOHqdO7ZY2AlttkGUFpIQ7RdcFGs6yQ2gSvhudiD4eNUgEhb0TzYv-8waiTgSezgG0WtIocHYU2H8/s640/IMG_6862.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
6. We splurged for
a sweet place in Chiang Mai and stayed there for 6 nights! It was like an
actual hotel, where they cleaned our room every day and we got free water and
breakfast included – deluxe!! Worth the $15/night!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
7. In Bangkok on our second to last night we met up with
travel buddies Frank and Cat to head up to Sky Bar, the one that featured in
Hangover II. The bar is incredible – on the 64<sup>th</sup> floor of a hotel,
it opens to this super-posh expanse of patio with cool lighting and virtually
hanging above the city with 360 degree views. Sounds awesome right? And I’m
sure it would have been had we not chosen to go there on a night where it was
raining! We had to sit inside for the full duration of our single 15$ cocktails
(when beers cost less than $1 in some places, you can imagine how ridiculous
this is), filling up on delicious bar nuts and olives, trying to get our
money’s worth. Too bad, but you can’t
win ‘em all! Chris even had to buy pants in order for us to be able to go up! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
8. We also, finally, entered to realm of bug-eating! We
didn’t go all out – it actually wasn’t as readily available as we would have
thought- but we did try fried crickets! A bit anticlimactic really, as they put
so much oil on them that all you taste is fried oil with a crunch! Interesting,
but definitely a box I am happy to say that I’ve now ticked!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ywn8ShqYzkSfgDH25SagGlUuZbD9_7UoEi-Yr3glHiCjY9Ck7k8YuOp5jpgte6WnQeBHWznZhV1gNYMz3AbnpiuPjs3_JtPorYDYkGRT8Gz4ii-BHXwI2EvBYOuN0NzgQEK50p9G6aE/s1600/IMG_6732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ywn8ShqYzkSfgDH25SagGlUuZbD9_7UoEi-Yr3glHiCjY9Ck7k8YuOp5jpgte6WnQeBHWznZhV1gNYMz3AbnpiuPjs3_JtPorYDYkGRT8Gz4ii-BHXwI2EvBYOuN0NzgQEK50p9G6aE/s320/IMG_6732.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
To Southeast Asia: Kap kun kaa,.. Okun,.. Cam On,.. Kap
Jai Lai Lai,.. or just Thank-You! It has
been an unforgettable part of the journey.
We will miss the fruit shakes, pancakes and definitely the fried
chicken! Each country we visited was so different and yet still, so Asian and
somewhat similar. In Southeast Asia,
this is known as “same same… but different”, and it’s so true! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There are so many things we’ll miss, but at the same time
we are ready to move on to new places where honking horns actually means
something and you don’t have to walk for an hour to find a garbage can on the
street! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Our next stop is Egypt, we're pretty sure it's going to be a lot less same same and a whole lot more different. Bring on the camels!!<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Lauren and Chris xo</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-49632267474023894782012-06-12T19:38:00.000-07:002012-06-12T19:38:22.653-07:00The Gibbon ExperienceThe Black Gibbon is one of the world's most endangered primates. These monkeys spend their days in the jungle, high up in the trees, swinging from branch to branch and hanging upside down. Sounds like a pretty good life, eh? Well, we had the opportunity to spend three days living a similar life to the Gibbons - high up in the trees in a tree-house like every child dreams of, sleeping out in the middle of the jungle, eating (yeah sticky rice every meal!) and hanging upside down, 'flying' through the jungle. Okay, the 'flying' bit was on ziplines, but probably the closest we'll ever get to swinging among the trees like our primate friends!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Crew</b></div>
We met up with our buddies Matan and Andrea from NZ. Matan was the genius who originally suggested the idea to us - nice one BigCat! Andrea added the comic relief with her not-so-surefooted hiking. On the slow-boat from Laos we met Jason and Jenny and the day of Chris picked up a fellow Kiwi, Daniel, and his missus Lucy. I think people have different experiences on this 3-day adventure based on the people they're spending their nights with, and we lucked out big time with a kick-ass crew! Thanks guys!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIwNRQVIt46-frLMU7a-8O_dHAdDxIMR-cb5NdpYemj2chbFTj4rlWnST54U1hNf_rhsKHmEXpDVfAG1yWD_Iq8qzEIBWD4zCzHTTny9VTQv1kCRxSb7YnL6qB8cAJ6l5wl-N03Vm3Qk/s1600/IMG_6573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIwNRQVIt46-frLMU7a-8O_dHAdDxIMR-cb5NdpYemj2chbFTj4rlWnST54U1hNf_rhsKHmEXpDVfAG1yWD_Iq8qzEIBWD4zCzHTTny9VTQv1kCRxSb7YnL6qB8cAJ6l5wl-N03Vm3Qk/s640/IMG_6573.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The line-up: Jason, Jenny, Chris, Lucy, Matan, Andrea, Me and Danny!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAACdnaPkggKBRMdX_EHF60rEHT_Nc0Vi0dOIT55AyH7JJFPISkX0wwj3Vq8D3cBWHQStmyljMMMfaHoUSi70w6udf9ZaysqqP7e6WVLN2vop6BioVX8CRLPW_XMKBB9coKo_LyvV_Ac/s1600/IMG_6235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAACdnaPkggKBRMdX_EHF60rEHT_Nc0Vi0dOIT55AyH7JJFPISkX0wwj3Vq8D3cBWHQStmyljMMMfaHoUSi70w6udf9ZaysqqP7e6WVLN2vop6BioVX8CRLPW_XMKBB9coKo_LyvV_Ac/s640/IMG_6235.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before our first ZIP!</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Tree-House Living</b></div>
We came flying into the front porch of our new home, a three-level tree-house perched high above the ground. You have to zip in and out of every tree-house on the Gibbons as they are all high up and isolated. The first floor featured hands-down the most amazing bathroom I have ever seen! The shower has a slatted floor so you can look down past your feet to see the water droplets free-falling 30m down to the already rain-soaked forest floor. As you stand under the rain-shower head washing away the sweat and grime from the grueling trek in, you look out to an expansive view of rainforest as far as you can see- nothing but lush green trees and the occasional misty cloud floating by. Heaven! Anyway, continuing on, we go up the stairs to the main floor, lit by solar-operated lights and kitted out with a fridge and bedding for 8. The main floor wraps in a circle around the tree trunk that has shelving wedged in between its thick branches and a kitchen in the middle. A 360-degree view reveals more of the amazing jungle views and a great spot for sunset. Finally, a winding staircase takes you up to the top level, a small romantic space for two (though Jenny might describe it otherwise)!<br />
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The downside to living in a tree-house is that although the noises are beautiful and you can feel how alive the jungle is at night, there are some noises that are less desirable than others. For example, the sounds of rats squeaking and searching through your bags, and bees humming under your behind when you're trying to use the toilet. We girls (Lucy, Me, Jenny and Matan) had our concentration thrown in the late-night Yanno game because we kept hearing the unwanted rodent visitors (ironic, the rats probably feel the same) and having a little freak-out while the men pretended not to be phased and searched around for our sneaky little guests. Before bed we took all precautions putting away any food that might be a temptation, even storing the garbage in the cooler, and then we tucked ourselves into bed with the mosquito nets right under our mattresses so nothing unwanted could get into our beds. Well, this worked until about 3am when Danny awoke from a deep slumber to a rat on top of his feet! He had to dance around long enough to un-tuck the mosquito net to let it out. This led to quite the sleepless night for many, for fear of another rat-sighting! On night two we signed up for Tiger- a tiny cat with a big appetite for rats. She got brought over in a big bag and once released (I now see where "the cat's out of the bag" comes from!), did a sweep of the whole house and spent a lot of time up in the roof, likely disturbing the rat nests. Although some of our crew would've rather had rats than a cat (crazy!), Tiger did her job beautifully and we had a quiet sleep on night 2 - rat free!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvUjqHnjgUi8UbQmA7i69pPv1xS_mLZBgRCf6JFR1GP4p_-0McmLMFtxozzVMU2GPvgcx5j4MhxOGeKnjln7xMu3l31IpBd66Tjs0uJXHYBfHPd1luQwes1fe9fcs5hyphenhyphen4fyGsFOTNYUc/s1600/IMG_6568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvUjqHnjgUi8UbQmA7i69pPv1xS_mLZBgRCf6JFR1GP4p_-0McmLMFtxozzVMU2GPvgcx5j4MhxOGeKnjln7xMu3l31IpBd66Tjs0uJXHYBfHPd1luQwes1fe9fcs5hyphenhyphen4fyGsFOTNYUc/s640/IMG_6568.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guide, Pomoua, after dropping off dinner :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at sunset, before another few rounds of Yanno!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_y_kJsrKDmMQmfBroDCX24M5V3B13rAbwh-7b5u-RjdsWwaWO8eIm2CpxYxCnB24Z0bDZ4HBUEdn8Rbtqq0CvTpnx7hAJPKfv6DIt69AOeI0m4UW71I32FUOwiyLHemp3c_oV9U1cv0/s1600/IMG_6536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_y_kJsrKDmMQmfBroDCX24M5V3B13rAbwh-7b5u-RjdsWwaWO8eIm2CpxYxCnB24Z0bDZ4HBUEdn8Rbtqq0CvTpnx7hAJPKfv6DIt69AOeI0m4UW71I32FUOwiyLHemp3c_oV9U1cv0/s640/IMG_6536.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to fully capture the feeling - but best shower ever!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1S3L08YjnjQsfvmCNMej42TK28TF9rZb1_oJuNqsjVoQJKfdDZVkG3qtEgqZwv_WKaJJabiUrtGe2Lo5c-4r9I1yU5DxKJBAnDvtZDQJ-JhY9E9XuMCQ0EVVqaVCwWDogaCU0zmtUPpU/s1600/IMG_6443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1S3L08YjnjQsfvmCNMej42TK28TF9rZb1_oJuNqsjVoQJKfdDZVkG3qtEgqZwv_WKaJJabiUrtGe2Lo5c-4r9I1yU5DxKJBAnDvtZDQJ-JhY9E9XuMCQ0EVVqaVCwWDogaCU0zmtUPpU/s640/IMG_6443.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree-house two - the 'honeymoon suite'!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbswA51VXMrpyJ_bmDibwfa1HgfWkewssiHDuWe609R9iCc9UKEBm3q0wIwCQU_HMm7y0Zc9ChA45DqoqeZJl25LYgNoPSM0T9hz3zz8CCTOuAQYZaW6svBpiE3aj-zPwFfiU6T1Z5go/s1600/IMG_6458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbswA51VXMrpyJ_bmDibwfa1HgfWkewssiHDuWe609R9iCc9UKEBm3q0wIwCQU_HMm7y0Zc9ChA45DqoqeZJl25LYgNoPSM0T9hz3zz8CCTOuAQYZaW6svBpiE3aj-zPwFfiU6T1Z5go/s640/IMG_6458.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is only a small portion of Tree-House 1 - the biggest tree-house of the whole lot!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeqEA6A6v0adcqQuoe_Bv3mC-okrLqAc_BXHucG2bbqAxF8mFcmXZs6yc7Bx3HaYcQglbvWTMUGmi0-0VtlTR2FAC3KoxsfaSSRoIsvIxChHkrbbdARhoytPs_r5KAJgnQzPiE8gPTno/s1600/IMG_6233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Flight of the Gibbons</b></div>
Many people go on the Gibbon Experience in hopes of hearing and seeing the monkeys but leave without having been lucky enough to experience either. We were therefore extremely lucky! On both mornings we woke up to the eerie and beautiful sounds of the Gibbon call. Lying in bed at 6am their mating calls would drown out all the other sounds of the jungle and have you stumbling out of bed to try and catch a glimpse, even after having barely slept the night before! With 360 degrees of jungle views, we had to work a bit to pinpoint their location, but we were soon able to make out black blobs in the trees, and soon swinging black blobs which convinced us it must be the Gibbons! We found Gibbons leaping from tree to tree on both mornings of our stay. There is nothing cooler than seeing monkeys in their natural habitat, not tamed at all and going about their daily business. We spent a good couple of hours watching them each morning, quietly engrossed in the jungle life. Awesome!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEMpXn6W9bUTA_gi8lWEQHyNnfrelh98cwhW1QQViIdBujcyBult6vY6JYobAFDBJdDNTXMUNvBTidjr4VrBrXUXROfc2xuGWG2CTOHizb1NJncNXrGCH-1QBtwS-0roopIBwkFCDa34/s1600/IMG_6423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEMpXn6W9bUTA_gi8lWEQHyNnfrelh98cwhW1QQViIdBujcyBult6vY6JYobAFDBJdDNTXMUNvBTidjr4VrBrXUXROfc2xuGWG2CTOHizb1NJncNXrGCH-1QBtwS-0roopIBwkFCDa34/s640/IMG_6423.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, so it's a lot cooler on video or in person, but you get the idea!</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Art of Ziplining</b></div>
We'll never be able to zipline the same way again. Never in the Western world would we have access to ziplines in the same way. A network of 20 different cables leading to tree-houses and platforms zig-zagging through the jungle and the freedom to jump on any one you like at any time. We spent hours perfecting the art of zipping and then the following day went on a tour of all the different tree-houses and ziplines, and zipped to our heart's content. We couldn't get enough!! It was absolutely awesome :)<br />
Over our three days in the jungle we spent a significant amount of time perfecting the Art of Ziplining. We worked on the upside-down V, the superman, and all of us at some point adopted Andrea's "I'm flying!" pose. Unfortunately this wasn't the most aerodynamic of styles and there was rarely a zip where Andrea didn't come up short and have to tow herself in. Those of us not wanting to do the hand-over-hand thing worked to perfect the 'tuck': two hands on the clip, leaning back as far as you can, knees tucked up under the chin with feet close together, flying human bullet! Danny and Chris loved this technique so much that they used it every time, even when sometimes it meant coming in so hot that they'd crash into the trees at the end and give us all a scare. Good times all around!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZEjj4E2Ze32YSQ-e3MBhyPgiCGko5UGr-F8K4qzz50Fw0xRExwp5rnERzZJeVrJWetTPH4feNkuzyLe4AsHdDAOZWeEC-eZj6elOcW_rN550fECypsIYpFL9Vc1GZZZZU5uzY9gxWeU/s1600/IMG_6398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZEjj4E2Ze32YSQ-e3MBhyPgiCGko5UGr-F8K4qzz50Fw0xRExwp5rnERzZJeVrJWetTPH4feNkuzyLe4AsHdDAOZWeEC-eZj6elOcW_rN550fECypsIYpFL9Vc1GZZZZU5uzY9gxWeU/s640/IMG_6398.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah the happy couple! Me and Chris demonstrating the double flying-V!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbU3J6sKuABriHx5Gldk3ZzysmW52dXOijD6dX5uaPALFbZp_CJiCRcEKfZQknMRg5zrtO8BFb_B2I0amL60envUSteks0xKP-18l-GSDV7LjX14zde4IOIEDGIPi0_idmRGfgEzUJZh8/s1600/IMG_6341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbU3J6sKuABriHx5Gldk3ZzysmW52dXOijD6dX5uaPALFbZp_CJiCRcEKfZQknMRg5zrtO8BFb_B2I0amL60envUSteks0xKP-18l-GSDV7LjX14zde4IOIEDGIPi0_idmRGfgEzUJZh8/s640/IMG_6341.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attempted Superman!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TohSGvhFTnNgtvX3wm97UtHw7H7btGcLA-2v4CKim7Mp_yzC7COLtsvmKuysmGwFlunC0vh2HDI3WI4Kbog_oL2UBw-6SclRz8Ed-CHVB3KdvDSwJHavigRQ5g2V4fydwqn3EPgT6vg/s1600/IMG_6392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TohSGvhFTnNgtvX3wm97UtHw7H7btGcLA-2v4CKim7Mp_yzC7COLtsvmKuysmGwFlunC0vh2HDI3WI4Kbog_oL2UBw-6SclRz8Ed-CHVB3KdvDSwJHavigRQ5g2V4fydwqn3EPgT6vg/s640/IMG_6392.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea's signature flying star and a Running Man</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCCkjwW30vHLqSlARtZmMINt8lW7yyQ-usiDkF5Y1OZwMDP7lPQhxMkKhm0kYPHdfyEU9JM9s9wjq7fkA68eCxBg535dmAjpKERMnSJgvV1rQgsQJ0x-g8Atf1J_dQcpaep42luPVvZw/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCCkjwW30vHLqSlARtZmMINt8lW7yyQ-usiDkF5Y1OZwMDP7lPQhxMkKhm0kYPHdfyEU9JM9s9wjq7fkA68eCxBg535dmAjpKERMnSJgvV1rQgsQJ0x-g8Atf1J_dQcpaep42luPVvZw/s640/IMG_6273.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have to thank Matan, for this occurence. He thought it would be a neat idea to change in his two-sizes-too-small speedo and the others got jealous and wanted to join. Here are the men of Tree-House 7, in all their glory!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1eswxuZJnkwJVen-a1C1EPIiszVVGg_MbIUu0mPYuB3cd8E9g2uGUyx1PaWykixxGmFJx-_pq4Q9CWuT76A0BI2KohoSgh_MYiKYS2ZgKLYMmh32gZSyEihgbbHzBC5jvHV_v8GmDxA/s1600/IMG_6251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1eswxuZJnkwJVen-a1C1EPIiszVVGg_MbIUu0mPYuB3cd8E9g2uGUyx1PaWykixxGmFJx-_pq4Q9CWuT76A0BI2KohoSgh_MYiKYS2ZgKLYMmh32gZSyEihgbbHzBC5jvHV_v8GmDxA/s640/IMG_6251.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed home for the evening! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDSwH_ITJo5e3mzmFQrJmmWpBEPtUAXsuVhZMfOd7Smt3eLRVMoFbpOsrUZh5NzMKhkGaqKJKQplLzjpBK6SHLodFhQcdUqJDhKWF5LtAZx4XfGR6jOy8R9dONZsHfQb9bcP6G4nwE0w/s1600/IMG_6462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDSwH_ITJo5e3mzmFQrJmmWpBEPtUAXsuVhZMfOd7Smt3eLRVMoFbpOsrUZh5NzMKhkGaqKJKQplLzjpBK6SHLodFhQcdUqJDhKWF5LtAZx4XfGR6jOy8R9dONZsHfQb9bcP6G4nwE0w/s640/IMG_6462.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris demonstrating the tuck - he's a blur because it's hard to capture a flying human bullet on camera!</td></tr>
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Though expensive, the Gibbon Experience is an unforgettable 3-day event and we'd do it again in a heartbeat! The proceeds go towards protecting the National Park and the habitat of the gibbons. Also, the guides employed by the company are ex-poachers who have been (somewhat) educated and are now being better paid to share that education with tourists. Knowing that the cost is at least partially going towards a good cause makes it a bit more justifiable. We couldn't imagine a better way to spend the last few days we had in Laos. We have never eaten so many carbs and specifically sticky rice before! Still, it was well worth braving the leeches, rats, cockroaches and other creepers to live among the Gibbons! Now we say goodbye to Laos and hello to Northern Thailand!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbt5KzPpYqZYm38hFcrsBzQrtct9AhJG4V0q9H0AT07mHQWXVV9PAc-3t1-UZB5w_dN37PDPTDQo8tJh5C_jXgHUOR8mFJ6vq9gQlR1qhkHowVE42FAe2XNvbwZlZI5vsRdQ2TR7CckE/s1600/IMG_7708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbt5KzPpYqZYm38hFcrsBzQrtct9AhJG4V0q9H0AT07mHQWXVV9PAc-3t1-UZB5w_dN37PDPTDQo8tJh5C_jXgHUOR8mFJ6vq9gQlR1qhkHowVE42FAe2XNvbwZlZI5vsRdQ2TR7CckE/s640/IMG_7708.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team High-fives! Check out the multi-zip platform in the background - 6 ziplines going in and out of it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reunited with our buds from NZ - see you guys again somewhere random in the future!</td></tr>
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We fly to Egypt on June 20th and then are off to Amsterdam on Canada Day! Time is starting to fly by, yet the adventures continue...<br />
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Lauren and Chris xo<br />
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<br />Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com2Huay Xai, Laos20.2833333 100.416666720.2535408 100.37718469999999 20.313125799999998 100.4561487tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-34085781467392272422012-06-07T21:50:00.000-07:002012-06-07T21:50:19.114-07:00Land of a Million Elephants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCFD6SZpSwTEGzN7XF1B7VVpCNQ5rDvUfhdGzBLS2GZWSrvim_T0rnFvCWLe9uvKcj0vcrZhSe9V5c5LKTQL2wyP68sg4ImVAjAkML9jbhCnr519hcuhNBsFIfdWDpN8p0CvnMrIp5Y8/s1600/IMG_5863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our welcome into Laos- my kind of place! </td></tr>
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Though the bus situation was the worst we've have yet, coming to Laos after having been in Vietnam for three weeks was a breath of fresh air. Vietnam is fascinating in culture, beautiful in scenery and has some of the cheapest yet cleanest accommodation we've had on our trip so far; however, it is also definitely the most exhausting place we have traveled. It took us a while to realize that in Laos every person you talked to wasn't actually trying to rip you off, but just genuinely trying to help. The first meal we had was thrilling because it wasn't Pho and it was delicious (the food, especially in Northern Vietnam, left us a bit underwhelmed)! Our first impressions of Lao were nothing less than fantastic!<br />
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We made our way to Luang Prabang on an alternate route to what most tourists do - the 24-hour bus ride sounded like our worst nightmare! So we bussed across the border to Muang Khua, and then took a 7-hour long boat trip down the river to Nong Khiaw, a beautiful little town cozied up along the river and looking up at the mountains that surround it. We had a great night with the Lao people in Muang Khua, playing petanque (french word for our beloved Bocce!) and taking turns drinking small glasses of Beer Lao, handed out by the locals. We partied also with Pierre and Lucie, a french-canadian couple from Quebec (obviously) who we continued to hang with in Luang Prabang. In Nong Khiaw we stayed in another place with an incredible view along the river, for $8 a night! Crazy. We spent a couple of nights here to give us the chance to explore the area, just long enough for Chris to one-up me when it comes to bicycle crashes. You'd think we were both 8 again, falling off our bikes! Well, his was pretty intense as he was caning it down a hill after a steep climb and just as he was reaching the flat again he went to pedal and the chain snapped out of place. This jolted him out of his seat and resulted in his feet coming off the pedals and his nutting himself on the bar -ouch! At this point he tried to gain control but was in serious pain and came crashing and skidding onto the pavement. Brutal! Luckily this local woman came running over- well, actually it was more of a Lao run, meaning a marginally quicker walk- and pulled some leaves off of a nearby tree, shoved them in her mouth and then spat out a chewed up green mush that she smacked onto Chris' largest wound. The other villagers looked on and another came with a more pharmacy-style treatment. This would never have happened in Vietnam! Anyway, the woman got up and kept going on her way after we thanked her profusely and now here we are, with another story to tell! The Lao people have been awesome like that!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8NQ_bjcHcnTD9M_5m5377l94p_X7JLzQdpqjQ4MA8wOgD9PLv0NjUGwsWAbuAZB4dctov189cMtw_KKncg8RnI8B9bvXXY_HXQsYvZTdCVHpM-FlKY5EQiK3DhaFcKzrh88QaZh9EFw/s1600/IMG_5814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8NQ_bjcHcnTD9M_5m5377l94p_X7JLzQdpqjQ4MA8wOgD9PLv0NjUGwsWAbuAZB4dctov189cMtw_KKncg8RnI8B9bvXXY_HXQsYvZTdCVHpM-FlKY5EQiK3DhaFcKzrh88QaZh9EFw/s640/IMG_5814.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photographic evidence of the event!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QsY_LrkCgI6WRgM1a4PUyaYvosMcb41JG8roeNlpuKgXabFOiZcx_Aeo2pvBM72-E0t1FaaI6aqh3H-qJUUDk0m3gUwlhomyLjeOsxu7ZVufi2wz0v1i0qzf3uc7PvkUrfogZMmoxRw/s1600/IMG_5817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QsY_LrkCgI6WRgM1a4PUyaYvosMcb41JG8roeNlpuKgXabFOiZcx_Aeo2pvBM72-E0t1FaaI6aqh3H-qJUUDk0m3gUwlhomyLjeOsxu7ZVufi2wz0v1i0qzf3uc7PvkUrfogZMmoxRw/s640/IMG_5817.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice view - of the mountains and rice paddies I mean ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4fhauBXgRXGNqYmSKLzCRVgMp9WEK_f1vyC53qn7RSbtARPyjqXMP2yTWcALhyl7Z8ua5Mn9q4AGNoI2jM-RTmeeQMiBacBlf5vuwKrvzOx_xiVOSC6C2EK1Rmg04Q2FMj7YczVf0F8/s1600/IMG_5813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4fhauBXgRXGNqYmSKLzCRVgMp9WEK_f1vyC53qn7RSbtARPyjqXMP2yTWcALhyl7Z8ua5Mn9q4AGNoI2jM-RTmeeQMiBacBlf5vuwKrvzOx_xiVOSC6C2EK1Rmg04Q2FMj7YczVf0F8/s640/IMG_5813.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our balcony looking out over the river. </td></tr>
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The rest of our time in Lao was a bit rushed as we were headed to the
Gibbon Experience for a set date. At this point we got tired of long
winding bus rides and moving around, so Chris and I decided to stay in
Luang Prabang until we headed west to the Thai border and the Gibbons.
What a chilled out city to hang around in! We spent pretty much every
night wandering aimlessly around the night market and days doing little
trips here and there or waiting out a rainstorm while reading in a cafe.
It was so nice to not be on the move for a while! All of the Lao towns
and cities we've been to have been on the river and there is something
to be said about having a slow-flowing river, water drifting constantly
but lazily by, that seems to be almost infectious in the dispositions of
the people that live alongside it. We have loved and embraced this
chilled out, go with the flow kind of attitude.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6hS93DEB9vK3DSRKiCnqNet_B6DLGOoluxgmg0f7X9Npw8jSVS6VnDI27Lp4U0HHQ2DfVZ73l5qID2_gOm6qK6BTy-1crUZQv179eDH4U9IE-Yw8lJU-o71_v7qW-SA4XlNdUEzw27g/s1600/IMG_5865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6hS93DEB9vK3DSRKiCnqNet_B6DLGOoluxgmg0f7X9Npw8jSVS6VnDI27Lp4U0HHQ2DfVZ73l5qID2_gOm6qK6BTy-1crUZQv179eDH4U9IE-Yw8lJU-o71_v7qW-SA4XlNdUEzw27g/s640/IMG_5865.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are monks all over the place in Luang Prabang. In the morning they pass around the city at 5:30am for alms, when local people and tourists will give offerings of food to them. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCFD6SZpSwTEGzN7XF1B7VVpCNQ5rDvUfhdGzBLS2GZWSrvim_T0rnFvCWLe9uvKcj0vcrZhSe9V5c5LKTQL2wyP68sg4ImVAjAkML9jbhCnr519hcuhNBsFIfdWDpN8p0CvnMrIp5Y8/s1600/IMG_5863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCFD6SZpSwTEGzN7XF1B7VVpCNQ5rDvUfhdGzBLS2GZWSrvim_T0rnFvCWLe9uvKcj0vcrZhSe9V5c5LKTQL2wyP68sg4ImVAjAkML9jbhCnr519hcuhNBsFIfdWDpN8p0CvnMrIp5Y8/s640/IMG_5863.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chose the pic for two reasons - 1, a nice view of Luang Prabang outskirts and 2, to show that yes, even in rainy season, we continue to get ridiculously sweaty!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4pzEUeRNCRVbdzPNmxt-rFRPFpSVg4MAhg4d8E4mCYKOQDdGC15KW2u0HHSoAW88IaT5PEHct2n1iCwCSxJOCX4etI_xM1bauUiofz1XNj9oJhCk0TYDBjAWiTRgpNuN4M9C_Op__V8/s1600/IMG_5888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4pzEUeRNCRVbdzPNmxt-rFRPFpSVg4MAhg4d8E4mCYKOQDdGC15KW2u0HHSoAW88IaT5PEHct2n1iCwCSxJOCX4etI_xM1bauUiofz1XNj9oJhCk0TYDBjAWiTRgpNuN4M9C_Op__V8/s640/IMG_5888.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris catching up on some sleep with his favorite Buddha!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEqK3AO2b2l9Td8L9rnZuU2laZngxN5UOjHQA5RrqM79LHLxKGHNRpuNQTEO_TO_S5NtFcQ0BLnHqw2axVkiDAk0NnyO1K0nBPfdBaqdIPY84-nIO2E1l1QUqqLR4Pg06PmYPf1Cn1q0/s1600/IMG_5952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEqK3AO2b2l9Td8L9rnZuU2laZngxN5UOjHQA5RrqM79LHLxKGHNRpuNQTEO_TO_S5NtFcQ0BLnHqw2axVkiDAk0NnyO1K0nBPfdBaqdIPY84-nIO2E1l1QUqqLR4Pg06PmYPf1Cn1q0/s640/IMG_5952.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the popular attractions in Laos for good reason- the beautiful Kuang Si waterfall! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxg5AjQdNS5nSyi-bYoAuSprBaVEfHeqzqg_fa5jgpC8SUxRzThHuFEWsHI2Xvf1wxEMSdDOgjhm4XRN_PlzKw44uS4WHB8IqrjibZHG1ivI27iR7Ekip0E2BQCAFBr-dPwlxLkDbqmpA/s1600/IMG_6157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxg5AjQdNS5nSyi-bYoAuSprBaVEfHeqzqg_fa5jgpC8SUxRzThHuFEWsHI2Xvf1wxEMSdDOgjhm4XRN_PlzKw44uS4WHB8IqrjibZHG1ivI27iR7Ekip0E2BQCAFBr-dPwlxLkDbqmpA/s640/IMG_6157.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging at Utopia with our new travel buds - Nico, Ketty, Pierre and Lucie. Everything closes by 11:30 latest in Lao, so the night life is pretty chilled out (hence the cards!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXPK8XTJtvTBV4o_trz-HBL3yHkuRTfBicpnt4dEGKAamguh9zR2crfCgpvgH7_g7TMPTEv9Nwxj_DKKwe4QTS91CzVXJO4C7c-Ro29QyAYbPP3q6BHW1tL2mKLoPpTE-M8X5ZkrTF04/s1600/IMG_6198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXPK8XTJtvTBV4o_trz-HBL3yHkuRTfBicpnt4dEGKAamguh9zR2crfCgpvgH7_g7TMPTEv9Nwxj_DKKwe4QTS91CzVXJO4C7c-Ro29QyAYbPP3q6BHW1tL2mKLoPpTE-M8X5ZkrTF04/s640/IMG_6198.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The night market in Luang Prabang - extremely frustrating for tall people because of all the tents that are not quite high enough to walk through without ducking. Worthwhile for the cheap finds though!</td></tr>
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<br />The highlight of Luang Prabang was hands down the Elephant Village, a sanctuary for female elephants rescued from the brutally hard job of working in logging camps in the Lao country. Lao used to be called the "Land of a Million Elephants", but numbers have decreased significantly since then. Now its "Land of a Million Elephant Souvenirs"! Ha ha, anyone who has been to the Night Market in Luang Prabang will get what I mean. Anyways, many of the elephants at the Elephant Village had sustained injuries or lost vision due to work in the logging camps, so a German expat created this program to not only rescue the elephants, but to provide work to nearby villages and awareness to the people of the animal cruelty that exists in the area. We spent a day with these impressive, beautiful animals, getting to ride on their necks, feed and bathe them. The elephants seemed happy and loyal to their Mahouts (elephant trainer/rider), a testament to the program. The trunk of an elephant when searching for food was the coolest! I knew it would feel and sound like a vaccuum hose which was awesome enough. It was amazing how you could see this trunk waving around in the air, like a hand, <i>smelling</i> for its food! Then it would find the delicious banana I was holding and it has a muscle like a finger that is strong enough to grasp the banana and throw it into the mouth. It was fascinating to see up close and personal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtjra9kzYQoMTYht1FDwhXiYMz9UcNSi8EaRH2bf9CgZU7qQs6JTL7UuDU9gh-82hz_NvBwC6yOPQmyXfFDIygvOn5tCzOFV9onZ_x929SZZ9v69D5ZoL32PW7G6UqOzhJ72KJeSdCoU/s1600/IMG_6065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtjra9kzYQoMTYht1FDwhXiYMz9UcNSi8EaRH2bf9CgZU7qQs6JTL7UuDU9gh-82hz_NvBwC6yOPQmyXfFDIygvOn5tCzOFV9onZ_x929SZZ9v69D5ZoL32PW7G6UqOzhJ72KJeSdCoU/s640/IMG_6065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris getting cheeky with the elephants!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We spent three of our days in Laos on boats for 7+ hours at a time, floating down the river carved out of the mountains and passing by tiny villages and not-so tiny water buffaloes. We indulged in delicious Lao foods such as Lap, a minced meat of your choice mixed with the perfect combination of spice and herbs and served with sticky rice. We loved absolutely everything about Lao- wait, actually I need to be fair. You know a country must be awesome if you can overlook the fact that you were robbed twice there! Lao is another poor country, and we are (to them) wealthy Westerners. We had money taken from our hotel room twice (don't ask how this happened twice- we were embracing the laid-back mentality of Lao perhaps?). Moral of the story- use the safe, and carry all your money with you! It's the one big downer we had during our travels here. It felt like we weren't in the country for very long and both Chris and
I felt a bit disconnected, not because we didn't like everything we saw
in the country but maybe because Vietnam left us with such strong
impressions about the culture, the people and the history. It's like going to a party where you meet two people: a gentle, quiet person who is probably really nice, and an outspoken, opinionated guy who demands a bit more of your attention. The quieter one is hard to get the chance to know better when they're standing side-by-side. Still, we'd love to come back and get lost in calm, chilled out Laos anytime!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyWi8C6u8azXiYs5TLQ7iZeUOIbyRowgjkuNBjAFsySOQyFjrnkqQms10gRZXHBFgzDxic0IfULQL28brZUxmE1s9bmkxUXzlunZpH_z0jb1iHFfOTpgRxpluGMkywDOeKPd2SMpUl0I/s1600/IMG_6227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyWi8C6u8azXiYs5TLQ7iZeUOIbyRowgjkuNBjAFsySOQyFjrnkqQms10gRZXHBFgzDxic0IfULQL28brZUxmE1s9bmkxUXzlunZpH_z0jb1iHFfOTpgRxpluGMkywDOeKPd2SMpUl0I/s640/IMG_6227.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the boat to Houay Xai, where we would do the Gibbon Experience!! And the beginning of our Yanno addiction...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQvFDsx-b6xNnIcuW6nO2TedqU0ItZ1bt0uLdIDhMpPtX2KAVMpBb95Ln1M5YAEzqekO800-pt09bMM2Ld2WvcDmffk-jY4QNPZNm35O7gD0WaJE4L3_pN09ONccluHL92z4MIVY3HGs/s1600/IMG_6208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQvFDsx-b6xNnIcuW6nO2TedqU0ItZ1bt0uLdIDhMpPtX2KAVMpBb95Ln1M5YAEzqekO800-pt09bMM2Ld2WvcDmffk-jY4QNPZNm35O7gD0WaJE4L3_pN09ONccluHL92z4MIVY3HGs/s640/IMG_6208.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many small villages we passed along the muddy Mekong.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxkKC7HUOH2uBuZ9lD9f29VWUtbVHuphoOivigrcS8yM118nY0woxwfFVS4JJedSXDhmY75Z1aev7EmjrvgdTklLiMdqTlkZtLHGi8VPOPPk6cbOoOjlHVe_eDfYmNZBgCd1H4ypVUmA/s1600/IMG_6586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxkKC7HUOH2uBuZ9lD9f29VWUtbVHuphoOivigrcS8yM118nY0woxwfFVS4JJedSXDhmY75Z1aev7EmjrvgdTklLiMdqTlkZtLHGi8VPOPPk6cbOoOjlHVe_eDfYmNZBgCd1H4ypVUmA/s640/IMG_6586.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last night in Laos! Sidenote: Chris' t-shirt is a universal pleaser, no language required!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We've already done the Gibbon Experience and it is really hard to write about the rest of Laos when those 3 days were the highlight of our entire Southeast Asia experience so far. Stay tuned for a run-down of exactly how awesome it was!<br />
<br />
Missing the comforts of home, but we still have so much to look forward to ahead of us!<br />
<br />
Love to all,<br />
<br />
Lauren and Chris xo<br />Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com0Luang Prabang, Louangphrabang (Luang Prabang) 0600, Laos19.885599 102.13500219.870666999999997 102.115261 19.900531 102.154743tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-14751737617245996662012-05-24T20:03:00.001-07:002012-05-30T01:56:02.159-07:00City Lights and the Great Outdoors<br />
WARNING: It's been a long time since we've updated the blog... you might want to grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine for this one! Hope you still enjoy, we are definitely tiring of moving around but loving the places we have been lucky enough to see...<br />
<br />
As we sit on a balcony perched perfectly overlooking the Sapa Valley,
craving a bottle (or even a glass) of wine for inspiration but settling for yet
another giant Larue beer, Chris and I have trouble believing that a week ago we
looked like the main player from Frogger, eking our way across the insane
traffic of Hanoi! We've gone from Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh city)
to Hanoi, followed by Cat Ba and finally Sapa. The balance and contrast
between vibrant, crazy cities and chilled-out countrysides has been perfect for
being able to appreciate both sides of Vietnam. It is totally crazy that we
have been here for three weeks- this country has so much to offer! We have been
pretty ambitious in our travel plans here and yet there is still so much more
to see!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAbH8gs66C-RSmmmoC84kfFxbGGRBZRRxSOKvnFDZlbh7GCoFmcGwl1lu0rbqug6tEfRhPeSR4U-R2e2m1-stTRQWLjt5PV76im5Hz4Z_0zvgczQgkQ84KerZMiocysMV4GBeTDz446o/s1600/IMG_5532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAbH8gs66C-RSmmmoC84kfFxbGGRBZRRxSOKvnFDZlbh7GCoFmcGwl1lu0rbqug6tEfRhPeSR4U-R2e2m1-stTRQWLjt5PV76im5Hz4Z_0zvgczQgkQ84KerZMiocysMV4GBeTDz446o/s640/IMG_5532.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a bad view for $15 a night!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
City Lights: HCMC vs. Hanoi<br />
<br />
Anyone that knows me will understand that I am absolutely no history
buff. I am generally more fascinated by natural phenomena and science-world
type places than I am historical museums. That being said, the places we
checked out in Vietnam (specifically HCMC) blew me away. Vietnam's
history is so closely entwined with the reason the country is the way it is
today that learning more about the American (Vietnam) War and the perception of
it here has been nothing less than fascinating. We visited the War Remnants Museum,
the Cu Chi tunnels, and Reunification Palace in HCMC. Though people worldwide (including many Americans) seem to feel that the involvement of the US in Vietnam was outrageous, because Canada is so close in both
proximity and relations to the US, we are often subjected to American Pop culture that glorifies the American soldier and the US perspective of the war. It was quite the experience to
see it portrayed from the other side! All accounts of the war at both the
museum and the tunnels were extremely anti-American. This may seem completely
logical and I would tend to agree from their perspective. The part that
gets weird and almost so uncomfortable it’s funny is that in no way are the
Vietnamese accounts of the war subtle. A movie shown at the tunnels
literally describes Vietnamese soldiers being given awards for "killing
many Americans", and the soldiers were given the title "American
Killing Hero". I'm not sure if this is something that was lost in
translation or if this is an indication of the Vietnamese people's nature. It
does seem fitting simply because the people here seem to say what they mean,
mean what they say, and what we might consider to be bad manners or abrupt is
just them being straight up. Still, this most extreme situation caught us
completely off-guard! It pales in comparison to women shaking their open hands
at us when we go into a shop to ask a question. Another interesting piece about
Vietnam is that you really notice being in a communist country. Social
networking websites like Facebook are blocked on most internet browsers. There is definitely a different feeling in the
North compared to the South, but all over the country there is a sense that
people do not speak freely about the political situation. We met up with a friend-of-a-friend living in
Hanoi, and after speaking with these expats it is clear that there is no
freedom of speech! People are afraid that ‘someone is always listening’ and will
not discuss certain things in public.
This is so new to us, seeing firsthand how there is such a noticeable difference in lifestyle in a communist country.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOfCj5Rm2sZ8lOW5YJ3nhI0QqbotlEYjSA4TuOFQeP3gkoPAwefokkwEXxhcrCGYNTA_Q6Ru1DSOXBQM7hrDX1o269EZEMQYGv2XdId-G04-AvSdWUkb2itmiNDXAsM4-VoqpC9fCITo/s1600/IMG_5046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOfCj5Rm2sZ8lOW5YJ3nhI0QqbotlEYjSA4TuOFQeP3gkoPAwefokkwEXxhcrCGYNTA_Q6Ru1DSOXBQM7hrDX1o269EZEMQYGv2XdId-G04-AvSdWUkb2itmiNDXAsM4-VoqpC9fCITo/s640/IMG_5046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These tunnels were made for the Vietnamese people. This one was apparently "widened for tourists". We're giants here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdictedfJhCadS7skEEIIQrdQd5IJ2FoBw0DZilxiJdBG_TIcxYulvs-z6eAxrq6jfdFwHo4u8n1KRyBHAgFrDfiPJaJduiLhgQvqAW0MQjp5pl5FLIJCxmpZii5lHUQ3N3X4oADaWAHw/s1600/IMG_5005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdictedfJhCadS7skEEIIQrdQd5IJ2FoBw0DZilxiJdBG_TIcxYulvs-z6eAxrq6jfdFwHo4u8n1KRyBHAgFrDfiPJaJduiLhgQvqAW0MQjp5pl5FLIJCxmpZii5lHUQ3N3X4oADaWAHw/s640/IMG_5005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the war planes at the War Remnants Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anyway,
speaking of North vs. South, though Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are the two biggest
cities and share the same chaotic feel, there were definitely a lot of
differences too! <br />
<br />
Here is our points breakdown in the HCMC vs. Hanoi showdown!<br />
<br />
Food: HCMC! Lots of cheap food stalls on the streets, Hanoi it was hard to
find! Eating is always the most important <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">--</span>2 points<br />
<br />
Shopping: Hanoi. Great place to go to buy art, tailor-made clothes or in our
case a tailor-made silk duvet cover! Score! And score for Hanoi shopping <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">--</span>1
point<br />
<br />
Partying: HCMC. Cool night scene for travelers with 50-cent beers and random
side streets packed with little chairs spilling onto the street <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">--</span>1point<br />
<br />
Entertainment: Hanoi. Home to the very odd theatre show concept- Water
Puppets. Check it out if you go, just
for the weird factor! I wouldn’t say it is good or bad, just funny and random! For
a little bit of Vietnamese crazy <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">--</span>1point<br />
<br />
Buildings and layout: Both cities have different looks. In Hanoi the buildings are older, with very
narrow shop fronts that head back away from the street in a long, skinny shape.
HCMC is more westernized with taller office buildings and high-rises. The
streets in Hanoi are much narrower than those in HCMC. No points are awarded to
either for this category as they are very different and may appeal to people in
different ways (although we lean towards the South on this one, because at that
point we were craving a bit of Westernization)!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJW4_t5efxlqJGF0P4EDAwCx-Xn72ibS3wJVfap92e0uCNdXjLik-cJhCkFkkcBOMEGiklIBDBgjkLR8OE3i2o7yq5KaDIKs0VUnmZcFksDNZpkGLGbzPltR9kZ7OvPBfFzYhi2eQY_o/s1600/IMG_5022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJW4_t5efxlqJGF0P4EDAwCx-Xn72ibS3wJVfap92e0uCNdXjLik-cJhCkFkkcBOMEGiklIBDBgjkLR8OE3i2o7yq5KaDIKs0VUnmZcFksDNZpkGLGbzPltR9kZ7OvPBfFzYhi2eQY_o/s640/IMG_5022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The city lights of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcErhND7Q-UYceFeym74_5TVz96_Drnq0gDCwDTSYNdefzA7VrtMz8ijYhjU0_9RvMnL-2qrfXXEp97rOAjmzHMxtojvbosTIgmGtPemDplQ61a4zF01WVl7Iu3AnNtxxwJch_4erh5Y/s1600/IMG_5094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcErhND7Q-UYceFeym74_5TVz96_Drnq0gDCwDTSYNdefzA7VrtMz8ijYhjU0_9RvMnL-2qrfXXEp97rOAjmzHMxtojvbosTIgmGtPemDplQ61a4zF01WVl7Iu3AnNtxxwJch_4erh5Y/s640/IMG_5094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowded streets of Hanoi. Can you see me amongst the motos? Look for the person a foot taller than everyone else!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
HCMC: -1 point because our friend Jeff got Dengue Fever here… bad one!
Luckily he is on the mend now and back home safe and sounds!<br />
<br />
Hanoi: -2 points for noise pollution from all of the honking motorbikes,
which would be on par with HCMC if it weren’t for the skinny streets in the Old
Quarter! The second point is being deducted for safety reasons. You have to walk on the hazardous roads
because the motorbikes are parked on the sidewalks. I got hit in the hand by the wing mirror of a
passing car! Not cool!<br />
So the winner for us was Ho Chi Minh City 2-0, though we were feeling pretty
tired and chill by time we got to Hanoi so we didn’t get up to too much there
comparatively. Constantly being on guard for motorbikes and the incessant
honking of horns get under your skin after a while! So we were keen as beans to
move on to somewhere with less traffic and more green space.<br />
<br />
<br />
Enter the Great Outdoors: Cat Ba Island and Sapa<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LgEbRHiQZL-8qbHv8AKZGPqZIEtAbbFou_rP50aEBsIeY0i29c2K5WQps-cVFQE_Wn1r_1kXXv2fOrwGFYyxJs2ixWN6WywSLiusJsMF0A0eNbVohgh5wqf4b-xqBXIwZM50D8LqlZY/s1600/IMG_5199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LgEbRHiQZL-8qbHv8AKZGPqZIEtAbbFou_rP50aEBsIeY0i29c2K5WQps-cVFQE_Wn1r_1kXXv2fOrwGFYyxJs2ixWN6WywSLiusJsMF0A0eNbVohgh5wqf4b-xqBXIwZM50D8LqlZY/s320/IMG_5199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris was in full form - sweating so much it was dripping off his hat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the ‘Wonders of the
World’. It has giant limestone karsts that
jut out of the water, covered in lush green plant life and peering through mist
that gives them a mysterious, majestic look.
Unfortunately Halong Bay has been exploited by tourism. We read that over 2 million tourists visit the area annually- that works out to more than 5000 people per day! The water and air pollution brought on by
hundreds of tourist boats visiting the site have taken away that
untouched beauty that everyone comes to see.
Cat Ba Island, however, is the main island south of Halong Bay that
features the same limestone cliffs, but is further away from the tourist
trail. We spent three peaceful nights
there and clambered through dense jungle for 16km one day, visited a small
village in the mountains, went kayaking amongst the karsts and hung out on a
boat as it wove through fishing villages and crab farms. It was absolute heaven to be working up a
sweat (and I mean a LOT of sweat) due to physical activity and not just walking
to a restaurant or around a temple. To be able to sit and eat Pho on the street
without a motorbike passing by every second we well and truly appreciated. We
wanted more of this type of travelling…<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPFhXZoEcAImglNl1FxM4SDdY_On8_lI8uE2nSQKWrwDhU6cviwkpX8ro5ge83I7fyjtIBl0iLFCtNgyh8OMCvIH1ChvK6VMXPfqmunhGwHXPGya_gjDYNEHW0xtcriDwTUKEqeizago/s1600/IMG_5191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPFhXZoEcAImglNl1FxM4SDdY_On8_lI8uE2nSQKWrwDhU6cviwkpX8ro5ge83I7fyjtIBl0iLFCtNgyh8OMCvIH1ChvK6VMXPfqmunhGwHXPGya_gjDYNEHW0xtcriDwTUKEqeizago/s640/IMG_5191.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from on top of Cat Ba Island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINpBksK5eLBltPYQ3lpK9kUm7BgT5XlYsNXXuuETCToMc9dfLZKeeCFWKRywxhY4qELAu3WpZZ-lqdo5b0BxMm4ObIIgPEWcM3NXPYCCMuMAOPjxC89ELHvgtp4atXep5uM2k8NGAKPg/s1600/IMG_5342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINpBksK5eLBltPYQ3lpK9kUm7BgT5XlYsNXXuuETCToMc9dfLZKeeCFWKRywxhY4qELAu3WpZZ-lqdo5b0BxMm4ObIIgPEWcM3NXPYCCMuMAOPjxC89ELHvgtp4atXep5uM2k8NGAKPg/s640/IMG_5342.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping for a swim late afternoon before winding our way back through the islands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Enter Sapa.</i> We were in Sapa and
the surrounding area for five nights and it was basically love at first sight!
We found a home away from home for the short time we were there. Chris was in heaven because Sapa is a
mountain town. Mountains = higher
elevation = significantly cooler temperatures = no sweating your ass off! It
was a welcome break from feelings sticky again five minutes after you towel off
from your shower. Sapa is the home base from which people go on hikes and overnight
stays to visit hill tribe villages in the mountains and experience a different
way of living. This is also something
that has become more touristy, but Sapa didn’t feel too overrun with tourists
to us. *side note: the computer is suggesting that grammatically the word
“touristier” should be used in the last sentence, yet if I change it the red
line comes up saying it’s a spelling error and suggest “touristy” to fix it. Grammar
and spell check need a conference call!* Anyway, we checked out a village the
first day we arrived and were blown away by the beauty of its location and
charm: children playing in the river, splashing around, naked and happy; pigs,
chickens and water buffalos roaming the paths that wind through the rice
paddies and huts; women preparing dinner, or sitting weaving a new bag or
blanket to sell at market. All a totally different world to us, it felt like we
were stepping back in time and we loved it.
We spent a couple of days riding motorbikes around and hiking in and
amongst different villages.<br />
<br />
<br />
We liked the motorbike thing so much that we hired
one for two days and went on a 3-hour journey to another smaller nearby
mountain village. The ride was awesome though butt-aching, and we got to see
the countryside in a different way both there and back, winding around roads
climbing the side of a mountain looking down to the rice-paddied valleys below.
Awesome! We ended up in Bac Ha. Bac Ha is the home place of the Flower H’mong
hill tribe and is known for its Sunday market. This market gave me an emotional
breakdown- literally. I was okay through
the part that had giant vats stewing weird meat chunks of bone, internal
organs, feet, tongues and whatever else.
I reached breaking point when we got to the animal market and saw the
dogs on sale for Sunday supper. It was
absolutely horrifying. There’s not even
any meat on them and they’re man’s best friend people! There are certain things we have seen here
that we will never understand. Seeing
the way that animals are bought and then strapped onto a motorbike alive really
does give me the ability to understand my vegetarian friends better. Especially since these animals likely live a
happier life than those sold in our supermarkets. It has been important to us
to appreciate where the meat on our plates comes from because if you can’t watch
a pig getting hog-tied, weighed and listen to its ear-piercing squeal of
protest, then how can you eat it? In any case, the food in Sapa has been some
of the best food we’ve had in Vietnam and you know it’s fresh from the farm
because you’re surrounded by it. We
could’ve stayed another week here, but sadly we move on to Laos tomorrow.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6nmIF4hrwdUkBi5HgDQuHP7W0apXPppfzDEO5ZYRIgCDC-qea588zyVdCORmMiFH2lTyN5Lurs7y7jJCFcWVy2BedqLf9rpaA5EpENyO5cjcjQfs_UsY891CBITyqARJcfSgyPqm6b4/s1600/IMG_5463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6nmIF4hrwdUkBi5HgDQuHP7W0apXPppfzDEO5ZYRIgCDC-qea588zyVdCORmMiFH2lTyN5Lurs7y7jJCFcWVy2BedqLf9rpaA5EpENyO5cjcjQfs_UsY891CBITyqARJcfSgyPqm6b4/s640/IMG_5463.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Bao of the Black H'mong people. She was our forced guide to see Cat Cat Village. Lovely woman, except we thought tipping her $2 was generous until she told us we had to give here an extra 50c more! Then after we caved she asked us for a ride back into town on our motorbike. She was cheeky but colourful that woman!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNUqP9VtYAx8hepy6-lMimsn3ZvRfL3CxCr-c7HGhA1YpPVhXO8uHnAm2XmfnSR1BqhiJLdsMnCDlY2kEg4QdsusuBbIITuG5yiMf9zfSWm6XuktUR_KJREiM-xqbJzBpYHKc2Ixww4Q/s1600/IMG_5579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNUqP9VtYAx8hepy6-lMimsn3ZvRfL3CxCr-c7HGhA1YpPVhXO8uHnAm2XmfnSR1BqhiJLdsMnCDlY2kEg4QdsusuBbIITuG5yiMf9zfSWm6XuktUR_KJREiM-xqbJzBpYHKc2Ixww4Q/s640/IMG_5579.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the water buffalos here! They're like big dogs (except the Vietamese don't eat them)!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFatSKdzVr7-fVGqC2nH3gCLu1ZdX5lY4ZJAHMk3AJbrF0oq4J4db5iSv_fMD-ejECZhGMGaRlJxMoeiJehpPyVma_iStkH1QUWKUEsh5VBauSTH-dYN6Ubu8_LlYHfUUp5v1zYwq16o/s1600/IMG_5565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFatSKdzVr7-fVGqC2nH3gCLu1ZdX5lY4ZJAHMk3AJbrF0oq4J4db5iSv_fMD-ejECZhGMGaRlJxMoeiJehpPyVma_iStkH1QUWKUEsh5VBauSTH-dYN6Ubu8_LlYHfUUp5v1zYwq16o/s640/IMG_5565.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The saying "it takes a village" is so accurate in the rice fields of Sa Pa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We’ve
heard absolutely great things about Laos, especially the food and the people.
Vietnam has been a crazy ride and such a diverse country, but it’s also
exhausting to travel in. Mostly because
you always have to have your guard up and can never accept something someone
tells you as the truth. As an example of the incredulity of some of these
scams, here are our top three taxi experiences:<br />
<br />
3. A taxi driver drops us off outside our hotel, but has to get right to the
front door even though he’s driving down a back alley that is so crowded he’s
practically scraping past the buildings on either side. We finally get there and Chris pays, and the
driver tries to ‘escape’ without giving Chris his change back. He was going so
slowly that Chris just walked along beside him and opened his car door to stop
him. <br />
<br />
2. After negotiating a price for a taxi cab, the driver forgets to turn the
meter off. When he drives us to our desired destination and the meter shows the
price to be half of what we had agreed to pay, we give him the lower price and
ignore his protest as we get out of the car.<br />
<br />
1. Headed to the bus station, we ask the taxi driver if he will use the
meter after he quotes us an exorbitant price to take his taxi. He tells us that the meter is broken. We say to him that we would prefer to find a
taxi with a meter. He quickly turns
around and says “Ok! Meter! Meter!”, and we tell him he’s lost our business
because he lied to us in the first place. <br />
<br />
Vietnam is worth the hassle of negotiation to see some amazing things and
you just have to accept that as part of the package deal. Bring on Laos and a more chilled traveling
environment though. We’re ready for a change!<br />
<br />
Tam biet for now,<br />
<br />
Lauren and Chris<br />
<br />
PS I can reply to comments on here now (I'm still learning...)! Feel free to give a shout out a la Facebook on this site :) :) I hear Vancouver has had some sunshine in May!! Hope everyone had a great long weekend xoLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com3Sa Pa District, Lao Cai province, Vietnam22.2497168 103.960809122.0145793 103.64495210000001 22.484854300000002 104.2766661tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-55607959436161901152012-05-12T10:27:00.000-07:002012-05-15T22:48:15.874-07:00Good Morning Vietnam!At times during our bus trip I wondered if we would make it, with the
bus driver slamming on the brakes to avoid cows, cars, scooters and
children on the streets. We flew out of our seats with every bump of the
road (and in Cambodia there are a lot of bumps), and listened to the
rhythmical sound of the horn hoping it was never for anything serious. We made it through the 'high security' border no problem and continued
to bounce our way into Ha Tien, a small border town on the river.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyRW7xZHEns3C0c4EfuPe0hdTY_T_WJXgwlIUk4sjbeby51pdhK8f6vB-936eBDgx4gLkqoteMZ-9aV5KKOUgBCapI8XV6RemTzEMlzVkSgwBg8bXckbB2suf2IZxfh7iKgNrFITO_Lo/s1600/IMG_4628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyRW7xZHEns3C0c4EfuPe0hdTY_T_WJXgwlIUk4sjbeby51pdhK8f6vB-936eBDgx4gLkqoteMZ-9aV5KKOUgBCapI8XV6RemTzEMlzVkSgwBg8bXckbB2suf2IZxfh7iKgNrFITO_Lo/s640/IMG_4628.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the high security border, flash border. Check out how much stuff is balanced on that motorbike!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We checked the place out for a day- well actually we checked the food
out- it seemed we did nothing but eat (and drink) there! We ate some
delicious foods such as noodle soups, coconut slice, amazing
Flintstone-sized BBQ chicken drumsticks and banh mi! Hellooo Vietnam!
Mixed among those flavorful delights was some dried sting ray (we ate it
with a group of locals who eat it as a beer snack, like we would
peanuts) and sea snails... Not our favorite. We had to put on our poker
faces! Anyway, the city was packed wih vietnamese tourists the night we
were there! It was April 30th, Vietnam liberation day, when 37 years ago
the Vietnam (or American) war ended. Apparently Ha Tien is the place to
be to celebrate the country's biggest holiday! We were the only white
people in town and we not only stood out but were welcomed and stared at
as we walked the small city's streets. People would pat Chris and Jeff
and stand beside them up to their armpits laughing at how much taller
they were. One man was particularly enthralled by Jeff's nipples, and
proceeded to tweak them in delight. A total stranger nipple-tweaking,
yes. There is no such thing as personal space here! Hilarious!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIrPvGAdejlVqhsrTYx7skUP3HgxA2g0atoZbCUIuGSePS4iZzoZmDvCuazGPJtiXMRriwVzcU90OSPu-3RP1NXccUzId9ceATuddk5G62WG_qt5SqEfqIOg6VCiICreYioyg_mJPt3k/s1600/IMG_4675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIrPvGAdejlVqhsrTYx7skUP3HgxA2g0atoZbCUIuGSePS4iZzoZmDvCuazGPJtiXMRriwVzcU90OSPu-3RP1NXccUzId9ceATuddk5G62WG_qt5SqEfqIOg6VCiICreYioyg_mJPt3k/s640/IMG_4675.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Reunification Day with new buddies we met on the street. On this day Jeff was Bulgarian... mot, hai, ba, YO! (Yo is cheers in Vietnamese - awesome!) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJCpS6WDV2iQWyXuy0vo3kdl-Q05OPzoVswFQma-YsBVHgKoXMC6jtoDYLgwVXfE1Ev2PlA58p_qeW-XRT3WVDhkdlbBOjaPrKqflNHrJc7JNGRXF1oeYrwWIf0B7sckYWPlOVPFNJl0/s1600/IMG_4681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJCpS6WDV2iQWyXuy0vo3kdl-Q05OPzoVswFQma-YsBVHgKoXMC6jtoDYLgwVXfE1Ev2PlA58p_qeW-XRT3WVDhkdlbBOjaPrKqflNHrJc7JNGRXF1oeYrwWIf0B7sckYWPlOVPFNJl0/s400/IMG_4681.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eat me! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A highlight of this night for me personally was getting locked inside a
hot and sweaty bathroom. After discreetly excusing myself from the table
and heading across the street to use the facilities, post-flush I went
to open the door and the rusted handle fell off into my hand. What?!
After fiddling around uselessly I had to bang on the door for what
seemed like ages before my circumstance was discovered! Then it took a
good 10 minutes for the mystery man on the other side to free me!
Luckily Neda found me stranded before too long and called reassuringly
to me from the other stall until I was released. Good times! That same
night we met Hayden, a university student who also tour guides around
Vietnam. Finally someone who spoke (really good) English, who wasn't
trying to take our money! He introduced us to even more food and we
peppered him with questions about Vietnam all night. It was a great
night to kick off our Vietnamese adventures!<br />
<br />
We then spent the next week checking out the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi
Minh city. Once again, it was questionable as to whether we would make
it to our next stop. This was without a doubt the worst bus experience
any of the four of us had ever had! First we were rushed in to this
locals bus before we could find out that they planned on charging us
triple what they should have. Then the sweaty hot bus kept stopping to
pick up passengers. The seats slowly filled up and yet the bus stopped
again to pick up more people... But where would they sit? No problem!
Five teenagers climbed up behind us past the back row of seats to squat
behind our heads. I felt like I was in a horror movie when I awoke from a
gravol-induced slumber to see a hand dangling on my shoulder! The
driver then proceeded to fill the aisles with people sitting on little
stools until there was no room left everybody was so crammed together.
But hey, these guys are crafty! They had the person in front of Jeff
(both Chris and Jeff are almost twice the size of vietnamese men
remember) tilt her seat forward so that a man could sit in between
Jeff's legs. The picture says it all, except to add that the man was
smoking! Jeff's expression was priceless, he had reached his limit- no,
surpassed it- by this point. Those meditation skills must come in handy
at times like that!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADLKagdGvgqXwWhLLWoabchmVXUzo5xUhudZDFLeItZAAhaBKliJdZslVh9eRE_OT4uIUcJVzyUD6hG2nhyItynRBGcFlV6TQ618nXNNTeMv8hN8y8OtB4asMp4DwvhqXeCmGpLhWfc0/s1600/IMG_4694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADLKagdGvgqXwWhLLWoabchmVXUzo5xUhudZDFLeItZAAhaBKliJdZslVh9eRE_OT4uIUcJVzyUD6hG2nhyItynRBGcFlV6TQ618nXNNTeMv8hN8y8OtB4asMp4DwvhqXeCmGpLhWfc0/s400/IMG_4694.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priceless!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyway, after transferring buses three times, experiencing the worst
'WC' facilities to date (a tiled floor with a drain in the corner, you
just squat on the floor?!?) and having to duck down in the aisles each
time a police car passed so our drivers weren't dinged for having 50
people on a 28-seat bus (no word of lie!), we finally made it to Can Tho
in one piece!<br />
<br />
<br />
Generally, traveling the Mekong was probably the least touristy place we
have been so far, so thankfully we had Hayden who met up with us and
hooked us up with a cheap tour of the floating markets. That is the
main pull for people to go to Can Tho: the floating markets! It was an
awesome sight to see because it was an actual working mishmash of
run-down boat wholesalers selling watermelons, jackfruit (bubble gum
flavored fruit!), pumpkins, bananas, etc. to the smaller vendors on
little rowboats. It's quite the sight to see, all the hustle and bustle
of a fruit and veg market like we would have back home but instead all
of it takes place on the water. Each boat has a big stick on the end of
it with a fruit or veggie attached to advertise what they are selling.
There are also a couple of breakfast and coffee boats, to help wake you
up since the market is its busiest at 6am!! In the last two weeks I
think we've seen four sunrises- criminal! Anyway the fact that the farms
and produce are so close to the river means that everything you buy in
Can Tho is fresh and delicious! Oh how we miss the mangoes and
watermelons! I'd recommend going there for that reason only.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtgDxLbNEeRZlR89YSR-hJY6epQIK9GmWLpcvNnykM61N7omMayuxtcFnwxlzA2vLVN0T6xEemiMn7-uga01OwdZ9Cd41vBjNs_BdyUVn6SlBYWbORjJn9eB90Z1iC-8z_yyjWFAcd10/s1600/IMG_4778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtgDxLbNEeRZlR89YSR-hJY6epQIK9GmWLpcvNnykM61N7omMayuxtcFnwxlzA2vLVN0T6xEemiMn7-uga01OwdZ9Cd41vBjNs_BdyUVn6SlBYWbORjJn9eB90Z1iC-8z_yyjWFAcd10/s640/IMG_4778.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Hayden, our new friend, headed to the Floating Market!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfJacermFWuldKVKvfas_cWS_FENqRtGMa3GMC7eMQr8rTKRkt21Fl-2sEGOItK5DKyuyhkCd6w-rLHSAfSkCOEWi1H291mx6s9LOrhVi949zMEVH8R8_9eT4OioDxqfNTEnY7MnhWDk/s1600/IMG_4763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfJacermFWuldKVKvfas_cWS_FENqRtGMa3GMC7eMQr8rTKRkt21Fl-2sEGOItK5DKyuyhkCd6w-rLHSAfSkCOEWi1H291mx6s9LOrhVi949zMEVH8R8_9eT4OioDxqfNTEnY7MnhWDk/s640/IMG_4763.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vNK0gac22EE6TwajDgfdjVmyuoOGW7Q-dH-2CMqfABS5vE84a3nFs29M6_8dOSKcH3ktxwmc99vkz_Rm2ehGz_jtjD4Ol7Itj9rfQudqU0pgiw0C5m6A1jrv_8NBBt370V4tooEob3Y/s1600/IMG_4762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vNK0gac22EE6TwajDgfdjVmyuoOGW7Q-dH-2CMqfABS5vE84a3nFs29M6_8dOSKcH3ktxwmc99vkz_Rm2ehGz_jtjD4Ol7Itj9rfQudqU0pgiw0C5m6A1jrv_8NBBt370V4tooEob3Y/s640/IMG_4762.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot noodle soup breakfast on the water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3XE3Bi_QqIQ4rb-ANQT2vwsLbWxm8YW3jSu-RYF-goQ4pN_QK7H5VCVb4ugSNAF1hRfxdEILEoaNtJO5qc4l16O53yjQLWI8yV9nVftEIfCzKvcHVMMQlQ6q1VbO36GUniZuY66en2w/s1600/IMG_4831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3XE3Bi_QqIQ4rb-ANQT2vwsLbWxm8YW3jSu-RYF-goQ4pN_QK7H5VCVb4ugSNAF1hRfxdEILEoaNtJO5qc4l16O53yjQLWI8yV9nVftEIfCzKvcHVMMQlQ6q1VbO36GUniZuY66en2w/s640/IMG_4831.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can Tho = best watermelon EVER!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3XE3Bi_QqIQ4rb-ANQT2vwsLbWxm8YW3jSu-RYF-goQ4pN_QK7H5VCVb4ugSNAF1hRfxdEILEoaNtJO5qc4l16O53yjQLWI8yV9nVftEIfCzKvcHVMMQlQ6q1VbO36GUniZuY66en2w/s1600/IMG_4831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbbGhmSwSc3N4x7GvCctlHUwBofdiXM2Npcndjewdg2vxXfMDprBShXB_7qBZDju7bs6eYwtysq_f5akyoq2YXztOew96zGF_lnlX5aYksbuwYLtZ0_EY3bW2J8hdX5NiCEtVPoL9_DQ/s1600/IMG_4835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbbGhmSwSc3N4x7GvCctlHUwBofdiXM2Npcndjewdg2vxXfMDprBShXB_7qBZDju7bs6eYwtysq_f5akyoq2YXztOew96zGF_lnlX5aYksbuwYLtZ0_EY3bW2J8hdX5NiCEtVPoL9_DQ/s400/IMG_4835.JPG" width="266" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span><br />
Vinh Long was a quick stopover, just long enough for me to have a major
bail on my bike. Luckily by bike I mean bicycle and not motorbike! A
word of advice: when renting bikes for a leisurely stroll through the
beautiful winding paths of farmland and rivers, don't assume that your
bike will have brakes. I learned the hard way! The biggest problem with
this bail was that my jandal (Chris' term- means japanese sandal aka
flip flop) broke! This wouldn't have been such a big deal except try
being 5'10" in an asian country and finding shoes to fit your long ass
feet! Chris and Jeff had already been looking for weeks to no avail. Not
to mention women here don't have any kind of need for comfortable
footwear. They could do the Grouse Grind in high heels without breaking
a sweat! In any case we continued our bike journey which remained
interesting. Chris and Jeff experienced a cockfight where roosters had
metal barbs attached to their legs before entering the ring. Yeah,
animal rights aren't high on the priority list here! Neda and I decided
to skip that part of the experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDdcG1ygzeeEeXEHe8ulVJVKJGXOrAY_x0n0aKzo-F53x-B6uWj4U7VFtCgIkLPmCU5K6ve5PEYgO5OgkExN2S2mB_M8o_vhNxIzXhjaFRg6zPWx6w_VQentwyRdk8coWCkAIZpz5YFE/s1600/IMG_4855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDdcG1ygzeeEeXEHe8ulVJVKJGXOrAY_x0n0aKzo-F53x-B6uWj4U7VFtCgIkLPmCU5K6ve5PEYgO5OgkExN2S2mB_M8o_vhNxIzXhjaFRg6zPWx6w_VQentwyRdk8coWCkAIZpz5YFE/s640/IMG_4855.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uh oh! The brakes don't work! I thought I could handle it... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevqFgU8iBwKaBK4jx_R_MWLQWiwuGpLRO0RhhlwLTE59GHzlDA2OoZyf3WCiuBbw9b4jNGYiXu2dM4Kansxy_l9syAGK7W94iOn2tfXkAx6C1Xsi3fFuExsHPjvR27SLXOD697yDxsSQ/s1600/IMG_4861.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevqFgU8iBwKaBK4jx_R_MWLQWiwuGpLRO0RhhlwLTE59GHzlDA2OoZyf3WCiuBbw9b4jNGYiXu2dM4Kansxy_l9syAGK7W94iOn2tfXkAx6C1Xsi3fFuExsHPjvR27SLXOD697yDxsSQ/s640/IMG_4861.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQIGWS4YjWrUb_YvW4d2ffU9kbeEIDreoawsWuyf4vIyJHKYeWN2Pz0Krltl4fuYr4RuYQsBL1x2BGBpWPNfmR0dOY6llRym_D6ZmP_mqtbAtXX9rKd1G-vZOKf7F1qJ9-JymEl7RhYQ/s1600/IMG_4876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQIGWS4YjWrUb_YvW4d2ffU9kbeEIDreoawsWuyf4vIyJHKYeWN2Pz0Krltl4fuYr4RuYQsBL1x2BGBpWPNfmR0dOY6llRym_D6ZmP_mqtbAtXX9rKd1G-vZOKf7F1qJ9-JymEl7RhYQ/s200/IMG_4876.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How I made it home- crafty, eh?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQIGWS4YjWrUb_YvW4d2ffU9kbeEIDreoawsWuyf4vIyJHKYeWN2Pz0Krltl4fuYr4RuYQsBL1x2BGBpWPNfmR0dOY6llRym_D6ZmP_mqtbAtXX9rKd1G-vZOKf7F1qJ9-JymEl7RhYQ/s1600/IMG_4876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQIGWS4YjWrUb_YvW4d2ffU9kbeEIDreoawsWuyf4vIyJHKYeWN2Pz0Krltl4fuYr4RuYQsBL1x2BGBpWPNfmR0dOY6llRym_D6ZmP_mqtbAtXX9rKd1G-vZOKf7F1qJ9-JymEl7RhYQ/s1600/IMG_4876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
That night we had a mission trying
to find a 'restaurant' and Neda found the most delicious mini-cakes for
only 75 cents- score! We celebrated the one-week anniversary of our
friendship and said goodbye to the Mekong delta.<br />
<br />
Wow only a few days but
so many adventures and funny stories- Vietnam is hilarious! The fun in
our foursome continues: next stop, Ho Chi Minh city!Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com0Mekong Delta10.1844631 106.13725569.1843086 104.8738281 11.184617600000001 107.40068310000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-65590630644848559602012-05-06T09:50:00.002-07:002012-05-10T20:19:49.337-07:00If life's about the trip,.. we sure are living!<br />
Cambodia is a place unlike any other we have ever travelled:
fascinating, devastating, and beautiful in it's own way. It is probably
also the poorest place I have ever been (so far, although Laos is coming
up shortly!). The people smile more and are more welcoming than those Thai people who are tainted by tourists. Everywhere we have been in this country we have been welcomed with what we like to call "hello ambushes". Drive-by greetings on scooters, passing kids on the street, everyone calling out the sometimes the only word of english they know: "Hello!". However, the country is sadly also very corrupt- we saw a group of
people surrounded by police in a situation that looked fairly intense,
only to find out that they had all parked on the street illegally and
were discussing a price that would be fair to pay off the policeman to
not give them a proper ticket... Tough but fair? The country is full of contrasts in society, food, nature, you name it. It strives to have some modern technologies even though in
most other ways the country is still undeveloped. For example, there are kids
everywhere with no shoes but wearing an angry birds t-shirt, stilted
wooden shacks barely standing that are cell phone shops, garbage lines
the side streets and non-tourist beaches yet almost every single place
to eat has free wifi. The shops all have energy-efficient light bulbs because electricity is so expensive here they need to save wherever possible. Seeing all of this very clearly shows how much the Cambodian people have been through relatively recently, and how they are still trying to put their country back together.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqjOeAj6-m0_bXvEyE3nu73ApXScewTFlKsvYWmA7hsdGWWL0FToX-zs0SMh1aHN1EWBGkOzfze4aSrhNQoHR_siEQhBUYyG6wTrg2LXUpbxNogoV8rZWjKMxXoMTmgAFKdaLk-Em_8o/s1600/IMG_4392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqjOeAj6-m0_bXvEyE3nu73ApXScewTFlKsvYWmA7hsdGWWL0FToX-zs0SMh1aHN1EWBGkOzfze4aSrhNQoHR_siEQhBUYyG6wTrg2LXUpbxNogoV8rZWjKMxXoMTmgAFKdaLk-Em_8o/s640/IMG_4392.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful pristine beach on the island of Koh Rong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr417ke7IoW8zwup_MfhOrlhKT469aT-P5XmaO6sFPCQTW0DLcOs_4K5tPe3n7YIC-sO8RNO9b1nX1uPnckatVi5Ydbg3FBJj17V3WTWgblNBJQAVdiEb79HR9pnjAc9h705a1CPbQCXo/s1600/IMG_4420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr417ke7IoW8zwup_MfhOrlhKT469aT-P5XmaO6sFPCQTW0DLcOs_4K5tPe3n7YIC-sO8RNO9b1nX1uPnckatVi5Ydbg3FBJj17V3WTWgblNBJQAVdiEb79HR9pnjAc9h705a1CPbQCXo/s640/IMG_4420.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first sight we see on the mainland after returning from the island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMY3apKI8jc71IxxSaqxwaY4cYZtN0G9vhUL6lEg-otZ5xN00xGbPV6MubAU-Hix214E2oS9XypuOrMIzWrpnis_-kjVNno6temYuIu18fu4a2V8i1wukUk7HHPSQRqAboT67JUpAkyE/s1600/IMG_4245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMY3apKI8jc71IxxSaqxwaY4cYZtN0G9vhUL6lEg-otZ5xN00xGbPV6MubAU-Hix214E2oS9XypuOrMIzWrpnis_-kjVNno6temYuIu18fu4a2V8i1wukUk7HHPSQRqAboT67JUpAkyE/s640/IMG_4245.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the wealth in Phnom Penh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mvygMzfWxYYs_UhPCJRhXItYIX-S6FlpDs2RiwxJ5xs996iLeopGMGUP2Fxd8oPeKuYSoCgJJwbO5PHA_Fk_oqS3plpcL5mTBAyColIM2dcdHwUkO7S8wd9orw9Ck1oIvjtxcIHVcw0/s1600/IMG_4204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mvygMzfWxYYs_UhPCJRhXItYIX-S6FlpDs2RiwxJ5xs996iLeopGMGUP2Fxd8oPeKuYSoCgJJwbO5PHA_Fk_oqS3plpcL5mTBAyColIM2dcdHwUkO7S8wd9orw9Ck1oIvjtxcIHVcw0/s640/IMG_4204.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reality of many homes outside of Cambodia's capital city,</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We've been here for almost two weeks now and it has been a tumultuous
ride! Just as Cambodia seems to have conflicting character, so are our
opinions of Cambodia double-sided. Mostly good, but you sometimes have
to look past the bad to see it. In the more touristy areas you are
constantly reminded of the poverty. Begging on the streets is continuous
with land mine victims, mothers with children and mostly young children
who have been sent out by elders to beg or sell bracelets on the
street. We are so lucky to have had such positive experiences with both
locals and foreigners as these relationships and encounters help us to
move on from more negative ones. The big city of Phnom Penh looks pretty
flash, but in traveling between major city destinations the bus passes rural areas which
show the more harsh reality that many of the Cambodian (Khmer) people
face. The food has also been hit and miss: we ate the most delicious fresh pepper crab literally grabbed out of the ocean (Kimly's Restaurant at the Crab Market in Kep = the best!), yet days before I had the worst BBQ experience ever, with the fishiest prawns
I've ever had and something dry and chewy which I'm pretty sure wasn't
the chicken I had ordered! Our accommodation was also an experience. One night we stayed in a guesthouse in Kep that was newly built, probably less than a
year old. The room was flash for our standards, AC and everything! But
then in the morning I tried to open the door to the bathroom and it was
locked from the inside. Chris took apart the whole handle (my Mr.
Fix-It!) but even after it was unlocked the latch wouldn't release. I
went to get a guy to come look at it. He came in, tried the handle once
and then without hesitation wound up and karate kicked the door in,
breaking the door knob but leaving the door intact. Apparently this
happens all the time and it was the cheaper model door handle..? Anyway he replaced the door knob which will
probably last another week before the same thing happens again. Just
crazy!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IV1YV6IxGXBKsfDVBVHxtzaHVE-tfpmsRLRA_IMMSqas27dxCZtyR1pkUZP3oqgx1B2tBejPX8gBjc9uwQ29UqZHwPgMwkAqSGmKcW42y8xmCRuB0j6KWaBnMf0TSMpPh23S4jb-4WE/s1600/IMG_4455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IV1YV6IxGXBKsfDVBVHxtzaHVE-tfpmsRLRA_IMMSqas27dxCZtyR1pkUZP3oqgx1B2tBejPX8gBjc9uwQ29UqZHwPgMwkAqSGmKcW42y8xmCRuB0j6KWaBnMf0TSMpPh23S4jb-4WE/s640/IMG_4455.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our delicious green Kampot pepper crab meal in Kep!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyway, here's how it all went down. We left Phnom Penh for Sihanoukville. It was touristy and apart from the French Boulangerie with fresh bread and delicious crepes, there wasn't much for us there. Instead, we stayed on the beautiful island of Koh Rong where we went scuba diving
and floated in the clear waters of a 4km long white sand beach.
Paradise Bungalows was a beautiful spot to chill out and eat good food and we practiced doing as little as possible for a couple of days. A nice break (I know, I shouldn't be saying that to the working world right now, but it's true..)<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAfdjvIRizBQaSwOIizyFaFL14ZjRGez2sZOEcacGQAQPPweKbAsDV2dfS915TEMBLGs8ZwWW6IlHR7iYrWl_usajshz515hCPXa2t9puoruiRgH1MSaqQfcDmXecs4M3eWkGBexT5k0/s1600/IMG_4316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAfdjvIRizBQaSwOIizyFaFL14ZjRGez2sZOEcacGQAQPPweKbAsDV2dfS915TEMBLGs8ZwWW6IlHR7iYrWl_usajshz515hCPXa2t9puoruiRgH1MSaqQfcDmXecs4M3eWkGBexT5k0/s640/IMG_4316.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They don't call it "Paradise Bungalow" for nothing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Our last stop in Cambodia fortunately ended up being in Kampot, a city
on an estuary close to the Gulf of Thailand which is famous for the
harvesting of both salt and pepper. Here we checked into a guesthouse
for $7 a night (!) and one night's stay quickly turned into three. So much of
traveling experiences are shaped by the people you meet, and we met a
sweet crew of travelers in Kampot. Five other peeps from all over the
globe: Canada, NZ (obviously this helped spark initial conversation) US
and Bulgaria! The first night we met we ended up partying until after
the last tuk tuks, so we stayed up playing charades, jumping off a
makeshift diving board into the interestingly-smelly river, giving each
other ninja names (I shall from here forward refer to myself as Night
Gator) and dancing to a random mix of mostly awesome tunes! We hit sunrise
up after deciding to walk home, a great way to end a solid night (and
morning) out. Two of our new buddies, Jeff and Neda, had been in Kampot for almost a week and
the next day they took us on a culinary tour of the city. That was the
beginning of a relationship where we continue to be taken care of (they call us the 'kids' and we often fit
the bill pretty well). Fried chicken, chocolate chip pancakes, mango
smoothies without added sugar (very important!), peppered dishes (the local specialty) and
cheap cocktails at sunset- all for prices within our budget! Needless
to say, we took a liking to them straight away! They are both passionate
about yoga and spirituality and we have learned a lot of travel tricks
from them already (check out their <a href="http://www.fieldsofindulgence.com/" target="_blank">spiritual blog</a>, it's awesome!)... I
sometimes wonder what our contribution to this travelling partnership
is, but I don't think they're sick of us quite yet! Frank, Cat and
Claudia completed the crew and we spent two days bonding with them in Kampot as well and they are awesome people
too (and great countries of origin)!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fK4flOKxqO3zBdH-SbnR2-DXGegg3pwMyrbWDCiu3xAiCQUsUa-AExPCOfO9l7mfs3Qs3JyE5N2lXdlxyhMB1X1NZIhYD6y8WJGHIMSU7yXouIO_k8HQZgoLL9ga2wO_VgZoiU75Va8/s1600/IMG_4517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fK4flOKxqO3zBdH-SbnR2-DXGegg3pwMyrbWDCiu3xAiCQUsUa-AExPCOfO9l7mfs3Qs3JyE5N2lXdlxyhMB1X1NZIhYD6y8WJGHIMSU7yXouIO_k8HQZgoLL9ga2wO_VgZoiU75Va8/s640/IMG_4517.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claudia, Jeff, Cat, Me, Neda, Chris and Frank </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2-4YGfNlebtfZzdrgoFTcSDvSzFG_4Th9ahx2jOD5BepzcfQPJ6rnBGOM3fSl6IX-tKHleRRV04Wj0O1Z10Ogqb3oguOBzMM35JIMr7VQ4pmHOzq8lzHdCwVDLMoVrPdOhvsn8l70JY/s1600/IMG_4533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2-4YGfNlebtfZzdrgoFTcSDvSzFG_4Th9ahx2jOD5BepzcfQPJ6rnBGOM3fSl6IX-tKHleRRV04Wj0O1Z10Ogqb3oguOBzMM35JIMr7VQ4pmHOzq8lzHdCwVDLMoVrPdOhvsn8l70JY/s640/IMG_4533.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxjvA4fEqYBBGS4ipg0_L4HyhgRG8buUiLa4rI07x_XY2EFga7EpUEWSDjsgsWS2lo4qF7K8BQDYLjTse0oz_LaQOs5rmi0NSqxEg8FwuGUblnwcFxnZHKRulXGCNPVPwtG8npPRXDg4/s1600/IMG_4551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxjvA4fEqYBBGS4ipg0_L4HyhgRG8buUiLa4rI07x_XY2EFga7EpUEWSDjsgsWS2lo4qF7K8BQDYLjTse0oz_LaQOs5rmi0NSqxEg8FwuGUblnwcFxnZHKRulXGCNPVPwtG8npPRXDg4/s640/IMG_4551.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching sunset on the Kampot estuary... we're so lucky to see sunsets all over the world and be able to take the time to sit and enjoy them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25eqRh-vrAkdyfEn0IbGp5rqioY5Hcv8SrQSinASu6knJoxNDsFTDEJstU9XPv39CPEvfX3qVRNuxU41LFonCpoYgN7XsJoNWcThDEaT0_361KnyYZNV8Sj6B2OQB8STTZTnAWbUNYVg/s1600/IMG_4552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25eqRh-vrAkdyfEn0IbGp5rqioY5Hcv8SrQSinASu6knJoxNDsFTDEJstU9XPv39CPEvfX3qVRNuxU41LFonCpoYgN7XsJoNWcThDEaT0_361KnyYZNV8Sj6B2OQB8STTZTnAWbUNYVg/s640/IMG_4552.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our culinary tour guide, Jeff, and some delish street-fresh fried chicken.</td></tr>
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<br />
On our last day together we went on a fishing trip to get a feel
for the local culture. It was awesome being out on the boat, but
definitely had two ways of looking at the trip (again fitting for Cambodia)- on the one hand hanging
out with a crew on a small boat, jumping off for a swim in the ocean,
drinking beers and iced coffees on the boat and stumping the others with
"this is the pointing game" was an awesome time!! We had a lot of
laughs and it was a good day... However, the 'fishing' left something to
be desired. Upon the original sizing up of the fish hooks we were
pretty sure the fish would be puny. We were unfortunately all too right!
There is apparently no size limit for the fish the people here will
eat- we're talking 10-15cm people, TINY! Not only were the fish so
small that one could only wonder how you would get more than two bites
per fish, but the traditional method that the Khmer people have of killing them leaves
something to be desired. They don't actually kill them, but rather put them
in freshwater so that they gradually suffocate. Then, dead or alive, they
chuck 'em on the grill. Pretty ruthless compared to what we are used to. The look on Chris' face when he first saw
this cannot be described another priceless moment. Combine these odd fishing habits with a small
boat 'sans keel' that left people clutching their wrist pressure points, throwing back cans of ginger beer and trying not to hurl (some were more successful than others ;) due to stormy
weather and major rocking, and again we found ourselves shaking our
heads thinking: "why"...?<br />
<br />
This happened a lot in Cambodia. Our top three
"why's" are:<br />
3. Why don't the builders make a small effort to bury the drainage pipes
instead of having crisscrossed blue plastic all over what would
otherwise be quite beautiful places?<br />
2. Why are there buildings that blast recordings of birds chirping all day long? Is it too add ambience to an already noise-polluted environment? How long is the loop for this recording? Where does it come from?<br />
1. Why is it that so many Khmer people (of all ages) wear their pajamas
all day long (although this is quite hilarious, it could also be
followed with the question why not?!!) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTwm4IIKqbtxF9i8utYjUaWBsP5Grl37S1dXhj0UhBlHbfPlVh-0O_VxasPrFLLX1eWGGYhbi6MUx7SccDES4oXsLAiO_d_1raFTP5nFxLj7EWDDcALYK930ck_51otqhyphenhyphenRm78WJ9Y14/s1600/IMG_4577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTwm4IIKqbtxF9i8utYjUaWBsP5Grl37S1dXhj0UhBlHbfPlVh-0O_VxasPrFLLX1eWGGYhbi6MUx7SccDES4oXsLAiO_d_1raFTP5nFxLj7EWDDcALYK930ck_51otqhyphenhyphenRm78WJ9Y14/s640/IMG_4577.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys up front on the boat.. note the background weather, not exactly sunshine! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHsqVkwKM6e0OlvpgeCIIcaEzKMnWfjO5ANI6codu9KTRTWMIwu9TviWFfnfK-zLtb4HUDuvGJXMl_TeAjZpY-p49WfBCb-LxXvYiBfs1nE34s1MUWcSiS4z07PDioJKomJP5mcYQW4A/s1600/IMG_4560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHsqVkwKM6e0OlvpgeCIIcaEzKMnWfjO5ANI6codu9KTRTWMIwu9TviWFfnfK-zLtb4HUDuvGJXMl_TeAjZpY-p49WfBCb-LxXvYiBfs1nE34s1MUWcSiS4z07PDioJKomJP5mcYQW4A/s640/IMG_4560.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew - chris. The boat is already rocking and we haven't left shore.. :S</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PKsHSwhX2Ysf_ksdNDVVePWbbTbgblImdZKuI3-6WgBGWLWhWfpH8WDpKzyFUtJkWfS4AmsoN0hPORz1MEdm1wa036MUH6ZagYQmKm3sofn_ywoMgaORTi21h9yPlVwJcL06oliWIEA/s1600/IMG_4618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PKsHSwhX2Ysf_ksdNDVVePWbbTbgblImdZKuI3-6WgBGWLWhWfpH8WDpKzyFUtJkWfS4AmsoN0hPORz1MEdm1wa036MUH6ZagYQmKm3sofn_ywoMgaORTi21h9yPlVwJcL06oliWIEA/s640/IMG_4618.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of Khmer culture is seeing how many people you can squeeze onto a scooter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Gotta love the Khmers! Ah Cambodia, we will miss you!! So many times we
have said to each other 'it's all part of the experience'- hell, I've
probably already said it in this blog already, because that is the joy of travel! It's
not always easy, sometimes downright unpleasant, but you accept those
as memories you will look back on and laugh at and in return you have
countless positive, unforgettable experiences in between. After all, "Life's about the
trip, not the destination", right?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9WCO2ifCPPi85OwC5L7YlTIIdhXP0h-bHQQo94VQUFIEPk9zFRKQxLpn9nhEPJ3Mm3uIq0DNRF3oFLg_mYyRWurADVUWL5-ul6V3sSpkmiyrClqVd-UzWb0ptYVVUo9bXqT8Z_R8y5o/s1600/IMG_4376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9WCO2ifCPPi85OwC5L7YlTIIdhXP0h-bHQQo94VQUFIEPk9zFRKQxLpn9nhEPJ3Mm3uIq0DNRF3oFLg_mYyRWurADVUWL5-ul6V3sSpkmiyrClqVd-UzWb0ptYVVUo9bXqT8Z_R8y5o/s640/IMG_4376.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our frisbee buddies. My favorite part of Cambodia was the people we met. The kids are so innocent, loving and happy to play for as little or long as you're willing. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And so we say goodbye to Cambodia and follow our savvy travel buddies to Vietnam for some more culinary adventures (we hope)!<br />
<br />
Lauren and Chris xoLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com0Ha Tien, Kien Giang province, Vietnam10.381909 104.490172810.25696 104.3322443 10.506858000000001 104.6481013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-17075201062781867172012-04-22T05:03:00.002-07:002012-05-18T03:06:07.363-07:00Why Not?<span id="goog_377496132"></span><span id="goog_377496133"></span>**We updated pictures on all blogs so if you're interested check them out! Full moon party is still yet to come!**<br />
<br />
We are on the bus headed to stop #2 in Cambodia and wow, it sure has a lot to live up to after our first stop in Siem Reap. Please excuse if this doesn't make sense but I'm having trouble staying focused as there is some sort of slap-stick Khmer comedy show absolutely blasting into my ear right now from the speaker directly above our heads.. I have earplugs in and it is still almost unbearable! At least there is AC, but the nasal yelling is getting to me... Only five more hours... all part of the experience!<br />
Anyway, we've been in SR for five nights and it felt like saying goodbye to family when we left, we were treated so well! Now, Siem Reap has a good night life on Pub Street and is the city closest to Angkor Wat, the biggest sight to see in Cambodia and one of the wonders of the world. Chris has been to Macchu Picchu and Stonehenge and I've checked out the Acropolis and the Colosseum, but Angkor Wat is on a different scale completely. First of all the size of the area is way bigger and the level of detail that remains intact though it is so old is astounding. So Siem Reap does have it's own charm and there are many tourists who stay for more days than expected to check out all it has to offer. Still, there are a lot of things about Cambodia that are a challenge and a constant test of patience (I must say it has been good practice for me!). This is the hottest place we have been by far with no water nearby to escape! We've been scammed (especially when it comes to transportation) a few times and it's unsettling to feel like you can't trust anyone, not even banks and post offices, because of the corruption the country struggles with. There are children begging on the streets, and count on never being able to go anywhere without hearing "tuk tuk, lady?" "lady, you like massage?", "you buy something from me, special price?" or "you want some ting to eat, lady"? The constant harassment combined with the heat can be absolutely exhausting.<br />
But... While Thailand somewhat lacked in culture and experiences with the locals, the Cambodian people (outside of the central tourist area) are to me what give Cambodia it's charm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCKndJLnXeIgsisJ0P0hUha0UegJJp-ykaxM4PhfXzLIvVyp86TVMpM_ATCLy_SP6CNFvYtUXOw_k3prtSOuiJCESw1oYEAEicvXbNsFrR8oJnDvsUrgYLTt9Nh727JeVP30FxFAXhcg/s1600/IMG_3756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCKndJLnXeIgsisJ0P0hUha0UegJJp-ykaxM4PhfXzLIvVyp86TVMpM_ATCLy_SP6CNFvYtUXOw_k3prtSOuiJCESw1oYEAEicvXbNsFrR8oJnDvsUrgYLTt9Nh727JeVP30FxFAXhcg/s640/IMG_3756.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Whynot's suggestions - a local swimming hole. We were literally the only white people there among THOUSANDS of Khmer (Cambodian) people. The kids were all practising their English with "Hello, how are you?" and "What is your name". Absolutely adorable, we splashed around and laughed and had a great time. Priceless!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaTa0a9eXMXotF73HTxpxdMjAa5zu-qitgNpuV92RxeSstPkqm4qfTNPnLpNDSDeHojd0DSltgU5SYlR5blVFO6QIKQ5Vz04LsgqvhHcwtAeGqafDY6wrYOubdAViPm-xzzUy31TvQjQ/s1600/IMG_3782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaTa0a9eXMXotF73HTxpxdMjAa5zu-qitgNpuV92RxeSstPkqm4qfTNPnLpNDSDeHojd0DSltgU5SYlR5blVFO6QIKQ5Vz04LsgqvhHcwtAeGqafDY6wrYOubdAViPm-xzzUy31TvQjQ/s640/IMG_3782.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what the lake looked like: shelters with hammocks and mats that you could rent for 25 cents. People everywhere, this is a less busy part of the beach!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zlAbFSlGwnhk4ZExOfb_AkjTZkUybWWjwYZ9q_yzaVf6X_ApbHuBIu4YPKiSKlJ1Ar2H07MXPMGcizyYBDP1rpsbxSXTFv87ZP9439SxiUnmR8esl5EYvaR7cfBcHPw52hBb7t1LrkE/s1600/IMG_3731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zlAbFSlGwnhk4ZExOfb_AkjTZkUybWWjwYZ9q_yzaVf6X_ApbHuBIu4YPKiSKlJ1Ar2H07MXPMGcizyYBDP1rpsbxSXTFv87ZP9439SxiUnmR8esl5EYvaR7cfBcHPw52hBb7t1LrkE/s640/IMG_3731.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable kids hamming it up for the camera!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Specifically... Mr. Whynot (his name yes, because the answer to any request you may have is 'why not?').<br />
This man is the most incredible person, along with his welcoming family and adorable three little girls. We had read online reviews of the hostel (Angkor Wonder Hotel, dont stay anywhere else! $14/night with AC!) saying how amazing he was but he still managed to exceed expectations. He sits down and spends ages going through where to go and possible places to see. He goes out of his way to invite you out to spend time with him and some local people, to show you what true life is like in cambodia, expecting nothing in return.<br />
During the Khmer New year celebrations he took at least 15 of us out on a sketchy tuk tuk ride way out to the 'burbs' of siem reap. There mats were spread out all over the ground and in the centre bowls of fresh mango and a big feed waiting for us, along with buckets full of ice cold beer all courtesy of Mr. Whynot. They had gone to so much trouble to show us a good time and the other Khmer people were so eager to dance with us, have "beer o'clock" (as they called it!) with us and eat and laugh the night away. We got to experience the kindness and happiness of Khmer people that night as we bonded wordlessly through dance and drink. Papa Tom (an experienced traveller who stopped at whynot's place intending to stay for 2 nights but who is now essentially part of the family and planning to live out his retired life in SR) found out it was my birthday the next day and promised we would have another celebration. He fits right into whynot's family in the generosity department! We met a bunch of travelers that night and bonded over our mutual astonishment of whynot's generosity as a conversation piece (and a lot of dancing!). The night was so fun that I could even overlook the 5-year old boy begging with his arms wrapped tightly around mine, who was charming and irresistible up until he point he realized I wasn't going to cave and left me with a kick in the shin and a f#%* you! Yeah... you gotta take the good with the bad in this place!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiET6aahtH6Zvl-U6o0zMFrqvKosCg7IP6vIcC2LK4Wf9_EeEOMW503RG4lsoACmg-j2OMCTypejM-1KRCt6qkxjbMwRtXL_dAnVk44LgTHjEGCo1XsxqXSc_xT3hGA4SAa7MOQdOSolRY/s1600/IMG_3790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiET6aahtH6Zvl-U6o0zMFrqvKosCg7IP6vIcC2LK4Wf9_EeEOMW503RG4lsoACmg-j2OMCTypejM-1KRCt6qkxjbMwRtXL_dAnVk44LgTHjEGCo1XsxqXSc_xT3hGA4SAa7MOQdOSolRY/s640/IMG_3790.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating and drinking with the locals with limited English but similar intentions,.. Love it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7_rp1J768bHDXY5jyvOicGAxi7NuHQZf-1bSllqWbWox5Ph5_J3EuIkrWq4o2Dnj4V3YmvSF7eMpoj0TBC4Hviy8TMH-w3g_1DUQBw4b0sNxodw45MnWapDnk1IPce3N8u9DrUMgo88/s1600/IMG_3791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7_rp1J768bHDXY5jyvOicGAxi7NuHQZf-1bSllqWbWox5Ph5_J3EuIkrWq4o2Dnj4V3YmvSF7eMpoj0TBC4Hviy8TMH-w3g_1DUQBw4b0sNxodw45MnWapDnk1IPce3N8u9DrUMgo88/s640/IMG_3791.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our friends we met that night and who we continue to bump into along our way... they all celebrated my 30th as well, fun!!</td></tr>
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<br />
My 30th Birthday...<br />
Not many could say that they watched the sunrise over Angkor wat for their birthday. Chris was a trooper, we had to get up at 5 in order to get there by bicycle on time, and he's just not a morning person.. Although who is that early in the am after a night of drinking?! At 5:30 am we were both dripping with sweat from the 7k ride out. Hint, don't try and be ambitious and bike around the temples.. Its hard enough walking through all of them in the crippling heat without also exerting yourself on the roads in between. We spent 6 hours checking out the various temples, battling the sweat and 40 degree heat the whole way. It was an amazing experience and as i sit here on an air-conditioned bus with a tank top that's not soaked with sweat, I can look back on the experience and say how amazing the place was. At the time however, I was more of the "get-me-the-hell-out-of-here-and-into-some-AC" mentality. It was a challenge, intense but rewarding. Chris was patient with my impatience and we saw everything we set out to see and then some. Seriously though, just hire a tuk tuk! We did have a great time shaking our heads in awe of the clothes people were wearing to face walking around in intense heat and lots of stairs. Some of our favorites include:<br />
-Spike heels two sizes to big (at least), with socks of course!<br />
-a faux-fur jacket and gloves<br />
-a turtleneck with a jacket on top for that little bit of added warmth (a sweaty-mess kind of cozy!)<br />
And... Our personal favorite, the garbage man, sporting full jeans, sweater, gloves and to top it all off, a wooly balaclava!!!<br />
Shit, we were looking around us all day thinking, "are we the only ones dying of heat here?"<br />
Well, we made it back to the city after a 12k bike ride with the sun directly overhead. Pizza for lunch followed, then napping in our AC heaven, and a salad for dinner. Not a single grain of rice or noodle all day long, a welcome break!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnbmBq40e2unhXULzUGm7furbDkOrJ-KyQSW4c80csnT-gYKkXUOHWUG_8WifB7UkBKgmKxGadwRuBt95am-XfMn84WT0HiDonpkfkvi9BS6UJbC8nNdoZGR3AL9aCU0pwbFyqhKIQYk/s1600/IMG_3890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnbmBq40e2unhXULzUGm7furbDkOrJ-KyQSW4c80csnT-gYKkXUOHWUG_8WifB7UkBKgmKxGadwRuBt95am-XfMn84WT0HiDonpkfkvi9BS6UJbC8nNdoZGR3AL9aCU0pwbFyqhKIQYk/s640/IMG_3890.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our travel buddies say "Women don't sweat, they glow!" I was definitely glowing after our bike ride to Angkor Wat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2NryXjq2rEClOHfGe-ZU-Iej80ylCNl6cLWOHqH4T72yyCOP2FA0WRihfn72N3l6HBeIEHQJp_4OYNYT2T4tyoH3B0Twz5OyLiJ_EvClUoJJggB1KUFFfeQzl8UDFpZmTerDUIlLhiM/s1600/IMG_3879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2NryXjq2rEClOHfGe-ZU-Iej80ylCNl6cLWOHqH4T72yyCOP2FA0WRihfn72N3l6HBeIEHQJp_4OYNYT2T4tyoH3B0Twz5OyLiJ_EvClUoJJggB1KUFFfeQzl8UDFpZmTerDUIlLhiM/s640/IMG_3879.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris wasn't glowing, he was sweating! But we cooled off over a fruit shake eventually. It's so incredibly hot in Siem Reap, the hottest place by far!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFHOVDISfVEQNHZoVEkm5OO-3RLzR2gvRjF43JnDvo0PglUden17NGzG68tH2W6PiQ-VgOsPQgeCHbjfNuFNgxxBJj0dN_U92ly1qEWwg9sx8l4J-bJeg0MIZFNhNyGfz8Gbi9ec8Myg/s1600/IMG_4022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFHOVDISfVEQNHZoVEkm5OO-3RLzR2gvRjF43JnDvo0PglUden17NGzG68tH2W6PiQ-VgOsPQgeCHbjfNuFNgxxBJj0dN_U92ly1qEWwg9sx8l4J-bJeg0MIZFNhNyGfz8Gbi9ec8Myg/s640/IMG_4022.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These smiles appear natural, but mask the suffering of intense heat. When you go into the temples (well, certain parts) you have to have your shoulders covered. Seeing as I only have tank tops, here I am with a long-sleeved black sweater holding back tears.... ha ha no not that bad, but these are our brave faces!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcViPDzV0fF1VMZpfUyJOgvDqcox6mk8t1WMJbAsMRVWzNUHWhbVa2D1352NH37ccOd2CAHpkubQgj0qk2Y8A4OHjFasWBDtraNJRqJr8M5NMIWGeoJ6-ehphQ5SIkFsnFsUT8VVZpaXg/s1600/IMG_3974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcViPDzV0fF1VMZpfUyJOgvDqcox6mk8t1WMJbAsMRVWzNUHWhbVa2D1352NH37ccOd2CAHpkubQgj0qk2Y8A4OHjFasWBDtraNJRqJr8M5NMIWGeoJ6-ehphQ5SIkFsnFsUT8VVZpaXg/s640/IMG_3974.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why hello.. how are you?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHa7ILN8hWeqCehzML-z7tQ17Xg-ys-V-zve7UwOGy_AXiJzRlAiAhTPuy8L69KEBxh9tL77lus4kZpRViz7kb1if5uA0JoQTCXHdchQycJuNbVCIQMrRbVKMKt_-1TzzmJsX2MP7vW3M/s1600/IMG_4057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHa7ILN8hWeqCehzML-z7tQ17Xg-ys-V-zve7UwOGy_AXiJzRlAiAhTPuy8L69KEBxh9tL77lus4kZpRViz7kb1if5uA0JoQTCXHdchQycJuNbVCIQMrRbVKMKt_-1TzzmJsX2MP7vW3M/s640/IMG_4057.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My and Chris' favorite temple: Ta Prohm, where they filmed Tomb Raider and where nature has caused most of the destruction of the temple. This is one of many examples of the trees growing right around the ruins.. awesome!</td></tr>
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We then returned to the hostel, to find the front garden/terrace transformed into a birthday party!! Balloons were strung all throughout the palm trees, the table was set with sparklers at every place setting, people were once again enjoying coolers full of beer provided by Whynot, and the Angry Birds cake that Papa Tom had made for me sitting in the middle of the table (I don't think there is a single kid without an Angry Birds shirt here, they even make collared dress shirts!). The generosity of these people is incredible, they went out of their way to make sure it was a special night!!! The little girls sang happy birthday while waving sparklers at least 20 times (maybe they were going for 30?), and let me serve up about half of the cake before they were scraping off the icing and wiping fingertips all over the guest's faces. We sat and drank and chilled till late and it was a perfect way to celebrate with new found friends. To top it off the next day Chris treated me to a fancy oil massage and went on a mission to find us a pool so we could spend the day relaxing and staying cool. That combined with all the Facebook messages and emails from home and I sure felt loved on my birthday. Thanks everyone!<br />
We spent another couple of days chilling with new friends around Siem Reap, one more than originally planned while we waited out Chris' 24-hour stomach sickness. The poor guy was in bed for almost 24 hours straight and feeling extremely 'shitty',. Luckily he is almost back to his normal cheery fun self and able to eat food again... Though he'll probably be laying off the spicy foods for a while! Me too, I'm scared I'll be next! Ah, the joys of traveling...<br />
Anyway we're now headed to Phnom Penh where we plan on depressing ourselves by going to the killing fields from cambodia's not too distant, war-ridden past. I think it's an important part in understanding why cambodia is the way it is and how its struggles during that time affect how the country is today.<br />
And now it is time for me to damage my eardrums by blasting my music in an attempt to drown out the obnoxious blasting of the TV speakers... Wish me luck!<br />
So about those Canucks..... Yikes!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9Gkoc5HWSho0fPjqNVhzWPf1W_jMYYvI6__H85-ZZvH3dPKOOhh8hhdnkd2-BgMkg40djBDDz2AFEFeg3_IbQ0xdpV6IrF1sh9pWKlZSY9hx1evaJon4GNCtUl0twpYYPBF_E7grdmk/s1600/IMG_4089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9Gkoc5HWSho0fPjqNVhzWPf1W_jMYYvI6__H85-ZZvH3dPKOOhh8hhdnkd2-BgMkg40djBDDz2AFEFeg3_IbQ0xdpV6IrF1sh9pWKlZSY9hx1evaJon4GNCtUl0twpYYPBF_E7grdmk/s640/IMG_4089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glowing once again, that night it was 36 degrees at 6:30pm (felt like 41 with humidity)!! So nice that it cools down in the evenings! (PS, Have been trying not to be frustrated with the lack of photography skills of others.. ha ha oh well!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju2EHaA0a1Wu0JxjUo_xcqE7sdqzytXo4xeya0uvxU27n_mNCBqUXkMHd5QHWmTqyG5RBQp2_hzxjWA575TeK6_eYYKUAJK95GOXP05ybQB487iyutdQ3ZJqusq5idMZK4oIOMCrnwyc/s1600/IMG_4103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju2EHaA0a1Wu0JxjUo_xcqE7sdqzytXo4xeya0uvxU27n_mNCBqUXkMHd5QHWmTqyG5RBQp2_hzxjWA575TeK6_eYYKUAJK95GOXP05ybQB487iyutdQ3ZJqusq5idMZK4oIOMCrnwyc/s640/IMG_4103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday to ME!! Yay! These are my personal birthday singers, before they wrecked the cake!</td></tr>
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Lauren and Chris xoLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com2Siem Reap, Cambodia13.3622222 103.859722213.3004272 103.7807582 13.4240172 103.93868619999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-42467029438234870752012-04-19T05:14:00.001-07:002012-04-22T05:15:53.790-07:00Soaking It Up! The islands of Thailand do a great job of providing budget travellers with beautiful sandy beaches, snorkeling spots and cheap cocktails.. They are full of young people with similar travel itineraries sharing stories and hanging in hammocks. You cant help but get stuck somewhere for a little longer than expected and have a great time catching a few too many rays. For us, what the islands lack is any kind of local culture, they're all so full of tourists! This is why Chris and I were absolutely floored that the final leg of our Thailand trip was spent on Khao San road in Bangkok, celebrating Songkran!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7IRAVgwvJ6kbJ9n8G0xvR1mtS1T5D4F_sPUPAG4xXDhfJ3bTCfcvoRzUXKf63rLaWC_eou8DPhstofa5IpNyegDpjXlFKf-Ri_FtpLHMI-1bIsybdvXNRh48Rht99HRf57BONt7tkPU/s1600/IMG_3492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7IRAVgwvJ6kbJ9n8G0xvR1mtS1T5D4F_sPUPAG4xXDhfJ3bTCfcvoRzUXKf63rLaWC_eou8DPhstofa5IpNyegDpjXlFKf-Ri_FtpLHMI-1bIsybdvXNRh48Rht99HRf57BONt7tkPU/s640/IMG_3492.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few pics from island life in Thailand... so beautiful! Many a sunsets and always warm enough for a late-night swim!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgXnUfUgnFW7tSMChNM4Dck89yMoRdBanrABumrXdhqcfUdllfGX4W0FXX5FpDvm-eg9jhnQqCo-lcLDcJwt4nU1mYIAbseaacEl_hqA_ONavNUp6zjEHSFcS_y9sgBuZWy8_vFNkDz0/s1600/IMG_3410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgXnUfUgnFW7tSMChNM4Dck89yMoRdBanrABumrXdhqcfUdllfGX4W0FXX5FpDvm-eg9jhnQqCo-lcLDcJwt4nU1mYIAbseaacEl_hqA_ONavNUp6zjEHSFcS_y9sgBuZWy8_vFNkDz0/s640/IMG_3410.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the background you see the massage table, not a bad location!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEe4XkvZXwLQsXN6hVs9eLMpv7BBDCYzLYs1oV6OUxU8soU3hAEuEiwjHwY1C9NOcEpGlw92k6crwdphfZLaiFgl9T0b8Q-Mbfac0U7XuzCXm1NZ36x1xUCbALk_E8GFrlJVWgUTLHIMk/s1600/IMG_3428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEe4XkvZXwLQsXN6hVs9eLMpv7BBDCYzLYs1oV6OUxU8soU3hAEuEiwjHwY1C9NOcEpGlw92k6crwdphfZLaiFgl9T0b8Q-Mbfac0U7XuzCXm1NZ36x1xUCbALk_E8GFrlJVWgUTLHIMk/s640/IMG_3428.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our favorite beaches, Mae Haad on Koh Phangan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRA7LfStzhdOrRVFblT5lU3EFwq2wrr4BATVayI3vMGQhCkqQPf5IrXRh48LbG6azYQ11pBe3JplJigsTv8Nfhk1_HcQnbcI9pL71D8CmrsdDAkjdVG2EpgMV4lx-aLgwOuUwAikiulI/s1600/IMG_3594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRA7LfStzhdOrRVFblT5lU3EFwq2wrr4BATVayI3vMGQhCkqQPf5IrXRh48LbG6azYQ11pBe3JplJigsTv8Nfhk1_HcQnbcI9pL71D8CmrsdDAkjdVG2EpgMV4lx-aLgwOuUwAikiulI/s640/IMG_3594.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian buddies we've been meeting up with on the way.. they've gone home now *tear* but hopefully we'll cross paths again!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMKBKi44mAtmCglqCdmFD0_suJEaIrw6Zk3VhyphenhyphenqAM1NKcAkcudN-uEIpgc09VHQP1bwCInbifbfVuoqPa_olo-XCdEEyAGbDPGPo2Fmar55pqrNLc_U4xVqr5v8UqxxRUxRRA_kBhyphenhyphen2A/s1600/IMG_3495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMKBKi44mAtmCglqCdmFD0_suJEaIrw6Zk3VhyphenhyphenqAM1NKcAkcudN-uEIpgc09VHQP1bwCInbifbfVuoqPa_olo-XCdEEyAGbDPGPo2Fmar55pqrNLc_U4xVqr5v8UqxxRUxRRA_kBhyphenhyphen2A/s640/IMG_3495.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$6/day, not a bad way to get around! My knight in shining scooter :)</td></tr>
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In theory, Songkran is the celebration of the New Year in Thailand, Cambodia and probably other surrounding countries too. It is a water festival, and locals will pour a cup of water over a Buddha statue in hopes of a fresh start and good luck in the New Year.<br />
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In reality, just as the religious premise of Easter is an excuse to hide chocolate bunnies around the house, so is Songkran an excuse to pour giant buckets of water over the heads of strangers, huck buckets of water at unprepared tuk tuk passengers, smear talcum powder paste all over each others faces, and generally have the biggest water fight in the world. Awesome!<br />
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Though many travellers had described to us what it was like as I try to describe now, like being Vancouver during the Olympics when Canada beat the rival US to win the most important of all golds, only those that were there to see it could truly understand the absolute chaos!<br />
The best part about the water fight is that it was mostly local people of Thailand who were filling the streets to celebrate it! At one point we found ourselves on the side of the main road with a family of Thai people, playing with the little kids by pouring buckets of water over each other and throwing water at the trucks that would drive by with, literally, 10-15 people (standing room only) in the back! This was the cultural experience we were looking for! No matter how icy the water, how much it might've stung getting a shot directly in an unexpected eye or talcum powder smeared into a surprised mouth, everyone was laughing and completely carefree and happy! If anywhere in the western world attempted this type of festival, fights would be breaking out left, right and center! Not in Thailand! We partied and splashed and threw for a few hours during the day and then headed back again at night for another soaking... The ice water got a bit cold and after a couple of hours we found ourselves slowly approaching breaking point of 'dont you dare spray that in my face'! But it was all good and we made it out harmlessly soaked and cooled down for once to head back to our room with a fan that was more like a heater because all it did was blow hot air at you. The next morning of the festival we left pre-festivities and said goodbye to Thailand (for now). What a way to end! Happy Songkran and hello Cambodia!<br />
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With love,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-Sw4YW9x1UTGalZYsnylMnR4iAA9kvwp6tjVf1BL0FIHQeRkzdL571U71PLVhzUA3Y1AWsr1GQsjIi55nnro_pt7l-vKGwwcBLg_He_6VgdNd-clvI9zL0WK06aFqogXYuSMYlnISVI/s1600/IMG_3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-Sw4YW9x1UTGalZYsnylMnR4iAA9kvwp6tjVf1BL0FIHQeRkzdL571U71PLVhzUA3Y1AWsr1GQsjIi55nnro_pt7l-vKGwwcBLg_He_6VgdNd-clvI9zL0WK06aFqogXYuSMYlnISVI/s640/IMG_3601.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't mess with him, that's ice water in there!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm thirsty! Unfortunately we couldn't take pictures of the action unless we wanted to ruin our camera!</td></tr>
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Lauren and Chris xoLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-29401014289629412212012-04-17T03:01:00.000-07:002012-04-28T02:02:48.028-07:00The Full Full Moon experience... (thanks MasterCard!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cost of getting our faces and arms done up with fluorescent paint.... <b>100 baht</b><br />
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Buying the quintessenial Full Moon tank top to fit in with the brightly coloured crowd... <b>180 baht</b><br />
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Thai buckets filled with red bull, your choice of liquor and mix.... <b>200 baht</b><br />
Family run Taxi filled with other drunken tourists, driving all the happily drunk people home well after the sun had come up.... <b>400 baht</b><br />
Entrance to the beach (includes cool souvenir bracelet!)... <b>100 baht</b><br />
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Bartering for some almost-fresh street meat and almost warm pizza.... <b>220 baht</b><br />
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Getting pick-pocketed while watching fire-limbo (luckily Chris was smart and emptied the wallet of any credit cards, IDs, etc)..... <b>1300 baht</b><br />
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Dancing on the beach to various DJs, stumbling across a Canadian flag and singing the national anthem with a bunch of random Canadians, watching chris try his best to skip under a giant flaming skipping rope, seeing the line of bare asses along the shore of the ocean toilet, and random encounters with travellers all over the world in a setting that could only ever be legit in Thailand.... <b>PRICELESS!!!!!</b><br />
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Gotta love it!!<br />
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More to come,<br />
Lauren and Chris xoLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-89832470601600823692012-04-11T00:05:00.000-07:002012-05-10T19:35:58.114-07:00A whole new world under the seaDisney-lovers will see what I did there.. "Life is much hotter under dee watah take it from me!"<br />
Wow! We have just spent the last five days on Koh Tao getting our dive certification and words can't describe how amazing it was!!<br />
We took the open water course, a four day academic and practical course at the end of which you get to complete four scuba dives and the ability to do guided dives all over the world!<br />
We had no idea what to expect, but the experience was beyond what either of us had imagined. Even initially in the pool deep end doing out skills tests was wicked- sitting down at the bottom of the pool looking up to the surface and just breathing underwater- so so cool.<br />
The next two days were even better because we got to check out some amazing reefs and fishies around Koh Tao. Hannah (our instructor) said that one of the dives site we went to was in her top five for the best visibility she'd seen it. Clear blue waters, and tons and tons of fish! It was so cool looking up toward the surface and having your view crowded by schools of hundreds of fish! My favorite part about the whole thing was the feeling of weightlessness, as I would imagine it would be in outer space! We had fun practicing hovering upside down a metre or two off the ocean floor and somersaulting around effortlessly. Everyone can be a gymnastics pro underwater!<br />
The lifestyle of the instructors of Simple Life Diving resort was pretty tough to beat too: swimming with fish by day, hanging out over beers by night. They were a welcoming group and the six of us taking the course had fun partying with the crew on several occasions.<br />
The only obstacle was that we figured Chris must have the biggest lungs ever because he was using up almost twice as much air as he rest of us in his tank. We couldn't figure it out, because the previous day it had been no problem. He kept trying to take deep slow breaths but he was burning through his air at record speeds! In any case the next day Chris and I decided to go and do two more dives (now as certified divers): one deep water dive ( getting down to 30m below the surface, whereas our certain only allows for 18m) and one wreck dive (think the beginning if the titanic movie, sunken treasure ships, woot woot!).<br />
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We were both quite nervous about being that deep underwater and also about Chris using up air so quickly that he couldn't have a long enough dive to make it worthwhile.. All the nerves completely disappeared when as we sank down through what seemed to be computer-generated blue waters to the most amazing coral reef. Wow, it was lile being in a freakin national geographic documentary! Not only that but the volume of fish was probably Bree times as much as our dives the previous day, and we thought there were lots then! Time seems to go by so fast down there and I dread seeing the guide tell us it's time to surface. Oh and the other great thin was that Chris used normal amounts of air this time (we think there was a problem with his equipment the previous day) so he got to really enjoy it too, and not have to worry about his breathing.. Loved it!!!!! We were both so pumped when we got to the surface, and it's funny because you try to recap everything that you both saw but couldn't talk about while underwater..<br />
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Unfortunately the wreck dive wasn't quite as astounding. Still cool just being down there, but it was described that as you descend, this ship just appears out of nowhere- sounds awesome, right? Well, we went down and down and I was watching.. No ship, no ship, no ship... then our guide Josh stopped and was feeling around. Huh, we'd arrived at the ship but the vis was so bad that we couldn't even see it coming! We had to buddy up super close and feel our way around.. Kinda sucked at first and was super freaky! By then it became a bit clearer and we got to do handstands on the guns and look into some of the ship's entrances to see schools of baby barracudas and other fish swimming through it. That was pretty sweet.<br />
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Basically, if you haven't sorted it out by now, we loved the diving experience and would absolutely recommend it in Koh Tao to anyone and everyone!!! We loved Simple Life (see <a href="http://www.google.com.vn/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=simple%20life%20divers&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CHYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.simplelifedivers.com%2F&ei=8nWsT9X9ENCjiQeHq5HYAw&usg=AFQjCNEuNFXA0Yr48QQ1lGiWsL84NG91iw" target="_blank">Simple Life Divers</a>) too, a laid-back super cohesive group of instructors that are chill most of the time but focused when you need to feel confident in the water beside them. Can't wait for some more diving experiences: I think we're hitting up Cambodia and we hear the diving in Egypt is good too...? We'll let ya know!<br />
We're hitting up the full moon party next and then chilling on Koh Phangan for some beach time before we head to Bangkok to celebrate "Songkran" or Thai new year, which is basically a giant water fight! Time to go barter for a super-soaker! Sweet!<br />
Lauren and Chris xoLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-30847059646777565272012-04-10T23:58:00.000-07:002012-04-10T23:58:01.983-07:00Poor Man's Paradise!!It sounds worse than it is maybe, what I mean is we're in Thailand now and loving that everything is so cheap!! First let's go back to post-NZ...<br />
We said goodbye to Chris' parents at Auckland airport after two awesome months that would have more than broke our budget if it weren't for the Leary's letting us get by on the 'bank of Mom and Dad'! We have been so fortunate that Chris has such an incredibly generous group of friends and family- we've been so spoiled! That didn't end when we met up with Glenn and Sonya in Singapore. We would've been lost both literally and figuratively without them! Singaporeans main life focuses are shopping, going to the movies, and eating! We mostly tried the eating part... We'd already seen he Hunger Games in NZ, why try to top that? We had a whirlwind visit but the highlight was definitely going to 'altitude', q rooftop bar on the 60th floor of a high-rise giving 360• view of the city! What a contrast when we went form this posh rooftop bar to sitting in a crowded street eating satay, trying sting ray (not my flavour but by I tried!) and taking in the amazing food culture the city has to offer!<br />
Singapore was hot and humid, but so far Bangkok takes the cake when it comes to smack-you-in-the-face, sticky, hard to breathe in heat. Wow!<br />
First impressions of Bangkok were not great- it seemed just a really big, dirty city at first. We did see a few cool sights and straight away were loving the cheap Thai food, street meat and fruit smoothies! The biggest pain in the ass with Bangkok is the damn tuktuks! Helpful hint: if you're going to hire a tuk tuk to get around, make sure they are not asking you to make a stop or two before your destination. This was my breaking point on day 2 of Thailand. We would just be looming for a simple tuk tuk ride to and from our hostel and it would take us 5 or 6 painful negotiations in broken english to find a driver that wouldn't want us to stop in at some tourist trap market where they'd get a kickback if you bought anything! But hey, its all part of the experience right? We even had a driver take us to the complete opposite side of town because he misunderstood where we asked him to go and we pulled up at this massive gold palace- the kings palace. Still, we got to squeeze in an extra tourist moment in the end anyways!<br />
We left Bangkok on Sunday (1st) via night train! Joy! First class sleepers were sold out so we were stuck in 2nd... Which at first glance was just two seats facing eachother... But no! In reality they were a Thai version of 'robots in disguise' Transformers! I was pretty damn cozy (though Chris would definitely recommend the bottom bunk, he had a fluorescent light from the ceiling shining into his eyes all night.. The boat at 7am didn't get much better- we got caught mid-ocean in he middle of a thunderstorm! No white squall or anything but rain coming in sideways and soaking all if us on the open air deck! It was worthy the trip to get into koh Tao, where we are going to stay for four nights to do our scuba certification!!!!! Yeah! Chris and I are super pumped not only for the course itself, but for diving in cool places in the future as a result of our certification. Awesome!<br />
Love to all back home,<br />
Lauren and Chris xoLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-13842321475251073332012-04-03T06:51:00.002-07:002012-04-03T06:52:38.562-07:00An Unfortunate Decision (and South Island –Part 2)<div class="MsoNormal"> It was windy. It had been windy for a few days. Maybe gradually wind wears its way into your ear tunnels to mess with your ability to make smart decisions. In any case, it got to us. We were down at a beautiful beach ready to enjoy yet another delicious home-cooked camping meal, but the wind was too strong to get the cookers going. Luckily, I found this great spot, a small gravel opening, surrounded by bush, on the opposite side of the road. Chris shrugged a “sure” to my suggestion to eating dinner there so I turned in without hesitation. That’s when the sinking began. I felt the wheels turn deeper into the gravel as I pressed the gas to go forward. Uh oh. Chris immediately took control in the driver’s seat, but we ended up underestimating the power of the gravel and found ourselves completely stuck, with gravel up to the chassis and the two front wheels in giant wells. We dug and dug, nothing. We tried wedging our plywood table behind the wheels for support. Nope. We realized we needed help. Luckily a local family had decided to go for a post-dinner drive down to the ocean to check out the big waves due to all the wind. They didn’t know what they were getting themselves into: a three-hour mission to help some idiot travelers out of a gravel pit! First we tried attaching ratchet straps to the van (he had a truck). They snapped and the van didn’t budge. Then Dave (our new best friend) headed back to his house to get rope – it took him at least a half-hour so clearly it was out of his way. The third try was a charm. There was a lot of rolling around under the van, a lot of debating on which type of knot to tie (Chris’ sailor knot knowledge came in handy!), and a lot of crossed fingers and toes.. but on the third try (the rope broke once even!), Wobs came smoking and squealing out of her unfortunate situation. Success!!! For the next day or two, Wobs was feeling the pain and “tink-tink-ing” her way down the highway as bits of gravel continuously made their way out from under the car. Crisis averted! Oh, and one more funny bit – the AA Chris called before we decided to have a go ourselves closed at 5pm and there is only one tow-truck driver in all of the Marlborough region. Chris phoned and left a message on “Tony the truck-driver”’s machine, but he was probably out on the piss or something, we never heard back!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris frolicking with the sea foam minutes before....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKcWFJ5SSODzHut9MFkcsktNIRTJQPRdjAlFE1w402XKleIdBlaStFkxK1zSZ5zK_9uW_ui8yL9TFnkTrqbEt7KTZxKmJhyphenhyphenNnV_CxjVAPnh0BLh7Lj0UIO6HsTbUyb1tDN0zkCzXXObw/s1600/New+Zealand+2012+2141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKcWFJ5SSODzHut9MFkcsktNIRTJQPRdjAlFE1w402XKleIdBlaStFkxK1zSZ5zK_9uW_ui8yL9TFnkTrqbEt7KTZxKmJhyphenhyphenNnV_CxjVAPnh0BLh7Lj0UIO6HsTbUyb1tDN0zkCzXXObw/s640/New+Zealand+2012+2141.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Still smiling, but how quickly the situation changed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span lang="EN-US">Prior to this unfortunate event, we had an amazing time on our other hike, the Abel Tasman! It’s a complete contrast to the Kepler- instead of hiking up into the mountains, you hike along the beach, and even have to wade through estuaries at several points. We kayaked the first day and went past a seal colony where seal pups were out on the rocks and playfully swimming around in the water. We pulled up to a secluded beach for our final lunch with Matan and Andrea before ‘paddling’ our separate ways. We camped at this amazing, private spot where there is a lagoon at high tide, and we had the latest sun of the whole campsite. Good times! We then hiked across beaches and waded through low tide crossings for 17ks the next day to get to the next site. Such a contrast from the Kepler and so beautiful too!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our not-too-shabby farewell lunch with our travel buddies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjY0G3qY-o6J-FnXX-T5zYUDgf4cJ5OwTE126KBNQWtD1_lOGTDKYyHll3DG8l2kwsl-tcbLBt7mz2Gi_2VQu2jGQVKn0x7T51KsOD-dBSDEMf98Q4is3FsHg1qeq6C2hqVV7VXF6Ukg/s1600/New+Zealand+2012+1947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjY0G3qY-o6J-FnXX-T5zYUDgf4cJ5OwTE126KBNQWtD1_lOGTDKYyHll3DG8l2kwsl-tcbLBt7mz2Gi_2VQu2jGQVKn0x7T51KsOD-dBSDEMf98Q4is3FsHg1qeq6C2hqVV7VXF6Ukg/s640/New+Zealand+2012+1947.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best camping spot ever!</td></tr>
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfE8cAFy25pOtg4QzOXJWpdXNBy15ttZrtyU0DGDRHhPiJDW9bXFZXzyAfoiZjlkcpSNHoJxKSr1dC3tIXlLwiwkL6uVdlXMUo9yXasxwuAwg1mAN8iTVjzGkEyFtpSnjlN2YixaXMfA/s1600/New+Zealand+2012+2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfE8cAFy25pOtg4QzOXJWpdXNBy15ttZrtyU0DGDRHhPiJDW9bXFZXzyAfoiZjlkcpSNHoJxKSr1dC3tIXlLwiwkL6uVdlXMUo9yXasxwuAwg1mAN8iTVjzGkEyFtpSnjlN2YixaXMfA/s640/New+Zealand+2012+2003.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96Mw_Ms_DjWK1Y0Y4oN1wwgLiIeiM7rAIjGakGOo9Ad6eirZxvARPC_2K8pJCzcSp1CDfouBxrxJoY_UOl39wYv73suIv-hE2nDgE9eipnVqWFXqXaUhVkPon5OpBsp5DkiDvkeA3MYc/s1600/New+Zealand+2012+1983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96Mw_Ms_DjWK1Y0Y4oN1wwgLiIeiM7rAIjGakGOo9Ad6eirZxvARPC_2K8pJCzcSp1CDfouBxrxJoY_UOl39wYv73suIv-hE2nDgE9eipnVqWFXqXaUhVkPon5OpBsp5DkiDvkeA3MYc/s640/New+Zealand+2012+1983.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US">On the way back to Auckland we hit up "Windy Welly" (Wellington) and it sure lived up to its name. My favorite spot on the way back that we hit was Napier, a town that was devastated by an earthquake in the 1930s and all the buildings were re-built in the Art Deco style that was popular at the time. We had lunch at a cafe and sat out in the sun... yes, the sun! Maybe that's why we loved the place so much, it's crazy what a difference the warm sun can make! In any case, this place had great character and we also went to the best winery there because we hit it up at the end of the day and they had 12(!!) bottles open for tasting. Nice!! </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">One of our last camp spots we stayed in required almost a 45-min drive into the middle of nowhere, along this gravel road to a small grass clearing in the bush. We arrived late at night, so I was already a bit creeped out. Chris then heard the call of a Kiwi (an actual bird, not a person!), so he took my hand and we went on a search. Well, that lasted about 2 minutes because I heard a rustling in the bush, and although Chris assured me that the only thing it could possibly be was a bird, I just couldn't get the Canadian voice out of my head thinking it had to be something bigger. Well, I guess we were both right in the end! We awoke to a dreadlocked-hippie chick making her way out of the bush in the morning. Turns out it wasn't a bird, but a human sleeping in a hammock tent, who happened to be from Salt Spring Island!!! Ha ha, crazy...</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Well, we made it (and more importantly Wobs made it) safely back to Auckland, where we will spend a few days catching up for one last visit with friends and family, planning to an extent what Southeast Asia might look like for us, and mentally preparing Chris for the heat and humidity that is SEA. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span><br />
Sending love to Vancouver,<br />
<br />
Lauren and Chris xo</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-39195507947516690002012-03-26T16:12:00.002-07:002012-05-10T19:44:12.307-07:00South Island- Part 1What's up everyone?<br />
<br />
Checking in from the South Island of NZ! It's been a whirlwind tour, but wicked experiences all around. We started out in Christchurch, and I'm happy to report it was earthquake free! We boarded the plane to Auckland in the warm, sun and arrived in Christchurch to intense winds and cold temperatures. Apparently they were expecting a "Weather Bomb" that night - yeah, that's what they call a storm here... awesome! There we met our van, which would be our home for the next three weeks..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wobs helped us get to stop at any amazing viewpoint we liked!</td></tr>
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Introducing Bobbi Wobbles (fondly referred to as Wobs). Why the name? Our trusty Honda <i>Odyssey </i>has quite the body roll on her, it took some getting used to. Wobs has a few flaws; the stereo speakers are so crackly as hell that we have to pretend we're back in the 50s to appreciate the music, she has trouble kicking from 3rd to 4th gear and as a result could be a bit better on outfitted with a wooden frame in the back and a mattress for easy "self-contained freedom camping".<br />
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We have been touring the South Island in Wobs since and loving it! We've made some damn gourmet meals and stayed at some sweet beachside / lakefront locations, spending virtually nothing on accommodation for the whole trip!<br />
We spent a couple of days headed down the East Coast and even saw some penguins and fur seals. Though it was really cold and windy it was still clear enough to appreciate the amazing views! Queenstown was gorgeous and I think one of the reasons why NZ is often compared to BC. We went to a sweet bar on the way to Wanaka called Cardrona Hotel, this old country pub Chris used to hit after a day of snowboarding. It was pretty awesome (see <a href="http://www.cardronahotel.co.nz/restaurant_bar.html" target="_blank">Cardrona Pub</a> details here and definitely stop in for a pint)!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeDjSWk3Qzu6gdm6BvjlERO2EO1Uy128BdaauxsabZPKK0qrcfnIUXJ3R3Wx1Oi7BDy5jTN3dToS-AO_PKtitUabZo8h-mG7OsuRUHbHs_mLfCm_PF5QKrrl9RD5zVuay-e9Zp2ixGN4/s1600/New+Zealand+2012+763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeDjSWk3Qzu6gdm6BvjlERO2EO1Uy128BdaauxsabZPKK0qrcfnIUXJ3R3Wx1Oi7BDy5jTN3dToS-AO_PKtitUabZo8h-mG7OsuRUHbHs_mLfCm_PF5QKrrl9RD5zVuay-e9Zp2ixGN4/s640/New+Zealand+2012+763.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moeraki boulders, East Coast of the South Island near Dunedin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the drive from Queenstown to Wanaka. This is not a fake background!!</td></tr>
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We went to a kick-ass movie theatre in Wanaka (the weather has been pretty crappy unfortunately!) where the makeshift theatre is filled with donated oversized comfy couches. So cozy! They even stop the movie for intermission, during which they bring out fresh out of the oven home-baked cookies! My kind of heaven!! The picture doesn't begin to do it justice (check it out, <a href="http://www.google.com.vn/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=theatre%20in%20wanaka&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CHQQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paradiso.net.nz%2F&ei=S3ysT9igN4SqrAfk37XlAg&usg=AFQjCNFQ2--VvAjNM1O_nRw5GT9i4hnZkg" target="_blank">Cinema Paradiso</a>)!<br />
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The highlight of our trip so far has been without a doubt the Kepler track, a three-day hike in the Fjordlands of the South Island. Chris and I, though we are a great team, have been spending a LOT of quality time together, and it wasn't until the hike where we got to spend some social time with fresh faces. The hike was pretty intense - the first day a steady climb up (think slightly less than grouse grind, but for 4 hours and carrying your own pack..) to the peak of a mountain. They have huts along the way, bunk-bed-filled rooms to sleep 60, with bare-bones gas cookers and benches downstairs for hanging out at night. We met a sweet group of people- some from Turkey, the US and a whole lot of people from Israel. We had a fun-filled. booze-free night (some might say that's an oxy moron, but it was awesome!) playing cards and praying that the forecast for intense rain come morning would turn out to be wrong! Unfortunately the forecast held and we spent day two battling sideways winds and constant drizzle crossing the mountains totally exposed. The worst part was that this was supposed to be the most scenic, amazing day and we spent the day looking out into a grey abyss of miserable clouds! Nooo!!! But we were all in it together and it's cool being able to share those experiences with good people. The trek ended on day three with a lot easier hike and nicer weather. Doing a hike is pretty much quintessential to the South Island experience, and it didn't disappoint!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of the Kepler track after a steep climb on day 1!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view on Day 2... stunning, isn't it?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our crew,.. before leaving the hut on Day 3 for a 20k hike out!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating an exhausting yet rewarding three day hike!! </td></tr>
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Chris and I scored ourselves some travel buddies en route as well - Matan and Andrea, two (we love them anyway) Americans we me on the hike. Through beach bonfires, random pictures at tourist attractions, discussing roadtrip challenges, sharing crazy dance moves, and Chris and Matan's incessant conversations about whether Football or Rugby is the better sport, we grew quite attached to these two Americans!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyPhF_zxN0XNtYc6D0YAXo9U6JW06o6ihd-vfmYfwSo3sC2EnmvhNw1VFdgS3titJhN-vIXyTGMd05AfBtYb1PNP26oAIbuJ61qzop30MEU_li9f_uvWJufwf7Fjg61TVNmVC0BsYWGI/s1600/New+Zealand+2012+1774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyPhF_zxN0XNtYc6D0YAXo9U6JW06o6ihd-vfmYfwSo3sC2EnmvhNw1VFdgS3titJhN-vIXyTGMd05AfBtYb1PNP26oAIbuJ61qzop30MEU_li9f_uvWJufwf7Fjg61TVNmVC0BsYWGI/s640/New+Zealand+2012+1774.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea, Matan and us at the terminal face of Fox Glacier</td></tr>
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The last night we spent together we went out in Nelson - I felt right at home :) It also just so happens to be the sunniest place in NZ, love it! Anyway, we went out to this 'bar' with a live band... I have never experienced this kind of weird before (uh-oh, maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that this happened in <i>Nelson</i>). There were probably 6-8 men in their 40s who were drunk or high off their faces, hitting on the men in our crew. Matan and Chris kept getting pulled out to dance in weird ways with these hippy freaks. It was so incredibly entertaining! We also randomly met up with Onur and Pinar, the turkish couple we spent a lot of time with on the Kepler track, so the six of us had a great time people watching and joining in amongst the crazies!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyZE7YNP8gJij8FssvUfzz5AzTtMuAxvJ5oTEhnWYXSw9sb1oGi7l8oROgVmheeeuRO3NvQRzNd0Dicmdf8GanAy6DHmHOfVNL4mQjFHS_Pf7buwl0n2Z1zXeHuXY3Jppni5WBuAQ-oI/s1600/New+Zealand+2012+1880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyZE7YNP8gJij8FssvUfzz5AzTtMuAxvJ5oTEhnWYXSw9sb1oGi7l8oROgVmheeeuRO3NvQRzNd0Dicmdf8GanAy6DHmHOfVNL4mQjFHS_Pf7buwl0n2Z1zXeHuXY3Jppni5WBuAQ-oI/s640/New+Zealand+2012+1880.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuSu0mZPuogEXXINBUMadvhc39TG4Lp1oARhKRS0oOiCAOOL8t1W3ym8yeNW-GLW-_3B1toM4Ma0zFe6nE-GWIIH9__MrTJWYjfsEPGRjvk7V2RlF-6ORnD6Va3oXdGtZAFitagV2oLk/s1600/New+Zealand+2012+1858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuSu0mZPuogEXXINBUMadvhc39TG4Lp1oARhKRS0oOiCAOOL8t1W3ym8yeNW-GLW-_3B1toM4Ma0zFe6nE-GWIIH9__MrTJWYjfsEPGRjvk7V2RlF-6ORnD6Va3oXdGtZAFitagV2oLk/s640/New+Zealand+2012+1858.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRROpc42USZI0WSoMvrhcMJgQ68i5tX55pQ75MBmY1GUFRnoWZJeJp_py0q6P9Y4N5GDECkQ-FYwKfYPScixunxb0omyfLjWJySwx6HdFzdoU6atFTSXNXsZxQ-pcjHegGCvv1o1kBV_c/s1600/New+Zealand+2012+1864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRROpc42USZI0WSoMvrhcMJgQ68i5tX55pQ75MBmY1GUFRnoWZJeJp_py0q6P9Y4N5GDECkQ-FYwKfYPScixunxb0omyfLjWJySwx6HdFzdoU6atFTSXNXsZxQ-pcjHegGCvv1o1kBV_c/s400/New+Zealand+2012+1864.jpg" width="266" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzhJqcIttB3mJ6lpFl1rbqdO8pFViVwJhxpmMdYQO2kMQ5oo8dQrr9g2mpwim2RMpGCu4cH2LXxtxtI-hO_jSZwjQITTj7GYfWxNQMOm1ZN89zwUthk1ZMClbwulz5D9bHO4cCQwSW1A/s1600/New+Zealand+2012+1857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzhJqcIttB3mJ6lpFl1rbqdO8pFViVwJhxpmMdYQO2kMQ5oo8dQrr9g2mpwim2RMpGCu4cH2LXxtxtI-hO_jSZwjQITTj7GYfWxNQMOm1ZN89zwUthk1ZMClbwulz5D9bHO4cCQwSW1A/s400/New+Zealand+2012+1857.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
All in all, we are looking forward to the last week of the South Island, but will be sad to part with our travel buddies!! Stay tuned for more adventures to come.<br />
Lauren and Chris!<br />
<br />
PS I updated pics on the other two entries as well -check em out!!!Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-37198616016848096532012-03-04T20:48:00.004-08:002012-03-25T22:32:20.139-07:00Slice of Heaven!<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">This is my ode to the North Island!! We have had such a great time discovering the North Island of New Zealand and though we are now down at the southernmost point of the south island (well, basically), I thought I would update the blog with memories from the beach-clad north! </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Highlights of the North Island </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br style="font-size: 13px;" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">The good:</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">1. staying in a crazy posh place up North on an estuary and learning to wakeboard, and riding on a 'sea legs' boat (the kind that you drive into the water and then pull up the legs so it goes from 'car' to boat, so awesome!)</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8j9_VhL6iDbscHdL2sgLC8Veb3zG1Vkf3A6nbDOmxyQm7HfVdrPYcb1gtwSqDw-Zp0LFCGqK4HmRoeu4sEGZBkaqPLk__SR9BxBRl-R-h-bop9rAxtK6BRh1PAypkRLRWisNdCTSlnd0/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8j9_VhL6iDbscHdL2sgLC8Veb3zG1Vkf3A6nbDOmxyQm7HfVdrPYcb1gtwSqDw-Zp0LFCGqK4HmRoeu4sEGZBkaqPLk__SR9BxBRl-R-h-bop9rAxtK6BRh1PAypkRLRWisNdCTSlnd0/s640/IMG_0868.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Didn't quite get the timing right on the camera, but we thought it was a funny pic anyway.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcw_hyZHr1ED9skWNqdJmqB9RS3y9AZsUA_5JYCfY73OCEwAcTZb0yNuDrTqlo_sXGr8KysW8yr5nNDhrkN6gCiVOtI5yqeSCcAB88eLKZI8_nSLazaCdlm7k9rq9eib2hSm4ARdST1A/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcw_hyZHr1ED9skWNqdJmqB9RS3y9AZsUA_5JYCfY73OCEwAcTZb0yNuDrTqlo_sXGr8KysW8yr5nNDhrkN6gCiVOtI5yqeSCcAB88eLKZI8_nSLazaCdlm7k9rq9eib2hSm4ARdST1A/s640/IMG_0863.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going for a walk on the estuary in search of golf balls, after a few rounds on the "driving range". Tough life!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: 13px;">2. catching fresh snapper off the rocks and frying it up for dinner, up in a secluded bare bones cabin in Hihi (pronounced hee hee - awesome city/town names here!). We headed up there with Chris' university crew, and had lots of campfires and crazy adventures over a few days.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIbQSa9KODO8TiXNMgjiw70PM2wXR6lQzmjUePY-wHgcXl7cuCayzp4Us8bIEWRceGwUSWCQazrAdRLyyTW28puH552wquwoSSyKmK11R8YwtHqMBNRCN3gygv4gu3yUDm3tjJrQWWvc/s1600/IMG_1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIbQSa9KODO8TiXNMgjiw70PM2wXR6lQzmjUePY-wHgcXl7cuCayzp4Us8bIEWRceGwUSWCQazrAdRLyyTW28puH552wquwoSSyKmK11R8YwtHqMBNRCN3gygv4gu3yUDm3tjJrQWWvc/s640/IMG_1280.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris caught the first fish by spear fishing!! Unfortunately it wasn't an edible one... no matter, you always need more bait!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT23anJ5cqH0qAsX5Sz53Ai7ekybKs6dtRBkMA3qDabqyEZ_kpDU5Ci_5L-XOfbh64VIXOpkVv5ttqPdRqo4QbtVmrz_MV0ioYkxiji4HD4718mrqdqPChQn-Q3VG_LrKe3tNE090UwWk/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT23anJ5cqH0qAsX5Sz53Ai7ekybKs6dtRBkMA3qDabqyEZ_kpDU5Ci_5L-XOfbh64VIXOpkVv5ttqPdRqo4QbtVmrz_MV0ioYkxiji4HD4718mrqdqPChQn-Q3VG_LrKe3tNE090UwWk/s640/IMG_1410.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew,.. what a spot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: 13px;">3. beaches beaches beaches - obviously being a country that is also an island NZ has a lot of coastline, but the nice part is there are heaps of beaches to hit! I have so many pictures of beaches and they start to look the same after a while... My favorite however was Maitai Bay, up on the KariKari peninsula. Such a beautiful secluded beach with shell-less sand and clear almost turquoise blue waters - a slice of heaven for sure!</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKy97SHGlxTF7-E8xGd3liT-FBAam78ldYwj_L2g5xuSjX5WkyT8j3hrnZpNGnI4UUAiuvaJS7O2V_xaGfe1gC9zxMbyuKlV6Ojpv4PrhNlE7SFysmX0m2d6tp3hJdUnUFjW1G8XkFIw/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKy97SHGlxTF7-E8xGd3liT-FBAam78ldYwj_L2g5xuSjX5WkyT8j3hrnZpNGnI4UUAiuvaJS7O2V_xaGfe1gC9zxMbyuKlV6Ojpv4PrhNlE7SFysmX0m2d6tp3hJdUnUFjW1G8XkFIw/s640/IMG_1497.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My only concern is the strained look on Chris' face... maybe I need to lay off the ice cream!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3uQ0LY10QQ13o-804FPhbqHIYNI7Kpku3B8okpT_msWymp297Bxaj5GO07h7loW0qw2Z9mm6c0VgmW3AgFuTybhyphenhyphenzHsgi55g4BRMVebI21Ap8Msv1TKdn6_Qx8AZ63CcGoq2ubQ6rD4/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3uQ0LY10QQ13o-804FPhbqHIYNI7Kpku3B8okpT_msWymp297Bxaj5GO07h7loW0qw2Z9mm6c0VgmW3AgFuTybhyphenhyphenzHsgi55g4BRMVebI21Ap8Msv1TKdn6_Qx8AZ63CcGoq2ubQ6rD4/s640/IMG_1161.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Bay of Islands, one of the many diverse beaches we have sun bathed on in the last few weeks!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoJaoacbP7mSxtLQU979IE4k9nwQRstuogbtOHDyAVjkKPzIy1uYLsgQn92W3WecNhU2Rrv7yTUQOZWpIIdfb3JXmxo9BtbLKkQ0l9GGMWYoJMQlfltMWqdxeiWuhR7SVvzZc1tYj6d8/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoJaoacbP7mSxtLQU979IE4k9nwQRstuogbtOHDyAVjkKPzIy1uYLsgQn92W3WecNhU2Rrv7yTUQOZWpIIdfb3JXmxo9BtbLKkQ0l9GGMWYoJMQlfltMWqdxeiWuhR7SVvzZc1tYj6d8/s640/IMG_1020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After dinner (and ice cream) in Mission Bay, the closest beach to downtown Aucks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: 13px;">4. Spending a rainy day soaking in the natural hot springs, where a steaming hot water waterfall meets up with a fast flowing river and you can sit under the bridge drinking beer and having a soak. Pretty cool! This was in Taupo, one of the few non-coastal cities in NZ, where we splurged and spent the night in an actual hotel room!! Cush! </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_Ka5KowLwkej3xHeIrAUEHfEVqI-tdq1uMWEXT0uao7F_MeF28OMnq-woqtveeSjY5rfmStUdaRYF6_SG4xWAXM_b9VT-Pmyyt53meHPNT0vCfZXC_an6yYv08XJTBhWcVeQFW6XTYA/s1600/IMG_1142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_Ka5KowLwkej3xHeIrAUEHfEVqI-tdq1uMWEXT0uao7F_MeF28OMnq-woqtveeSjY5rfmStUdaRYF6_SG4xWAXM_b9VT-Pmyyt53meHPNT0vCfZXC_an6yYv08XJTBhWcVeQFW6XTYA/s640/IMG_1142.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing in the 'jets' section of the hot pools... soo good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: 13px;">5. Having one of Chris' best buds hook us up with free drinks and free meals at his bar, a cheap and easy way to catch up with Chris' friends (thanks Ben)!</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">6. Not having to work (sorry, I had to throw that in there!)</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br style="font-size: 13px;" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">The bad:</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">1. The mayo here is disgusting. Thankfully most stores sell Hellman's, </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">2. I do not understand the obsession over meat pies - also disgusting! Although I did have a butter chicken pie and it was delicious! I also do plan on going to a homemade pie shop recommended in the lonely planet, maybe my opinion will be swayed in the other direction...? Stay tuned!</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">3. I have never had so many mosquito bites on my legs and slept for about two hours total last night due to my itchy legs bringing me close to insanity.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">4. I love Vancouver for its smoking prohibitions! So many people smoke and are allowed to smoke in restaurants and public places. I feel lucky to live where we live! </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">5. I've seen the lowest plumber's crack ever. A guy with nothing on under his jeans was carrying something and his pants were completely below his butt cheeks. I almost got a glimpse of frontal from behind, and not in a good way!</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br style="font-size: 13px;" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">The ugly/weird:</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">1. Chris' buddy dislocating his big toe so badly that it tore completely through the skin (while turning on grass to save a soccer ball from rolling down a hill- freak accident!) and then getting to see seven stitches put in at the local hospital</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">2. Two days later, Chris' friend got a fish hook in the chin that was lodged in so well that he ended up at the same hospital (we weren't there to experience that!)</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">3. I have seen on two separate occasions a Maori (NZ first nations) person sitting on a bean bag on top of the hood of their car at the beach, with the car doors open and music blasting...?</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">4. Trying to learn the rules and to enjoy watching a game of cricket. We may go to a live match (only if its a one-dayer though!) and I'll hold off on forming opinions until then...</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">5. Chris trying to break a stick in half for a campfire but instead of breaking it away from his face he broke it towards, resulting in a stick in the face and a very attractive gash on his nose.. what's up with Kiwis and their injuries!? (**Important note: Chris is not usually so ridiculous, this would definitely qualify as a drunken injury**)</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQSb4ao9b_WcpWtOsLuT7cqNZww2MEHchtHLPctsslKx1yVZv_CQ5K4T_DpptPieOSmGyVq9jcBoAv6IKtuk6UN-0kJSEiqn0SILcRneH4L74ID5JYZYhRK6rLQpoK1CiQ2EMuk_b5SI/s1600/IMG_1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQSb4ao9b_WcpWtOsLuT7cqNZww2MEHchtHLPctsslKx1yVZv_CQ5K4T_DpptPieOSmGyVq9jcBoAv6IKtuk6UN-0kJSEiqn0SILcRneH4L74ID5JYZYhRK6rLQpoK1CiQ2EMuk_b5SI/s640/IMG_1479.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out Chris' nose, he did quite the number on it!</td></tr>
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Kiwi-isms that I want to remember and someone may be interested in:</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Sayings: </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">Kia Ora! Wanna chip bro? You're such an egg/hard case/freshie! Chur bro! </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">Sweet as!</span> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">That's brilliant! </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Food: Four Square, Meat pies</span><span style="font-size: 13px;">, </span> </div><span style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Wheet Bix</span><span style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">, Coconut Slab, Moro gold stix, kiwiberries</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Bird names: </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">morepork, kea, kiwi, mynah, tui, kakapo</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Weird town names:</span><span style="font-size: 13px;"> whakapapa (keep in mind "wh" is pronounced like the letter "f") , waipu, papatoetoe, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;" title="Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu">Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Overall first impressions of New Zealand: </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">the people are awesome and protectively proud of their country. Deservedly so, because it is absolutely beautiful! What New Zealand has that other places don't is that it is small so there is a lot to offer in a compact little space. They also have so many amazing beaches to choose from, seeing as practically the whole country is coastline! I'm not a fan of the sand flies and the mosquitoes last night were out in full force, but the other nice thing (which could also be interpreted as quite an odd thing) is that there is no large wildlife at all. Let's just say that when we were up north and grilled up all that fish, we all went to bed without thinking of disposing of the remnants (tin foil with half-eaten fish, you get the picture) beforehand. When we woke up in the morning it was untouched. To them this may seem like NBD, but to me it was crazy! No wildlife (well, other than lots and lots of birds!). All in all, the sights have been absolutely beautiful and my only wish is that the weather would get better so we can find some more beautiful beaches!</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time.... bro ;) </span></span>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-2193031823573022422012-02-09T20:31:00.003-08:002012-03-19T22:12:19.518-07:00Lotsa Wet 'Bula's from Fiji!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Bula bula everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">I think Fijians have a quota to reach with saying Bula each day! Bula is to Fiji what Aloha is to Hawaii. Except used way more often! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">For anyone who may be groaning at reading our rave reviews of basking in the sunshine while lying in hammocks along the beaches in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji, read on! And don't worry, our Fiji experience was definitely not stereotypical! We'd been watching the weather in Fiji before leaving Vancouver and unlike typical Vancouver weather reports, those in Fiji were bang-on - torrential downpours over a low-pressure system, with Cyclone warnings left right and center. At least it dulled the culture shock- despite the warmer temperatures, the rain made us feel right at home!! Except of course that it was way more intense and combined with strong, stormy winds! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">First impressions? What the hell are we going to do here?! Even the travel agent advised against doing anything for at least the first two days we were there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">After laying low for the first day, we tagged along with a mish-mash group of five girls from different ends of the globe to hit up the mud pools of Fiji. Although the cyclone didn't hit, the weather was still crap, so soaking in wet mud seemed like the only thing to do. Chris was in his glory, packed into a van full of six lovely ladies! The road was washed out so bad we had to get out and ford the muddy river running through it- quite the sight with seven tourists thigh-high in muddy waters being escorted across by local Fijian kids. The mud pool in the rain was pretty fun, we all had quite the time having warm mud spread all over our bodies by the Fijian man working there. After our rejuvenating, natural, skin treatment, w</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">e headed back to our hostel for a traditional Fiji fire and dance show and I tried Rou Rou, a green taro-based soup that was delish!! Chris and I lamed out by packing it in before 10, we were feeling the jet lag big time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">We struggled to come up with a gameplan as to what to do in the weather, which didn't seem to be letting up until at least Saturday, at which point we would be on a plane to NZ. We decided horseback riding up to some waterfalls in the south of Viti Levu (main island of Fiji) would be a cool experience even soaking wet. No such luck! Once we checked into our hostel just off the Coral Coast down south, we were informed it was way too dangerous because of risk of landslides... awesome. The three of us (we picked up a cool Alaskan chick named Jess on the way) decided to make friends with a Fijian to help pass the time and steer us clear of tourist traps and high prices instead. We met Seru at the bar of a resort down the road, a happy-go-lucky young buck Fijian who bonded with Chris and gave him a sly heads up to a bar that was cheaper and more local-feeling than the $300/night resort we were currently have drinks at. He met up with us later and we tried the must-have Kokoda, like ceviche but with coconut milk.... I'm in LOVE with this meal! It's sooo good. Although I'm not surprised, I love anything that has a coconut milk base to it, and Fiji has meals like that in spades! Seru was awesome to hang out with and he arranged to take us to the sand dunes the next morning. Luckily, it stopped raining for a couple of hours, long enough for us to get some cool pictures on the dunes and run around and enjoy the scenery. Afterwards we headed back to watch some of the Rugby Sevens Tournament (shout out to Canada for doing pretty damn well and NZ for winning the whole thing!). We said goodbye to Seru and had one last swim in the pool at the resort. Just to clarify, we didn't even have a <i>single dip</i> in the ocean at any point during our Fijian experience, can you believe it?! Chris and I completed our near cyclone experience by getting caught in a downpour on our walk home from dinner on our last night and getting drenched through!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Now we're in Auckland, NZ drying out and the sun has come out for the last four days straight! More updates to come. Here's to more adventures, and here's hoping most of them are sun-kissed memories!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Hope all is well back home,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Lots of love, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Lauren (and Chris too!!) </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">PS Stay tuned for pictures... :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">PPS Through the rain you can still picture how absolutely beautiful Fiji must be ten months out of the year.. quite the tropical rainforest! Maybe we'll go back for a visit during the dry season.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Rj5WnP_lJ63uazMDXjewViEJzGD-c8qPzt2i3gahX09gB2DSYKZG6vzzC8WbSJuWt7h5aC50Ticwq_bMs_7Iyl5yOODtsi3I0fWIcOEspA-iK1OJFxHbXbeGyKi3aYjKuhxNbBU9-_o/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Rj5WnP_lJ63uazMDXjewViEJzGD-c8qPzt2i3gahX09gB2DSYKZG6vzzC8WbSJuWt7h5aC50Ticwq_bMs_7Iyl5yOODtsi3I0fWIcOEspA-iK1OJFxHbXbeGyKi3aYjKuhxNbBU9-_o/s640/IMG_0322.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first day in Fiji, all hopes of sunshine and hammocks pretty much let go after reading the paper.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGP66O1kPHm04aOYdFELqPQZuqkslxPnZiLJyjW8POE4-rgvfoC36fsxflAp7g6Vturwbb5Y6BHlgr2k99srdwzye7ioGGQy0zzfW8VtrYnuC88dJzxbctGS8lnaijp4IY5wgYSOOi0U/s1600/IMG_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGP66O1kPHm04aOYdFELqPQZuqkslxPnZiLJyjW8POE4-rgvfoC36fsxflAp7g6Vturwbb5Y6BHlgr2k99srdwzye7ioGGQy0zzfW8VtrYnuC88dJzxbctGS8lnaijp4IY5wgYSOOi0U/s640/IMG_0380.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally escaping the tourist trap for dirt cheap coconuts and pineapples at a local market near Nadi!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIC6sLJLWeSWsTGWRyS1QJiW8O44Df_eQd8xHNiyFK9ElPd-NnEAS7OaAEAC0oKDVuJqvTluaijTp-kqK8lDP4lwwNreBAHHKg4Hnem05-lGjaRKzQot617mXnrcgtks-0OdMJyadl3QE/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIC6sLJLWeSWsTGWRyS1QJiW8O44Df_eQd8xHNiyFK9ElPd-NnEAS7OaAEAC0oKDVuJqvTluaijTp-kqK8lDP4lwwNreBAHHKg4Hnem05-lGjaRKzQot617mXnrcgtks-0OdMJyadl3QE/s640/IMG_0404.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sample of the beautiful weather we experienced for the majority of our time in Fiji. Nice!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnbvivjByyVzmw3myTRPbxh9w_THpISIHCzP1z8gn8Eec8dbUtHMJy2waNdjdRLOmm-iZMOngo8JH8u3-VyP60JNzZPumT7g2WruAIr1r63YZIgreJJZzwS9Ike4x8-ZETv4ZQokQ-Xs/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnbvivjByyVzmw3myTRPbxh9w_THpISIHCzP1z8gn8Eec8dbUtHMJy2waNdjdRLOmm-iZMOngo8JH8u3-VyP60JNzZPumT7g2WruAIr1r63YZIgreJJZzwS9Ike4x8-ZETv4ZQokQ-Xs/s640/IMG_0461.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the first time we'd seen the "sun"... funny, it seemed a lot sunnier at the time than it does now looking back at the photo!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLMiN-EgDPN0dYY1YR3PzPrzYC0lpvkLFaLTCTIDTFK5RnzQ_DZaeOocYUTMyl3Rknfnf2m5oN9nJcg-HvKiTqtu_pBgLmOq0bBlQp_LDVpqvhI73Nnb8rk97ueSLBKuNg0oyKwVuvxU/s1600/IMG_0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLMiN-EgDPN0dYY1YR3PzPrzYC0lpvkLFaLTCTIDTFK5RnzQ_DZaeOocYUTMyl3Rknfnf2m5oN9nJcg-HvKiTqtu_pBgLmOq0bBlQp_LDVpqvhI73Nnb8rk97ueSLBKuNg0oyKwVuvxU/s640/IMG_0535.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jess the Alaskan and Seru the local, at the Sand Dunes of Sigatoka. Thanks to Seru and Chris for making the giant Bula!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzzLN-CH0Z14YQUak3xIPLz3r1ZP_5Mlo46jAIRqlwPY8C0WNFLClhaWqXX68VTckF1EMbRryFDfTJkk2TN_coDWOXijLolw3Vf97eqyaKE2Trs0slLcpimjXZZMc4zpQJJAIKGWSmPU/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzzLN-CH0Z14YQUak3xIPLz3r1ZP_5Mlo46jAIRqlwPY8C0WNFLClhaWqXX68VTckF1EMbRryFDfTJkk2TN_coDWOXijLolw3Vf97eqyaKE2Trs0slLcpimjXZZMc4zpQJJAIKGWSmPU/s640/IMG_0571.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screwing around with the timer function on the camera!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-21060602110313265692012-01-25T20:44:00.000-08:002012-01-25T20:44:19.492-08:00The Countdown Is ON!Well, with only four sleeps left, I can't help but gaze out the window at the miserable rain with quiet excitement that Chris and I only have a few days left to soak it up (literally) before we head to sunnier weather! After leaving everything until the last minute in terms of taxes, travel shots, insurance and supplies I am feeling on top of everything and ready to GO! Ironically our first stop is Fiji, where they are experiencing flooding and thunderstorms, and then on to New Zealand, where they have had one of the rainiest summers on record! Hmm... maybe we're not escaping the Vancouver weather at all? What?!<br />
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Anyway, the point of this post is to see if anyone might have some top ten lists or must-sees for the countries that we plan on travelling to. Or alternatively if you had a horrifying experience somewhere and wouldn't mind giving us the heads up not to follow down the same road of disaster, we would very much appreciate the advice!<br />
<br />
We plan on travelling to the following countries:<br />
Fiji, NZ, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Burma (worth it?), Egypt, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain and Morocco!<br />
Plans may change but for now, that's our plan!<br />
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If you have a heads up for anything that is an absolute MUST or MUST NOT, please PLEASE share! That's what we both love about travelling - the stories, people and adventure. We'd love you to share yours with us!<br />
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We will of course miss everyone back home, but stayed tuned for stories of our hopefully entertaining travels!<br />
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PS, Comments may warrant postcards!!<br />
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PPS, This doesn't even come close to being enough, but I just wanted to say a HUGE thank-you to my Mom and Dad, for letting Chris and I shamelessly free-load over the last five months. We would never have been able to achieve this goal without your loving support. I love you both so much!!!Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352144927068758965.post-61609760801520329862009-07-24T04:18:00.000-07:002009-07-24T04:29:37.830-07:00Strudel, Baklava and Gelato - also known as Croatia!!Hellooo Croatia!!<br />I have been here for the last three days and am LOVING it. There is so much to see in Turkey and I would definitely like to go back and check out some of the other areas, but I feel much safer now being in Croatia. It was a bit stressful walking around the streets of Istanbul... I was followed both days by a creepy guy for more than half an hour! But I was really careful not to go out by myself at night and did still enjoy the time there..<br />Where can I even start about Croatia?! Got into Zagreb and immediately jumped on a bus to Split, no time to waste!! Kev reccommended the 3 Turtles hostel to me which ended up being awesome- super small but a convenient location and quite the at home feeling. Everyone got together and had a big BBQ and we drank the night away.. Split is beautiful.. a lot of the city is weaved through Diocletian´s palace, the main attraction for the city. I rented a bike yesterday and rode out the peninsula of Marjan to another beach.. beautiful! I think that is going to be a trend for this leg of the trip.. I´m all about the beaches right now, and Croatia gives good beach!!<br />Yesterday I tried to extend my stay at the hostel but they were all booked up, and the only hostel I could find was one 25 minutes South of Split.. well, I am SO lucky to have stumbled upon this place!!! I think I´m in love!! (with the place that is..) This is the only hostel I have stayed at that is literally 10 steps from the water. As soon as I showed up I was greeted by a bunch of Irish, Americans, Aussies and Dutch. We had a HUGE BBQ (I think there were 20 of us or something) on a table almost in the sea it was so close!! The hostel is actually on a cement boardwalk but there is a makeshift diving board in front of the hostel, so we stayed in our bathinig suits all night and randomly five or six of us would decide to jump in and swim for a bit, even into the late hours of the evening.. HEAVEN!<br />Today I am having a it of a late start after a long night, but headed to Brac to check out Bol beach on kevs recommendation. Then tonight i think the same crew of us are headed into Split for a night on the town!! (I HAD to extend my stay for another night!)<br />Hope all is well back home..<br />Love to all and see you soon!!!<br />Laur xoLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02701281586219234805noreply@blogger.com1