The Journey to Fuk Man Road

     So Blogger is being ultra lame right now, making this post difficult to edit, so my appologies for exceptionally poor English...

     We have learned a few things since our arrival. First, R, our host here is amazing. Although he's an expat (from Amerrrrica) he's been here for two years and has lots of insight into the goings on in HK. He also knows all the great places to eat and we have been eating well!

More after the break

     So Blogger is being ultra lame right now, making this post difficult to edit, so my appologies for exceptionally poor English...

     We have learned a few things since our arrival. First, R, our host here is amazing. Although he's an expat (from Amerrrrica) he's been here for two years and has lots of insight into the goings on in HK. He also knows all the great places to eat and we have been eating well!

More after the break

     So Blogger is being ultra lame right now, making this post difficult to edit, so my appologies for exceptionally poor English...

     We have learned a few things since our arrival. First, R, our host here is amazing. Although he's an expat (from Amerrrrica) he's been here for two years and has lots of insight into the goings on in HK. He also knows all the great places to eat and we have been eating well!

More after the break

     So Blogger is being ultra lame right now, making this post difficult to edit, so my appologies for exceptionally poor English...

     We have learned a few things since our arrival. First, R, our host here is amazing. Although he's an expat (from Amerrrrica) he's been here for two years and has lots of insight into the goings on in HK. He also knows all the great places to eat and we have been eating well!

More after the break

Written Yesterday

Notes from yesterday's adventures...the internet here is spotty

Yesterday...I think...I spent the day with C in San Fran. I'll keep it brief because OliverNina will be doing a post on the adventures, but in short it was awesome. The weather was beautiful and this shot about sums it up. I also had the added bonus of seeing an old friend M. Wish I could have spent more time with her, but life is crazy. 

So the only appropriate way to officially start out my first blog post in Asia is to be somewhere completely weird. I'm in a non-descriptive building in Kowloon Hong Kong. Which, unknown to me until a few minutes ago, is on the mainland. I'm sitting on my bag with one sore bum (14hr plane rides do these things to you) in what appears to be the lobby of place we are staying in tonight. Although you wouldn't know it from an alcove in a hallway if it weren't for the sign on the door. On second thought, 'lobby' is an extreme understatement. I'm in a hallway with a small computer and a sign that reads 'lunch/dinner time call me, will be right back' except it's 8:30 in the am and I don't have a sim card so I'm SOL.

We are here, waiting for Simon, in what I've gathered to be the building we are supposed to be staying in tonight. Tomorrow we will be moving onwards to stay at a CSers place (that is if I ever get a chance to figure out how one gets a SIM card in these parts). 

I'm excited for the journey ahead and even more excited to have MB here. His current state of absolute culture shock is quite entertaining. Watching him sit on a stool made for a person about half his size  and try to decipher a map of Hong Kong is something out of a comedy sketch. His opening line upon arrival in this 'lobby' was something along the lines of "the organizational system here has one  point: making no sense." Very true. Having been to Asia a few times I had a subtle idea of what to expect upon arrival. However, nothing could have prepared me for the drive past the international industrial ports....boxes...boxes...and MORE boxes. It literally never ended. It made you wonder not only how many cargo containers of contraband and humans there were, damn the world has a lot of shit in it. 

Simon is here! to be continued...

Part II: Into the CF frying pan

We spent the morning wandering around Hong Kong, on the Kowloon side of things. By wandering I really mean getting lost, as I think almost every turn we decided to take was the wrong one. Lots of back tracking, lots of confusion, and lots of WTF moments. But hey, it's Asia and that's part of the experience. It really doesn't matter how nice things are or how much English there is getting used to being back in a place that operates on a completely different set of rules takes a little time. 

I've never been to China, even though Hong Kong isn't technically China, it's enough to feel like a kick in the pants. It's bloody hot...I mean really effing hot. And muggy...it was 86 degrees by 7:30am. The roads here make no damn sense and randomly enjoy changing names (although I WILL say that everything is labeled, which is nice). It's annoying because although you can jay walk here, they do corral you to certain points of inconvenient crosswalks (like half-way down a street you don't need to go down). The pollution is not a myth. What I thought was a foggy mist upon landing is a perpetual haze of eye-burning car/factory farts. 

Alas, enough complaining it is an amazing organism of a city. There is a familiar hustle and bustle to the place like that of NYC, the skyline is absolutely stunning (and enormous). The dim sum we had for late breakfast wasn't half bad, and the place isn't as expensive as I first thought. Groceries are reasonable (we bought two large beers, two yogurts, and some mango for under ten bucks). I've also found that help is everywhere. There are people in the subways eager to help you figure out how the hell the whole thing works (the lines are easy to figure out, it's the station exits and entrances that are a mystery). The tourism stations are a huge plus (hey, I came all this way, I'm going to do some cliche sites!). There is definitely enough to do in the amount of time we are here. 

Today we walked around the harbor front and got some skyline views..this was where I was supposed to put pictures...but I can't figure out how to do it...grrrrr. I'll try upoloading to facebook and then linking them in...

Also went to the flower market after getting lost in a more...er...industrial part of town.

Next to the flower market is the bird market. It was pretty neat because the tourists either hadn't arrived or had already gone through so it was quiet and all you could here in a city filled with machines was the chirping of birds. 

Right now we are taking that (much needed) mid day shower, basking in the air con, and trying to gain some strength to stay awake and adjust to the time (we've been up since around 2am local time...blurg). This evening's plan is to see some night skyline, maybe grab a beer somewhere, and hit up the night market for some cheap eats. Tomorrow we are going to tour around Hong Kong Island and meet our CS host. 

Cheers from the road

-M and MB

Notes from yesterday's adventures...the internet here is spotty

Yesterday...I think...I spent the day with C in San Fran. I'll keep it brief because OliverNina will be doing a post on the adventures, but in short it was awesome. The weather was beautiful and this shot about sums it up. I also had the added bonus of seeing an old friend M. Wish I could have spent more time with her, but life is crazy. 

So the only appropriate way to officially start out my first blog post in Asia is to be somewhere completely weird. I'm in a non-descriptive building in Kowloon Hong Kong. Which, unknown to me until a few minutes ago, is on the mainland. I'm sitting on my bag with one sore bum (14hr plane rides do these things to you) in what appears to be the lobby of place we are staying in tonight. Although you wouldn't know it from an alcove in a hallway if it weren't for the sign on the door. On second thought, 'lobby' is an extreme understatement. I'm in a hallway with a small computer and a sign that reads 'lunch/dinner time call me, will be right back' except it's 8:30 in the am and I don't have a sim card so I'm SOL.

We are here, waiting for Simon, in what I've gathered to be the building we are supposed to be staying in tonight. Tomorrow we will be moving onwards to stay at a CSers place (that is if I ever get a chance to figure out how one gets a SIM card in these parts). 

I'm excited for the journey ahead and even more excited to have MB here. His current state of absolute culture shock is quite entertaining. Watching him sit on a stool made for a person about half his size  and try to decipher a map of Hong Kong is something out of a comedy sketch. His opening line upon arrival in this 'lobby' was something along the lines of "the organizational system here has one  point: making no sense." Very true. Having been to Asia a few times I had a subtle idea of what to expect upon arrival. However, nothing could have prepared me for the drive past the international industrial ports....boxes...boxes...and MORE boxes. It literally never ended. It made you wonder not only how many cargo containers of contraband and humans there were, damn the world has a lot of shit in it. 

Simon is here! to be continued...

Part II: Into the CF frying pan

We spent the morning wandering around Hong Kong, on the Kowloon side of things. By wandering I really mean getting lost, as I think almost every turn we decided to take was the wrong one. Lots of back tracking, lots of confusion, and lots of WTF moments. But hey, it's Asia and that's part of the experience. It really doesn't matter how nice things are or how much English there is getting used to being back in a place that operates on a completely different set of rules takes a little time. 

I've never been to China, even though Hong Kong isn't technically China, it's enough to feel like a kick in the pants. It's bloody hot...I mean really effing hot. And muggy...it was 86 degrees by 7:30am. The roads here make no damn sense and randomly enjoy changing names (although I WILL say that everything is labeled, which is nice). It's annoying because although you can jay walk here, they do corral you to certain points of inconvenient crosswalks (like half-way down a street you don't need to go down). The pollution is not a myth. What I thought was a foggy mist upon landing is a perpetual haze of eye-burning car/factory farts. 

Alas, enough complaining it is an amazing organism of a city. There is a familiar hustle and bustle to the place like that of NYC, the skyline is absolutely stunning (and enormous). The dim sum we had for late breakfast wasn't half bad, and the place isn't as expensive as I first thought. Groceries are reasonable (we bought two large beers, two yogurts, and some mango for under ten bucks). I've also found that help is everywhere. There are people in the subways eager to help you figure out how the hell the whole thing works (the lines are easy to figure out, it's the station exits and entrances that are a mystery). The tourism stations are a huge plus (hey, I came all this way, I'm going to do some cliche sites!). There is definitely enough to do in the amount of time we are here. 

Today we walked around the harbor front and got some skyline views..this was where I was supposed to put pictures...but I can't figure out how to do it...grrrrr. I'll try upoloading to facebook and then linking them in...

Also went to the flower market after getting lost in a more...er...industrial part of town.

Next to the flower market is the bird market. It was pretty neat because the tourists either hadn't arrived or had already gone through so it was quiet and all you could here in a city filled with machines was the chirping of birds. 

Right now we are taking that (much needed) mid day shower, basking in the air con, and trying to gain some strength to stay awake and adjust to the time (we've been up since around 2am local time...blurg). This evening's plan is to see some night skyline, maybe grab a beer somewhere, and hit up the night market for some cheap eats. Tomorrow we are going to tour around Hong Kong Island and meet our CS host. 

Cheers from the road

-M and MB

Notes from yesterday's adventures...the internet here is spotty

Yesterday...I think...I spent the day with C in San Fran. I'll keep it brief because OliverNina will be doing a post on the adventures, but in short it was awesome. The weather was beautiful and this shot about sums it up. I also had the added bonus of seeing an old friend M. Wish I could have spent more time with her, but life is crazy. 

So the only appropriate way to officially start out my first blog post in Asia is to be somewhere completely weird. I'm in a non-descriptive building in Kowloon Hong Kong. Which, unknown to me until a few minutes ago, is on the mainland. I'm sitting on my bag with one sore bum (14hr plane rides do these things to you) in what appears to be the lobby of place we are staying in tonight. Although you wouldn't know it from an alcove in a hallway if it weren't for the sign on the door. On second thought, 'lobby' is an extreme understatement. I'm in a hallway with a small computer and a sign that reads 'lunch/dinner time call me, will be right back' except it's 8:30 in the am and I don't have a sim card so I'm SOL.

We are here, waiting for Simon, in what I've gathered to be the building we are supposed to be staying in tonight. Tomorrow we will be moving onwards to stay at a CSers place (that is if I ever get a chance to figure out how one gets a SIM card in these parts). 

I'm excited for the journey ahead and even more excited to have MB here. His current state of absolute culture shock is quite entertaining. Watching him sit on a stool made for a person about half his size  and try to decipher a map of Hong Kong is something out of a comedy sketch. His opening line upon arrival in this 'lobby' was something along the lines of "the organizational system here has one  point: making no sense." Very true. Having been to Asia a few times I had a subtle idea of what to expect upon arrival. However, nothing could have prepared me for the drive past the international industrial ports....boxes...boxes...and MORE boxes. It literally never ended. It made you wonder not only how many cargo containers of contraband and humans there were, damn the world has a lot of shit in it. 

Simon is here! to be continued...

Part II: Into the CF frying pan

We spent the morning wandering around Hong Kong, on the Kowloon side of things. By wandering I really mean getting lost, as I think almost every turn we decided to take was the wrong one. Lots of back tracking, lots of confusion, and lots of WTF moments. But hey, it's Asia and that's part of the experience. It really doesn't matter how nice things are or how much English there is getting used to being back in a place that operates on a completely different set of rules takes a little time. 

I've never been to China, even though Hong Kong isn't technically China, it's enough to feel like a kick in the pants. It's bloody hot...I mean really effing hot. And muggy...it was 86 degrees by 7:30am. The roads here make no damn sense and randomly enjoy changing names (although I WILL say that everything is labeled, which is nice). It's annoying because although you can jay walk here, they do corral you to certain points of inconvenient crosswalks (like half-way down a street you don't need to go down). The pollution is not a myth. What I thought was a foggy mist upon landing is a perpetual haze of eye-burning car/factory farts. 

Alas, enough complaining it is an amazing organism of a city. There is a familiar hustle and bustle to the place like that of NYC, the skyline is absolutely stunning (and enormous). The dim sum we had for late breakfast wasn't half bad, and the place isn't as expensive as I first thought. Groceries are reasonable (we bought two large beers, two yogurts, and some mango for under ten bucks). I've also found that help is everywhere. There are people in the subways eager to help you figure out how the hell the whole thing works (the lines are easy to figure out, it's the station exits and entrances that are a mystery). The tourism stations are a huge plus (hey, I came all this way, I'm going to do some cliche sites!). There is definitely enough to do in the amount of time we are here. 

Today we walked around the harbor front and got some skyline views..this was where I was supposed to put pictures...but I can't figure out how to do it...grrrrr. I'll try upoloading to facebook and then linking them in...

Also went to the flower market after getting lost in a more...er...industrial part of town.

Next to the flower market is the bird market. It was pretty neat because the tourists either hadn't arrived or had already gone through so it was quiet and all you could here in a city filled with machines was the chirping of birds. 

Right now we are taking that (much needed) mid day shower, basking in the air con, and trying to gain some strength to stay awake and adjust to the time (we've been up since around 2am local time...blurg). This evening's plan is to see some night skyline, maybe grab a beer somewhere, and hit up the night market for some cheap eats. Tomorrow we are going to tour around Hong Kong Island and meet our CS host. 

Cheers from the road

-M and MB

Notes from yesterday's adventures...the internet here is spotty

Yesterday...I think...I spent the day with C in San Fran. I'll keep it brief because OliverNina will be doing a post on the adventures, but in short it was awesome. The weather was beautiful and this shot about sums it up. I also had the added bonus of seeing an old friend M. Wish I could have spent more time with her, but life is crazy. 

So the only appropriate way to officially start out my first blog post in Asia is to be somewhere completely weird. I'm in a non-descriptive building in Kowloon Hong Kong. Which, unknown to me until a few minutes ago, is on the mainland. I'm sitting on my bag with one sore bum (14hr plane rides do these things to you) in what appears to be the lobby of place we are staying in tonight. Although you wouldn't know it from an alcove in a hallway if it weren't for the sign on the door. On second thought, 'lobby' is an extreme understatement. I'm in a hallway with a small computer and a sign that reads 'lunch/dinner time call me, will be right back' except it's 8:30 in the am and I don't have a sim card so I'm SOL.

We are here, waiting for Simon, in what I've gathered to be the building we are supposed to be staying in tonight. Tomorrow we will be moving onwards to stay at a CSers place (that is if I ever get a chance to figure out how one gets a SIM card in these parts). 

I'm excited for the journey ahead and even more excited to have MB here. His current state of absolute culture shock is quite entertaining. Watching him sit on a stool made for a person about half his size  and try to decipher a map of Hong Kong is something out of a comedy sketch. His opening line upon arrival in this 'lobby' was something along the lines of "the organizational system here has one  point: making no sense." Very true. Having been to Asia a few times I had a subtle idea of what to expect upon arrival. However, nothing could have prepared me for the drive past the international industrial ports....boxes...boxes...and MORE boxes. It literally never ended. It made you wonder not only how many cargo containers of contraband and humans there were, damn the world has a lot of shit in it. 

Simon is here! to be continued...

Part II: Into the CF frying pan

We spent the morning wandering around Hong Kong, on the Kowloon side of things. By wandering I really mean getting lost, as I think almost every turn we decided to take was the wrong one. Lots of back tracking, lots of confusion, and lots of WTF moments. But hey, it's Asia and that's part of the experience. It really doesn't matter how nice things are or how much English there is getting used to being back in a place that operates on a completely different set of rules takes a little time. 

I've never been to China, even though Hong Kong isn't technically China, it's enough to feel like a kick in the pants. It's bloody hot...I mean really effing hot. And muggy...it was 86 degrees by 7:30am. The roads here make no damn sense and randomly enjoy changing names (although I WILL say that everything is labeled, which is nice). It's annoying because although you can jay walk here, they do corral you to certain points of inconvenient crosswalks (like half-way down a street you don't need to go down). The pollution is not a myth. What I thought was a foggy mist upon landing is a perpetual haze of eye-burning car/factory farts. 

Alas, enough complaining it is an amazing organism of a city. There is a familiar hustle and bustle to the place like that of NYC, the skyline is absolutely stunning (and enormous). The dim sum we had for late breakfast wasn't half bad, and the place isn't as expensive as I first thought. Groceries are reasonable (we bought two large beers, two yogurts, and some mango for under ten bucks). I've also found that help is everywhere. There are people in the subways eager to help you figure out how the hell the whole thing works (the lines are easy to figure out, it's the station exits and entrances that are a mystery). The tourism stations are a huge plus (hey, I came all this way, I'm going to do some cliche sites!). There is definitely enough to do in the amount of time we are here. 

Today we walked around the harbor front and got some skyline views..this was where I was supposed to put pictures...but I can't figure out how to do it...grrrrr. I'll try upoloading to facebook and then linking them in...

Also went to the flower market after getting lost in a more...er...industrial part of town.

Next to the flower market is the bird market. It was pretty neat because the tourists either hadn't arrived or had already gone through so it was quiet and all you could here in a city filled with machines was the chirping of birds. 

Right now we are taking that (much needed) mid day shower, basking in the air con, and trying to gain some strength to stay awake and adjust to the time (we've been up since around 2am local time...blurg). This evening's plan is to see some night skyline, maybe grab a beer somewhere, and hit up the night market for some cheap eats. Tomorrow we are going to tour around Hong Kong Island and meet our CS host. 

Cheers from the road

-M and MB

On the road again with familiar people

Why hello there! So the great journey has begun. Sorry I didn't give a more proper begining post. As a word of general advice, do not try to graduate, move out of your apartment, put all things in storage, pack for three seperate trips, and drive home in a mere 5 days. NOT a good idea unless your idea of fun is lots of sweat, sore hands and arms, an angry back, oh...I could keep going. Needless to say the three of us made it to Tahoe in one piece. Of course, relaxing upon arrival was not an option, travel errands and even MORE moving were in order. Yet, one can only run ragged for so long. Eventually we succumbed to the calling to just SIT and exist.

We were then joined by the rest of the fams and Naire showed up (my best friend and her bf's celebrity couple name). It was some great times with great food and amazing company. I couldn't ask for more to the start of the great adventure!

Today MB, Naire, and I said bye to the family (including the beloved Nina...she's staying with the brother and his gf...having her own little getaway) and headed west. Tonight and tomorrow we are wandering around San Fran. Tomorrow I'm hoping to see an old friend M.

I started this post with high hopes, but I'm pretty tired and in the mood to relax and enjoy the company of my best friend (CR), her pops, and my man.

Crossing the date line tomorrow.

M

Why hello there! So the great journey has begun. Sorry I didn't give a more proper begining post. As a word of general advice, do not try to graduate, move out of your apartment, put all things in storage, pack for three seperate trips, and drive home in a mere 5 days. NOT a good idea unless your idea of fun is lots of sweat, sore hands and arms, an angry back, oh...I could keep going. Needless to say the three of us made it to Tahoe in one piece. Of course, relaxing upon arrival was not an option, travel errands and even MORE moving were in order. Yet, one can only run ragged for so long. Eventually we succumbed to the calling to just SIT and exist.

We were then joined by the rest of the fams and Naire showed up (my best friend and her bf's celebrity couple name). It was some great times with great food and amazing company. I couldn't ask for more to the start of the great adventure!

Today MB, Naire, and I said bye to the family (including the beloved Nina...she's staying with the brother and his gf...having her own little getaway) and headed west. Tonight and tomorrow we are wandering around San Fran. Tomorrow I'm hoping to see an old friend M.

I started this post with high hopes, but I'm pretty tired and in the mood to relax and enjoy the company of my best friend (CR), her pops, and my man.

Crossing the date line tomorrow.

M

Why hello there! So the great journey has begun. Sorry I didn't give a more proper begining post. As a word of general advice, do not try to graduate, move out of your apartment, put all things in storage, pack for three seperate trips, and drive home in a mere 5 days. NOT a good idea unless your idea of fun is lots of sweat, sore hands and arms, an angry back, oh...I could keep going. Needless to say the three of us made it to Tahoe in one piece. Of course, relaxing upon arrival was not an option, travel errands and even MORE moving were in order. Yet, one can only run ragged for so long. Eventually we succumbed to the calling to just SIT and exist.

We were then joined by the rest of the fams and Naire showed up (my best friend and her bf's celebrity couple name). It was some great times with great food and amazing company. I couldn't ask for more to the start of the great adventure!

Today MB, Naire, and I said bye to the family (including the beloved Nina...she's staying with the brother and his gf...having her own little getaway) and headed west. Tonight and tomorrow we are wandering around San Fran. Tomorrow I'm hoping to see an old friend M.

I started this post with high hopes, but I'm pretty tired and in the mood to relax and enjoy the company of my best friend (CR), her pops, and my man.

Crossing the date line tomorrow.

M

Why hello there! So the great journey has begun. Sorry I didn't give a more proper begining post. As a word of general advice, do not try to graduate, move out of your apartment, put all things in storage, pack for three seperate trips, and drive home in a mere 5 days. NOT a good idea unless your idea of fun is lots of sweat, sore hands and arms, an angry back, oh...I could keep going. Needless to say the three of us made it to Tahoe in one piece. Of course, relaxing upon arrival was not an option, travel errands and even MORE moving were in order. Yet, one can only run ragged for so long. Eventually we succumbed to the calling to just SIT and exist.

We were then joined by the rest of the fams and Naire showed up (my best friend and her bf's celebrity couple name). It was some great times with great food and amazing company. I couldn't ask for more to the start of the great adventure!

Today MB, Naire, and I said bye to the family (including the beloved Nina...she's staying with the brother and his gf...having her own little getaway) and headed west. Tonight and tomorrow we are wandering around San Fran. Tomorrow I'm hoping to see an old friend M.

I started this post with high hopes, but I'm pretty tired and in the mood to relax and enjoy the company of my best friend (CR), her pops, and my man.

Crossing the date line tomorrow.

M

One overdue manifesto

I'm sitting here doing about five different things at once, sipping on a beer, and bobbing my head to some dirty guilty pleasure rap song realizing that it's been way too long since I've last posted and I'm usually pretty good about diligently recording the whole experience of traveling from the planning to the reverse culture shock.

I'm leaving the country...yet again...in three weeks. I'm on a role really, I've traveled (living in two instances) internationally for the past five years. The only thing I've wrote about is a map of my route. Pathetic...my apologies!

Not only will I be leaving the country, but MB takes the bar exam in one week, I'll be GRADUATING (*does a little dance*) and moving out of our apartment.

In short, I'll be homeless and jobless in a little less than two weeks.

I could go on and on about the lack of stability, the high stress discussions, the fear of the unknown, the logistical NIGHTMARE, conflicts of interest, an economy I can't control but in all honesty who the hell cares? I've got the greatest family and friends, things will work out, they always do.

So with my life whirling about me like leaves on a sidewalk I'll be returning to Asia. I can't really tell you what it is about the continent that absolutely captivates me. The first time I felt it was when I went to Russia. Russia isn't necessarily associated with Asia, I know but there was something that kept calling me further east (I personally think it was my stomach).

One of my favorite parts of going back is that I'll be visiting, staying, and traveling with friends from last summer's journey. Granted, there will be a few key players missing (N and C, but I'll see C when I get back to Colorado, as that South African is movin' to Kansas baby). That and getting to share it all with MB are what will truly make this adventure one for the history books.

This is one of the most epic eras of my life, and I plan on giving it all I've got.

Cheers,
-M

I'm sitting here doing about five different things at once, sipping on a beer, and bobbing my head to some dirty guilty pleasure rap song realizing that it's been way too long since I've last posted and I'm usually pretty good about diligently recording the whole experience of traveling from the planning to the reverse culture shock.

I'm leaving the country...yet again...in three weeks. I'm on a role really, I've traveled (living in two instances) internationally for the past five years. The only thing I've wrote about is a map of my route. Pathetic...my apologies!

Not only will I be leaving the country, but MB takes the bar exam in one week, I'll be GRADUATING (*does a little dance*) and moving out of our apartment.

In short, I'll be homeless and jobless in a little less than two weeks.

I could go on and on about the lack of stability, the high stress discussions, the fear of the unknown, the logistical NIGHTMARE, conflicts of interest, an economy I can't control but in all honesty who the hell cares? I've got the greatest family and friends, things will work out, they always do.

So with my life whirling about me like leaves on a sidewalk I'll be returning to Asia. I can't really tell you what it is about the continent that absolutely captivates me. The first time I felt it was when I went to Russia. Russia isn't necessarily associated with Asia, I know but there was something that kept calling me further east (I personally think it was my stomach).

One of my favorite parts of going back is that I'll be visiting, staying, and traveling with friends from last summer's journey. Granted, there will be a few key players missing (N and C, but I'll see C when I get back to Colorado, as that South African is movin' to Kansas baby). That and getting to share it all with MB are what will truly make this adventure one for the history books.

This is one of the most epic eras of my life, and I plan on giving it all I've got.

Cheers,
-M

I'm sitting here doing about five different things at once, sipping on a beer, and bobbing my head to some dirty guilty pleasure rap song realizing that it's been way too long since I've last posted and I'm usually pretty good about diligently recording the whole experience of traveling from the planning to the reverse culture shock.

I'm leaving the country...yet again...in three weeks. I'm on a role really, I've traveled (living in two instances) internationally for the past five years. The only thing I've wrote about is a map of my route. Pathetic...my apologies!

Not only will I be leaving the country, but MB takes the bar exam in one week, I'll be GRADUATING (*does a little dance*) and moving out of our apartment.

In short, I'll be homeless and jobless in a little less than two weeks.

I could go on and on about the lack of stability, the high stress discussions, the fear of the unknown, the logistical NIGHTMARE, conflicts of interest, an economy I can't control but in all honesty who the hell cares? I've got the greatest family and friends, things will work out, they always do.

So with my life whirling about me like leaves on a sidewalk I'll be returning to Asia. I can't really tell you what it is about the continent that absolutely captivates me. The first time I felt it was when I went to Russia. Russia isn't necessarily associated with Asia, I know but there was something that kept calling me further east (I personally think it was my stomach).

One of my favorite parts of going back is that I'll be visiting, staying, and traveling with friends from last summer's journey. Granted, there will be a few key players missing (N and C, but I'll see C when I get back to Colorado, as that South African is movin' to Kansas baby). That and getting to share it all with MB are what will truly make this adventure one for the history books.

This is one of the most epic eras of my life, and I plan on giving it all I've got.

Cheers,
-M

I'm sitting here doing about five different things at once, sipping on a beer, and bobbing my head to some dirty guilty pleasure rap song realizing that it's been way too long since I've last posted and I'm usually pretty good about diligently recording the whole experience of traveling from the planning to the reverse culture shock.

I'm leaving the country...yet again...in three weeks. I'm on a role really, I've traveled (living in two instances) internationally for the past five years. The only thing I've wrote about is a map of my route. Pathetic...my apologies!

Not only will I be leaving the country, but MB takes the bar exam in one week, I'll be GRADUATING (*does a little dance*) and moving out of our apartment.

In short, I'll be homeless and jobless in a little less than two weeks.

I could go on and on about the lack of stability, the high stress discussions, the fear of the unknown, the logistical NIGHTMARE, conflicts of interest, an economy I can't control but in all honesty who the hell cares? I've got the greatest family and friends, things will work out, they always do.

So with my life whirling about me like leaves on a sidewalk I'll be returning to Asia. I can't really tell you what it is about the continent that absolutely captivates me. The first time I felt it was when I went to Russia. Russia isn't necessarily associated with Asia, I know but there was something that kept calling me further east (I personally think it was my stomach).

One of my favorite parts of going back is that I'll be visiting, staying, and traveling with friends from last summer's journey. Granted, there will be a few key players missing (N and C, but I'll see C when I get back to Colorado, as that South African is movin' to Kansas baby). That and getting to share it all with MB are what will truly make this adventure one for the history books.

This is one of the most epic eras of my life, and I plan on giving it all I've got.

Cheers,
-M

The Best Food in the World

     Why hello hello! It's been so long, I know, but life often gets in the way of writing and there isn't a whole lot of profound stuff to say about finishing up grad school. However, I'm beginning embrace the joys of limbo. The long term un-knowns (in six short weeks I'll be homeless and jobless) can be stressful, but I'm not too busy with work as I'm only taking one class and I've had some time to work on some side projects. Speaking of which, I'll be launching my new blog later this week...yay!

    Enough about my recent shenanigans, in lieu of musing about my next great adventure back to SE Asia I figured this is one overdue post on why Asian food is the best food in the world.

     Why hello hello! It's been so long, I know, but life often gets in the way of writing and there isn't a whole lot of profound stuff to say about finishing up grad school. However, I'm beginning embrace the joys of limbo. The long term un-knowns (in six short weeks I'll be homeless and jobless) can be stressful, but I'm not too busy with work as I'm only taking one class and I've had some time to work on some side projects. Speaking of which, I'll be launching my new blog later this week...yay!

    Enough about my recent shenanigans, in lieu of musing about my next great adventure back to SE Asia I figured this is one overdue post on why Asian food is the best food in the world.

     Why hello hello! It's been so long, I know, but life often gets in the way of writing and there isn't a whole lot of profound stuff to say about finishing up grad school. However, I'm beginning embrace the joys of limbo. The long term un-knowns (in six short weeks I'll be homeless and jobless) can be stressful, but I'm not too busy with work as I'm only taking one class and I've had some time to work on some side projects. Speaking of which, I'll be launching my new blog later this week...yay!

    Enough about my recent shenanigans, in lieu of musing about my next great adventure back to SE Asia I figured this is one overdue post on why Asian food is the best food in the world.

     Why hello hello! It's been so long, I know, but life often gets in the way of writing and there isn't a whole lot of profound stuff to say about finishing up grad school. However, I'm beginning embrace the joys of limbo. The long term un-knowns (in six short weeks I'll be homeless and jobless) can be stressful, but I'm not too busy with work as I'm only taking one class and I've had some time to work on some side projects. Speaking of which, I'll be launching my new blog later this week...yay!

    Enough about my recent shenanigans, in lieu of musing about my next great adventure back to SE Asia I figured this is one overdue post on why Asian food is the best food in the world.

Attention: Foreign Travelers to America

     In an effort not to bore you to death with the mundane, controlled crash that is finals time, I am instead offering some advice. Yes, you read right, advice. Recently, I have found out that quite a few of my overseas friends are coming to America. One in particular, my summer roommate C, is coming all the way from South Africa to Kansas to get her PhD. Since I am such a wonderful friend, I have decided to dedicate this post to her and all of my other friends who are traveling from afar to the great US of A in the coming months.

The usual rules of general offensiveness, read at your own risk, etc., etc., apply. Don't get me wrong with this post, I love my country. It holds some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth. Despite our tendency to be completely ignorant to the rest of the world, we are a nice and (for the most part) welcoming people. For better or worse, America is my homeland and it isn't all that bad of a place to be.

The list is after the break.

     In an effort not to bore you to death with the mundane, controlled crash that is finals time, I am instead offering some advice. Yes, you read right, advice. Recently, I have found out that quite a few of my overseas friends are coming to America. One in particular, my summer roommate C, is coming all the way from South Africa to Kansas to get her PhD. Since I am such a wonderful friend, I have decided to dedicate this post to her and all of my other friends who are traveling from afar to the great US of A in the coming months.

The usual rules of general offensiveness, read at your own risk, etc., etc., apply. Don't get me wrong with this post, I love my country. It holds some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth. Despite our tendency to be completely ignorant to the rest of the world, we are a nice and (for the most part) welcoming people. For better or worse, America is my homeland and it isn't all that bad of a place to be.

The list is after the break.

     In an effort not to bore you to death with the mundane, controlled crash that is finals time, I am instead offering some advice. Yes, you read right, advice. Recently, I have found out that quite a few of my overseas friends are coming to America. One in particular, my summer roommate C, is coming all the way from South Africa to Kansas to get her PhD. Since I am such a wonderful friend, I have decided to dedicate this post to her and all of my other friends who are traveling from afar to the great US of A in the coming months.

The usual rules of general offensiveness, read at your own risk, etc., etc., apply. Don't get me wrong with this post, I love my country. It holds some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth. Despite our tendency to be completely ignorant to the rest of the world, we are a nice and (for the most part) welcoming people. For better or worse, America is my homeland and it isn't all that bad of a place to be.

The list is after the break.

     In an effort not to bore you to death with the mundane, controlled crash that is finals time, I am instead offering some advice. Yes, you read right, advice. Recently, I have found out that quite a few of my overseas friends are coming to America. One in particular, my summer roommate C, is coming all the way from South Africa to Kansas to get her PhD. Since I am such a wonderful friend, I have decided to dedicate this post to her and all of my other friends who are traveling from afar to the great US of A in the coming months.

The usual rules of general offensiveness, read at your own risk, etc., etc., apply. Don't get me wrong with this post, I love my country. It holds some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth. Despite our tendency to be completely ignorant to the rest of the world, we are a nice and (for the most part) welcoming people. For better or worse, America is my homeland and it isn't all that bad of a place to be.

The list is after the break.

Travel, travel, travel

     Oh my how long it's been. My apologies to anyone who has missed my ramblings and musings over the past year. However, in my defense things have been crazy here as my last full semester of school comes to a close. I've been chasing any and every job that remotely interests me; not to mention the several side projects I have going on. With all of that being said all of my ass-kickingly hard work is slowly starting to pay off. I'm not going to go into too much detail, but it has kept me from updating my personal blog. Although I must admit, it lacks a certain flair without me reporting on my travels.

     Fear not, I will be embarking on a 6 week trip back to my current obsession: South East Asia. Tickets are booked, my passport has been sent out (I ran out of pages plus it's due to expire soon), and I've started getting my research on in my free time. The pre-planned (and likely to change) route after the break.

     Oh my how long it's been. My apologies to anyone who has missed my ramblings and musings over the past year. However, in my defense things have been crazy here as my last full semester of school comes to a close. I've been chasing any and every job that remotely interests me; not to mention the several side projects I have going on. With all of that being said all of my ass-kickingly hard work is slowly starting to pay off. I'm not going to go into too much detail, but it has kept me from updating my personal blog. Although I must admit, it lacks a certain flair without me reporting on my travels.

     Fear not, I will be embarking on a 6 week trip back to my current obsession: South East Asia. Tickets are booked, my passport has been sent out (I ran out of pages plus it's due to expire soon), and I've started getting my research on in my free time. The pre-planned (and likely to change) route after the break.

     Oh my how long it's been. My apologies to anyone who has missed my ramblings and musings over the past year. However, in my defense things have been crazy here as my last full semester of school comes to a close. I've been chasing any and every job that remotely interests me; not to mention the several side projects I have going on. With all of that being said all of my ass-kickingly hard work is slowly starting to pay off. I'm not going to go into too much detail, but it has kept me from updating my personal blog. Although I must admit, it lacks a certain flair without me reporting on my travels.

     Fear not, I will be embarking on a 6 week trip back to my current obsession: South East Asia. Tickets are booked, my passport has been sent out (I ran out of pages plus it's due to expire soon), and I've started getting my research on in my free time. The pre-planned (and likely to change) route after the break.

     Oh my how long it's been. My apologies to anyone who has missed my ramblings and musings over the past year. However, in my defense things have been crazy here as my last full semester of school comes to a close. I've been chasing any and every job that remotely interests me; not to mention the several side projects I have going on. With all of that being said all of my ass-kickingly hard work is slowly starting to pay off. I'm not going to go into too much detail, but it has kept me from updating my personal blog. Although I must admit, it lacks a certain flair without me reporting on my travels.

     Fear not, I will be embarking on a 6 week trip back to my current obsession: South East Asia. Tickets are booked, my passport has been sent out (I ran out of pages plus it's due to expire soon), and I've started getting my research on in my free time. The pre-planned (and likely to change) route after the break.