 Emily Hill - Em_the_Gypsy | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 26th July 2008 yHaNniE | lolz... - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . whew...i've seen worse dan dat... i help dem anyway..but good for u to know how unfortunate kids are,..ur lucky... |
| 11th March 2008 lily | - From: Hong Kong, Guangzhou & (finally) Yangshuo: (Nearly) finding inner peace, and the small matter of my leg falling off . . . so nice to see these pictures and your writing. i am very proud of you! and i am very gald to be a Yangshuo ren. hope to see you again! cheers dr.lily |
| 21st January 2008 lulou | HI! - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . First, I want to say, wow! I got interested in the blog title, especially being a Filipina abroad, I hunger for bits of news about my country...You have captured in words the real and unadulterated Philippine experience.. the life in all its simplicity, the people, the culture, and how friendly and caring Filipinos are... being immersed in the provincial life. It is true that because of the poor life and the dream of bringing better lives to our families , a lot of Filipinas, whether single or married, leave our families behind, as self-sacrifice, to do domestic jobs abroad, (a lot fo them teachers by profession, in Hongkong, Europe) or teachers in China, USA, etc. or even get married to foreigners as options or way out... The family is very important to us, and it is our duty to take care of our parents and relatives (didn't marry, w/ no children) when they grow old. Some of our men thinks that the Filipinas, our women, are more capable than them or maybe others are just lazy and enjoys spending the monthly remittance that their Filipina wife is earning abroad....but also a lot of our men are working in the Middle East countries, too. My country, Philippines, is actually experiencing "brain drain", because a lot of the professionals work abroad. Albeit, this is the case, Phlippines is still benefitting due to the monthly remittances(in dollars/pounds/euro) of millions of Filipinos sending money to their families every month.. I'm among them...We are called by our government as the "modern heroes" because we help our economy. On the lighter side, I am working in Guangzhou, China, as a Teacher and have stayed here for 4 years already and can speak their language...Guangzhou is about less than 2 hours drive from Hongkong and Macau...Keep in touch...when you're in China...you know my email address..Safe travels... |
| 21st December 2007 Em_the_Gypsy | - From: The wonder that is Iguaçu/Iguazu - a fitting end to a great month in Brazil Well thank you! It's always nice to be told you rock. :-) |
| 19th December 2007 irisheyes999 | - From: The wonder that is Iguaçu/Iguazu - a fitting end to a great month in Brazil Randomly found you....you rock because a) you're traveling in south america b) you couch surf c) you write well Loving your bloc -irisheyes999 |
| 25th June 2007 Afro Kris | Beer!!! - From: Kunming, Sapa, Hanoi & Halong Bay: China to Vietnam, the joys of Chinese air travel, and the Great Leg Debacle Part II Blimey!!! I have to for a drink with you when you get back!!! Bloody hell, it leaves me speechless (well, almost). Keep that knee in check though... Don't want it falling off mid-flight :) Kx |
| 30th May 2007 Tony | Hanoi Happiness - From: Kunming, Sapa, Hanoi & Halong Bay: China to Vietnam, the joys of Chinese air travel, and the Great Leg Debacle Part II So glad you've enjoyed Hanoi - a fascinating place with so much history. Thanks for bringing back many memories, Em, and we'll be sure to share some when you get back. The photos continue to amaze, when words are not enough. What a shame about the knee - you have to watch the local brew, though ... Take care for the rest of your trip, and if you need an editor for your Book later, I am first in line! Loads of love, T. |
| 30th May 2007 Steve | Green eye - From: Kunming, Sapa, Hanoi & Halong Bay: China to Vietnam, the joys of Chinese air travel, and the Great Leg Debacle Part II What an amazing place, hope the knee improves soon, could it be that you are filling up with beer? |
| 29th May 2007 Linda | Take care - From: Kunming, Sapa, Hanoi & Halong Bay: China to Vietnam, the joys of Chinese air travel, and the Great Leg Debacle Part II It all sounds wonderful but watch that knee! you are definitely improving my Geography and increasing my ever present lust to travel. enjoy your time with your mum. |
| 29th May 2007 Zoe Armfield | Were you mown down by a motorbike! - From: Kunming, Sapa, Hanoi & Halong Bay: China to Vietnam, the joys of Chinese air travel, and the Great Leg Debacle Part II Hey Em! Glad you liked Hanoi!! We were there for New Years and it was magical!! Sorry to hear you are missing Laos though...it was definitly the highlight of Asia for me, but totally understand that you will want to be fit and healthy for that bit of the trip! The buses there are notoriously bad!! Let me know when you get back to Hastings and maybe we can hook up and compare travel stories? |
| 29th May 2007 caddie | cool - From: Hong Kong, Guangzhou & (finally) Yangshuo: (Nearly) finding inner peace, and the small matter of my leg falling off . . . I have ever been to yangshuo, and now u make me have a whim to learn Tai Chi :)casue your pics....Cool |
| 29th May 2007 Chris S | Break a leg! - From: Kunming, Sapa, Hanoi & Halong Bay: China to Vietnam, the joys of Chinese air travel, and the Great Leg Debacle Part II I've been rather out of the frame for a while mainly as a result of too much work and applying for anothetr job that I didn't get. I loved the pictures of the bikes with their enormous loads. It reminds me of me when I used to pop into Sainsburys in Streatham. I would do the weekly shop 'on my bike' and sometimes I really did buy too much. This was a few years ago when my boys were small and drank about 10 litres of apple juice a week EACH! I used to load my panniers, two rucksacs (one on back; one on chest) and numerous pastic bags balance over the crossbar and the handlebars. On one occasion I had to get off and walk as the weight of the rucksacs was too concentrated upon the part of me that met the saddle!!! I must have a bit of Chinese in me! Stephanie told me about your leg; apparently it was too much ice. I thought that was just a problem with consuming gin! Ah! Gotta gotta go as I'm teaching! |
| 28th May 2007 Sara West | Wow! - From: Kunming, Sapa, Hanoi & Halong Bay: China to Vietnam, the joys of Chinese air travel, and the Great Leg Debacle Part II Amazing, gorgeous place. I am so happy for you Em! Take care of that knee! xx Sara |
| 28th May 2007 Maureen | - From: Kunming, Sapa, Hanoi & Halong Bay: China to Vietnam, the joys of Chinese air travel, and the Great Leg Debacle Part II Nothging clever to add. Just Hi Your blogs must be next best thing to travelling myself Keep nursing the mysterious knee XX |
| 27th May 2007 Sam | - From: Hong Kong, Guangzhou & (finally) Yangshuo: (Nearly) finding inner peace, and the small matter of my leg falling off . . . Em! That pic of you doing flying kicks had me in stitches for about 20 minutes! You must be with mum now....gutted. |
| 23rd May 2007 Afro Kris | Take-away? - From: Hong Kong, Guangzhou & (finally) Yangshuo: (Nearly) finding inner peace, and the small matter of my leg falling off . . . Wow... and ow, sorry to hear about your leg playing-up again. One question that's been bugging me for a long time is what is the Chinese take on delivery food? E.g. Do people order an "English", or are take-aways not an integral part of the Chinese culture? Anyhow, good to hear that you got your hands on some marmite! And I am taking this chance to challenge you to a round of "sh*t-head" sometime after your return! Kx |
| 30th April 2007 Hannah. B | Great escapism - From: Hong Kong, Guangzhou & (finally) Yangshuo: (Nearly) finding inner peace, and the small matter of my leg falling off . . . Hey Em! Great to see you in the Tai chi pics you look the business. Sitting at work reading about your adventues makes me feel very envious but gives me great escapism so keep them coming! Missing you! |
| 30th April 2007 Owen | swizz - From: Hong Kong, Guangzhou & (finally) Yangshuo: (Nearly) finding inner peace, and the small matter of my leg falling off . . . I thought your leg had REALLY fallen off. Boring. :-) |
| 30th April 2007 Mum | You???? Overdramatic!!! - From: Hong Kong, Guangzhou & (finally) Yangshuo: (Nearly) finding inner peace, and the small matter of my leg falling off . . . Hi Em. Good reading as usual. Fancy Mike thinking you might be over dramatic! Not like you at all! Thoughts of meeting you in Vietnam now occupying almost ALL of my thoughts. Can't wait to see you. Maybe not quite looking forward to seeing the mozzies though! Keep them coming (journals that is). Love Mum xx |
| 30th April 2007 sakirmo | - From: Hong Kong, Guangzhou & (finally) Yangshuo: (Nearly) finding inner peace, and the small matter of my leg falling off . . . Just wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed reading your entries - you have a real talent for travel writing & I love the photos, too! Yangshuo is one of the places I've wanted to visit and now I want it even more. So, thank you :) |
| 30th April 2007 Richard from Lamma Island | It Was Good Havin' Yez - From: Hong Kong, Guangzhou & (finally) Yangshuo: (Nearly) finding inner peace, and the small matter of my leg falling off . . . Sorry about the mix-up on the China visa. We'll get up to the countryside next trip. Have a great further trip! |
| 30th April 2007 Mike | i have this vague memory of two friends....... - From: Hong Kong, Guangzhou & (finally) Yangshuo: (Nearly) finding inner peace, and the small matter of my leg falling off . . . thanks for the postcard - it looks awesome, wish I could be there. Nice to see you've got rid of your overdramatic tendencies and played it cool about the leg. (hehe) Good to hear from you. Hope it all goes well. |
| 16th April 2007 anonymous | interesting - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . Age and weight are viewed differently in asian countries than they are in western countries. So because they are with and older man, doesn't always mean they are so unlucky. Many of those men treat them better than locals men ever would, and they are also able and willing to help their families. Many women in the Philippines, when given a choice, would chose the caucasion over the filipino simply because they are treated better by them, and given opportunites that they would otherwise never have in life. |
| 14th April 2007 Barbara | Wow - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . Wow Em!!! Once in a lifetime, if you're lucky........ You're obviously a very lucky lady. Lost for words. XX |
| 9th April 2007 janice | speechless - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . actually speechless for a change- totally................ no try as i might i am speechlees. x x x |
| 7th April 2007 anonymous | Sleeping boy - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . I like the sleeping boy photo and his background story. You can find this type of child in Philippine rural areas who would follow and admire you from the distance, whether you are a foreign or a local visitor from the big city. You have captured an island's culture so astutely. |
| 7th April 2007 Carrol | Well off the Tourist Track - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . What a great experience, I'm very jealous! Unless you have a lot of time in a country (like Tao) it's almost impossible to find places and people like you have, you're lucky to have met him! Fellow Blogger, Carrol |
| 6th April 2007 Dave | an amazing journey - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . I haven't yet read any of your other blog entries, but this was a great story. As a fellow blogger, I know it is often difficult to capture experiences in words. Thank you for taking the time to share your adventures on a road less traveled. |
| 4th April 2007 gigi | whew! - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . your story is terribly amazing.. i really admire you for being so true to yourself, without any pretensions whatsoever.. that had been one great experience for you.. i am just wondering what island in the Philippines had you been...cant wait to experience the same :) go emily |
| 3rd April 2007 Sam | - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . I have to agree with Mum here sis. That was the dumbest thing you've ever done.....BUT it did sound like a blast and i'm glad it all went well! hehe Another thing....not sure about phillipines but in thailand expect more of the same old western men and their 12 year old looking wives. It made me sick at first but then i was told the deal and it didn't seem as bad. Aparently they had very very shit lives beforehand and these (usually) fat gits actually support their whole families. I guess it's taking one for the team so to speak! Still, It's not as bad as being a prostitute! |
| 2nd April 2007 Juliet | Fantastic - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . Hi Em, Your trip sounds really fantastic - really glad you are enjoying yourself and making the most of your travels. Your photos are great by the way. Tim and I send our best wishes and enjoy China x |
| 2nd April 2007 Mattthechef | very nice!!! - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . go on, tell me how to get there, you know you want to! i did a similar thing to my foot over in south africa a few years back and i have to admit i started to cry when the 'pharmacist' told me how much he wanted for some medicine for it. I just let it rot for a while and it wnt away after a few days. here endeth the lesson. sound like youre having a great time! nice one! |
| 2nd April 2007 Maureen | - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . Hi Emily Was getting worried hadnt heard anything from you for awhile How well you write about your experience in the Philippines. Next best thing to actually being there.. The pictures are great love Maureen |
| 2nd April 2007 James & Pam, Antartica | Awesome - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . Hi Emily That sounded absolutely awesome. We thought we had had some amazing travel experiences, but I have to say that yours just shows how touristy they really were. We went through a similar depression as you I think when we got back from the Antartic, and it took a good 6 weeks, some sunshine and a few whales to get through it. Glad you have. Let the good times roll. |
| 2nd April 2007 Afro Kris | - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . Brilliant... Makes me think of "The Beach", only without Leonardo DiCaprio and all that craziness. Can't wait to hear some first hand stories about the island. Kx |
| 2nd April 2007 Pam and James - Antartica | Amazing Asia - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . Emily, the Philipine island sounds simply amazing. We have been home for 5 weeks now and reading it makes me so jealous. Enjoy Asia its just amazing. You will be starred at everywhere and have to pose for lots of pictures, but just learn to get used to it. Happy travels in China, our favourite country. Hope your sign language skills are good, you're going to need then. Oh and sign language for "you choose the food from the menu for us" results in the most amazing food - enjoy!!! |
| 2nd April 2007 Mysha | Beautiful Philippines - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . Hi Emily I am so glad you got to expereince a great time in Philippines. I always love hearing good comments on it and hate the bad ones. I am half Filipino and I love spending the time with my family and the attention you described is exactly what I receive whenever I go to visit. You can ready my blog on it if you are interested. As for the marrying thing. I agree about the women being sad and I feel sorry for them especially the fact that they are doing it to help their families. I grew up with a lot of people who were half Filipino and half english/irish/bangladesh (me)/pakistan/arab and the mothers and fathers were in it together for love. I guess the big difference is that the meeting happened in London (where they lived and worked) and not in the Philippines which is were what you described happens. Anyway thanks for the great blog and great pictures. I know my little cousins all love getting their pictures taken. Regards Mysha |
| 2nd April 2007 joh | Very Inspiring ! - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . What an inspiring story ! You've captured the true essence of the Filipino culture and way of life........great blog !...cheers!...joh |
| 1st April 2007 barry baker | wow!! - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . hey emily, fantastic to read your adventures in philippines. sounds likes it was just what you needed!! i'm back in the uk in jun. lets hook up and swap stories!! bazza |
| 1st April 2007 Katherine Anderson | Emily, Amazing! - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . I am thoroughly inspired after reading that. I have heard about a number of people's trips to the Philippines but your wonderful island experience there, and your evocative way of describing it, make me want to get on the next plane :-) |
| 1st April 2007 Mum | What recklessness!! - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . Wow Em, what a mixed bag of emotions that was. Fabulous photos, quite stunning. Glad you are safe and well and have met up with Antony now. Is the foot better? Glad you had the opportunity to show off and perform, albeit in not quite your usual venue! Keep safe and enjoy. xxx |
| 1st April 2007 Israel | trophy wives - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . I saw a lot of this when I was in the military (USAF). The reality is that marrying a Filipina means marrying the entire family. Marrying an American was a sure-fire ticket to the USA for the bride's family. They seemed resigned to their lot in life. Their husbands were guys that probably wouldn't have been as successful landing an American wife in the looks department. I think that poverty and family loyalty plays a major role in these situations. |
| 1st April 2007 Katy | - From: Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . . F**k me, wow. Just wow Emily. Really. |
| 30th March 2007 Molly | There are camels in australia?? - From: Byron, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Mt Isa & Cairns: The slowest trains in the world, and feeling hot hot hot . . . heya emily, Am incredibly jealous of the kangaroo feeding experience... could u bring one back for me as well?? i will add to the accumulating compliments, your writing really is fantastic as are the pics! By my calulations you're in Hong Kong! i hope to get an update soon. Love! |
| 23rd March 2007 Janice | Speechless - From: Byron, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Mt Isa & Cairns: The slowest trains in the world, and feeling hot hot hot . . . WoW Emily you can almost smell and taste the images you've captured. How fantastic and how the hell will you EVER be able to settle anywhere ever again after an experience of this magnitute?. ( and i haven't even cought up with the complete journal as yet). Total respect and love to you. Speechless . take care x x x |
| 22nd March 2007 Stephanie | Catch up - From: Byron, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Mt Isa & Cairns: The slowest trains in the world, and feeling hot hot hot . . . Emily, your writing is great and I've had a real taste of these wonderful places - minus the heat and discomfort. I was thinking about you a lot last wekend as I went to see a production by the Hull Truck Company called 'Blonde Bombshells' and one of the main characters was so like you, same voice and lovely singing voice but I wasn't sure if you could also play the clarinet and trumpet as well as she did!! I'm really looking forward to the next leg of the trip. Love, Stephanie |
| 17th March 2007 Afro Kris | Not fair =[ - From: Byron, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Mt Isa & Cairns: The slowest trains in the world, and feeling hot hot hot . . . WOW!!! Absolutely amazing, a true case of "...wish I was there". Constantly wondering "Where will Emily go next?". Looking forward to seeing you when you get back so's I can hear all the stories first hand! Kx |
| 11th March 2007 Barbara | catwalk comment!! - From: Byron, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Mt Isa & Cairns: The slowest trains in the world, and feeling hot hot hot . . . Love the outfit Em, orange is supposed to be really in this season, maybe you should have kept it!!?? Sounds like Oz didn't turn out too bad in the end then, loved the pics and your writing too. Maybe there is room in the world for another travel writer. You could single handedly save us from Bill Bryson blight. keep up the good work. |
| 9th March 2007 Katy | - From: Byron, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Mt Isa & Cairns: The slowest trains in the world, and feeling hot hot hot . . . This is such an odd entry. It doesn't read like you at all and it seems as though you've written it for a very disapproving aunt! Nevertheless we miss you, and I'm glad you got to go to my bits of Australia. I still want to go back there one day. *sigh* |
| 9th March 2007 Michelle | you rock girl!!!! - From: Byron, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Mt Isa & Cairns: The slowest trains in the world, and feeling hot hot hot . . . Her sister!! So good to read you having the best time in you life. you go girl. the sesion is allmost over here in patagonia and the i`m up north. Bolivia!!!! And then I hope to have more time to stay in touch with you. we have a lot to catch up with........take very good care little sis. Enjoy like there is no tomorrow.......beso from the end of the world!!!!! |
