 La Vagabonda - Jenni Jen | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 31st October 2009 Jenni Jen | re: carl -- BCLAD credential - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi carl, To be frank, your questions are out of my league. I am not familiar with professional teacher qualifications in the U.S. or what you mean by a self-contained classroom. Do you mean you want to teach at an international school? There are probably not THAT many opportunities for that. I know there are school on the U.S. army base and Seoul International School but not really much about them. ESL schools generally have their own materials they want you to use to teach from, though supplementary activities generally can be helpful for you. However, most of these can be acquired online so you don't have to bring anything with you, I'd say. |
| 31st October 2009 Jenni Jen | re: tori -- kids - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I don't really know that many people who brought kids with them but know a number, myself included, who had kids there. There is an international school (probably more than 1) in Seoul where diplomats' kids tend to go, but I really don't know much about this. See previous comments if you are interested in the race issue. |
| 31st October 2009 Jenni Jen | re: rose -- kyopos - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi Rose, Korean Americans are actually sought after by many companies specifically, so don't worry about not finding work. If you are going with a public school I'd actually recommend NOT going with placement agencies as they can be scammers, if you are worried about not getting paid and having everything stable. Lots of time they work with afterschool programs that require you to travel to multiple locations, which can significantly add to your time as you have to commute quite a long ways from your home. I wouldn't worry about going into debt. If your job turns out totally horrible, there are always other options out there! |
| 31st October 2009 Jenni Jen | re: clay -- taxes - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi clay, No actually you get a kind of visa waiver from the U.S. for income under something like 70,000 dollars, can't remember exactly what it is, but you could call a tax accountant and find out if you want to know the exact amount. |
| 31st October 2009 Jenni Jen | re:bill - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I haven't really had much interaction with older teachers in Korea, but I know a few. Yes you would need a visa still which would require you to get a visa-granting job, i.e. more than just tutoring generally. Unless you just live with your inlaws on a tourist visa and tutor illegally, or if they are your in laws perhaps you are privy to a different visa through your wife which would allow you a much easier status! check the korean embassy for your options. |
| 27th October 2009 jay | Hi - From: 1000 Kilometers Down the Andaman Sea Great something never seen before,Thanks |
| 21st October 2009 Bill | I'm 57 years old & been wanting to teach - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Can you comment on how older people are accepted as English teachers. I am a retired lawyer, my in laws live in Busan, and could go to work privately (as a tudor) while living with them. I would imagine you need a work visa to do this? Any thoughts? Thanks for your site, it is extremely helpful. |
| 5th October 2009 roe | good job Jen!! - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi Jen. This is excellent and informative. Have you met or seen any Filipino teachers in Seoul? Just wondering if a Filipino teacher like me would have the chance to work in Korea. Do you think my degree in Elementary Education is enough for me to get hired? Speaking of experience,I'm currently teaching ESL to primary students in two of the public schools here in China since last year. I can say that it was really tough in the first few times, cause they prefer "whites" same in Korea as you mentioned in your blog. But I'm lucky though, I've stayed here teaching for more than a year now. But i'm thinkin to have another place to work and enjoy with. And I'm considering Korea. So what do you think? Is it possible? |
| 22nd September 2009 Clay | Great post! - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Thank you, this is a very informative page. I do have on question, though - do you have to pay both Korean taxes and U.S. taxes? I've been unable to find information about how that works, and I'd appreciate it if anyone had a link to more information. |
| 6th September 2009 sally | - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog One of the most straightforward and thoughtful accounts I've read. Extremely helpful, thank you. |
| 3rd September 2009 Tori | families - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I wondered how many Americans take their children with them abroad to teach english? Are there schools for them and how are African american treated there? |
| 13th August 2009 Rose | Interested in Teaching English in SK - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I am a Korean-American female who is thinking about teaching English in S. Korea, but after doing some initial research, I am now terrified that 1) I will have a difficult time being placed in a good working environment b/c I read that Korean recruiters are somewhat racist, and believe that if you are not Caucasian, you are unqualified/unworthy to teach even if you studied in the US and speak the language fluently and 2) I will actually end up in debt because there are so many horror stories about teachers not getting paid. I would greatly appreciate any insight you may have regarding teaching in a public school vs. private school. I'm considering teaching in a public school. Also, I took a look at worknplay and noticed that they have placement services at public schools for no cost. Do you have any idea as to whether or not this is a reputable placement agency? Do you recommend any other placement programs/recruiters? THANKS! |
| 9th August 2009 Sarah | specific questions - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi! I am actually leaving for Daejeon, South Korea in a little over a month to teach English, and have a few questions. If anybody has been there and has any advice, I would really appreciate it! Do I need to buy plug converters for the walls? I can't seem to find if they have the same size as us or not! Also, this may seem silly, but what is a good warehouse store (to the equivalent of a Wal Mart perhaps) to get some necessaties when I arrive (lamps, shower supplies, etc)? What are the best things to pack, and what are the things that I really don't need to bring? I am bringing a DVD player, and wanted to make sure my DVD's would play over there? I also would like to get some kind of satellite TV service (I've heard Direct TV is big in South Korea) to watch football games on the weekend, any suggestions how to go about getting that? Any other comments/ideas/advice would be very helpful! Thank you! |
| 29th July 2009 Lin | Is is easy for a non-native speaker to teach english in Korea? - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I am looking forward to be able to teach english in Korea part-time, to see the country and to be able to have the opportunity to learn the local language. I am from malaysia but I have a Masters degree from the United Kingdom. I have no TESL qualification. I notice that in countries like China, Korea and Taiwan they are only interested to take in native speakers as teachers. What is your advice? |
| 27th July 2009 Felicia Palazzo | i love your blog - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog just wanted to say i really like your blog, it's full of great information and you take awesome pictures! |
| 25th July 2009 Carl Kincaid | Thinking about it! - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Great summary and very informative! I am a credentialed multiple subject teacher out of northern California. I have a BCLAD credential which also allows me to teach bilingual-Spanish/English. I speak fluent Spanish and Portuguese having been raised in Brasil. I have taught primary for 14 years K-1, & 3-4. I was wondering whether they hire this late in summer or late Fall for the self contained classrooms. I would only be able to leave by November as I am selling my home and would most likely show up in the winter. I lost my wife to pancreatic cancer in April. I stopped working for two years so I could be a fulltime caregiver to her. If I did show up in November I assume I could perhaps teach ESL as I wait for the new school year to begin in late Summer/Fall so as to work in a self contained classroom. Is it advised to bring your own materials for ESL or do they have their own materials? Do the schools provide the books/workbooks for a self contained classroom? How about the teaching resources available at the schools...I guess it all varies from school to school. I'll be checking in the South Korean Consulate in San Francisco to get the latest Visa scoop. Great pictures...you have a great eye. Thank you for taking the time to look at my post and do answer at your own convenience as I know you are a very busy teacher. I am thrilled I found your site very early on. Stay well...Carl Kincaid |
| 23rd July 2009 Jozef | Fed up in california - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Im desperately looking for employment teaching in korea. I live in California and went to school back east. I hold a BS in Nuclear medicine and a Masters in chinese medicine. I also tutor for the local school systems. Any negotiating strategies for getting a top notch job, decent living quarters and nice area where I can get to the beach or hiking....Im already packing my stuff. Please reply to my email and here as well if you like, but Im scouring the web for other blogs |
| 22nd July 2009 Evan | Degree? - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi! I'm a McGill University Graduate and want to teach in Korea. I've finished my program and am just waiting for my diploma to be printed...is there any way to get an E-2 Visa without my actual diploma? I have a notarized letter saying I've finished and my transcript says the same thing.... |
| 19th July 2009 namipueblo | - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Very informative and insightful blog. It would be nice going to Korea. Hope you can visit us too at www.namipueblo.com. |
| 9th July 2009 Anactoria | - From: Making History in the Belly Button of the World Great post. |
| 6th July 2009 Jenni Jen | Re: Meschel E - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi Meschel, I can't say that I know any single parents in Korea but I do know parents in Korea (myself included). Each school or job is likely to handle things differently so you should ask them if your child's airfare is included, though I would guess the answer is no. As for school, are you going to put your daughter into Korean school? You may be able to get her in for free as a resident but I don't know. However, everything will be in Korean. If you are sending her to a kindergarten you will probably have to pay as well as for an international school. I have never heard of employers paying for that, but like I said, it doesn't hurt to ask. Maybe you should search on the ESL Cafe Korean forum to find other people in your situation who have done this. |
| 6th July 2009 Jenni Jen | re: louise - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Louise, every school is different, some have their own curriculum that they want you to follow closely, others give you a book 5 minutes before the lesson and thinking on your feet is the name of the game. Just prepare to be flexible and if you feel like you need some preparation just check out some teaching websites for icebreaker/mixer activities and get to know the sites for puzzles and word games just in case you get thrown in at the deep end. |
| 6th July 2009 Jenni Jen | re: JJ - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog If you are a Korean citizen then you don't have to go through the U.S. for a visa and they would probably be offended that you do so. If you are a citizen you have the right to work there like every other Korean citizen. |
| 30th June 2009 Meschel E | Teaching in Korea w/ dependents - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I am a single mom and want to teach in Korea but I have a 4 year old daughter. Do you know of any other teacher in this situation and if so how did they do it? School for my daughter? and is school and airfare paid for dependents? |
| 29th June 2009 Louise | Typical day in the classroom? - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hey Jenjen, I am considering taking a teaching job in Korea. I have a degree but no teaching experience and was wondering if you could elaborate a bit on the teaching methods used? Were you teaching from a book or were you left to your own devices?? Any info on this would be much appreciated thanks!! Louise |
| 24th June 2009 Anactoria | Thanks! :-) - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I'm thinking of going to South Korea in October, just stumbled onto your blog -- it looks great and I'm very much looking forward to reading it! Thanks for posting! |
| 21st June 2009 Jenni Jen | re: jennifer du - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Please realize that visa restrictions have changed since I first posted this blog and that you are probably better off getting something lined up beforehand, due to the fact that you can no longer due visa runs to Japan. Other people have posted comments on this, perhaps you can scroll down and read their advice about it. |
| 18th June 2009 JT | Fabulous - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I have been researching South Korea for months and walked away with more information from your 1 post. Thank you. |
| 13th June 2009 mariaana | - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Im really sorry to bother you with my question but since you’ve already experienced this im hoping you can help me out. I was wondering if you recommend I go through an agency to get a teaching job or should I look for one myself. This is my first time doing this so I have no experience and no clue in what to do that’s why I am leaning more for finding an agency or program which can help me with every step but ive heard it is better to do this process yourself..what do you recommend? |
| 10th June 2009 Jennifer Du | Going to Korea before obtaining work/a contract - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Thanks for all the info. Everyone suggests going to Korea ahead of time. The idea just makes me really nervous but I'm more concerned with having to find my own apartment which can require a huge key money deposit. Also, the earliest I can start is mid August and have to leave the same time next year to start grad school in the States so organizing everything beforehand is really convenient. So my question is, if I go and find a job there, will the school still provide me an apartment and will it still likely require a one year contract? What recruiting agency did you use and can you suggest any good schools from your work experience? Thanks! |
| 8th June 2009 Jason Park | beware of Korean hiring practices - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Many Koreans have tendencies to judge people solely on their physique, rather than their talents or inner beauty. The Korean employers are no exception, they think a white American or a Canadian are absolutely the best English teachers, if you are a African of any nationalities or a Asian, you will have harder time acquiring a job in Korea. Perhaps this is the reason why Koreans cannot speak English or make any improvements on it due to their fixation on physical beauty rather than talents or teaching abilities. |
| 6th June 2009 JJ | Lost transcripts - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi Jenni. Certain provinces in S.Korea have for a time now allowed those with two years worth of uni credits to teach esl. I went to a vocational-tech school for my AA and still have my original diploma, however, the school filed for bankruptcy several years ago, shut down and I CANNOT get a hold of my transcripts as they were destroyed by the Custodian of Records(they were only required to keep them for 5 years). Is this going to effectively be an insurmountable wall blocking me from teaching legally? I still have my original diploma... but without transcripts am I going to be rejected outright? btw, I'm still a S.Korean citizen, I have a S.Korean passport... do I even NEED a "visa" to teach esl legally?? lol I left S.Korea for the U.S. when I was only 8 months old back in 1972. So, yes, English is my native language. I can now read Hangul and speak several Korean words :) |
| 5th June 2009 Jenni Jen | re:vicky - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog is this recruiter based in your country? the only reason i can think they would use your passport itself is if they were procuring the visa for you or something. i don't know much about this as the visa processes changed after i had my work visas, but sending your actual passport sounds sketchy. |
| 5th June 2009 vicky | how much information do they need - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog hi, i was also looking at a recruiting agency and it seems like they want a lot of documentation, what was the process you went through before getting on the plane? this certain organization wants my passport.. like the actual passport. is that normal?? |
| 28th May 2009 cana | Finding a job - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog My bf is thinking of applying as a teacher in korea for a year and I want to go too but I dont have a degree. I have professional work experience and have about 1.5 years left of school - what are my options for finding a job in Korea PT??? Is teaching out of the question? |
| 19th May 2009 Sarah Fauset | Teach English in Korea - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I hire university graduates to teach English in Korea at www.eslteacherrecruiter.com |
| 16th May 2009 Jenni Jen | re:bianne - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog yes, online english teaching is sought by some, but to be honest i dont really know where to go about searching for clients! you might look on dave's esl cafe to see if anything is there about it (they have a whole korea forum that you can search) if you don't see any ads listed on the work websites. |
| 16th May 2009 Jenni Jen | re: meredith - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog there are sometimes contracts for less than a year, but they are much rarer. you might look into your possibilities for getting a spousal visa through your husband and doing privates if you dont find a short term contract. |
| 16th May 2009 Jenni Jen | re: dave - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog sorry this is late, but maybe the answer will help someone else. (i obviously havent logged in for quite awhile!) yes they need your original degree to organize your visa, and you will get it back. (and probably be asked to show it again sometime when they get in one of their periodical frenzies about fake degree holders). |
| 5th May 2009 bianne | Online English Teaching - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog great blog...very informative and inviting..wonderful pictures too! I'd like to know though whether online English teaching (fr Philippines in particular) is sought in Korea? I am interested to teach Koreans however I just cant leave because I am starting a family. |
| 1st May 2009 Meredith | Question - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Jenni, thanks so much for all the useful information. Do you know if there are any contracts for less than a year? I would like to move to Korea for 6 months (my husband happens to be one of those annoying GI's) instead of the whole year. What are your suggestions? |
| 30th March 2009 Mell | - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? Another cool blog! :) ''Do you have something around your neck that offended people ?'' If she does, then we all do. Blog bashing seems to be major hobby of trolls. I am glad it does not seem to put people off writing all these great blogs. :) |
| 7th March 2009 Dave | recruiters asking me to send my original College Degree - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Nice detailed info--would any one happen to know what are the chances of I sending my original college degree to one of those recruiters in Seoul--is it safe and would I be able to get back the degree upon my arrival in Seoul? Thanks for your help! |
| 24th February 2009 Julia | considering... - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi Jenn, This blog was very insightful and made my process of deciding to teach in Korea a little bit easier. I was wondering which company or recruiter you had. I have been getting a lot of e-mails from recruiters that post on my college job postings like travel and teach and asiaservices but I just am not sure who to trust. I am looking for a reputable and reliable recruiter/company. Also too, I was adopted from Korea when I was 18 months; what do you think the response would be from the prospective students? |
| 23rd February 2009 Ashley | Thanks! - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog This was VERY informative thanks a lot for posting. I feel like most of the things you wrote I have been thinking and Ive only been here for 2 months |
| 2nd February 2009 ED | Boca Brava is nice - From: Feria, Flores, & Frank but definitely not the place for high maintenance tourists. As mentioned earlier, there's no clubs, restaurants, bars, kayaking, windsurfing, etc. etc. BUT, if you're the tourist who can slow yourself down, this is a fine place to do it. Read, go hiking - the island is something like 30 km long. Yes, there's a fairly steady trickle of tourists through the place, but the party-ability factor varies quite a lot. I've been there for a week a couple of times and have a hard time slowing down to really enjoy it - it's VACATION damn it! It has to enjoyed to the utmost! :) That said, yes, Christina is very nice too. |
| 25th January 2009 Claudine | Teaching in Korea - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I am seriously thinking about going down this summer, taking my chances with a school, and trying to find another school while there. Thanks so much for this info. I understand that all of this will be a challenge, since I happen to be black with teaching experience. |
| 15th January 2009 Rita | Handmade molas from the San Blas Islands - From: Paradise Found I normally travel to the San Blas Islands and meet with some of my Kuna suppliers, San Blas is truly a Paradise, the Kunas are so simple and friendly people, live is so peaceful out there I wouldn't mind living there if I had enough food and good water every day. check out my website for more beautiful molas www.molaartandcraft.com |
| 4th January 2009 Iman | Public vs Private - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I have been reading that public schools are more reliable to work for. Is this true? I also know they dont pay as much, but i am less concerned with making as much money as possible than reliability and not getting screwed when I get there. Also, do know anything of the SMOE positions? |
| 18th December 2008 Mell | - From: The King and We I met an opinionated Dutch guy when I was on those islands 10 years ago. Really annoying he was. Maybe the same one and still there then. :D |
| 16th December 2008 Jenni Jen | re:miranda - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog yes, just turn up and look. try kindergarten positions. |
| 16th December 2008 Jenni Jen | re: gary / think before you go! - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I have to agree with a lot of the negatives Gary presents here in his reasons for disliking Korea. it is definitely unlike any other country I've been in as well. i wouldn't go there expecting to be blown away by cultural and aesthetic beauty, and there are many aspects of Korean culture that surface in the people that will probably piss you off and make you enraged. however, i have to say that traveling is not the same as immersing yourself in a country long-term and that you are definitely bound to experience culture shock if you are teaching there, to a degree that you don't generally experience when you are travelling independently. Even if you are totally enamored with a place, if you immerse yourself in the culture and stay for a year, you will hit periods of depression and just want out. (See charts for 'culture shock.') Every time we've been there we wanted to get out by the end, but we kept going back. On a different topic, I wouldn't let it scare you too much. Know your rights; withholding your passport is illegal. There are resources available to you to help you if your employer is trying to pull one over on you. Also, if you don't like it, just leave! I don't understand anyone saying they got into so much trouble with the police; it's really none of their business if you don't show up to work some day. Just leave the country if you don't like it.....I did! No problems, no questions asked. |
| 16th December 2008 Jenni Jen | re:amy -- 4 year degree - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog sorry amy, that was my american background coming out. what i should have said was a 'bachelor's degree' instead. i had just said 4 yr to distinguish it from american college options of 2-yr. associate degrees. you should be fine. |
| 8th December 2008 miranda | - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hello, i have stumbled across your fantastic blog, while searching for info on work in Korea. My boyfriend has just been offered a teaching job and has asked me to come too. I am English but I don't yet have a degree or any teaching qualifications. I can live with him but i would obviously need to make a little money to get by on. Also while he plans to stay a year I'd only be there about 3 months. Do you think that there is any kind of work I could get? and do you advise i just turn up and look? hope you can help! thanks |
| 13th November 2008 Gary | Have a serious think before you do it! - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I went to Korea, to Seoul to be exact, with little expectation. I wanted to go away and I wanted to teach. Getting paid was a bonus so off I went! I really had no idea what i was in for. I have travelled before but Korea is a different place all together. I wasn't warned or prepared what so ever. I didn't realise i would be living on my own in an apartment in the middle of a huge city (sounds great - wasn't), teaching in a strange school where no one talked to me and miserable in general. I also started smoking, lost a lot of weight because i couldn't eat the food to begin etc etc.........and no there is no happy ending, I absolutely hated the place, I was spat on on the street (people thought I was an american soilder), found the people to bo so rude, the pollution is awful and i could go on and on.....yeah i know loads a people go and love it stay 2 years, never want to go home yada yada......well I wasn't one of those people. I left and went to Cambodia to teach English - much more rewarding......so if your thinking ' oh I might do that'......you might want to do some serious before you find your self trapped into a year contract and you have to go to huge trouble to escape the country with out getting caught by your school / police! One place I will never go back to |
| 6th November 2008 Jere | from finland - From: Happy New Year from Panama! how long time you spent time to hiking volcan baru? Me and my cousin spent 8 hours, we star clock 23:00.. It was so nice trip. |
| 3rd November 2008 Merry | School to AVOID - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Do not go to Korea and Teach at The Big Apple Academy of English. They treat foreign teachers badly, withhold pay, and will try to get your passport and then not give it back so you are trapped and teaching for free because you have no place to go. In order to get your passport they will try to entice you with offering to get you your permanent card do not fall for it!!! Avoid this school !!! |
| 31st October 2008 amy | 4 year degree? - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I have found your site to be very encouraging as I am planning on going to South Korea to teach next year. I have a bachelor degree, however, i noticed that you wrote that "job opportunities are endless, provided you have a four-year university degree." My degree was only of 3 years duration, do you think that this will make much difference? I noticed that alot of jobs just say they require a bachelors degree whilst only 'some' specify 4 years. |
| 26th October 2008 Jenni Jen | re:austincheri - From: Beach Hopping with Baby Hey! I wondered whatever happened to you and your planned travels. No explanations necessary -- you are a mom now and I know how little free time that leaves one with! Congratulations on your little one! We are on the road again with Kiva now and he is doing great with it; will hopefully have more stories blogged soon to add to the traveling with baby series (when I get a few spare minutes again between sightseeing and parenting and planning the next journeys, that is)! |
| 24th October 2008 austincheri | Hello from Austincheri - From: Beach Hopping with Baby Jenny Jen - you are a fearless inspiration to me. About 3 years ago I started reading your journals and was inspired. At that time, much like yourself I was NOT a parent and I was still too chicken to ditch it all and travel. Now I am a very, very happy mom and have used that as a reason not to ditch it all and travel. Once again you are leading the way - thank you for sharing your beautiful boy, your perspective and your courage...I think it is starting to take affect! |
| 22nd October 2008 florin | working holiday visa - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog theres this kind of visa you can ask more about at the k embassy.. a few countries can get it france canada us australia nz and others.. its not a teaching visa and you cant teach unless you have the teaching visa. BUT like jenni said, many people are willing to employ you.. can they? where is that? in academies private schools? anyway its a good thing to get that visa if u really wanna go there and dont have a degree. good luck :) |
| 22nd October 2008 Aluel | Inspiring! - From: Beach Hopping with Baby Thanks for visiting our country, this helps in many ways. I’m glad that you see potential in our 7000+ islands, and see the beauty in the simplistic way of life. I’m also an expecting dad. I’m inspired to know that travelling does not end as parenthood comes. Godspeed to your family! |
| 20th October 2008 Jenni Jen | re:travelling mum - From: Beach Hopping with Baby wow, that would be a challenge with 3 children, but lovely to get to spend so much time with them too. if you figure out how to do so, let me know....eventually we'd like to give him a sibling or two! :-D |
| 20th October 2008 Jenni Jen | re:kelvin - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog the short answer is: no. visas are only to be had with a bachelor's degree and the immigration rules have changed such that you need to get legal visas before arrival in korea anyway. it's either illegal or not at all in your case, but you'll still find people very willing to employ you! |
| 13th October 2008 kelvin | working illegally - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog hey jen, first im going to have to agree with everyone else and say that i really enjoyed reading this blog and perhaps you are in the wrong career.....your photos are amazing. I cant tell you how much im interested in teaching english in korea, but i have one major problem, i dont have a uni degree and im not sure i want to do things illegally. I do have a TESOL professional diploma though and am travelling to korea to visit my girlfriend in december on a tourist visa. Is there anyway at all to work in korea without a uni degree, or is there a uni degree i can do really fast??! (being a 22yo male not seing his girlfriend for 2 months means im really, really impatient!!!!) |
| 11th October 2008 travellingmum | good inspiration for mums - From: Beach Hopping with Baby what a cute baby.. I was confused when I read your husbands blog.. it seemed he just said you were pregnant a few months ago and now here is the baby.. so the dates are out thanks for making it seem travel with kids is possible.. It is probably true that travelling with a baby is easier than staying home.. now I got to get myself on a plane.. with 3 girls in tow... hmmmmm |
| 9th October 2008 Dani | English Apple - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I am looking into teaching in Korea and was thinking about going through a company called English Apple based out of Boston and LA. Have you heard of them? Either way, do you have any suggestions as to which placement agencies to go through? Also, I have been doing an extensive amount of research on this and have been discouraged to find a lot of postings viewing their experiences horribly. I have read numerous postings saying they had to fight with their bosses to get paid or to get their promised vacation. Have you run into any of these problems? |
| 9th October 2008 Dini | Calming of the soul..... - From: Beach Hopping with Baby About to embark on a few months of backpacking ourselves, we were going through every raw emotion a first-timer could (and should) experience, but reading your stories has calmed our souls and made us hungry for adventures of a simple kind...keep writing...your an inspiration! |
| 9th October 2008 Banchory to the Bosphorous by Bike | Travel Baby - From: Beach Hopping with Baby I'm sure you guys could do travelling with a baby, I'd be really interested to hear about it. So many of my friends say "not now maybe when He/she is older". I just know that it will never happen, that it is just another of so many "not now" excuses that western lifestyle holds you down with. I think if you are all happy and healthy then whilst the baby is little is the best time to go. The only security he needs right now are you two, a baby is not accustomed to a place yet I don't think. Once he get's to around two or three though it may be harder he will proably want some more permanent friends his own age.... anyway what do I know I'm not a parent, but your experience of a drifter lifestyle with a family really give me hope. Try to keep happy and healthy this winter. Erika |
| 8th October 2008 Mell | - From: Beach Hopping with Baby You describe it so well. New parenting that is. Your blog is making me feel nostalgic. :) |
| 7th October 2008 Marco | Fantastic! - From: Beach Hopping with Baby What a blog! What a blog, indeed. I read your husband's blog a year ago on Mindanao and Palawan when he was single. Now, he's a proud husband and father. Congratulations on you both. And don't retire that backpack just yet, you have Kiva to train and follow your lead. And I see that he's starting early. |
| 7th October 2008 frank | new phones of hotel bocabrava - From: Feria, Flores, & Frank HOTEL Y RESTAURANTE BOCA BRAVA phone: 507-700-0017 fax: 507-700-0250 hotelbocabrava@hotmail.com |
| 6th October 2008 Azmairnin | Criminal Record? - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog An informative article. You can find out more about pardons for criminal records and how they can allow you to teach, work, or volunteer overseas at Pardon Me, Canada |
| 5th October 2008 mark | christina - From: Feria, Flores, & Frank hi, just to let you know that i have lived here in boquete for 4 years now and frequently go to boca brava for a break. i know christina very well, she is a wonderful german woman who always is in her bikinis with a beer and a cigarette. she is one of the islands true characters! |
| 28th September 2008 Jenni Jen | Re: Jenna - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Yes you should be able to get paid more with a teacher's certification. Some jobs specifically request B. Ed. candidates and they do generally pay more. Off the job offers I have seen I would say you may be able to get 200,000 to 300,000 more per month. If you really want to pay down your debt faster though, don't just look at the monthly salary but how many hours you are working, because you can get some jobs making less money but working half the hours and then you can do privates and make a lot more! |
| 26th September 2008 Jenna Riekert | What an awesome blog! - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Thank you so much for your wonderful, insightful blog! I have started my own blog and will definitely do what you have done once I have been in South Korea for a while. If all goes according to plan, I will be leaving for SK in Jan. Very excited and nervous too! Just wanted to ask you one quick question - I will be a qualified teacher when I come over - four yrs Bachelor of Education Degree and I have about a years practical teaching experience. Would this entitle me to a higher paid job and if so, have you any idea how much I should be looking at getting? I really don't want to get ripped off, and its not all about the money for me - but the quicker I get the massive student loan paid off - the better! Thanks again for the amazing blog. Really appreciate it! :) Jenna |
| 6th September 2008 Jenni Jen | re: kimmy - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi Kimmy, The school I worked at was Dong Kwang Elementary School, but they only hire 1 or 2 times per year and only employ 3 foreign teachers. However, any place you get work is really luck of the draw on whether they are good or not; I can't really stress enough the fact that bad bosses are bad to everyone working there, regardless of the color of your skin! Just try to get names and contact numbers or email addresses of former employees of any places you are interested in working at. If they are really hesitant to give that info out, I'd beware. And ask the contacts whether or not they would recommend that workplace to their best friend or if they would work there again. I suppose you could ask them too how they think the boss will treat someone who's not white, but most applications require a photo so if you've gotten that far in the hiring process to get contact numbers of former employees, the boss is apparently not that concerned with such matters anyway! |
| 6th September 2008 Jenni Jen | re:brittney - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Maybe you didn't read through the comments; immigration rules have changed and there are more hoops to jump through, therefore it is best NOT to just show up in korea without a job! |
| 1st September 2008 kimmy | RE: diversity in korea - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog First off , thank you for all the great info. i am an Afican-american female and I am current on active duty in the US Navy. When I am done (April of 2009) I would like to teach english in Korea. What is the name of the school you worked at that did not mistreat your African-American co-worker? |
| 29th August 2008 Brittney | headin to korea - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Awesome, my brother & I are going to be heading to S. Korea early Oct & we are thinking & we are going to risk it & NOT have a job set, we're going to find one when we get there....sounds like you recommend that? Also, have you heard much about Busan, we're deciding between there & Seoul, but I guess we'll figure it out when we get there. You recommend public schools? |
| 21st August 2008 Kimmysue | Former GI chick trying to find a way to go back! - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I am so thankful I ran across your blog! I am a little older than the "average" college student (I am 36 and since getting out of the Army am trying to find my nitche in life), but have been seriously looking into teaching in Korea. I LOVED IT THERE!!!! I am starting initially with my aa, but have every plan on getting my bachelors degree and then trying to get over there. As a soldier, I met so many teachers in the little villages that loved it there as well so that makes it even more intriging to me! I just wish there was a shorter route than having to get my full bachelors degree...!! |
| 11th August 2008 Father Neu | WOW. - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar I love the sunset pics, especially the pink sky reflecting on the wet beach. Amazing. Another blog of yours was titled "who stole my thailand?" I haven't read that one yet but that title sums up how I felt during my time on Thai beaches. When I saw Ngapali, I realized that all along my Thailand could only be found in my Burma. May you have continued blessings on your travels!! |
| 1st August 2008 star dust | - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar wow! the comments are great! i mean the blog was good too but the comments have had me laughing for a while.lol. your trip looks amazing, hope you're having a great time, i love the pictures. |
| 13th July 2008 Jenni Jen | re: peter - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog It's especially easy if you have an F-4 visa. Just look on the websites for the ads and apply for them! Check worknplay.co.kr or www.okokokok.com |
| 13th July 2008 Jenni Jen | re: silver - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog You can search on WorknPlay for non-teaching jobs or maybe use Monster search engine or something like that. They are much fewer and far between, of course, but you may luck out! |
| 13th July 2008 Jenni Jen | RE: Ternica - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I don't think you'll be treated unfairly if hired; unfortunately, I do think you may be passed up for some job offers because of racist school owners. However, my coworker at my present school was African-American and she spent 5 years here in Korea at different establishments, so rest assured that you will find work just fine. There are other African-Americans/Canadians/etc. as well as Africans here, particularly if you move to Seoul and live near Itaewon there are foreigners from all over the world here and you certainly shouldn't feel uncomfortable. But to be honest, you WILL probably feel uncomfortable here at times based on your ethnicity....but that goes the same for Caucasians, because if you're not Korean, you will get stared at and treated as an outsider a lot of the time. Many teachers are treated unfairly once hired, and many teachers are treated rudely and stared at....but if you come you need to remind yourself that this happens to blondes, brunettes, redheads, males, females, Filipinos, Latinos, South Asians, etc. etc. etc... and that it is not due to your specific ethnicity; just happens to be that xenophobia is as color blind as love is.... |
| 12th July 2008 Silver | Great site - help appreciated - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi there, great info, thanks. I am moving to Seoul with my bfriend who will be teaching english. I will hopefully be doing an open uni degree and want to work part time, but do you know any non-teaching english speaking jobs I could go for? I have finance experience if you know of any banks/insurance cos there that are also in england, e.g. AXA/Legal and General,etc. Sorry, not strictly teaching orientated msg...thanks in advance. |
| 1st July 2008 Ternica | diversity in korea - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Firstly, I thought your blog was very informative. I am currently signed on with Footprints recruiting and looking for a teaching job in Sept. One of the things i did notice is that in many of the pictures I have seen there hasnt been many african american people in them. After reading your blog I feel a little discourage. I would hate to go to an environment that i would feel uncomfortable in all the time based on my ethnicity. I was wondering though, that if given a contract should I be concerned of unfair treatment if hired. |
| 22nd June 2008 Peter | Privates? - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi Jenni Jen, First of all, you have the most informative and best website about teaching English in Korea that I have come across so far! I have an F-4 visa, "gyopo", but I'm new in Seoul and I'm trying to get private students but don't know how to go about. Do you know how people get private students or do you have any ideas? Everyone says it's so easy, but I don't know they do it. Thanks!! |
| 18th June 2008 Evelyn Jiron | Maderas - From: Muddy Maderas Models in Merida We were in la Isla de Ometepe last month and I agree with you climbing that volcano is hard. We had a great time. We went to the falls did not make it up all the way like you guys did. I am it was beautiful. Best times to go is before May and after October if you want sunny weather. I am originally from Nicaragua and I loved it. |
| 10th June 2008 Don | Morning Calm - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I was stationed in Korea during the late sixties and decide to look at some blogs about Korea. I came across yours and thought that it was quite beautiful with outstanding pictures. I always thought the children in Korea were very special and your pictures seem to support this. Thanks for showing the true beauty of South Korea and it's children. |
| 30th May 2008 Patricia | More Questions - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Ok me again - I am looking at jobs. Most offer a max of 10 days paid vacation - even in the public schools. Some schools say a month or 6 weeks but then they require winter or summer camps. Also payscales are in the range of 2.1 to 2.3. Am I looking in the wrong places - wrong recruiters? Also I am wanting to stay out of the mountainous snowy regions - dealt with that enough in midwest USA. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you. |
| 4th May 2008 Marilyn | You cant hop on a plane to look for work anymore - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog From Dec 15th new immigration laws meant that any person going to Korea to teach English for the first time can no longer hop on a plane - go to Seoul and then look for a job - followed by doing a visa run to Japan from Korea . This is now illegal. Only people doing a second E2 visa can do a Japan run. All first timers have to do the paperwork in their home country and then have an interview at the Korean embassy nearest to their home [ in their home country] Also you now need to get a criminal record check from your own country valid within 6 months. This criminal check needs to be notarized and Apostilled officially in your home country before being sent to Korea for your visa . Also once you are in Korea with a visa you cannot change jobs before 9 months working. Now all hagwon teachers and public school teachers have to get a full medical exam in Korea before 90 days [ and pass] or you do not get alien registration and have to leave Korea. Even C4 visas for 3 months camp work require a criminal record check and process out of Korea. Because of these major changes it is vital no one hops on to a plane to look for work as it may be a very costly experience. Also 6-12 month jobs are getting extremely rare because of the new regulations and costs to employers . Also public schools are now becoming the biggest employers in the market with over 1000 jobs available in Sept 2008. |
| 19th April 2008 Jenni Jen | Re: Bee - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi Bee, I work at a private elementary school; they only employ 3 native teachers, but most public schools (not afterschool programs at public schools but proper public school jobs) will also offer long vacation periods during school holidays. I didn't use a recruiter; in general I find that if you find the school directly you will find a better fit than going through a recruiter. I've been meaning to update this, but there have been some immigration changes with the rules for getting an E2 visa lately, and a great deal of variety between what they are saying needs to be done and what they are actually implementing. Before you jump on the plane it might be best to check out the latest discussions on Dave's ESL Cafe to monitor what's going on. |
| 10th April 2008 Bee | Where exactly do you teach? - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I am on the verge of hopping on a plane and going out to S. Korea. Your position right now seems to have great benefits. Can you tell us what school and recruiting company (if any) you went through? I would love 14 weeks paid vacation! Please let me know, I should like to be as happy as you! |
| 28th March 2008 Tammy | Re: Jenni Jen - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Thank you for your reply. :) |
| 9th March 2008 Jenni Jen | RE: Patricia - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog You'll just have to spend time looking through the offers to get an idea of the going rate in salary, benefits, and vacation time to decide what you think is a good package. I'm not sure what you would think is a good salary based on your background; ditto with 'good locations,' since that is largely dependent on your personal lifestyle preferences. You are certainly qualified and if you get a job with a proper elementary school or a university, for example, you will get a lot of vacation time. I'm currently working for a private elementary school and get about 14 weeks paid vacation a year....but I think I am really lucky to have this job since most academies and even public schools don't seem to offer much more than 2 weeks vacation. I think you could easily get jobs offering 3.0 million/month or maybe a bit less if they offer you an apartment on top of the salary. I'm not nearly as qualified or experienced and am currently bringing in 2.8 from my salaried job, plus the option of afterschool classes and legal privates for more, if that helps you out at all. |
| 9th March 2008 Jenni Jen | Re: Tammy - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Yes there are legal issues with working PT: namely, it is not legal. It's also illegal not to report babysitting wages in the US on your tax forms....so I guess everyone needs to decide for him/herself how important it is to be "legal." My point of view is that no one is born 'illegal' and surely should have more rights and opportunities than beef and MP3 players, which seem to have no problems crossing borders and earning revenues between Korea and my country of origin..... Can't really help you out on the TESOL front; I'm not certified. You don't really need it to work here though, and after you get your feet wet, experience will help you out a whole lot more than a certification anyway. |
| 9th March 2008 Jenni Jen | Re: Martin - From: Sex and the Countryside I'd be interested in this article, but it's all in Thai! (Unfortunately I don't speak or read Thai.) If you know of it in English, please send it on! Thanks, Jen |
| 29th February 2008 PanamaCascoViejo | Liked your Casco Viejo post! - From: City of Salsa It was really cool. I live in the Casco and loved the pictures you posted. If you want to stay in touch with what´s going on, dont´forget to visit my blog here in TravelBlog or at www.arcoproperties.com |
| 25th February 2008 Patricia | - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hello, what kind of a salary and perks should I accept? I have an Associate in Business, a Bachelor in Elementary Education and a teaching license and I am in my early 50's (look younger than that though). Also lot's of experience working with kids(all ages) and adults - though working with preschoolers and kindergartners is not my favorite. Any idea of good locations? I would like to travel and save too - how much vacation time I would get is important to me. Like your information in your blog. Thanks. |
| 31st January 2008 Tammy | Legal Issues and TESOL programs - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog From what I read with the prior posts, if I apply for part-time work, in S. Korea, most employers won't ask for a degree, however, wouldn't there still be legal issues? Also, when I look on the Internet for TESOL certificate programs, there are so many schools that offer it, but it leaves me very suspicious, that some might be scams of some sort. How can you tell which institution is legitimate? |
| 21st January 2008 Martin | - From: Sex and the Countryside Read this report in Bangkok Post http://www.statelessperson.com/www/?q=node/722 about women experiences |
| 4th January 2008 Sharon | just came back from Franks - From: Feria, Flores, & Frank We stayed at Franks place last weekend and things must have changed drastically from when you were ther. We had a fantastic time and Frank spoke great English and was soooo nice and fun. Incredible music- reggae, merenge, (not sure if I spelled that correctly) salsa. We danced for hours. Have some great pics of our black feet. Wish I COULD SHARE THEM. ThE meals were incredible and cheap, $ 4. per plate for fresh fish. Rooms were OK, COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER OR WORSE. $ 50. PER NIGHT.We also had quite the monkey experience in the woods. We saw at least 30 monkeys crossing the trees above us and there were several mothers with newborns. Then came "BIG DADDY" monkey, he was very angry we were there. He chased us away yelling and sounding like a gorilla. We then traveled on to the beach where they found us again and they all howled at us. My friend from Sweden was with me and she had been bitten by a monkey in India so she was petrified and I was not sure how to react. We stayed in the water till they quit yelling, then went back to the resort. Also took a boat to a distant Island which had an incredible white sand beach and dozens of Coconut trees. Spent the day snorkeling and saw a giant manataray. Gorgeous scenery. Sharon |
| 1st January 2008 Jenni Jen | re:anonymous - From: Sex and the Countryside Yes actually I read that nearly 100% of the prostitutes in northern Thailand are Burmese, driven by horrible conditions in their own country and/or refugee camps. As one of the interviewed stated, "I can stay in my country and get raped by the army, or come here and be raped and at least make a little money from it." Not much of a choice between the lesser of 2 evils! And yes, many of the recruiters lie to the families and the girls themselves about their future whereabouts -- it's the same story the world over in regards to trafficking -- but that is why I found it so shocking that some of these Thai families were NOT doing that, but rather were consciously entering into a pact that sold their daughters into prostitution for material comfort. True, they may still not know just HOW terrible that life is once they have chained their daughters to it because it brings shame upon those who ever return from it to disclose the miserable details, but I don't think they can honestly envisage a cheery work environment no matter how much they want that big screen TV! |
| 1st January 2008 Jenni Jen | FT/pt - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Jason: There's no universal standard in Korea; you just have to see what each job offers. My first FT job was 40 hrs/wk; currently my FT job is 32 hours/wk, but many FT are as low as 20-25. PT just implies that they likely won't give you a visa for the work but can be up to 30 hours/wk as well! |
| 27th December 2007 Jason | Full time/part time - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Great info. I was wondering how many hours of work is considered full time and how many hours for part time? Thanks! |
| 26th November 2007 For Janez | ahhh - From: And finally ... The One With Personality Dear Janez , Please try to distinguish the difference between the race , nationality and religion .I See , that is your personal approach , but if you take more scientific method to antropology , like physical , linguistic , cultural and applied anthropology , you will understand better origin of the people from balcans, and believe me , we all have chioce of religion, is that simple.. And then maybe you will understand. Peace... |
| 19th November 2007 Ana | Welcome to Panama - From: Happy New Year from Panama! panama the place to go the place to be. A wonderful and beautiful country with nice and wonderful people. Pround to have panamanian relatives. |
| 2nd November 2007 anonymous | - From: Sex and the Countryside not every prostitute in thailand is thai. keep that in mind. also, people that "buy" these daughters are liars - lie that the daughters will work in a restaurant & etc. |
| 6th October 2007 Jenni Jen | re: jerry - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi Jerry, 6 month contracts aren't commonly advertised. Not to say that I haven't seen 6 month and even 3 month jobs advertised, but they are few and far between. However, it depends how desperately the school needs someone; if you go through a recruiter they might be able to help you finagle or strong arm your way into a 6 month contract too. |
| 3rd October 2007 jerry | how hard is it to find a 6 month contract? - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog how hard is it to find a 6 month contract? |
| 8th September 2007 Chi | Blog - From: Bewitched! The Wonders of the Shan State You have a beautiful Blog here! :) |
| 30th July 2007 eims | spelling geek - From: Slantje! Great Crack on the Emerald Isle Hi, the spellings in your title should be 'slainte' and 'craic' :) |
| 16th June 2007 tsgfarnetti | Amen to Caroline - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar well said above... Going to Burma next totally on a whim because the few people I have met that have been there said it was totally amazing...I was kinda feeling anxious about it but reading this was making me think it was not impossible. Of course transport in these countries can be bad (sometimes very bad!) but its part of the life experience people come out here to get...the end result is priceless. |
| 30th May 2007 bhey | the pantheon - From: La Passegiata nice shots w/ the pics... |
| 16th May 2007 Jenni Jen | RE: Gender jobs - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Kelly, No actually there are plenty of good jobs available for men. While you will find many ads looking for N.American females, there are SO MANY jobs available for people of all genders, races, accents....including the good job offers! Actually, you will also find certain jobs requesting male teachers, for example high school/university boys whose paying parents probably think their money will be more wisely spent if their sons are not distracted! :-) |
| 15th May 2007 Kelly | Confused on gender issue? - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Am I to understand that as a male & not getting as you put it "the pick of the litter" does this translate to mean the ESL jobs there, are not really all that good for us guys? Is this the case? If so thanks for stopping me from finding this out the hard way! Kelly |
| 16th March 2007 Jon | Thanks for your helpful writing! - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hello, just wanted to let you know your writing is very helpful and much appreciated by myself and obviously others. I very much enjoyed your Korean article here and while I happened upon this site accidentally, I'm glad I did. Your observations and suggestions would be extremely helpful for anyone in the teaching field (and there are lots). The way you express your experiences makes overseas work seem less intimidating, at least in this case. Being a native English speaker with a serious interest in foreign languages, you have succeeded in arousing my interest a bit, even though I am not currently in the teaching field. Thanks again, and keep up the experiences! |
| 15th March 2007 n0d0ubt | - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I was given you blog link from another person on travelblog.org and I find you entries extremly usefull!! I am going to be teaching english in China this summer and have been doing as much research as I can to prepare me and your blog has helped me alot - thank you!! ~Cara |
| 11th March 2007 janez | - From: And finally ... The One With Personality I just had to respond to the serb guy comment that kosovo taking away from serbia the albainians in kosovo and todays macadonia have been settled by albanians or illyrians for 3 thousnad years way before serbs and bulgarians of macdonia region . And Germany is paying for the price of its quest to save white europe it is now under washington anglojudasium control and of course i dont support germany but britain is much worse try to name a country that was not occupied by britain |
| 11th March 2007 Janez | nice adventure - From: And finally ... The One With Personality Serbs Muslims and Croats are diffrent racial you would never call a scotish the same as english would you ? Serbs and croat migrated from current ukrine and mixed with local people and are influnced by many empires the muslums actualy have a much higer percentage of turkish blood than the rest . croats inland have also high german blood while the seacoast are usualy dark apperance from the native illyrians which are current day albanians . Of course in the past croats attacked serbs and vise versa but in the yugo war serbs were 100% wrong there is no dispute there aim was to wipe out the rest of the races a lot of the problems were in a region of croatia were the austrians placed the serbs here to fight the turks thus alot of the war is contributed to the past turkish/ottoman empire which nearly destroye this part of europe right up to vienna and of course it destroyed the greek capital which is now unfortunaly istanbul |
| 10th March 2007 Maher | lovely - From: Bewitched! The Wonders of the Shan State I've been to burma in 1996. I confirm its lovely |
| 1st March 2007 Katie Elizabeth | - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi Jen! Thanks for the update! It's great to hear where you are and what you are doing now! It was great to see you over Christmas...Keep in touch! Katie |
| 29th January 2007 esther | frank's place - From: Feria, Flores, & Frank hi does anybody has the cellphone or email address of frank's place boca brava?? thanks, esther |
| 28th January 2007 John | Christina Boca Brava - From: Feria, Flores, & Frank We were a month in Boca Chica and had the pleasure of spending an afternoon drinking cold beers and listening to classical music with the lovely Christina,she has built a paradise I am glad we found it can't wait to get back |
| 19th January 2007 juanma2001 | Great info!! - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Really nice blog....sharing your international experiences with other travelers!!!! |
| 18th January 2007 Diamond Geezer | Nice one luv! - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I must admit that I have scrolled through all your blogs, and am thoroughly impressed with your photography. Especially the consistancy of very decent photographs. If you do not already, you should get them published, or simply sell them. Keep it up. |
| 18th January 2007 zenluver from DownUnder | Great Blob!!! - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? Hi Jenni!!!Just wanna let you know that your photos and stories are GREAT!!!I've spend a fair bit of time in Malaysia and believe me your photos are fantastic.....even better than some so called professionals.Missed the great food and people!!!!Drop by Australia? May your journey be filled with more memorable adventures!!! xo zenluver |
| 17th January 2007 Jenni Jen | nora: - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Try searching the sites I mentioned; most part-time jobs (which you can piece together quite easily to make loads more than a full time job offers you) don't ask for your degree, but you could volunteer the info that you have TESOL certification. As a Canadian you get a 6 month tourist visa! |
| 16th January 2007 florian wiesner | I know Frank! - From: Feria, Flores, & Frank Hi, i'm German and my englisch is a mess. I just want to say that i know Frank very well because my ant has bought a house in boca chica brava. Her name is Christina and she sells beer on the beach. It would be funny if somebody would know here also. peace flo |
| 16th January 2007 Nora | teaching english - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog How would I go about finding work ? I have actually enquired here in Calgary about taking TESOL.. Anyway thanks ^^ |
| 16th January 2007 Brittany | teaching in Jeonju?? - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Does anyone know anything about teaching in Jeonju, South Korea? |
| 15th January 2007 Jenni Jen | Don't give up yet Nora! - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Hi Nora, Just wanted to let you know that you might still be able to work in Korea if you get a TEFL/TESOL certification, particularly in kindergartens. It might be illegal, I'm not sure, but I'm sure you would still be able to find work :-) |
| 14th January 2007 Erin | Wow! Thanks for the advice and insight - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog I thoroughly enjoyed your blog and whilst I am searching for a teaching English job, I now think I will search in Korea! Thanks for all the information and then beautiful pictures. You are a talented photographer! |
| 14th January 2007 Monkey and Bear | Great pictures - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Great pictures and a good story. Monkey and Bear Holland |
| 14th January 2007 Nora | Thank you - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog you dont know me, but the info you gave was GRREAT !! I am a homestay mom in Canada, and have Korean students that I love...I t has been my dream to go to Korea and teach there when my husband retires...but I see I cant go and do that..I dont have a University degree. So sad, I think it would have been such a good experience. Keep up the good work, and make more unforgettable memories. |
| 14th January 2007 Megan Crozier | Finally;) - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Nice pics Jenn. Can't wait for the SA blog and maybe a lil something from home. Miss you heaps. Big Hug. |
| 13th January 2007 cam2yogi | ! - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Great to see a post by you at last! I've been wondering... Anyways, your photos are fantastic |
| 13th January 2007 ConMel | - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Great info, thanks! |
| 13th January 2007 Katnyc | Thanks for the advice - From: The Teaching-English-in-Korea Blog Wow, that was really informative. Thanks so much for posting this. |
| 6th January 2007 Jon Arcuni | Gone Fishing Panama Resort - From: Feria, Flores, & Frank I spent four days at Gone Fishing March 06. Loved it! Great everything. Right now I am sitting at the bar there and have come back for a month! Once you come here, you come back. The road is being fixed, but you still need a high clearance vehicle to get in. Worth it. I just bought land in Boca Chica. This is THE place for a boat in Panama. Fishermans heaven! Good facilities, great launch ramp available in Boca Chica. |
| 18th December 2006 lala | help - From: Happy New Year from Panama! i w ant to know wat food do u have in christmas and wat u do and everything thx bye |
| 9th December 2006 Stephen Paul | short and sweet - From: Stargazing in Fairytale Land every picture with exception of the last two is a fairytale in its own rite! You write pretty good blogs too. :) |
| 9th December 2006 Stephen Paul | Great eye - From: Memoirs of a Geisha Chaser Wonderful post! I just discovered your blogs. You have a great eye, especially for people and their environment.. but really you are so well rounded each picture brings a new smile or thought in my brain. I cant wait to digest the rest of your posts! Keep it up! -S |
| 9th December 2006 xxx | - From: And finally ... The One With Personality Wow, just reading through your blogs, seems Linda is a bit obsessed to be honest.....Linda, if you're so above it all, why do you waste your time browsing a travel-based website, and stalking poor Jenni, surely you should be focusing on building relationships with your family and friends instead...... |
| 29th November 2006 Jenni Jen | Thanks for your unsolicited psychiatric evaluation, but.... - From: And finally ... The One With Personality I don't need to rationalise why I travel to you because there is nothing to rationalise -- I don't have torn relationships with my family, neighbors, or loved ones, and the fact that I do feel a greater understanding of the world by observing it in person rather than staying in a country where half the people my age never even watch the news is not an attempt to 'rationalize' my travel; I am simply stating my preferences. I am sorry that your 'pack up your toothbrush and go' philosophy left you feeling some void or superficiality in your own life, but it doesn't give you the right to extrapolate and project your experience onto others. Not all people are meant to work a 9 to 5 job in the city they were born in and get excited over Sunday afternoon tea and picking out drapes for the living room, so the fact that I choose to live elsewhere than mainstream small town America has nothing to do with running away from who you supposedly think that I am ... and all those unbroken long term friendships and family relationships would be the first to say that this is precisely who I really am. I find it ironic that you would pretend to know anything about my relationships with my family when you have never met me. In fact, if you want to criticise superficial conversation, why don't you examine the fact that you like to leave slanderous comments on my blog without having the courage to actually contact me personally via a personal message and initiate any real conversation? |
| 25th November 2006 Dan | People in Glass Houses, AlanZ! - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? Good work on your GRAMMAR, AlanZ, shame you couldn't master your spelling! Do one x |
| 24th November 2006 Caroline | What on earth is going on???? - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar I thoroughly enjoyed reading the writers blog on Myanmar. How dare anyone ridicule or patronise or criticise this person's experience. Is this not the idea of a blog? I myself would love to visit this amazing country and I found this person's experience to be both inspirational and honest. I think that there are certainly some bitter, twisted individuals lurking around and for whatever reason believe that 'they' and 'they' only should be privvy to have an opinion/experience of a place. Get a life I say. Well done to the writer for sharing her experiences in an enjoyable and tangible fashion. |
| 21st November 2006 Linda | for Lana - From: And finally ... The One With Personality Hi Lana, don`t feel sorry for me. I still stand by my theory that if you need travel to allow you to `feel, understand and care more about people`...you have serious issues that no amount of travelling can help. You see Lana, it is very easy to travel. Just pack your toothbrush and go. I did it for years and so have millions of others. I recommend you read Alain de Bottom`s The Art of Travel if you are truly interested in the reasons behind why people travel. Travel simply does not make you understand people on any level that is significant. It is easy to superficially connect with strangers precisely becasue WE ARE LEAVING. Emotions appear to be fantastic exactly because they are doomed to end. Travelling can fool anyone into believing what they are experiencing is better than being home. Travelling is better, when your life at home sucks. So why bother building real relationships with your family and friends at home when a series of temporary passions await you in exotic locations? What I`m getting at is that the most difficult thing to connect, feel and understand our own next door neighbor, our mother and father and everyone else in our life. It is difficult to stay in one`s own home and much easier to run away from who we are with aimless travel. I believe that many, including La Vagabonda, rationalize their running away from their own loved ones by claiming they have experienced a deeper understanding of humanity by the means of futile meetings and conversations. But no amount of travelling in the world, no beach, no mountain, no culture or remote exotic location can make better, torn, unresolved relationships from their home. |
| 15th November 2006 rick | great pictures - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar i skimmed through your blog and will read more later, clearly you write well and i love the photos. i'm in saigon now, been through thailand, laos and vietnam and will be back for burma soon. |
| 22nd October 2006 Bailey | What the hell in 'Travel Camel' on about? - From: Memoirs of a Geisha Chaser Firstly i didnt read your blog at all as I accidently clicked on it and it went straight to the comments bit where I saw 'Travel Camel' trying to kiss your arse. The 'camel' sounds like a proper twat, anyway, read mine at www.travelblog.org/bloggers/bailey reason being you can get a real contrast between the quality of yours and the downright cannot be bothered to do anything approach of mine. by the the way, you're quite pretty arent you!! have fun gorgeous - Bailey |
| 10th October 2006 Bill | Boca Chica - From: Feria, Flores, & Frank Anyone going to the beaches of Chiriqui, especially if you are around Boca Brava, must go to Gone Fishing Panama Resort in Boca Chica. The setting is fantastic, the small resort, which opened about 6 months ago is great, and the accommodations are the best. The owners, Bruce and Donna, will provide you with anything that you require, including terrific meals prepared by their excellent chefs. Don't miss this place. Bill |
| 8th October 2006 Jonathan Livingstone | Seagul Jonathan Livingstone - From: The final countdown.... Right now I'm painting center of Opatija...what a nice surprise that You where there and took the photo of Church in it. Cool! I wish You a warm wind underneath Your wings, Vagabonda...keep on flying! |
| 26th September 2006 bob | project - From: Happy New Year from Panama! lol i'm ding a project on panama and lol, these pictures will help a lot thx. :) (: :) (: |
| 8th September 2006 charles | only for a minute ? - From: Memoirs of a Geisha Chaser You definitely "chose well" in opening your eyes so widely... |
| 25th August 2006 Lana | do not forget - From: And finally ... The One With Personality your experience while traveling through out My home town of Mostar, and I feel sorry for Linda that she felt as she had. Ialso feel Sorry for the serbian guy, not that I would like to elaborate on anything since I am not going to, but it is well known that the history, especially in later days is written by hard core politicians so they could lure their own nation and eventually will end up something like BH. i AM PLEASENTLY SURPRISED BY YOUR DESCRIPTION OF MOSTAR....... MY email address is lanaliskiewicz@sbcglobal.net if you'd like to have a pen pal |
| 23rd August 2006 Stefan | Oops - From: Graduation Day: SPF 30 Really bad and boring blog |
| 11th August 2006 Bluesteel108 | - From: Memoirs of a Geisha Chaser I've been reading your blogs for a while now and i just wanted to let you know that i think they're awesome, and the pictures are some of the best i've seen from this site. Keep it up! |
| 9th August 2006 me | why? - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar Why are people so hostile here? |
| 28th July 2006 Scott Phillips | - From: Memoirs of a Geisha Chaser Incredible. I’ve missed reading about your adventures. I’ll have to sign on and see if I can catch you via IM! |
| 28th July 2006 The Travel Camel | Of Prose and Pics - From: Memoirs of a Geisha Chaser Beautifully written entry with lucid descriptions - the photos complement the words very well. Has really enthused me about my impending visit to Kyoto - so thank you! |
| 23rd July 2006 Albert Pope | I hear ya - From: The hike that never ends I spent the night at the top once in a storm that soaked through everything. It was funny reading about how cold you were, made me feel better... |
| 22nd July 2006 Debbie | minoe literary semantics are everything - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar Minor literary semantics are all you have, so be sure to make yourself clear in the future by choosing the right minor literary semantics. |
| 20th July 2006 Jenni Jen | re: Debbie 'whatever!' - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar Sorry my choice of words was not spot on to your liking.... I don't have a deep understanding of their situation (i.e. insight) and wouldn't pretend to know what it is like to live one's whole life there. Perhaps 'observation' would be more like it. I was simply making the point to Mr. 'Heinz' that I believe that traveling how most locals do helps you make more personal contact and see one aspect of their normal life more so than chartering a taxi that locals could never afford would let you. It would nice if people could refrain from making assumptions about how I view things based on minor literary semantics. |
| 18th July 2006 el salvaje | - From: A Tokyo Teaser how is korea treating you? i see that you have been able to travel while you have been there. just wanted to say a quick hello. hello. |
| 8th June 2006 Lidia Martinez | welcome to Panama friends. - From: Happy New Year from Panama! Hi!!!. I'm panamanian, and I glad to read that you felt very nice here in Panamá. so you are welcome here in Panama again. It's really nice everywhere you visit, you can choise several places to visit. bye |
| 8th June 2006 Debbie | whatever! - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar Travelling like the locals does NOT give you insight on how they live. You are an American. You have money. You have left that miserable place. They have not. You have NO IDEA about their lives. Travelling there does not even give you an idea on how it feels life to live there your entire life. It makes you a traveller. |
| 23rd May 2006 austincheri | a Jolly Blonde Giant.... - From: A Tokyo Teaser It is good to see that you are blogging again. I've missed your entries and once again you have not disappointed..your pictures are great, your vocabulary is better than ever and I totally appreciated your self depricating jolly blonde giant comment. I had a hearty laugh at that one. Keep up the good work! |
| 28th April 2006 ravenlynne | very nice pics - From: A Tokyo Teaser Your pics are beautiful! Thank you so much for reminding me of my time there with them! |
| 27th April 2006 ah-yen | Cool pics - From: A Tokyo Teaser Love your photos. Continue travelling and taking those photos and posting them. Cheers! |
| 23rd April 2006 ... | ... - From: And in Ring #2: Wanderlust vs. Life in the ‘Hood… Hi.. mmm.. good site! nice work) thanks for information i found useful:) http://ronaldinho.freehostonline.com/ronaldinho.html |
| 22nd April 2006 Jenni Jen | re: halef - From: A Tokyo Teaser Thanks so much for the comment! I haven't ever looked into it, but if you know anyone looking for a freelancer let me know ;-) |
| 21st April 2006 Halef | nice pics - From: A Tokyo Teaser Jen - I've been following your travel blogs, and you have one of the best eyes and entries I've seen on this website. You invite everybody into place and your experience through your pics and stories. Keep up the good work, you should consider yourself to a free lance travel writer. |
| 20th April 2006 onlytibet | - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? I am a Malaysian, however i am not from Kuala Lumpur, i grew up in small town. I really your describtion on KL as well as your photos. I hope i can show you more than that, the countryside where you can witness more of the details of each of the races. So you;re saying that you are lookingn for jobs when you are in Malaysia. How's that? What kind of job you got? |
| 13th April 2006 KLGUY | Frank views, good photography.Pretentious?? - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? I can understand your thoughts as how you perceive things to be; travelling is an insight to opening our eyes and serves to dispel or strengthen our notion of places. If I wanted a glossy account of things, I might as well read the travel brochures. That's why your honest, candid remarks are more refreshing. Btw, your pics are fabulous with nice attention to details with good composition and lighting. Keep going at it. I feel so PRETENTIOUS writing this. If that was what Dan meant, probably he thinks your style is too formal and somber for a normal traveller with minimum means. Good luck! |
| 12th April 2006 AlanZ | Forget the bad comments... - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? Nice pics, first of your blogs that I read and I thought it was quite well written. Plus your pics got me excited about Malaysia, love all the colors. PS it's funny that Dan took the time to rip your blog and couldn't even get the grammer correct, hey dan...it's 'you're' not 'your' |
| 9th April 2006 Jonnys | Not pretentious, just unique! - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? Your photos and writing style are very elaborate and a bit overbearing; perhaps it is this that people suggest you are pretentious. I, however, believe your photos are unique and interesting. Can we have some with you so we can all see how stunningly beautiful you are?! ;) |
| 9th April 2006 blush48 | terrific photos! - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? I loved all your photos, Jen. I was in KL in December, and was really taken by all the colorful temples, mosques, markets. I was also amazed by the building architecture - - - every office building, etc., was of such an interesting, unique design. And all the large shopping malls - - to help people escape the heat and humidity! I look forward to your future travels! |
| 8th April 2006 azmat | make malaysia interesting - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? build disneyland like in hong kong |
| 7th April 2006 anonymous fan | - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? Hi Jen, I have been following your wandering for quite sometime. Frankly, I don't know why you have quite a few people taking potshot at your blog. Do you have something around your neck that offended people ? LOL. Just curious, do you take odd job during your travel ? How can you afford to travel for so long ? |
| 7th April 2006 Jenni Jen | got up on the wrong side of the bed dan? - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? 'Pretentious' -- adj. "Claiming or demanding a position of distinction or merit, especially when unjustified." There's no doubt that I have seen many better photos as well -- but they aren't mine; I'm just taking pictures of the places I go and keeping track of my own travels! I've never claimed to be an expert photographer or anything else, so perhaps it is actually your comment that is rather unjustified here! |
| 6th April 2006 Dan Holtby | Nice Effort - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? But i've seen better photos. Your also quite pretentious |
| 6th April 2006 nevilleb | Excellent images - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? The photographs of the destinations you've visisted are very nice indeed. You certainly have the eye! |
| 5th April 2006 Scott P | - From: Malaysia Truly Asia? Awesome, Jen! Your last night in SE Asia? Where are you headed now? |
| 5th April 2006 Jenni Jen | To Stefan SERB: - From: And finally ... The One With Personality While I've posted your comment, I also must mention my sentiment that there is something quite 'off' about thinking that killing the descendants of people whom you feel wronged your people 80+ years ago is a justifiable solution. As a girl with family in Germany, I would be outraged to think that anyone would find it acceptable to start shelling Berlin today and killing my relatives because they felt that the citizens were not properly 'punished' for crimes in WW2. Particularly when you yourself admit that your own leader carved your country up and created divisions, how can one take all the combined circumstances and say that it is appropriate to throw fault at and kill the great-grandchildren of the Croats and Bosniaks that you claim started all the mess? |
| 4th April 2006 Stefan SERB | The other side to the story.. - From: And finally ... The One With Personality You wanted it, here it is, the Serbian side to the story, I don't care whether you believe it or not, I am not trying to win sympathy. I don't need your sympathy, I am a Serb, once a soldier of the JNA and a citizen of our once glorious paradise of a country: As a Serb it angers me deeply when I see what Serbs are now getting for everything they have done to contribute to making Jugoslavija the paradise that it once was. First of all, before WWI; Serbia and Montenegro remained the only two independent countries of the later-day Yugoslavia. Serbs were being abused on a daily basis as scum of Bosnia (which was actually their original land which Austro-Hungaria invaded). In retaliation to years of taking abuse on the chin, the Serbs had had enough. In 1914 Gavrilo Princip acting on behalf of the Black Hand Gang assassinated Archduke to the Throne of Austro-Hungaria Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, modern day Bosnia. It was a day that was to shape the history of the World. WWI inevitably began with the attempted invasion of Serbia by Austro-Hungarian troops. Russia joined on the side of the Serbs, as did Britain and France as the Triple-Entente, Germany joined on the side of the Austro-Hungarians. Concentration camps were quickly set up to eradicate the Serbs on Austro-Hungarian soil with the Croats and Muslims backing the regime, only the Serbs dared to stand up to them. After 4 years of the bloodiest war the World had ever seen, Austro-Hungaria and Germany surrendered. The Serbs had won WWI and the World was again safe. Croats and Muslims were never punished for their genocide of the Serbs, on the contrary, a Kingdom of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs was created for the Balkans to be unified (later called Yugoslavia). CROATS AND MUSLIMS WERE NEVER PUNISHED. 20 years later, WWII commences, Italy, Austria, Germany and Japan become the Axis powers and the Nazis quickly sweep across Europa. Once again, the Croats and Muslims in Croatia and Bosnia quickly allied themselves with Hitler while Serbs began their Partizan resistance. The Ustase is unheard of in the West today, nor is it known that the Serbs were the only people in the Balkans to liberate themselves without Soviet aid. Anywho, the Croats massacred 100,000's of Serbs during WWII while kissing up to the Nazis. All nations in the Balkans surrounding Serbia allied themselves with Hitler (Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania, Hungary and Bosnian Muslim territory). Meanwhile, as Serbs were being massacred daily at the hands of the FILTHY Croats and Muslims, they were also organizing the strongest resistance in Europe. Eventually after the Partizans (led by almost 90% Serbs) liberated Yugoslavia and restored peace to the Balkans. After the casualties were tolled, it was found that more than 1 Million Serbs had died during the war at the hands of Croats, Muslims and the Axis Forces. That is 10% of our population wiped out my friend! Once again, true to form, the stupid Serbs totally forgave Croatia for their monstrous crimes against Serbs and installed a CROAT AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW SOCIALIST YUGOSLAVIA!! During Josip Broz Tito's reign, it is true that he suppressed Nationalistic Movements in Croatia and ultimately held together Yugoslavia for his entire life. However, what you may not know is that he carved Serbia up while leaving the other Republics untouched. In Kosovo, where many, many Serbs had left during WWII when the pussy Albanians had been granted a greater Albania in order to reduce Serbian land, were no longer allowed to return there. Kosovo is where the State of Serbia was born; it is where the brave Christian Serbs faced an enemy of far Greater numbers in the name of Christianity knowing they would inevitably lose to the Turks. It is where Orthodoxy was born for the Serbs, it is our most precious Holy Land where 100's of 1000 year monasteries lie, where our history began. All the Serbs who had left during WWII were not allowed to return, you understand!? While 100's of Albanian refugees crossed the border in to Kosovo every day to escape the absolute awfulness and tyranny of life in Albania. TITO MADE KOSOVO AN AUTONOMY, THEN MADE VOJVODINA AN AUTONOMY, he had carved Serbia into 3, while the Serbs watched and supported him in all his actions. However, he DID NOT create an AUTONOMY for the Serbs in Slavonia and Krajina, nor did he grant Republika Srpska the right to exist. The fact of the matter is that Serbs suffered heavily under Tito unknowingly, and supported him in his actions which ultimately resulted in the loss of Serbian lands in the inevitable break-up of Yugoslavia. When Tito died in 1980, Nationalism began to slowly build and with the collapse of the USSR in 1990, it truly began to flare as the rest of Eastern Europe disintegrated. Communism fell and Yugoslavia was the last remaining country to succeed from in Eastern Europe, it was the only obstacle left in the West's way. The West began to spark up Nationalism themselves in Croatia and Slovenia promising money and weapons to support their liberation and huge investment afterwards. Croatia and Slovenia had largely profited from Yugoslavia and were consequently the most developed regions of the Federation. In 1991 when Slovenia and Croatia declared illegal independence, Germany and the USA immediately acknowledged their existence as independent states without having any official documentation signed in Belgrade authorizing it. Yugoslavia's Serbs had always had excellent ties with the West and thought they were genuinely backing them; however the Fucking pussies in the West had constantly gone behind our backs to sneakily destroy us. Slovenian separatists armed by the West prior to declaring independence surrounded JNA barracks in Slovenia where trainee soldiers were serving National Service. Serbia issued an ultimatum to Slovenia to back down and diplomatically sort out their independence, but they felt they were in the driving seat and wanted to flex their muscles. They denied Yugoslavia's ultimatum and immediately JNA MiGs were ordered to bomb separatist TO targets. Giant lines of Tanks were sent from Belgrade to Slovenia but never made it in time (after less than 5 days the Slovenian TO backed down from their position and signed a peaceful independence treaty). SLOVENIA WAS GONE. On their way back to Belgrade, the JNA Units who were forced to leave all their weapons in their barracks in Slovenia (therefore unarmed) were traveling through Croatia, when they were pounced upon by armed Croatian separatists and massacred without a chance to defend themselves. Several JNA Tanks and various equipment such as heavy artillery was seized in this cowardly attack on their once fellow neighbors. The War in Croatia began. Vukovar shortly fell and separatist movements were eradicated in less than 48 hours after what was left of the JNA moved in. Croatian and Bosnian Muslims armed Mujahedeen rebels went on the rampage in Bosnia climbing to the top of Hospitals and Mosques with sniper rifles and gunning down Serbian civilians while others were beheading Serbian old women and children in villages and burning the Serbs' houses down. After everything Serbs had suffered up to this point, they finally realized that they had been conned for a century, 3 Yugoslavia's cost them 3 million people and the shit finally hit the fan. Bosnia was a car park in 48 hours and the Serbs lost control (gone crazy). Srebrenica was an awful event in hindsight but I am glad it took place, Muslims and Croats should count themselves lucky, they got 8000 people killed, we got 3 Million. Remember, after all the Genocide that took place Croats had never been punished for a thing, Serbs are now being punished for killing not even 1/20 of the amount we sustained and we will now be punished for another 50 years, my friends, you must understand that even Nazi Germany did not suffer such punishment after WWII. Now we will lose Kosovo and Islam will be spread even further into the heart of Europe, you have no idea what Kosovo means to Serbs, taking Washington DC and New York from the USA does not even begin to compare to its meaning to us SERBS. Which story would you believe, the ridiculous story this Bosnian muppet has told you, or my story, the story of the Serbs, the story which just happens to be correct? SRBIJA I ELLAS ZA UVEK!! Pics of Belgrade: http://www.pbase.com/stefan_serb/belgrade_2005 |
| 1st April 2006 Megan | Gawd, I thought these blogs were for our personal experiences - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar You must not let this Heinze ass effect you my dear, though it is such a personal blow, you are wonderful and your writing is amazing. Keep on keepin on my friend. Love you |
| 22nd March 2006 Jenni Jen | Dear Helen: - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar Thanks...he'll be glad to read your comment ;-) Jason is a fellow blogger, aspiringnomad, and is currently my boyfriend..... |
| 20th March 2006 Helen | Who is that guy? - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar Hi, Who is that cute guy Jason? Is he single? Lucky you! |
| 14th March 2006 Kate Hildebrand | Awesome post - From: 1000 Kilometers Down the Andaman Sea I am sorry you didn't see any sea gypsies |
| 11th March 2006 bluesparkle | Thanks Jenn - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar Hi Jenn I'm off to Burma next month and your blog has totally inspired me. As a sucker for a beautiful sunset I can't wait to get to Ngapali. Ignore the pathetic ramblings of the 'Myanmar expert' as all true travellers know the smelly, uncomfortable journeys are all part of the experience and make the best stories. thanks for all your tips ; ) |
| 5th March 2006 sergei | - From: Feria, Flores, & Frank I was just in Boca Brava and stayed on island for five days. What an amazing place. I went out to some of the islands and couldn't belive it. The idea of a totally deserted beach was a dream come true. I can't wait to get back. S |
| 22nd February 2006 Melissa | Panama - From: Happy New Year from Panama! Hello my name is Melissa I am of Panama. I live in "Chiriqui" and I just want to say "Please came back" and visit Panama again !! Well I have to go !! Bye Bye. Cuidense(Take care in English) :-) Chao |
| 16th February 2006 samuel | - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar Jenn, your blogs are so racist and sexist. It's horrible!!! haha, im kidding. I read from the beginning up through "who stole my thailand?" I think I had as much fun reading the comments as the actual blog. I'm heading to Cent Am in April for about a year. Can't wait! So, the point of this comment: please stop being such a xenophobe:) |
| 7th February 2006 The Open Road | Two Oxen frollicking on Beach. - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar That Oxcart looks like it belongs on a winding road in the Hymalayas, not on an idyllic beach. This is a strange planet. Thanks for the good Read... |
| 27th January 2006 Jenni Jen | Heinz: - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar Instead of trying to make a plug for your website and books in my comments section, if you have a comment just for me, please send me a personal message instead of a comment, so that I may reply via email. Second, please try to actually read and understand what I write.....I have written more than one blog about my travels in Myanmar and I am not fixated on the negative; in fact, if you would read them, you would see that I have been overwhelmingly pleased with the country. However, to paint everything rose-colored would be to ignore the reality of life: nothing is absolutely wonderful nor absolutely horrible. The fact of the matter is, there are going to be things that are uncomfortable or undesirable to every person in any place they go. Giving an honest report on the transport scenario in Burma is neither "nonsense", nor is it "missing all the great stuff." Perhaps if you learn to read for content (as opposed to resorting to lengthy discourse on trivialities about the feasibility of stinky feet by sandal-wearers), you could understand that the entire point of what I wrote here was that any hardships endured in traveling in Myanmar are absolutely worth it to enjoy the amazing highlights that the country has to offer. Finally, I do not need to look at your self-proclaimed “great” website to form my own opinion about what I personally saw and experienced, thank you very much. Congratulations to you on having lived there for 17 years - however, it certainly doesn’t make you an expert on MY experiences there and doesn't seem to have made you much of an expert on respecting others' ideas, either. Having authored 4 books does not mean that you personally smelled the bus I was in or that you reveled in the exact same sunset I did -- so let me live my own travels and have my own opinions about a place! I’d think that someone who has spent SO much time in another culture and fancies himself to be more “grown up” might be more tolerant of the fact that beauty, and its converse, are in the eyes of the beholder, and that not all people think, live, or see things the same way….. Maybe you’ve spent too long in a country where free speech and dissent are not allowed….out here in the rest of the world, we generally allow others to have -- and voice -- their own opinions!..."Trust me..." |
| 25th January 2006 heinz1 | bbababubu - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar since you continously complain about this and that ? what makes me somehow suspicious -among others- is your comment on the stinky feet. let me tell you that stinking feet come almost completly when someone uses shoes and / or socks. since noone in myanmar uses such things -with the exeption of some business meeting or official meeting at the government- especially not in a rural bus I was wondering where are the stinky feet coming from ? in this way most of your story goes. one comment to the gentlemen who accuses me of bribing the busdriver, if you read through my text you wont find any reference to a bus driver and if you read very carefully you will find that to distribute ... is plural.. and not singular as it would be for a single person like a busdriver ! etc. etc. I dont want to kill your fun and exitement but when you travel in a country and you are completely occupied with all this litle nonsense like with this bus stuff etc. you miss all the big good stuff which is the real thing, think about it ! in the meantime have a look in our great website www.allmyanmar.com to grow up. if you have enough from this, no problem, there is another one at www.thailandsouthern.com thats the greates site on thailand with a lot of up to date information before during and after the tsunami. just one last remark, I wrote 4 books on myanmar and be in the country since 17 years I know a little bit about it.. trust me. |
| 23rd January 2006 aspiringnomad | Masochist! - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar "A willingness or tendency to subject oneself to unpleasant or trying experiences" If that be the definition my friend Heinz, then I proudly boast to being a masochist myself. In my experience, if your not prepared to get your hands a little dirty, you'll see only a small slice of this magnificent world from the back of your chauffeured jeep. And as for bribing bus drivers 80cents (a days wage for some) to relocate some unfortunate local passenger into the smelly seats...I have no comment. |
| 22nd January 2006 Jenni Jen | To Heidi: - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar Yes I was last living in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin when I was in the States! If you have any travel questions for Rome or Myanmar you can send me a private message (Contact JenniJen) so I can email you back! |
| 22nd January 2006 Jenni Jen | Heinz: - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar No, I am not masochist, and I wasn't coming from Yangon. And I don't think that paying extra to not travel like the locals do will give me a better insight into how they live, so I am happy with my choice, which you may gather yourself from what I wrote if you read it carefully! |
| 22nd January 2006 heinz1 | lost horizon - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar I would say when you travel elsewhere than in your own country stop to look at everything from that environ' view. it looks like you just did not think enough on planning. the airplane from yangon to ngapali goes every day several times. if you dont have the money to buy the plane ticket -about $70,- one way, take a car with a driver one day ..around $ 50,- he takes you everywhere and you have the possibility to look and stop as you like to find out really something about the country. the way you describe is just to run from one unpleasant surprise --for you-- to another one, what sense does that make ? if you dont have the money to do it orderly dont do it ! if you want to know more about beautiful Myanmar go to www.allmyanmar.com and also download our e-books and have a look for our videos on Myanmar after you feel BETTER. one comment on stinking.. give a few 1000 kyats notes and they will make a nice place for you in the bus 1000 kyat is $ 0.8 the stinking is rather strange since this kind of bus usually has all windows down and the strong wind takes away every smell immidiatey, on top, they also have very comfortable aircon buses out of Yangon, it looks to me that you wanted to have it the hard way, are you masochist ? |
| 20th January 2006 Heidi | Love your stories - From: Private Sector Torture and the Crowning Glory of Myanmar I'm getting ready to head to SE Asia in May, and though I was going to skip Burma, you've now inspired me...thanks for the beautiful photos. I'm also hitting Rome later on and I'll make sure to use your 10 things not-to-be-missed list :) How long will your travels continue? One question, are you from Iowa? I'm from Nebraska...good to know other midwest girls who are out in the world! |
| 11th January 2006 mermaid michele | Brava! from another [older] willing exile refugee! - From: Inspiration from the Highlands Oh My! Just wanted to say it was delightful to stumble across your blog and the wonderful job you did keeping up with this through CA! I'm in love with Ometepe Island and also volunteered with the Esperanza Granada crowd. Back in 2003...I found a small finca 0n Ometepe and my husband is down there right now waiting for our water drilling equipment to arrive so that we can dig some water wells for folks and for our own little finca. I will keep your blog pages in my favorites and I would love to hear from you sometime! BTW I'm an old wench dive instructor and have a rep in the US as a notable shipwreck researcher and diver! Congratualtions on your "immersing" into the last known unexplored frontier on earth! [the Oceans] Take care mi amiga! Brava! Ya Basta indeed! ;^) Mermaid michele [currently in Colorado Springs awaiting parole and release /escape from the urban jungle to las isla de Paz! |
| 6th January 2006 dbg@ix.netcom.com | Thank you for taking the time to journal. - From: North Coast hospitality & Garifuna culture Jen, thank you so much for taking the time to journal your experiences. It is truly a delight to vicariously travel with you. I, too, have traveled in Honduras, and particularly, Mosquitia. I have been even to Srumlaya (deep into Mosquitia, near the Nicaragua border, not even shown on most maps) where they told me that I was the first foreigner to ever visit. I have no way of knowing if that is true or not. You rightly applauded the hospitality of the Honduran, which you seemed surprised at, considering the nefarious exploits of William Walker there 150 years ago. I might suggest that the hospitality you experience throughout Latin America is certainly not discouraged, and possibly even encouraged by the many missionaries sacrificing in primitive and difficult places. I am a Mexican citizen, and have traveled much over the last 50 years in Latin America. My most recent trip to Honduras in 2005 allowed me to meet the missionaries in Palacios who live without electricity. They started a school, and have opened their own home to several of the most needy children. Then there was the young missionary couple in Puerto Lempira who lived in the most humble conditions while they sacrificially ran an orphanage they had started. How about the Cuban-American missionary from Pensacola who tenaciously works all year to stockpile thousands of pounds of clothes, etc. to bring down to distribute in the most remote and needy areas of Mosquitia. Then there was the American missionary who was traveling though this remote area of Honduras looking for the most needy people to encourage with a financial gift that he and his wife had saved up over the previous year. He gives away tens of thousands of dollars this way every year, yet he is an employee on an hourly wage. They all were unanimous in saying that their motivation was the result of a genuine desire to communicate God's love and their love to the Honduran people. Such sacrifice has bred good will for years in needy areas like Mosquitia Honduras. |
| 24th December 2005 90% angel | - From: Who Stole My Thailand? I live in Thailand :p..even though i'm an american citizen...I think the best place to go in Thailand is Koh Samui....it's a small island in the gulf of Thailand....very beautiful :) |
| 17th December 2005 Goat boy! | Beautiful - From: Time Travel and the Tourist Warp Your pictures and prose are beautiful...just wait until I get my hands on you;-) |
| 13th December 2005 KateEighty | Composition - From: Time Travel and the Tourist Warp I think your camera is perfect for what you want it for. Obviously you arent carrying the kind of equipment that Cumb. Saus is carrying but i think you have an "eye" for composition, which can be the thing that creates a mighty good pic! Cheers - kateeighty (www.kateonthego.blogspot.com) |
| 6th December 2005 Aaron | pink and orange - From: Time Travel and the Tourist Warp never knew orange and pink looked FABULOUS together! |
| 3rd December 2005 Jenni Jen | thanks! - From: Time Travel and the Tourist Warp that's quite a compliment coming from you! loved your bolivia photos. |
| 3rd December 2005 Cumberland Sausage | Some more great photos ... - From: Time Travel and the Tourist Warp ... particularly sunrise over mandalay. All the more impressive if done with an S1 IS if I read you correctly. |
| 12th November 2005 Jenni Jen | Dear Stefano: Don't jump the gun - From: Making History in the Belly Button of the World Perhaps you should read my next blog where I wrote: "But just as I get upset that a small percentage of young traveling females engage in promiscuous and reckless behavior that creates stereotypes and makes traveling for the rest of us difficult, I would also have to stand up for the Italian male public and note that most of them are normal, polite, chivalrous, and even charming and respectful." I already emailed you a reply so I won't go any farther on the fact that you are stereotyping me as some ignorant beer-guzzling ignoramus who doesn't realize the difference between harassment and friendly conversation, when in fact I have great respect for Italian men and culture on the whole. |
| 11th November 2005 Stefano | You are racist! - From: Making History in the Belly Button of the World Italians are not racist. Pehaps Americans are racist. Why in American Tv Italian is always a stupid mafioso or a pathetic eat-spaghetti?Because Americans are all ignorant and racist. Police man ask you if that man was your boyfriend because in Italy there were a lot of violence against women made from immigrants.Italians said you pehaps "ciao- Bella" speak with you but finally they respect you Don't worry. You said :"not to mention that the Carabinieri who guard the government building at the end of my block are among the worst of the ‘Ciao bella’ hissers in the city…hard to trust the police forces too much when you get sexually or physically harassed by them." You are the typical foregners. Soldier pehaps want only spekas for you and said you "bella" to make a nice thing,to be nice with you. In Italy is easy to speak with people but it's not sexually or physically violence!Have you seen that Italians socialize in Piazza and not with beer as you? You could have smile and belong to speak with them in quiet way. We are not sexually maniacal. American are fear to speak but in the evening they dring a lot.(they are the only girl drunk in Italy )and then they go to the boys to talk.In Italy is always the man that make the first step! You think that if a man want speak with you is for sex. For example the friend of my girl is American. I went home to my girl. I wait her. I offer something to American friend and she pehaps think that I wanted make sex with her. For you if a man talk with you if for sex. Open your mind.Than after 2 month in Italy the same girl said that Italians are very gentle-man,nice and generous with all girl. Open your mind,study Italians culture and rember Cristoforo Colombo! I repete pehaps some Italians in Rome is very "friendly".In Italy we think that American girl are easy " but we are not sexual maniacal! |
| 10th November 2005 mitla traveller | mexican men - From: Calling Aretha Franklin I do a great deal of business in Mexico, I am blonde, I drive everywhere and know how to swear like a taxi driver. I never have problems with Mexican Men or Mexicans for that matter. As for your query on Monte Alban, the one piece not aligned? Monte Alban is Zapotec not Aztec and secondly a theory with regard to the alignment is that it was placed there by warriors who wanted to let the ruling priest classes know who was really boss. Next time a Mexican man gives you a hard time call him a "peenchay hombrecito"...works for me! |
| 9th November 2005 Jenni Jen | dear ragger: - From: Who Stole My Thailand? i know it isn't my thailand...it was a play on words of the book, who stole my cheese? Although I do appreciate the fact that you seem to find it okay to tell me how to behave while denouncing me for apparently doing the same. |
| 9th November 2005 Jenni Jen | Dear Anonymous: - From: Sex and the Countryside I was backdating because I was lazy ;0) but was more recently backdating because I am in Burma and internet access is sketchy and at times few and far between. Burma and southern Thailand en route to Malaysia and beyond are next on the docket.... |
| 9th November 2005 Jenni Jen | Dear Kate: - From: Sex and the Countryside Thanks for the compliment; I switched cameras back in May - I was previously using a Medion camera, which I do not recommend for numerous reasons, which is why I got the Canon S1 IS, of which I only have a few complaints! |
| 3rd November 2005 deleted_8495 | - From: Sex and the Countryside Thanks! This is very thoughtful and interesting and the photos are excellent! Regards Chris |
| 3rd November 2005 chris | - From: Sex and the Countryside very interesting and beautiful photos! |
| 2nd November 2005 Bexy | Great weather! - From: Muddy Maderas Models in Merida Looks like you were really lucky with the weather - I climbed Maderas this summer and it was a mudbath from the moment we stepped of the footpath at 5am! We didn't make it to the crater lake either - we were shrouded in cloud so we couldn't see a thing! It's great to see your photos of it on a clear day though - I had no idea it'd be so big! |
| 1st November 2005 Darcy | Beauty - From: Sex and the Countryside Jenni, Once again I am amazed at the beauty you are witnessing. Your photographs are awesome! Your adventures are as well. Be careful and know that someone in Alaska is thinking of you. |
| 1st November 2005 ragger | - From: Who Stole My Thailand? It ain't YOUR Thailand. Open your eyes and learn from others. Stop trying to tell the world how to behave. |
| 1st November 2005 Katee | We had just left - From: New Year's in Costa Rica You must have followed us there! We stayed 10 nights in Punta Uva, departing December 14. What a great place. We're planning our return trip now. |
| 31st October 2005 Kate | Type of Camera - From: Sex and the Countryside I have been a big fan of your photos since you first begun blogging. What kind of camera are you using? |
| 30th October 2005 anonymous | Hi Jen, - From: Sex and the Countryside Great to see you blogging again. I´m just wondering why you keep backdating your blogs - where are you now and where can we expect blogs from in the future? |
| 28th October 2005 Rajtastic | Looks great - From: Should I Stay or Should I Go Now? I went to Fiji - that was awesome - http://www.wellgoodholiday.co.uk - there should be some photos of fiji if people want to see |
| 26th October 2005 anonymous | missing your log - From: Who Stole My Thailand? Dear Jen, Have not seen you write new log for a while. Hope you are wandering around ok. The world is full of self righteous people, don't let them get you down. I miss your ranting. LOL. Please keep us cubical bound grunts inform. :)) |
| 25th October 2005 Jenni Jen | Dear Linda: - From: Who Stole My Thailand? You really made a brilliant point; obviously government decisions are always right and we should just accept them all without question. Perhaps women fighting for suffrage rights and African Americans fighting for the civil rights movement should have just accepted US policies and given up their citizenship as well. |
| 20th October 2005 Linda | ???? - From: Who Stole My Thailand? Here's something to ponder over...As a traveller for almost a year,which tax dollars have you been contributing to the United States? And if you are so dissatisfied with US policies, why haven't you given up your US citizenship? |
| 20th October 2005 Linda | ???????? - From: Who Stole My Thailand? |
| 17th October 2005 Adam | Hello from Trujillo - From: North Coast hospitality & Garifuna culture I am a Peace Corps volunteer doing my service in Trujillo... stumbled upon your webpage and really delighted in reading about your experience while visiting. It's always interesting for me to compare my experience(s) in Trujillo with those of others who have come through. I'm glad you were able to find the beauty of Trujillo (not that its hard to see since it's literally surrounding you on all sides) despite its sometimes "rougher" edges. Enjoy the rest of your travels and come back anytime. |
| 16th October 2005 Jenni Jen | Check YOUR facts - From: Who Stole My Thailand? Dear Alex, If you read carefully, I actually did not blame all the problems existing in the world today on America; maybe you are a bit defensive. However, as a member of that country I do find it important to critique things I find unsavoury when my own tax dollars support it. Furthermore, I have actually checked my facts over the past five years and would be more than happy to send you links of research conducted on trafficking that holds the US government complicit in some of its startups in Asia if you would email me instead of posting some rant on "Oh no, why does everyone always blame America?" on my blog. I am just writing how I see the world; you don't have to agree with it, but maybe you should check your facts before telling me I don't know mine. |
| 16th October 2005 Alex Dumas | You are full of it - From: Who Stole My Thailand? Check your facts before you go around blaming America for every thing that is wrong in the world. |
| 15th October 2005 El | - From: Who Stole My Thailand? The Thailand you dream of does exist...you are just looking in the wrong places (for starters, don't stay on Khao San Road)! I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip! |
| 14th October 2005 Cumberland Sausage | Great Photos - cool compositions - From: Who Stole My Thailand? Particularly like the cat. |
| 14th October 2005 Ngaire | Have an awesome trip! - From: Who Stole My Thailand? Hi ya, I loved these photos you have up here. Last year I spent two very intense weeks running all over Thailand and had the absolute time of my life!! I hope that you have an awesome experience, I sure that you will Thailand is amazing. From Ngaire, Wellington New Zealand |
| 12th October 2005 grantcorp | Smile... you're in Thailand - From: Who Stole My Thailand? It was interesting to follow your journey to Bangkok, I recognize a number of your impressions but I just felt I wanted to share my opinion on this matter, as I have seen a number of bloggers coming up with similar ideas about Thailand and Bangkok in particular. It seems that travellers sometimes base their opinions on Thai society based on what is offered on the tourist trail. As famous as they may be, I would argue that places like Khao San, Patpong or your typical resort town are not providing much insight into neither Thai culture or customs. Don't worry, I am sure you can still find a Thailand that you will love, and you may even find it squeezed into a corner between a 7-11 and Starbucks. |
| 7th October 2005 Maverick | So sorry - From: Calling Aretha Franklin You have no idea how your lines make me travel around the places you visited, I have followed all your blogs. I'm mexican, and I'm so very sorry because of your experience with the oaxacan men. I was reading your lines with the sansation of seeing thru your eyes, and I found my self with a smile on my face just until I arrived to the "my sentiment now grew into severe irritation" part. I have had the plasure of reciving atention of not-known people during a budget trip to Europe and I kept those people on my mind as "friends", not to mention the hole group of travelers I hanged out with in some points of that geat trip. That's why I offer you an honest "sorry" because of that bad bad experience in my loved Mexico. I truly hope you to return to our country to find the real mexican spirit with that famous phrase "mi casa es tu casa", and you'll see how well we'll treat you. |
| 6th October 2005 neil kane | its the Phoenix park............... - From: Slantje! Great Crack on the Emerald Isle This is Dublin's playground - the largest urban enclosed park in Europe, with a Circumference of 11km (7m) and a total area of 712 hectares (1,760 acres). Situated 3km (2m) west of the city centre. Ornamental gardens, nature trails, and broad expanses of grassland, separated by avenues of trees, including oak, beech, pine, chestnut, and lime. Livestock graze peacefully on pasturelands, 1000 deer roam the forested areas, and horses romp on polo fields. Regards |
| 2nd October 2005 Yubert | Ennjoyed reading your B&H blog - From: And finally ... The One With Personality Nice writing about an area I really want to see and to understand more about the people and place. Also read your first journal about escaping the Corporate Life, something I'd like to do! |
| 2nd October 2005 Jenni Jen | To Gerry - From: And finally ... The One With Personality Yes, I would recommend car hire, I went to Blagaj with an Italian chap who had his car there and it was lovely, and I'm not sure you can get there without a car. That is just the next village over, about 10 km or so, but I'm sure there are other nice places around that are also only accessible by car. Have a great trip! |
| 30th September 2005 deleted_4346 | Great blog... - From: And finally ... The One With Personality Hi Great piece of writing. I never knew Bosnia was such an interesting place. I never tired of reading your piece, but the last three paragraphs let it down. Leave it as a travel piece and leave out the cliches of 'delving deeply into the travelling soul,' they've been done too many time before. |
| 30th September 2005 Gerry | getting around in B&H - From: And finally ... The One With Personality Hi, Great blog! I'll be in Mostar on 3-10-05, and in the region for two weeks, would you recommend car-hire there? As in, worthwhile? Fine piece of writing by the way! |
| 29th September 2005 Nicky | Brilliant - From: And finally ... The One With Personality I was recently in Sarajevo, and also had the amazing luck to meet with locals, and have everything explained from their perspective. I hadn't written it all down, but your beautifully written blog brought it all back. Thank you! Keep your heart open, and keep up the 'selfishness' :) |
| 27th September 2005 Linda | comment - From: And finally ... The One With Personality If you need travel to allow you to ``feel, understand and care more about people``....you have serious issues that no amount of travelling can help. |
| 9th September 2005 Toni | enchiladas - From: The Tale of Three Sisters: #1) The Well-Rounded One Jenni is one of the most open-minded and independent souls I have met in a long time...it's a rare enough combination to find in someone, and a gift to spend time with her. I'm jealous of her future traveling partners. She's also unduly modest; she failed to mention in this blog how...smitten...certain locals were with her. Let's just say Slovenia would not have been the same without Jen's beauty procuring us special favors. |
| 31st August 2005 Leo MX | so ashamed - From: Settling the score Hi, I just read your post about your erratic experiences in my country (Mexico), I am so ashamed of the behaviour of all that idiots that almost sunk your trip, I hope you don't believe all mexicans are chauvinist, idiots, that are only awaiting an opportunity to jump to a lady. Well, I hope next time you visit us (if you want to), you can get a much better experience. Kind regards, Leo. |
| 18th August 2005 rachel mc clean | WOW - From: Feels like home.... i have also been to nicaragua and i was at a hotle named montelimar it was so amazing i never had gone to such a great country befor and trust me i have been lots of places |
| 18th August 2005 Lidia Frech | Anxious to visit Nicaragua - From: Feels like home.... I read your article about Nicaragua, it sounds to me a small but full of traditions country, a place where you discover a totally different world, where you can be in touch with nature, art, and hospitality, and over all you do not need to break your piggy bank to have a good time. |
| 12th August 2005 Corri | - From: And in Ring #2: Wanderlust vs. Life in the ‘Hood… Amazing! I love what you've written and plan to visit your journals once, or twice, again to read about your adventures. I will be leaving my life in California to explore Europe in two months. I am due to come back in December, though everyone tells me that I won't be coming home. It sounds like you never did return? Maybe I'll run into you out there. Have a wonderful time in your world and thank you for sharing it with everyone. :) |
| 12th August 2005 jo | - From: And in Ring #2: Wanderlust vs. Life in the ‘Hood… Beautiful picutures, to say the least. But more importantly- you captured the spirit of Rome or...it captured you. |
| 11th August 2005 Nancy B | San Blas Islands - From: Paradise Found Jeni We went on a 2 week cruise in Sept 1978. This cruise was chosen because it DID stop at these islands. I had a few small molas and wanted to go to where they'd been made. What a wonderful experience! It is beautiful there. They live in such a different way from us. Our stay was much too short, only a few hours. |
| 10th August 2005 Mauro Italy | JJ - From: And in Ring #2: Wanderlust vs. Life in the ‘Hood… I'm one of salsa Roman group who met Jenni in her adventure in Rome: i can tell everyone that she is very special, different from the rest of people in this galaxy...her force is her courage, and obviously her smile.Jenni,you have taken a lot of beautiful memories of Rome, but i sincerely tell you that Rome, with you, had a new, distinct glare, also for me, nevertheless i'm roman... a big kiss to my JJ, Mauro R. |
| 10th August 2005 deleted_2211 | - From: And in Ring #2: Wanderlust vs. Life in the ‘Hood… Love, love, love your writing. I'm not much of a traveler, have never been to Rome, but feel you've taken me there somehow. Can't wait for our next journey :)! Thanks- |
| 9th August 2005 Témoris | Battle lost... but not so much - From: Settling the score Hi! I've read your three Mexican blogs carefully. I found a beautiful quote on the Travelblog's home, the one about the knight's fight for your hand, Guatemala and Mexico, and being a Mexican man that definitely made me feel attracted, read it and feel so pleased. Then I went to your second blog, and got really pissed off. I understand perfectly what you are talking about, what happened to you happens regularly to Mexican women, and the same people that hassles you are those who would feel enormously offended if anyone would talk to their mother/sister/girlfriend on the street. I shared your point of view: the most cultural rich place will not gain your heart if its people didn't stand at the same height of that apparent richness, and at the end, before the fact that Sir Mexico lost the battle, I just thought: "Yes. We deserve it, and so will be until we don't cut our stupidity and rudeness from the root". Luckily, things went a little better for you and the story, as I could read on the third. Well, at the end you found something nice, like the Garcia family. I'm so happy they were there to redeem our image, or part of it. I prefer to think that people like those constitute the real soul of the Mexican. I'm on a RTW trip and writing a blog, too. Just in case you are interested (which would be nice, as most readers turn to be mainly photo watchers, cause it's in Spanish, and you can understand it): www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Temoris/ Saludos desde Nairobi, Kenya!!! |
| 19th July 2005 Janette | - From: Making History in the Belly Button of the World It sounds like you had tons of fun at the Live 8 concert. I hope all is well in Italy and and in the rest of your travels. Ciao! |
| 3rd July 2005 Nicky | - From: La Passegiata You write so wonderfully, and I love your attitude. I'm so glad you include the low points with the high ones. I'm heading to Rome myself on Thursday, as an unprepared and inexperienced traveller - I was feeling anxious but now I'm really excited! |
| 1st July 2005 ConMel | Beautifully written - From: La Passegiata Hi Jenny, my girlfriend is moving to Rome in September - I've mailed her this blog, I think she'll really appreciate it, it's great! |
| 18th June 2005 Lisy | one more question - From: Muddy Maderas Models in Merida but appearently you have met the guides of Playa Volcan? because the darn guide dog pretty looks like Nickels, the dog of Pancho aka Francisco.. |
| 11th May 2005 anonymous | wow - From: Settling the score WOW thats cool - elaney |
| 19th April 2005 anonymous | cool - From: Calling Aretha Franklin thats soooo cool when you sea it for real!!!! - codie ott |
| 7th April 2005 anonymous | Best Yet! - From: The Art of Life This is your best entry so far! You have become so poetic! Have fun Jen...and I will keep wondering why I am doing what I am doing. - Manu |
| 22nd March 2005 anonymous | Great info THANKS - From: Muddy Maderas Models in Merida Having climbed Concepcion a couple years back I can appreciate your effort and fun! I love your comments and tips! - Cesar |
| 17th March 2005 anonymous | San Blas Island - From: Paradise Found Jenni I was there in December 2004, and is certainly a backpackers desert island paradise. Check out my link of some more cool images of the island. http://www.pbase.com/chrisayriss/panama Safe travels. Regards Chris Ayriss - Chris Ayriss |
| 19th January 2005 anonymous | Hello - From: City of Salsa Hi Jenn, I stumbled across your travelblog and have really enjoyed reading about your adventures so far. Being in cold, snowy D.C. I am dreaming about going to Central and South America. What other places are you planning on seeing? Thanks for sharing your adventures with us random daydreamers out there. - Casey |
| 10th January 2005 anonymous | THINKING OF YOU - From: Adventure junkie in the making HEY JEN! LOOKS BEAUTIFUL THERE AND YOU CAN BET YOUR BUTT I AM PROBABLY THE MOST JEALOUS OF ALL. JASON HAS HEARD ABOUT ALL HE CAN HANDLE ABOUT HOW MUCH I HATE THIS #&!%* SNOW AND ICE AND WANT TO MOVE BACK TO THE SOUTHWEST OR ANY TROPICAL ISLAND OF HIS CHOICE, HELL, EGYPT WOULD BE FINE BY ME! TAKE CARE SISSY! - JOHANNA |
| 2nd January 2005 anonymous | Headed to Bocas in a week! - From: Happy New Year from Panama! I can't wait to get back to Panama and leave our cold waves in NY for the warm tubes of Isla Colon! :) Where in Panama are you? Maybe we'll see you in a week, enjoy! Pura Vida...Buen viaje...hasta.. BB - Bobby B |
| 2nd January 2005 anonymous | Hope the bug's gone - From: The final countdown.... I sure hope your feeling better, Jen. I'm so excited about this adventure of yours and that you're letting us all read about it as you go. Take care and have fun. - Darcy |
| 30th December 2004 anonymous | I love you! - From: The final countdown.... I know you've heard "be careful" from everyone, so I won't be redundant. So instead, I say, have a wonderful time! No matter where life takes you or what emotional rollar coster either one of us may be on, you will always be my best friend. I hope you find what it is you're looking for. Love you! - Pam |
