clashvalian

Laos is full of easy going people who I’m pretty sure don’t know what punctuality or time are. The pace of life just slows down to a cool strut. No one really tries to scam you, however I did hear about hostel owners boarding the boat going to Thailand before it docked and trying to steal bags in an almost Monty Python fashion. I got into Vientiane and had a layover for 4 hours, so I headed out on a tuk tuk to get a massage (I mean, naturally that’s what you think when you have a 4 hour layover right?). It was this 2-story straw-bamboo-palm tree hut hanging out amongst a bunch of Buddhist temples. There was some low level chill music, an herbal sauna, a lounge area where tea was served amongst a common ... read more

You can't compare the temples of Angkor to anything you've ever seen or will ever see. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that drags you into desiring that it won't be. I sincerely believe that if you go anywhere in Asia for a somewhat extended period of time, this is a destination you must put at the top of your bucket list. The people of Cambodia are INCREDIBLY interested in sharing their culture and history with tourists. Most people respond to smiles or nods and granted, I was in the two touristiest parts of Cambodia. I did hear some stories from fellow traveler’s of prostitution, but never encountered that. Got into Siem Reap and found a hotel close to the center of town. Afterwards, we rode into a hill close to Angkor Wat ... read more

Have to apologize for my ridiculously lackadaisical behavior over the last 4 months. I have about 4-5 blog posts that will be up shortly. Got into Ho Chi Minh and headed towards my hostel. The man at reception invited me outside for beer, cigarettes, and food upon arrival. Strangely nice compared to most of my other experiences in Vietnam, and the language barrier seemed to not be a problem for him, so it wasn’t a problem for me. I met two brothers from Holland who had been corralled by my fellow gentleman and struck up pretty good conversation. Their father is Indonesian and they were in absolutely infatuated with Vietnam. One of them was pretty funny, outgoing, and very worldly. The other was just quiet and polite. We went out for some food and then ended ... read more

Taiwan General Impressions: Taiwan is full of friendly and overwhelmingly hospitable people with human rights. Everyone seems really happy and they really just want you (as a tourist) to enjoy your time there. Do’s and Don’ts: Don’t wear your shoes inside someone’s home, and after that it’s pretty much the same do’s and don’ts of mainland China. Favorite Place: Taroko Gorge (specifically riding mopeds and hiking through it) Favorite traveler met: Canadian who gave me a lift from the airport to Taipei. He was from Vancouver, really easy going, loved the outdoors and the environment. Favorite phrase: “Ok le ba?” Literally meaning “Ok (completed action) (rhetorical question)?” Massage: Head Massage – 9 out of 10. Oils, salts, and shampoos rubbed in your hair with a stone for 30 minutes. Heavenly. Local Beer: Taiwan Beer - ... read more

I headed out for Spring Festival vacation on January 7th. My Chinese New Year vacation was 45 days long and I planned to go to Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. The first stop was Taiwan. I met an interesting Canadian from Vancouver in the Nanjing Airport before we took off to Taipei. He sells racquet sports equipment, but mostly badminton equipment, all over the world. A good portion of his market happens to be Asian consumers and a lot of his factories are just outside of Nanjing. When our plane touched down in Taipei, he and his friend gave me a lift into town. He was a really nice guy. We talked about Badminton, the outdoors, Chinese economics and development, and the Cascades. After wandering around some alleyways trying to find the Chocolate Box ... read more

I should have written about this before I flew out for Spring Festival, but I was pretty busy grading at the time. Things are going pretty well back at school and you can expect some blog posts within the next few weeks about my Spring Festival travels. I went to Xi’an in the beginning of December with my parents before they flew back to the U.S. The first day we spent in Xi’an was started at the terracotta warriors’ excavation site. How to even begin… The terracotta army is absolutely astounding. Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor of the “first” dynasty of China (some would argue it’s the Sui). He created a common currency, written language and government of ancient China. Modern Mongolia to Hong Kong was unified under his rule with Xi’an as the ... read more

Shanghai Got into Shanghai and stayed at a hotel in the French Concession with my folks. Next day woke up to show them the Bund, Nanjing Road and met up with Victor (a good friend who teaches at Anhui University of Technology) and his girlfriend Tian for lunch south of People’s Square. It was a pretty glorious meal. Cilantro, peanuts and tofu that looked and tasted like beef; crispy green beans with chili peppers and small bits of ground beef; eggs and fried green vegetales; fish-tasting eggplant; deep fried shrimp on skewers; very tender flounder looking fish; spinach soup; sweet oat tasting pooridge; black sesame rice smoothie; cold chicken strips in chili oil (verrrrry spicy! Yowsas!); soup with mushrooms, greens, and scallions; and of course a big giant bowl of rice. I probably forgot the 8 ... read more