lostsomewhere

Part 1 Travel by its very nature transports us to a different place. However there are fewer and fewer places that have the power to transport us to a different time and in doing so, give us a glimpse of a very different way of life. Burma (aka Myanmar) is one of those rare remaining countries that makes the visitor feel as if they have not just left their home, but also the present time. In fact all the guidebooks and articles I've read, inevitably use the phrase "time warp" to describe this place. And while the 21st century is banging at the door, it is still very easy to imagine that you are in British colonial times or even earlier. My visit here has left me with images that I will remember forever. Dry plains ... read more

Set amidst the forrested mountains of the north,Chiang Mai is noticeably cooler than most of Thailand, not just in temperature but also in vibe. It's hard to believe that this is the second biggest city here as it has none of hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Instead of malls there are wats(temples) and instead of suits, saffron robes. After hectic Vietnam spending a few nights here was much needed. Not that I was not busy, in fact there is so much here to preoccupy a traveler. From adventure sports, to cooking classes, to shopping, to family friendly fun, those are all here and more. No wonder it's such a popular destination even for Thais. Walking around the old center itself was a highlight. I spent a couple of evenings trying to see some of the temples ... read more

Today I wrapped up my six days in Vietnam. Hardly enough time to scratch the surface of this very interesting country of 86 million. I was just able to see the two major cities: Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon as it is still referred to by locals) and Hanoi, plus a few day trips to the Mekong river delta and to Ha Long bay. I started in Saigon after a six hour bus ride from Phnom Pehn.The difference between the two cities is striking. Saigon is busier, more developed, cleaner and there are infinitely more motorbikes/scooters. They are known here as "Hondas" whatever brand they are (kinda like how we call tissue paper Kleenex in the US). Traffic here is quite a sight to behold, motor bikes (carrying whole families, produce, livestock, furniture) buzzing about ... read more

I'm currently sweating it out at an internet cafe in Pnhom Pehn, capital of Cambodia. Finally found some free time to update the blog after 4 days in Siem Reap, the base town for exploring the temples of Angkor. Siem Reap is the second major city in Cambodia with a population of only 120,000 compared to Phnom Pehn's 1.5 million. The town had a laid back, almost bucolic charm but probably not for long. Signs of development are everywhere geared for massive tourist influx. My guide told me a new much bigger airport is being planned (in cooperation with Korea) to allow larger planes/more international flights. The government obviously sees the potential for Angkor to be the major attraction in southeast Asia and after visiting the temples it is easy to see why. Just like Rome ... read more

It all started with a book. John found an old copy of the Lonely Planet Greater Mekong at a garage sale. A guide on the countries crossed by the Mekong river. It became my bedtime reading for weeks. Stories of lost empires found, tragic bloody wars, genocide, and natural disasters. More than enough reason to inspire wanderlust in anyone. It wasn't long before the images started stirring in my head: the slowly meandering brown river, soaring temples at dawn, colorful markets, bustling cities, deserted beaches and a myriad of people whose way of life have been intertwined with the "mother river" of Southeast Asia. I also felt that I have some unfinished business in Thailand. We loved Bangkok during our short trip there last year. It left me longing to see the rest of the country ... read more