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Published: January 7th 2010
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The past week found me in Hong Kong more days than I was not. Normally this would be a great thing, and half of it was. If you have the opportunity to experience New Year's Eve in Hong Kong I recommend it. It's absolute insanity. The streets are packed with nationals of every country you could imagine and the palpable excitement in the air makes even the monstrous hills seem like flatlands. The other two days however, were spent in a mad frenzy for visas complete with running all over the island, forging Zak's name on several government documents, begging consuls to expedite our visa applications and persuading the embassy of a certain favorite country of mine to open early just for me (Cambodia you truly ARE the best country ever). The real coup de gras though was the awarding of a Myanmar visa, something that was thwarted on the first three attempts but was finally and mercifully granted upon the fourth try.
The reason for this treasure hunt of sorts? The Spring Festival. I have from 1 January to 1 March off. Two whole months of PAID vacation. It's times like these I remember why I love China so
much. Zak not having the same times off, I have to wait until the 15th to hit the road. Probably more of a blessing however as I'd most certainly blow all my money on two months traveling. Our itinerary is to start in Nanning, China and go overland through northern Vietnam, eastern Laos, northern Cambodia, northern Thailand, and spend more than a week in Myanmar. Upon arrival back in Thailand from Myanmar, Zak and I will go our separate ways; him off to Shenzhen overland again and me down to Borneo Malaysia with a few days in the tiny sultanate country of Brunei, just because I can. Having been through Vietnam and Cambodia with Zak previously, we're mainly sticking to the road less traveled and avoiding major cities. We're looking for backwoods, no electricity, dirt floor kinds of places. I really wish I could say there was one country I am most looking forward to but each holds a special draw. For your consideration, a run-down:
Vietnam-- Hanoi, the only major city we'll really see, and the bun bo shop because I loved it so much the first time. And this time I'm not leaving till I drink some snake
blood in Le Mat and see Zak eat the still beating heart.
Laos-- riding elephants into the jungle and camping on the banks of the Mekong with rural Laotian families.
Cambodia-- Well this really needs no explanation, seeing as how I've repeatedly stated to whoever asks that it's my absolute favorite piece of earth on the planet. And this time we'll get to see remote temples.
Thailand-- I've heard so many things about Thailand, both good and bad, that I'm anxious to form my own opinions.
Myanmar-- Well you never really forget your first military dictatorship do you? And they have a temple whose name translates to "Temple of the Enemy Crusher". Take that St. Peter's.
Malaysia-- primarily jungle trekking to see the endangered orangtan and bat caves made famous by the BBC special Planet Earth.
And Brunei, one of the smallest countries in the world? Experience SE Asian Muslim culture and soak up the mosques, naturally.
I'm incredibly anxious to get going and am even looking forward to the solo part of my journey through Malaysia and Brunei. It will be my first real experience backpacking alone and I think I'll relish the freedom it allows. For now
though, it's kind of fun to hang around school and not have to teach. I get to see the kids in a new light and they're becoming increasingly chatty with me. I had one student come up with a worried expression and ask if I would be back after the break. When I said yes she beamed at me and ran away to tell her friends waiting on the sidelines. I've also received several letters telling me how much they like my class which is always great to hear. The last two weeks I taught I showed them Twilight and administered oral exams. If you want to see excitement just tell a roomful of 40 Chinese junior high students that they get to watch Twilight. I had students standing on chairs, applauding me, and it took a good 5 minutes to quiet them down enough to actually start it. The only thing that may rival it is seeing 500 of them in a room scrambling over each other for candy being tossed out. Well that's all for now I think. Pictures of the neighborhood and school to come soon. For reals this time. Just gotta upload but it's slow and
I'm tired. 新年快乐!!
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Cin AKA Liz
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Soooo jealous, Toto!