Malaysia PART 1: Kuala Lumpur Malaysia PART 2: Taman Negara (the jungle) Malaysia PART 3: The islands of the East Coast - Penang and Langkawi Being in Kuala Lumpur was an experience mixed with culture, shopping, craziness, and clubs. We spent each of our 3 days sightseeing and shopping in the afternoons, and partying throughout the nights. On our first day we bargained our way through Chinatown (Petaling Street) and the Central Market, and accidentally attended some kind of ritual at 'Sri Mahamariamman Temple'. Watching the ritual was fascinating as they chanted over a fire having an offering blessed before setting it aflame. It was interesting to see the role of the wife as she was allowed to circle the temple with her husband during the blessing, but then quickly moved behind the men when ... read more

Looking back at my 2 years in the small town of Yachiyo, I realize now how many wonderful experiences I had there, and how lucky I was to be a part of rural life in Japan. I remember thinking upon arrival "Oh ****! What have I gotten myself into?!?" But, as time went by the people of Yachiyo proved to me that I had become involved in a great community. It seemed that because I was the only foreigner in town people were continuously going out of their way to help me. If I ever needed anything, all I had to do was mention it to one or two people, and by the next day someone was there to help me. It was always such a comfort knowing that people were looking out for me! As ... read more

Cambodia: PART 3 of 3 ... read more

CAMBODIA: PART 1 OF 3 It always amazes me to visit new countries and experience unique cultures. Travelling to Cambodia introduced me to a culture which has experienced unbearable suffering, but yet has overcome their anguish and continued on as a nation of friendly and generous people. Arriving at the airport late on the night of March 21st I was immediately reminded of South America, where people greet each other with warm smiles and do not hesitate to conversate with a random passerby. Although airports are generally miserable places (especially when you are tired and hungry), I was immediately entertained by a group of customs officials who joked with me as I waited for my Cambodian Visa to be processed. Maybe because I was travelling solo, or maybe because I have been immersed in a "not-so-expressive" ... read more

Every Friday morning I start my weekends off by visiting a kindergarten or day care center for the 3 hours before lunch (when my weekend technically begins). Visiting the kindergartens is enough fun to be considered a vacation, and this week it was even more vacation-like because we celebrated the Japanese holiday Setsubun . I have attached a better description of setsubun below, but I also want to explain my experience... because it was definitely cultural! So on Friday morning after singing a few English songs with the kids they were asked to get out their handmade masks (which were about to protect them from the lurking devil or oni as it is called in Japanese.) Soooo cute! These masks ranged from colorful circles which framed their faces, to full out piles of construction paper ... read more