So I picked up an extra teaching gig here in China at a kindergarten recently. I've been there almost two months now and I can't help but proclaim my love for tiny humans. Now, I have nothing against babies and toddlers and kids in general back home, but I seriously believe that Chinese children are ten million times cuter than American (white) children; there, I said it and I mean it. Chinese babies have the cutest chubby cheeks, pants with no butts, the best looks of curiosity towards foreigners. I'm full on obsessed with Chinese babies.
Now, my kindergarten here is more what we would consider a preschool at home. I have four different classes, Pre-Nursery (2-3 years old), Nursery (3-4 years old), Kindergarten 1 (4-5 years old), and Kindergarten 2 (5-6 years old). Primary schools here start with first grade and most students start there at the age of six. I teach at the school three days a week and the classes range from 15-30 minutes based on the age group.
And if I haven't yet mentioned yet that these kids are darling and adorable and hilarious and just precious beyond belief, well I'm telling you now. Sometimes I dread having to teach there because I no longer have my four day weekend (ya I know, I was way too spoiled before) but every time I leave the kindergarten, I am usually ready to burst from love for these kids. They make me laugh and smile the entire time I'm there.
Do I get to teach them the most thrilling material? Heavens no. Am I able to command the attention of 20+ munchkins? Hardly. But that is more than okay. Each class has its own special quirks and perks. Each class has a stack of flash cards that we go through, a CD of songs, and the two kindergarten classes have books to learn letters, sounds, and words.
Pre Nursery is usually just a chaotic mess, but it is also my favorite class (no surprise there). There is one boy who squeals with delight when I walk into the room and just starts squeal shouting "Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!" and his giggle is something you wouldn't believe until you hear it. When I first started, there was one little girl in the class who just burst into tears at the sight of me, she was terrified of the scary weird looking teacher. But now she rushes up to me and says hello and actually participates in the class instead of hiding from me. Most of this class is spent singing and dancing with the kids and I'm pretty impressed with their ability to regurgitate English words (most of the time I don't think they know what they are saying, but its impressive nonetheless).
The Nursery class is probably the most difficult. There are over 30 children in this class and it seems like it grows every week. It is completely impossible to keep all of the kids entertained and focused on the class and at times it can be frustrating, but it is really impossible to actually get frustrated at them. They are just so young and cute and tiny and I can't help but love them. There is one boy in the class who is probably the most adorable child I have ever seen and I named him after my brother Matthew (I've given many of the kids English names). One time I saw Matthew at a little fruit market and he just start jumping up and down and opening his mouth like he wanted to say something and just didn't know what to say and he was so excited to see me outside of school he couldn't control himself. He blurted out "ni hao!!!" and his mom finally looked up and saw me and just started beaming. And then I said hello to him and he just repeated "hello hello hello" endlessly for several minutes before we both left. He is just beyond cute.
K1 is another great class. They are probably the best behaved and some of the students already have a great grasp of English. They can answer questions about the weather, their favorite season, animals, colors, activities...more than what some of my students in Guiyang could do. This class is also very big, with almost 30 students. One thing that I do in all of the classes is make sure they are up and moving and active usually every 5 minutes. It really is difficult for them to sit so long and pay attention and learn so I break the classes up into several small sections. We do some flashcards and then stand and move around. We do some flashcards then sing a song. We do some flashcards and then do some role play or acting. The K1 class loves being active. They recently learned words like such as jump rope, ride a bike, play the guitar/piano etc. They favorite thing to do now is a game called "teacher says, student does" so I'll tell them jump rope and they have to pretend to jump rope. We've had some near fatalities with a few students getting a little too into the guitar. And seeing them "ride a bike" is a sight to behold.
K2 is obviously the best at English. They are all preparing to enter primary school and many of them do have great English skills. There is one student from Serbia in the class and she speaks Serbian, Chinese, and English at 6 years old. Some of these kids are way too smart for their age. Its easy to tell that a large chunk of their English comes straight from memorization and I'm pretty certain none of them can truly read or write, but you can't deny how impressive it is.
So, all in all, I love it. I love these kids. I love the chorus of "hello" and "goodbye" I get whenever they see me. I love that in PN, one little boy always helps me walk out of the classroom by pushing on my butt. I love their smiles and laughter and even when they cry. The world is a much better place because of tiny humans.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Some Things Never Change
So, I realize I have been massively failing at writing in my blog since I left Guiyang. Especially since I've been in Nanjing, I just have had a lull in writing. Mostly because I feel like I don't have anything to say. And partially because I feel like I'm not really doing anything exciting. I mean, I'm not visiting all these cool places every weekend like I did in Guiyang. I'm really just kind of working and living. I'm eating and sleeping.Walking places and watching TV and playing card games and just doing a bunch of boring things. Basically, its like living at home, except I'm doing it all in China.
Even though I am in this completely different world and everything is so Chinese, its nice to knew that somethings just don't change. For example:
I am still just as accident prone as ever. And basically bad luck just follows me around wherever I go. I can be walking normally one second and then be flat on my behind the next because apparently gravity and I just don't get along. I managed to be involved in a minor motorbike "accident" and a bicycle "accident" in the same week. That's something really only I could pull off.
Then, I managed to break not only my bicycle but someone else's too in one week time. On my bicycle, I managed to kick the kickstand right off. Then, the next week as I was riding my bike home, one of the pedals just magically fell off. When I borrowed a friends bike the next week, I managed to make one of her pedals fall off. Again, something only I could pull off.
There are also some good things that don't change or are at least the same no matter where I go.
Example: The smell of Starbucks. I love that I can walk into a Starbucks in China and feel like I am back at the Square making lattes (and making a mess) and just having a fun time. I love that the music you hear in Chinese Starbucks is the same music you would hear in a US Starbucks.
I love when I can hear a sound or smell a smell and it reminds me of a very specific moment or time in life. When life gives you this deja vu moment and you could just swear that you've lived this exact moment already.
I love that I can watch a Youtube video for the millionth time and still laugh like its the first time I've ever seen it.
Honestly, I think so much of people's unhappiness can so easily be avoided. And today was a day that I really noticed that. I mean, I've been struggling lately. I don't know if I've been missing home or what, but China has been extra challenging. And trust me, I know some days can be WAY harder than others. You always have to deal with a language and culture barrier and sometimes you just wish you could read a street sign or be able to say "excuse me" on the metro and not have to push your way through. But, you really can choose what you allow to bring you down. So many problems have a simple solution. If you're cold, put on a coat. If you're lonely, go outside and walk for two minutes and just smile at a stranger. If you're sad, watch "David After Dentist" and I guarantee you will be laughing in three minutes. And sure, some problems are bigger than that. And I don't get why people always feel the need to face their problems alone. That's just so dumb.
And now I have truly proved that some things never change. Because I totally just meant to post this tiny little blurb about really nothing and then I got off on like three different tangents and I don't even remember what I originally wanted to say.
Oh well.
Even though I am in this completely different world and everything is so Chinese, its nice to knew that somethings just don't change. For example:
I am still just as accident prone as ever. And basically bad luck just follows me around wherever I go. I can be walking normally one second and then be flat on my behind the next because apparently gravity and I just don't get along. I managed to be involved in a minor motorbike "accident" and a bicycle "accident" in the same week. That's something really only I could pull off.
Then, I managed to break not only my bicycle but someone else's too in one week time. On my bicycle, I managed to kick the kickstand right off. Then, the next week as I was riding my bike home, one of the pedals just magically fell off. When I borrowed a friends bike the next week, I managed to make one of her pedals fall off. Again, something only I could pull off.
There are also some good things that don't change or are at least the same no matter where I go.
Example: The smell of Starbucks. I love that I can walk into a Starbucks in China and feel like I am back at the Square making lattes (and making a mess) and just having a fun time. I love that the music you hear in Chinese Starbucks is the same music you would hear in a US Starbucks.
I love when I can hear a sound or smell a smell and it reminds me of a very specific moment or time in life. When life gives you this deja vu moment and you could just swear that you've lived this exact moment already.
I love that I can watch a Youtube video for the millionth time and still laugh like its the first time I've ever seen it.
Honestly, I think so much of people's unhappiness can so easily be avoided. And today was a day that I really noticed that. I mean, I've been struggling lately. I don't know if I've been missing home or what, but China has been extra challenging. And trust me, I know some days can be WAY harder than others. You always have to deal with a language and culture barrier and sometimes you just wish you could read a street sign or be able to say "excuse me" on the metro and not have to push your way through. But, you really can choose what you allow to bring you down. So many problems have a simple solution. If you're cold, put on a coat. If you're lonely, go outside and walk for two minutes and just smile at a stranger. If you're sad, watch "David After Dentist" and I guarantee you will be laughing in three minutes. And sure, some problems are bigger than that. And I don't get why people always feel the need to face their problems alone. That's just so dumb.
And now I have truly proved that some things never change. Because I totally just meant to post this tiny little blurb about really nothing and then I got off on like three different tangents and I don't even remember what I originally wanted to say.
Oh well.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
The Scent of Happiness
China is a land of confusion. Sometimes things work out perfectly and exactly how you could expect them to. Other times, China throws you every single curveball imaginable. But you know what? That's okay.
Sometimes you gotta take the bad with the good. There are times I want to throw China in a ditch and there are times I want to hug it for being so joyfully wonderful.
Like right now, autumn is upon us here in Nanjing. And everywhere, literally EVERYWHERE I go, there is this beautiful sweet fragrance filling the air. Some little flower is in full bloom and just making the air smell heavenly. I didn't know a random smell could fill me with such hope and leave such a promising expectation for good things coming my way.
So here is a shout out to you, weird but glorious smell that is taking over Nanjing. I salute you for lifting the spirits of all those lucky enough to smell your sweet scent and be enveloped in the happy-go-lucky feeling you bring.
((I was going to end my blog right there, but I just had to add this crazy little part. I'm listening to some random song and the lyrics said something about the scent of the foreign flower...life is full of too many coincidences for them to be coincidences.))
Sometimes you gotta take the bad with the good. There are times I want to throw China in a ditch and there are times I want to hug it for being so joyfully wonderful.
Like right now, autumn is upon us here in Nanjing. And everywhere, literally EVERYWHERE I go, there is this beautiful sweet fragrance filling the air. Some little flower is in full bloom and just making the air smell heavenly. I didn't know a random smell could fill me with such hope and leave such a promising expectation for good things coming my way.
So here is a shout out to you, weird but glorious smell that is taking over Nanjing. I salute you for lifting the spirits of all those lucky enough to smell your sweet scent and be enveloped in the happy-go-lucky feeling you bring.
((I was going to end my blog right there, but I just had to add this crazy little part. I'm listening to some random song and the lyrics said something about the scent of the foreign flower...life is full of too many coincidences for them to be coincidences.))
Monday, September 23, 2013
What Home Is.
I've now been back in China for 29 days. That may not sound like long, but a lot can happen in 29 days; that's also 3 days more than my time back home. But, if we're getting technical here, those 26 days were split up into a ton of different places: Vegas, San Diego, Arizona, Seal Beach.... So what exactly is home? I mean, being in the US made me miss China. Being in Nanjing makes me miss Guiyang. Every single day I think about at least one thing that makes me miss the US. So where is home?
This is something I've been struggling with ever since I left my family behind at security at LAX. Leaving for China was significantly harder this time around for several reasons, some of which I'm still discovering. Maybe that's why (actually that's exactly why) I've taken 29 days to write about my time at "home". Thinking about and talking about things at home makes me sad. There is so much that I am missing out on: weddings, births, deaths, celebrations, birthdays, holidays...the list can continue forever. There are all the little things too: playing monopoly with friends, driving down PCH with the windows down and my music turned up, car bars, laughter, jokes, home cooked meals, walks along the beach, the release of all pain when someone you love and who loves you hugs you. These are all the things that make a home, mixed in all together, the good and the bad. That's why Seal Beach, San Diego, Vegas, Arizona, Guiyang, and now Nanjing are all home to me. That's why six places can hold a place in my heart and be part of who I am.
I'm not going to be a this cliché and say "home is not a place, its a feeling" because I don't think I fully believe that. Home is a place that makes us feel, gives us those feelings. Home is where we feel welcome, safe, and loved. Home is where we may feel alone, sad, and scared. It is a place where memories live forever, memories brought back through smells, sounds, and sights. You can never really leave home or runaway because it follows you everywhere you go. So I guess I wasted 29 days worrying about what would happen when I thought about and consequently wrote about home.
So what did I do during my 26 whirlwind days stateside? I lived. I drove my car, fought with my family, shared secrets with my friends, stayed up too late, cried happy tears and sad. I went to doctors appointments, ran errands, did laundry. I did what I've always done but everything felt different. Maybe the real reason I've avoided talking about home is because at least at first, going home didn't feel right. Now that I've finally admitted that, I can actually explain myself. Living in China changed me. The people I met (Chinese, travelers, fellow teachers) changed me. My perspective shifted and I grew up a little bit. I saw the world and held it in the palm of my hands. Going back to your own world after life-altering experiences changes your old world and I don't think I was expecting to feel so out of place when I returned. Home was the same and different in so many ways. The pace of life was faster, I was connected to the entire world everywhere I went thanks to my fully functioning iPhone. I could suddenly drink tap water, read signs, and be understood every time I ordered food, asked for directions, or talked to a stranger. These are all things that I've basically lived with for 22 years and I had to readjust to live that way again. So coming home was also somewhat of a re-self-discovery.
But what I really should be getting to are the many adventures I had while home. I managed to squeeze in three Angels games and one Galaxy game. At my first Angels game, I was surprised with a "welcome home Ashley" sign on the jumbo tron (not a proposal, but close enough so I can mark that off the bucket list) and I was surrounded by family and friends. I got to support my teams and I had a blast being crazy and just being me. And I don't think anyone would disagree when I say a live game is incomparable to watching animated play-by-plays online.
I also went to Vegas to visit family. Its hard when you see the people you care for so infrequently, but reconnecting and spending those 4 short days together was amazing. And I am proud to say that in those four days of gambling, I broke completely even. Didn't lose or win a cent. I guess you can call me a safe bet.
I made the voyage down to San Diego which was probably the most bittersweet part of this journey. My time there was so short and I didn't get to see everyone or eat all my favorite foods. But, I am beyond grateful for the friends I did get to see. Saying goodbye to them was difficult, but I have to believe that life will bring us together again. And if it doesn't, well at least we'll always have the memories. My 4+ years in SD were some of the best in my life and I'm lucky to have been able to call it home.
Another bucket list item can be checked off because after San Diego, I went to Arizona and finally saw the Grand Canyon. It is just as magnificent and unbelievable as I always imagined. I also spent a few days in Scottsdale where I finally got some time to relax and reconnect with old "family". I had a blast.
Now if I were to break down the 26 days, I ended spending more time away from home (Seal Beach) then at it. But I wouldn't change a thing. Thought at times it was hectic, crazy, and stressful, it was beautiful all the same. I got to eat some of the most delicious food: tri tip, tacos, chicken and dumplings, el Burrito, Bubba's pulled pork, BBQ chicken, mac n cheese, omelets..... all these things that I love that bring back cherished memories. I got to spend time with friends that I've known since I had a full set of baby teeth. I got to reconnect with four years worth of co-workers at a bowling alley. I got to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean from my hometown. I got to relive childhood ecstasy at Disneyland.
But most importantly, I got to look people in the eyes and tell them that I love them. I got to reach out and hug people I cared about. I got to feel the love and warmth surrounding me instead of reading about it through a computer. And that is what made all the difference. That is what makes a home a home.
This is something I've been struggling with ever since I left my family behind at security at LAX. Leaving for China was significantly harder this time around for several reasons, some of which I'm still discovering. Maybe that's why (actually that's exactly why) I've taken 29 days to write about my time at "home". Thinking about and talking about things at home makes me sad. There is so much that I am missing out on: weddings, births, deaths, celebrations, birthdays, holidays...the list can continue forever. There are all the little things too: playing monopoly with friends, driving down PCH with the windows down and my music turned up, car bars, laughter, jokes, home cooked meals, walks along the beach, the release of all pain when someone you love and who loves you hugs you. These are all the things that make a home, mixed in all together, the good and the bad. That's why Seal Beach, San Diego, Vegas, Arizona, Guiyang, and now Nanjing are all home to me. That's why six places can hold a place in my heart and be part of who I am.
I'm not going to be a this cliché and say "home is not a place, its a feeling" because I don't think I fully believe that. Home is a place that makes us feel, gives us those feelings. Home is where we feel welcome, safe, and loved. Home is where we may feel alone, sad, and scared. It is a place where memories live forever, memories brought back through smells, sounds, and sights. You can never really leave home or runaway because it follows you everywhere you go. So I guess I wasted 29 days worrying about what would happen when I thought about and consequently wrote about home.
So what did I do during my 26 whirlwind days stateside? I lived. I drove my car, fought with my family, shared secrets with my friends, stayed up too late, cried happy tears and sad. I went to doctors appointments, ran errands, did laundry. I did what I've always done but everything felt different. Maybe the real reason I've avoided talking about home is because at least at first, going home didn't feel right. Now that I've finally admitted that, I can actually explain myself. Living in China changed me. The people I met (Chinese, travelers, fellow teachers) changed me. My perspective shifted and I grew up a little bit. I saw the world and held it in the palm of my hands. Going back to your own world after life-altering experiences changes your old world and I don't think I was expecting to feel so out of place when I returned. Home was the same and different in so many ways. The pace of life was faster, I was connected to the entire world everywhere I went thanks to my fully functioning iPhone. I could suddenly drink tap water, read signs, and be understood every time I ordered food, asked for directions, or talked to a stranger. These are all things that I've basically lived with for 22 years and I had to readjust to live that way again. So coming home was also somewhat of a re-self-discovery.
But what I really should be getting to are the many adventures I had while home. I managed to squeeze in three Angels games and one Galaxy game. At my first Angels game, I was surprised with a "welcome home Ashley" sign on the jumbo tron (not a proposal, but close enough so I can mark that off the bucket list) and I was surrounded by family and friends. I got to support my teams and I had a blast being crazy and just being me. And I don't think anyone would disagree when I say a live game is incomparable to watching animated play-by-plays online.
I also went to Vegas to visit family. Its hard when you see the people you care for so infrequently, but reconnecting and spending those 4 short days together was amazing. And I am proud to say that in those four days of gambling, I broke completely even. Didn't lose or win a cent. I guess you can call me a safe bet.
I made the voyage down to San Diego which was probably the most bittersweet part of this journey. My time there was so short and I didn't get to see everyone or eat all my favorite foods. But, I am beyond grateful for the friends I did get to see. Saying goodbye to them was difficult, but I have to believe that life will bring us together again. And if it doesn't, well at least we'll always have the memories. My 4+ years in SD were some of the best in my life and I'm lucky to have been able to call it home.
Another bucket list item can be checked off because after San Diego, I went to Arizona and finally saw the Grand Canyon. It is just as magnificent and unbelievable as I always imagined. I also spent a few days in Scottsdale where I finally got some time to relax and reconnect with old "family". I had a blast.
Now if I were to break down the 26 days, I ended spending more time away from home (Seal Beach) then at it. But I wouldn't change a thing. Thought at times it was hectic, crazy, and stressful, it was beautiful all the same. I got to eat some of the most delicious food: tri tip, tacos, chicken and dumplings, el Burrito, Bubba's pulled pork, BBQ chicken, mac n cheese, omelets..... all these things that I love that bring back cherished memories. I got to spend time with friends that I've known since I had a full set of baby teeth. I got to reconnect with four years worth of co-workers at a bowling alley. I got to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean from my hometown. I got to relive childhood ecstasy at Disneyland.
But most importantly, I got to look people in the eyes and tell them that I love them. I got to reach out and hug people I cared about. I got to feel the love and warmth surrounding me instead of reading about it through a computer. And that is what made all the difference. That is what makes a home a home.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
What Does It Mean
I am a firm believer in the saying "everything happens for a reason"...
I truly think and feel that at the end of the day, every word we say, every action, and every feeling stems from some meaningful beginning. There is a reason the sky is blue. There is a reason girls like flowers. There's a reason chocolate makes you fat.
I think there is a reason that I found myself back in China. I believe there is a reason I chose to come to Nanjing over returning to Guiyang. I believe there is a reason I have put up with the struggle and fight and faced all the complications.
Have I faced all these struggles gracefully? Heavens no. I've complained and whined. I've shed a few (or maybe more than a few) tears. I've stomped my feet. I've been down right grumpy.
BUT
There is a reason its been so difficult.
I don't know what it is yet, but sooner or later I will learn.
Maybe it will be one of those profound life lessons. Like you have to fight for what you want. Or maybe its not worth it if you didn't have to struggle.
I'm ready to accept the fact that not everything goes perfectly or the way you want it to. Sometimes life just sucks and that's okay. At the end of the day, you just need to pick yourself back up, brush off your shoulders, and soldier on.
I don't know why I have faced so many problems in my first 2-3 weeks back in China.
But I do know that I love it here nonetheless.
I do know that I am already building new friendships and relationships with students and teachers.
I'm discovering a new city and falling in love with a new China, different from before, but still just your typical China.
I don't know what it all means.
But I have the faith and trust to know that sometimes you have to let go of the control you so desperately want to cling to. Sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith and know that even if everything goes wrong, you'll be okay.
I'm also learning how to accept help. I don't always have to be my own super hero. Its okay to ask for help. It's okay to just accept it when others are so willing to give it.
I have such a wonderful support system: back home and here in China.
It's about time I learn to lean on others.
Sooooo
Thank you.
You know who you are.
Thank you for being my rock. Thank you for being that guiding light. Thank you for taking the wheel when I can't seem to stay in the lane. Thank you for always making me smile, even when I seem completely inconsolable. Thank you for seeing past the facade and being there, even when I try my best to convince you I'm fine.
and on a side note....
I meant for this to be short and all, but in typical Ashley fashion I just kept going and going and going....
also,
in the very near future, I'll post about my time at home and the beginnings of Nanjing.
All in due time.
<3
I truly think and feel that at the end of the day, every word we say, every action, and every feeling stems from some meaningful beginning. There is a reason the sky is blue. There is a reason girls like flowers. There's a reason chocolate makes you fat.
I think there is a reason that I found myself back in China. I believe there is a reason I chose to come to Nanjing over returning to Guiyang. I believe there is a reason I have put up with the struggle and fight and faced all the complications.
Have I faced all these struggles gracefully? Heavens no. I've complained and whined. I've shed a few (or maybe more than a few) tears. I've stomped my feet. I've been down right grumpy.
BUT
There is a reason its been so difficult.
I don't know what it is yet, but sooner or later I will learn.
Maybe it will be one of those profound life lessons. Like you have to fight for what you want. Or maybe its not worth it if you didn't have to struggle.
I'm ready to accept the fact that not everything goes perfectly or the way you want it to. Sometimes life just sucks and that's okay. At the end of the day, you just need to pick yourself back up, brush off your shoulders, and soldier on.
I don't know why I have faced so many problems in my first 2-3 weeks back in China.
But I do know that I love it here nonetheless.
I do know that I am already building new friendships and relationships with students and teachers.
I'm discovering a new city and falling in love with a new China, different from before, but still just your typical China.
I don't know what it all means.
But I have the faith and trust to know that sometimes you have to let go of the control you so desperately want to cling to. Sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith and know that even if everything goes wrong, you'll be okay.
I'm also learning how to accept help. I don't always have to be my own super hero. Its okay to ask for help. It's okay to just accept it when others are so willing to give it.
I have such a wonderful support system: back home and here in China.
It's about time I learn to lean on others.
Sooooo
Thank you.
You know who you are.
Thank you for being my rock. Thank you for being that guiding light. Thank you for taking the wheel when I can't seem to stay in the lane. Thank you for always making me smile, even when I seem completely inconsolable. Thank you for seeing past the facade and being there, even when I try my best to convince you I'm fine.
and on a side note....
I meant for this to be short and all, but in typical Ashley fashion I just kept going and going and going....
also,
in the very near future, I'll post about my time at home and the beginnings of Nanjing.
All in due time.
<3
Monday, September 2, 2013
Late is Better Than Never, Right?
Okay, so it has been what, one, two months...approximately, since I've written on my blog. You can chastise me all you want, but I have nothing to apologize for. I have been out and about living my life and making the most of this precious life. Now that I'm back in China and starting school, things are actually starting to slow down and I can reflect back on what exactly happened in the last two months. Will you get to hear every single story? No. But maybe now that I've done it all and seen it all and thought about it all....I don't know, maybe it will enhance my story telling capabilities.
So my last post was about Cambodia, specifically Phnom Pehn. I'm pretty sure I never wrote about Siem Reap because that's where my laptop charger exploded and I was suddenly slightly less connected with the world than before. What can I say about Siem Reap other than Angkor Wat is the most amazing place I have ever been. To have the opportunity to walk through hallways and passages and on walls that were built so long ago with such beauty was just an unbelievable experience. You get this feeling of pure awe at the intricate detail put into every single inch of the place. And yes I know the actual temple complex that is Angkor Wat is supposed to be the biggest and best, but I by far had a better time strolling around and through some of the older more obscure temples. I found that those were even more amazing to look at because most of them haven't been restored in any way (unlike Angkor Wat which has been restored/remodeled in some places). It was all amazing and cool and yeah. I don't know. I guess you can talk about it all you want but I don't think anyone can truly appreciate the epicness of Angkor Wat without going themselves.
Next stop on the whirlwind adventure of 5 Southeast Asia countries in 26 days was Thailand!!! Now I have wanted to go to Thailand forever; out of all the countries I visited this summer, Thailand is the only one that I thought I would ever actually go to. Bangkok, in my honest opinion, is overrated and not what its cracked up to be. But I absolutely fell in love with the people of Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand. Especially the two owners of our hostel, they were just so warm and welcoming. They made a point to make sure they introduced new comers to the hostel to whoever was around; they took us out to a free cabaret show; they went above and beyond to help when we needed it.
But talking about Chiang Mai would not be complete without a quick elephant blurb. Yes I rode an elephant like everyone who goes to Chiang Mai does. Yes, I tried to make sure it was a camp that treated their animals well. Yes, in typical Ashley fashion...I fell off my elephant. I maintain to this day that it wasn't my fault, it was the elephant's. I swear, he had it out for me. He was all like "eh uh. get off me girl" Of course right after the elephant blatantly embarrasses me in front of everyone, I have to hop right back on for a ride to the bathing hole where I precede to get in the mud pool with the elephant and bathe it. Best experience of my life? I'm not sure, but it is definitely in the top ten.
Moving down south, I mean, who doesn't love even just the idea of the beaches of Thailand?! Yes it was beautiful and amazing and relaxing and blah blah blah. Do I want to go back? Of course I do! Will I go to Krabi again? Maybe not. I do think it is highly underrated as a good place to go. Maybe the party scene isn't as good as it could be (especially compared to Koh Tai or Koh Lanta or any of the other millions of islands that are famous for their parties. But, anyone who knows me knows that crazy party scenes aren't really my scene. So I enjoyed myself and still got to see some of the coolest places (like Railay Beach!)
I feel for the most part I could skip Kuala Lumpur. I had been so excited to go there and see things. But in the end, it was more of a letdown. A lot of the city was under construction which made navigating the streets incredibly difficult. I often felt like I was forced to use a taxi because of the street confusion and then most of the taxi drivers were a rip off. The only cool thin was that I faced my fear of birds and went to the KL bird park. As much as I really dislike birds and they freak me out, it was pretty cool to be right up and in it all with the birds and so many of them were just so beautiful.
Finally I get to talk back the Philippines. My oh my was Boracay awesome. I mean, it was truly paradise. White sand beaches, palms trees, and a cool tropical breeze blowing. Sipping on cocktails while lounging in the low surf. I mean, I don't think I can paint the picture well with my words. All I really have to say is close your eyes and think of one word: Paradise. Everyone has their own idea of what that is. Mine is Boracay. I'm sure many people picture a similar tropical paradise. I think it was the best possible place to spend my birthday. I think I'm a pretty lucky girl.
I never thought I'd get to do the things I've done and see the places I've seen. Many people would call me lucky (heck, I just called myself lucky). But I constantly have to remind myself that I'm not lucky at all. I worked hard and carefully budgeted my money for a long time to be able to afford a trip like this. And when you aren't too picky, a trip like this doesn't have to be some huge expensive ordeal. You can stay in budget accommodations, eat like the locals do instead of eating Western food every night. Walk or discover the metro systems instead of taking taxis. I mean honestly, anyone can do it. I mean, come on. If you really want something that badly, you can practice the self reserve and not go shopping every single day or eat out every other day or whatever it is you waste your money on. Just stop doing that and make a travel piggy bank. You won't regret it.
So my last post was about Cambodia, specifically Phnom Pehn. I'm pretty sure I never wrote about Siem Reap because that's where my laptop charger exploded and I was suddenly slightly less connected with the world than before. What can I say about Siem Reap other than Angkor Wat is the most amazing place I have ever been. To have the opportunity to walk through hallways and passages and on walls that were built so long ago with such beauty was just an unbelievable experience. You get this feeling of pure awe at the intricate detail put into every single inch of the place. And yes I know the actual temple complex that is Angkor Wat is supposed to be the biggest and best, but I by far had a better time strolling around and through some of the older more obscure temples. I found that those were even more amazing to look at because most of them haven't been restored in any way (unlike Angkor Wat which has been restored/remodeled in some places). It was all amazing and cool and yeah. I don't know. I guess you can talk about it all you want but I don't think anyone can truly appreciate the epicness of Angkor Wat without going themselves.
Next stop on the whirlwind adventure of 5 Southeast Asia countries in 26 days was Thailand!!! Now I have wanted to go to Thailand forever; out of all the countries I visited this summer, Thailand is the only one that I thought I would ever actually go to. Bangkok, in my honest opinion, is overrated and not what its cracked up to be. But I absolutely fell in love with the people of Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand. Especially the two owners of our hostel, they were just so warm and welcoming. They made a point to make sure they introduced new comers to the hostel to whoever was around; they took us out to a free cabaret show; they went above and beyond to help when we needed it.
But talking about Chiang Mai would not be complete without a quick elephant blurb. Yes I rode an elephant like everyone who goes to Chiang Mai does. Yes, I tried to make sure it was a camp that treated their animals well. Yes, in typical Ashley fashion...I fell off my elephant. I maintain to this day that it wasn't my fault, it was the elephant's. I swear, he had it out for me. He was all like "eh uh. get off me girl" Of course right after the elephant blatantly embarrasses me in front of everyone, I have to hop right back on for a ride to the bathing hole where I precede to get in the mud pool with the elephant and bathe it. Best experience of my life? I'm not sure, but it is definitely in the top ten.
Moving down south, I mean, who doesn't love even just the idea of the beaches of Thailand?! Yes it was beautiful and amazing and relaxing and blah blah blah. Do I want to go back? Of course I do! Will I go to Krabi again? Maybe not. I do think it is highly underrated as a good place to go. Maybe the party scene isn't as good as it could be (especially compared to Koh Tai or Koh Lanta or any of the other millions of islands that are famous for their parties. But, anyone who knows me knows that crazy party scenes aren't really my scene. So I enjoyed myself and still got to see some of the coolest places (like Railay Beach!)
I feel for the most part I could skip Kuala Lumpur. I had been so excited to go there and see things. But in the end, it was more of a letdown. A lot of the city was under construction which made navigating the streets incredibly difficult. I often felt like I was forced to use a taxi because of the street confusion and then most of the taxi drivers were a rip off. The only cool thin was that I faced my fear of birds and went to the KL bird park. As much as I really dislike birds and they freak me out, it was pretty cool to be right up and in it all with the birds and so many of them were just so beautiful.
Finally I get to talk back the Philippines. My oh my was Boracay awesome. I mean, it was truly paradise. White sand beaches, palms trees, and a cool tropical breeze blowing. Sipping on cocktails while lounging in the low surf. I mean, I don't think I can paint the picture well with my words. All I really have to say is close your eyes and think of one word: Paradise. Everyone has their own idea of what that is. Mine is Boracay. I'm sure many people picture a similar tropical paradise. I think it was the best possible place to spend my birthday. I think I'm a pretty lucky girl.
I never thought I'd get to do the things I've done and see the places I've seen. Many people would call me lucky (heck, I just called myself lucky). But I constantly have to remind myself that I'm not lucky at all. I worked hard and carefully budgeted my money for a long time to be able to afford a trip like this. And when you aren't too picky, a trip like this doesn't have to be some huge expensive ordeal. You can stay in budget accommodations, eat like the locals do instead of eating Western food every night. Walk or discover the metro systems instead of taking taxis. I mean honestly, anyone can do it. I mean, come on. If you really want something that badly, you can practice the self reserve and not go shopping every single day or eat out every other day or whatever it is you waste your money on. Just stop doing that and make a travel piggy bank. You won't regret it.
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| Angkor Wat |
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| Tomb Raider Temple |
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| PETRONAS Towers in KL |
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| Pretty Birdie |
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| Boracay! |
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| Sunset over White Beach |
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| Found a starfish in Philippines :) |
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| fabulous cabaret in Chiang Mai |
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| Butterfly fly away |
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| My new bestie. |
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| we have a lot in common. we both love bananas |
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| on our way to Railay Beach in Thailand |
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| Thailand-tastic. |
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| Surf. Sand. Sun. Love. |
Friday, July 12, 2013
Opening My Eyes
Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
PP is the capitol of this beautiful country. I'm not gonna lie, my knowledge of cambodia was pretty slim a year ago...heck even one week ago I was learning new things about this country that I feel like I definitely should have known about. Hopefully some of you already know some of the history. If not, let me fill you in.
We left Ho Chi Minh in the morning and took a bus to PP. It was actually incredibly comfortable and quite a good experience (wish I could say the same for all these other bus rides!). The further we got from HCMC, the more beautiful the landscape got. Especially once we hit the cambodia side, it was all green and open sky and honestly the most beautiful clouds I've ever seen. Traveling to SEA (southeast Asia) during the wet season obviously has its drawbacks...but it is so easy to entertain yourself on a long bus ride when you find pictures in the clouds. So after 7-8 hours of sitting on a bus, going through the border, sitting on a bus...we arrived in PP. At the bus stop we share a taxi with a guy from Germany named Andi who ended up staying at our hostel was well. PP wasn't what I was expecting...but then again I didn't really know what to expect. It seemed kind of hard to find local foods because everythig just seemed very western. Which in a way is nice after being in china for 4+ months without as much western contact (western food and stores yes, people no). That first night we walked around one of the wats and had dinner on the river walk. The whole night I was trying to mentally prepare myself for the next day.
Phnom Penh is well known for its history during te Khmer Rogue ruling following the civil war in Cambodia. Happening roughly 30 years ago, this is all such current history that just hasn't been talked about back home. Millions of people died during the time, the goal was to start over at year zero by eliminating all intellectuals, religiuous figures, past government officials, and any family members or people who posed a threat. If you spoke a foreign language, you were a target. If you had higher education, a target. And where were these people sent? To prisons where they were ruthlessly interrogated, lived in dire conditions, and then sent for execution. The most famous of these prisons is in PP and it had been turned into a museum of remembrance. Not far from the prison is a killing field where they were all sent for death. It is the largest killing field in Cambodia. On the second day, I visited both places.
We started at the prison, known as S21. It's location was a former high school, classrooms were turned into torture rooms, libraries into prison cells. One thing that is somewhat unique of this genocide are the records kept of all the prisoners. Each prisoner was photographed, hand written confessions of their "crimes" were found. And the prison was kept mostly the same when it was converted into the museum. The interrogations rooms still hold some of the devices and beds used for torture. The wooden and brick cells are still in place. Countless boards displaying tr pictures of the victims line room after room. Here you can see the faces of men and women, the young and the old. The grounds also contain the graves of the last 14 victims to die at the prison as we as the skulls and bones of some of the victims.
Regardless of how much you prepare yourself to go to a place like that, there will always be something that makes you stop in your tracks. When you see a woman holding her newborn baby awaiting certain death, a little bit of your inner light fades. When you learn about the foreign victims of at S21 (from India, Australia, France, the US...) you have to shudder because you had no idea. When you read the autobiographies of the victims that were required upon entry to the prison, your heart just kinda stops. I wasn't prepared when I read the testimony of an American victim and saw the words Anaheim, San Diego, UCSB. How could something so tragic be so close to home and not mentioned in our schools? It really does make you take a step back and wonder about this world we live in. How there can be this capacity of hatred in a person, how one can justify the most ruthful actions.
After visiting the prison we started the short journey to the killing fields. The location isn't all that large and you are given an audio tour device at the entrance. I went through alone, going from place to place and just listened to the haunting story of what happened there not so long ago. Many of the original buildings were torn down shortly after the overthrow of the Khmer rogue so many places we're just marked off by signs. This is the type of thing I feel I can't go into much detail about. Walking through the killing fields is more of an emotion that you have to feel yourself. It's nearly impossible to describe how I felt as I walked past mass graves of 600+ people and how you could find bones sticking out in some areas still...brought closer to the surface after recent rain. It's hard to describe the sensation of losing all feeling as you stand before a tree that was used to smash infants into so that they could easily be discarded into the pit right next to it. The whole time you feel angry, sad, confused and scared. And then when you go into the stupa and see row after row of skulls you just feel defeated.
I don't regret going to these places. I do regret that things like this exist in our world. My eyes have been opened onto the harsh realities of what happens all over the world. It is a truth that you can't take back and a stripping of innocence. But I think it's something that everyone should do and go see. It's something that you won't fully understand unless you see it for yourself. It may be painful, but open your eyes.
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