Travel Tips!

I don't want to blog about our trip until I get a chance to upload our pictures, so for now, here are some travel tips I've learned, borrowed, or improvised throughout the years. And I threw in some photos from past travels =).

1. Only use a carry-on- this saves time (no waiting to check or pick up bags, and you can walk faster with fewer belongings!), space (especially when travelling abroad), and money (no extra fees on airplanes, trains, or buses)

2. How to pack all those products you'll need into a carry on sized bag? Skip the blow dryer and/or straightener. Some hotels and hostels will provide a blow dryer, and if not, let it go- you are on vacation! Instead of packing loads of hair, skin, and make up products, choose a couple you really care about and transfer them to 3oz bottles. If you skip bringing hair products altogether, a tiny amount of conditioner applied to your hair instantly smoothes and shines it. Conditioner also makes a great shaving cream.



3. Roll your clothes. I do not understand how or why, but rolling your clothes definitely saves space in your bag.

4. Leave the electronics at home. You can always use computers at an internet cafe, and most hotels and hostels have computers and internet free for guests. And, who needs a phone when you're escaping real life?



5. Save money by staying in dorm style hostels. Remember that most everyone there is in the same situation as you, and want it to be a safe, good place.

6. Ask locals for help! I do not know a lick of Japanese, Bengali, or Thai, but in all these places if I say "excuse me" then the name of the place I am trying to go, a local is more than happy to point in the right direction.

7. Pack some comfy clothes, some make-you-feel-pretty-clothes, and some practical clothes. At some point during your trip you will want all of these.



8. Before you go shopping, know what you want to buy- this will save you time if you are on a schedule, space in your bag, and money.

9. Have at least 1 day at the beginning and end of your vacation dedicated to rest and relaxation- I need this to unwind and it really helps bring your mind to the present and enjoy your time traveling!



10. Pack a water bottle, headlamp, journal, and pen. Water bottle for hydration, headlamp for early morning or late night extra light (especially courteous if you're sharing a room with other people), journal for note taking (helpful if you're using a train or bus system), and pen so you can write in the journal (duh!).

11. If you're not sure what or where to eat, your best bet is to go somewhere that already has patrons.



12. Don't forget to plan some spontaneity! After all, you are on vacation. I say "plan" because if you allow yourself a couple extra hours, or days, of flexible time you are able to do some exploring when you see something intriguing or off the beaten path. For me, some of these unexpected adventures have been the most fun.

No Trip to Asia is Complete Without...

Getting sick! That's right, folks. This current round of illness does not even compare to the near death India disease experience, but it has not been pleasant.

I will spare you the gruesome details, but I am very grateful to Josh and his parents for helping me get better. After about 30 hours of sleep, a couple rounds of cipro, and a call to an advice nurse in Iowa my symptoms are now pared down to an upset stomach, nausea, and a sprained finger (from falling over on the train while trying to not puke my guts out- I know).

Moving on, we made it to Shimonoseki, Japan around noon today and just finished an excellent Japanese dinner with Beth and Matt. I think we're going to watch some Arrested Development next, since it is the best show. Ever.

Asia Travels Part 1

Hello Dear Readers,

Well, this blog almost died before it even got going, but I am rescuing it right now!

I only have 10 minutes so here's a quick recap of our trip so far. While this narrative would be much better with photos, I unfortunately cannot access them yet.

So, we started out in Portland, drove to Seattle, and were dropped off at SeaTac by my lovely aunt Cherry. We boarded our plane and flew for about eleven hours to Tokyo. It was cute and pink and affirmed all my Japanese stereotypes. Just kidding, kind of.

After a layover in Tokyo we hopped on another plane and landed in Bangkok, where we were picked up and driven to a hotel near the airport. I popped a sleeping pill and enjoyed some rest, and in the morning it was back to the airport for a quick flight to Phuket.

Josh's parents met us in Phuket and we had a fantastic time on the beach with them. More details will come later when I can post photos. After a few days on the beach, eating ourselves silly, and daily massages we drug ourselves back to the airport to fly to Siem Reap.

Siem Reap was amazing. I was not prepared for the kindness we were shown nor for the absolute unbelievable-ness of the ruins there. Any country that sends its girls to high school, educates tourists about human trafficking, and doesn't rob the shit out of you gets an A+ from me.

It is almost 8pm here on Friday, and we are settling in to Josh's folks' house in Chiang Mai. I will try to get some photos posted, but they may have to wait until we come back to Portland.

Thank you for reading!