tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66216599441667376582024-03-14T07:32:46.613+11:00Confessions of a BackpackerHello all!
I've set up this blog instead of bombarding you all with group emails as I travel through parts of Asia. Feel free to leave comments as I would love to hear from you (I'll still be checking my email if you would prefer to communicate that way).
I'll try and get as many photos up as I can.
Hugs xorebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833813680986650763noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621659944166737658.post-17269645053775213902007-04-29T18:08:00.000+10:002007-05-03T19:40:57.372+10:00Err um...A few days before my retreat started I moved into a new room. It is certainly worth some talking about because I love love love it. It is enormous, even better is the fact that I have it all to myself. Forget renunciation, it is such a luxury! I think there have been less that five nights that I have had a room to myself since leaving home, now I have a whole month ahead of me with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sooo</span> much space and privacy! No more complaints about the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Reb</span> bomb! (for those of you who aren't familiar with this, I'm referring to the phenomena where every single one of my possessions becomes strewn around the room within a couple of hours of me having entered) Paradoxically, ever since being on my own my room has been spotless.! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hmmmm</span> that sheds some light on what the cause might be - my naughty roommates must somehow do it whilst I'm not looking.<br /><br />I have two big windows which look out over the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">neighbouring</span> fields. I can sometimes see the local women ploughing them and wandering around with baskets picking their produce. I have made a beautiful alter in my room with statues of Buddha, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Chenrezig</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Manjushree</span>. The latter two symbolise Buddha's compassion and wisdom. In front of my alter is my meditation spot with a small cushion and blanket. The room itself is above the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">monasteries</span> medicine Buddha clinic and it always smells like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">incense</span>.<br /><br />Each afternoon the hot summer winds from India cause thunderstorms here in Nepal. The sky gets really dark at around 4pm and the downpour begins shortly after. There have been some beautiful lightening shows which I watch from the balcony of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">gompa</span>. It is a spectacular show to see them make their way across the valley. A couple of nights ago from the safety of the dining hall I watched the monks running through the evening drenching. It made me laugh. One had a huge <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">tarpaulin</span> draped over him, another little one had a bucket over his head. he he.<br /><br />So wow, now it is May that means there is less than a month till I'm home. I have mixed feelings about that. Obviously I am hanging out to see everyone, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">especially</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Bazzaaa</span>! However, I can't deny that I feel a sense of panic. Perhaps panic is too strong a word, maybe uncomfortable is a better. I am a bit fearful that I will be returning to a life that I've lost all interest in. I'm worried that I will have to force myself back into the old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Rebecca</span> mold. It's not that I have changed so dramatically whilst I have been away, it's also that I didn't feel so 'at home' in my life before I left. Being away has enabled me to forget about some of that and enabled me to let go of my beliefs of who I thought I was. Particularly in the last month I have stopped identifying with certain behaviours I used to exhibit. I feel simpler, like I've returned to the basics of who I am. I don't agonise and intellectualise over my mind as much, at the same time I am more aware of its nature mind than I ever have been. Deep down, I know that when I get home I can be whoever I want to be and if I find it hard then the barriers are probably my own creation. So technically it shouldn't matter where I am. But, and this is a big but, I don't quite trust the strength of this more relaxed and gentle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Rebecca</span>. Certain environments I will find myself in will make old habits resurface and then make them harder to break. Life back home gets so full of distractions and superficial details. Most worrying though is that I will not be exposed to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Dharma</span> anywhere near as much.<br /><br />Anyway, time will tell. No point stressing yet. Back to the present. Retreat is going okay although it got off to a shaky start. My achievement oriented mind saw that I burnt out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">within</span> a few days of working way too hard. I have restructured my timetable now that and am being much kinder to myself, it seems to be going okay but it is very hard to be disciplined without group support. I've escaped into town a couple of times to hang out with people, a nice break although returning after the gates have been locked for the night has occurred on more than one <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">occasion</span> and is a little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">embarrassing</span>. A friend of mine from Holland, Marius, surprised me by coming and visiting me here at the monastery today. I just walked into the dinning hall today and there he was! A very pleasant surprise because it is getting quite lonely now that all my D<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">harma</span> buddies have headed off in different directions. I especially miss Nicole, an Australian with whom I got along really well. I think she was some kind of angel in disguise, always knowing what to say and coming out with some of the best one-liners I've heard since Mum left! Ah what a funny girl. Having said all that the next 10 day course has started here now so there are new friends to be made although I should be keeping to myself a bit more than I am. I have been talking to a very beautiful South African woman who was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Tenzin</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Palmo's</span> secretary last year. Pretty cool. She has some interesting stories to tell and I'm always happy to see her around. <br /><br />So there is not much else to report. Hopefully I can keep working away here, in the somewhat slack way I have been. I can't deny that I'm getting restless - sometimes I find myself meditating on doing a runner back out into Nepal in order to get a social fix and do some sightseeing. I've gotten close to a Dutch girl who lives in Patan and has offered me her spare room for a few nights... maybe that can be a break if I get to itchy.<br /><br />All my love xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxxorebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833813680986650763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621659944166737658.post-13408510267805858422007-04-18T21:05:00.000+10:002007-04-18T21:06:57.804+10:00Out of retreat but heading straight back in...<p class="MsoNormal">Hello all you lovely people.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I just finished a ten day retreat at a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery outside of <st1:place st="on">Kathmandu</st1:place> and feel totally at peace with the world despite, or perhaps because of, all the meditations on suffering and the certainty of my death!<span style=""> </span>At the end of the retreat I chose to ‘take refuge’ so I can now say I am officially a Buddhist!<span style=""> </span>It involved a ceremony in which vowed to develop my mind for the sake of all beings.<span style=""> </span>I took the 5 lay precepts, one of which was never to drink alcohol ever again.<span style=""> </span>It sounds extreme, well it certainly would have to me about 6 months ago, but since the retreat I did in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Thailand</st1:country-region></st1:place> I haven’t felt particularly inclined to drink anyway.<span style=""> </span>I have generally been doing it because whoever I’m with is sinking some.<span style=""> </span>The night before last I went to a cocktail bar in Thamel and didn’t have a drop, despite being the only one not drinking.<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t too hard and I felt really empowered afterwards.<span style=""> </span>It was clear to me that I didn’t need to do it to have fun or be socially comfortable.<span style=""> </span>Anyway, the process of taking refuge has been really great for me because it committed me to a path that I was tentatively heading down.<span style=""> </span>I feel that my enthusiasm to meditate and practice is stronger than ever.<span style=""> </span>No more half arsed practice!<span style=""> </span>I promised!<span style=""> </span>And I even got given my own Tibetan name, Losang Pelmo.<span style=""> </span>I’m told it translates as ‘Good heartmind perfect understanding lady’.<span style=""> </span>How appropriate. Lol.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also, I’ve decided to live at the monastery for the rest of my time abroad.<span style=""> </span>Whilst I’m tempted to do some more sightseeing (some of my friends are heading to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tibet</st1:place></st1:country-region> for example) I know that in the long run staying here is more important. The Nuns are great teachers and the other students are really friendly and a pleasure to be around.<span style=""> </span>We are going to work out a 4 week retreat for me to do, based on the Lam Rim – the text we’ve been studying in Melbourne and the one that His Holiness taught about at Losar.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, having said that I did some pretty touristy things yesterday.<span style=""> </span>I went into <st1:place st="on">Kathmandu</st1:place> to visit Pashiputinath, a major Hindu pilgrimage area.<span style=""> </span>It was quite confronting seeing people being cremated left right and centre.<span style=""> </span>The bodies and the funeral pyres were much closer and more exposed that in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Varanasi</st1:City></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>I felt quite disrespectful being amongst the processions and grieving families, so I sat on the banks and did Tong-Len to try and ease their pain.<span style=""> </span>It didn’t seem to be working at all so I headed back to the monastery on foot, winding my way through the back streets and seeing some pretty remarkable sights.<span style=""> </span>It is amazing how the number of kids without pants on quadruples as soon as you leave main road.<span style=""> </span>3 hours later I arrived back in time for tea, very dusty and sweaty.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In other news, I have picked a return date!<span style=""> </span>I am flying home from Kathmandu on the 24<sup>th</sup>, arriving in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Melbourne</st1:place></st1:City> around noon on the 25<sup>th</sup>.<span style=""> </span>I won’t have much to write until then, and will be using the internet even less than before (if that’s possible) but please keep me posted on life down under. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Till then, all my love and hugs to you.<span style=""> </span>Particularly Harry.<span style=""> </span>He he, I didn’t forget this time.</p>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833813680986650763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621659944166737658.post-62363527469186421342007-02-28T16:51:00.000+11:002007-02-28T17:29:45.686+11:00McLeod GanjThree nights ago, Mum and I took a 12 hour bus ride to McLeod <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ganj</span>, a small town in northwest India. McLeod <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ganj</span> is home to a community of Tibetan refugees (including His Holiness the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dalai</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lhama</span>) who have settled in India due to the Chinese invasion and occupation of Tibet. It's a heavily <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Buddhist</span> population - at times the number of monks on the street out numbers the number of laypeople! Men and women in maroon robes are sitting at the computers on either side of me as I write this and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">thangka</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Buddhist</span> cloth painting) hangs in front of me. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Dharma</span> is very much a part of life here.<br /><br />It's also quite touristy. There is a plethora of guest houses, book shops and restaurants. Nevertheless, I find the people here to be much less aggressive than the people in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Rajasthan</span>. Even the tourists are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">noticeably</span> more friendly and caring.<br /><br />There are many more words to describe this place, amongst them is <u>cold</u>. The majority of yesterday was spent shuffling from shop to shop stocking up on warm clothes. I think I bought at least 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">sheep's</span> worth. Mum and I whinged to each other and sipped cup after cup of hot tea and coffee, wondering how on earth we were going to survive in the Himalaya next month.<br /><br />"Let's not do the Annapurna circuit but say we did," Mum joked, "Let's go to Thailand instead."<br /><br />We kept asking people how cold they thought it was, expressing something like relief when they mentioned any figure below 7C.<br /><br />"See it <em>is</em> cold," we'd tell <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">each other</span>, "We're not that weak after all."<br /><br />So you can imagine I experienced something close to euphoria when I awoke this morning to find it had been snowing.<br /><br />"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Yay</span>! If it's <em>this</em> is sub zero then I can definitely hack it in Nepal!"<br /><br />Mind you, I practically flew out of my sleeping bag into 6 layers of clothing and ran to get hot coffee at the restaurant down the road. But that's not the point.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Now</span> it is raining. Pouring, in fact. And there is an electrical storm going on that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">makes the</span> one in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ko</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Toa</span> seem like the brief flick of a light switch. We're pretty limited in what we can do with our time here. Hiking is out of the question but I've bought some beautiful <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Buddhist</span> texts and want to study them before we leave. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Dalai</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Lhama</span> begins teaching in a few days and Mum and I have registered for that also. We didn't even realise he would be teaching whilst we were here until we had difficulty finding somewhere to stay. How fortunate are we!<br /><br />Mum is also considering doing a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Reiki</span> course. I'm going for something a little more main stream and learning how to cook Tibetan style.<br /><br />Oh and in other breaking news, I almost forgot, we found a shop that sells <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Marmite</span>! It's not quite <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Vegemite</span>, but after 3 months without the beloved Aussie condiment I'm far from complaining. Tomorrow the nations of India and Australia will unite when I spread it all over my chapattis (this morning was a union between Tibet and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Aus</span> as I had Tibetan bread for a change). I'm currently riding a vitamin B high. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee</span>!<br /><br />Also...<br /><br />Adam - I have sent you a physics book that you may find interesting. It's coming via sea mail so I may beat it home, if I don't, please enjoy!<br /><br />Andrew - There are some table clothes coming your way (again sea mail). Pick which ever one you want, it was the elephant one I picked with you in mind. He he.rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833813680986650763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621659944166737658.post-35190091481024505512007-01-08T16:09:00.000+11:002007-01-14T15:10:16.183+11:00Ko Toa baby!<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span> and I have been on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Ko</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Toa</span> now for 4 nights. Two facing one direction in our bed, two facing the opposite way. Both are equally uncomfortable. Luckily, all is forgiven because the view from our bungalow is nothing short of spectacular. Photos to come I promise. The place is very '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">hippy</span>'. Whatever that means. It is quite secluded and offers basic bungalows on the boulders and a little deeper into the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">jungle</span>. Martin, the German who runs it, teaches <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">tai</span>-chi here and his wife offers full on 2.5 hour Thai massage. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span> and I both agree our chi is flowing better after one of those! We have booked in for another on our last day here. I think this place will be a perfect transition into my retreat on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Koh</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Phangan</span>.<br /><br />I have adopted a doggy and it sleeps on our balcony. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span> is convinced it has mental problems and I think she is right. It rubs itself up against things as if it is a cat. It perches itself on boulders and stares out <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">longingly</span> at the horizon as if it is a bird. It tries to get into our bungalow as if it is a human. And the identity crisis is not its only problem. It stinks. Bad. The reason I coaxed into our area was because I herd it crying, I think it got hurt trying to launch itself off a boulder. In the process I think it got poo on itself somehow. Perhaps it thinks it's a dung beetle.<br /><br />We have met some really cool people here. Patrick is an Australian who has travelled more than anyone I have ever met. We get along really well. He is relaxed and new-age, but not in a selfish way. Reno is Austrian, we met when he offered me a lift back to the bungalows on his motorbike. He is warm and generous. Naomi is an ex-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Intrpid</span> guide. She has spent <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">a lot</span> of time in India and Nepal. The ideal person for me to bump into. She calls <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Koh</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Phangan</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Ko</span> Gang Bang.<br /><br />We waste hours here chilling on our balcony. Playing cards and reading. Telling doggy to go back to his bed and not rub up against us.<br /><br />The weather here has been <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">crazyf</span>. On the first day it was fine and sunny and then wham. 99% humidity, lightening, thunder, torrential rain and gale forced winds. For 3 days straight. The roof flaps up and down and we can see the sky between gusts of wind. I made the mistake of doing all my washing on the morning the storms came. I think they got wetter <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">after </span>I hung them out to dry even though they were under cover. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span> had to hang the clothes from her suitcase out to dry, and they hadn't even been washed! Crazy times. The sea got rough and because we don't have beach where we are staying (we have boulders were the sea meets the land) it is a bit dangerous to go in.<br /><br />I went in yesterday though. Patrick and I attempted some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">snorkeling</span> as there is some great reef right outside our resort. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">visibility</span> was poor but I had an awesome time. I saw a fish like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Nemo</span>. The sea was rough and when on the surface I was a bit scared. But under the water it was calm and peaceful. A very cool experience and I think better than if it had been calm. Getting out was tricky because I kept getting pulled of the boulders then pushed back onto them. But it really was part of the exhilaration of it.<br /><br />Some creepy crawlies have invaded our bungalow to escape the weather. Including another big lizard! Larry's long lost twin perhaps? A huntsmen fell out of the toilet roll into my hand the other day. I thought I was tough until Patrick said "I'll see you a huntsmen and raise you a python". Yes, he had a python in his bungalow. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span> and I console ourselves with the fact that his bungalow is deeper into the jungle than ours.<br /><br />The main beach towns here are a bit gross. Very western and extremely touristy. There are lots of dive and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">surfy</span> shops. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span> and I found a restaurant that plays movies and we watched 'Night at the Museum'. Hilarious movie. And I am convinced Owen Wilson is gods gift to women. As is Andrew (:<br /><br />Tonight <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span>, Patrick, Naomi and I are having a fish <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">bbq</span>. Yum yum.rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833813680986650763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621659944166737658.post-34732266470598835552007-01-03T22:18:00.000+11:002007-01-14T15:13:15.563+11:00Last day on Koh PhanganThis morning I was sitting cross legged on a straw mat at a beach front restaurant. A coffee sat in front of me on a low, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">thai</span> style, table. The view was breath taking. The sky and the ocean were different shades of the same brilliant blue. Paper lanterns around me blew gently from side to side in the cool sea breeze. Sand glowed and people glowed back. Whilst I sat I jotted down the following:<br /><br />...Today is our last day on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Koh</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Phangan</span>. It is a bit sad to say goodbye. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span> has told me she will miss it here and I suspect I will as well. It is hard to explain exactly how intimate it is here. The particular beach we are staying at is about as far away from the main port of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Koh</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Phangan</span> as you can get. It is personal here. Everyone (except for the transvestite who runs this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">internet</span> cafe - sorry but its true) is generous with their time and their smiles. The staff at the restaurants <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span> and I frequent recognise us, and they greet us warmly when we sit down. The small size of this particular beach has made it cosy. So quickly we settled in...<br /><br />But, as much as I love it here I am ready to leave. I'm a little restless and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Ko</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Toa</span> is beckoning. Yesterday I got so excited about the prospect of diving that I dreamt about it. Although I also dreamt about the lizard in our room falling on me - not so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">enthusiastic</span> about that happening.<br /><br />We have met a few people here, although only a couple I feel I have really connected with. Most are the kind of people you can drink with but that is about it. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span> claims we have met the most cliched <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">English</span> backpackers in Thailand, I agree. But they are good value (: One thing I am particularly sad to leave is the awesome restaurant we have just discovered. As if the food could have gotten any better. They even serve a cocktail called 'Bloody <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Hippy</span>'. Chris Van <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">der</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Poel</span>, that one is for you.<br /><br />In summary...<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Highlights</span> - The giant lizard, Larry the lizard, who lived in our room oh too briefly. Drinks and sunsets (<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">not</span> the death by chocolate cocktail - I was sorry about that the next day!).<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Low lights</span> - Our toilet getting blocked (and I mean <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">blocked</span>). Death by chocolate, see above.<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br />Funny lights</span> - Sea kayaking, including the trying to get in part (this was probably even funnier for the men watching us a laughing).rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833813680986650763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621659944166737658.post-56296407238576471002006-12-31T22:21:00.000+11:002006-12-31T23:16:50.044+11:00New Years Eve Chaos at Haad Rin<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Stef</span> and I are currently at Had <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rin</span> on <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Koh</span> <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Phangan</span>, the home of the notorious full moon parties. People everywhere are preparing to get seedy. Every second shop has a stall out the front selling buckets of alcohol. At about $10 a bucket it is a very cheap to get drunk! Although, rather than getting me excited, the whole scene is kind of turning me off. We don't intend on hanging around here too late, things are going to get more and more grotty as the night progresses. <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Stef</span> and I will jump on the back of a ute (I think they're called songthaew) and head back to our beautiful beach for the count down, a local bar is hosting a party, which I think is more our scene. There are some cool bars along the beach near our resort, including one which served <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Stef</span> a glass of red wine with an ice cube in it. Funny stuff. Tomorrow night one of them is hosting a big <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">barbeque</span> and shooting fireworks off on the beach. We're planning on getting there early and wasting the night under the stars.<br /><br />The last couple of days have been a bit of a write off. We have been at the beach for most of our waking hours. Each day it seems less and less likely that we will get bored of it! Yesterday we hiked it to a nearby beach called 'bottle beach' as well as checking out a lookout and some waterfalls. What looked like a pleasant stroll on the map turned out to be one of the longest, steepest hills I have ever encountered. It is ridiculously hilly around here, and many of the roads are unpaved. "<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Eltham</span> on drugs," <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Stef</span> calls it.<br /><br />I have met some interesting travellers at restaurants and whilst travelling between beaches in the back of trucks. Some are really offensive, some are charming and down to earth. The type of people attracted to this island is really variable. Some are totally obnoxious - load and insensitive to the culture/environment, all they want to do is get pissed and get a tan. Others seem wise and have considerate open hearts. All are out to have a good time.rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833813680986650763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621659944166737658.post-74850974474608659332006-12-29T20:43:00.000+11:002007-01-02T23:04:19.210+11:00Bangkok to Koh PhanganI find it hard to believe that less than 3 days have past since leaving Melbourne. It feels like weeks have gone by! Everywhere I turn there is a feast of new sights, sounds and smells (not all of which are pleasant when it comes to the latter!). Months have to go by at home for me to experience so many new sensations.<br /><br />Bangkok was full on. But not anywhere as much as I expected it to be. We shopped and checked out the grand palace and the famous emerald <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Buddha</span> (photos to come). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Shambara</span> boutique hotel was gorgeous and is a good choice for those wanting somewhere quiet to escape the crowds i.e. Andrew.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span> and I have now arrived in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Koh</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Phangan</span>, an island in Southern Thailand. Getting here wasn't the smoothest ride though, as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span> so succinctly put it "we got nearly fucking fucked!". The main reason being, we nearly missed our overnight train down the coast. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">prety</span> funny actually. Thanks to a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">tuk</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">tuk</span> driver with a death wish though, we made it with a bit of time to spare. We are staying in a simple hut about 15 metres from the beach, in a resort called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Baan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Panburi</span>. It is spectacular here. An absolute oasis after the chaos that was Bangkok. Much time has been spent down on the beach.<br /><br />On the down side, my pack weighs a bloody ton. Much of my walk from the bus stop to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef's</span> hotel in Bangkok was spent making a mental list of all the things I'm going to ditch. I got really excited this morning when I noticed that my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">moisturiser</span> has nearly run out - at the thought of one less thing to carry.<br /><br />Anyway, I love it here and am settling in already. I love the pace of life and the lack of agenda I currently have. It makes me imagine a life I could lead should I be prepared to make certain <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">sacrifices</span>. I'm not talking about a life living on the beach and not having to work. What I mean is, a more minimalistic life. One without so many distractions, where I have time for my thoughts. I noticed whilst on retreat back home, and even more so here, there is a quiet, subtle voice which becomes overwhelmed and drowned out by my pace of life in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Melbourne</span>. It saddens me that this is the case because I feel like this part of me is more accepting of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">lifes</span> ups and downs, more content to just <em>be</em>. Being aware of this makes me realise how driven and task oriented my life has become - perhaps that is necessary for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">succes</span>, but I don't think it is necessary for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">mny</span> happiness.<br /><br />Let me finish up with a word about the food. Oh god, the food. Andrew you are going to have a fit, it is amazing. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">restaurant</span> of our resort is apparently one of the best in the area. It opens onto the beach and has bamboo tables nestled in the sand. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Lanterns</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">tea lights</span> border its edges and the staff are kind and gentle. Last night <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span> and I had fish with red curry (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Stef</span>) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">chilli</span> (me). It was orgasmic. It is not just that restaurant that rocks. Provided you stick to the recommended places, it is hard to have a bad experience. The delicious Thai beer (Chang) that you wash it all down with is dangerously cheap!rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833813680986650763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621659944166737658.post-16208673874323905342006-12-22T11:28:00.001+11:002006-12-22T11:29:03.187+11:00packingIn an effort to make my jump on to the blog band wagon a little smoother I've decided to make an entry before I leave. Chances are then, this will be a highly uninteresting post.<br /><br />I'm packing today and tomorrow, as Sunday and Monday will be chockas with Christmas events. Can I just say I'm appalled at the amount of toiletries and books I am trying to cram into my bag. I'm equally appalled at the lack of clothing. I refuse to believe that I must be either smelly and bored, or half naked.rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833813680986650763noreply@blogger.com