I'm not Thai!

Everyone here swears I'm Thai and will start talking to me. When we were having dinner (3 white girls and me) in Phuket Town they spoke to me in Thai but clearly stopped when I didn't respond. It's nice though, kind of like I have an "in". They are very nice about it, too - saying "You look like Thai lady". It happens very frequently, so I learned how to say "I don't know". My roo kah! It was actually pretty funny because my friends at Ting Tong bar taught me to say it and make a frowny face after. It's pretty effective, haha.

Phuket

August 16 - Saigon > Phuket

• miss flight, but still arrive on time (ouch!)
• relaxed at pool while waiting for friends
• checked into top 5 nicest places I've been to
• bali knock-off movie night: The Proposal (with shadows of people stretching)

August 17 - JW Marriott (1)

• lazy pool day
• met scuba dudes Simon from Holland and Tim from Canada (Tim is now our Thai brother)
• partied in patong

August 18 - JW Marriott (2)

• half-day adventure: kayaking , james bond island, temple with reclining buddha and got stuck in a rain storm
• celebrated Stacey birthday with homemade (spicy!) pasta and cookies and cream ice cream cake

August 19 - JW Marriott (3)

• got authentic locals lunch where workers eat
• got $10 Thai oil massage on the beach
• dinner in phuket town (saw first identified ladyboy)

August 20 - JW Marriott (4)

• intro to scuba diving course - saw a murray eel and blowfish
• met England Lauren and Josh
• had dinner at cute tiki bar on the beach in Kamala

August 21 - JW Marriott (5)

• lazy pool
• met Pat and Jay from Australia
• partied in patong

August 22 - JW Marriott (6)

• lazy pool day
• met DJ Bosco

August 23 - Kamala (1)

• checked into Kamala beach
• raining all day, so played beer games with Aussies, Brits and Americans

August 24 - Kamala (2)

• went to Kata beach
• goodbye dinner at Oh La La - Kamala! - had authentic thai fondue (hybrid community hotpot and grill) that was soooo good!!

Rookie Mistake

My wounds have finally healed... so I will tell you the incredible disaster that I made. It's one of those times in life when you just wish you didn't drop the ball...

I mixed my arrival and departure times, so I arrived as my plane was leaving. It wasn't any fault but my own. What killed the most was the $350 ticket that I had to purchase so I didn't miss my connecting flight to Phuket. Looking back, it may have been smarter to wait to arrive later or go the next day, but it's kind of scary when you're traveling alone and DYING to meet up with your friends. I will wipe my wounds and move on, but it still hurts to think about what I could have spent with that money.

simple thought: Setpectations

Expectations are deceiving. Your mind has already decided on an outcome you cannot control. I have decided to focus more on goals. If I think my outcomes through (which is the difficult and time consuming part) then the end result is much more rewarding and not a pleasant surprise.

Expectation: the act or state of looking forward or anticipating

Goal: the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end

Around HK

It's really neat to be able to come back to a bustling city like Hong Kong. This was my third week-long visit (previously in 2004 and 2008) and they get better everytime. I can see why some folks enjoy going back to the same place for vacation - you don't get lost every turn and you still find new excitements each go-round. Here are a few things I noticed:

Where you lodge is the area you're most familiar and know best. Don't get me wrong, you go out and see sights and such, but you usually end up discovering the best foods and drinks around your accomodations. My only point is when you're only somewhere for a week at a time make sure you pick a good location - it's not really worth the extra trekking no matter how much you save.

The "shock factor" decreases. I remember my first step in downtown HK - boy did it STINK! This time the smell didn't even phase me. Being familiar with the smells of trash in 100 degree weather, consistent sounds of cars driving by, or the random drips of AC water on your forearm allows you to be more comfortable. Which leads to having more fun... i mean, who hates fun?

You learn interesting facts that you just don't get the first time around.

• You can charge your cell phone battery for 30 minutes at ANY 7-Eleven for $1US
• If you see a tall, skinny model-ish looking woman she most likely is a model, but they apparently haven't "made it"... yet
• The airport is outside of the city, so you can check into your flight at the downtown mall (IFC) - this is especially nice when your check-out is at 11am and you leave at 8pm.
• It's more convenient to get off a metro stop further away and taxi home because of the one-way streets
• Pulling your luggage up the Central-Mid Levels Escalator is fine - carrying your luggage down the stairs is not so fine (my, how my arms hate me...)

Hong Kong

I rushed to Trang's house at 7am to get the clothes I had packed to wear on the plane out of her car... they were accidently put in the pile of boxes to be put in storage. Michelle brought me Cinnabon and saw me off with Ted. It was really difficult to say goodbye, but I keep reminding myself I will see them (and everyone!) shortly. Ted and I had a very eventful and fun week together so I am thankful I have those memories (and skype!).

Travel has been pretty easy. A slight delay at IAD (but I was running late anyway), hopped right on my flight (same terminal!) at ORD and then straight to Hong Kong. I was lucky to have an empty middle seat between myself and my new friend, Gunter. He has been traveling back and forth to China the past 8 years working with manufacturers. He mentioned his company opened a factory in Vietnam - I think I will hear a lot of similar stories in the next few months. Gunter and I chatted until we got sushed by the flight attendant, then I passed out until we landed. (Secret weapon: red wine)

I made it to my friend Roger and Kate's "flat" easily and will be staying here until Saturday. They have started a company (http://www.artisteventscompany.com) to showcase the raw talent of local and international artists in the HK area. One aspect is that they host a montly live forum called "Speak Up" that brings in a wide array of untouched creativity. I have high hopes for them - they are a very complimentary team and their love for each other has blossomed into a passion they share: e.v.e.n.t.