My release into Asia
January 8, 2009
Back from my 10 day vacation which was AMAZING and extremely appreciated. I finally got to see a bit of the rest of Asia, satisfying my own curiosity and helping to put Acehnese culture in context. I visited Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand on my trip, covering cities, markets, heritage sites, temples, beaches, socialism, modernism, tourism, hot, cold, rain, sun burns, noodles, sushi, fruit, frappucinos, embasseys, trains, stairs, more noodles, waves, taxi’s of many colors and a whole lot of Air Asia.
All in all is was tiring, exciting, beautiful and just what I needed!
Kuala Lumpur: First thing I did in the city – satisfy the sushi craving and have a glass of decent wine
Petronas Towers in KL – the tallest twin buildings and office building in the world
On the boat in Ha Long Bay, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vietnam
Chilly but refreshing in Hanoi for Christmas
Cat, my roommate and travel buddy, and I enjoying a break from the tropical heat of Aceh
Rainy but still rainbows in Hanoi
Devotees at the temple in the lake, leaving gifts of oranges, flowers and roast chicken
Just lil’ ol’ me . . .
Hanoi is a beautiful, bustling city that I would consider living in – as long as I don’t have to learn the language! No idea where to begin!
Uncle Ho’s influence lives on and is thriving!
Ok, on to Thailand . . . .
Pad thai on the street – lessons on Bangkok with local Sarah Fortuna!
Tuk tuks and that amazing yellow-orange color!
Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok
The roofs of Wat Pho Temple
Dried squid galore! Yum?
To market to market – everything elephants and buddhas, my favorites!
Fresh foods and . . .
Fried foods!
And a weekend of beach time. Welcome to Phuket for New Year’s Eve!
My friend Alex, another travel mate, catching a wave at Kata Noi beach
Orchids and a tan, pretty please with a cherry on top!
