tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9702789648576009232024-03-12T21:51:29.642-07:00Travel CrushJessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-67179081374365849082013-10-05T12:29:00.002-07:002013-10-13T08:19:18.640-07:00Tampico, Mexico <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been a lot of places in Mexico - Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Merida, Campeche, Tulum - just to name a few and none of them was anything like Tampico. Located in in the state of Tamaulipas, this is not the Mexico you see in brochures and in glossy travel magazines. This is a city where people live and work and tourists don't often visit. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A taste of Tampico</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found myself in Tampico on a whim for a week in May to visit my mother who was teaching at an international school there and it was an eye-opening look at a totally new side of Mexico, one that I had never seen. It's drab, there are three Walmarts, the place to be on Friday nights is - I kid you not - TGI Fridays (which I sadly didn't get to) and at first glance, there isn't much to do other than hit the Walmart and then fight the crowds at the aforementioned TGI Fridays. But dig beyond the surface and you find some charm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So if you're wondering what to do if you ever take find yourself in Tampico here are a few suggestions.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hit the beach</span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qzHncJUfftxGHCJnZoa-VIvPWNY2o5rj10W27Tu67nfZQ5inedEClNAUtwk7oJqQm4_h25kcZF80arlW8IPCe8B6euY1rnCFbufpwlqMMVhyphenhyphenEulJ0R2eoUyNfuN_b9K75a30TERxRg8/s1600/IMG_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qzHncJUfftxGHCJnZoa-VIvPWNY2o5rj10W27Tu67nfZQ5inedEClNAUtwk7oJqQm4_h25kcZF80arlW8IPCe8B6euY1rnCFbufpwlqMMVhyphenhyphenEulJ0R2eoUyNfuN_b9K75a30TERxRg8/s1600/IMG_0655.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adults-only pool, Club Maeva Miramar</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miramar beach, a wide 10km stretch of soft caramel-hued sand is fantastic for walking. Food stalls line one end of the beach offering up the catch of the day, along with cold drinks and snacks. There are palapas with lounge chairs you can rent, but if you really want to relax, you can buy a day pass from beachfront hotel </span><a href="http://www.maevamiramar.com.mx/en/index.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Club Maeva Miramar</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. The all-inclusive pass includes all meals and drinks (booze, too. Yay) and will run you about $56. You can also buy half-day passes. The grounds are pretty extensive with three pools, bars and a restaurant, but head straight for the adult's only area with a gorgeous infinity pool and small swim-up bar. It can get crowded but no kids means more peace and quiet. Grab a lounge chair and order up a michelada (delicious Mexican beer cocktail) and relax. The only issue is that food here isn't great. OK, it's subpar at best but you can always fill up on beer and stick to bread and cheese like I did.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visit the market</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5llrXEgqJyahCk_phWqrjKog4je-P9JBEzu4OBa137Q1KctZZ8Y68CS1kUJtA77C3PHQy_MAU5sHk3_yNXDLLuSolfWXRKabtpPq0IW-ZMxGYf2QgjWbEAjCg2E9K5rwIlCo9LIcEUQQ/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5llrXEgqJyahCk_phWqrjKog4je-P9JBEzu4OBa137Q1KctZZ8Y68CS1kUJtA77C3PHQy_MAU5sHk3_yNXDLLuSolfWXRKabtpPq0IW-ZMxGYf2QgjWbEAjCg2E9K5rwIlCo9LIcEUQQ/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No matter where I go in the world I love markets and always make a point to check out as many as I can. I love the chaotic nature of markets, the peek into local life, the energy and the sights and sounds (but not always the smells). Tampico's market didn't disappoint. It's loud, it's overflowing in colorful piles of produce, there are stalls selling everything from souvenirs to clothing to pet food and there's a maze of alleys just hawking tacos, tortas and other local favourites.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many avocados were purchased and later consumed. Tampico has really good avocados.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wander the historic downtown area</span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopcGrx9zw7B4RLgwr8GiVNS6azDcdfcwhvegFUWHMk54krV86CEzmx7NrMHmo1os4aetLUKgFnBbpiOEr7qO0GpJ79n6CQnK6-YqSCjEvIyaRKUhRq4axWjc-UozgkGl8R200Ml-AJ_o/s1600/IMG_0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopcGrx9zw7B4RLgwr8GiVNS6azDcdfcwhvegFUWHMk54krV86CEzmx7NrMHmo1os4aetLUKgFnBbpiOEr7qO0GpJ79n6CQnK6-YqSCjEvIyaRKUhRq4axWjc-UozgkGl8R200Ml-AJ_o/s1600/IMG_0607.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink gazebo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While most of Tampico resembles a sprawling suburb totally void of any character whatsoever, the downtown area is where the city comes alive. Faded yet once colourful neo-classical buildings line the streets, sharing space with carts selling fruit, shoe shine stands and shops. I especially loved the Plaza de Armas, a square boasting a massive gazebo built from pink stone and looking like some sort of space ship crossed with a cathedral. It's hard to miss thanks to the distinct shade of bubble gum (or Pepto-Bismol) pink and makes for a great photo. There are two snack bars in the square selling fresh juices and light snacks if you're hungry. It gets really hot in Tampico so the juice will be welcome. The cathedral of Tampico and Liberty Plaza also worth a look but there's no need to go with a plan, just wander at your own pace. When you need a break head to Degas Café for a coffee or beer on their cute patio where you can people watch while sipping your beverage of choice (beer for me) and nibbling on the commentary snack mix.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unless my mom was still working there I wouldn't go back to Tampico, but I'm still glad I went. It was a side of Mexico I haven't see and reminded my why I love to travel - to see what you don't expect and be surprised by what you see.</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you been to Tampico? What did you think?</span></em></strong>Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-3675114134771687512013-07-29T18:04:00.001-07:002013-11-05T17:14:45.113-08:00Notes On Travel Regret: Part 2<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've blogged about<a href="http://travelcrush.blogspot.ca/2012/09/notes-on-travel-regret.html"> travel regret </a>before, about that feeling of missing out, of not having quite enough time to see everything you want to see or do everything you want to do. The feeling of not having made the right call, for whatever reason. For some people there is no regret (logically I know regret is pointless, but emotionally? Well, that's a different story), but for others, there are places missed, cities longed for, decisions analyzed and questioned after the fact.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Off to India...or not</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhDyhQ0uKc5qGieQVNE1BFUMxgsRRqDt8O4Ar-IU0Trn2iL6HM9NhJyx-pzALgUbzk-W6JMpLSypSNq_L0jbQnhMG-NnJrM2uItx0Uv-P6-wswUuqSaiKX4E-BN2jtuwdsXqrfwJE5_Q/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhDyhQ0uKc5qGieQVNE1BFUMxgsRRqDt8O4Ar-IU0Trn2iL6HM9NhJyx-pzALgUbzk-W6JMpLSypSNq_L0jbQnhMG-NnJrM2uItx0Uv-P6-wswUuqSaiKX4E-BN2jtuwdsXqrfwJE5_Q/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the summer, around late August, my <a href="http://travelcrush.blogspot.ca/2013/05/on-making-switch-to-solo-travel.html">ex-partner</a> and I (not ex at the time) were talking about going to India for two months, February and March. Up until this point I wasn't sure he was going to want to travel at all during the winter, and I was worried about this. Then he brought up India, something I'd mentioned at various other points during the year and that he never seemed very keen on. But now, he was interested. He wanted to take cooking classes and eat street food and consume as much vegetarian Indian food as he could get his hands on. I got the Lonely Planet from the library and started reading him random facts about various cities, about places we "had" to see and what we absolutely couldn't miss. We were excited. We were united. Things were good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Fear</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://travelcrush.blogspot.ca/2012/12/pushing-up-against-travel-fears.html">And then I chickened out</a>. For a lot of reasons, but the one I most often refer to is that I knew I would be working while we traveled (call it digital nomad light) and that I really needed a reliable internet connection the whole time or my work would suffer. (or so I believed). From what I'd read there was no guarantee of the speedy surfing I was used to in many other places I'd travelled so I panicked. In retrospect I should have done more research, asked around, reached out to people who had been there, not worried so much - but I didn't. I assumed it might just be better (safer) to go someplace else, and so I suggested Malaysia. But let's face it, I was also scared of India itself, which I'm not proud of.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>The regret kicks in</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV42kBgjRad-xcueaY9pD3d_MaEAzNeU_aiKU4JcDT5TRj7IPUeRThBmQOyGlzJPoZaJdtijV7752hmQ2QHOFoFn0GjuIrOCbT5L5isAFVv6UBL7NAgLhtoCzRvbw-foY6-eOZlZEozs/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV42kBgjRad-xcueaY9pD3d_MaEAzNeU_aiKU4JcDT5TRj7IPUeRThBmQOyGlzJPoZaJdtijV7752hmQ2QHOFoFn0GjuIrOCbT5L5isAFVv6UBL7NAgLhtoCzRvbw-foY6-eOZlZEozs/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardens by the Bay, Singapore</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong, two months in Malaysia and Singapore (with side trips to Hong Kong and Vietnam) was great and I had a memorable trip filled with phenomenal food and unforgettable experiences, but I regret not going to India. I can't help but equate the dissolution of my long term partnership a mere three weeks after returning with the "not going", with all of that fear. Of course there were many other issues that led to my becoming a <a href="http://travelcrush.blogspot.ca/2013/05/on-making-switch-to-solo-travel.html">solo traveler</a>, but I now equate my inability to move past travel fears with the end of my relationship. Silly? Maybe. Weird? probably, but I can't help but wonder if things would have turned out differently had I dove headfirst into a challenge rather than back away. I can't help but ask myself what it really meant when I vetoed India and switched up the itinerary. I have regret and lots of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know it will pass and I know I am not being logical, necessarily, but what happened does drive home the point that giving into fear isn't often a good thing. In travel or in love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>What are your biggest travel regrets?</b></i></span>Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-76416570797120231112013-07-13T11:57:00.002-07:002013-07-13T11:57:54.030-07:00Hong Kong in Pictures<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I spent three days in Hong Kong in April and I fell in love with it -
the energy, the food, the markets, the parks, the mind-boggling amount
of things to see and do. It's a city you can spend weeks in and still
not be bored and I plan on going back at some point in my travels. Take a
look at some of my pictures from the trip. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVabWUmukpr77uWc4I2pg9e7NMu9DkzriAHgFgSqOtxxxOPk2jELdHRaxnfW3nImRh79FYodh0LyQipQC1sYnc99MmoSgmHLloN3hyphenhyphenvssJPABkL52BZ3R-EaNWSlkWk-UGy5GbyOLZRU/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVabWUmukpr77uWc4I2pg9e7NMu9DkzriAHgFgSqOtxxxOPk2jELdHRaxnfW3nImRh79FYodh0LyQipQC1sYnc99MmoSgmHLloN3hyphenhyphenvssJPABkL52BZ3R-EaNWSlkWk-UGy5GbyOLZRU/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hong Kong Park</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Bf-cCp1OYfGAL-_nHDj2SCAnxNLVucatieAfVMHMN6pgGIX3elAhVcOR4H3wphQlRaN0DsGc5VoG-2bWXIDABWom_tkRKMKS9H9F9ykOIc7vtE4LZ0-97ZbEmiLI1ynlKyZPiwPvjmo/s1600/IMG_0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Bf-cCp1OYfGAL-_nHDj2SCAnxNLVucatieAfVMHMN6pgGIX3elAhVcOR4H3wphQlRaN0DsGc5VoG-2bWXIDABWom_tkRKMKS9H9F9ykOIc7vtE4LZ0-97ZbEmiLI1ynlKyZPiwPvjmo/s1600/IMG_0544.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCIECS590J1JAYn8gu-V1IdaNpeeuBR7jtPRBhRYToAMZwNgsZeOVe9Q-PXgozSEE_0vmTBanmreLJrTISSjYvmIOcGa90T6EfmW2brOcfPNk63tWOZz9q0Y0YFaXfrWO4BoIfRpdc34/s1600/IMG_0541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCIECS590J1JAYn8gu-V1IdaNpeeuBR7jtPRBhRYToAMZwNgsZeOVe9Q-PXgozSEE_0vmTBanmreLJrTISSjYvmIOcGa90T6EfmW2brOcfPNk63tWOZz9q0Y0YFaXfrWO4BoIfRpdc34/s1600/IMG_0541.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4lwnuMjvxGgssZRI2rjrTuO7IGJZn-lj9-5u83cIcZWRRsVL90F3rkung06hMAfv_aTIAnNTCD-TRblthu8t2sANwObkUW-KN-mG_K7Zkh8pP_561hyphenhyphen_Wq3ikeLBoG6W_VMZ90sHvMk/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4lwnuMjvxGgssZRI2rjrTuO7IGJZn-lj9-5u83cIcZWRRsVL90F3rkung06hMAfv_aTIAnNTCD-TRblthu8t2sANwObkUW-KN-mG_K7Zkh8pP_561hyphenhyphen_Wq3ikeLBoG6W_VMZ90sHvMk/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Electric Road Market and Cooked Food Centre (good little Indian place upstairs)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7bzutGBG42oJluqU6B_VP6NjBYdWIdwh9Su_sv-5Rt5oYAqbguzM_WIIZnHb_cH9AA9uy6txuiPRFzMDufB034xoElWz_IQ0IqMa8siMbjhgkvhJgEnCn6g_hrcvWSbxfzGjza8fgro/s1600/IMG_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7bzutGBG42oJluqU6B_VP6NjBYdWIdwh9Su_sv-5Rt5oYAqbguzM_WIIZnHb_cH9AA9uy6txuiPRFzMDufB034xoElWz_IQ0IqMa8siMbjhgkvhJgEnCn6g_hrcvWSbxfzGjza8fgro/s1600/IMG_0542.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Misty Victoria Harbour</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self explanatory</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJKOtrDo0Wis5Jyu6s6jq-UsMr1Iz7jGBol2r8Qt9vO65gPuIfZTKdf4hUxS9LV1v07UrOTwJ8fGkrwwOYDdJwpaFo7wDnYb-A-nFBHz8h-uPbF4y_gJEryD0o2cFTBrB0g8nbF8v-ZM/s1600/IMG_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJKOtrDo0Wis5Jyu6s6jq-UsMr1Iz7jGBol2r8Qt9vO65gPuIfZTKdf4hUxS9LV1v07UrOTwJ8fGkrwwOYDdJwpaFo7wDnYb-A-nFBHz8h-uPbF4y_gJEryD0o2cFTBrB0g8nbF8v-ZM/s1600/IMG_0526.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping at Temple Street Night Market</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxA74xtbOsSmcXkLzJ8htFUHUoDFl6S9xOL3B3y48HTsvadEY6mFQon_l4in_-Bmc7eSd9bsUPaw4ZnoF2b2AIfqCu6euFKOZY6UzpVH3qK0kt8dw3ehnXfXEZJ8G8iYQ31SkRvVbaef4/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxA74xtbOsSmcXkLzJ8htFUHUoDFl6S9xOL3B3y48HTsvadEY6mFQon_l4in_-Bmc7eSd9bsUPaw4ZnoF2b2AIfqCu6euFKOZY6UzpVH3qK0kt8dw3ehnXfXEZJ8G8iYQ31SkRvVbaef4/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tram. Loved seeing these all over the city.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0x1amRykRSEqRPUfLz44O0UULmoPxfFsE8RPDBY3F9eqgYhuCEtGFxa00NBoi1nMilgfJUQUmYvE3bhn_-tZzf-xtCUx6_K_YQUVHFZMQAS_JxyGzpjGA5BGDvevmLrgRUbnF1Bt9yg/s1600/IMG_0518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0x1amRykRSEqRPUfLz44O0UULmoPxfFsE8RPDBY3F9eqgYhuCEtGFxa00NBoi1nMilgfJUQUmYvE3bhn_-tZzf-xtCUx6_K_YQUVHFZMQAS_JxyGzpjGA5BGDvevmLrgRUbnF1Bt9yg/s1600/IMG_0518.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome fountain in Hong Park you can walk into. Obvious photo op.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwwr7h1zQIqhY3AapOkstkBkOxI7PsL7OLnBBbFK5WheI0VAWIIcSIyu14sFWR-feNKs70Nn4gf3MHOPZZFoiHEn921vNNj3MEm8eUR9ijPJYVNcTZV5H1kVukzmjh4uxJZeWSvMalN8/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwwr7h1zQIqhY3AapOkstkBkOxI7PsL7OLnBBbFK5WheI0VAWIIcSIyu14sFWR-feNKs70Nn4gf3MHOPZZFoiHEn921vNNj3MEm8eUR9ijPJYVNcTZV5H1kVukzmjh4uxJZeWSvMalN8/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kowloon Walled City Park - a must-visit in my opinion</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aviary in Hong Kong Park (free and worth a peek)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M_b7ZV6QLkNXEIgsUx7L4GnNPuUC9woHU__Hvi3RVoTPZ2yMhAeHaRaEBw9lFXz8FZF66dVm444Ju2T2O0pNaNpXNUx_a6Ne-Tmsmt5SLygksh-dy9_hDCt80toscNFqU1LOKKDaSJM/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M_b7ZV6QLkNXEIgsUx7L4GnNPuUC9woHU__Hvi3RVoTPZ2yMhAeHaRaEBw9lFXz8FZF66dVm444Ju2T2O0pNaNpXNUx_a6Ne-Tmsmt5SLygksh-dy9_hDCt80toscNFqU1LOKKDaSJM/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce Lee!</td></tr>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have you been to Hong Kong? What were your favourite things to see and do?</span></b></i>Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-55390003694520715602013-07-01T13:15:00.003-07:002013-07-01T13:15:56.095-07:005 Travel Mistakes I've Made <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No one is perfect and we all make bad choices at one time or another, but there are a few travel-related mistakes I've made (or in some cases continue to make) that I'd like to avoid on future trips.<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Yelling to try and be understood</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campeche, Mexico (actually a great town)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As much as I hate to admit it, I have been one of those people, who just talks louder - in English - in a futile attempt to be understood in another language (in this case, Spanish). I was in Campeche, Mexico hoping to get to Palenque that day and there was a miscommunication about buying a bus ticket. I wanted out as soon as possible (I'd been sick the night before and I wanted no reminder of where the awful stomach issues started) but I was getting nowhere with the nice woman behind the counter. It turns out she (and some of her co-workers) were trying to tell me there "might" be one more ticket available for the bus I wanted, but they wouldn't know until it arrived as some buses have the extra seats in the back and some don't. Eventually someone who could speak some English was able to explain and I did get my ticket, but not before repeatedly stating my request - in English - at escalating volume (which, by the way, never works. Don't do it). No, I am not proud of this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Trying to do too much in one place</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Getting overstimulated as I step off a bus or train and take a look around, thinking of all the things I want to see and do in a new place can be exciting but actually doing all of those things can mean </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">burnout. Yet I continually try and pack way too much sightseeing into too little time. There's nothing wrong with wanting to maximize your time, but I also find that the more you try and do, the less you appreciate what you're doing. You get tired and you stop really paying attention. I'd like to start streamlining my days when I travel and choosing one for-sure activity and one secondary activity. If I do one, and then the second and then still feel like I have energy to do something else, great. If not, I can relax and see where the rest of the day takes me. I would rather enjoy one thing than feel exhausted and cranky through four or five activities or sites.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Trying to see too much on one trip </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tikal (squeezed into a trip to Belize)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Just like trying to pack too much into one day can cause problems and actually hinder your experience, so too can trying to do too much on one trip. I am notorious for wanting to squeeze as many stops into one itinerary as humanly possible and I have to say, it's not the best plan. The more you try and pack into your itinerary the more rushed you're going to be and the more stressed out you're going to feel. A trip like that starts to feel like a race to cross places off a list, which doesn't allow any time to fully appreciate where you are. Not to mention, the more places you're trying to see, the more time you'll be spending in transit (on a bus, a boat, a plane or a train), which can also add to stress levels. My new goal is to try and see less, but appreciate and explore more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Focusing too much on "must-sees"</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While it's a good idea to research your destination and what it has to offer as a way to get acquainted with where you'll be spending time, I often get too hung up on the what every magazine article, guidebook, or blog post on the town or city I'll be visiting lists as the "top 10 sites" or main points of interest. Those lists are always helpful, but there is also something to be said for choosing your own adventure and putting the guide book away. You might just discover something great (an adorable cafe or bar, a really funky neighbourhood) all on your own that you never would have stumbled upon if you'd just followed a generic list of must-see or dos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Letting a bad mood ruin a perfectly good day of travel</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No one can be in a great mood all the time, every day (not even while travelling), and not every day can or should be jam-packed (as noted earlier), but letting a bad mood spoil a travel day is something I have done, but I would like to start getting better at not letting this happen. Because the thing is, more often than not, if you're in a bad mood but then do something to distract yourself (always very easy when travelling), you'll find that the bad mood has lifted. So next time I find myself feeling grumpy when I'm travelling, or like hiding under the covers rather than exploring, I'm going to put more effort into going out and doing something that has the potential to improve my mood. </span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have you made any travel mistakes or have any bad travel habits you'd like to break?</span></b></i><br />
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<br />Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-55956590077266336022013-06-27T08:31:00.001-07:002013-06-27T08:31:18.140-07:004 Important Things Travel Has Taught Me<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Aside from the usual perks of travel: the excitement, the adventure, the escape from reality, there are also a few other things packing a bag and hopping on a plane can offer. I've learned a few pretty important lessons from my limited travels so far.<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>You get out of life what you put in</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Market, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nowhere has this lesson really made itself known, with clarity, like it does when I travel. For all the times you get to a new place and say "wow, this is incredible" without having to put any work into your enjoyment (yes, sometimes enjoyment takes work), there will also be a time where you say, "whoa, what was I thinking when I got off the bus here?!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When that happens you need to kick up the effort a notch, look for the good in something that on the surface isn't so great. That lesson translates easily to everyday life because life isn't always packed with rainbows and amazing job offers and surprise financial windfalls. You need to give some to get, just like you do on those travel days where you just want to go home, or you're not as enamored as you'd like to be with your newest destination. Smile, try something new, introduce yourself to someone - you never know how even the smallest amount of effort can change your day or your path for the better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>It always pays to try something new</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNeC2zPDuUw7iupsqKlA6jQAbc7XYDbzCj6V1cEPb5Rfh5sUjcAzRcUaTidCrVouSRCI3BnNuSMJJFSRTsZX9JH0_I72_uA1FoiqFOrP70Dr8C9A-WYLCYfT_L9EQJyXy-JCP9sX01sg/s1600/IMG_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNeC2zPDuUw7iupsqKlA6jQAbc7XYDbzCj6V1cEPb5Rfh5sUjcAzRcUaTidCrVouSRCI3BnNuSMJJFSRTsZX9JH0_I72_uA1FoiqFOrP70Dr8C9A-WYLCYfT_L9EQJyXy-JCP9sX01sg/s1600/IMG_0156.JPG" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little India, Georgetown, Penang</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whether it's a new food, a crazy-sounding drink, sport, activity or class, trying something new when you travel is an essential part of the overall experience. I find that even if I don't like that food or that activity, I always feel better about myself and my travels after having given it a shot. It makes me feel alive. I can't say I'm as good at trying new things at home as I am when I'm travelling, but the lesson has stuck and I know that the more I push myself, the more I put myself out there and say yes to new experiences (no matter how scary or outside my own version of "normal" they may be) the better I'll feel and the more I'll get out of life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Planning has it's place but so does spontaneity</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've written before about how I'm more of a planner than a "let's just do it" type of person, but travel has taught me that you can be both (really). I always thought that in order to be defined as a "traveller" I needed to be more spontaneous, more willing to hop on any bus or train, or change direction on a whim, but I've since learned you need to do what's right for you, based on the moment and the situation that you're in. If you need to plan, if that's going to make your travel experience richer and you'll get to see more of a certain place with some strategies in place, then do it. But if you have the luxury of flexibility, don't feel pulled in any particular direction and are more interested in just "being" somewhere rather than experiencing specific sites, put the guide and itinerary away. It's totally OK to have a split travel personality - I do. The planning versus spontaneity rule also applies well to non-travel life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Fear doesn't have to be limiting</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZCt-BhOMg6_-sEHOw3yslyCezfgtbrHndROx7LWGehZLsSxz3KBWwLuN2Ww1QSYvWDXnCqYS40bLSdLYvL4k5QXqdfamVo4iBUF5kYW70D2I8DB8vfVBAbdbmWaXE_XOPtLw9sO2NSg/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZCt-BhOMg6_-sEHOw3yslyCezfgtbrHndROx7LWGehZLsSxz3KBWwLuN2Ww1QSYvWDXnCqYS40bLSdLYvL4k5QXqdfamVo4iBUF5kYW70D2I8DB8vfVBAbdbmWaXE_XOPtLw9sO2NSg/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarawak river, Kuching</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Travelling is something I love, but it also scares the crap out of me. The tingle of excitement I feel when I start researching a new destination turns to a sliver of fear creeping up my back as soon as I book that flight. Yet I still get on that plane, still go wherever I've planned on going - despite that initial fear of the unknown. I used to think fear meant you shouldn't do something (and I know in many cases it does) but there are a lot of times fear is holding you back from something amazing - in my case, travel. If I were to stop planning or decided not to book that flight just based on those stirrings of fear, I would lose out. But by acknowledging the fear without giving it power, I get to grow and experience something great.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What has travel taught you so far? I'd love to know.</span></i></b><br />
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<br />Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-79975705631999168822013-06-16T12:55:00.004-07:002013-06-16T12:57:15.136-07:006 Awesome Things About Travelling Alone<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In lieu of my recent post about <a href="http://travelcrush.blogspot.ca/2013/05/on-making-switch-to-solo-travel.html" target="_blank">shifting to solo travel</a>, I thought it very apropos to write about the good points of travelling alone. And there are many, despite the adjustment period required in getting to that point might take.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>You answer to NO ONE</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSCFtHldSsVc-Pyc4bZeXAwBw7LTEbxSjmbmSSSJGZxU9EG4vA2fBztL6iA9e7jvfI7Q5dY2C8r9jqKdAC5sklZtyroFm7T_QQqgPR_HdUqTHQv1Or0QWYF7e_MhAyoYGtFGArXo-HdE/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSCFtHldSsVc-Pyc4bZeXAwBw7LTEbxSjmbmSSSJGZxU9EG4vA2fBztL6iA9e7jvfI7Q5dY2C8r9jqKdAC5sklZtyroFm7T_QQqgPR_HdUqTHQv1Or0QWYF7e_MhAyoYGtFGArXo-HdE/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy Stream in Mui Ne, Vietnam</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sometimes you just want to do what you want to do, without asking if it's OK, or finding a more suitable time to do it, or knowing that the person doing it with you has no interest in whatever attraction or site you've dragged them to. Not to mention, if there's somewhere you have absolutely no interest in going (or feigning interest in), you don't have to go. It can be quite liberating to wake up in the morning and know you can do (or not do) whatever it is YOU want - and the debate or discussion stops there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>You can be cranky</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's face it, as exciting and fun as travel is, it can take its toll on you (or at least it does on me) and when that happens, I get cranky. But when you travel with a partner, it can be tough to show your cranky side (we all do it, but how much of it you show can be the difference between an OK day and a terrible one for both of you).</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Travelling solo and feeling like crawling back under the covers or having a quiet day of wandering to ease the bad mood? Go for it.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's an added element of excitement</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Travelling</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> as a couple (or with a friend) can be great but for me, it was always easier to rely on my partner to step in a make a decision when I didn't want to, to find our way when we took a wrong turn (or several), to help me feel more comfortable. But when you travel alone, everything is up to you and not having a safety net of a fellow traveller, although scary at first, is exciting. When I landed in Paris alone, when I landed in Barcelona alone, when I landed in Copenhagen alone (with no idea where I was going), I was scared but also totally exhilarated. The idea of "I can do it - alone!" is exciting no matter where you're travelling.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>It can be easier to meet people</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKDjfCWoEkaIVQM3xp6aUhjQtUFoMXzjiWeMs4FyzwIb2u6BBdBXO1P2IThovQZJssS4Lo9ImCDEyAT5qe-MHO2Aeob63KDTTQ-usEUQfsv2FGA-ecst-NjmOjdHfWuyi5GvgDC0q7qY/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKDjfCWoEkaIVQM3xp6aUhjQtUFoMXzjiWeMs4FyzwIb2u6BBdBXO1P2IThovQZJssS4Lo9ImCDEyAT5qe-MHO2Aeob63KDTTQ-usEUQfsv2FGA-ecst-NjmOjdHfWuyi5GvgDC0q7qY/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting a new "friend" in Dalat, Vietnam</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Though you might think that solo travellers blend into the wallpaper, being alone in a bar, hotel lobby or hostel common area can make it easier for people to approach you and for you to reach out to others. Travelling with someone makes it easy to be in your own cocoon of two that from the outside, appears somewhat closed off to people you night encounter. Whereas, a solo traveller sipping a beer on a patio, might be easier to say hello to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>It forces you out of your comfort zone</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know that scary aspect of solo travel I mentioned, it has another benefit (yes, fear can be a good thing). Travelling alone pushes you outside of your comfort zone. Lost? Find your way. Not sure where to stay or for how long? Figure it out. Feeling overwhelmed? Learn how to handle the ups and downs of travel without a safety net. That might sound harsh, but the more you accomplish on your own, the more you prove to yourself how much you can actually do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>It helps you learn about yourself</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's nothing like a solo trip (whether a week or a month or more) to teach you a few new things about yourself. When you travel alone, you're forced to think on your feet and make decisions without the luxury of someone to bounce ideas off of, which can show you new things about not only how you think, but what you like, what bugs you and what makes you happiest. Most importantly, solo travel can teach you just how strong you can be. Of course, it can also teach you a few things you might not like about yourself, but that too, is an important part of that whole "life" learning curve that never stops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>*Note, pictures above are not from solo trips (I don't have too many of those...yet).</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i>What's you favourite thing about solo travel? I'd love to hear about it. </i> </b></span><br />
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Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-17922642286311611942013-05-29T17:15:00.000-07:002013-10-04T07:07:23.057-07:0010 Days in Southern VietnamSo what does one do with 10 days in Vietnam? It's tempting to want to see everything and go everywhere, but unless you don't care to sleep and don't mind spending long hours on buses traversing the country, it makes much more sense to focus on one area - in my case it was a portion of the south.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSGtg09CqxpVyIOB3o5cTBt9PZy9H2DzC2i9WRqSjwuqQz31VCfhMv755XQp2e6VtCEx3NYfqg4vl_wQiL6NZ50djrzcaMvFOsII_miGOyYn_QPLA9-bEugQiO2ybdnwIuq3hk23hHg0/s1600/pho.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSGtg09CqxpVyIOB3o5cTBt9PZy9H2DzC2i9WRqSjwuqQz31VCfhMv755XQp2e6VtCEx3NYfqg4vl_wQiL6NZ50djrzcaMvFOsII_miGOyYn_QPLA9-bEugQiO2ybdnwIuq3hk23hHg0/s1600/pho.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pho! (yum)</td></tr>
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<b>2 days: Ho Chi Minh City</b><br />
I flew into Ho Chi Minh from Kuala Lumpur and decided to spend the first two days getting to know the city. From the airport I hopped in a cab to a hotel I had pre-booked, a budget-midrange option called <a href="http://www.elegantinnsaigon.com/" target="_blank">Elegent Inn Hotel</a>. The place gets great Tripadvisor reviews and I wasn't disappointed. Location is ideal, breakfast is included, rooms are large, clean and serviced daily and the staff is very friendly. They can also book onward travel and many tours.<br />
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My first taste of HCMC included lots of walking, lots of pho (vegetarian pho or "pho chay") at a place called Pho 24/24, not to be confused with the chain Pho 24, and lots of general exploring of the busy, chaotic streets.<br />
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<b>2 days: Mue Ne</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDZkfppRdlAPechc650ps9lEn0XOOagZ0sYUW1zhtTGz8BQygkCk8QGyd9TtkZv-dwDfvOQBkhOE9NNz_3GtBadXdbI10WpYDt_yGtFb39htt2iaNK3icT_W5Xgqp8LidraL6uhafjSY/s1600/Mui+ne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDZkfppRdlAPechc650ps9lEn0XOOagZ0sYUW1zhtTGz8BQygkCk8QGyd9TtkZv-dwDfvOQBkhOE9NNz_3GtBadXdbI10WpYDt_yGtFb39htt2iaNK3icT_W5Xgqp8LidraL6uhafjSY/s1600/Mui+ne.JPG" height="320" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mui Ne</td></tr>
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About a four hour bus ride from HCMC is the beach town of Mui Ne, where I decided to spend a couple of days rather than book a two-day Mekong Delta tour that I had been thinking about. Mui Ne is very walkable and consists mostly of guesthouses, tour operators, bars and cafes. While it is known as a "beach town" there is very little beach to speak of (at least where I was staying), and the water is very rough. If you like kite boarding and wind surfing this is the place to visit. <br />
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The town is also known for a few attractions, including the ferry stream and white and red sand dunes. You can easily book a package tour that lasts about three hours (in the morning or afternoon) that will combine all three. The "ferry stream" is basically a trickle of a stream you walk down while looking at some really surreal scenery, like something you might imagine finding on Mars - red sand and rock formations.<br />
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The white sand dunes are pretty spectacular and look like a vast expanse of desert - great photos to be taken here, and it's lots of fun to run down the dunes (you can also slide down them if you're so inclined). The red sand dunes weren't much compared to the white and could be skipped, in my opinion. <br />
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If you haven't booked your accommodations ahead there will be numerous touts when you get off the bus eager to show you their resort (or the one they're working for). But really, with so many options you can just walk the main street until you find a suitable spot to stay.<br />
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<b>4 days: Dalat</b><br />
A five hour bus ride from Mui Ne gets you to Dalat, a place I could have spent more time in. It's a quirky town in the hills with a very European feel also known as one of the most "romantic" spots in Vietnam. It's very popular with honeymooners and does boast its fair share of kitsch (fancy a paddle around the lake in a swan-shaped pedal boat?)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDcS9QwYDcbpdkuXT_Xcr4K5eEqAHaaKuuKekIDehqCQQaDyZt2Hs0zVPZrrcNinszcf2yRWMe-ZS-cjaevJTSHw0bDniiOrTtlT3jLsuS-bjsIePGn04RQvPpyqU0zxNtFtvEwM9zpI/s1600/Crazy+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDcS9QwYDcbpdkuXT_Xcr4K5eEqAHaaKuuKekIDehqCQQaDyZt2Hs0zVPZrrcNinszcf2yRWMe-ZS-cjaevJTSHw0bDniiOrTtlT3jLsuS-bjsIePGn04RQvPpyqU0zxNtFtvEwM9zpI/s1600/Crazy+house.JPG" height="400" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy House</td></tr>
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Other than the aforementioned pedal boating, you can catch a cable car ride over stunning views (highly recommended, unless you hate heights), check out the "Crazy House" - a surreal wonderland of wacky staircases, bridges, oddly-shaped rooms and architecture heavily inspired by Gaudi but much more playful (you need to see it to believe it). You can also book a room here. I didn't but I peeked into some and they are very cool. If outdoor adventure is your thing, you can book hiking and mountain biking tours though numerous operators. The night market is also well worth checking out for the food and happy, carnival-like atmosphere.<br />
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If you can, rest your head at the ultra-friendly, clean and well-located <a href="http://thienanhoteldalat.com/" target="_blank">Thien An Hotel</a>. The breakfast (included in the room price) is awesome. Fresh fruit, fresh baguettes, cheese, cold cuts, fresh squeezed juice (passion fruit when I was there) and eggs how you want them - it's a great way to start the day.<br />
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<b>2 days: Ho Chi Minh City </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuZEpkCDR0tP3sHRbxbUYk8DKZwgB5F4iUyHG7FfpiO8E1vjouK8lEW__0WOyt3ghw2f0ET4wgCOP-hdOsgugmuMqPAjY-rNhhj-TTCEeIzkdJSnEUavRe7T79F5cYiQY3b6KVXz13gQ/s1600/HCMC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuZEpkCDR0tP3sHRbxbUYk8DKZwgB5F4iUyHG7FfpiO8E1vjouK8lEW__0WOyt3ghw2f0ET4wgCOP-hdOsgugmuMqPAjY-rNhhj-TTCEeIzkdJSnEUavRe7T79F5cYiQY3b6KVXz13gQ/s1600/HCMC.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chaotic HCMC</td></tr>
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Since I was flying back out of HCMC I wanted to end my stay in Vietnam there and two days at the start just wasn't enough. I booked another two nights at Elegant Inn Hotel. My time was spent heading back to Pho 24/24 a couple of times, going to Chinatown to explore, doing some shopping at the <span style="font-weight: normal;">Ben Thanh Market (I got me a hat) and checking out the War Remnants Museum, which was interesting but depressing (which is to be expected).</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><b>Have you been to Vietnam? Where did your visit take you?</b></i></span><br />
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<br />Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-2640893808767029812013-05-03T11:05:00.000-07:002013-05-03T11:05:57.874-07:00On Making the Switch to Solo Travel<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Times change (if you let them) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've traveled on my own before. A few times, and as scary as it seemed to start with, I did it. And I loved it. But for the past four years of travel, I've been doing it as part of a couple. I've become accustomed to relying on someone, leaning on them when things get rough, or stressful, or just when I want to talk excitedly non-stop about something we've seen, done or ate. Traveling as a twosome became my norm and I got really comfortable with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>And then there was one</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Recently, things changed. It wasn't something I saw coming or that I had expected. But, three weeks following a two-month trip I went from being part of a couple to being on my own. Well, not really since we're still (awkwardly) sharing a space, but aside from that minor detail, my days of traveling as a couple have (for now) come to an end. As much as the whole breakup thing sucks in general (and oh, it does), it also got me thinking about the way I travel and how that, along with several other things in my life, will require a re-boot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There will no longer be someone to plan a trip with, to pore over guide books with, to debate routes, choose must-see spots or pack with. There will be no one to travel with. And that feels really weird. Change feels really weird. But does change need to be bad? A breakup forces a lot of change, and more often than not, it was probably necessary (even if, like me, you just can't see it yet). So now, along with where I'm living and how I define myself, I'll be changing how I travel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Solo travel, take two</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's been a while since I traveled without someone to lean on (literally and figuratively) or someone to defer to when big decision need to be made. But that doesn't mean I'm not up for the job. It's just that right now, the idea of solo travel, after so much couples travel lately, is a little terrifying. I think I need to get reacquainted with the idea, remember the rush of taking a trip alone, refocus on what I stand to gain from the experience as a traveler and as a person. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm not rushing out the door tomorrow, but the next trip I plan and that I take will be much different than the trips I've taken lately. My travel experience will be changed, I will be changed - but that's not necessarily a bad thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Have you made the switch from couples to solo travel? How was it? </b></i></span><br />
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<br />Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-21718132712989226892013-04-24T11:56:00.000-07:002013-04-24T11:56:48.697-07:00Singapore in Pictures<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I recently spent several days in Singapore as part of a two month trip that also took me to Malaysia, Vietnam and Hong Kong. And I have to say, I loved it. Yes, Singapore is expensive and yes it is ultra-clean and well-ordered, but it's also pretty fascinating if you dig a little beyond the shiny surface. I'll be working on a longer post about Singapore, but in the meantime, enjoy some photos.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angry sky in Chinatown</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Canning Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FTmq_NzBE6-rfhlk-xTDH4EKYxiKYgtGtdP5K3R10rdfMyo-0nh5RBJs7v3n3QaFkV1GHueDU_YyOZpoguZcaM2Z5wAlgKUlCnhCmAL7Beb6xCuy62zdOHSAFnZ9VEpjKNik-5kL420/s1600/Chinatown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FTmq_NzBE6-rfhlk-xTDH4EKYxiKYgtGtdP5K3R10rdfMyo-0nh5RBJs7v3n3QaFkV1GHueDU_YyOZpoguZcaM2Z5wAlgKUlCnhCmAL7Beb6xCuy62zdOHSAFnZ9VEpjKNik-5kL420/s1600/Chinatown.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful building, Chinatown</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uOyUpk7rPXgivm8nOeXSCI6ZQDidyg2hR957tH-naRXsP8SP3uNav0pi6smADCWXVpgl8mYTZ1bovq0Oy8JlXh00M51sDp2heGIzPRYKYfXeokzQUSN9A90GbG7Jc1ZyHs-mMGNkKvA/s1600/Hermes+store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uOyUpk7rPXgivm8nOeXSCI6ZQDidyg2hR957tH-naRXsP8SP3uNav0pi6smADCWXVpgl8mYTZ1bovq0Oy8JlXh00M51sDp2heGIzPRYKYfXeokzQUSN9A90GbG7Jc1ZyHs-mMGNkKvA/s1600/Hermes+store.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy some shopping?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGwO6yl2M8v-lI5crTsmofXdrYk4k7WXnN1eQ9q5Xuktiy-zVUUq4E-OPUAC7bbtwz_YKheKfSjQkEuBbFJ9IPFU4zHjrp-eGhBy5jurhi1DB45E0GGsvbDxJ8rYxPkLGfShciNuCF7I/s1600/IMG_0466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGwO6yl2M8v-lI5crTsmofXdrYk4k7WXnN1eQ9q5Xuktiy-zVUUq4E-OPUAC7bbtwz_YKheKfSjQkEuBbFJ9IPFU4zHjrp-eGhBy5jurhi1DB45E0GGsvbDxJ8rYxPkLGfShciNuCF7I/s1600/IMG_0466.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singapore Flyer from a distance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbAMYVfXAYWtYLPQeaQOhqGJFZyr24A6ckZvbZLWJdLkt5MVZkTjysw6asRw9s4W2VL_ys9hGtsvyD5kQbsTjxFByA8HQNbaP_VACOTv2gFahTg4NpAWvEM_LHCLMRQSF88k_QoJwB9k/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbAMYVfXAYWtYLPQeaQOhqGJFZyr24A6ckZvbZLWJdLkt5MVZkTjysw6asRw9s4W2VL_ys9hGtsvyD5kQbsTjxFByA8HQNbaP_VACOTv2gFahTg4NpAWvEM_LHCLMRQSF88k_QoJwB9k/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marina Bay Sands</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcO2K8Af6LzUGg_aLDQFrHRm2PFbWcQ3xjGjwxVaga9UDPYCuEJIdXgHFjP04Te-ANgIuznQl05BSETy2sfhby2c0i6-Ox8SY5Rj7J74mtqJUEJdrH7w5bkkWqL4tUA1usjMw6Ukr8YC4/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcO2K8Af6LzUGg_aLDQFrHRm2PFbWcQ3xjGjwxVaga9UDPYCuEJIdXgHFjP04Te-ANgIuznQl05BSETy2sfhby2c0i6-Ox8SY5Rj7J74mtqJUEJdrH7w5bkkWqL4tUA1usjMw6Ukr8YC4/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinatown</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOnDCT65op3EAx5ChyphenhyphenjNDtpAIY30K_p-LtjKdUbnbDQdrpG_lVI2S8f8gMDli0b-5vuW-llBXo102lEG6FH1C0_ZEDXw_nXq4uQhLIzaZmDDWarC8WqVrBtRTqLNqHsaN0QxzBHyTpZ8/s1600/Hwker+centre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOnDCT65op3EAx5ChyphenhyphenjNDtpAIY30K_p-LtjKdUbnbDQdrpG_lVI2S8f8gMDli0b-5vuW-llBXo102lEG6FH1C0_ZEDXw_nXq4uQhLIzaZmDDWarC8WqVrBtRTqLNqHsaN0QxzBHyTpZ8/s1600/Hwker+centre.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty pre-lunch Maxwell Road Hawker Centre</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9onXUBRp1hHvWy4h0AUzJBaHPlz5HhUZKdIggwfyAhyPVWbPrinhnBhgtQpGz4soi82QlCiAIo1jYFTKXoAgP3Weh50P6IXqmGwtZdZUrgFMKLUkqZrBnCgE2VffVKlazSSVbor13xKU/s1600/Parkroyal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9onXUBRp1hHvWy4h0AUzJBaHPlz5HhUZKdIggwfyAhyPVWbPrinhnBhgtQpGz4soi82QlCiAIo1jYFTKXoAgP3Weh50P6IXqmGwtZdZUrgFMKLUkqZrBnCgE2VffVKlazSSVbor13xKU/s1600/Parkroyal.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabulous infinity pool at the lovely PARKROYAL on Pickering</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYPBU7eH1dCn5C19Lm4C3Tr_zDZ8Y7qa0y7-Xiku2VzYSVxQGXv86S8fNHB-FrllKmWOcBW246cMVZWAjoXHQEOOLgo9TED57MRHqS1OKNOBQWvZw07mryzUDgx5x6R4jOwm7-CQJUJQ/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYPBU7eH1dCn5C19Lm4C3Tr_zDZ8Y7qa0y7-Xiku2VzYSVxQGXv86S8fNHB-FrllKmWOcBW246cMVZWAjoXHQEOOLgo9TED57MRHqS1OKNOBQWvZw07mryzUDgx5x6R4jOwm7-CQJUJQ/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look up...way up: Singapore Botanic Gardens</td></tr>
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<br />Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-83373938464255959442013-04-10T13:46:00.000-07:002013-04-10T13:46:09.469-07:00Unplanned Travel Detours: Vietnam Edition<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As I'm sure I've mentioned, I'm a planner. I like the<i> idea</i> of being totally spontaneous and doing away with routes, itineraries and travel guides, but ultimately, at my core, I need a plan or at least a semblance of one in order to feel comfortable. But that doesn't mean plans don't change, or that every trip taken isn't without its surprises.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld0UHC7sJSK1_3IOE3VgvQrZp9DmBRbAehlXl847qC-NkFhVePuq_W4q5S_5crIbE76LL5JRWEe2b5foZuoaXKZM6HuIU-aMn-PjG9tanhVmbKmoxngpZdjacn0jlf6oQA7C2efUbf7o/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld0UHC7sJSK1_3IOE3VgvQrZp9DmBRbAehlXl847qC-NkFhVePuq_W4q5S_5crIbE76LL5JRWEe2b5foZuoaXKZM6HuIU-aMn-PjG9tanhVmbKmoxngpZdjacn0jlf6oQA7C2efUbf7o/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ho Chi Minh City</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Hey, let's fly to Vietnam for 10 days</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">February and March of this year were spent mostly in Malaysia and Singapore with a three night bonus-stopover in Hong Kong on the way home. But somewhere along the line, around mid-February we decided to add Vietnam into the mix. We were in Malaysia during Chinese New Year, which meant a lot of hotels, buses, ferries, etc. were booked up well in advance. We were struggling to find decent rooms and transportation when we wanted it. So we were feeling a little stuck and. The fix: Leave Malaysia and try a new country on for size. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We had 10 days to play with before meeting some friends in Kuala Lumpur so we decided to spend them in Vietnam. It was unexpected, it was spontaneous and it was something we would never do in "real life" but while traveling, the decision was made within an hour over a beer in cafe in Penang.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLk6k_DvhAfGTs859OWYyBOaJjlHaYIAayvwtDcHUvb_I1ULg0PA-44KfrcsTY4Q6HJ0wyHC_LDMEZauZ4tUanpcEV-JqZ8x9qNhMXWMg8d5yvrUOvZTUS_Q5kPJ8EBTMchI8lClsRlY/s1600/IMG_0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLk6k_DvhAfGTs859OWYyBOaJjlHaYIAayvwtDcHUvb_I1ULg0PA-44KfrcsTY4Q6HJ0wyHC_LDMEZauZ4tUanpcEV-JqZ8x9qNhMXWMg8d5yvrUOvZTUS_Q5kPJ8EBTMchI8lClsRlY/s1600/IMG_0174.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saigon green beer</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Spontaneity can be fun </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At home, I like my routine. I'm not adverse to last-minute plans but if I already have my comfy pants on, you better have tickets to something good (or be offering free booze) to get me out of the house. So you can see how a totally random side trip to a country not on our original itinerary would be a bit outside my comfort zone. We did this last year with a side trip to Cambodia and it was a great decision, but I really didn't anticipate any similar moves this time around. The verdict: It was an amazing 10 days spent in Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne and Dalat (full post on these coming soon). We couldn't get enough and were actually sad to leave at the end of it all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The lesson for me in all this is that there is a place for spontaneity and last-minute switches to plans and "hey, let's go here" moments when you travel. If fact, I bet some people would say travel is all about those unexpected changes to plans (or better yet, not planning at all). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i>How spontaneous are you when you travel? I've love to know!</i></b></span><br />
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<br />Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-61129996191097463972013-04-04T10:43:00.000-07:002013-04-04T10:43:11.083-07:00If You Didn't Tweet It, Were You Really There?<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of the things that crossed my mind numerous times on my most recent trip was how much of a role social media updates play in our travels. Full disclosure: I often had this thought while getting ready to post travel pictures to Twitter or Facebook. It got me thinking about travel <i>now</i> (when you can basically share every aspect of your journey no matter where you are) to travel before you could tweet every bus ride taken, meal ordered and beer enjoyed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>So, if you didn't tweet it, were you really there? </b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmJ8SzLxjFZnR3mH0g2sJsIXvBD_b2LYMLV_cuHAXbQJNnqOyujXxP1z4gSryRq9sACHxg6fwwYEjzz8zkwy-fFWL8p3piNfXqSmzzr-p_mAKf7p0CrmS69NHsRQLhBK8jfjpY5vEsbE/s1600/singapore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmJ8SzLxjFZnR3mH0g2sJsIXvBD_b2LYMLV_cuHAXbQJNnqOyujXxP1z4gSryRq9sACHxg6fwwYEjzz8zkwy-fFWL8p3piNfXqSmzzr-p_mAKf7p0CrmS69NHsRQLhBK8jfjpY5vEsbE/s1600/singapore.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Of course you were there, in a literal sense, but what do the constant updates do for the traveler? We say they're just to ensure friends and family back home are kept up to date on what we're doing (and yes this is a huge bonus of being able to be online where you are), but are all those shots of the beach, lovely meals, interesting sights and remote jungles really necessary to let people know I'm doing OK? No, an email would suffice for that, or a quick "landed in Singapore" update on Facebook.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Comments, re-tweets and "likes"</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Let's face it, photos of your great street food snack (along with the 35 comments it gets), or the re-tweets of your tweet about something everyone else wishes they were doing somehow boost the experience itself. You can relive that amazing bite, or unforgettable moment every time someone comments, "likes", re-tweets, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I thought about whether I could go a whole trip (whether for two weeks or two months) without updating to Facebook or Twitter - I thought that if I could manage it, that might somehow be a worthy travel challenge to undertake. But in reality, I want to share what I'm doing because I'm thrilled that I'm doing it and proud of myself for making my travel dreams happen. I'd also like to think that someone might be inspired to travel or seek out something I've seen or done based on an update I've posted. </span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What about you? How much of a role does social media play in your travels?</span></b></i>Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-40692740920710387372013-01-13T14:29:00.000-08:002013-01-14T07:08:13.992-08:00Thoughts on Travel as a Confidence Booster<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By nature, I often lack confidence. By that I mean I have always second-guessed myself and my decisions, for as long as I can remember. I am also somewhat lazy and have no problem getting someone else to reach things I can't get to and open jars that won't budge. There's also that pesky issue of having very little in the way of a sense of direction. I constantly rely on my significant other to lead the way and know where to go no matter where we are. It's easy to get set in your ways, people and I'm living proof. But travel has a weird way of flipping who you think you are, upside down</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHJryyC8hjr4cmYDmsE9Er_rI1vMsEK6SolLyajaUinKPh5b8lK2_AEdH0AL2MIJR3XOL6_1E9MnVciaIR_YufqndGqcc3BsxfcVV76uLQs8BMQNuUcl7Cw753lbx7lJFE18WiIrZ6ko/s1600/Paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHJryyC8hjr4cmYDmsE9Er_rI1vMsEK6SolLyajaUinKPh5b8lK2_AEdH0AL2MIJR3XOL6_1E9MnVciaIR_YufqndGqcc3BsxfcVV76uLQs8BMQNuUcl7Cw753lbx7lJFE18WiIrZ6ko/s1600/Paris.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah...Paris</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Getting un-settled</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The first thing I noticed upon landing in Paris several years ago, alone, with one suitcase and a fuzzy photo of the girl I would be meeting upon arrival (to sublet her room), was that I didn't have anyone to rely on. It was all me and it was terrifying. But as the days wore on, and I took off every day to explore, I got less and less terrified. Finding where I wanted to go became a no-brainer and asking for what I wanted was indeed turning into second nature. I didn't get lost -- I found every museum, gallery, cheese shop and metro stop with no problem. I did what I wanted and when, without worrying about whether it was "the best idea" or if it was what I "should" be doing. Very different than at home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Going in alone </b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrc0qeoFFEWaX6d9LnkI8yQWi1JP1PyoF_CJQ5cjOgZdI7EgD-OuYwvpJqNTR3rquG8IvhS5hnjYjDzKD0jEH4vcC2yJDCH6BhRLnoRZIKOR3t5MTCqAkEMGE9HYWL31Jg-EulFMSso7Q/s1600/Laos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrc0qeoFFEWaX6d9LnkI8yQWi1JP1PyoF_CJQ5cjOgZdI7EgD-OuYwvpJqNTR3rquG8IvhS5hnjYjDzKD0jEH4vcC2yJDCH6BhRLnoRZIKOR3t5MTCqAkEMGE9HYWL31Jg-EulFMSso7Q/s1600/Laos.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking the Bolivan Plateau, Laos</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not only did I get on a plane to brave Paris solo for two months, I also hit up a few other European cities without company. This isn't something new and loads of people do it all the time, many of them much younger than when I was traveling alone, but that's not my point. I want to stress how OK I was to hop over to Barcelona or Copenhagen, whip out a map and find my way to my hotel. I get lost in my own neighbourhood at home but could somehow navigate a new city alone without ending up stranded, mugged or in police custody. For some reason, I just *knew* I would be OK, whereas at home, there is so much more room for self doubt. What is it about travel that seems to wipe out the doubt? I'm not saying there isn't fear (there is), but I there's also more trust that everything is going to turn out fine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>A more open mind</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lately I've been travelling with my boyfriend so not solo, but there's still some very distinct changes that come over each of us when we're away. At home we have routines, the places we always go and the places we talk about going, but never do. We're creatures of habit and don't often try new restaurants and bars, or make spur-of-the-moment decisions. But when we travel, we're up for anything. I realize on a limited trip there's an innate desire to make the most of the time you have, but it still amazes me that while traveling we won't think twice about going into that bar, or trying that restaurant or going on that hike and (in the boyfriend's case), jumping off of that waterfall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Finding a balance</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So far, I've only been able to retain that travel-confidence in very small bits. I know everyone's mentality on vacation is different, whether spending a week at an all-inclusive resort, or several months abroad, but I would love to figure out a way to hold onto some of that magic that happens while away, once I get home.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>How are you different while travelling? Do tell!</b></i></span><br />
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Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-81307602360778352402012-12-26T13:22:00.000-08:002012-12-26T13:22:04.305-08:00Goodbye 2012: My Year in Travel<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've been reading a lot of really great year-in-review travel posts over the past few weeks so I've been inspired to write one of my own. While I haven't logged even a fraction of the distance traveled, hours on trains and buses, time in airports and in the air, or number of cities and countries visited by others, I'm still pretty excited about that fact I got to travel this year and about all of the great things I got to see and experience, so I felt like it would be fun to take a look back. Here we go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>By the numbers</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UlMUTkEbwqGJ9XW_n9K2LUwL1pofIR3WKMeFRWQV_ZhsxKXnpdUN7WKD_39crQ82erC1RSQ3I4VSikKdmIl4Zw-gt8YMZSFvgw1JQaLgZ0EWlOEFgiog6o1BHpkzz5Wy-RN4fTf8Rh8/s1600/4000+islands+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UlMUTkEbwqGJ9XW_n9K2LUwL1pofIR3WKMeFRWQV_ZhsxKXnpdUN7WKD_39crQ82erC1RSQ3I4VSikKdmIl4Zw-gt8YMZSFvgw1JQaLgZ0EWlOEFgiog6o1BHpkzz5Wy-RN4fTf8Rh8/s1600/4000+islands+2.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4000 Islands, Laos</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Number of countries visited: 5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Number of airports involved: 11</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hostel, hotel or guesthouse beds slept in: 20 </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Longest flight: 16 hours, Toronto to Tokyo</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shortest flight: 45 minutes, Phuket to Bangkok</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Longest train ride: 7 and half hours, Ayutthaya to Khon Kaen</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Worst travel moment: Going from Kratie to Phnom Penh in a bursting-at-the-seams mini bus with a travel partner who had food poisoning. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Best travel moment: There are two. Lounging by the Mekong in lazy but lovely 4000 Islands, Laos and deciding on a whim to make Cambodia part of our travels.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Travel regret: Not getting to the north of either Laos or Thailand, which meant missing Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Place I would absolutely go back to: Cambodia</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Weirdest travel moment: Being on a hike in Laos and having locals want to get their picture taken with us. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>The route</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPJ5mASUzpldPynrq3otwzfsoLgFQsvWAilEPD6WMVuOxOTztC-yXpiN3xFPiTLdDY1HxMe7ucrOSExyRQQmP-EsQDm4N4wXVKrJE9vFLsupBR0qMgkf1Yj22pJqsbohVnBwMYHmRxrE/s1600/Angkor+wat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPJ5mASUzpldPynrq3otwzfsoLgFQsvWAilEPD6WMVuOxOTztC-yXpiN3xFPiTLdDY1HxMe7ucrOSExyRQQmP-EsQDm4N4wXVKrJE9vFLsupBR0qMgkf1Yj22pJqsbohVnBwMYHmRxrE/s1600/Angkor+wat.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bayon temple, Angkor Thom</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bangkok -- Ayutthaya -- Khon Kaen -- Nong Khai -- Vientiane -- Tha Kek -- Pakse -- 4000 Islands-- Kratie -- Phnom Penh -- Siem Reap -- Bangkok -- Phuket -- Ko Phi Phi -- Ko Lanta -- Khao Lak -- Khao Sok National Park -- Bangkok -- Toronto</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We left for Bangkok February 3rd and after a few layover in Tokyo
arrived in Bangkok around 10 p.m. and started our two month adventure.
We stayed in Bangkok for five days, the first three of which involved a
lot of mental breakdown due to jet lag. There were tears, there were
fights and then once the jet lag wore off, we were normal people again. We moved every three to five days and packed a ton of travel into two months but every bus, train, plane or ferry ride was worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>A few other 2012 travels</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I also had the chance to get some sun this fall and spend four days on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos in early October and then another four days on Curacao in early November. One of my travel goals to is to visit as many islands in the Caribbean as possible and so far I'm up to seven. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>2013 travel</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We are planning another two month trip this winter, to Singapore and Malaysia, with a potential visit to Indonesia. No flights are booked yet, but we're aiming to leave the first week of February! I'll keep you posted on the plans.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What was your year in travel like? Where are you going next?</span></b></i><br />
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<br />Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-79143503890625745082012-12-15T10:25:00.000-08:002012-12-15T10:25:06.216-08:00Turks and Caicos in Pictures<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I got a chance to escape to Turks and Caicos for four days in mid-October and spent the majority of my time on gorgeous (and long) Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales, which stretches on for an amazing 12 miles. Since I love beach walking this was perfect for me (minus the sunburn). Photos from of my epic oceanfront wanders are below.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of my way, birdies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love that turquoise hue beyond the sand</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep walking...and walking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgKtXLzF6sWXQi4tlXmYlJeDVmBOEpmuhbcVNmrx9zvi0K3tU_0csvbqejicoE-1tViNUCTKq0fi01nEwkT_ngLsD1jdm4o59oUreY6zkwHgnMEyXTXbutM_qPD3YbV_YqoIclN24Lug/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgKtXLzF6sWXQi4tlXmYlJeDVmBOEpmuhbcVNmrx9zvi0K3tU_0csvbqejicoE-1tViNUCTKq0fi01nEwkT_ngLsD1jdm4o59oUreY6zkwHgnMEyXTXbutM_qPD3YbV_YqoIclN24Lug/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, I want to go back. I'm sure you can see why.</td></tr>
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<br />Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-57233470268881626332012-12-12T10:36:00.003-08:002012-12-12T10:36:39.106-08:00My Travel Wish List for 2013<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was recently inspired by <a href="http://mrsoaroundtheworld.com/2012/11/28/where-i-would-like-to-go-in-2013-my-travel-wishlist/" target="_blank">this great post </a>wherein Mrs. O Around the World shares her 2013 travel wish list (Santa, are you listening... er reading?) So here is my "I need to go to there" list for the New Year and beyond, in no particular order. Parts two through 200 to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>1. Malaysia</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVMfnMFJVdklQzAjVd0S4Gjn1oxyGUCseizMl4acfTgu51xFXe4uowSllVBqesW6K9WFhJQXJaxo6a4J8RMjHdI_ovKqrdZmt4sI12ve9xME2johIHrDjV8EpCgGaM6LS4j8Te8UBZ6g/s1600/Malaysia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVMfnMFJVdklQzAjVd0S4Gjn1oxyGUCseizMl4acfTgu51xFXe4uowSllVBqesW6K9WFhJQXJaxo6a4J8RMjHdI_ovKqrdZmt4sI12ve9xME2johIHrDjV8EpCgGaM6LS4j8Te8UBZ6g/s1600/Malaysia.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy SM Jet</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Malaysia is my alternate plan if we don't end up going to India this winter, which at this point, likely will not. I love the idea of loads of street food, colonial architecture, beaches, green space, jungle and a melange of cultures. I especially want to spend lots of time in Penang, Melaka, Langkawi and of course, KL, not to mention Malaysian Borneo (hello, orangutans and jungle treks).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>2. Singapore</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6Pq5GaAklhMIXsR_UdLC4n2y5soxIfcISEk0SwtcQgSWee6IlITTmbSpHgNvMMb3DlPoWp5RyrD-Qq4ffIxPx3q7yBPwgzb-DWYjeZE4NJwL8TL2cv22Dghj8OrAlIFuGN1d5bDH_r8/s1600/Singapore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6Pq5GaAklhMIXsR_UdLC4n2y5soxIfcISEk0SwtcQgSWee6IlITTmbSpHgNvMMb3DlPoWp5RyrD-Qq4ffIxPx3q7yBPwgzb-DWYjeZE4NJwL8TL2cv22Dghj8OrAlIFuGN1d5bDH_r8/s1600/Singapore.jpg" height="161" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy Dominic Wee</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think it makes sense, wanting to go to Singapore while at the same time hankering for a taste of Malaysia. I've been looking into airfare and from Toronto, flights to Singapore seem quite a bit cheaper than they are to KL. But flight prices aside, I have become pretty fascinated by this well-ordered, glimmering city-state. I love the idea of checking out the many hawker centers, meandering through Little India and Chinatown, escaping the city with a wander through the Singapore Botanic Gardens (which are supposed to be quite lovely), and doing lots and lots of (window) shopping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>3. Vietnam</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkNia6OBkQxm1PTYLwhQHV46ygF19mRXnvLMpBUQzHSdfO7LaymKZcsjfIUjVJZyicSG03LTXbc8-gHM5YsM7boDUxU4RNc3Dm0rDarzuW_Y8PtuBsfwHjNx_Y-7DnhyyJINZZY1Q2lA/s1600/Vietnam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkNia6OBkQxm1PTYLwhQHV46ygF19mRXnvLMpBUQzHSdfO7LaymKZcsjfIUjVJZyicSG03LTXbc8-gHM5YsM7boDUxU4RNc3Dm0rDarzuW_Y8PtuBsfwHjNx_Y-7DnhyyJINZZY1Q2lA/s1600/Vietnam.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy Timo Balk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Two months in SE Asia was not enough to squeeze in Vietnam. I would have liked to go for longer in order to include several spots here, but it was not to be. So now I've been left wanting. There was a lot of preliminary talk about going to Vietnam this winter (pre-India talk) so it's still on "the list" and still in the running for a sooner rather than later trip. I want to see Ha Long Bay, I want to check out Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. I want to see for myself where I fall amidst the myriad love-hate opinions of other travelers who have been here. Seriously, from what I've read, you either love it... or not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>4. Morocco</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyOhKLp5bbq0ODHU0kf0xFHapaeUAF47_2_FFHOYOaTNsp9L-HezhyphenhyphenfbmajrY6hcJ4y0cBmeP2paUGWCItmnqyKdaSUANIBB6cmv67N2sarIsRqjz8ubNDPDwiBO-jQabHamE-DLzWmk/s1600/Morocco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyOhKLp5bbq0ODHU0kf0xFHapaeUAF47_2_FFHOYOaTNsp9L-HezhyphenhyphenfbmajrY6hcJ4y0cBmeP2paUGWCItmnqyKdaSUANIBB6cmv67N2sarIsRqjz8ubNDPDwiBO-jQabHamE-DLzWmk/s1600/Morocco.jpg" height="143" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy M.E. Jones</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have been wanting to go to Morocco since around 2006, when I became obsessed with signing up for a G Adventure tour there. I ended up in Paris for a summer instead (which was amazing), but I still have a lingering lust on for Morocco. Fez, Marrakech, Essaouira (which my mom fell in love with in the 60s) -- bring it on, I want to see it all. But it's winter there when my boyfriend and I travel so it hasn't yet fit in with the "we want to be warm while it's cold here" criteria.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>5. Panama</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFv0QQZi1VzjHRKiiR4ATSteCZonVpX2TCO8AowR5_30o4xqVipC3aVh4mW735mjZofVCv95yIW6cVy5yJoIMYH_9hwdXNbbukx9Fy5xuxvzG1Nt5urHhMWuuuT5YH-1YWzLB3nPQR0w/s1600/Panama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFv0QQZi1VzjHRKiiR4ATSteCZonVpX2TCO8AowR5_30o4xqVipC3aVh4mW735mjZofVCv95yIW6cVy5yJoIMYH_9hwdXNbbukx9Fy5xuxvzG1Nt5urHhMWuuuT5YH-1YWzLB3nPQR0w/s1600/Panama.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy Joy</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As one of the only countries in <a href="http://travelcrush.blogspot.ca/2012/12/my-first-love-central-america.html">Central America</a> I have yet to visit, Panama has been high on my must-visit list for a few years. We were contemplating a trip there last year, but chose Thailand instead. But there's something about Panama that pulls me in. I want to wander aimlessly through Casco Viejo, check out the Canal (natch), get closer to nature in various national parks and of course, do some beach hopping. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4P2ZS1c0Oe_YbrswKMe-1iK9ZMYfjM6zYuUWFq-3Ia2dRntSWy4E6q9BsLqXmfHVBjSETZKWaX_EiyIKaeYmZLikveA25bcBvqiOPGV1N47fYvWO2Lzryqfk_qoXl6emQmeVKO6x-vjk/s1600/HK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4P2ZS1c0Oe_YbrswKMe-1iK9ZMYfjM6zYuUWFq-3Ia2dRntSWy4E6q9BsLqXmfHVBjSETZKWaX_EiyIKaeYmZLikveA25bcBvqiOPGV1N47fYvWO2Lzryqfk_qoXl6emQmeVKO6x-vjk/s1600/HK.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy A C</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>5. Hong Kong</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm not sure where my fascination with Hong Kong began, but I have been developing a serious travel crush on this seemingly well-ordered yet always buzzing hub filled with shopping, people, chaos, and a multitude of things to see and do. We very nearly built in a 4-day layover in Hong Kong on the way back from Thailand but ultimately decided against it. But still, I remain fascinated. Maybe this year..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>So, where do you want to go in 2013? Tell me things! </b></i></span><br />
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<br />Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-14261804076749359382012-12-09T11:19:00.000-08:002012-12-10T08:57:10.909-08:00Curacao in Pictures<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I recently spent four days on Curacao, an island in the southwestern Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela. What to expect: Tropical flavour with a European twist, lovely people, vibrant downtown area and beautiful beaches. Post with words to follow soon. But in the meantime, enjoy the images.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg-xaUAhIvLGc5RkeOgouVnmWbh0S9_Vqqj1lXNkP-6cERGBDnbUJDrzYUdIuMsA2MgPUVpipl52ALTaRgWItWlaJn_O6x-uIjblY6Sm0qgZ6n6mqcZOwjS-WHgcRiagnpIvNwuG79Kk/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg-xaUAhIvLGc5RkeOgouVnmWbh0S9_Vqqj1lXNkP-6cERGBDnbUJDrzYUdIuMsA2MgPUVpipl52ALTaRgWItWlaJn_O6x-uIjblY6Sm0qgZ6n6mqcZOwjS-WHgcRiagnpIvNwuG79Kk/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willemstad, Curacao's colorful capital</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to snag a beach chair</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourful wall art in Willemstad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Curacao liqueur factory</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curacao from above</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Oh hi, Belize</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caye Caulker, Belize</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My boyfriend and I had talked on and off about travel for years -- vaguely and with no real solid goals in mind. It was more of a, " Hey, we should go to here" kind of thing rather than a, "Let's save up and book a ticket to this place" kind of thing. And then he went to Nicaragua with a friend for two weeks and loved it. The next year we decided it was time to take a trip together and we chose Belize. It was close(ish), it was warm and there would be no language barrier. So we booked -- and I loved it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Oh hi, Guatemala</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObie_SdlgO3poV64HwEqxMKfVmnoRlAuSAglwgcwhcyd1istaLkXSBb-qTn9SDfzQJksm4yjQEGjb28rS3bAFvn-gDURs_qXKwmjGF_KXHA81mLvuST6pMMjcA1H3q0y5neZgcwZVV8M/s1600/guatemala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObie_SdlgO3poV64HwEqxMKfVmnoRlAuSAglwgcwhcyd1istaLkXSBb-qTn9SDfzQJksm4yjQEGjb28rS3bAFvn-gDURs_qXKwmjGF_KXHA81mLvuST6pMMjcA1H3q0y5neZgcwZVV8M/s1600/guatemala.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Atitlan, Guatemala</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After Belize we decided to continue our foray into Central America and I was OK with that. Flights were relatively cheap, accommodation was affordable, it was easy to get around and so far, I had enjoyed what the region had to offer. Guatemala was no exception and I again, fell in love (longer, region-specific blog posts coming!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Oh hi, El Salvador</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0wiLsthcE4-L06r548qFamOi1xEe_bYXFVJP73ZKswcwDLp3rDuTcByMwbTujDIdFnpBEazhPqvZg-v3Eur8w-Zwj_ltfjwo_tolru_dG0PoztskDh45x_hiuMtJUzIs3f-joewc6aY/s1600/el+salvador.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0wiLsthcE4-L06r548qFamOi1xEe_bYXFVJP73ZKswcwDLp3rDuTcByMwbTujDIdFnpBEazhPqvZg-v3Eur8w-Zwj_ltfjwo_tolru_dG0PoztskDh45x_hiuMtJUzIs3f-joewc6aY/s1600/el+salvador.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Ana, El Salvador</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Could we end up with good travel luck three times in a row? Oh yes we could! El Salvador was a dream. I loved it more than Belize and more than what I saw of Guatemala (which was not enough. It's a huge country), but El Salvador packs a big punch for such a small country. Beaches? check. City life? Check. Good food? Sure. Hiking, jungle, natural beauty? Yup, you know it. So yes, I continued to fall hard for Central America.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do we stay or do we go?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last year, when discussing where we would go (if anywhere), my first thought was to go back to Central America. We were unsure whether we could afford a trip and I originally suggested that rather than going further afield, we stick with what we know and love -- Central America, and in this case, Costa Rica and Panama. But, we ended up ultimately deciding on SE Asia. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now what?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This winter we've set our travel sights on India (<a href="http://travelcrush.blogspot.ca/2012/12/pushing-up-against-travel-fears.html">unless I chicken out</a>). Two (or more) months in that part of the world would be an amazing (and huge) challenge for both of us and something we've been talking about for a while. But I still feel the pull of Central America. I've never been to Costa Rica or Panama and the pull to check them out is pretty strong. But would it be a challenge? Does travel have to be a challenge? Would it be "enough"? I don't know. I want to figure it out soon since we'd be leaving early February and right now, I'm still in a state of travel confusion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Do you have a place that pulls you back over and over?</b></i></span><br />
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<br />Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-31873349710468202792012-12-02T10:13:00.000-08:002012-12-02T10:13:13.587-08:00Pushing Up Against Travel Fears<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Not walking the walk </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I talk a big game. Like I can pack up on a whim and go anywhere. Except when it comes down to it (i.e. actually booking a trip) I don't think I can. Sure, I go places, I've been places, but there are certain places that fascinate me and <i>terrify</i> me all at once. It's these places that sneakily coax out that fear that I like to ignore and pretend doesn't exist (me, scared to travel? Never). But <i>oh, it's there</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Notes on India</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdl15rTpiZhg1s8KJVCKo5jCMwZWr9PTHqESX8giUO4b5jQ0eY5viFwVPy-qCj6EjyuyAT55L2XuZAAyXZXmA9gkA254Ej6JO4xVXBSEs8Kr5hDbg4ksjVbX-iEgOJyxs_2nyA-658Yc8/s1600/India.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdl15rTpiZhg1s8KJVCKo5jCMwZWr9PTHqESX8giUO4b5jQ0eY5viFwVPy-qCj6EjyuyAT55L2XuZAAyXZXmA9gkA254Ej6JO4xVXBSEs8Kr5hDbg4ksjVbX-iEgOJyxs_2nyA-658Yc8/s1600/India.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">India has been on my mind for about a year, edging its way into my brain while I was in Thailand, eking out a spot high on the next-trip list by the time I was back at home. Full-blown obsession hit in late summer and I was utterly smitten with the idea of India as my next destination. My enthusiasm, like a cloud of travel trivia and tidbits about this country I needed to visit, swirled around me and eventually enveloped my boyfriend, who pledged his allegiance to this mystical country that would be where we spent part of the winter. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBqRCe0RlfT8zaHN1pFc3YilMyYrA7Ubw5RyG_nKI4Ib6x2CV3oG7f3qM_0urO9YtfG6TVF8NEGWELk4G6DLIiIRn4Tt-_iHo9iCyePyBkfa23Av632YvWw-MYi68wSfV2Fp0gMS65is/s1600/India2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBqRCe0RlfT8zaHN1pFc3YilMyYrA7Ubw5RyG_nKI4Ib6x2CV3oG7f3qM_0urO9YtfG6TVF8NEGWELk4G6DLIiIRn4Tt-_iHo9iCyePyBkfa23Av632YvWw-MYi68wSfV2Fp0gMS65is/s1600/India2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Stalled and at a stalemate </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But now that winter is here, I've stalled out. I've let the guidebooks collect dust (and overdue library fines), I've stopped spouting trivia and I've (gasp) found myself searching out alternative trip ideas. We haven't talked about vaccinations, flights or even a time-frame, and I still continue to linger over every other place but India when I read travel blogs and daydream about where to go next. It's not because I've simply decided to go someplace else (which would be totally fine). It's because I'm scared. There, I said it. I'm scared to go to India.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>The fear factor</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm scared of the pollution, the poverty, the culture shock, the potential for gastrointestinal distress. I'm scared of having to take overnight trains (I have seriously never done this. Shocking, I know). I'm scared of trying to book trains in advance and not being able to get where I want to be, and I'm even scared of not being able to find reliable Internet (something I would need since I would be working on the move). So in short, I am a big ball of travel fear right now. Sigh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Moving forward (or just somewhere else)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If we're going to go to India for two months this winter we're going to have to put some plans in place. Soon. We need those vaccinations, we need to book a flight and come up with a rough itinerary. I need to pay those overdue fines on all those India books. But I'm still feeling really unsure, like I'm pushing up against something I'm not sure how to move past or over. I want to go, but I've also been put in my place by this fear and I need to figure out a way to work through it (which really comes down to booking that flight).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i>Have you ever dealt with travel fear? How did you deal with it?</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Images courtesy stock.xchnge, <a href="http://www.sxc.hu/profile/trnghosh" target="_blank">Tarun Ghosh</a></span></span>Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-34377920322264785092012-09-04T17:05:00.000-07:002012-09-12T09:06:33.846-07:00Notes on Travel Regret<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No trip taken is ever something to regret. Even if you didn't love (or even like) where you went, you still likely learned something about yourself along the way. But, I think you can still <i>lament </i>over paths not taken and locations overlooked. Case in point: when we were in Thailand we didn't go to Chiang Mai. Yes, you read that right; we were in Thailand and skipped over everyone's favourite spot. Sigh.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Choices (or, you can't see everything)</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v0q1xSXNFqDiqWLq0ZLtbKQUWAv4oYwChqiIaNWzUoMKaxgYD88RtYz9fdR1XkSXiTCcb37sSuBljOL5aeI8Cg3QN3y-otMEYHzh_crOJwR1p_fqwRAq1yzb8U5fVGsLi6Gf2nVfSDE/s1600/Nong+Kai.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v0q1xSXNFqDiqWLq0ZLtbKQUWAv4oYwChqiIaNWzUoMKaxgYD88RtYz9fdR1XkSXiTCcb37sSuBljOL5aeI8Cg3QN3y-otMEYHzh_crOJwR1p_fqwRAq1yzb8U5fVGsLi6Gf2nVfSDE/s320/Nong+Kai.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nong Khai, Thailand</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Originally, we were going to head north after Bangkok, spend a chunk of time in Chiang Mai and then go into Laos. On our second day in Ayutthaya, my boyfriend and I decided to switch up the plan and instead head northeast, towards Nong Khai and then into Laos, with every intention of still going to Chiang Mai, just not right then.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A (bigger) change of plans</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After five days in Nong Khai (a nice little chilled out town I really liked) we again started talking about our travel plans. Do we do the Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang route and then back into the north of Thailand? That was the original idea, but I wasn't really keen on Vang Vieng. I'm sure it has its merits, but being 32 I wasn't into the idea of drunken tubing or partying with 19-year olds (no offense to 19-year olds). The boyfriend felt similarly and had yet to get really "excited" about going to Laos at all. We then met another couple who told us their favourite spot in Laos was the 4000 Islands. This was the straw that shifted the camel's plans (er, you get the idea).</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The new plan</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The next day (after poached eggs at a cute British cafe I can't remember the name of), we walked along the waterfront, gazing at Laos in the distance and drafted a new plan. We would not go north, but instead head south after Vientiane, into Tha Khaek (dusty town with lots of stray dogs you need to watch out for), Pakse (go to hike the gorgeous Bolivan Plateau. So beautiful) and then to the 4000 Islands (SO amazing). And then... into CAMBODIA, which was never part of the travel plan at all. So in essence, we sacrificed Chiang Mai for a chance to see Cambodia.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu4ijD7YBO7r99MjJnVNePw7qqYTFadqStl60rxYSCOpq5W3YDeTe8j5BSh0_6BIgkCM04AdW2idUvA2RMDxl_Avm34vwUuxanAxkLZC7BSZFQJwMWXOf9TE3MOzhu6WYTEGobqHjmWw/s1600/vientiane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu4ijD7YBO7r99MjJnVNePw7qqYTFadqStl60rxYSCOpq5W3YDeTe8j5BSh0_6BIgkCM04AdW2idUvA2RMDxl_Avm34vwUuxanAxkLZC7BSZFQJwMWXOf9TE3MOzhu6WYTEGobqHjmWw/s320/vientiane.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vientiane, Laos</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Going with your gut</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Plans are great -- to a point. They can also trip you up and lead you away from the path you are better off being on. My gut said, "let's do this; let's head south instead and squeeze in Cambodia." My brain said, "but, but, but..." and then my boyfriend sealed the deal with the deciding vote to head south. I fell madly in love with the 4000 Islands and with Cambodia. Cambodia is a special place that really swept me off my feet and I wouldn't have got to have that experience if we had stuck with "the plan".</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Feelings now</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well. now that we're back I do get random pangs of wishing we'd made it to Chaing Mai. I regret not seeing the north of Thailand while we were there and that kind of smarts now that we're back from the trip. As much as I love the trip we ended up taking (which I know is the point), I still think of the "what ifs" and the "should haves". I've read so many great things about Chiang Mai -- it's cheap, it's easy to get around, there are so many temples, it's a haven for vegetarians....and on and an. I hate to think I was so close, but never quite got there. Next time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>How do you deal with travel regret? </b></i></span><br />
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Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-83153273685471537172012-08-28T12:00:00.000-07:002012-09-03T12:02:38.896-07:00An Ode to 7-Eleven<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Before I went to Thailand I figured all 7-Eleven stores were the same. The ones where I live, in Toronto, stock junk food, soda, magazines and cigarettes and that's about it, so when I got to Bangkok I wondered why there would possibly be any need for one of these stores every block (or more). Boy, was I in for a surprise.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBwFblmWET_PQnVUrqhbPRhQ-boRXd3n5fPW5eb1O-wgW5uPHlXxNwNoKSH_E2K_1Xci1s1Qnna4lxJh2c97pvMc_KR3vc_yfwLHsgkQJ21jzDUpXp4MhP-8WSf10r_1LpHWptreU9q8/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBwFblmWET_PQnVUrqhbPRhQ-boRXd3n5fPW5eb1O-wgW5uPHlXxNwNoKSH_E2K_1Xci1s1Qnna4lxJh2c97pvMc_KR3vc_yfwLHsgkQJ21jzDUpXp4MhP-8WSf10r_1LpHWptreU9q8/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7-Eleven in Bangkok, from above</td></tr>
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<b>The "everything" store</b></div>
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While not every 7-Eleven in Thailand is created equal, most of them allow you to purchase anything from coffee, beer and junk food, to breakfast, lunch, dinner and makeup. Yes, makeup (not to mention shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper and underwear). So basically, if you decided to take a trip to Thailand, but lost your luggage en route, you could just stop at a 7-Eleven and you'd be fine for at least a few days, if not longer.</div>
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<b>What I bought</b></div>
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My boyfriend and I mostly used 7-Eleven stores as a place to stock up on water and beer. We often stayed in places that had a fridge, so we could ensure multiple bottles of each, which was convenient. However, I also bought a notebook (which I still use), face cleanser that cost me 90 bhat (about $3) for two -- one exfoliating wash, one foaming, which I ended up loving and obviously can't find here (they're called Berri Pops if you happen to come across them), snacks and a BB cream that was also about 90 bhat but something I couldn't/wouldn't use because it contained whitening ingredients. Most beauty products in Thailand claim to whiten, but I didn't notice this on first read-through of the products' claims (silly me). Full disclosure: I'm pretty pale and definitely not in need of skin whitening.</div>
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<b>The bottom line</b></div>
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In Toronto you can't just go to the corner store or grocery store to buy beer (which you can in some provinces in Canada). There are special stores dedicated to booze and beer here, which is fine, but once you have access to beer anywhere you go (as in, every block), it's hard to be OK with making a separate trip just to get a 6-pack or bottle of wine. Plus, the snacks at the Thai 7-Elevens kick ass -- fun flavours of chips, dehydrated strawberries (pretty yummy) and a much more varied selection of treats than what gets stocked at the stores where I live. </div>
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I understand that the prevalence of the 7-Eleven brand means the decline of local culture and a dearth of anything "authentic" but I also get the fact that having access to what you need quickly and whenever you want is important to everyone, Thais and tourists alike.</div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>What are your thoughts on the 7-Eleven stores every block in Thailand? Do you use them?</b></i>Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-241702935963737632012-08-27T16:03:00.002-07:002012-08-27T16:03:37.366-07:00Cooking Class in Thailand<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
One of the things I really wanted to do while in Thailand was take a cooking class. My boyfriend and I love Thai food (or what we thought was Thai food before we actually went to Thailand), so we figured learning how to make the dishes we enjoyed would be a good idea. And it was.</div>
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<b>Cooking in Krabi Town</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring rolls and papaya salad!</td></tr>
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We decided to make a stop in Krabi Town on the way to Khao Sok National Park, but our one night stay turned into three (what can I say, we liked the town). I happened to notice a brochure at our guesthouse for a cooking school and figured we could put our extra couple of days to good use. The school was <a href="http://www.smartcookthailand.com/index.html" target="_blank">Smart Cook Thai Cookery School </a>and they offered a great afternoon of cooking (and lots of eating). </div>
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<b>To market </b></div>
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After getting picked up from our guesthouse (included in the price of the class) we hit a local market to buy supplies and learn about some of the major flavours in Thai cooking. We were taken around the market by our teacher, Bunnie (who was as adorable as her name), where she showed us all of the ingredients we would be using. We were then given an hour to wander before meeting back up to head to the school. Other than the "meat" room, which was not the best spot for a vegetarian, the market was colourful, lively and a great start to an afternoon of cooking.</div>
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<b>Cooking</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot and sour soup, sweet and sour veg</td></tr>
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We chose the Daily Course + Market Tour (1500 bhat), which meant choosing seven dishes. I chose spring rolls, coconut milk soup, papaya salad, red curry paste, tofu with curry and sticky rice with mango. My boyfriend went with the same, other than hot and sour soup and sweet and sour veggies. Anything with meat can be made with tofu, which was a bonus for us. </div>
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There was only three of us in the class so Bunnie could easily make the rounds and help, and we all had a great view of when she was showing us something. We started with soup and salad, then onto spring rolls, curry paste, curry tofu and then dessert. I was insanely full afterwards, as you can imagine. The food was easier to make than I thought, but since Thai cooking is done so quickly at such high heat, as long as you have all of your ingredients on hand and prepared, getting it right is doable for most cooking levels.</div>
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We were given a cookbook at the end of class, which I can honestly say I've used a lot since being back. My favourite things to make are spring rolls, papaya salad and coconut soup. I have yet to attempt curry paste, but it's on the list!</div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Have you ever done a cooking class while traveling? What did you think? </b></i><br />
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<br />Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-11950385118616040142012-08-26T12:47:00.000-07:002012-08-26T12:47:40.246-07:00Khao Sok National Park<div style="text-align: right;">
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One of the highlights of my recent trip to Thailand was the three days we spent in Khao Sok National Park. I had done a lot of reading about it before deciding to add the park to our itinerary, and the experience exceeded expectation.</div>
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<b>Our Jungle House</b></div>
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We stayed at the lovely <a href="http://khaosokaccommodation.com/index.html" target="_blank">Our Jungle House</a>, where I had made a reservation online about a week prior to arriving. I can't recommend this resort enough -- it offers several types of accommodation including riverside bungalows and tree houses. I tried to book one of the tree houses (with no luck), but I loved <a href="http://khaosokaccommodation.com/cliff-house.html" target="_blank">our room</a> all the same. It was just rustic enough (open air bathroom, complete with frogs, snails and other park critters), but clean, charming and full of character. Great food, friendly, attentive staff and myriad tours that allow you to explore all areas of the park make it an ideal option if Khao Sok is on your list of must-sees (which it should be).</div>
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<b>Lake trip</b></div>
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We opted for a full day tour of Cheow Lake, an awe-inspiring spot I didn't want to leave. It's touted as a must-do trip and although I try to make my own calls on where to spend my travel time and money, it really did live up to the hype. We started with a scenic long tail boat ride across the lake to a perfect swimming spot (think emerald water surrounded by limestone karsts) where you could take a dip or kayak. We were served a delicious lunch including lots of vegetarian options (perfect for us) and then came the hike to and through Namtaloo Cave. </div>
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Getting to the cave involved a short boat ride an easy hike, but the trip through the cave itself was the fun part. First of all, it's dark (headlamps on, please) and it's full of water. So full of water that at times we were swimming through the cave (the water is also mighty cold). Oh, and there are lots of spiders and some slippery parts so athletic shoes are a must. But back to the spiders. If you hate them, you will not want to do the cave part of this tour. They're huge and they're everywhere. Luckily you can't really see them if you're not directing your headlamp on them, but knowing they're there is enough. Then it was back for fruit and more swimming before the return boat ride. </div>
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We also did a canoe trip and an afternoon at the nearby hot springs, which, in retrospect, might not have been the smartest call for such a hot country, but still relaxing.</div>
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<b>Getting there</b></div>
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You can easily get to Khao Sok National Park from Khao Lak, which is a nice spot in itself for a few days. There are many tour operators that offer the two hour trip daily. While in Khao Lak we stayed at Jerung Guesthouse, a clean, friendly option right on the main road and only about a 6-7 minute walk to the beach. Khao Lak is great for avid divers (which I am not), but I still found if a nice three day stop.</div>
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<br />Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-19690884151566822752012-07-09T07:30:00.000-07:002012-07-09T17:13:52.597-07:00Nomad In Training<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Palma, El Salvador</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Wanderlust woman</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As a freelance writer, I can work from anywhere. I work from my couch mostly (bad for the back, I know), but what I really want to do is start working more while traveling. Not just once in a while, but jet off to a new spot every few months. I worked from Paris for the summer in 2007 and while on a two month trip through Thailand, Cambodia and Laos in 2012 and now that I know I can get things done while on the road, I want to do it ALL the time.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why don't I just do it?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, travel costs money. I don't necessarily have the funds to pack up and go whenever, wherever I please so thus far, planning is involved. Plus, I actually enjoy having a home base. I like the feeling of leaving, and then coming back. Granted I get itchy feet about three days after returning from a trip, but I have yet to embrace the idea of going somewhere indefinitely (and not having anywhere to come back to).</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Despite the fact I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to my trusty couch, I do plan to be away from it more often. I want to take advantage of my mobile career as much as possible, whether I go somewhere for a week -- or three months. I just have to get organized and make it happen. I'll keep you posted on where the next spot is going to be...</span>Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-23215860342772056852012-07-08T12:53:00.000-07:002012-09-03T12:03:01.721-07:00Subletting My Apartment To Travel<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When my boyfriend and I decided to take a two-month trip this winter, one of our criteria was finding someone to rent our apartment while we were gone. The idea was to avoid paying for a trip and paying for a space we weren't going to be living in at the same time.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The skinny </span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khao Sok National Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Once we said a mutual, 'OK, let's do it,' I put an ad on Craigslist for our large, sunny one-bedroom in Toronto's west end. I actually got more responses than I thought I would (I was worried we wouldn't find anyone to take the place) and had tentatively chosen someone barring her somehow hating the space upon sight. But then I got another email from someone who was interested (I didn't want to take the ad down until I had a rock-solid confirmation). This other interested party turned out to be someone I had worked with about five years ago (so random). He came to see it and said he'd take it and I was glad to give it to someone I knew.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What happened</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a few lapses in communication (and me stressing the deal would fall through), we got our </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">two months of rent paid up-front and handed over a set of keys. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We left on February 3rd and didn't hear from the people renting our place the whole time (other than once to tell us they were having trouble getting online), which I managed to rectify from a loner laptop in an eco-lodge on the outskirts of Khao Sok National Park. I was concerned they would have issues or be unhappy (because I'm a worrier like that), but all was well</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Upon our return</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The couple staying at our place (one, my former colleague) left the place looking fine, but definitely 'lived in.' They did put clean sheets on the bed, which was great and leave a nice thank-you note. However (and this one is kind of my fault) let their dog chew our coffee table. I say this is my fault because I said they could bring their dog, which they were originally going to leave with someone else. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Would I do it again? </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yup. It's a great way to travel without worrying about the empty space sitting back home (eating up your hard earned money). This time I would say no pets and even try to see if I could find someone who wouldn't mind also feeding my cat, Arthur. This past trip my sister took the cat, but she will likely be heading to Korea to teach English this winter (when I want to be away). So we'll see what happens, but I would love to sublet again as a way to offset some of the cost of the trip.</span>Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970278964857600923.post-85661380252020415642012-07-08T12:02:00.001-07:002012-07-08T12:10:41.769-07:00My First Airbnb Experience<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I could spend hours browsing rooms and apartments on Airbnb. I can choose a location and just start searching, clicking on place after place (creating dream trips as I click). I finally got to use the site for real (and not just imaginary purposes in February when I was planning my Southest Asia trip.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Background</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our place in Bangkok</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Since we were flying into Bangkok pretty late (our plane landed around 10 p.m. local time) I wanted to make sure we had accommodation booked and I liked the idea of finding something more homey on Airbnb. So I started searching places in Bangkok and I ended up finding a gem. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What I found </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For $20 a night I found <a href="http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/124443" target="_blank">a great room</a> off of a main house with air conditioning (much needed), free Wi-Fi, a separate en</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">trance, private bathroom with hot water and a great location close to the BTS Skytrain (Chong Nonsi, if you're curious). The host Micha was great and offered tons of tips and suggestions for what to do. The room was large and clean, plus there was a little sitting area out front great for sipping beers or having coffee in the morning. There was coffee and tea provided, along with a kettle, small fridge, microwave and toaster. There was also a great grocery store nearby and lots of street food stalls during the week.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My experience </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Micha got back to me right away (within 12 hours) with confirmation that my dates of choice were available</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and sent a detailed map of how to get there, including directions written in Thai for the taxi driver. We liked the place so much that we booked it again for our last three nights in Bangkok at the tail end of the trip. Would I use Airbnb again? Absolutely. </span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What have your Airbnb experiences been like? </span></i></b>Jessica Padykulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14669238499567269095noreply@blogger.com0