At long last. I am finally back in Bali. With just a short stop in Seoul. I didn’t book the ticket with a definite plan to stop over but if you look hard enough, Delta had tickets for sale at a cheaper price than Korean Air. Did I know that the transfer would be impossible within 1 hour? Maybe but oops. For those wondering, if they wanted to, Korean Air would put their team on the clock to escort you off 1 flight and onto another, gate to gate. They did for the handful of people going to Cambodia. They honestly thought we were one but no. We have other stops first.

23 hours in flight. 22 hours in Seoul. 2 hours round trip by taxi. It was great to be back in Seoul if only for a short time. To go back to that one KBB place we visited the 1st time. It is wonderful that the old man who served us the first time is still at it and still upbeat.

It was just dissapointing that we had so much luggage that we just had no more space for anything to be purchased. Nevermind a visit to the new Daiso. Life is sad that way.

What is loneliness?

Relatives: Aren’t you lonely traveling by yourself?

Me: No

Honestly I am so busy getting lost and trying to figure out where I am going, I have no time to be lonely. And with family and friends around they would stress me out. 

Case in point, last night I was at the intersection of Myeongkeok for probably 10 minutes crossing streets checking maps and just trying to find where the hotel I just booked was. I have done this a lot in Korea. But I am fine with it as it lets me find my footing and let’s me position myself for later.

(Apple map, I have always defended you but you always let me down when I need your guidance the most. Anyway, google maps to the rescue. Finally)

Company during these times would just get mad that they are lost and start yelling and darken the mood. I don’t need that. #Ispeakfromexperience

4 Days in Sihanoukville

 
Preparations for the new year celebration is now starting and I am on my way to the capital on a VIP Van. Comfortable with the AC blasting. My plan now is to head to the Mekong for  round 1 and countryside for round 2.

I should be there already but gee it is 100+ degrees outside and this Boston girl is just not made for that. Therefore the last 4 days, I relaxed by the beach and napped through the worst of the heat. AC only used at night.

Everyone was still working and taking classes so my days were mostly spent with my cousin (nurse/Doctor) in between patient calls and meetings with the auditors. I should feel guilty just lazing around while everyone go about their business but #badhabits.

But just last night was a #ReasonsITravel moment.

The meal was duck soup on a hot plate. Like a simplified hot pot. (We’ll have hot pot later in the capital) My cousin out did herself again for picking dishes I have never had before. #overachiever

Both school and work has gone on holiday. My nephew came home from his stay in the capital. My cousin the taxi/(driver) dropped off his wife and kids at the in laws and came for the meal. A case of Anchor beer in hand.

The table was a redwood stump the size of a coffee table. The bowls the size of tea cups. The meal was simple. The duck so tender. The water crest nice and crispy. And we seven crowded around.

The atmosphere was light. Brother teasing sister. The sister teasing brother. Everyone teasing mom. Uncle bringing great spirits all around. Cheers abound as the beer cans emptied out.

Long Stop

  
I’ve been a bad blogger. I have stories to tell, I promise but the fun days are moved in with ones of exhaustion and some confusion. The timeline is broken so I will have current stories mixed in with past memories 🙂

Current location: Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

48 Hours

The length of time it took me to start panicking. I’m in halfway around the world from people who care. If something happens to me, who would care?

After 30 odd hours of flying and filing in and out of planes, losing expensive headsets and other electronics, forgetting towels and prescription drugs, and then doing way too much walking in the sun, I think I am losing it. 

Why is my hand tingly? Am I dehydrated?  Where is the nearest train station? 350km to the train station. Ok I can do that. 330 km. Wait, did that day 340 km. That’s not right. 370km. What?! No. I am just going to go around. 

Why does it take so long to download uber? 

Why does this shopping center have so many different entrances? I have to go back downstairs to cross the street? What does elegant casual mean? No reservation. Oops. 1 hour to eat? Sure but I really half an hour. No problem. Dear sushi, why can’t I finish you?

Oh room sweet room. Thank you for being clean. Oh bed. Maybe a little nap… No.. knowing me, I may not wake up. Where is the tour picking me up? I heard Orchard Parris Hotel. Did she mean Orchid Parade Hotel? Honestly if I miss the pickup, I don’t think I would me too upset. 

Can I sleep yet?

I think I am going to sleep in tomorrow..

3.5 hours to pickup.

First Casualty

It isn’t a secret. I am  traveling alone to many foreign lands. For some of them, I won’t know the language. This will be a test on how well I can manage on my own as well as to have fun and see other cultures. Mostly in the heat. 

Honestly I greatly appreciate everyone’s warm wishes regarding my health and safety as coming from a place where I am comfortable taking the T and walking around by myself, the thought that I can’t just go where I want at all hours of the night is concerning. I was also concerned about losing my phone and my purse. I think I have been careful but maybe the lack of sleep is getting to me as I have already lost my noise canceling headset. It was great as the engine noise just goes away and Falicia Dat was reading/acting out her memoirs so clearly. Amazing. 

I now face 12+ hours of engine. 

Bye bye magic earphones. You were great for the short time that I had you (T-T)

Umm.. Apparently my kindle 2. Great beginning to this trip

Update. Kindle found. Will be forwarded from Frankfort. No headphones.