Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
What I have learned...
That America needs to adopt a lot of ideas that would benefit them. For example, the sky train.
We need more life in our architecture, such as, color, artwork, something other than a big tall building and slapping the name on a sign.
We need to have more alleys filled with bars, shopping, lounges, and all need to be outdoor sitting.
Chili sauce makes everything taste that much better.
Still can't believe I am back.
We need more life in our architecture, such as, color, artwork, something other than a big tall building and slapping the name on a sign.
We need to have more alleys filled with bars, shopping, lounges, and all need to be outdoor sitting.
Chili sauce makes everything taste that much better.
Still can't believe I am back.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Rambling
I realized that I never blogged about the professionals we met throughout the trip. One in particular I’d like to mention is Oliver, from Young & Rubicon. Just knowing we would be entering the building gave me goose bumps. For those whom are not familiar with the name Y&R, it is one of the largest PR firms out there. They are up there with my #1 dream company, Ogilvy. My professor told me he could get me an internship there but I m not so sure if Id want to live there all on my own just yet. Don’t get me wrong I love Bangkok, and every element that makes up the country. Thailand was my main place that I was excited to visit, so I can definitely see myself being there, just don’t know if it’s something permanent. If I could intern there and then be transferred to an office in the states, I wouldn’t think twice to take that offer up. Who knows I am still young and opportunities still exist and are plentiful, no matter how the economy is doing right now.
As I gazed down at the Pacific Ocean from the plane’s window, I found myself thinking of all the things I want to change in my life. I always knew I was somewhat more independent than most of my friends for the main reason being the way I was brought up. Always travelling, living in vastly different cultures, struggling with identities, coping with not having all family members in one household. Anyway, my point is, I realized that I can make it on my own, as in living on my own, travelling on my own, being in a completely foreign place and finding my own path. I also missed the entire experience already and was happy to be going home but would love to turn right back around and do it all over again. I don’t feel like I missed out on anything, I am actually very fortunate that I was able to go on this trip. It’s not every day that you can be working in a company that lets you basically take a month off work when you haven’t even been over your one year mark. To show my gratitude, I have a duffel bag full of gifts from all the countries I’ve visited for them! I also learned that family is more important than ever when your gone for a long time. I always call my mom and make sure all is well and even make a visit to good old Hagerstown, Maryland from time to time but I feel like my siblings and I have reconnected on some level. I e-mailed then more; face booked them more, shared stories, in a different way. As if I wouldn’t talk to them the next day, we said I love you to each other after every conversation, that type of thing. I’ve enjoyed that a lot, for we were never a very affectionate family. It was just comforting to know that even when your thousands of miles away, your family will be there day and night to answer your call, your e-mail, what have you. I am fortunate to have friends whom are like family as well. One in particular, Dorian. She and I have kept in touch the entire way and she gave me the best going away gift a person could receive. It wasn’t so much the actual gift but what it represented. She gave me an anklet, an anklet that represented our friendship. Whenever I felt sad, homesick, stressed, or anything of that nature, I could look down at it and feel at ease again. That girl is so thoughtful and I shopped until I dropped to find her something, but all I could think of was anything I give her won’t even amount to the symbol of “us” she gave me. So I found her some cool stuff but I am going to hang out with her nonstop when I get back and hopefully that will be the best gift she could ever ask for. We are not lovers or anything, not that I have a problem with lesbians, just two girls from two completely different places, which found a common ground to share.
Okay enough about the mushy stuff. Work is going to be crazy when I come back, I don’t know if I should expect the place to be in shambles or find out that I have some competition to squash. I know that my former colleagyue is know the manager of my department! Very exciting news but it’s going to take some getting used to from having a colleague/friend to her being your manager…Who do I tell all my office gossip to now!?
We are currently flying over South Dakota….it’s amazing to look down and see the world from this altitude. I am actually very used to flying, so I thought. I think as I get older I develop a fear of heights. On every flight we have been on I have clenched on to the arm rests of my chairs as if I was tied down to an electrical chair, thought twice about not looking out the window or getting up and getting off the plane, and prayed like there was no tomorrow. Whenever I felt turbulence, I would look around and wonder why no one else was having a panic attack on the inside like I was. Come to find out that there’s been turbulence where people were couldn’t even stay in there seats, and everything was fine. It’s the old age thing, I know it. You become more cautious, more worrisome, and so on. I have so many things I want to do, but feel that the older I get I will scratch them off my list, or It wont be important to me anymore. Which is why I took this trip on and didn’t look back. I was suppose to go my junior year and cancelled, and was not about to let the opportunity pass again.
As I gazed down at the Pacific Ocean from the plane’s window, I found myself thinking of all the things I want to change in my life. I always knew I was somewhat more independent than most of my friends for the main reason being the way I was brought up. Always travelling, living in vastly different cultures, struggling with identities, coping with not having all family members in one household. Anyway, my point is, I realized that I can make it on my own, as in living on my own, travelling on my own, being in a completely foreign place and finding my own path. I also missed the entire experience already and was happy to be going home but would love to turn right back around and do it all over again. I don’t feel like I missed out on anything, I am actually very fortunate that I was able to go on this trip. It’s not every day that you can be working in a company that lets you basically take a month off work when you haven’t even been over your one year mark. To show my gratitude, I have a duffel bag full of gifts from all the countries I’ve visited for them! I also learned that family is more important than ever when your gone for a long time. I always call my mom and make sure all is well and even make a visit to good old Hagerstown, Maryland from time to time but I feel like my siblings and I have reconnected on some level. I e-mailed then more; face booked them more, shared stories, in a different way. As if I wouldn’t talk to them the next day, we said I love you to each other after every conversation, that type of thing. I’ve enjoyed that a lot, for we were never a very affectionate family. It was just comforting to know that even when your thousands of miles away, your family will be there day and night to answer your call, your e-mail, what have you. I am fortunate to have friends whom are like family as well. One in particular, Dorian. She and I have kept in touch the entire way and she gave me the best going away gift a person could receive. It wasn’t so much the actual gift but what it represented. She gave me an anklet, an anklet that represented our friendship. Whenever I felt sad, homesick, stressed, or anything of that nature, I could look down at it and feel at ease again. That girl is so thoughtful and I shopped until I dropped to find her something, but all I could think of was anything I give her won’t even amount to the symbol of “us” she gave me. So I found her some cool stuff but I am going to hang out with her nonstop when I get back and hopefully that will be the best gift she could ever ask for. We are not lovers or anything, not that I have a problem with lesbians, just two girls from two completely different places, which found a common ground to share.
Okay enough about the mushy stuff. Work is going to be crazy when I come back, I don’t know if I should expect the place to be in shambles or find out that I have some competition to squash. I know that my former colleagyue is know the manager of my department! Very exciting news but it’s going to take some getting used to from having a colleague/friend to her being your manager…Who do I tell all my office gossip to now!?
We are currently flying over South Dakota….it’s amazing to look down and see the world from this altitude. I am actually very used to flying, so I thought. I think as I get older I develop a fear of heights. On every flight we have been on I have clenched on to the arm rests of my chairs as if I was tied down to an electrical chair, thought twice about not looking out the window or getting up and getting off the plane, and prayed like there was no tomorrow. Whenever I felt turbulence, I would look around and wonder why no one else was having a panic attack on the inside like I was. Come to find out that there’s been turbulence where people were couldn’t even stay in there seats, and everything was fine. It’s the old age thing, I know it. You become more cautious, more worrisome, and so on. I have so many things I want to do, but feel that the older I get I will scratch them off my list, or It wont be important to me anymore. Which is why I took this trip on and didn’t look back. I was suppose to go my junior year and cancelled, and was not about to let the opportunity pass again.
Monday, June 7, 2010
highlights
In 24 hours ill be on a fourteen hour flight to the states. Its bittersweet but ready to go home. I know I've been slacking on the blog posts....but am going to makeup for it once internet is stable and I actually have time to sit and put all my experiences down!
The people, their culture, the smells, the sights, the sounds, it's all an experience in itself that no words will amount to how this trip has been. You just have too see it for yourself.
Bangkok has been great, its the one location that we have stayed at the longest. Logan Vay has me
Met us tonight at one of the local hot spots right outside our hotel called Charley Browns Mexicana. It is run by a british man named Dave. Its out last night here and we are having a very nice dinner with the whole group....I've bonded wit everyone here and its a special bond that noone will be a part of but the ten of us....Bill,Elvir, Mark, Declan, Rachel, Jen, Stephanie, Kj, and Megan!
I know I will never forget this experience but the things id like to touch on are as follows:
Waking up to the call of prayer at the mosque from Sleepy Sams in Singapore
Haggling with people at the markets in Malaysia
Living in the oldest rainforest in the world
Building toilets for a family in the village of siam reap
Staying at one of the most luxurious villas in Cambodia
Eating bugs with the tuk-tuk drivers....whom are missed very much
Spending just enough time in Vietnam to say we have been to Vietnam
Bangkok...enough said. Thailand, temples, thai food, shopping galore!
The people, their culture, the smells, the sights, the sounds, it's all an experience in itself that no words will amount to how this trip has been. You just have too see it for yourself.
Bangkok has been great, its the one location that we have stayed at the longest. Logan Vay has me
Met us tonight at one of the local hot spots right outside our hotel called Charley Browns Mexicana. It is run by a british man named Dave. Its out last night here and we are having a very nice dinner with the whole group....I've bonded wit everyone here and its a special bond that noone will be a part of but the ten of us....Bill,Elvir, Mark, Declan, Rachel, Jen, Stephanie, Kj, and Megan!
I know I will never forget this experience but the things id like to touch on are as follows:
Waking up to the call of prayer at the mosque from Sleepy Sams in Singapore
Haggling with people at the markets in Malaysia
Living in the oldest rainforest in the world
Building toilets for a family in the village of siam reap
Staying at one of the most luxurious villas in Cambodia
Eating bugs with the tuk-tuk drivers....whom are missed very much
Spending just enough time in Vietnam to say we have been to Vietnam
Bangkok...enough said. Thailand, temples, thai food, shopping galore!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Like nothing even happened
We are here in Bangkok and loving it!
Last night we went to a really big mall near the national stadium, shopped, and then back to the Suk 11 hostel to rest and out for the rest of the night.
Same scene as Cambodia....tuk-tuk's at your service, cabs, 7 11 restauruants and shopping on every corner.
Whether is better, it's the rainy season so haven't been getting as much sun as I'd expected to get by now.
The streets seem safe and friendly, but never get too comfortable.
Today we are going to explore some temples, and then the tiger temple the next day. Not sure If I am brave enough for that, my fear will be smelled from a mile away...
Last night we went to a really big mall near the national stadium, shopped, and then back to the Suk 11 hostel to rest and out for the rest of the night.
Same scene as Cambodia....tuk-tuk's at your service, cabs, 7 11 restauruants and shopping on every corner.
Whether is better, it's the rainy season so haven't been getting as much sun as I'd expected to get by now.
The streets seem safe and friendly, but never get too comfortable.
Today we are going to explore some temples, and then the tiger temple the next day. Not sure If I am brave enough for that, my fear will be smelled from a mile away...
Saturday, May 29, 2010
vietnam
We are here for one night and one night only. Took a lovely 6 hour bus ride from cambodia. Thanks to Clash of The Titans the ride was not all that bad.
We attempted to go to the war museum but they close at 4 and we just made it in to our hotel then. So when all else fails, you eat and shop!
Bought myself a tanktop repreasenting the local beer here, which is pretty good and a marc jacobs bag for dirt cheap. Haggling is so much fun, I don't know how I'm going to ever buy anything in the states without thinking of how cheap I could get that same item in Asia.
We attempted to go to the war museum but they close at 4 and we just made it in to our hotel then. So when all else fails, you eat and shop!
Bought myself a tanktop repreasenting the local beer here, which is pretty good and a marc jacobs bag for dirt cheap. Haggling is so much fun, I don't know how I'm going to ever buy anything in the states without thinking of how cheap I could get that same item in Asia.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
You are what you eat....
We made a toilet for one of the families of the village from scratch. I must say I found a new respect for construction workers, its hard work.
Bana trees are grown by the manour from the composts toilets.
The reason behind building these toilets are to educate the people and help fertalize the livestock. The soil they have now is barely useable. Preventing diseases is another reason. When the fly lands on manure ad then lands on food u can get chlorea
It felt good to give back
Bana trees are grown by the manour from the composts toilets.
The reason behind building these toilets are to educate the people and help fertalize the livestock. The soil they have now is barely useable. Preventing diseases is another reason. When the fly lands on manure ad then lands on food u can get chlorea
It felt good to give back
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Cambodia...
and loving it!
So far we have checked in to the most luxurious places I would never expect to find here.
The best part about it was we rode in took-tucks straight from the airport. They are basically, a carriage made for two to three people, hooked on to a motorcycle. It sounds sketch but it's a fun form of transportation. I have tons and tons of pictures I am dying to share, so I'll try my best to get them up somehow.
After we checked into our beautifully decorated rooms, we got back on our took-tucks towards the temples! They are one of the wonders of the world, up there, with the pyramids. We walked around and got to go to the top of the main temple, Ankor Wat which gave you an amazing view of the fields.
People here are so kind, always smiling, and always selling something! I have to watch out for that...
Right now, we just had a buffet lunch. The food hit the spot and of course the mojito was the cherry on top :p
Taking a little break and back to view more temples.
So far we have checked in to the most luxurious places I would never expect to find here.
The best part about it was we rode in took-tucks straight from the airport. They are basically, a carriage made for two to three people, hooked on to a motorcycle. It sounds sketch but it's a fun form of transportation. I have tons and tons of pictures I am dying to share, so I'll try my best to get them up somehow.
After we checked into our beautifully decorated rooms, we got back on our took-tucks towards the temples! They are one of the wonders of the world, up there, with the pyramids. We walked around and got to go to the top of the main temple, Ankor Wat which gave you an amazing view of the fields.
People here are so kind, always smiling, and always selling something! I have to watch out for that...
Right now, we just had a buffet lunch. The food hit the spot and of course the mojito was the cherry on top :p
Taking a little break and back to view more temples.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Malaysia
Let me start out by saying I am alive and doing okay!
Internet has been very limited to us for the past 4 days. I am currently sitting in the airport where I will be with the group until our flight departs around 4ish am. Yes, we are spending the night at the airport, this should be interesting.
Malaysia has been awesome. Shopping, great food, hot weather, what's not to love?
The first place we stayed at was a hotel near the University of Malaysia Campus. Their campus is very big and full of interesting architecture. It reminded me of my American International School back in Kuwait. How the halls are exposed, as soon as you walk out of a classroom your outside.
Tamen Negara (I think that's how you spell it) was a blast. It's a 130 million year old rain-forest that we stayed in for 3 days and 2 nights. We did everything from hiking to night safari. I've never been so close to nature as this place. I mean I literally slept, ate, showered with insects and animals. We saw insects the size of your fist, lizards, and monkeys.
I'm pretty beaten up by the mosquitoes. I have bug bites just about all over except my face. I guess I am just that sweet :p
Pictures and videos galore are coming soon, I just need to find time to upload them!
Internet has been very limited to us for the past 4 days. I am currently sitting in the airport where I will be with the group until our flight departs around 4ish am. Yes, we are spending the night at the airport, this should be interesting.
Malaysia has been awesome. Shopping, great food, hot weather, what's not to love?
The first place we stayed at was a hotel near the University of Malaysia Campus. Their campus is very big and full of interesting architecture. It reminded me of my American International School back in Kuwait. How the halls are exposed, as soon as you walk out of a classroom your outside.
Tamen Negara (I think that's how you spell it) was a blast. It's a 130 million year old rain-forest that we stayed in for 3 days and 2 nights. We did everything from hiking to night safari. I've never been so close to nature as this place. I mean I literally slept, ate, showered with insects and animals. We saw insects the size of your fist, lizards, and monkeys.
I'm pretty beaten up by the mosquitoes. I have bug bites just about all over except my face. I guess I am just that sweet :p
Pictures and videos galore are coming soon, I just need to find time to upload them!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Singapore Day1
We made it! We are here in Singapore!
Words cannot describe the things I've seen thus far. I haven't even spent an entire day here and I'm already all googly eyed over everything I see.
It took a little getting use to seeing people driving on the passenger side and seeing the speed limit signs in kilometers. Colbe Caillet playing on the radio on our cab ride to the hotel was comforting.
The whether is very humid and hot. It's going to be interesting to see how it feels during the day.
We are staying at a hotel called Sleepy Sam's right by the Sultan Mosque, which is the biggest masjid in the country. The entire block is made up of all types of Mediterranean restaurants, that stay open all night. One of the first things I did was slip into something lighteer, and go get some food. Chicken hummus shawarma....mmmmm did that hit the spot or what. There is even the comforting glowing sign of 7/11 on just about every corner.
Singapore's laws are so strict, it is probably one of the safest places to be. Women walking on their own, people just roaming the streets, all throughout the night with easy access to cabs.
The form of dress just about goes however you want, unless you enter the mosque, of course. I am looking forward to entering tomorrow. It's been a while since I've been in one.
I got a lot of sleep on the plane and even missed my dinner, so a couple of us in the group were pretty wired. We decided to take a stroll around the block, until most of the group was tired out and turned back while Mark and I kept on going. We ran into the biggest fountain in the world, the biggest furniture store in the country, we saw lizards, and other creatures that I'm not very fond of, but it was still thrilling to see.
What wasn't so thrilling was the great amount of people sleeping outside. I don't understand how they can survive out in this humidity. I guess there aren't any loitering laws around here either.
I could go on but I must get some rest.
Words cannot describe the things I've seen thus far. I haven't even spent an entire day here and I'm already all googly eyed over everything I see.
It took a little getting use to seeing people driving on the passenger side and seeing the speed limit signs in kilometers. Colbe Caillet playing on the radio on our cab ride to the hotel was comforting.
The whether is very humid and hot. It's going to be interesting to see how it feels during the day.
We are staying at a hotel called Sleepy Sam's right by the Sultan Mosque, which is the biggest masjid in the country. The entire block is made up of all types of Mediterranean restaurants, that stay open all night. One of the first things I did was slip into something lighteer, and go get some food. Chicken hummus shawarma....mmmmm did that hit the spot or what. There is even the comforting glowing sign of 7/11 on just about every corner.
Singapore's laws are so strict, it is probably one of the safest places to be. Women walking on their own, people just roaming the streets, all throughout the night with easy access to cabs.
The form of dress just about goes however you want, unless you enter the mosque, of course. I am looking forward to entering tomorrow. It's been a while since I've been in one.
I got a lot of sleep on the plane and even missed my dinner, so a couple of us in the group were pretty wired. We decided to take a stroll around the block, until most of the group was tired out and turned back while Mark and I kept on going. We ran into the biggest fountain in the world, the biggest furniture store in the country, we saw lizards, and other creatures that I'm not very fond of, but it was still thrilling to see.
What wasn't so thrilling was the great amount of people sleeping outside. I don't understand how they can survive out in this humidity. I guess there aren't any loitering laws around here either.
I could go on but I must get some rest.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Goodbyes
Today was the hardest day to hold back from crying.
The waterworks defenitely started running after the hectic last day at work.
My colleagues took me out to a very delightful lunch.
My good girlfriends had a mini dinner party and showerd me with lots of love and gifts.
Cell phone's been going off the hook with texts and phone calls for final goodbyes, but i'd like to say see ya later!
It's just nice to know people care and that you have an impact on their lives and no matter where you are in life, that love they show for you...whether its a best friend, a lover, or a parent...it gives you the strength to keep going and know that everything's going to be alright.
This may sound conseeded but I though it was clever. She said, "you know why it rained today, because America is going to miss you."
The waterworks defenitely started running after the hectic last day at work.
My colleagues took me out to a very delightful lunch.
My good girlfriends had a mini dinner party and showerd me with lots of love and gifts.
Cell phone's been going off the hook with texts and phone calls for final goodbyes, but i'd like to say see ya later!
It's just nice to know people care and that you have an impact on their lives and no matter where you are in life, that love they show for you...whether its a best friend, a lover, or a parent...it gives you the strength to keep going and know that everything's going to be alright.
This may sound conseeded but I though it was clever. She said, "you know why it rained today, because America is going to miss you."
This Is It
I woke up this morning, as if it was my graduation day all over again. So many emotions running through me. The adrenalin is going to keep me up all night, I just know it. That's probably going to work out perfectly for I'll spend most of the long flight from Dulles to Tokyo sleeping.
I cannot wait to become a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity with the group.
I cannot wait to become a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity with the group.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Preparation
CHECK LIST
- Pay all study abroad dues
- Pay off all bills for the month
- Hand over all clients to VP (and pray he takes care of them so I still have a job when I get back)
- Have all documents required
- Pack light
- Clean room
- Say your goodbyes
- Fly far far away! :D
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