As the world turns...

Hippies at Voodoo Fest 2013 ;)

In Costa Rica where the plant life is as beautiful as are the people

These blogs span about 5 years, and despite my attempt to make them go chronologically, my lack of knowledge of the interwebs/technology prevents me from perfecting (aka even remotely attempting) this. Bare w me, dear ones...

Meeting Russell Brand was definitely a highlight of 2013... He's a beautiful soul, with whom I share a lot of understanding <3

Traveling (:

Still here in Jamaica, still not drinking... I came to Margaritaville tonight and in the anticipation of having dinner here I skipped meal time at the resort. Ha! Silly me. Paid a $25 cover to get in here and there's plenty of alcohol at the open bar (I'm still not drinking) but the water still costs money AND THE KITCHEN IS CLOSED. As is the gift shop. Oh well. I'm gonna get white girl water wasted and hope I sleep well tonight.

So.... Silly me, makes a New Year's Resolution to meditate daily, drink little, and be generally very healthy. Then, on the first day of the second week, I fly to Montego Bay, Jamaica. I've decided they're conspiring to make me fat. It's an all-inclusive resort and ALL the booze I could DRINK would be free. But bottled water, which is all I really want, is $5 a bottle. Because I inquired about buying thirty bottles, they charged me only $3.50. Still... Paying for water when liquor flows freely. The old me would be disappointed. In addition to that, there's this teeny tiny little gym where no way could I get a decent work out in, and a restricted beach so that the only type of running I could do would be suicides. I'm hoping the next resort is a bit better. It should be- it cost 10X as much!!

Sunny Iquitos, Peru on a gorgeous day

The first thing I can say about Bangkok is there is NO SHORTAGE of things to do!! From going to every temple (Buddhist) you can imagine, to craft/market shopping, to eating things you can't - or don't want to! - identify, there is something for everybody, every day. Even Mui Thai fights happen enough that one could conceivably fit that into the schedule quite easily.  Secondly, hostels there are cheap and awesome. Granted, wherever you are in the world, you can find your fair share of "creepers," but the hostels in Bangkok average about ten US dollars per bed in a dorm and the experience should be a pleasant one. My hostel, called Saphaipae, was wonderful. Clean and spacious, with working WIFI and decent food available for purchase. The staff spoke good English and were helpful. If you are in Bangkok and don't have a good hostel, I'd definitely recommend walking down the road a ways because chances are there will be a better one in the few blocks you would pass. Transportation can be a bit odd here. They have both taxis (regular cars) and tuk-tuks (little three wheeled open air vehicles). You'd expect the taxis to cost more, right? Well, often the tuk-tuks cost the same if not more. Keep in mind though that nothing is set in stone and everything is negotiable. Transport is no different. Be sure and haggle your way to the best price possible- you can't be shy on this matter! It's worth it, because over time you can potentially save quite a bit.  If you're planning on visiting Bangkok soon, just be sure to do a little research going into it. It's just like many cities in the world in that it's a big bustling metropolis and it can seem overwhelmingly to one who's not been there before, especially if you're an inexperienced traveler. Be sure you learn the current exchange rate on money and try not to look too confused ever (that's when you set yourself up as an easy mark). If you follow this advice, hopefully your time in Bangkok will be amazing and unforgettable!!

I spoke to the man for a few moments and thanked him for his patience, all the while smiling and reassuring him the rest of those people were just lunatics. He asked me with whom I was traveling. I happened to be with Christy, my BFF, and Frances, an awesome girl from the mission trip. He took us aside and upgraded us all to first class for the return trip, free of charge. Let me tell you! I have flown first class domestically a few times (ok, kinda a lot…) but international flights are a whole new animal. The first class is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from coach. It was the best flight EVER. The moral of the story is you attract more bees w sugar than vinegar…. And in first class you can have your meal with sugar AND vinegar ;)

It's been decided: I'm moving to Colombia. Ok, ok, maybe "moving to" is a bit of an exaggeration but I AM enrolled in a summer course and I'll be living with a non-English speaking host family for over four weeks as I attempt to immerse myself in this lovely Latin American culture to try my best to learn the language. Who knows? Maybe I'll learn to Salsa, too. If not, I'll at least EAT salsa, I'm thinking ;) So now the logistics of this all are being sorted out. I did just arrive home from Qatar relatively recently and of course everyone I know thinks I'll be kidnapped by a cartel in Colombia. I think they watch too many movies. I'd be more afraid of my getting lost than kidnapped, though in all fairness, neither would be best. I'll be attending a college called Universidad del Norte in a coastal city best known for its elaborate Carnivales (South American Mardi Gras) called Barranquilla. Good thing I lived near New Orleans for long enough to get the whole idea behind Catholicism and Fat Tuesday- basically Lent is gonna be forty L-O-N-G days so party while you can, and God will understand. Is that it? No?? I'm excited! I did make Governor's Honors in Spanish in high school, and studied a bit of it in college, and I'm told I have a knack. We shall see, we shall see. As for now, booking my tickets to "B'quilla" as it is known colloquially via Miami are first on the agenda. Bon voyage! -Wait, wrong language....