Looking Back Part III

OK my friends, this is the final wrap up post.  Though, I don’t know if I will be finished with this blog just yet.  I still feel the need to write things down as I experience them because even though I am home everything is new to me again.  I dunno, we’ll see but if you are interested, check back because I may have a little more to say.

Moving on to the task at hand- the highlights of the final few countries on our journey.

Jordan


Ah, Jordan- we loved this country. I have to admit, I knew very little of the country before we arrived but as always, we embraced the unknown and were pleasantly surprised.  This is a country we would love to re-visit for the food, the scenery and Petra!

Food in Amman- Oh my, the food in the capital city of Amman was bloody epic.  I dream of it, I talk about it every other day.  Oh Kanafa- you tasty, tasty treat.  Dan and I had no problem finding cheap, fast, incredibly delicious food in Amman.  I miss it.
A Woman and Amman in Jordan



Petra - Yah Petra!! I love you!  I would take another trip to Jordan just to hit up Petra again.  It just blew my mind.  This was one of the only places that I actually cried when I left- cried, me.  Next time, 5 days minimum.  We joke about our lovely Spanish friend Daniel every other day.  Thanks Daniel for making our trip to Petra  “very special” ;)
Petra - Truly a Wonder



Dead Sea- OK, I don’t really know what is wrong with people but the word through the grapevine was that The Dead Sea should be visited but could be missed.  Are you people mental?  The Dead Sea was one of the most trippy experiences I have ever had in my life.  You don’t even have to know how to swim.  Yeah, wrap your mind around that!
Cruisin' through the desert in our Skoda



The Night Sky in Wadi Rum -  I still giggle when I think of our experience in Wadi Rum at night.  Danny and I lying on the sand, counting the shooting stars while doing periodic flashlight sweeps of the area.  There are scorpions in the desert you know.  Scary but beautiful.
The Stars are Brighter in the Desert

Egypt


Oh yeah, I love Egypt.  I thank my lucky stars every day that we were able to go back when  we did.  What a time to be there.  While there we learned just how isolated North America is from the rest of the world.

Cairo- Timeout-  my dream came true.  Dan and I rented an apartment in Cairo, made loads of friends and got to know the city.  Still, after travelling a small part of the world, Cairo is by far my favourite city. For once, in almost a year, Dan and I had our own home. Staying up late, drinking tea with friends, grocery shopping and buying fresh ayeish (Egyptian flatbread)= perfect, lazy bliss.
Cairo Time
A Fond Farewell

Jens Visit- it was the most bizarre feeling to meet family in another country.  It made us stop and look around at what our life had become.  It was amazing to have Dan’s sister overseas with us for a short time, actually I never imagined just how interesting it could be.  Ha Ha Jen.  Are you sure? The chicken was so good :)
2 Week Adventure
2 Week Adventure Part II

Pyramids- Ya, I’ve seen the pyramids before but seriously, they are fucked up!  They are way too mysterious to ponder in one visit, let alone two.  Really, people built these with simple tools- I think not.  I remember sitting by the Sphinx, with a view of the Pyramids in the distance just trying to absorb the feeling that they give me.  I wish I could bottle it.



Coffee with Ahmed- Hey Ahmed, we miss you!!  Ok people imagine this… Dan and I not having good coffee in 8 months.  It’s tragic I know.  That was until we met our good friend Ahmed- then I got to indulge in the best Lattes in the Middle East almost every night.  Yes, the walk was long but the coffee and the company was worth it. If you’re in Cairo, go see Ahmed at On-The-Run in Dokki (across the bridge from El Gazirah and left after the Sheraton).



Morocco


Morocco was a pleasant surprise.  After months of being stared at by everyone that I encountered, I was blissfully ignored in Morocco.  This country really intrigued me with it’s mix of ethnicities, amazing, fresh, cruelty/pesticide/GMO free foods, varied landscapes and fabulous shopping.  Morocco was chic, modern, authentic, interesting and exciting.
From the Markets to the Sea
All I Want for Christmas...
Morocco... Is Awesome!!

Riad in Fez Medina-  First of all, it was soooo cold.  Our mornings and evenings were spent wrapped up in blankets- yeah, multiple blankets.  Aside from the cold, our stay in an authentic Riad in Fez’ medina was an awesome way to experience the daily life of Moroccan women, oh, and taste home-made couscous.  Yum



The Sahara- I rode a camel in the Sahara desert.  Is there anything better than sunshine, cool fall air and camels- no.  I love camels!!  The planet has so many amazing, mysterious landscapes and the desert is one of them.  Aside from the massive sunglass tan that I acquired, I loved every minute that I spent in the Sahara.
Camping in the Dunes

Kasbah in Merzouga- OK, first of all, we didn’t quite know what to expect when we were picked up on the outskirts of Merzouga and taken to our Kasbah.  What is a kasbah anyways?  Well, now I know. We stayed at Chez Julia, and not only was our Kasbah beautiful, cozy and colourful, the food was delicious and there were like 8 kittens running around.  Adorable.  Yes, our accommodation was amazing but the town of Merzouga intrigued me.  It had the vibe of a western film- one long, wide dirt street, quiet, deserted shops, dusty winds and if you replace the horses with camels and bikes you’re set for a movie.  Fun
I get less attention than the strays...



Homemade Food- Oh Morocco.  Nowhere else, well other than Khanna (India), were we so fortunate to indulge in fresh, authentic, homemade food.  Hand rolled couscous- have you ever tasted it?  It’s like a fluffy cloud made of delicious.  Moroccan soups- yum, tajines- yum, Couscous-de-marriage- yum!  Oh, how I miss the food.
Canadians Don't Eat Food

Looking Back Part II

And so we continue our look back at some of our favourite moments on our year out.  This isn’t easy you know…writing about our favourite experiences while sitting in Red Deer in the bitter cold of winter.  Don’t get me wrong, the company is great and it was missed but really- burrr.  I guess if anything, this post allows me to return, if only for a few moments to balmy beaches, cold beers, shorts and gasp-sandals.  Feel sorry for me?

OK- lets get on with it already :)


Laos


OK- I loved Laos.  Not only were the people amazing but the food- oh the food.  The scenery was beautiful and for some reason the entire country had a peaceful, easy feeling to it.  Laos is worthy.

Sticky Rice and Noodle Soup- awe man, can still remember buying bags of sticky rice from which I would pull off a section, roll into a ball and nibble on for hours.  This would sustain me until I would find a steamy bowl of Noodle Soup.  Now, I know that Vietnam is famous for its ‘Pho’ but the noodle soup in Laos takes the cake-hands down.  Trust me, I ate it at least once a day.
Laos: Top 10





Transportation- All the rumours about  local transport in Laos is all true- all of it.  Out of all the countries we visited, we will always look back at our time in transit in Laos and laugh.  Nothing was ever simple or boring (Oh wait, day two on the slow boat to Luang Prabang was pretty boring).  Whether it was drinking way too much in the engine room of a slow boat, sitting on plastic chairs in the isle of a over packed local bus or trying to hold my stomach as we manoeuvred the horribly twisty mountain roads, Laos transport was an adventure in itself- every time.
Planes, Trains, Automobiles.... And Buses



This snap needs a little explanation.  Since all transport takes forever in Loas- most trips were around 12 hours, our feet and legs got really, really swollen.  I know most of you don’t know how fat our feet usually are but I can assure you we were both so shocked we took a picture.  Kinda freaky at times actually.

Cambodia


I still stand by the fact that the Cambodians are the friendliest bunch in all of SE Asia.  Anyone wanna argue this?  Anyways, though Cambodia has little to see in the way of tourist attractions, the history and people alone will surely stay with you for a life time.

Genocide Museums-   a part of me wishes I never visited these sights but I know that I was lucky to do so.  Just thinking of them makes me want to cry all over again, I get a sick feeling but I know that knowing and seeing the history first hand made me realise just how special Cambodia was.  You have to wonder, after being so abused, how could the people still be so warm and welcoming?
My Cambodia Wrap Up

Siem Reap-  Aside from being the jumping off point for Angkor Wat, this city was just fun.  Yes, it was touristy but at this point in the trip we needed a little taste of the west.  Beers, wine, clubs. good friends and drunken stories made for a very memorable visit indeed.
Tomb Raiders



Lady Boy Hookers- Poor Dan… On the way back to the hotel from ‘Pub Street’ with our new English friends, Dan attracted the attention of a group of Lady-Boy Hookers. After many suggestions, groping and feeling, he managed to escape, pants fastened, and beat a hasty retreat. Moral of the story, when coming home drunk in SE Asia, you never know when you’ll be molested by a group of Lady-Boy hookers!

Vietnam

I was pleasantly surprised with Vietnam.  I knew that we would enjoy it but I figured it would have a hard time living up to Laos and Cambodia- I wasn’t disappointed.  I might actually go back, if only for Jungle Beach and Cat Ba.

Jungle Beach-  awe, my favourite.  I felt like I was in a movie while we were here.  Aside from the  drunken relationship grilling we got from our friends- you know who you are :)  Good people, great food, music, hash, booze, beach and stars.  Is there anything else a person needs?
Our Hidden Paradise



Cat Ba Caving and Kayaking-  Not only was it nice to get some much needed exercise, it was bloody beautiful, fun and at times, scary.  Remember the bats? 
Ha Long Happiness



Our friend John in Danang-  John was an awesome and rare find in Vietnam.  In a country that isn’t the warmest or welcoming towards foreigners, we were so happy and privileged to meet John. We met his amazing family, spent hours chatting and practising English, and it was his friendship that made Danang one of our favourite cities in Vietnam!



Co Chi Tunnel with Audrey and Arriana- Ha Ha….to all our friends at home, you’ll hear the video:)  Yeah, that’s right girlies, everyone is gonna hear you screaming ;)
28,000 Words from Vietnam

Motor biking to Market in Sapa- Oh, so beautiful.  Out of all the moto trips we took, this was one of our favourite drives.  It would be nice if I could forget the puppy market though :(
Last Days in 'Nam



Ha Ha Dan :)

Alright…one more to go.

Looking Back...

This is it….. The beginning of what will and should be my final post(s).  Maybe it will be a two parter.  Breathe Elise, just breathe.

Ah…. I can’t believe it is all coming to an end.  Our year is over.  I can happily say that it took a year, it seemed like a year, and looking back, it is one of the happiest, most successful years in my life.  Not professionally, financially or physically but emotionally- I feel better.  It didn’t answer any questions I would have like to have answered: what should I do with my life?, where should my money come from?  what direction would make me happy in the long run?  Nope- still don’t know but I think I’m OK with that for now.  Ask me again in a few weeks when reality has hit, and I might be singing a different tune.

Dan and I discussed how best to approach the final post of the journey.   We decided to tackle the question we would likely be asked most frequently upon our return- “ What was your favourite part/moments on your trip?”.  Obviously, I won’t be able to narrow it down to a particular moment but I can share with you some of our favourites.  These are the moments that pop up out of nowhere in our conversations, the ones that make us laugh or make us long to return to whichever country it occurred.  We can’t remember them all but here is what we came up with, quickly, with no thought.

I’m breaking it down by country…

India


Oh India ;)  This still remains the favourite country we have visited on our year away.  I can’t even begin to explain why but here is our list.

Obviously, Jazz and Simer’s Wedding.  For so many reasons, this event alone helped shape our entire trip- for the better. The people, the food, the culture and the utter madness pushed us beyond our comfort zone and forced us to experience a truly unique and exciting glimpse of India we otherwise would not have seen.  Epic.
The Wedding: Day 1
The Wedding: Day 2
The Wedding: Day 3
The Wedding: Day 4

The Golden Temple – not the temple itself- yes, it was beautiful and all, I mean, it was made ‘entirely of GOLD!’, more importantly it was the experience.  Going with our new found friends and having the opportunity to eat at the temple was a humbling experience we will not soon forget.
History, food and a Temple Made of Gold

Watching the Cricket World Cup in Khanna – Cricket in India is like Hockey in Canada. So it was our incredible fortune to be in India during the 2011 Cricket World Cup, the year that India was the tournament host, when their team won the cup for the first time in 28 years. They called it the ‘Billion Person Party’ and in the tiny village where we were during the final game, we did our part by dancing and singing and beating drums in the streets till 3am. A once in a lifetime experience!
The Cricket World Cup

Delhi Belly- yep, a month rarely goes by that we don’t mention the dreaded Delhi Belly and thank our luck stars we survived.  Oh God, I don’t even want to think about it.

Rafting the Ganges- I wanted to experience the Ganges while in India but as far away from Varanasi as possible.  Hence the rafting.  At no moment did it cross our minds that the rafting itself wouldn’t be as dangerous as the drive to the river :)  Nothing in India is as it seems.
Adventure Sports In India?

Jazzy feeding us- I don’t know if Jazz would remember this but we do.  Dan and I arguing over finishing the last bite of saag.  Jazz solving the argument in perfect Indian fashion by feeding it to us.  Cute Jazz.


The Dalai Lama- Dan and I got to see His Holiness speak in the flesh- enough said.
Once In a Lifetime


Malaysia


It had it’s strong points.  Beautiful diving- well, to be more specific, the most beautiful diving we have seen to date.  The beaches were brilliant and the banana pancakes couldn’t be beat.  If I went back it would be for these things and these things alone. 

Tioman Island- I was thinking about this place last night while I was trying to sleep and I got so excited by the memory that I was up for hours.  I will never forget the island life here, the snorkelling, the sharks and my run in with a sea turtle.  This island inspired me to become a diver and challenged my beach bum skills.
A Slice of Heaven

Snorkelling with SHARKS! :) I know that I mentioned this above but it really deserves its own separate mention.  Little did I know that when I uttered the words, “I wanna swim with sharks” that our boat driver would take us to a secluded, shark filled bay.  Over the next few hours, I would swim almost to the point of drowning to experience the childlike excitement I have when I swim with sharks.
I Found my Calling!

Diving in The Perhentians – As you have surely noticed by now, Malaysia holds a special place in our hearts.  It was on the Perhentian Islands that we were introduced to my newest love and obsession, scuba diving.  Oh man, the things we saw while diving in Malaysia- we were so spoiled.
We Are Divers!!!

My friend Peter- Oh Peter.  I can still hear the scuttle of your little feet as you ran around our bungalow.
My Roomies

Dan’s first Squat Toilet- Not days after Dan had uttered the words “I’m gonna do this whole trip without using a squat toilet”,  did I get the pleasure of informing him otherwise.  Thanks Dan, that was priceless.

Thailand


Glad I went, it was fun but I can’t say I would go back.

Koh Lanta Sunset and Surf-  the beach on Koh Lanta will be hard to forget.  It felt like it would just burst and water would flow everywhere.  Dan spent hours boogie boarding and the sunsets are just as colourful in my minds eye.
My Brilliant Idea

Puking on The Beach- Yep, I said it.  Dan and I are adults now, we have had many years of parties to perfect the perfect alcohol intake.  Enter Thailand- cheap cocktails and unpredictable beers equals puking together, side by side on the beach.  Not our proudest moment.

Stanley Cup Finals in Chang Rai- We are real, devoted hockey fans, we woke up at 6:30 every other morning to watch the Stanley Cup play out on our little computer in Thailand.

Coming soon…. Part 2!

From the Markets to the Sea

 It’s all coming to an end.  Yes, it’s true- Dan and I are counting down the days ‘till we fly back to Canada.  Sighs… And mixed feelings.   On one hand, I’m happy; happy to stop travelling, to stop eating out for 3 meals a day and get back to normal but on the other hand, what is normal?  Will our normal ever be the same?  I’ll come back to that later…

Now that I have that random thought out there, I figure now would be a good time to show you how we have spent our final days here in Morocco.  Right now, we do nothing.  We are on auto pilot- sleep in, go for breakfast, walk around in an effort to kill time, eat again, walk around some more, stop at a cafe, email, eat, sheesha, tea and a movie, bed- repeat.  That’s that. 4 more days ‘til we board our plane- 4 more breakfasts, 4 more lunches, 4 more dinners…. And maybe 12 more teas.

While we were in Marrakech we saw some pretty cool stuff.  I didn’t spend all my time there compiling my Christmas list, we went to Mosques, Souqs, Tombs and the famous gardens of the late Yves St Laurent.  We have investigated quite a few gardens over the past year and have seen so many roses I could puke, but these gardens were by far my favourite- not a rose to be seen for miles ;)

Awesome,  I know.  Who doesn’t like a sweet cactus every now and then?

Dan loves cactus…. Look how stoked he is.

Here I am playing the game- pretend like you just got the keys to your new, blue, sweet ass house.  Oh how Dan loves to toy with my emotions.

Our daily lunch while in Marrakech.  If you know me, then you know that lentil soup makes my world go ‘round- I LOVE IT.  Man could the ‘soup man’ make a mean lentil soup! Merci soup man!

The famous Djemaa el Fna square in Marrakech.  It was alright I guess.  A nice place to stroll at all hours of the day and night but I could do without the mean monkey men, cruel snake charmers and the constant inquiries from the ever persistent, always annoying hash sellers.   Do we have the phrase “we smoke hash and are in need“ stamped on our foreheads?

We enjoyed a beautiful Christmas sunset as we chatted with our families and friends back home in Canada.

After our not so brief stop in Marrakech- we caught a bus to Essaouira.  Beautiful, albeit extremely touristy.  The walks on the beach were awesome, the white washed houses with blue doors were charming and the view was unrivalled but the restaurants were poor, the hotels were expensive and the people were rather jaded.  It was OK- just OK. 

We stayed in what had to be the nicest room we’ve had on our entire trip- I think… But we paid a pretty penny for it.  The view however, oh the view.  I can’t say we took advantage of it very often since it was rather windy and chilly up there but anyways, it was nice to hear the seagulls in the morning and smell the fresh sea air.

We like our sunsets:)  For this shot we braved the onslaught of shitting seagulls as we made our way through the port, past the fish sellers and out to the water.  Literally, it reminded me of when Dan and I were in Chang Rai, Thailand, walking with our friend Lili, late at night.  Out of no where- believe me, it was out of nowhere- bird shit started raining from the sky in epic proportions.  Ha ha, remember that Lili?

Another sunset shot taken just outside of the Medina walls, close to the fish markets.

OK- this guy (or girl?) was sweet.  Dan and I were sitting, resting, enjoying our picnic lunch on the beach when this guy crawls out of nowhere and scares the shit outta Dan.  Look how big it is! My feet aren’t small...

I wanted to touch him so badly… Just a little poke, but I think really colourful things are poisonous… Or they are completely harmless and just look poisonous? I didn’t take any chances.

PALM TREES…I LOVE!!!  I will miss palm trees.  Maybe Dan and I will have to invest in a cheesy fake palm tree when we get home.