The Land of Crocodile Dundee

Crocodile Dundee's backyard.  A view from Ubirr Rock

It has been too long since my last entry and lots has been happening.  Marc and I have been in Australia for 4.5 months already!!  Being in the Northern Territory is much like being in the Land of Crocodile Dundee, many of the movie clips taken in Australia were shot in Kakadu National Park and for the last several months we have been living and working on Kakadu's door-step. 

But I must digress a bit... After my last entry when leaving Paradise Island Marc and I decided to extend our travels in Asia just a little bit longer and flew back to Vietnam.  My grandfather has a 'summer' home there and we had the privilege of meeting and staying with my Grandfather's wife's family in a small fishing village on the Mekong Delta in Vinh Long.

The view of my grandfather's backyard as the moon rises.

It was truly a treat and the culture shock I was craving!  We were literally the only westerners in the entire area but everyone was so friendly.  The language barrier was a bit of challenge with the older generation but lots of times we were able to translate conversations with the youngster who were still in school and learning English.  My extended Vietnamese family were very hospitable and graciously accommodating.  Marc and I were treated like celebrities and invited to many meals within the village.  It seemed in celebration of the new guests that the tradition was to drink shots of home-made rice whiskey which I can only compare to gasoline or moon shine.  The stuff could probably fuel the little 50cc Hondas that are ever so prevalent throughout Asia!

The rule is if someone toasts you, you have to do a shot!!

 

 

 

 

Some of the highlights of our time in Vietnam was going to visit the island of Phuc Quac.  Another paradise island just below Cambodia.  We had the joy of swimming in warm, crystal blue waters, snorkeling and night fishing for squid!!

The walk from our guest house to the ocean on Phuc Quac!

A beautiful beach we had the joy of playing on!!

A happy fisherman with his prized squid!!

Enjoying paradise!!

My cousin, Vu singing his heart out!

On our way to Phuc Quac we stayed with some of my Vietnamese cousin's friends and got invited to a Bachelor party.  Imagine very loud Vietnamese Karaoke and lots of rice whiskey!!  A very different and fun night!!















Staying in a more remote place and living with locals was an experience I will always treasure.  Marc and I were invited to a traditional celebration which can only be described as "death day".  It sounds morbid but it was actually very touching.  In Vietnamese culture they celebrate a loved ones death as we do birthdays but add a 'thanksgiving' type feast to it.  It was truly an amazing experience and the spread of food was incredibly delectable to the palate.  It was so much fun meeting family that remembers my mom from when she lived in Vietnam when she was 14 years old, they were all so excited to meet me and very curious.  There was lots of laughter at the table when they wanted to know what I thought of the food (through charade like gestures) and I gave a simple thumbs up.  The food was gorgeous, the company was gracious and we were the entertainment of the party!

Now, back to Kakadu and Northern Australia!  As soon as Marc and I set foot on Australian soil we were very motivated to find work.  Within a week we each landed a job at a caravan park and resort that was only 30 kilometers from Kakadu National Park's entrance!  Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage Site being one of the oldest National Parks in Australia and the largest!!  Lucky find!  We both got to try our hand at completely new jobs which included maintenance work, bar tending, serving, reception and house-cleaning.  The resort was right on the Mary River so we got to do lots of Barramundi fishing and in addition doing so many diverse things in the service industry has bulked our resume's that much more!

My first Wallaby sighting!

Out on the river with friends/co-workers.

One of the major advantages of working in the tourism/hospitality industry is that we got to do several of the tours for free so we could better educate our guests with first hand experiences!  One of my favorite adventure tours was a 4x4 tour that took us to famous Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls.  Tourists from all over the world come to see these beautiful  waterfalls and Australians come back year after year.  When I got to see them first hand I could see why!

Twin Falls

Jim Jim Falls

Another highlight was getting to do a Wetlands Boat Cruise where we got to see many of the natural wildlife including a wild water buffalo completely immersed in the water to cool off!!

The gorgeous wetlands of Mary River!

Lily pads galore!

A beautiful sunset amidst the water, a perfect way to finish the cruise!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, but not least, we got to do a scenic flight tour over Arnhem Land and Kakadu!!  To have the opportunity to view the flood plains, wetlands, monsoon rain forests and escarpments from the air was something that I will never forget!  An eagle's eye view really gave you and insight to the vastness and expanse of this land!!  Needless to say, there were lots of perks to our job!!

One of the many sights from the air!

Amazing escarpments and the vastness beyond.

There simply are too many pictures to choose from  but you get the idea.  :-)

A Barking Owl that flew into the staff area.

 Finally, I would like to show a few pictures of some of the wildlife that we got to see and in some cases experience first hand while we've been in the 'Outback'.

A baby 'saltie' croc

Wild Brumbies

Yes, that's Marc holding a baby crocodile outside our room!!

A larger croc!

Wild pigs on the campsite and apparently not afraid of humans at all!!

My first (and only legal) Barra I caught!!

A beautiful sunset on the Mary River after an afternoon of fishing!

A beautiful sunset with great friends on my last day of work.  What a way to end our time spent here!!

 After several months spent here we have decided that it's time to pack up and relocate to try and see some other parts of Australia.  On a spontaneous impulse we bought tickets to Bali (flights are very affordable from Darwin) before we head out west.  When we get back from Indonesia we will be driving southwest and see where the traveler's wind takes us!  :-)

That's all for now...

A week in paradise!!

Being on the 'backpackers' trail is like a pilgrimage of sorts.  You meet people from all over the world.  Although you may have different backgrounds or priorities when on the 'trail' you find that we all have one thing in common: touring through different countries in search of new experiences, territories, culture and of course adventure!!

When I did my 'pilgrimage' through Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia before heading back to Thailand (where it all began!) I met many people along the way!!  Some of whom I traveled with for a couple of day, some of which we planned to meet up with later when we knew that we were both going to be on 'that island' or in 'that city' at the same time.

When in the north of Vietnam I met two girls from the U.K.  Our paths first crossed on a bus in Vietnam, then randomly at a bar, then later on a boat.  We made friends, they were cool and we all hit it off.  With failed attempts to try to coordinate a time and place to connect in Cambodia we decided to give it a rest but stayed in touch only to again randomly run into each other 2 weeks later in Bangkok!! There I was, drinking a cheap beer, sitting outside the restaurant, when one of my 'backpacker' friend's sat down casually and said, "Hello!"  This is how it goes when you are on the trail!  Bangkok being one of the main travel hubs for SE Asia, we both were just passing through but we decided to make definite plans to meet up again after Christmas.  This is when I came about the inside info on 'paradise'. 

When meeting up we of course filled each other in on where we'd been and what we'd been up to since we saw each other last.  This is where you pull out your camera and show off all the spectacular things you have seen and done!  The girls told me about this amazing island that was in the middle of nowhere located in a National Park.  One glance through the pictures and I was sold!

After spending Valentine's Day in the north Marc and I headed south to the magical island of Koh Phra Thong.  With not much more than a half page of minimal information in our guidebook and a name of a Thai guy that my friend's said we should call we were ready to get to this island and see it for ourselves!!

After a long overnight bus ride from Bangkok we ended up in Kuraburi in the wee hours of the morn'.  We didn't know what to expect and it didn't look like there was much there but from the girls' pictures we recognized our Thai tour guide, Choui.  With is reggae man- rasta look he can't be missed

Mr. Choui, our trusty guide and bar tender!!

To say the least we were relieved to see Choui there at the bus depot!!  He escorted us to the pier and then on to the small boat that would take us to paradise!  

Once we arrived we were not disappointed!  It was quiet, it was peaceful and we really did feel like we had found the paradise we were looking for!  It was a very simply lay out, there were 8 bamboo huts, the bar/restaurant (where they made the best banana pancakes I have ever had the pleasure of eating and Choui was like a chemist when it came to the mixed drinks!!) all built bu Mr. Choui himself.  Oh and the beach, the luscious beach!!  It was miles and miles of sand, warm waters and stunning sun sets.  There was so much beach and so few people we almost felt like we had the island to ourselves!!  

There wasn't much to the island.  It wasn't your typical 'touristey' island with tons of bars and a 7-11 around every corner.  There were only four resorts on the entire island and only about 2,000 people who lived on the island, most of which earned their living by fishing.  There was no electricity anywhere on the island, it was all run off of generators and solar panels.  What was most amazing for me was to see Mr. Choui's photo album of the before and after pictures of the tsunami that hit in 2004.  Choui had an amazing story to tell about that day as well.  After the first wave hit he ran to the nearest and tallest tree and climbed to the top just in time to hang on tight as the second wave hit.  The water came all the way up to his waist!!  It's amazing how devastating the tsunami was and you can still see it's aftermath.  But with the help of an older German couple who had just left the morning the devastating wave hit (had they been there two hours later they probably would have been swept away!) Choui was on a plane to Germany and through his German friends was able to raise the funds to rebuild his rhasta hang out.

Beautiful sunset

Marc and I enjoyed wading in the luke warm waters and taking long strolls along the beach.  Every night we were sure to not miss the spectacular sunsets!  It was really cool to see the crabs migrate from their sand holes towards the ocean.  There were hundreds if not thousands of little crabs moving towards the ocean all spread out along the sand.  Then as soon as the sun set the crickets would come alive and light up the island with their chirps.  Their chorus was so loud it was almost deafening but only lasted for about 20 minutes which sort of became our bell to go back to Mr. Choui's restaurant and order a delicious meal (some of the best food I ate in all of Thailand!) and wash it down with a cocktail made with ultimate precision.   

What a way to end our travels in Thailand!!!

That's all for now...

A Birthday Among Monks

A little birthday yoga!!

So while Marc and I were in Soppong at the Lisu Home Stay we met a couple from Scotland that were on a "round the world" trip.  They had come to do the Home Stay and partake in an introductory courses in meditation that was also offered there.  Even though I was only there to work I was allowed to participate in their meditation sessions when I wasn't on the river.  Albert, the man running the Home Stay (along with his wife Sussanan) suggested that we go to a Forest Monastery about an hour further north from them.  My birthday was in a few days (the big 30!) and I was a bit undecided of how I wanted to spend it.  Should I party in the new decade to my life like it's 1999 or should I throw myself into a few days of practicing Buddhist Meditation?  I figured the second was a bit more original and went for it!  Albert felt that he had given us the beginning tools and sent us on our way!

One of the spectacular views at the Monastery

We loaded up on the local bus with limited information about where we were really going and what exactly we were in for.  We got dropped off in what looked like the middle of nowhere but there was a big arch way that said Tam Wau Monastery and underneath a long paved road that lead to only Buddha knows where...  We were fully stocked with potatoe chips and chocolate bars because we were told that we would only be allowed one meal a day and we surely didn't want to starve while practicing being more mindful!  :-)

In prayer pose

Once we arrived at the Monastery we were greeted with the most beautifully landscaped, park-like settings I have ever seen!  We found our way to the common area where everyone was sitting down and eating lunch, their last meal of the day.  We were just in time and relieved to know that we weren't going to starve that day!  I have to admit it was a bit intimidating.  All of the others (all Westerners) were dressed in white and VERY QUIET!  You couldn't even hear a spoon hit the plate!  We were shown to our dorm rooms, given our new pajama like white outfits and still had time to get in on the last of the lunchtime action.

Walking Meditation in the forest

This was a great introduction into Buddhism and meditation.  It wasn't so strict that you were never allowed to talk and you weren't denied ALL of your comforts!  We were simply encouraged to be mindful.  I made great friends there and when I can't say that I reached nirvana I did enjoy the simple routine.  It was like time slowed down a little bit and you had to get comfortable with it.  None of this racing around non-sense.  Everything was encouraging one to be mindful and slow down a little and take it all in.  The routine was leisurely too.  We had our morning offering to the monks followed by breakfast then three sessions of meditation throughout the day that included walking, sitting, laying and chanting meditations. 

Getting blessed with holy water

I must be lucky because the head monk, who had started the Forest Monastery, was being awarded by the King of Thailand his efforts.  There was a big party one day!  There were approximately 500 Thai's that came from all over Thailand for this day, hundreds of monks and some of the King's family.  Everyone was all there to show their support and appreciation of this man who started this mediation retreat center that was so well received my so many!

Lantern lighting!

It started with all of the monks chanting, it was amazing to hear that many monks chant all at once!  Then the head monk (I can't remember his name, shame on me!) came through the crowd and sprayed all the on-lookers with Buddhist holy water.  :-)  Then there was a huge feast!!  I ate so much!  Finally at the end of the day and this was the topper we all lit prayer lanterns with the monks to commemorate the special day. 

Heather and I leaving the Monastery, fully refreshed and mindful!!

All in all it was a wonderful way to spend my birthday and an experience I won't soon forget!

That's all for now...

Building a Dam

A morning view from our balcony

My experience in Soppong at the Lisu Hill Tribe Home Stay was lovely!  Building the dam in exchange for a room and three delicious meals a day was a wonderful experience!

The river

The monk's cave

We were lent a motorbike to take the 15 minute ride each day to the river where we were to reconstruct the dam that had been destroyed by heavy rainfall and high/strong currents in the river last rainy season.  Our work basically consisted of 4 hours a day of moving sand bags back into place and once we accomplished that we then filled new sand bags and laid them out.  I liked the fact that there was an instant change in the water levels with each tier of sand bags and it made the fish quite happy as well.  As soon as the water level rose the fish ventured out further and further and kept us company (along with the little spiders) as we worked.

the river before the start of rebuilding the dam

The highlight of working on the river was the story behind this beautiful spot.  According to what we were told there was a Buddhist monk that lived in the small cave along the river bank for many many years.  He was considered a pretty important monk but has now passed away.  Currently there are three monks living there but their living standards have improved a bit since the first monk to live and practice there.  They are living in bamboo huts now and are using the cave and it's entrance more as a place of meditation.  The youngest monk would help us work on the dam as well.  They were always very friendly and greeted us each day with a warm smile and a pleasant goodbye.  Some of the days when we returned after lunch or the next morning they had done more work on the dam and each time it gave us inspiration to push through the stiff and sore muscles to reach our goal.  Lots of times while we were working there would be one of the monks meditating outside the cave or another one washing the robes in the river or starting a fire to prepare for their meal.  It really had a cool vibe!

progress after day one

finished product

Another one of my favorite things about this spot is it seemed that no one else knew about it, it was just us and the monks!  It was very quiet and solitude, like our own little secret spot.  There were the little river fishies, the different colored butterflies, striking emerald green dragonflies and lots of little bug-zies.  The nature there and scenic jungle like terrain was simply gorgeous!!

dirty yet accomplished workers! :-)

That's all for now...

Lisu Home Stay

Marc and I have arrived in Soppong.  For anyone who is wondering who Marc is, he's a very sweet guy that I met pretty much right after I arrived in Bangkok.  He's English and very good to me!  We hit it off right from the start and have been traveling together ever since!

Right now I am overlooking a hill side that is being used for crops, there are a few other travelers here.  One girl from Canada who did a semester studying abroad in Beijing, a guy from Germany and another gentlemen from Canada.  The village is sleepy and quiet all but for the sounds of the farm animals.  There are many hens, roosters and baby chicks running around free, the neighbors have a few pigs in a pig pen so every once in a while you hear the pigs making some noise.  It's great to be on a farm again!  The only thing that is missing are HORSES!!!!!!!!!!  All of the houses are more like substantial shanty shacks made out of bamboo or slotted wood planks sort of patched together.  It's very rustic and I love it!

I am so looking forward to my experience here and at this point I can only hope that it works out for us to live here in exchange for our labor.  The German and Canadian guy have been going to the local school down the hill to teach English a few hours a day and I would love to have a crack at that as well!

Albert is an American expat and the one that I have been in contact with regarding wwoofing here.  He had to go to the city of Chiang Mai for a few days and won't be back until tomorrow but I look forward to meeting him and getting to work.

More later...

On to the next leg of my adventure...

So I really love Asia and have postponed my flight to Australia twice now.  I have decided to wait on Australia until I am ready and I don't feel that time has come yet.  I went online in search of a way to sustain a bit of a lifestyle here and found a home stay of sorts in the north of Thailand in Soppong.  For four hours of work a day I will have free accommodation and will be fed.  I am also told that we will get to partake in the hill tribe activities, I am very excited!  I will keep you all updated on how things are progressing, we start tomorrow with building a dam.  All I know is that the work will consist of moving sand bags, should be interesting!

That's all for now!  peace & love

www.lisuhilltribe.com

and the adventure continues!!!

It seems to me that my travels have taken on a life of it's own and I am sort of along for the ride at this point.  So many doors and possibilities have opened for me along my journey.  I have fallen in love with Asia and feel that there's more for me here then simply following the backpackers trail and hitting all the major tourist attractions.  For this new year I want to immerse myself into something for the greater good.  I would like to put my energy behind something that is both positive and constructive.  I know that by doing this I will not only find personal satifaction but will be making a change even if it is only on a small level.  I am excited!  More later!!!