Arrived in Sydney

Published on Sept. 19, 2007 in Australia under Life

We have arrived in Sydney! Our flight wasn't too bad, but shortly upon arrival we realized we didn't fully organize our transportation or accommodation. Either way, we bought a phone card at the airport (which is $10 instead of $2 downtown), and jumped on a bus to downtown. Shortly we ... Read more.

Bus from Hell

Published on July 12, 2007 in Tibet under Life

Today is the day for us to part from our Hong Kong friends. We woke up and saw a deck of playing cards with a little note on them. We took out our cards and left them for them, and we headed out to the bus station. Our initial plan ... Read more.

Back to Shigatse

Published on July 11, 2007 in Tibet under Life

Once again we woke up early and ate breakfast. The weather was overall quite cold, surprisingly. After breakfast we walked up a secret back passageway up the fort, and got almost the entire way up before being stopped. Finally somebody asked us to buy tickets if we wanted to continue, ... Read more.

Kelvin the Yak

Published on July 10, 2007 in Tibet under Life

Since our time was limited we woke up early, ate breakfast, and were out the door by 8:00. After breakfast we visited the permit office. Let me tell you, it is quite hidden. The door is near the exit of the “outdoor” market, so look for it there. We asked ... Read more.

To Shigatse

Published on July 9, 2007 in Tibet under Life

After waking up and eating breakfast we checked out of the hotel but left our bags in the lobby. We wandered down the street to the post office, bought some post cards, and entered the Potala Palace. If you are reading this and intend to visit the palace, make sure ... Read more.

First Day in Lhasa

Published on July 8, 2007 in Tibet under Life

We awoke early in the morning to the loud sound of cars – but easily ignored them to get a few more minutes of sleep. At 9:00am we went to breakfast around the corner from the hotel – a pseudo-Chinese breakfast place. Next we wandered to the Potala Palace to ... Read more.

The 60 Hour Train Ride

Published on July 5, 2007 in China under Life

Early in the morning, 6:00am, we arrived in Guangzhou. Can you guess what we did? We ate rice balls, of course. Maybe I should explain what a rice ball is. Although Taiwan does rice balls differently, the ones in Guangzhou are usually in a dark seseme paste/soup, and are filled ... Read more.

A Day in YanShuo

Published on July 4, 2007 in China under Life

We awoke at 8:00 and went to breakfast. At 10:00 we rented a bike (a tandum!) and started biking to Moon Hill. The traffic was pretty dense so we needed to be careful, but we enjoyed ourselves none-the-less. Half-way up the road we paused for a break and an older ... Read more.

GuiLin to YanShuo

Published on July 3, 2007 in China under Life

Our boat to YanShuo left at 9:00, so we needed to wake up somewhat early. We ate some noodles typical of Guilin, and met up with a French couple going up the river as well. By 9:30 were on our boat ride up the LiJiang. The boat ride was overall ... Read more.

A Zoo, Bears and Monkeys

Published on July 2, 2007 in China under Life

The bus arrived at about 4:00am, a little too early for Yan-Shih and I. Neither of us slept that well -- the road (highway?) was in pretty bad shape, and the bus drive drove pretty insanely. In fact, whenever Yan-Shih woke up I kept saying "I love you, I love ... Read more.

Delayed for Five Days

Published on July 1, 2007 in China under Life

We decided to rest in and woke up at nearly 11:00. We at breakfast at a nearby bao store, and checked out at 13:00. Our first stop was the bus station to try and find out where we should go. Ultimately we decided to go to Guilin, about a day ... Read more.

To China We Go

Published on June 30, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

We woke up at the ripe hour of 5:00am, and were at the airport by 5:30. By 10:00 we were in Hong Kong, and by 12:00 we were at the visa office at the Hong Kong/Shenzhen border. I've traveled this route before, so knew it wouldn't be a problem getting ... Read more.

Australia, Here We Come!

Published on June 29, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Alas, it is finally time for me to say goodbye to Taiwan. Yesterday Yan-Shih and I spent a few hours cutting and pasting our "unlonely planet guide", basically a collection of freely available information in English and Chinese. I even designed a little cover logo, I find parodies quite humorous. ... Read more.

Starting Closure

Published on June 8, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

For the last 16 months I have been living in Taiwan (if it wasn't obvious). Within the next month, that will be coming to an end. Over the next few weeks I will continue studying for the GMAT and finishing my MCSE (hopefully) -- any words of encouragement will be ... Read more.

Playing Tour Guide

Published on May 6, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

For the last two weeks I have been touring Taiwan with Yan-Shih, my dad and Cathy (step-mom). I've finally returned to Taipei, finally back online, and ready to start studying and trying to make some money. Wish me luck. Read more.

Into the Mountains

Published on April 29, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

The alarms woke us up quite early and we wandered down to breakfast. We quickly ate, packed, and jumped in the car. Next we drove to the Confucius temple, parked nearby, and began to walk. Midway, just off the road, a flower market appeared. Cathy and my dad instinctively wandered ... Read more.

To Taiwan, Again

Published on April 28, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

We arose to a loud knocking at our door, 8:00 had come too fast. Breakfast was had, bags packed, and we checked out of the hotel. Once the car was packed we drove out to the Snake Kiln, continuing with the motif of ceramics and teapots. Cathy thoroughly enjoyed the ... Read more.

Sun Moon Lake

Published on April 27, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Breakfast was had at the hotel (same chain) across the street. Full of energy we started our drive around the lake. First we stopped by a Wen Wu Temple, a large and well visited temple. We wandered all around, Yan-Shih thoroughly explaining the small nuances of the temple. In front ... Read more.

Onward to Sun Moon Lake

Published on April 26, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Yan-Shih and I ate breakfast on our own, my parents deciding they just wanted to eat the hotel “free” food. Once we arrived my dad and Yan-Shih left to pick up the car, whist Cathy and I chatted and eventually waited by the street. Just when we were starting to ... Read more.

Taipei Tour Guide

Published on April 25, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Early in the morning Yan-Shih and I took the bus to the hotel, knocked on the door, and wandered across the street to a breakfast plane. Quite a bit of food was ordered, enough for them to sample, and soon we were off. Yan-Shih needed to check in with her ... Read more.

Busses Really Do Hate Me

Published on April 24, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Yan-Shih and I waited for the big green bus, yet she needed to go teach. Waiting alone the bus came, and I asked to a girl behind me, in my crap Chinese, “does this go to the --” “airport” she replied. I jumped on and started the journey. Tonight my ... Read more.

Back to Peggy's

Published on Feb. 23, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

In the morning we packed and headed back to Peggy's. Throughout the day we snacked, and Peggy baked some banana bread. That night Yan-Shih, myself, and Peggy's family went to a steak resteraunt and gorged on some yum food. I was slightly too full by the end, but that is ... Read more.

To the Hot Springs

Published on Feb. 22, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

After a mediocre breakfast we were on our way. Just a five minute drive up the road we reached the entrance to the hot spring, but a slow drive and long hike (climb!) was needed. We parked, and started to get ready to go. I was wearing a pair of ... Read more.

Top 100 Mountain

Published on Feb. 21, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Waking up rather early we walked back to the resteraunt and ordered breakfast, another five course meal. Soon we were packed, in the cars, and on the road. Since we were driving through the Jade Mountain National Park, there was almost no development. What a relief. We drove and drove, ... Read more.

My First Sugar Cane

Published on Feb. 20, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

We were on the road by 8:00am, heading to the mountains. Still a little tired I napped for part of the way, and sometime later we were at a road-side seafood resteraunt. We met with the rest of the "group," twenty people in total. They brought the food out and ... Read more.

To Southern Taiwan!

Published on Feb. 19, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Several months ago Yan-Shih and I debated what to do for the Lunar New Year break. Should we fly somewhere, or travel Taiwan? Because everybody was trying to fly somewhere, ticket prices were triple what they normally are. Plus, we are likely going to Tibet rather soon, so should save ... Read more.

China Images, Finally!

Published on Jan. 29, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

I've finally taken the time to rotate, crop and upload the images from our trip to China. There are about 100 that I ended up posting, plus a few from my previous trip to China. If you are interested, you are more than welcome to view them on my gallery.Feel ... Read more.

Mission Achieved, Back "Home"

Published on Jan. 10, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Luckily next to the hostel there was an Internet cafe, which I joined as a member. So, for my remaining time in Shenzhen, I spent the majority of the day in the cafe watching movies. My new roommates, one from Taiwan, the other from Canada (but originally from Mali), both ... Read more.

Goodbye Girlfriend, Hello FedEx

Published on Jan. 7, 2007 in China under Life

The day was quite bittersweet. I dropped Yan-Shih off at the border so she could take her flight back, and I, dropping my head below my shoulders, took the subway back out to the hostel. For the next few days I would be trying to conserve money, just awaiting my ... Read more.

Umpa Lumpas

Published on Jan. 6, 2007 in China under Life

Back in Guangzhou, things don't seem to be too bad. Yan-Shih woke me up again, wanting to brush her teeth. She kindly let me sleep after that, although I couldn't. At some point I decided to stop trying to fake sleep, and played some rummy. While in Guangzhou, we had ... Read more.

Yea, We Missed The Train

Published on Jan. 5, 2007 in China under Life

Oh, no. Our train from Shanghai leaves at about 4:30pm, so we intended to leave Hangzhou between 11:00 and 1:00 (the train ride is about two hours). I woke up around 9:00am, packed, and woke Yan-Shih. She got out of bed, prepared a little, then picked up the train tickets. ... Read more.

DQ in the Heaven on Earth

Published on Jan. 4, 2007 in China under Life

Hangzhou, indeed, is a beautiful city. While I don't know how many people live here, the city seems much smaller than anything we have seen so far. The people move slow, cars are limited, and it isn't nearly as busy. Our hostel is located right on the West Lake, an ... Read more.

Heaven on Earth, Here We Come!

Published on Jan. 3, 2007 in China under Life

Six hours later we woke up, ready to start the day. We checked out of our room, and first found an Internet coffee shop place. One of my primary reasons for coming to China was so that I could mail my passport to New Zealand and get a visa in ... Read more.

Like a Sardine

Published on Jan. 2, 2007 in China under Life

I will need to get used to writing '2007', but I think it will be a great year. At least the year has started wonderfully! After waking up (Yan-Shih woke me up, yet again), we packed our things, cleaned up the room a little, and left the ghost guest house. ... Read more.

Hello 2007

Published on Jan. 1, 2007 in China under Life

Somewhat early in the morning Yan-Shih woke me up, "my hair itches." "Whaaaat?" "I want to wash my hair, and need to go to the bathroom. I'm scared. Can you come with me?” The thing about where we are staying is that, indeed, it could have ghosts. The building looks ... Read more.

Goodbye 2006

Published on Dec. 31, 2006 in China under Life

Anybody who has ridden a train knows the pleasure when finally leaving the cabin. After 22 or so hours, we certainly were glad. Let me say a few things in retrospect. We decided to get a top bunk on the train -- and it is REALLY top. For somebody who ... Read more.

To Shanghai!

Published on Dec. 30, 2006 in China under Life

The morning came quickly, but we rolled out of bed, packed, and checked out. Since we had to pay a key deposit, we received the money back. For breakfast we stopped by a place packed with local people. After our food we ordered their special desert, some pudding thing. Indeed, ... Read more.

To Shanghai... Or Not

Published on Dec. 29, 2006 in China under Life

Yan-Shih and I woke up, well, actually she woke me up. We walked out and got some breakfast, then finished packing, said goodbye to everybody, and left to catch our train. While downtown we exchanged a little more money, ate lunch at a Macao Portugal place, and bought out tickets ... Read more.

Earthquakes and My Girlfriend

Published on Dec. 28, 2006 in China under Life

David (the Irishman) woke up first, since he needed to go to Hong Kong that day. I woke up second and started packing my stuff. The staff was apparently quite sad to see me leaving, but wished me the good luck traveling, and said I should come back again (I ... Read more.

A Work Amigo, and Carnivals

Published on Dec. 27, 2006 in China under Life

In the morning I awoke, got some food, and met a few more people in the hostel. At some point I started talking more and more to two people working at the hostel, one girl named Athena and another (who was actually just volunteering over her break, she is from ... Read more.

Back to China, Again

Published on Dec. 26, 2006 in China under Life

Early in the morning I decided to get up, get a little bit to eat, and go to the train station. I walked through the subway station, and eventually arrived at the KCR depot. Bought my ticket to Lo Hu, and was off. The border was a little bit stressful, ... Read more.

Another Christmas Overseas

Published on Dec. 25, 2006 in Hong Kong under Life

Another Christmas overseas. Today was a good day, like most of my days. After waking up I took the MRT out to my work, but alas, nobody was around! I waited, read some, and waited some more. An hour and a half went by, and I was still waiting. Since ... Read more.

A Long Boat Ride Home

Published on Oct. 9, 2006 in Taiwan under Life

Today sucked. For whatever reason, unknown by me, I decided to 'have some fun' and take the ferry back to Taiwan. What-was-I-thinking. Now, I've been able to take several ferries before, some for extended periods of time. Little did I know, this was going to be a slightly bumpy ride. ... Read more.

A New Village and Tunnels!

Published on Oct. 8, 2006 in Taiwan under Life

We woke up, had our free breakfast, and took the shuttle to the port. Waving by Rita's house as we drove by, we drove away with great memories of a little island. The small commuter ferry shuttled us back to the South Island, and we then waited for our guesthouse ... Read more.

Hiking and Artillery

Published on Oct. 7, 2006 in Taiwan under Life

Today we awoke much later than normal. After stretching and cleaning up the room a tad, we walked downstairs and over to the little coffee shop that acts as headquaraters for our guesthouse. Included, again, in the price of our meal is a breakfast and coffee. We paid for our ... Read more.

A Deserted Village

Published on Oct. 6, 2006 in Taiwan under Life

We awoke to the sound of two alarm clocks and voices in the background. The good feelings from the previous day still filled our souls, and we slowly crawed out of bed. After a quick pack we decend from our loft, and breakfast (included witht he stay) is awaiting us ... Read more.

Moon Festival and Islands

Published on Oct. 5, 2006 in Taiwan under Life

In between Taiwan and China exists a straight, usually referred to as the Straight of Taiwan. Policy makers refer to this area often, and here is where the U.S. government has agreed to "regulate." But the straight contains more than water; a string of Islands, with diverse and interesing history, ... Read more.

Goodbye Thailand

Published on Aug. 13, 2006 in Thailand under Life

Today was another fine, beautiful day. We woke up around 8:00 to catch the autobus to the airport; however the lady informed us that the 10:00 (which we needed for our 1:15 flight) was all full. Surely due to some hidden signal, the taxi drivers immediately swooped in: "airport? me ... Read more.

Over to Thailand

Published on Aug. 12, 2006 in Taiwan under Life

It is 10:53pm, and I have just returned from Thailand. "What!" -You may ask. Yes, Thailand. Ten days. I know I haven't written much lately, anything lately, but the following is a few stories we had from our most recent adventure. As my previous entry details, I am working and ... Read more.

Back to Bangkok

Published on Aug. 11, 2006 in Thailand under Life

Today is Yan-Shih's birthday. A little depressing that we spent the first part on a bus. Normally I can sleep anywhere, and while I slept quite a bit on the bus, I still couldn't get comfortable. Eventually we arrived in Bangkok, and made our way to Khaosan road (where a ... Read more.

A Flash Flood

Published on Aug. 10, 2006 in Thailand under Life

We awoke quite early, and after breakfast (at a restaurant+mechanic store by the river) jumped on a truck-style taxi (wood floors, people just sort of pile in on either side). The taxi took us to Old Town, where we started to walk around the ruins. I am amazed that there ... Read more.

Sore Sore Sore

Published on Aug. 9, 2006 in Thailand under Life

Sore is the word for today. We woke up and rolled out of bed, somehow checked out, and took a tuk-tuk to Chiang Dao. Since we were just meeting Sean and Pink there, we only wandered around briefly, not fully experiencing the expansive park. While the national park/meditation area was ... Read more.

What Goes Up, Must Come Down

Published on Aug. 8, 2006 in Thailand under Life

The start of today was like any other day: a "cookoo cookoo" noise. In my normal, Taipai County life, my phone in alarm mode goes "cookoo cookoo." Alternatively, my girlfriend, when really bored, wakes me up by pushing me and saying "kookoooo kookooo." But today was slightly different: there was ... Read more.

A Day in the Jungle

Published on Aug. 7, 2006 in Thailand under Life

We woke up to a knocking at the door, and after giving our tour guide copies of our passports (everybody needed to in order to go on the trek), we checked out, and went to the trekking main office. On the way we returned our bikes, and realizing we had ... Read more.

Playing Detective

Published on Aug. 6, 2006 in Thailand under Life

The train ride was overall pleasent. Besides the fact that our fan car was obviously an A/C car (it was pretty freaking cold), the ride went smoothly. We woke up, and rather early (around 7am) we arrived in Chiang Mai. We left the train and sad down to figure out ... Read more.

An Overnighter

Published on Aug. 5, 2006 in Thailand under Life

The day started with few missions: go the the big Saturday Market, get a suit tailored for me, and get on a train for Chiang Mai. One would thing this is a simple task, however this simple task turned into an adventure. Awaking with renewed energy, we packed our bags, ... Read more.

Quick Flight to Thailand

Published on Aug. 4, 2006 in Thailand under Life

After boarding the plane we had a quick 3 hour flight over to Bangkok. Upon arrival, since we are all about adventure, attempted to take the train out We walked out, down the ramp, and couldn't find the train. The 7-11 people somehow directed us back to near the airport. ... Read more.

Singapore Stopover

Published on May 4, 2006 in Singapore under Life

I’m finally starting to feel settled down! Let me explain. After New Zealand Ben headed back to L.A. while Yan-Shih and I carried on to Singapore. My flight was routed through KL, so I sat in the airport chatting for a few hours on some open WAP (it belonged to ... Read more.

In Taiwan!

Published on April 1, 2006 in Taiwan under Life

So I’m in Taiwan. I have so much to write about. Expect an update shortly. Read more.

Home Sweet Home

Published on Jan. 1, 2006 in New Zealand under Life

I’ve had several requests to answer if I’m alive. Are you alive? I think so. *pinch* Yup Good! For those of you who want more information, read on. I beg your forgiveness as it is past 3am and I’m rather tired. I have no joined the JAFA ranks, i.e. Just ... Read more.

To Gisborne, And Back

Published on Oct. 22, 2005 in New Zealand under Life

Gisborne = Roseburg. For those of you reading from Oregon, and in particular Ashland, you know what I’m talking about. For those of you whom don’t know about Roseburg, let me explain. My time in Auckland was wearing to an end “ I had managed to hi-jack an Internet connection ... Read more.

The Basement Internet Cafe

Published on Oct. 16, 2005 in Singapore under Life

Bus travel could never have been nice. Please take a look at the photos in my gallery if you don’t believe me: each seat had a little TV screen with movies and CDs playing. The 5 or 6 hour bus ride flew by. I arrived in Singapore with no money ... Read more.

Penang. Expat.

Published on Oct. 10, 2005 in Malaysia under Life

Ahh. New Zealand coffee must be of a new variety “ mimicing Sweden, the coffee is roasted dark and bold. Just the way I like it. Glancing out thewindow a flurry of rain hits the people walking around, all darting for cover like little ants. Finally realizing how much the ... Read more.

The Blender

Published on Sept. 18, 2005 in Malaysia under Life

I slowly glance out the 15th story window of my hotel and the aura of the Petrones Towers seeps in. Slightly overcast, the weather is perfect here in Kuala Lumpur, but perfections doesn’t end there. Before leaving Korea I severely reduced my longevity. My flight left at 11:35am so I ... Read more.

Epiphanies, and, well, more Kimchi!

Published on Sept. 16, 2005 in South Korea under Life

My last day in Korea, wow. Somehow I am reflecting on my adventure and seems like Korea, for me, has been a paradox. A city with so much to see and nothing to see. A culture so polite and warm but stubborn and cold. A history of pride and shame. ... Read more.

The Kimchi Virgin

Published on Sept. 16, 2005 in South Korea under Life

Korea Korea Korea It is raining, again, but Korea hsa been filled with many bright moments. I have been here for several day snow and am finally becoming used to the climate, the people and especially the food. The first day I arrived I decided to get lost; this is ... Read more.

In Korea!

Published on Sept. 14, 2005 in South Korea under Life

Trouble seems to surround those (me) that drink Hennesey. I’ll upload the pictures as soon as I get them off my computer, but, let me tell you, it will be a while before I have that stuff before. Most of you know how rarely I drink, or at least, how ... Read more.

Status: Near Sleep

Published on Sept. 7, 2005 in United States under Life

Many people are afraid when their life enters an enigma; I am embracing the uncertainty that will cloud my life in the near future. My previous journies have all been documented by some journal of some sort — this journey will be no different. Let me rewind and share the ... Read more.

Welcome Back!

Published on Jan. 1, 2005 in Germany under Life

A long flight, where I slept for seven of the nine hours!!So, here is the recap.  On the night of the 31st we all left for Heidelberg.  Now, for those of you who don't know, Heidelberg is the epitome of a cheerful little German town.  We walked around for a ... Read more.

Goodbye from Barcelona!

Published on Dec. 28, 2004 in Spain under Life

 Sorry about the post under Casey´s name, the kids next to me bumped me and my hand hit the enter key. Anyhow, talk about some cultur shock here! We are staying with Ben, and he is staying with a family from ... well, they just aren´t the best people. Kind ... Read more.

Really Christmas Eve

Published on Dec. 24, 2004 in England under Life

So I'm at an internet cafe, and it is roasting in here! I'm in London right now, after a pretty hellish flight. We took off from Berlin late, arrived late (after having to taxi a second time) and so missed the last train, then had to take some busses to ... Read more.

Oh, It Is Christmas Eve!

Published on Dec. 23, 2004 in Germany under Life

 Hi everybody! I didn't quite realize it but today is Christmas eve. I hope my family won't be too mad at me:) We are at a wonderful internet cafe -- one euro a minute. Casey is doing whatever to my left and the host guy is to my right listening ... Read more.

Equador, Alcatraz and Commies

Published on Dec. 21, 2004 in Germany under Life

 So we are in Berlin now, and we have taken many interesting roads since my last post. Let me fill you up to date... The morning we left Bern Fabbiene, Sabina, Stefi, Leoni, Casey and myself took a long stroll throughout the city. Overlooking parts of the lightly frosted houses ... Read more.

A Tale of Two Cities

Published on Dec. 18, 2004 in Italy under Life

 So once again we have internet again, and many, many stories to tell. We left Stockholm on good terms, feeling great about the people we met and the city in general. I stayed up the last night fairly late talking with Malin, a quite uplifting talk. Casey and I woke ... Read more.

Beep Beep

Published on Dec. 18, 2004 in Italy under Life

 So, same post, the computer started beeping and me and since it is in German I ha no clue what was being said. So we got on the train and I slept again ... Casey talked to a French guy, I think he was French. The last stop before the ... Read more.

Glug

Published on Dec. 16, 2004 in Sweden under Life

I just had some wine called Glug with Marlin, you put almonds and raisens in it. The day was overall quite successful, but I will share just one story. This morning ben was supposed to get on the bus at 900 downtown. I woke up at 900 because of some ... Read more.

Holy Sandwiches, Not You Again!

Published on Dec. 13, 2004 in Sweden under Life

 Howdy all. Kelvin checking in. I'm writing this slightly after Casey on Ben's computer (hence the legible keys). I'll do a run-down on the day, and while similar to Casey's different at the same time! We woke up quite early, 12:00 or so. No wait. Casey woke up quite early ... Read more.

PS

Published on Dec. 13, 2004 in Sweden under Life

My future postings most likely won't be so long, I'll try to only tell the good stories -- but today was just one long good story so it might be the exception! Read more.

bad keyboard

Published on Dec. 12, 2004 in Sweden under Life

ok, there is going to be a lack of punctuation during this entry. im on a powerbook at ayhens apartment. our flight was quite enjoyable, and there is so much to talk about. going to make this as quick as possible to just document how things have gone since i ... Read more.

Almost Packed and Ready To Go

Published on Dec. 7, 2004 in United States under Life

 So, it is 11:00pm and our flight leaves tomorrow morning at 10:00am. I finished packing thought, hurrah! Made the copy of passports, eating the last meal, and I'm ready to go. Just have to call the parents in the morning to say one last goodbye and send out a few ... Read more.

Welcome Back!

Published on Sept. 15, 2003 in United States under Life

The flight back was just fine.  In St. Louis I called my friend Sarah from NZ, and after arriving in Portland I dumped this 50 page journal onto my computer.  Two days later I started working, but more happily than ever before!If you have any questions or want any tips, ... Read more.

Goodbye #2

Published on Sept. 11, 2003 in United States under Life

[The following I wrote in the U.S., to sum up my trip]I finally arrived in Munich and quickly caught a train to Venice.  While in Venice early in the morning I met Christy, and we wandered around all day long.  She showed me her hostel (which was nice but expensive), ... Read more.

Top of the World

Published on Sept. 7, 2003 in France under Life

Since it has been a week since I last wrote in the journal, you can imagine that I have not had that much time to write.  So, let me take a few m moments to write about all the things that I have been doing in the last week.  I ... Read more.

Dobre, ya qwui

Published on Aug. 30, 2003 in Czech Republic under Life

I am in Prague, hurrah!!After leaving Falun I went to Malmo, but ended up having the train tracks catch fire and then have to stop in Lund.  Then I took a bus to malmo, actually two buses, and, yea, therefore missed my train out of copenhagen.  The lady in Malmo ... Read more.

Best Three Days of my Life

Published on Aug. 28, 2003 in France under Life

This has been the longest three days of my entire life, and do I have a few stories to tell!  Starting on the 25th I guess:July 25th:During this day I decided to basically do two things, one, go to see the Tour de France.  Second, go to Greece a few ... Read more.

Old and New

Published on Aug. 25, 2003 in Italy under Life

Oh, it has been quite an eventful couple of days, yes it has!!  While I type this, reflecting, sitting at the coliseum, people give me many interesting looks as I type on the keyboard.  But do I care right now, not at all!  Why?  Well, let me explain.The story should ... Read more.

Relaxation Defined

Published on Aug. 25, 2003 in Sweden under Life

Gooood morning!  It has been five days since I last wrote, and it has been one of th e most relaxing five days on the entire trip!!II somehow did make all my connections and Falun, not being that big, Maria and Kerstin were waiting for me at the train station ... Read more.

All-nighter, and the Worst Haircut Ever

Published on Aug. 20, 2003 in Denmark under Life

I th ink my last entry was slightly wrong, since I only spend three days in Copenhagen. Think it was really the 17th, but I d don't really know!So I have been in Europe for well over a month now, and my time is winding down.  I have most of ... Read more.

Fireworks, oh my.

Published on Aug. 14, 2003 in Netherlands under Life

I have stooped to a new low.  You may be asking, "what bout Ana."  She would be disappointed in me, that is what.  Why?  Reasons,  Complicated reasons.  Californication is playing in the background, and I am very content.  Why? I am sitting in a KFC.  Somebody just spoke to me ... Read more.

Back through Italy, Hello from Switzerla

Published on Aug. 13, 2003 in Switzerland under Life

I know, it has been a long time since I last wrote in my journal.  This one might be rather long because of that, but we shall just see.  So, I don't really know the last day I wrote in my journal, let me count back.  Ok, the stories start ... Read more.

Goodbye #1

Published on Aug. 9, 2003 in Italy under Life

I am alone again, on an ICE to Venice.After we went up to the top of the Eiffel tower we went back to the hostel, made some food, and then went to bed.  I fell asleep pretty early, however Ana stayed up for a while longer writing in her journal.  ... Read more.

Six Day on Ios

Published on Aug. 6, 2003 in Greece under Life

Seeing as t  hough five or six days have passed, you can imagine what Ios as like for me.  Lets jump back, the days are blurred but I will try and summarize what has happened.The first day on the ferry, the 31 I guess, I arrived at Paros and jumped ... Read more.

To Ios

Published on July 31, 2003 in Greece under Life

I have been doing just way too  much traveling lately, I think.  Ready to just take it easy and sit back, have a few margaritas, and relax.  I'm getting more tan though, at least my arms are.  When I woke up the morning of the 30th I found out how ... Read more.

Across Europe

Published on July 28, 2003 in Greece under Life

Unfortunately, not much has happened in the last couple of days.  So, lets see here, what on earth is going on.  A couple of beers later, I am ready to share my story of what has happened tonight.  My last entry was on the train fro Zurich to Milano.  In ... Read more.

I Get Lost. And Found.

Published on July 23, 2003 in Italy under Life

I have a couple of days to cover now, and it has been quite an adventuresome couple of days!  Starting back two days ago, I arrived in Montrusso eventually, after taking a few detours and losing my friends and so forth.  I arrived and the first thing on my list: ... Read more.

Lost and Found II

Published on July 23, 2003 in Italy under Life

happen much.  So, I decided to catch a train somewhere -- don't really know where, but just somewhere.  Don't really care.  I jumped on a train to La Spacia, or something like that, and jumped on another train after a little while to a little past Pisa.  The funniest part ... Read more.

Lost on Rails

Published on July 21, 2003 in Italy under Life

Well, I woke up and got a little food from a pastry shop, it was soooo good.  I checked my bag in at the train station, while Sybil and Ash kept theirs at the hotel.  At about noon we got on a train and headed over to Monaco, and jumped ... Read more.

The Friend Portuguese Movie

Published on July 21, 2003 in France under Life

I'm in Nice at the moment, yesterday was quite grand.  We arrived rather early in the morning yesterday, like 8;0am or something like that.  We found our hotel pretty quickly, and I ended up sleeping for the most part of the day.  Much needed!  At about 5:00 we set off ... Read more.

Nice is Nice

Published on July 20, 2003 in France under Life

We are in Nice now, and have been for quite some time.  We arrived this morning and quickly located our hotel -- we are getting good at reading maps and finding our way around new towns.  The hotel is alright, actually it is pretty scummy, but it is a place ... Read more.

Best Club Ever

Published on July 19, 2003 in Spain under Life

It has been a few days since I last wrote in here, but there is obviously a reason.  Lets start back with yesterday.I guess it was almost two nights ago, or two days ago, that I last wrote in here.  After waking up in the morning we went and got ... Read more.

The Value of Tip

Published on July 19, 2003 in Spain under Life

When I woke up there was indeed a very cute girl waking up at about the same time.  I will take this time to apologize for the female centered agenda of my writings -- I am just documenting every person that I meet. We went out to coffee at this ... Read more.

Getting Grasp

Published on July 16, 2003 in Spain under Life

 What an eventful day!!  So, I don't even know where to begin, where the adventure starts, where the insomnia blurs with reality in some dizzying haze of some thingness.  We left the airport after getting some change an finding our bags.  Although my father and his girlfriend think that I'm ... Read more.

Keyboard Rambles

Published on July 16, 2003 in Spain under Life

I am quite glad to be on an American keyboard, these Europe people have their keyboards all freaking messed up!  So, lets see here, life is indeed quite interesting!  after taking a pretty long nap i woke up to these two girls moving in, and being the outgoing self that ... Read more.

Picasso

Published on July 16, 2003 in Spain under Life

hmmm.  I cannot believe how fast time seems to fly by me!  It turns out that I am doing quite a lot of walking, which is fine, but my new Birkinstocks are not entirely broken in.  Currently we are staying at Gothic Point in the middle of the Gothic district.  ... Read more.

Continent, Here i Come

Published on July 15, 2003 in Spain under Life

Momentarily we are going to land in Barcelona, on the big orange planes from Easyjet.  Overall a good flight, I'm really quite hungry thought.  One of the places in London wouldn't accept Visa credit cards.  So, they aren't accepted everywhere after all!While Ashley was asleep on the couch next to ... Read more.

Landed, Part II

Published on July 15, 2003 in Spain under Life

Remembering quotes from Camus, I realize now a couple of things.  Firstly, that I am about 1 hour outside of London, and second, that I really don't have any clue what date it is.  I think it is the 15, but we are about 24 hours underway of our 34 ... Read more.

The Big Prep

Published on July 13, 2003 in United States under Life

The idea of going to Europe was mulling around the back of my head for a few weeks.  Monetarily I was secure, at least for the summer, and I had a few jobs when I came back.  Why not go to Europe?  Routinely I check for inexpensive airfare -- but ... Read more.