Bangkok Mornings

By 5:30 AM I'm out the door and start my 30 minute walk to the park where I attend an intense strength training, fat burning work out appropriately called Bootcamp. My friends and coworkers think i'm crazy for getting up so early but they don't know what their missing out on. The exercise class is pretty fantastic and quite challenging but that's not what I'm referring to. What they are missing out on is the experience of the Bangkok pre sunrise morning. On my way to the park I pass by the same street sweepers. I see the food vendors setting up and preparing for the rush of the morning meal. Many of the foods I have no idea what they are but they are nicely packaged in banana leaf being warmed and/or cooked on the grill. What I do recognize are the fried meats, the soups and a variety of drinks from coffee and tea to the sweet ladies juicing the oranges for fresh OJ. There are also the nicely sculpted ice delivery men out dropping off bags of crushed ice to the various vendors to keep their products fresh. The same security officers are hanging around their territories and I'm pretty sure the same rats are scurrying across the sidewalks each morning while the same homeless people are sleeping on the same steps. I see prostitutes on their way home, white men with an asian woman on each side still drinking, laughing and enjoying themselves and there are food vendors who are now cleaning up, packing and headed home. It's normally the same people each morning but occasionally there is a random man at the bus stop who greets me as I walk by...my personal favorite being the man who asked me if he could come with me.

Once I get to the park I join in with a group that ranges from 5 to 20 depending on the day as we run, jump, squat and engage in a large variety of annoying, difficult and effective activities that challenge this less than prime body. There is a lake at the park and so while I'm doing the exercises I like to look across the lake and see the sun rise between the skyscrapers as the sky begins to dress itself in a pink tone before she changes her mind and the color disappears. I like to watch the fish jump and nibble at the surface looking for breakfast and often the turtles are also near the surface taking a look around.

This morning as we are doing whatever that crazy exercise is called where you are in plank position and then you bring your foot up to your hand...anyway, while we are doing those along the edge of the lake a good sized turtle pokes his head out of the water to get a good look at us. He swam by just watching us which was somehow refreshing. Later, as we are doing 2 minute runs I nearly tripped over a lizard as long as I am tall! I stopped to watch him crawl over a wall and splash head first into the water beneath nearly flipping tail over head.

After my hour of torture which ends with a cold, wet, scented towel to help cool down (and wash all the dirt off from rolling around in the grass...and probably to help those who have to be within smelling distance from us be less offended) the sun is fully exposed and it's time to head back to the house. Again, I embark on my 30 minute walk home. This time, there are more vendors on the sidewalks, many surrounded by people on their way to work grabbing breakfast along the way. The sidewalks are more crowded with professionals and students and motorcycle taxis carrying both. There is a line of 20+ uniformed students waiting for motorcycle taxis to transport them to their destination. It's against the law for these motorbikes to drive on the wide sidewalks but with the streets so congested with larger vehicles the sidewalk is too tempting for them to pass up...so, pedestrians beware!

And then comes one of my favorite parts of the walk. I pass by a small park that has a "dancing" fountain. The fountain is spraying water in a lovely rhythm and the turtles in the small pond are often sunbathing on the stones at the edge of the water, often piled on top of each other. One day I saw 7 turtles piled onto one rock. I love walking by the dancing fountain and seeing the turtles hanging out. It fills me with gratitude for the variety of beauties in the world.

Indeed, 5 AM is pretty early for most people, but the beauty of the morning's activities and sights really makes it worth it!...not to mention that bootcamp makes me stronger!...not thinner, mind you...but stronger.

AK-47

Tunnels and Guns

Last week I returned to Vietnam but this time I was headed to Ho Chi Minh City. Knowing there are often scandals at the airport by taxi drivers I opted to have the hotel driver pick me up. I found my name held by the driver, waited for another couple to show up and we made our way into the city. Arriving at the hotel I then made my way up the 6 flights of stairs to my room where I dropped off my bag, grabbed by tour book and started exploring the neighborhood. I loved the french colonial influence reflected in the architecture mixed with the the Asian flavor of the residents. It made such a beautiful combination. Markets, vendors, shops, parks, french pastries...I explored it all!

The next day I decided to make my way to a large market whose ... is "if we don't have it, you don't need it"! So, armed with my map and my handy compass, off I went. As I walked into the market I was immediately overtaken by women wanting to sell me cothes. They grabbed me by the arm and I had to pry their finger off of me to be able to move on. That experience made me have second thoughts about shopping adventure but quickly I was able to slip down another isle, away from the overzealous sales women. The market was full of clothing, housewares, food, souvenirs and such but I was on a particular mission. Before leaving for Vietnam a coworker and dear friend called and asked me to pick up Weasel coffee. Let me explain what that means. There is actually a coffee bean that when harvested is given to weasels who choose and eat only the best beans. The bean passes through their digestive system and are passed all the way through to the other side. Yes, they are pooped out! Then they are washed and packaged and then people actually buy it and brew it and drink it! DISGUSTING!!! Apparently it makes a darn good cup of coffee but as I'm not a coffee drinker, I'll never know...and i'm ok with that! So, that was my mission, to find the weasel coffee. After accomplishing the missing I enjoyed wandering through the rest of the market and then enjoyed a most delicious sandwich before leaving.

One of the activities I wanted to enjoy was a cyclo ride around the city to see some of the important sights. This means the rider sits in a seat in the front of bicycle and the cyclist sits higher than is usual on a bicycle and peddles you around for as many hours as you hire them for. It's a great way to see the city but agreeing on a price is painful. I found a cyclo driver outside the market and we were finally able to agree on a price. I made it as clear as i could that the price I was offering was for 2 hours and NOT per hour. The driver spoke very little English but there was a boy interpreting for us. The driver apprehensively accepted my price and then biked me through a small portion of the city stopping for me to see some of the sights. We stopped at a Chinese pagoda, passed by the War Museum, went on to the Reunification Palace and then he declared that my time was finished. I knew that we were only a few minutes ride from our starting point and insisted that he take me back to my hotel as our time was not yet complete. He did and we pulled on to the street of the hotel just a few minutes later. I opened my wallet and pulled out the money that was agreed on and the driver began his "show". He insisted that I pay him more demonstrating that he needed food to eat. I knew that the price was not only fair but generous. The driver stomped off without accepting my money. I knew this was all part of the show and so after offering my money several times I turned and walked away. Just as I expected he came running after me and finally accepted my money and threw out a few curse words to put the icing on the cake. It was really too bad that he ended it this way but I knew that cyclo drivers are known to pull such kinds of stunts. Unfortunately, it also meant that I didn't get a photo taken...sad.

After the ride I decided to console myself with a yummy french pastry. I took it to the park to enjoy and was soon joined by a stranger who asked if he could sit on the bench with me. My red flags went off but I couldn't keep him from sitting there. I focused on my pastry and ignored him. He tried to make conversation. Any time someone asks you if this is your first time to their country it usually means they are taking your temperature and planning a scam. I told him it wasn't (truth). Then he asked if I was alone and I told him I have friends in the city (truth). In fact, it reminded me that I needed to check my phone for an SMS from a long lost friend who was now living in the area and who I hoped to meet up with after meeting him 10 years ago. I pulled out my phone and ignored the stranger who finally left me alone and walked off. Success! That night I met up with my long lost friend, met his sweet wife and his adorable little boy. It was a great evening and I was grateful to have friends.

The next day after work I headed out to the Cu Chi Tunnels. These are tunnels the Vietnamese used to fight against both the French and the Americans. After going through a tour and learning a lot we were given a chance to actually crawl into the tunnels. I was surprised at how small they there! The tunnels were just barely broader than I was and not nearly as tall as me. I had to crouch down into nearly a duck walk to get through. I had a great admiration for the strategy and use of the tunnels. It was not for claustrophobics!

After the tunnels I went back to the area of the tour where you could shoot a variety of guns. I've never shot a gun before and thought I'd take the opportunity. I choose a classic, the AK-47. I purchased 10 bullets and was walked out to the shooting range, given ear protection, the gun was loaded, they showed me how to hold it and I tried desperately to hit the target...unsuccessfully. I was amazed at the heat that came off the gun as well as the blasts of air. It was a strange experience. I'm glad I did it.

The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful with the exception of terrific shopping at cute boutiques and a delicious tapas style meal. It was a great trip! My decision remains...I love Vietnam!

Confessions of a Taxi Driver

I have met and dated some very handsome, good men who I've met in very different places and under very different circumstances. Some I met in class at school, others I met at church. Some I met through my work, others I was introduced by a mutual friend or by a family member. There was a time I winked at a boy in my class, the time a boy told me he heard I was dating the most handsome man at church and I simply said, "I didn't realize you and I were dating." There was the boy my soul fell in love with at first glance but I refused to allow it for several years and the gave into him. I will never be the same.

I've also turned men down. There was the boy who thought I needed company while running, the man who just loved to hear me sing, the guy who insisted after only a few minutes of knowing me that we must be soul mates, the one who asked for my friends phone number after I told him I didn't think it was gunna work and others. I've hid from men in the bathroom, given men the wrong name, I've told men I just want to be friends.

The moments of confession of love have come in many different ways and different places. Cooking a new recipe in the kitchen, horse back riding through the streets of Rexburg, walking temple grounds, an emotional conversation, a kiss on the porch...such fun memories.

With that said, let me tell you about my cab ride earlier this week. The ride seemed normal as far as cab rides go. I was on my way to the airport and the cab driver asks me in Thai which way I wanted to go. I preferred the expressway. He took a turn heading in a direction that I hadn't gone before. I wasn't concerned but interested to see if this would be any faster. Along the way the driver asked me questions, like most taxi drivers. How long have I been in Thailand? Do I like it? What work do I do? Am I here alone or with family? I tried in my best Thai to understand each question and reply but there times when I had to tell him "Mai cow jai", I don't understand. He asked my name and I told him. He was nice and it was fun to practice speaking Thai. Then he asked for my phone number. In Thailand it's not uncommon to have a taxi driver's number and he he have yours so you can call on him when needed yet I felt a little funny about it. But, as it's important in Thai culture not to make someone lose face I thought it would be ok to give him my phone number...a little jumbled up and take his number for any future need. But then the conversation started getting a little uncomfortable. He started telling me that I'm beautiful. "Yes," I responded, "Thailand is beautiful, I like it here". He said other things that I didn't understand. Then he said, "I love you". Oh! um...well...thank you. It was kind of cute because after he said it he blushed and got all shy but it was still creepy. I wasn't sure what to say so I just sat back and looked out the window. Then he pulled out his phone, took my phone number and dialed. Oh crap! Well the phone number obviously didn't ring through to my phone. I ignored that and soon enough we arrived at the airport. He asked which door I wanted and I just told him to stop where he was, I handed him my money (which ended up being the most expensive cab ride to the airport I've ever had here) and he tried to give some of it back. I declined and insisted that he keep the money and scooted out as quickly as I could.

And that is the story of the confession of love of my taxi driver.

1 Year Anniversary

Yesterday marked the end of my first year in Thailand. I can't believe its been a whole year! As I look back over all that has happened I am so pleased at all I was able to fit in! And so grateful for the amazing experience it has been. From massages, to manicures, to elephant rides, to lazy days on the beach and amazing diving adventures, to being in 7 different countries, to visits from family and friends, to making new "family" and friends, to my first karaoke experience, to numerous markets, new foods, learning to accept the discomfort of constantly sweating, challenging my body in a new exercise program, and challenging my patience serving in church working with the children and growing to love them dearly, and challenging my intellect while learning a new language and my professional skills while learning a new job and the list goes on and on and on! My heart is so full. I'm definitely looking forward to all the challenge, adventure and excitement that lies in wait for the next year.

A huge thank you to IRC who gave me the chance to be here, to those of you who encouraged me as I worked through the decision stages prior to my move and those of you who have supported me through your friendship (whether near or far) while I transitioned from my comfort zone to find comfort in my new zone. And most importantly, a mighty thank you to my God and Savior who are constantly by my side offering guidance and direction and a lift as often as I need it. Without them I am nothing. It is my faith that gives me the strength to be the woman I am. I dedicate my life to them through the work of my hands to help others. May my daily offering gain me favor in their sight, that they will continue to bless and strengthen me that I may continue easing the burdens of others and lifting their spirits.

Here's to the next 365 days and all the adventures awaiting me!

Halong Bay, conclusion

Oops, I forgot I hadn't finished blogging about this trip!

On Day 3 I woke up at 4:30 a.m. It was already light outside. I laid in bed and watched the sun rise past the horizon, into the sky. We ate breakfast and then I packed up and was taken ashore. The boat I was on was headed back to the starting point but I was scheduled to have another night on the bay so I had to switch to a different boat. On shore I met up with my new boat mates. The plan was to start the day with our choice between a hike or bike ride. We all opted to do the hike owing to the amazing vista promised at the end. We started on our way and I began to be a little nervous as I saw people returning from the hike with shoes covered in mud. I wondered if my Teva's would be sturdy enough for what we were about to face. Others in my group were wearing flip flops but we were assured it would be fine. The hike was steep and indeed very muddy! It took over an hour to climb to the top of the hill. The weather was HOT and humid. We were all sweating so bad we were soaked. At the top the view was nice but there was a platform about 40 stairs high and the view from there was amazing!...And then it was time to go back down the trail, which proved harder than going up. By the end our feet were covered in mud but there was a nice pool of water where we rinsed off, enjoyed a cold drink and relaxed before loading the bus and heading off to lunch.

Lunch was very similar to the lunch of the previous day...in fact it was almost identical...but delicious all the same. You won't hear me complaining about seafood! At lunch I got to know my new friends a bit. A very diverse, fun group of people. I feel lucky to have met so many great people! After lunch a bus came to pick us up but it wasn't the same bus that had dropped us off which worried me since I had left my backpack on the other bus. At each stop prior to lunch we had been told to leave our belongings on the bus so I wrongly assumed we were to do the same this time. Our tour guide assured me he would recover my luggage. I hoped he was able to recover the bag with all its belongings. I didn't let it worry me and went ahead and boarded the bus which took us to the pier where we boarded a boat that took us to monkey island where we would have time to swim and hang out on the beach. Since I didn't have my bag I didn't have my swim suit so I decided to go on another hike in search of the monkeys the island was named for. No one else was interested with the memory of our morning hike still lingering in their legs so I headed off on my own. As I began the hike I was excited at the possibility of seeing monkeys...I LOVE MONKEYS!!! And then I realized that I was all alone, which isn't the smartest idea. And then I got nervous that I might actually see a monkey! Monkeys aren't exactly as cute and snuggly up close as they look from a distance. I've heard stories of people who've been attacked by monkeys. I continued the hike and then got to a point where the direction of the trail became unclear. I poked around a bit and then heard rustling in the trees. It made me a little nervous but I continued exploring. I heard the rustling again and decided it was time for me to turn back. I was too nervous that it might be a monkey. :-) On my way down I passed another single hiker and noticed he had a beer in his hand. We greeted each other, I told him I was unable to find my way to the top and he went up and I headed down. I reached the beach and shortly thereafter several monkeys made their way to the beach. I sat and watched them play. There was a mom and her young baby that were particularly of interest to me. What joy it gave me to watch the young monkey cuddle with its mom and then slowly venture out to play with something only to be startled and sent running back to the security mom's arms. It reminded me of the tremendous importance of motherhood. A role not to be underestimated or undervalued.

Then I saw the hiker I'd run into before ordering another beer. I asked him if he'd found the top. He said no, that shortly after we'd met up a monkey came out of the trees and stole the beer out of his hand! He showed me the picture of the monkey drinking his beer, hilarious! He said it scared him half to death. He was still a bit shaken. I'm glad I decided to come back when I did!

After enjoying the monkeys, the beach and the water we climbed back on the boat and headed back to the Cat Ba island. Both on our way to and from Monkey Island I found myself engaged deep in conversation with a 5 year old boy from Australia or maybe New Zealand? can't remember now, with an imagination the size of Texas! He wanted to play the "what if" game. What if the waters were infested with water. What if a snake came after me. What if, what if, what if. It was so cute! There was also a 10 year old girl from Indonesia. She was a joy. When we reached Cat Ba island she made me a bracelet from small flowers growing all around.

The sun went down and we loaded the boat I would spend the night on. Dinner looked like lunch. I'm beginning to think the menus are all the same! Still yummy, but very funny. We all had a good laugh about the never changing menu. I met new people, a reporter for a Vietnamese paper, a Scottish man just living the life in Vietnam and a Vietnamese couple. After good food and great company I headed to the top deck to enjoy another starry night and then tried to fall asleep while others were enjoying karaoke. My room was situated just in the right place so I could hear EVERYTHING happening on the boat. I could hear what was going on in the kitchen, people going up and down the stairs and lots of karaoke. I didn't get much sleep that night.

In the morning we had breakfast and began to head back to the mainland. Sailing out of the bay was just as beautiful as it had been on our way in. None of us could stop taking pictures. Then we arrived to the icon of Vietnam. Two islands side by side that look like two birds kissing.

My time in Vietnam was definitely a highlight of my first year in south east Asia. There are so many reasons to come back!

Halong Bay, continued...

As we navigated through the islands of the mystical Halong Bay (there are over 2000 islands) we saw fishing boats of a variety of sizes. We saw single man row boats, multi man boats with a motor and larger outfits. I was mesmerized by beauty of the islands and boats.

At lunch I was taught by a wonderful woman from Singapore, how to crack open a crab which was cooked but still starring me in the face and enjoy its meat. If all the meals were going to be as delicious as lunch I knew I would be a happy woman. What I didn't realize then was that each meal I would eat for 3 days would be virtually the same...but you didn't hear me complain! I'm perfectly happy to eat shrimp, crab, fish and calamari over and over. The need for variety is over rated!

We stopped to explore a cave passing a funeral ceremony on our way in a floating fishing village. It was difficult to see the ceremony itself but we were able to hear the songs and speeches, although not able to understand Vietnamese hindered any understanding. We were told that after the cave tour we would return to the floating village.

Caves are such a beauty to me! To envision what it took for nature to carve out a cave and the thousands of years required to create a stalagmite and stalactite is incredible. The clear pools of water often hard to detect for their complete stillness and transparency are so beautiful to me. It's fun to use the imagination to identify various shapes and images formed in the rock. I've explored a good share of caves during my life and this one wasn't necessarily at the top of the beauty and magnificence scale but nonetheless, the small area of the 2 km area of the cave we were shown was nice.

I was excited to get back on the boat and be taken back to the nearby floating village where we kayaked through the small village and around some of the islands. I was kayaking with a woman from South Korea (she was in front and I was in back). During our time together I learned an important lesson in communication and shared vision. If we had different ideas of which direction we wanted to head and didn't tell the other we found ourselves working against each other and going nowhere. Anyway...this experience of kayaking through the fishing village and through the bay was definitely a highlight in my list of life experiences. The tiny, one room homes of the fishing village with hammocks hung on the porch, laundry hung outside, children playing in boats sparked a desire for an experience of living in a fishing village for a week...another experience for another time. As we kayaked through the tall islands it was easy to feel a sense of my individual insignificance and then remember that God created all this for our benefit, a thought that suddenly made me remember my tremendous importance in the eyes of a loving heavenly father.

All too soon it was time once again to board the Elizabeth Sails and move on our way through the bay. In late afternoon we anchored the boat and it was time to go swimming! I started by jumping off the 2nd story of the boat into the refreshing water. Then it was time to go up a level. Several of us "younger" folk climbed to the top deck of the boat and plunged down 3 stories and deep into the water below. The swim felt good and worked up an appetite for dinner...more delicious seafood! But before dinner was served we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. Sigh, another very magical moment.

After dinner I looked forward to returning to the top deck of the boat to enjoy the view of the heavens unpolluted by city lights. Since I couldn't figure out how to turn off the lights on the top deck the view of the stars, while still very beautiful, was not what I had hoped. I laid there watching for falling stars and enduring the pollution of the night silence by very mediocre karaoke coming from the next boat. Asians LOVE karaoke. I tried to put it out of my mind and focus on the beauty of the sky. I found myself singing one of my own favorite songs...Oh Lord, My God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all thy hands have made. I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder and then proclaim, My God, how great Thou art. I saw four falling stars that night and then retired to my quarters.