After a swift journey through a few familiar airports, I have landed in panama city and am now united with my travel partners, as well as some uninvited companions... Bedbugs on the first night.
As backpackers become more and more well travelled, the presence of bed bugs has spread all over the world. My suspisions of encountering these pests was dead on. Lo and behold, upon liftin the sheets, a visible array of bug trails can be spotted and one or two of the tiny peaks can be seen scurrying about. What else to do but to grin and bear it? While not particularly dangerous, bedbugs bites can be irritating and bothersome. Hopefully some bug spray will ward them off.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Central America: The Next Adventure
As I revisit my blog since the days of my study abroad adventures, the exhilaration of moving about and traveling the unknown slowly returns. The next adventure, commencing approximately 48 hours from now, is a journey from Panama City to Guatemala City, a journey spanning 40 days, seven countries and countless cities.
And with the traveling plans comes, of course, the chaos of packing. This time, I thought, surely experience would have served me well. This time, I'll know exactly what to bring, exactly how much of it, and exactly how to pack it. How wrong of me to think that.
Anybody who has ever traveled for five weeks on a student budget might know the same. Packing really is dependent on plenty of variables: wealth, leisure, accommodations, activities. Unfortunately, my case will be the lowest wealth, the highest liesure, the slightest accommodations, and the most adventurous activities.
A few packing considerations of mine have already been the traditional obsessions among pre-traveled backpackers. Already, months have been spent selecting the ideal backpack, researching the weather. stocking up on random wet-season items like water-proof jackets and fast-dry shoes. Personally, I had to consider the consequences of taking my DSLR over a point-and-shoot, of which I choose to face. Nevertheless, less than two days prior to my departure, I'm still wondering how the hell I'm going to fit all my stuff into this bag.
And with the traveling plans comes, of course, the chaos of packing. This time, I thought, surely experience would have served me well. This time, I'll know exactly what to bring, exactly how much of it, and exactly how to pack it. How wrong of me to think that.
Anybody who has ever traveled for five weeks on a student budget might know the same. Packing really is dependent on plenty of variables: wealth, leisure, accommodations, activities. Unfortunately, my case will be the lowest wealth, the highest liesure, the slightest accommodations, and the most adventurous activities.
A few packing considerations of mine have already been the traditional obsessions among pre-traveled backpackers. Already, months have been spent selecting the ideal backpack, researching the weather. stocking up on random wet-season items like water-proof jackets and fast-dry shoes. Personally, I had to consider the consequences of taking my DSLR over a point-and-shoot, of which I choose to face. Nevertheless, less than two days prior to my departure, I'm still wondering how the hell I'm going to fit all my stuff into this bag.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Socialism
Just returned to Valencia after another string of epic travels. I got back home on Thursday morning after spending a dreadful night in the Barajas Aeropuerto, and then spent the proceeding 24 hours in hermitude studying for my Controls exam. Finally now, a chance to reflect on the past two weeks, and the (less than) two weeks to come.
Sitting at a café with my two favorite Scandinavians today sparked some thought on the trip I took to Norway and Sweden; how shockingly similar these two countries are, how incredibly stable their government-controlled society seems, and how much happiness socialism brings to their citizens.
Norway and Sweden are probably two of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe. Not many people live there, I think combined there are less than 13 million people (less than the population of Pennsylvania). Their languages are similar enough to be mutually understood and neither country is on the Euro. Also did I mention the cost of living is ridiculously high there? Probably the highest in the EU, although I'm positive that Oslo is. Anyways, these countries have a pretty different way of running things. It's called socialism.
It seems nice. Education is paid for. Heathcare as well. No person goes without the basic necessities of life such as food, water, and a place to live. Those with jobs get government-mandated salary bonuses and one month of vacation time per year. Those without jobs receive a livable stipend from the government until they find one. The standard of living is level for all.
However, the downside can be cause for concern: taxes up the wazoo. It's like a giant piggybank that takes money from everybody and sends it back in a steady stream, in social programs and welfare. While nobody is poor, nobody is rich. Simply because the rich can't afford to stay rich. Most people live a decent lifestyle. The average. The standard.
What are they missing out on? Is it the American Dream that drives us all to be so fickle with our hard-earned dollars? To deny some access to fundamental services, like healthcare and food? Or need we explain how it is only just to reap what you sow, because the wealthy deserve luxury just as the impoverished deserve destitution? Perhaps our ladder remains unclimbable. Perhaps it's good we have a ladder at all.
Maybe one day I'll move to Norway to get rich and come home.
Proof of Norway's ridiculous wealth:
Sitting at a café with my two favorite Scandinavians today sparked some thought on the trip I took to Norway and Sweden; how shockingly similar these two countries are, how incredibly stable their government-controlled society seems, and how much happiness socialism brings to their citizens.
Norway and Sweden are probably two of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe. Not many people live there, I think combined there are less than 13 million people (less than the population of Pennsylvania). Their languages are similar enough to be mutually understood and neither country is on the Euro. Also did I mention the cost of living is ridiculously high there? Probably the highest in the EU, although I'm positive that Oslo is. Anyways, these countries have a pretty different way of running things. It's called socialism.
It seems nice. Education is paid for. Heathcare as well. No person goes without the basic necessities of life such as food, water, and a place to live. Those with jobs get government-mandated salary bonuses and one month of vacation time per year. Those without jobs receive a livable stipend from the government until they find one. The standard of living is level for all.
However, the downside can be cause for concern: taxes up the wazoo. It's like a giant piggybank that takes money from everybody and sends it back in a steady stream, in social programs and welfare. While nobody is poor, nobody is rich. Simply because the rich can't afford to stay rich. Most people live a decent lifestyle. The average. The standard.
What are they missing out on? Is it the American Dream that drives us all to be so fickle with our hard-earned dollars? To deny some access to fundamental services, like healthcare and food? Or need we explain how it is only just to reap what you sow, because the wealthy deserve luxury just as the impoverished deserve destitution? Perhaps our ladder remains unclimbable. Perhaps it's good we have a ladder at all.
Maybe one day I'll move to Norway to get rich and come home.
Proof of Norway's ridiculous wealth:
Monday, June 7, 2010
Quick blogsauce because otherwise I am never ever ever gonna get around to it...
....I WENT TO SWEDEN AND NORWAY!!!!
Norway: the most expensive place I have ever ever been. A coffee is about 34 Norwegian Kroner which is over FIVE DOLLARS! Also, a big mac costs 98 kroner which is $14.64! For a BIG MAC! it was crazy. But besides Norway being a giant money-sucking hole where only really rich people live, it was a beautiful country and I am definitely going to go back some day to visit my norwegian friend Fez and see some magnificent fjords on the western coast. If you don't know what a fjord is, you must read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fjord
...and look at the following fotos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/v1r4l/3438079091/in/set-72157618196265276/
Anyways, we stayed right near the fjord and visited Oslo which is a beautiful city. Also THE most expensive city in the world (this is not an exaggeration). Nevertheless, we had a great time there and got to see some true Norwegian beauty in the fjord that Oslo is built around. Norwegians are very friendly and have an impressive grasp of English. We were welcomed by natives willing to help around every corner. Norway is a sweet country.
Next, we went to SWEDEN! I got to experience the true country lifestyle by staying with my roommate Agnes at her parent's 200-year-old house in the beautiful Swedish countryside. Between towns and a few hours away from Stockholm, the scenery is breathtaking. Her parents own a cheese farm! Needless to say, we were all fed well and had an incredible time playing in the nature.
We also visited STOCKHOLM! Having never been destroyed before, the old town of Stockholm was built in the mid-1200s. Walking around was incredible (promise fotos later) and the vibe of the city is something quite unique. We were able to hang out with three AUTHENTIC Swedes, Agnes being one of them of course, and also two Stockholm-native friends of hers who showed us around the network of islands Stockholm is built upon.
This trip opened my eyes to a new part of Europe, Scandinavia, which I will definitely make time to come back in the future. A whole different culture and centuries of history exist in the Nordic countries, accompanied by unique geological phenomena (Northern Lights and fjords which I am obsessed with) and the famous midnight sun, a bit of it which I got to see (it was still light at midnight!). Plus Scandinavian languages are absolutely crazy. My vocabulary now includes the ability to say "Hej", "How are you", and count to 29 in Swedish. Poco a poco I suppose.
Tomorrow: I fly to Prague! Going to "Czech out" Prague, Vienna and Budapest until the June 17th. Then, just one exam and 12 days left in Valencia before I return to the states. I'm making every second count. The end is near.
Norway: the most expensive place I have ever ever been. A coffee is about 34 Norwegian Kroner which is over FIVE DOLLARS! Also, a big mac costs 98 kroner which is $14.64! For a BIG MAC! it was crazy. But besides Norway being a giant money-sucking hole where only really rich people live, it was a beautiful country and I am definitely going to go back some day to visit my norwegian friend Fez and see some magnificent fjords on the western coast. If you don't know what a fjord is, you must read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fjord
...and look at the following fotos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/v1r4l/3438079091/in/set-72157618196265276/
Anyways, we stayed right near the fjord and visited Oslo which is a beautiful city. Also THE most expensive city in the world (this is not an exaggeration). Nevertheless, we had a great time there and got to see some true Norwegian beauty in the fjord that Oslo is built around. Norwegians are very friendly and have an impressive grasp of English. We were welcomed by natives willing to help around every corner. Norway is a sweet country.
Next, we went to SWEDEN! I got to experience the true country lifestyle by staying with my roommate Agnes at her parent's 200-year-old house in the beautiful Swedish countryside. Between towns and a few hours away from Stockholm, the scenery is breathtaking. Her parents own a cheese farm! Needless to say, we were all fed well and had an incredible time playing in the nature.
We also visited STOCKHOLM! Having never been destroyed before, the old town of Stockholm was built in the mid-1200s. Walking around was incredible (promise fotos later) and the vibe of the city is something quite unique. We were able to hang out with three AUTHENTIC Swedes, Agnes being one of them of course, and also two Stockholm-native friends of hers who showed us around the network of islands Stockholm is built upon.
This trip opened my eyes to a new part of Europe, Scandinavia, which I will definitely make time to come back in the future. A whole different culture and centuries of history exist in the Nordic countries, accompanied by unique geological phenomena (Northern Lights and fjords which I am obsessed with) and the famous midnight sun, a bit of it which I got to see (it was still light at midnight!). Plus Scandinavian languages are absolutely crazy. My vocabulary now includes the ability to say "Hej", "How are you", and count to 29 in Swedish. Poco a poco I suppose.
Tomorrow: I fly to Prague! Going to "Czech out" Prague, Vienna and Budapest until the June 17th. Then, just one exam and 12 days left in Valencia before I return to the states. I'm making every second count. The end is near.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Ibiza - Eivissa
Ibiza - A proper shitshow.
Our 185-euro Erasmus trip united over 400 students from our university alone, along with thousands of other students studying abroad in Spain for a 6-day 5-night vacation on the most famed party island in the world. And this, my amigos, is where I finally see where Spain gets their party style from.
Daily life went something like this: drink until the wee hours of the morning, see the sunrise, crash for a few hours, nap by the pool, play some volley-playa, drink through the afternoon hours, dance in discotecas, rewind and repeat. The trip was a great time with so many friends. Here are the highlights:
Now after relaxing for a week, it's time to crank out 3 papers, a project, and 2 presentations. Four months and three weeks of vacation with one week of academic hermitude? I can dig it.
Our 185-euro Erasmus trip united over 400 students from our university alone, along with thousands of other students studying abroad in Spain for a 6-day 5-night vacation on the most famed party island in the world. And this, my amigos, is where I finally see where Spain gets their party style from.
Daily life went something like this: drink until the wee hours of the morning, see the sunrise, crash for a few hours, nap by the pool, play some volley-playa, drink through the afternoon hours, dance in discotecas, rewind and repeat. The trip was a great time with so many friends. Here are the highlights:
- We ferry across a hundred miles in style: by cruise ship, many stories tall complete with movie theater, swimming pools on the top deck, private DJ, game rooms, bars and dancefloors. Never had I been to a club on the deck of a ship in the middle of the mediterranean! An unforgettable night.
- PACHA, one of the most famous clubs in the world, and quite what Ibiza is known for. House and techno filled the night (which cost me a 22-euro entry ticket, by the way) and I successfully dodged paying 8 euro for a water (a sad trap which caught a few friends). Needless to say, the partying didn't end until the morning began.
- SPACE & Es Paradis, both well-known megaclubs in Ibiza. The Erasmus trip had its own private parties at these discotecas, the one at Es Paradis being the famed Water Party. At a record breaking hour of 8am, we left Es Paradis, a good hour and a half after sunrise.
- Formentera, an untouched island just south of Ibiza. We took a short cruise around the island, got a chance to swim out to some deserted rocks, and partied on the clear-bottom boat. Just clear blue waters, white sand and the sun.
- Our small shitty apartments. Sometimes the lights wouldn't work, and the plethora of cooking tools/utensils/cleaning supplies seemed to be scattered about the complex. But our 6 days there included hollering from balcony to balcony, napping in the sun, grabbing cafés and cheap burgers at the bar and dancing by the pool. Living with these friends could never get old.
 |
| Ibiza, Balearic Islands |
Now after relaxing for a week, it's time to crank out 3 papers, a project, and 2 presentations. Four months and three weeks of vacation with one week of academic hermitude? I can dig it.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
I am behind on life.
There's just something in the Spanish/Valencian air that inspires lackadaisical relaxation. A carelessness falls upon me each time I attempt something productive, may it be studying some Spanish or starting my final assignments for my classes. Nevertheless, it is in my attention that the end is near (or drawing near at least).
In an attempt to summarize my travels and grasp the memories throughout my three weeks of vacation, I'll condense my adventures into abbreviated descriptions of each city. I am truly blessed to have had such a positive experience in each new city.
I can start in good ol' España:
Valencia: Departing home, I realize Spanish culture has gotten the best of me. After spending a rather difficult few hours condensing two weeks of stuff into one backpack, Andrew and I are running late to the airport (big surprise) and take a cab.
Then, Italy!
Milan: Visiting our fellow Terrapins Vince and Jess, we were fortunate to have great personal tour guides to Milan and Lake Como as well. Famous for fashion and the third largest cathedral in the world, Milan is a a bustling center of commerce. Our three day stay was well spent sightseeing, taking a day trip to Como, and catching up with our homedogs.
Venice: The beauty simply cannot be described in words. The entire city floats on water, with dozens of bridges connecting over 100 islands. Spending a day in Venice is like spending a day in a 13th-century Italy. The essence of the city can only be absorbed by aimless wanderings about winding footpaths. As touristy sightseeing found its way to the back burner, we took our time enjoying the unique beauty of this one-of-a-kind city.
Florence: Nestled in the Tuscan countryside, this city is small but rich in culture and art. The Duomo in Florence, detailed yet colorful, is by far my favorite cathedral of the my trip. Olive groves and sunflower fields dot the mountains around the valley in which Florence rests, making the hours on the regional trains pleasantly passed. We met up with the rest of our travel buddies, Allison, Caitlin and Catherine.
Cinque Terre: A string of five old towns located on the steep cliffs of the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Inaccessible by car or bus, one train runs through the lower coast connecting each town; you must hike the rest! Breathtaking views made me want to stay here for years.
Bologna: A novel city for me, as I had my first couchsurfing experience here. Famous for the food and the oldest university in the world, Bologna's unique covered streets offer a quaint and old-town feeling, all the while boasting a very healthy "botéllon" culture similar with the Spanish youth.
Back to Spain for a day, then off to Morocco! In transit, a night spent at the Madrid airport definitely sharpened my packing list and boosted my ability to sleep on benches.
Tanger: Quite developed, the port city offers a modern medina, great view of Africa AND Europe, and appears as a central for commerce. Also it is quite connected to the world, as 270 Dirham got us to Marrakech via a comfortable overnight train.
Marrakech: With a busy bustling medina, shops and vendors everywhere, Moroccan culture is at great display here. The main plaza Djemma el Fna is littered with fresh orange juice carts, snake charmers, spice vendors, and every Moroccan-made item you could imagine. Horse-drawn carriages cart tourists through the medina around beautiful mosques and castle ruins. At night, the plaza turns into a fiesta; street food, lamp vendors, performers and musicians make sure Marrakech doesn't sleep early. By far the busiest destination in my whole trip.
Atlas Mountains & Sahara Desert: A day was spent hiking the Atlas Mountains from a small town in the Ourika Valley. The views were breathtaking, and we were lucky to have a great guide, taking us deep through the range to the top of the mountains. The next day was spent driving through the mountains, stopping in Ouarzazate and finally arriving at Zagora, just north of the Sahara desert. Riding camels through the dunes was certainly an experience and sleeping in tents under the stars was a once in a lifetime experience. Never have I seen such a clear sky bright with stars.
Finally, after returning to Madrid, we head to Portugal:
Porto: A beautiful city on a river and the western European coast, Porto is famous for Port wine of course! It was incredible touring local wineries and wandering about the steep streets of old-town Porto. The city from the high bridge at night was one of the best views I've seen so far. We had a great time experiencing the wine, the food, and best of all, the hospitality of the Portuguese, who seemed to understand English perfectly (although we found it a great opportunity to practice our Spanish).
My first tour of Europe was more than I could ask for. What a marvellous continent!
In an attempt to summarize my travels and grasp the memories throughout my three weeks of vacation, I'll condense my adventures into abbreviated descriptions of each city. I am truly blessed to have had such a positive experience in each new city.
I can start in good ol' España:
Valencia: Departing home, I realize Spanish culture has gotten the best of me. After spending a rather difficult few hours condensing two weeks of stuff into one backpack, Andrew and I are running late to the airport (big surprise) and take a cab.
Then, Italy!
Milan: Visiting our fellow Terrapins Vince and Jess, we were fortunate to have great personal tour guides to Milan and Lake Como as well. Famous for fashion and the third largest cathedral in the world, Milan is a a bustling center of commerce. Our three day stay was well spent sightseeing, taking a day trip to Como, and catching up with our homedogs.
Venice: The beauty simply cannot be described in words. The entire city floats on water, with dozens of bridges connecting over 100 islands. Spending a day in Venice is like spending a day in a 13th-century Italy. The essence of the city can only be absorbed by aimless wanderings about winding footpaths. As touristy sightseeing found its way to the back burner, we took our time enjoying the unique beauty of this one-of-a-kind city.
Florence: Nestled in the Tuscan countryside, this city is small but rich in culture and art. The Duomo in Florence, detailed yet colorful, is by far my favorite cathedral of the my trip. Olive groves and sunflower fields dot the mountains around the valley in which Florence rests, making the hours on the regional trains pleasantly passed. We met up with the rest of our travel buddies, Allison, Caitlin and Catherine.
Cinque Terre: A string of five old towns located on the steep cliffs of the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Inaccessible by car or bus, one train runs through the lower coast connecting each town; you must hike the rest! Breathtaking views made me want to stay here for years.
Bologna: A novel city for me, as I had my first couchsurfing experience here. Famous for the food and the oldest university in the world, Bologna's unique covered streets offer a quaint and old-town feeling, all the while boasting a very healthy "botéllon" culture similar with the Spanish youth.
Back to Spain for a day, then off to Morocco! In transit, a night spent at the Madrid airport definitely sharpened my packing list and boosted my ability to sleep on benches.
Tanger: Quite developed, the port city offers a modern medina, great view of Africa AND Europe, and appears as a central for commerce. Also it is quite connected to the world, as 270 Dirham got us to Marrakech via a comfortable overnight train.
Marrakech: With a busy bustling medina, shops and vendors everywhere, Moroccan culture is at great display here. The main plaza Djemma el Fna is littered with fresh orange juice carts, snake charmers, spice vendors, and every Moroccan-made item you could imagine. Horse-drawn carriages cart tourists through the medina around beautiful mosques and castle ruins. At night, the plaza turns into a fiesta; street food, lamp vendors, performers and musicians make sure Marrakech doesn't sleep early. By far the busiest destination in my whole trip.
Atlas Mountains & Sahara Desert: A day was spent hiking the Atlas Mountains from a small town in the Ourika Valley. The views were breathtaking, and we were lucky to have a great guide, taking us deep through the range to the top of the mountains. The next day was spent driving through the mountains, stopping in Ouarzazate and finally arriving at Zagora, just north of the Sahara desert. Riding camels through the dunes was certainly an experience and sleeping in tents under the stars was a once in a lifetime experience. Never have I seen such a clear sky bright with stars.
Finally, after returning to Madrid, we head to Portugal:
Porto: A beautiful city on a river and the western European coast, Porto is famous for Port wine of course! It was incredible touring local wineries and wandering about the steep streets of old-town Porto. The city from the high bridge at night was one of the best views I've seen so far. We had a great time experiencing the wine, the food, and best of all, the hospitality of the Portuguese, who seemed to understand English perfectly (although we found it a great opportunity to practice our Spanish).
My first tour of Europe was more than I could ask for. What a marvellous continent!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
A Travel Summary
Finally. It feels great to be back in Valencia, and even greater to have unlimited internet access and a normal food diet. However, the past three weeks of traveling have been an exciting, entertaining, and eye-opening experience. Our crazy week of Las Fallas was proceeded by 4 days of class, then: Semana Santa the week of March 29th, Spring Holiday the week of April 6th, and "Midterm" Week (although we had none) was this past week of April 11th. With all of this free time, Europe was just begging for a visit from me. I had to oblige. Having booked Ryanair tickets rapidly and impulsively, most plans weren't quite finalized until the last minute. So here is the timeline of what actually went down in my life:
March 26-29, Milan
March 29-31, Venice
April 1-2, Cinque Terre
April 2-3, Florence
April 3-5, Bologna
April 5, Valencia
April 6, Madrid
April 7, Tanger
April 8-10, Marrakech
April 10-11, Zagora/Sahara Desert
April 12, Madrid
April 13-15, Porto
My journey is depicted below.
View Spring Break 2010 in a larger map
Four countries and three weeks later, I returned with countless stories, thousands of photos, and incredible experience on traveling Europe/North Africa. I'll eventually get around to making dedicated posts to each country I visited but for now, my photos say it all: http://picasaweb.google.com/amy.j.zhou
The agenda for this week: despierta, levanta, y va a la playa!
March 26-29, Milan
March 29-31, Venice
April 1-2, Cinque Terre
April 2-3, Florence
April 3-5, Bologna
April 5, Valencia
April 6, Madrid
April 7, Tanger
April 8-10, Marrakech
April 10-11, Zagora/Sahara Desert
April 12, Madrid
April 13-15, Porto
My journey is depicted below.
View Spring Break 2010 in a larger map
Four countries and three weeks later, I returned with countless stories, thousands of photos, and incredible experience on traveling Europe/North Africa. I'll eventually get around to making dedicated posts to each country I visited but for now, my photos say it all: http://picasaweb.google.com/amy.j.zhou
The agenda for this week: despierta, levanta, y va a la playa!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)