Korea: my life, my story

Friday, June 8, 2012

Vietnam

( Trấn Quốc Pagoda )

Vietnam - SE Asia Trip Day 2

05/13/2012 @ Hanoi, Vietnam

Upon arrival in Hanoi, I was exhausted. I really didn't get to sleep at all the previous night. I caught about an hour of sleep on the bus, and another on the plane. I changed all of my plans when I got to the Backpacker's Hostel in Hanoi. I sadly decided to skip Siagon (HCMC) and Phnom Phen. This decision was for the best though. I was able enjoy Hanoi without having to rush around. I had some wonderful pho & bun cha. I saw most of the sights, and I was able to goto Halong Bay with rushing around like crazy.

( Saint Joseph Cathedral )

( Guanyin )

( some of the housing )

( I like that women wore sun hats! )

( I was told that this was a floating market, but there weren't any people... Hmm? )

( This was a poorer area of town. )

( motorbikes )

( some folks selling pinwheels )

( another shot of the pagoda on West Lake )

( fisherman )

( Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum )

( VI Lenin Park )

( Hoan Kiem Lake )

( Night Market )

Vietnam - SE Asia Trip Day 3 & 4

05/14-15/2012 @ Halong Bay, Vietnam

I woke up the next day, refreshed and ready to go on a trip. After some personal confusion with the checkout process, we were on our way to Halong Bay. It was a four hour bus ride in close quarters. All three of the small buses were jam packed. Once we arrived at the bay, we were informed that a monsoon was coming and that they were going to take us back to Hanoi immediately. This put everybody in a strange mood. Eventually, the allowed us to go out on the boat, but we were unable to sleep on the boat as planned; this was quite a disappointment. It was still really amazing to go out on Halong Bay. We ate great food, drank good beer, jumped of the boat in the bay, and even did some kayaking before heading to a hotel in Halong City.

( junk boat )

( Halong Bay )

( Halong Bay)

( Halong Bay )

( Gavin is a cool guy I met, who was just finishing up teaching in Korea. )

( Halong Bay )

( aboard the Jolly Roger )

( some other pals from the boat ride )

( little floating stores )

( Johnny and I )

( sunset on Halong Bay )

( Nighttime on Halong Bay )

( The next morning in Halong City )

( farmland on the way back to Hanoi )

( outside the hostel )

Vietnam - SE Asia Trip Day 5 & 6

05/16-17/2012 @ Hanoi, Vietnam

I spent my last day and a half in Hanoi eating, drinking & exploring the Hanoi Hilton House (prison)

( large holding cell )

( wall carving )

( some sort of tribute )

( bun cha with new friends )

( Dan, Chelsea, girl & Oliver )

( a bar I went to with Oliver )

( Hoan Kiem Lake )

( Hoan Kiem Bridge )

( Incense )

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Malaysia

( Petronas Towers )

Malaysia - SE Asia Trip Day 1

05/12/2012 @ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I left Suwon mighty early on a Saturday morning to head out to the airport and start my South East Asian adventure. I really only decided to visit Kuala Lumpur, because Air Asia has super-cheap flights out there. It was my port in and out of the area. I gave myself one day for the city. It was really rushed, so I didn't get to spend much time in any one place, but it was still enjoyable. The food was great and I met two very wonderful homeless people.

( leaving the airport )

( a fountain in little India )

( little India )

( China Town )

( Dinner... I think. )

( traffic )

( another shot of Petronas Towers )

( another )

( one from the inside )

( a view from behind the towers )

( another one from the outside )

( another )

( another, but this time with me! )

( food street )

( a very red store )

( fountain )

After all of my exploring was finished, I headed out to Sentral Station to catch my bus back to the airport. Turns out, I'm terrible at reading bus times, and had to wait about an hour and a half for the first bus. I posted up outside the station with a nice young woman. I hadn't met her yet, but we were both killing time sitting on a bench that was in front of a sleeping homeless man. I was listening to music when I realized that the woman had disappeared. I looked to my right and saw the woman just inside the doors of the station looking very concerned. She made gestures to inform me that the man behind me was a serious danger and that I should get up and follow her. I proceeded to do just that, and this led to an hour long conversation in straight Malay. I understood maybe 6 words the entire time, but I really enjoyed trying to piece together everything she was saying. Eventually, a security guard kicked her out and explained that she was homeless and apologized. I nodded and walked away, but I really enjoyed meeting her, and I'm pretty sure I'll remember her forever. [I really wish I had a photo.]

Friday, May 18, 2012

SE Asia Trip Preview

I'm on my last day of vacation and decided to throw up a few photos: from iPhone only. When I return, I'll put up a legitimate post.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Kimchibilly Night - Grand Carnival 2012 vol. 1

This was one of the best shows I've been to in Korea, thus far. If any of these bands look appealing, even a little bit, check them out. You won't regret it.

Rubber Duckie - 러버더키
04/28/2012 @ Club DGBD in 홍대 [Hongdae]