Hello from Yaowawit!

Somehow it has been two months since my last post, which leaves me with no clue of where to begin. In my defense I have had quite a few visitors which left me without time to update you all. I can't believe how fast the time with my family and Chrissy flew by or that it is already August! Please bare with me as I share an out of order, sporadic plethora of posts. I will do my best to give you a time frame of when each event happened buttttttt we will see how it all goes :)

The Bali Breakdown

Bali, Bali, Bali… what I would do to go back right now! This was the first destination on our adventure and we almost didn’t make it. Thankfully running late and a flat tire could not hold us back because we were, Bali bound! While we were in Bali, we made three stops… Kuta, Ubud, and Gili Trawangan of The Gili Islands. (Beware! This is a short novel)

Bubba Gump's in Kuta,
this is for you Kenz!

 Our first stop was in Kuta. My first impression was that this could be the best place on earth! I later would retract this statement but at first glance there was a beautiful mall (I know I am pathetic) with a staircase that literally put you on the beach. Two of my favorite things within 1 minute of each other, what more could I ask for?! For Anna and I the first stop was the mall to get new “surfing bikinis” because of course that was necessary and then to hit the waves. We each took a lesson and were able to actually ride some waves which was exciting. A few days later we were able to rent boards again and get some surfing in, it turned out to not be quite as easy when you didn’t have a “Kuta Cowboy” pushing you into the waves. Kuta has one of the best places in Bali for beginners to learn how to surf, but it was surprising how much trash was in the water. We found ourselves a little bit sad because we had heard such amazing things, but also realized how spoiled we are to live in Thailand and visit amazing beaches on a weekly basis. Also in Kuta we found lots and lots of shopping, had a wonderful foot massage (the first of MANY), and some good food! Oh and how could I forget this is where we tried Bali’s most popular beer Bintang for the first time!

And onto Ubud we go, Ubud was about an hour and a half taxi ride away from Kuta. I was not aware of how lush and green it would be. This was one of the most peaceful places I went throughout the two months. Our guesthouse was in a great location where pretty much everything we wanted to see was in walking distance. There was one main street, which had all of the shops and restaurants. On this street we found both AMAZING Mexican food (and guacamole!) and Pizza. Anna and I had both been feeling pretty deprived of Western food, so to say we ate it a lot is an understatement. In Ubud there are many different Yoga studios, and honestly if there is a perfect place for a yoga studio Ubud is it. The largest among them is The Yoga Barn, and I fell in love with this place and you could say yoga is not a favorite activity of mine. Typically visiting yoga studios is not something that I would take time to do on a trip, but this place was worth it. At the Yoga Barn people were there for just a class and some were there for a weeklong cleanse! Anna and I stopped by for a class, to take pictures while pretending to be Yogi’s and eat one of our only healthy meals of the trip. We had wheat grass shots, grilled veggie wraps, and some other sort of green and pink drinks. It became an on going joke about things Anna would order to drink, it seemed regardless of what she ordered it came out green. This drink was one neither of us could drink and we even joked about pouring it out. Less than 2 minutes later a gust of wind came knocked over numerous things on our table and the drink was dumped out completely… someone was looking out for us haha! My favorite part of Ubud was renting a motorbike and driving around seeing the views. We encountered many rice fields, small village like neighborhoods, and even some monkeys! Because we enjoyed our time so much we ended up extending our stay. After awaking really early one morning, stood on a road with all of our things, and were picked up in a sketchy van… we were on our way to The Gili Islands!!

 

The Gili Islands is made up of three different islands Gili Air, Gili Menos, and Gili Trawangan. We went to Gili Trawangan also called Gili T, and this my friends is the most beautiful beach location I have ever been to. From the moment we showed up I was smiling ear-to-ear I knew I had found my “happy place”. This island had no cars and everything was accessible by walking, bicycle, or horse and carriage (yes, this happened). The only thing about Gili T is the Mosk. Out of the Mosk came the loudest chanting/singing/prayer I have ever heard in my life. It could be heard at all places on the island and yes, I had a daily wakeup call at 4:30am. Although at times it was quite obnoxious, it did give the island a cultural feel. On the first day we found a restaurant for breakfast directly on the beach, we ended up spending everyday here. In front of the café was GIANT beach beanbag chairs. It is fair to say we absolutely did not leave this place from the hours of 11-5. Also straight out from the café was a deserted boat you could swim out to and hang out on. One of my absolute favorite moments of traveling happened here. One day while we were lying out, it started pouring and everyone was frantically packing up his or her stuff. Anna and I were doing the same when we decided to stash our stuff off to the side and swim out to the boat. We had our own little dance party in the rain on this boat and I remember feeling so happy! Lying on the beach, stand up paddle boarding, and a yoga session took most of our time and I could not be happier about it. Little did I know I had over a month of exhausting traveling just around the corner and I would need this rest. By far this was my favorite place in Bali and I have no doubt I will be back here someday.

PS: Im not sure if I mentioned this before but FYI… After being at Yaowawit for 2 months, school was let out for summer break! This means that from March 15- May 11 I was out and about through Southeast Asia. I am doing my best, kind of J to catch up on all of my blogging so you can hear about my adventures!

PPS: I apologize for the way the pictures are arranged, blogger is not being my friend today. ALSO there will be so many more pictures on facebook, someday when I get around to it!

I'm backkkkk!

After 18 hostels and guesthouses, 10 lengthy bus rides, 7 flights, 4 countries, 3 overnight trains, 2 months, and 1 backpack I am back at school in Kapong!

I cannot believe how fast these past two months have flown, it seems like just yesterday Anna and I were mapping this trip out. Throughout these two months I have learned so much about Asia, myself and the fact I still tend to over pack. I promise that I will go into plenty of detail about all of the different segments of my trip as soon as I am all settled in back at Yaowawit. The first day of school is on Tuesday and I have a little preparing to do!

Before anything else I need to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to...

My parents and grandma: I am so lucky to have such supportive family members in all of my endeavors. As cliche as it may sound, this trip literally would have been impossible for me without them. I did my best to stay in contact and let them know my whereabouts so the worrying was kept to a minimum. I love you all so much, and once again THANK YOU for supporting me in my crazy adventures.

Steve Jobs: While traveling through SE Asia I have been able to have my iphone with me wherever I go. Some may see this as a downfall and the fact that you cannot get away, but trust me being able to contact home, friends, family when you need them is a plus!

Anna: My travel partner! We had such a great two months traveling and I can't believe how fast it came to an end. Thank you for keeping me sane when at times I was ready to freak out, and for dealing with my grumpiness when I am hungry.. whoops :) I missssssss you already Anna Ko, reunion in Germany?

True Life: I drive a motorbike

It seems as if everyone in Thailand uses motorbikes as one of the main modes of transportation, and I have joined the club! Many at home will laugh at the idea of this and think there is no way, trust me I was a bit skeptical at first. For the past month now I have been renting my own and I absolutely love it. Motorbikes come in all sorts of colors, so of course I was dreaming of a lime green or actually any neon color bike. My family will find it quite humorous to know that I show up and what color is waiting for me… WHITE. (For everyone else, for the longest time it was an on going joke because everyone on the Brough side of the family had a white car. Anytime we had a rental car of course white and so on.) But I have grown to love my bike and I spend quite some time riding it around!

Recently I have discovered something life changing, listening to my IPOD (with only one headphone) as I am driving. I seriously could drive for hours, and be entertained. Back in the states singing in the car is one of my favorite things, and of course there are always some dance moves incorporated. Unfortunately there is not really any dancing on the motorbike besides a little head bob now and then, but don’t worry this allows me to really focus on my vocals haha :)

Dad you must know that I think of you often as I am driving around! It sends me flashbacks of you teaching me to ride a bike/ drive a car! First I learned to drive without music, which you made me do in the car, even if I wasn’t always happy about it. Always wear your helmet/ seat belt… CHECK. Then there are of course two brakes, one for the back tire and one for the front tire. I don’t know if you engrained it in my head but I always say to myself dad says use the back break first so you don’t go over the handle bars? Hahah I don’t know, but good work dad! Lastly I now know why you have always liked to ride motorcycles, dirt bikes, etc. Yesterday I was driving and the sun was behind me so I could see my shadow in front of me on the pavement. I had basically convinced myself that through the shadow I looked like I was driving a Harley. Rog let me tell you, I have never felt like more of a badass in my life hahaha.

Soccer, Snorkeling and Smiles

As I sit here watching the rain come down like it’s worst days in the PNW, eating cheez-its, and drinking a Gatorade I find myself very at home.  I’m sort of laughing at myself, nothing like some greasy salty crackers, and a high sugar juice to make you feel at home… no wonder I’m an American.

The Yaowawit soccer team and a few of the many fans

It has been so long since I have written last, whoooops sorry mom J I suppose I will start with the Kapong soccer tournament, which I can say has been one of my most favorite days since being in Thailand. I knew the boys were playing in a local tournament and I was so excited to see them play in an official game. I had no idea we were going to an actual stadium with an announcer, concession stands, and bleachers filled with fans! I think everyone around Yaowawit thought I was insane because I could have exploded with excitement. I had made posters and signs for the boys and the students were quick to pick up the signs and yell for team Yaowawit. We went to a few games over the weekend, and the boys ended up placing third! Only in Thailand is it almost a guarantee that half time will turn into a dance party. Whether it be Gangnam Style or another of the favorites songs, the crowd is on their feet dancing and singing. If you ask me this is something the rest of us should start doing! I don’t know why but it still amazes me that across the world sports, kids, conversations etc. are so similar! All my fellow teammates and soccer families can relate to rushing after a game to see the scores of the other teams in your bracket. Depending how other teams do can decide your game time, place in the tournament, seeding for playoffs etc. The boys anxiously crowded the board, I couldn’t help but reminisce of my own tournament days. (Jeez, referring to my “tournament days” I sound like an old woman)

The kindergarteners putting on a half-time show

The boys checking out the scores

Transportation to the game

Many times throughout the year different International schools come to visit Yaowawit. The schools come and spend lots of time with the students, and our kids usually can't get enough of our visitors. All of us at Yaowawit joke that as soon as visitors come to school we are pushed to the back burner, and they forget about us. Of course that is not fully true, the kids always like us... just a little more when there are not new friends around hah :) Last week Chiang Mai International School was here visiting Yaowawit. My friend Anna and I were lucky enough to join them on a snorkeling trip in Khao Lak on Monday. We saw tons of fish of all sizes and colors! Of course my favorite were the neon fish, I really wanted to touch one of them haha… which resulted in them swimming terrified of me. After a few different snorkeling pit stops, we parked ourselves at a beach to have lunch. Little did we know that hundreds and hundreds of hermit crabs would be joining us? It was insane the crabs were just toppling over each other fighting for food, and every once and a while you would get a little crab on your toes… not cool.  All in all it was a great day out in sun on the water. To top it all off, it was Anna's birthday so of course we had some celebrating to do when we got back to Kapong!

Saying that I am in for the experience of a lifetime is an understatement. Thus far I have met amazing people, gone on sweet weekend adventures, and I am lucky enough to work with incredible kids everyday. These kids have the ability always make my day. Here are just a few of the many faces I get to see on a daily basis!

                     

THE LIST 1.0

I have so many random thoughts, sentences, and experiences and I am struggling to find the connection between them all. Since I do want to share with everyone, and of course not forget everything... here comes THE LIST version 1.0

1.     Linfield came to Yaowawit on part of their study abroad trip, and I could not have been happier to see a few faces from home! I was able to spend a few days with them here at Yaowawit and at the beach. Like I always say to my dad “Forget Disneyland, Linfield is the happiest place on earth!” What a great few days to have them here.

2.     I officially now eat ham and raisins. For those of you who know me well, I don’t think I have eaten either in 15 years besides the occasionally bite because people don’t believe me that I don’t like ham. I suppose sometimes ham and raisins sound more appetizing on days I’m not feeling so adventurous.

3.      At Yaowawit we have volunteers and teachers from many different countries. I am lucky enough to have made some great friends from all over the world! It absolutely cracks me up when we are all speaking English and we are stuck on a weird we all have a different pronunciation for it. Cough cough ANNA!

4.     I am so thankful for a good Internet connection!!! In my mind this would be a good time for me to be separate from my phone and not as dependent on facebook. Although I am not as obsessive as I am at home, it has been a lifesaver being able to talk to friends and family from home J

5.     We had a girl’s night with the high school students at Yaowawit on Monday night. It made me realize teenage girls, are teenage girls no matter where in the world you are. Topics of conversation: boys, painting nails, music, movies etc. Such a good night with the girls!

6.     Did I mention the high school girls chose to watch “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” one of my top 10 movies of all times?!?! I knew I liked Thailand haha.

7.     As much as I tell myself I am getting accustomed to spicy foods, I am absolutely not. The Thai teachers are constantly laughing at me and warning me when I eat spicy things! One day I will be able to handle the heat!

8.     I have never heard the song “Gangnam Style” so much in my life. Since being in Thailand I have a new appreciation for the song. The other night we had guests so the students did a few of their dances in the theatre. When it was the kindergartens turn, they showed up dressed up, make up and ready to go. They began to dance Gangnam style, which turned the entire school into a dance party. It was one of those moments when you just stop, smile and think how is this wonderful life mine?!

9.     Never did I realize how much I like food from home. I am craving turkey sandwiches, Mexican food, pizza, and the list goes on! Yesterday while in Phuket, I spent the equivalent of almost $7 on a regular sized box of Cheez-its #whoops they just looked toooo good to resist!

10.  From as far back as I can remember I have been obsessed with music. Constantly having music playing in the background, jamming in my car or the shower, discovering new artists, or playing one song on repeat until everyone else likes it as much as I do haha. I have made a Thailand playlist that I loveeeeeee so I thought I would share in case you are in need of some new music. Here is what I have so far:

-       The ENTIRE Biebs acoustic CD

-       Windows, Bones, Nothing, and What about today by Lewis Watson

-       Let Her Go by Passenger

-       The Ground by Orla Gartland

-       High and Dry and All At Sea by Jamie Cullum

-       Cups by Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect Soundtrack)

-       And of course whatever Taylor Swift I choose for the day

 So like it or not, version 1.0 of the list ladies and gents. I have so much more to tell but it will have to wait until the next blog post! I am so thankful for everyone I have been able to Skype with and keep in touch with so far! I appreciate every message of encouragement it truly helps! LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL!