The Edge of Glory

This could be any little town...

annakkham — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 20:49:00 GMT

Well here I am in Railay Beach, Krabi Thailand. It is pretty spectacular. But first let me tell you abut my arrival here because it has been such an adventure since last night. Well I had to take a cab to Ao Nang from the airport (flight was delayed because of storm), from there I had to take a long boat at 900pmish to Railay in the dark. It was beautiful to see the crescent moon and stars and silhouette of all the islands. I had to walk half a mile to get to the boat in the water and in the dark). Needless to say-I lost my $2 sandals from Old Navy. Getting onto the boat and getting off was pretty fun also. NEVER ever attempt to climb onto any boat with 2 massive backpacks attached to you (I was lazy to take it off). So after a 20min boat ride, I arrived on the shore, then it was a mile walk in the dark (bare feet) to the hotel. Was it worth it?? YES!!!! I laughed so hard I nearly cried. Spilled a good portion of my beer on the boat as well. Oopsy Daisy.... Railay Beach is just not any beach. The water is warm and turquoise. The fascinating thing about this island/beach is all of a sudden there is a hide tide and then a few hours the tides are completely gone. It creates a lagoon!!! The cliffs are high and contained many concealed caves. It is easy to get from one side to the other. One long road!!! To me, it is land of the Thai hippies. Dreadlocks, Muay Thai, Fire Cabaret show (dancing and acrobatic)-IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!! Well so far-I've managed to get a sunburn while using SPF50 and was only in the sun for 3hrs. Tomorrow, I am going trekking and maybe I will do some rock climbing when I get back in the afternoon. Did I mention, I think I am completely in lust with one of the Fire Cabaret dudes and he also does Muay Thai (yep-took a walk and saw him training so had to stop for a chat) Super cute!!! Going to go back and get front row seating at the cabaret and muay thai. Cheers!!!

Photos: Siem Reap

annakkham — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 04:37:00 GMT

I love Siem Reap!!

annakkham — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 04:34:00 GMT

Yeah it's a bit hot and humid (this is an understatement!!) but it has been worth it!!! Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Bantrey Srey, and Bayon temples are absolutely magnificent temples.

Endless corridors and galleries, steep stairs even for my tiny feet but once you get to the top and see the stunning view-all you want to do is remain there. The beauty of each temples not only exist because of the stunning architecture, the passion and craftsmanship behind each sculpture but even more so because of its great fall. Abandoned and neglected and left for the forest to occupy it. Roots pierced through these temples causing the structure to collapse but somehow it draws beauty to it.

I bought a bottle of champagne for myself for dinner at a local restaurant that also puts on traditional Khmer dancing such as the Fishing Dance and the Apsara. Then I headed for the night market and gave myself a 30 minutes feet/leg massage and pedicure for $6!!!!! $1 USD = $4,000 Khmer Riel!!!! Took a jetty to Tonle Sap the day before. There was this very young child who had a python around her neck!! Took a picture of her and gave her $1.

I also woke up at 4:30am to see the sun rise at Angkor Wat-damn tourists!! I got there at 5am and there was about 200 people already. Came back to the hotel at 8amish and passed out til 1:30pm!!! Tomorrow I am going to go to the local market, buy a sack of rice or two, maybe some produce then head for the village to give these folks food.

BTW-call it serendipity because it is!! On my way to Bantay Srey Temple (a 30-40min ride out of Siem Reap)-I came across a traditional Khmer countryside wedding!!! I took pictures and gave the very young couple (18) $40 USD as a wedding gift and gave them my blessing. She was gorgeous!! I was VERY happy to have come across this by accident.

Well I am going to go take care of my MANY insect bites!!! Until then-all my love.

Ode to Myanmar

annakkham — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 18:25:00 GMT

Myanmar (Burma)-land of many pagodas and also the Golden Land.

In Bagan, I climb up (bare feet) to the terrace of Shwesandaw Pagoda (very steep steps and high) and the view of all 4000 pagodas was absolutely magnificent. Of course the rain came and I was stuck up there for about an hour or so. Haha-it was awesome. The view when the rain hit was just spectacular so I did not mind.You can also see the view of Ananda Temple from the terrace.

I forgot to mention that one of the temple is also a monkey santuary (Mt. Popa-2,000+ bare feet climbing and one must be very cautious climbing the steps to Mt. Popa because there is monkey poo and pee everywhere) However, they were so cute!!!

Also, the sunset on Mandalay Hill gorgeous!!! Before I forget, I believe I forgot to mention that I was able to raise a large box of supplies and $200 for the orphanage near Golden Rock. So thank you to everyone who helped out!!! I really appreciate it!!!

Yesterday (back in Yangon) I had "high-tea" at the Strand Hotel (the most expensive hotel in Yangon $500 USD a night) but the hotel was beautiful. I had h'orderves and a delicious cup of cappuccino!! Then I took a rickshaw to the Yangon river (what an experience-FUN!)

Then I headed back to Shwedagon Pagoda to get some daytime pictures of the pagoda. I also went to Botataung Pagoda where relics of the past 3 Buddha's are enshrined. King Midas would love it in there-solid gold!!! While visiting Botataung, I met a man and his son who is from California. I wore my NEU Huskies hoody and he is an alumni (Class of 86) That was delightful to hear!! I can't escape the Bostonians!!!

Myanmar has been a dream trip. I hope to be able to visit soon again. There is still so many places to see. However, I am off to Angkor Wat tomorrow.

Til then-see you soon Myanmar!!!

Photos: Myanmar

annakkham — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:59:00 GMT

It's Hot Like Fire!!!!

annakkham — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 15:45:00 GMT

First and foremost-I must rant (it is what I seem to do best these days) That $40 pedicure I got and paid for the morning before I left to Myanmar (what an abosolute waste of money!)

I rock climbed bare feet to see many monastry in the scorching heat at 8am. I have done A LOT of stairs climbing these last couple of weeks, haven't really eaten because it is not sanitary (flies everywhere and these folks leave their food uncovered) So breakfast have consists of everything I loathe back home but it provide nutrients needed to get me through the day (white toast and scrambled eggs that is probably not fully cooked-Owl Diner how I miss thee) Interesting toilet/bathroom situation. Sometimes you have no shower curtains-so you have to watch yourself bathe/shower because there is a mirror directly across from you and other time it's half a curtain-makes no sense at all.

Mandalay?? Hmmmm there is a lot to talk about Mandalay. It's like a little dirty New York with it's neon lights (also I almost got hit trying to cross the streets because again there are no crosswalks or stops lights-cars/motorbikes and people walking as they pleased. BTW-you could fit up to 4 people on these motorbikes and parents ride with their toddlers!) Although congested-it is not nearly as congested as Yangon. There are many beautiful old monastry made from teak wood.

However, my favorite is a little town called Monywa because there is this massive standing Buddha statue that is close to 200feet in length. There is also a reclining Buddha statue directly in front of it and about 500,000 Buddha images below that. I was only able to climbed to the 17th floor because the rest of the floor is closed off for renovations, etc.

So here I am in Bagan. Tomorrow I finally get to see Ananda temple (Bagan has about 2,000 pagodas-maybe more) and the day after Mt. Popa (going to be a long walk up those stairs!!!)

Til then-again-it's is supa dupa hot!!!! Think I am getting sick so I am going to go pop some Tylenol Dayquil/Nyquil and call it a day.

All my love,

Anna Shenikki

Dreamworld

annakkham — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:27:00 GMT

First and foremost-apologies for previous and any typos, grammar, etc. Again, internet is slow.

So here I am in Inle Lake. (In-Lay) and let me tell you what happened last night. I saw a roach slightly bigger than the size of a quarter AND a lizard!!!!! YEP-so needless to say-I slept yet again with all the lights turned on!!!

Anyhoo-so I am not a fan of Yangon or Bago. I do LOVE the Schwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. It is absolutely out of this world. 66 tons of gold and a 76 carat diamond on top of the stupa (never mind all the gems) and of course the infamous Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha (180 ft in length and 53 in height) Although this famous statues and sacred landmarks are truly extraordinary and dear to my heart these cities itself is congested, dirty, and with a lot of unfortunate people living there.Also Golden Rock in Kyaiktiyo is unbelievable!!! There are no words to describe such beauty!!

However, here I am and have been for the last few days in the Shan State. Dirt as red as bricks. The people in this area still live as they have in the past. Farming is done the old fashion way using the water buffalo (no machines!!!) and same goes with road paving!!! There is a huge pine forest believe it or not!! Cows, horses, roosters, pigs and chicken roam free!! Just minding about their own business and eating grass on the side of the road.

I had the opportunity to meet local families who specialized in different things. A silver smith, paper maker-made from boiled, pounded tree bark and flowers to give the paper charm. These paper maker folks also make paper umbrella (yes they are waterproof and gorgeous!!) I was able to meet families who weave scarfs, longyi, shirts, etc from silk worm and from lilies!!! This is all done the old fashion way-no machines, dyes are made from plants and flowers in the area-no chemicals. These things are tedious, time consuming and hard labor.I also met the Long Neck Tribe woman!!!! AWESOME!!!

I traveled throughout the Inle Lake region by jetty. There are no words to describe the beauty of this lake. It should not exist-well maybe in some sort of fairy tale. It is eerie, it is glorious, it is enchanting. Mythical creatures must exist here!!! By the way-these folks are incredibly resourceful!!! They grow acres and acres of tomatoes on the water!!!!

Pindaya Cave is amazing!!!!! Close to 9,000 Buddha statues inside this cave!!! I think I spent at least 4 hours in there!!! It is unreal!!! Legend has it that 7 sisters were bathing a lake close by when a storm hit, so the sisters took refuge inside this cave. However, they could not leave the cave biggest a giant spider blocked the entrance so a Prince saved the 7 sisters. All the sisters fell in love with the Prince but he only fell in love with the youngest sister so the two of them decided to make the cave their home. No one knows how long the cave has been in existence for.

Tomorrow I leave for Mandalay!! Also, crossing my fingers that there will be no any freaky insects or reptiles hanging out in my room!!

Until then...talk to you when I talk to you next.

All my love-

Anna Shenikki

Wherever You Go...

annakkham — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 19:15:00 GMT

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." ~Confucious

...and here I am in Burma!! Just to get a few things of my chest. $1,000 Myanmar Kyats for 60 minutes Internet use (EXCUSE ME?!!! Yeah it's equivelant to $1 USD but it's not the point! It took 20 whole minutes to get online! Yes I knew this was going to happen if I had access to a working computer, etc but it is still annoying. Dang us American and our high speed everything!!!)Anyhoo....

First let me begin by telling you how my first few days in Southeast Asia has been. I had to take a later flight from Bangkok to Yangon because I was NOT going to leave without my backpack but more importantly the $60 box of supplies (cost of what I paid to get onto the plave) that my woderful friends had donated to the orphanage (apparently my things were never from transferred over from my last flight) anyways whatev. So I spent nearly all my $60,000 kyats bcause I am a sucker for those less fortunate thus why I am majoring in Nonprofit. So a buck here and there and my mama is going to kill me-although they have already to Western Union funds to me if need me. Lets hope it won't have to resort to that!! These folks/kids are relentless! Funny but true story that happen earlier this afternoon. So 3 older ladies came to me asking for me-I had a $100 kyat and $200 kyat which I gave away to the first 2 older ladies. Then a third woman came and I come on, it would have not been fair if I didn't give her something!!! Needless to say the only bill I had (accessible at the time) was a $1-the other two lady gave me this murderous glare and held out thier palms AGAIN!!!

Now-you know the whole sterostype thing about Asians driving all crazy and what not, well my dear friends it seems like the norm around here. The driver I had that drove me 4-5 hours to get to Golden Rock Pagoda and the orphanage average driving speed was 100mph on a VERY narrow, overly crowded with pedestrians and moterbikes. Back home in America the average would be 20-35mph depending on what your surrounding is!!! Speaking of-the 4 wheel vehicle is the king of the road!!! These people LITERALLY make thier own roads!!! You've got hundreds of peoples crossing the streets in between passing cars!!! There are NO stoplights and pedestrians crosswalks and there is no usage of car signal!! It is mayhem here!!!

AND let me tell you about my crazy ride on a OPEN TRUCK on my way to Golden Rock. 45 minutes on a steep, winding, unsafe mountain road. Basically they lay planks out for people to sit on and you are hanging for your dear life!!! Speaking of-they have these buses full of people sitting on top of the roof, hanging on the front, side and back of the struck. Insane!!

However, through all this madness-Burma is absolutely enchanting, unspoiled and surreal.

Until then ALL MY LOVE TO YOU,

Anna Shenikki

Leaving on a Jet plane!!!

annakkham — Wed, 6 Jun 2012 10:26:00 GMT

Hmmmmmm-

Hours to go and I still have not packed. This trait of mine is truly getting out of hand!!!

I will try my best to keep everyone updated of my whearabouts through journal writing and or pictures!!! I am crossing my fingers on finding places with internet access!!!

Anyhoo-until then, take good care of you and ALL MY LOVE.

Cheers,

Anna Shenikki

3 Days...

annakkham — Sun, 3 Jun 2012 23:11:00 GMT

June 3, 2012

Happy Sunday...as I am sitting here at Takumi Japanese Restaurant working in between customers.

Anyhoo-3 more days until my departure for Myanmar (Burma), soon after the Kingdom of Cambodia and the picturesque beaches of Thailand.

My apartment looks like a monsoon hit it with everything scattered, cleaning, laundry, blah, blah, blah. Really folks??? NO-I have not packed yet!!! This is a very predictable trait of mine!

To be honest, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, anxious and all that wonderful emotions! I love traveling solo-I honestly do. However, Myanmar (Burma) has such a special place in my heart that I wish I was able to share this particular travel with a friend. I became fascinated by Burma when I saw a cover of it on Times long before I was a teenager and definitely long before I knew I was part Burmese. The Golden Land, where nearly everything shimmers and shines.

Sooooooooo....on that note, I should REALLY attempt to pack tonight! Until then...

Cheers and all my love,

Anna Shenikki