Travel-Life-Experience

Malaga, Straciatella, and the art of tourist watching

anuon2r — Tue, 7 May 2013 02:41:00 GMT

And so travelimg begins once again. I missed this for so long, but I must say that leaving home has gotten harder. And that is albeit the fact that I have been longing to "just get away from here, see places and be with myself" for a while now. It's bittersweet, but, with just a little bit of luck, it will turn from bittersweet into very sweet, when we reunite.:) thanks Janya. Reached Malaga yesterday evening. Took the bus into the city. i am doing this new thing where I ask myself "what would someone who loves themself do" every time I come p to a decision point, and then just go with whatever comes to my mind. It is a liberatingly easy way of making decisions. Of course, being someone who has trained herself so far to make decisions purely based on merits, and pro-con-weighing, I am sometimes afraid to ask the very question..knowing I am committed to do it..:) After spending the day walking around this city my impressing is that of a clan, tourist city with a lot of charm. Small passways between old houses, cathedrals, towers, roman relics, and all interspersed with moorish marks. Marble and decoraions galore, the streets are white and oh so very clean! I saw the cleaning troups this morning, washing everything with high pressure water...it's really clean. Many cafes have. Seating outside, and a friendly mix of French, Dutch, German, American, and yes, the occasional Spanish is heard. Ok, I am exaggerating, there are quite a few Spanish speaking people around. And they are really friendly, even to someone who is like me completely confused about how to say things...(even though, in my defense, I understand a lot:)).. The highlights of today were the view from the roman structure (they are on a hill, and I could see almost the whole city from there..!), walking around getting lost, and finding myself again, and shopping at the mercado, fruit galore! They even had a fruit I don't know...yes that's right, fruit lady did not know this one..:)...what it it? See the picture below. It's really really dulce, but I don't think you eat the skin. Inside are some good sized brown stones...I also got a custard apple, three oranges, and one banana, and paid 3.95€ for all that! Mjam! Now, at this cafe, and the whole day I have enjoyed watching tourists and peolple in general. there is thie petit French, and the talkative Dutch, the tempramental Spanish, and the seemingly fearful German. And of course there is a mix of all of that. An site that looked like from a movie was the school children all dressed in uniform, listening to their teacher's announcement before going into the cathedral.. Tried to spy myself amongs all these school children. Was I the quiet type? I think so. Did I sit around or run with the others? What if I could go to that me now? Just some gentle vacation reflections... Tomorrow, I will go to the Picasso museum..it's not open on Mondays..go figure. And then I decided to go to Tarifa right away..skip Cordoba for now :) beach, water, dolphins, horses, windsurfing...I'm coming!! Ps. I would have loved to add photos, but it is really impossibly inconvenient to do it from the ipad.it's either a crappy app or a crappy worldnomads requirement, or a crappy ipad requirement, or all of the above, but its not working.

What a weekend!

anuon2r — Tue, 3 Aug 2010 17:28:00 GMT

I was in Lahore and Khanewal (two cities north of Karachi) to meet our new inlaws, and to absorb a new city and the countryside. I am writing about Monday (yesterday) first, will post something about our adventures on Sunday in a bit..

This is what I wrote in my journal yesterday night. Just so I say this upfront: I am fine, my family is fine. We made it home from the airport slightly nervous (since the MQM leader had just been killed, and the city was shut down plus, our tank was empty, running on reserve, and no gas stations open..):

"We are sitting home right now, after a really long day of travelling in a bus from Lahore to Khanewal, there for 2h and on to Multan, to leave on a plane back to Karachi. As my cousin pointed out: we were in 4 cities in one day!

The trip from Lahore to Khaneval was full of luscious green, farmers, farms, corn, rice, waterbuffalos, and even camels. I got some inside time, and outside time - I love looking out of the window, loosing myself in landscapes, people, imagining it was part of my life: hard labor in the field in the morning and afternoon, maybe bring the sheep (did you know: sheep have loooong, ears that hang down here, like earrings!) home from their graze. It is monsoon time and children were thrilled to play in big fields of mud - who wouldn't! Sitting in the shade with the other men, discussing the day's work.

The monsoon rains hit about an hour before we reached. It rained like only the monsoon can. Our busdriver wasn't phased, and I believe he didn't even reduce his speed by 10km/h. Leading to a litle bit of aquaplaning at one particularly deep spot, but nothing else happened, and the rains, thankfully, were over fast.

When we drove into my cousin's new inlaw's driveway, we were greeted by a band that started playing traditionally punjabi music, bride and groom got bombarded with rose petals, and were dancing, and everyone was out to say hi. After a 5h trip, we were happy to get out of the minibus, and freshen up. I really like being greeed by rose petals. that should be done anyways, marriage or no marriage, I think:)

After a really short visit, we went on to Khanewal, were the main party in the bride and grom's honor was being held. Khanewal is a pretty conservative city and it was exactly that: bride's honor to the right, groom's honor to the left, in two seperate tents! HA! Well, even so, It was really nice, and outside. The new father in law told us, that it had been 52 years since the monsoon hit that region like that, which is why they had planned a party outside. But everyone was cheerful, local farmers and landowners came, along with some politicians. My cousin looked beautiful, again, still, always!

We left after only 2h, our tummys full with chicken (people love to eat chicken over here) and rice. Drove to Multan to the smallest airport I have seen. It was one room, and the person who did the security also did the ticketing and the announcement that the plane was ready for boarding. :)!

We left on a 737-300, easily 20years old. There were some gaps in the joints between the metal sheets - didn't say anything to others, no sense in scaring people. The stewardess was a mixture between a military leader (cell phone off, I said!) and a cross mom (distribute the food parcels!). When we landed we found out that Raza Haider, a MQM leader, had been shot. The city was shut down, taxis were not allowed to drive, gas stations were closed. And we needed to get back from the airport. We fit in six people plus driver (two in front, 4 at back) in the car from home (that was really low on gas) and the others were able to convince and plead with a cab driver.

Both drivers flew home, the reasoning being: less time on the street means less danger. We made it home on fumes (nothing left in the tank!), but in one piece.

Today we found out, there was shooting, and fire, and 15 people died. No markets will be open, so no presents for anyone, sorry:). I am leaving tomorrow night. Will switch to my other blog again...love from here.

Photos: The Mehndi

anuon2r — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:21:00 GMT

Photos: The wedding reception

anuon2r — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:21:00 GMT

Photos: The Nikka

anuon2r — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:20:00 GMT

The wedding reception

anuon2r — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:43:00 GMT

We went to the wedding reception at 9pm. By now, we are pretty good at the whole being pretty and hair and make-up and jewelery thing. So four pretty sisters and (total) 7 pretty cousins showed up at the reception (including the bride..). The bride looked like an ancient princess, elaborate gold stitched onto her clothes, her hair partly covered. Look at the pics! (in the photo gallery section)

This is the more formal occasion. It is a sit-down dinner, where there is ample time to talk and socialize before and during dinner. After dinner, most guests go home, except for close family. This is the part, where th bride moves out of her family, in with her husband. But first - there is the shoe! If you are wondering what the shoe looked like - see the pics. If you are wondering where I am going with this - bear with me:

One shoe of the husband was stolen (to be honest with you: how a shoe can be stolen from your feet is beyond my imagination, but lets just say it is missing..), by the bride's family. A bargaining negotiation between the two parties determines the price the husband and his family have to pay to get it back. There was much shouting, bargaining (we even changed currencies "1000"-"If you are talking about 1000EURO we are fine with that.." "no 1000 yen"...). It was fun, funny, confusing (mostly because they changed to Urdu in the midst of the excitement)..we (the cousins and friends and I think the groom and his friends, too) will take the money to all go out and have a great dinner.

Then the bride (who was sitting with the groom on a stage again) walked out and said bye to her family (actually we are seeing her again today, but symbolically). They slept at the hotel, not here. She is leaving to Lahore, her husband's family, today.

Well, now there is time. At least for a few days, just for us, time with my family, time to relax, go shopping, talk. I am looking forward to that, too! We are having so much delicious food, too. And, I am proud to report, haven't deviated from vegetarianism:) Even though most festive meals are with meat...just not appealing to me, still. Outside I hear crows shouting, Dom, the dog, is lying next to me, sleeping on his back stretched out like a baby, a persistent fly is buzzing...I think its time for a post morning nap (that's the one right after breakfast).

The Mehndi

anuon2r — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:13:00 GMT

That is the party. The bride and groom are married, and now the families come together, merge. Elaborate decorations. Flowers, hung up on strings. A dance floor. And a stage for the bride and groom.

We waited quite a bit. The festivities were supposed to start at nine. Sure, the groom would not come at nine, but when he wasn't there at 10.30, we really started wishing he was. He cam at 11pm. His whole family and friends came in one procession, and entered with drums, and dance. They were clad in typically punjabi dress. They were greeted from our side (the bride's side) with more flower necklaces (godly jasmine and rode). The headed straight for the dancefloor, and danced to the beat of the drums.

The bride entered, looking like a princess. Any more beautiful and I would have started to cry right then and there. She had been to the beauty parlour for hours to get everything just right - nails, hair, makeup, jewellery.

The joining of the families and friends was done by engaging in a friendly dancing competition between the two sides. Friends, and family from my cousin and my cousin's brother and sister had gotten together for weeks before and studied dances. They danced really well! The groom's friends and family, too had rehearsed some songs, even though it seemed less coordinated, but the energy was high! Bride and groom were watching from their stage-platform. Smiling and looking very presenable. A little like in one of the fairy tales.

Personally, I think that investing the energy and time to rehearse a dance as a friend of the bride's brother or sister seems to be "normal" here, but I feel like that is true appreciation, showing of bond, friendship and love. Sure, not all dances went impeccable, but that was also partly due to the DJ (who figured he'd spice stuff up by playing the wrong version of the song every now and then).But overall there must have been over 10 dances, and they created an atmoshphere of joy for movement and perfomance.

Break for food, and more dancing before the stage opened for "freestyle" dancing. I danced, and it amazingly was one of those rare moments, where you are not connected to your body anymore, but the dspirit of dance moves though you and your limbs and body move to the beat of the music without you own doing....do you know what I mean? It is the ultimate creative expression, I think. It was wonderful.

There is a law that says Mehndi parties can last only until 2am. So we were done at 3am. My cousin's family had rented a hotel room, and the "kids" (I defined myself as one of those) went up for more partying. No music, but extremely high energy from all friends, sisters and brothers friends, grooms family and friends...It was wonderfully decadently foolish.

Got back at 5am (!ha! when did THAT happen the last time!) and wrote a blog (see Nikka),just because I want to write before the memory becomes a dream.

Anyway it seems to me that everything in the past might as well have been a dream, and everything in the future is just imagination...its like a marble in a bowl. The only time to be at rest is now.

The Nikka

anuon2r — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 10:17:00 GMT

I don´t know much about this, but bear with me: The Nikka is the legal and religious binding part during the marriage and the first real event. Man and woman say yes to each other, say yes in front of god, and sign their marriage contract. And when I say marriage contract I mean it: it even includes how much is payed to the wife in case of a divorce! (btw, nothing is paid to the guy, even if the wife leaves him..!)

What I do know is that it was an abundance, an abundance of senses - so I will describe it as such:

Smell: The sweet smell of Jasmine and roses diffused throughout the house, and into our lungs and hearts. Creating a sense of tender expectation and excitement. As the candles were lit, that sweet smoky whiff moved like a wave through the room in which all women were sitting. After the ceremony, the mint and feta cheese in the appetizers cooled the senses and added a salty fresh note.

Touch:There was a lot of warmth in every touch. The embrace from an aunt, an uncle. The caring touch on the shoulder from a friend wanting to direct your attention. The smooth dress felt silky soft on my skin. Feet touched soft ground, or deliciously cool marble. Hair being caressed from the fan with a light breeze.

Hear:Voices, murmurs. Excitement. Air conditioners and fans blowing smoothly.The loud crack from the stereo being tested. The delight from the child playing tug of war with the dog. The unexpected cell phone call. Women shouting for the ceremony. The words "I do" three times from him and her - in Urdu.

See:Abundance of colours. Grace in movement. The excited smile of the bride, and the knowing tear from her mother. People looking as if this was routine. Sisters who's excitement showed in their eyes and gesture. Cameras, light, video. A beautifully, lovingly decorated platform with two chairs in front of it for bride and groom. A mirror on the platform, heavy with ancient traditions.

Taste:The salty mint of the appetizers, the dough-like sweetness of the desert. Saffron sugar infused water with cardamom. Fruit out of an exquisitely arranged basket.

The ceremony itself had men and women separate, and after the woman was asked (three times!) if she wants to proceed with this wedding, the "messenger" and two witnesses went over to the men's side and asked the guy if he accepted the conditions (which were agreed on earlier).

It is late. Actually, it is early. I have come home from the Mehndi (a celebration we had on the same day!), about which I will tell you tomorrow. Until then, let the sea of dreams take you, carry you in your swim.

Wedding Part1

anuon2r — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 03:03:00 GMT

I am here. Reached as planned, on a 10h flight from Hongkong. Family, sisters, finally.

The lights are lit outside, sparkling, making the garden look festive.

We have been preparing for the wedding by making everything and ourselves eveeryy more beautiful (ha, I know what you´re thinking, but even I am not a lost cause:)) Yesterday, eyebrows, and nails. And we tried on all the beautiful clothes, had last minute changes made. I will show you pictures.

People have come, dressed up, but not too glamorous yet. They are wearing their smiles, their faces are lit. The air is full of expectation.

When I enter the door to the large living room, I immediately notice the two women sitting on the floor to the right, in front of the sofa. They have serious faces, they are professionals. In their hands they hold the "guns". There is a smell of mehndi (henna) in the room, a mixture of black tea and roses, as I would describe it. With that they fraw intricate patterns onto the hands, forearms, feet.

The bride has been sitting in front of one of the women for about an hour and it looks like she will be there for longer.Her decoration is the most elaborate, intricate, complicated.

But not only the bride is being painted on. All women, old and young will be "marked" this way as wedding part of the festivities.

The celebration, lasting for days, is about to begin.

In the middle of the room there is a lot of space, and music boxes, blasting the latest western and eastern songs, to which different groups rehearse their dances. Friends, classmates, family, guys, girls, mixed...there will be more than 12 different dances, and all of them were choreographed and studied.And even though the actual event is drawing very close, rehearsing and choreographing is still going on until late at night.

I came and learned, but only one of the dances.

This morning, we had helped the bride (yes, its my cousin) pack her suitcases, she will be moving out. She is truly packing all her stuff.

Tomorrow, the groom will come, and the "nikka" will take place. The official, legal part of the marriage. Preparations are going on right now.

Massage included!

anuon2r — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:13:00 GMT

My friends, I am leaving in a few hours. Whe n I reached Kowloon district of Hongkong yesterday by bus I was immediately reminded of Delhi, or another busy Indian city. Only this is much more international. People from all over the world, discussing talking working. The most unlike;ly couples from across al nations and races, holding hands, tourists looking in awe and for a great deal on electronics and little presents...Sam, the owner of my hotel didn't stop talking until I had agreed to come with him :)

Oh, and then he said massages were included in the rooom price. From him, I guess. Hmmmm! Just a little suspicious. Since I wasn't feeling so well, I went back to the hotel room ~9pm yesterday, and at 10, the phonde rings...nobody knows I am here!

Well, I pick up and it is my hotel owner (young guy, by the way!), asking me if I remebered him, and if wanted a massage. No thank you, and I hung up on him. Doors can be bolted and shut, so no worries, I think it was safe enough. This IS the most "bazaar-like" part of town. (and guess what they sell right in front of my hotel in a little side- street? - well, I guess it is for sensual pleasure, if you know what I mean...:)

But it is astonishing how this is right next to a shop from Prada, addidas, Dior, all the rich and famous malls are here, too, one right next to the other!

Well, will go now. Posted some pics! Check them out! Love from me - have butterflies in my stomach...since I am changing location and pace of this trip!

Its so inconvenient - Why do I travel?

anuon2r — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:35:00 GMT

My new Chinese friend Slim wanted to know why I travel. I was surprised by this question - I thought everyone wanted to travel! I mumbles something about seeing people and world...He said it was so inconvenient...!

Hm.Later, wrote this in my journal:

On the plane. Two unrelated thoughts: People here walk slower. And yet they seem to get where they want to. It looks easy, with ease.

The other thought is about the question Slim had asked. Why DO I travel!? He is right - it IS inconvenient! He's right! Not always water. No good means of communication. Nothing (even wanting to go to the bathroom! - let alone digesting food) is ever "easy". I smile all the time - to avoid miscommunication, and because I feel like I represent the "foreigner". And - lets face it - I am dependant on these other people to tell or signal me where I need to go, what I need to do.

Of course, you will say - its about exploring. People, landscapes,about stimulating the mind with new things. Yes, seing people smile all around the world, seing their interaction with each other and in particular their children (somehow that\s impportant to me..). Thankfully enough, I see sameness. That's reassuring... Humanity exists everywhere.

Also - even though I don't like to admit it - traveling also makes me proud. Feeling independent. Superwoman in action:)No matter what the situation, there is a way out, a way around, or just a way of accepting. (allright, yes, I am talking about digestion:)) Tackling that next seemingly unsolvable challenge. the kick I get, the feeling in the pit of my stomach, the life that curses through my body when I see the world in my mind and realize: i am alittle speck right here, alone, far from home, free. And I have the stories, adventures and pictureds to prove it!

And there is the third reason: The dimension that is probably the hardest to describe. How about like this:
When there is nothing to do but be,
when there is no thought but here,
when there is no time but now
- I can sink into myself.

Connect. It is like being a stranger brings me closer to myself, lets me reconnect....

Yes, Slim, this is why I travel. Why I like inconvenience. Why being alone and strange and a little fearful of the moment ps healing to me.

I would like to transfer that way of thinking to every day, but the rush of routine seems to creep back in whe I get back- do you think its possible?

Well, my friends,these are my thoughts. Let me know what you think. As for me, I am in Kowloon district in HKG, full of international people, it seems like people from all over the globe live here. And tons of bazaar like good shopping options! Have a cute room til tomorrow - will upload some pics soon. Check back:) Love from me and the mind to accept whatever situation you are in right now.

Photos: Yongding

anuon2r — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:08:00 GMT

Last day in China

anuon2r — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:35:00 GMT

Goodbye strange, wonderful, normal, loud, soft, patient country. I have been your guest for only a few days. It has changed. My perception, that is. The tongue does not sound as foreign, I have somewhat gotten used to the noises of the city. Know which buses to take where, have made peace with my stinky hotel, and the fact that ther eis no internet cafe close by.

Thank you for being with me while I figure stuff out, about me, about the world, about how it should be, and what I can just let go.

This last day I sniffed the countryside of Fujian. Sniffed, because really, I dorve there for 4h, was there 3h, and drove back. But the drive gave an impression of how things are in the countryside, like that time we drove through Rajastan in India. After a while you have a feel for it. I would have still loved to sleep there, for a night, but all in due time. This is how it played out this time.

I got to see houses that were round. And huge. Called Tolou. Enough place for 400 people during its best times, In the 16 and 17 hundreds... It was structured concentric, and like a mini-village inside its walls. Still, today, people live there, and - I suppose - enjoy and condemn what comes with the company of a close knit comuhnity. Fu jin tao visited there one time, and that is a big deal. It was mentioned several times. Also, I prayed there, was kind of coaxed into it by this elder lady who, of course wanted a donation for the god afterwards, and for the incents she provided me whith. I bowed three times with the incents, and wished my wishes, for my self, for my friends, for my enemies and for the world.

Met Tina and Sarah, who were my great company during the day, as well as my translator. so that I could actually get some of what people said during this "Chinese only" tour. Lots of tourists, by the way! but all from China. We saw one "non-Chinese" tourist couple, that was it.

Oh, and I met a lady, actually Tina and Sarah met her - that inspired me. I want to emanate so much kindness, grace and love when I grow old. Actually, I would like to do that now, but I hear things take time:)

Will get up at6 tomorrow, take the bus to the airport, and back to HongKong. I am actually thinking: Should I rather try and take an earlier flight into Karachi? Maybe I can try when I reach the airport tomrow. Otherwise I would reach at ~12noon tomorrow, and would have to be back there at 2pm the next day...Lets see...

Can you believe I am getting a cold? I feel like I have a sore throat. Bought some Oranges and wil go to bed soon. Promise. Might either be a manga chinese virus, or the fact that the airconditioning is on/ off/ on/ off/.. during the day depending on where I am, and, of course we (and also: I) sweat when its hot. There is a healthy sheen that covers the skin basically all the time, and everything (including the matress I sleep on) is damp...

Goodbye China, thanks for all the wonderful people I could meet!

And to you,m my friends - will speak to you from the airport or Hongkong!

Everything out of Nothing. Nothing out of Everything.

anuon2r — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:25:00 GMT

Or: how making no plans leads to beauty.

****CHECK OUT THE PICKS IN THE GALLERY***(Xiamen & Gulang Yu)****

This morning, for some reason I decided to look for an internet cafe. Don't know why I didn't want to use the internet here in the hotel. And, as you know, I met Slim. But the story does not end here. After thinking I needed to gat out of there, Slim helped me organzize my trip to Yongding. that is when it occurred to me: I am not going to Yongding today. I don't want to be on the run, I want to travel, see with all five (or six) senses.

He then said he would come along, with me show me the city. Ha! And that from someone who needed to work:) I guess its ok on a Sunday:) We made our way back to my hotel, before we went and got some dumplings stuffed with cabbage and green onions and ginger and I think pork. For breakfast.

While I was wanting to check out of my hotel, he saw (I couldn't read that, it justb looked pretty to me..) that they were offering trips to Yongding! Yay! So, tomorrow, I am going for a one-day trip to Yongding. Three hours there, three hours back. We leave at eight.

Slim (his english name, he uses it on the internet - his real name is something like ue-zing, I think) and I spent the day talking about sameness, and difference, going to the local temple, eating his favorite food for lunch (actually It wasn't his favorite, because I ordered the seafood version - he likes pork). The food was amazing. I loved the soup, and the sechuan octopus, and the other thing. And believe it or not, we met more people - a mother and her son - with whom we spent two/ three hours exploring the temple grounds, nature, hihking, and great views from the top. She is a designer for tes boxes. Tea seems to be important here!

I really didn't have any clue on what I wanted to do today, or tomorrow, and that flexibility allowed for this to happen. Its great. Made me think of oall the things that could happen if we had no plan, just intentions. Or, even if we took it a step further: if we hadn't any definitions of how we are ("I am ..." - that takes away all the other options!). Maybe we don't need to find who we are, maybe we don't need to know!

Here are some random observations mixed in a salad for your pleasure:

Wish I could speak more Chinese. Some people do speak English and I am happyn to report that it is not the way these English & American expats tried to make me believe: people here are more friendly than in Hongkong, I think!
Croutchless panties for babies are huge here. Or no pants at all.It seems to be like with everything else: babystuff is cute, even if its pee!....That takes care of the whole environmental issue associated with that. Plus babies buttm is aleways nice and aired. You just run to the side of the strewet, or above a garbage bin when nature comes...
We just don't ride against traffic on out motorcycle, talking on the cellphone enough, in Western cultures. Amazingly, it works. People just watch out. Or all of these very good people have unparalleled guardian angles.
I am famous here! And I am not saying that just with no reason: After Slim had gone home to his girlfriend (who had to work today, Sunday!)(and yes, he has a girlfriend! I was relieved, too:) Makes life easier.), I went back to Gulanyu (island in front of the island of Xiamen). I was sitting on steps, after this long, walk-intensive day, writing in my journal, having coconut juice (its still the BEST!). People just came up and pointed their cameras at me! Not even trying to hide it! I laughed so much that this one guy actually came back and asked if that was ok:) Weird. I am really famous here. I wonder: Is it the shoes? (Lots of pointing fingers about that..) or the hair? Or the way I have put my hair up with a scarf?hmmmm...
Everyone was soo relaxed, good humored and just in a very good mood today and yesterday. The air was fillled with the joy of the weekend, spending time with the family and with love between sweet (and young!) boyfriend and girlfriend. I think I saw one other non-asian tourist on the island. That seems to be a theme here..everyone takes stuff slow. Even shouting at children is done slow, I feel...or is it me?

Ok. Enough random thoughts for now. But really, I am thinking if ther eis too much definition in everything. Oh, and I have to tell you where this headline came from. It was carved in one of the temple stones. Think about it...my candy bar, life, the universe...

I'm with Slim

anuon2r — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 10:49:00 GMT

Hi guys! SO much has happened, but I will tell you where I am right now: I am sitting in front of the comuter in a flat Slim works for to sell tea. Chinese tea. He made me some tea, and we talked about cultures and differences. He's 24. He wanted to show me where the internet cafe is, but no matter how many people he asked, no one new where on was close by.

Well, I didn't bring my camera, as always, so this will be another memory in my brain only, connected to emotions, and pictures, smell and sounds. Anyway the camera could have captured only one of those aspects. Oh, and I am xiao hei for him. "a little dark". Honestly, people here have translucently white skin, and avoid sun like the plague, underneath pink umbrellas:)

Will write more later, actually think I should be going, to not give false impressions or get stuck in a situation:)

Oh, bu the way I wish I could ave written yesterday, but there was a kid on the internet, playing whay looked like a fancier version of Doom....and only one computer in the hotel..

A flight, rain, a peak and back

anuon2r — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:52:00 GMT

I have not eaten anything substantial. Ask me why and - depending on who you are - I will answer somethong like: "Didn't see anything vegetarian" (its true!)", "didn't feel like it" (that could be true, too. Its hot and my sigestion is messed up, if you know what I mean). the truth though is that I tried, and went into this nice little restaurant, longing for some hot soup, or anything exotic with salt (have I entioned its hot and humid?). Very friendly lady. I ask what is good, and she points to four numbers. I pick "19". That might have been a mistake, the next thing I knew was I was eating what I would describe as milk pidding with ginger. Good, but really sweet and not what I had craved for...might try again tonight, even though by now I went to the supermarket and got some sushi..always an option:)

My day started early, I couldn\t sleep after 5.30, but pretty good for the first night, I think. Went to the park at eight and checkes YES! it is true - last night I was surprised to see so many people here on the street so late. This morning there was no-one, except for the occasional tourist or cleaning crew. In the part, however it was like a fitness party! Everyone doing tai chi, jogging, walking, stretching. With sword, with chinese fan...really! Or, some just came to hang out with their children and take it easy for a bit. I sat and looked and absorbed all the different voices and sounds. Locusts, birds, chinese voices. It seemed like the locusts were using the humming of the city as a bass for their melody.

after breakfast, I walked to the travel agency, though parts of the city, wide-eyed. I got a ticket to Xiamen! yay! so, my friends, tomorrow I am off to Xiamen. until the 20th. I am doing a whole bunch of travelling to and from the airport, but it can't be avioded...

Will let the others write something now! bye for today. (limited to 15 min)

PS. when I have more time I will have to figure out how this picture thing works!! this is hard!

It's started

anuon2r — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:20:00 GMT

Hi，just tosay hi and that I am safe。 Reached safely， tired：）

Love

Gallery: Pushkar

anuon2r — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:46:00 GMT

Gallery: Udaipur

anuon2r — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:35:00 GMT

Gallery: Jaipur

anuon2r — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:30:00 GMT