The little adventures of Jo!

Chiang Mai is Food!

joannawong — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 12:35:00 GMT

I had a major food overload yesterday. And way too much chilli.

Being around so much good food is inspiring. I'm already really motivated to cook well for myself when I return. Not just good Thai food but all the different types of cuisine and dishes that became favourites when I was travelling (and that made up most of my lifetime to-do list).

I attended for an unexpectedly private cooking class yesterday with SmartCook. It was a really fun and "educational" experience - Kim and Dream were so friendly and lovely as were everyone else in the background. We started off with a market tour in central Chiang Mai, viewing the different fresh produce followed by the different condiments and sauces that accompany many Thai dishes. At the school, I opted to make my favourite Thai noodles, Pad Thai, along with a local hot and sour soup, and some green curry - from scratch. I was amazed at my guided creations - how amazing they tasted and how quick it was to whip them up. We ended with a mango and sticky rice dessert, another one of my Thai favourites, which will feature on my table more often.

Ok time to go make some tom yum soup with my host mum. :)

Being Present, Being Grateful

joannawong — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 08:06:00 GMT

I was a little disappointed with myself yesterday when I discovered there was a cooking school that did classes AND home-stay. The idea of it fit my original intention for this holiday so exactly, I couldn't help but kick myself mentally. I was really annoyed. All I had to do was plug "Chiang Mai Cooking School" into Google to find it. It was that obvious and that simple. But I somehow didn't have the 5 seconds or more likely, the brains to do it.

It sounds selfish but I'm disappointed I haven't made this holiday entirely for me. It's my birthday week and I had wanted to do something special for myself, but instead my laziness drove me to rely on others. I still appreciate their efforts and am looking forward to meeting them, but I really am just annoyed at my lack of effort. (I wanted to say 'disgusted' but maybe it's too harsh.)

This discovery lead me to two different thoughts:

1. What exactly stopped me from finding this school? Months melted into mush together before my holiday. I completely understand why. I've gone through quite a bit since returning to Brisbane, including buying my own home. I kept feeling I was being raced off my feet. I felt I didn't have time to think about anything. I had work that was stressing me out. I had social engagements to alleviate that stress which tired me out and made feel worse at work. It was a vicious cycle. I recognised it recently but only really understood it since I've been on holiday.

2. I need to be present and enjoy what I have regardless of other possibilities. I would never be satisfied otherwise. Maybe there was a reason why I didn't find the school. If I did, maybe I would never have realised the above and continued on with the vicious cycle. I rest in hope there is a reason for and a lesson in everything. Life has its mysterious ways.

Last night, I rode on a motorbike for the first time in my life. It was exhilarating to say the least... but SUCH an experience. Not just to feel the wind in your face, but the different perspective you get from being in a car. In a car, you're boxed up and protected, watching the scenes behind a barrier. On a motorbike, you feel you're right in with the scenes... there is no glass or metal separating you from what you see. And the aromas... from grilled chicken to gardenias to whatever else. That scent experience, only in South East Asia, made it completely worth it. Such an experience that was only amplified by being completely present.

A New Day, A New City, A New Start.

joannawong — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 07:30:00 GMT

I find myself in South East Asia after a day of falling asleep repeatedly on planes. The journey wasn't really that long but I did arrive close to midnight. My countless (and possibly embarrassing) episodes of narcolepsy tell me I must've been very tired too.

Life has been everything of that sort for the last few months or maybe even since the start of the year. A whirlwind. A roller-coaster. A thrill ride. Even my week's holiday in Bali in June was only a breather for the madness to follow. I have a different feeling about my week in Chiang Mai though. I think it's the start of more chilled out times to come.

I realised this on my trip here. I really do need to look after myself. Even though I do in many ways, I always seem to not get enough rest or sleep. First resolution for my new year - schedule more time for myself to rest. (It's my birthday on Wednesday - yay!)

Here's to new experiences in a new city, and time with (long-lost) family and new friends!

A Year Later...

joannawong — Mon, 6 Oct 2014 13:28:00 GMT

A year ago, I was in a small Nepali village called Junbesi, in the foothills of the Himalayas.

My picture of life had been completely distorted then. I was beginning to part ways with my partner of nearly 4 years, someone I had relied on for comfort and stability. Suddenly, what I believed to be my life became no more than a pile of mush - a collection of memories that had turned bittersweet and unfulfilled plans that I was once excited about. Losing that false grip of control on life and realising the uncertainty of the future, really unnerved me. As if to add to the pain, I'd sprained my knee and was having serious doubts about being able to continue on the trek.

But in that visible instant, the sun was finally out after two days of rain and from the guesthouse was a beautiful vista,, not of the Himalayas, but of hills and hills of evergreen trees. Children were laughing flying kites outside as our string of wet clothes casually dried on a wall of rocks. Things seemed peaceful enough on the outside and in that moment.

---

A year later, I recognise the changes that have happened since. I really didn't know what to expect from 2014. I'd come back to Brisbane only for my job, something that seemed completely ironic to all the lessons learned travelling. I perservered through the anti-climax of returning to "normal" life. I've assimilated back into the various roles I used to do at work. I've become "real" friends that I wasn't too close to before and I've continued to meet new people who continue to support my growth in life regardless of how long they feature in it. I can truthfully say, I am the healthiest I've ever been as a whole - physically, mentally and socially. When I bought my apartment three months ago, it came as a surprise to many including myself. But like many things, it didn't scare me as much as it used to.

In this moment, the sun is shining and the weather is a delightful temperature. I am sat on my beautiful Afghan kilim as I type this. The washing machine hums in the background. It is similar to my moment last year - the visible looks near picture perfect, the invisible, uncertain. Only this time, I realise there is no need to spend energy being afraid of the future or sad about the past, but instead to really soak up today, this moment, now.

Chiang Mai is Food

joannawong — Wed, 1 Oct 2014 12:33:00 GMT

I had a major food overload yesterday. And way too much chilli.

Ok time to go make some tom yum soup with my host mum. :)

"Beautiful things don't ask for attention."

joannawong — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 17:50:00 GMT

I just finished Walter Mitty. Although it's not one of my favourite movies, I do like it. A few of my friends recommended that I watch it because he travels to some gorgeous places of the world, in it.

I didn't really quite know what to expect. He doesn't travel to anywhere I went to in the last year but the movie does transport me back to the things I love most about travelling. The lessons, the moments and the feelings. That scene where Walter finally meets photographer Sean O'Connell somewhere in the Himalayas, trying to capture a snow leopard, is my favourite. His description of the snow leopard, my favourite animal, is short but complete, just as his description of why sometimes it's best to leave the camera and just live through the experience.

Walter Mitty: When are you going to take it?

Sean O'Connell: Sometimes I don't. If I like a moment, for me, personally, I don't like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay in it.

Walter Mitty: Stay in it?

Sean O'Connell: Yeah. Right there. Right here.

-----

I miss the experience of being in the Himalayas and the simplicity of life there. For me, that is really it. To be close to something so much bigger than you. To breathe in the fresh air of being in that present moment and appreciate its gifts. To be in complete awe of Mother Nature without the distractions of our modern world. That is it.

Despite the struggles and the challenges I had being in the Himalayas, it IS my favourite place on earth.

Saudade

joannawong — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 21:37:00 GMT

I miss Rio.

http://vimeo.com/61551896

Memories

joannawong — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 00:25:00 GMT

This time last year I think I was having an impromptu big night out with my new friend Marianne in Montreal. Today, I spent my night with a run, cooking and doing CPD.

In a couple of days, I would have been in NYC last year. I definitely miss it.

All About the Moolah?

joannawong — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 00:56:00 GMT

I attended a friend's birthday gathering this weekend. I didn't know a lot of the people there personally but my friend, being so impressed with my travelling, didn't hesitate to share what I did last year with everyone I met. I think most people didn't quite know how to react, similar to how it was, when I first started telling people my plans before I left. A common question that never fails to pop up though is "How much money did you spend?!"

This is not new. I REALLY dislike being asked this question. It's mainly because I feel it's so personal. It's almost like asking someone how much money do they have in their bank account. It opens you to judgement and instead of seeing your trip as an unforgettable experience or assessing you by your character, things are suddenly viewed in dollar signs. This - I really despise.

I don't think being asked the question routinely makes it any easier. And it's still not alright if someone close asks me especially if I've already told them how much I dislike being asked.

Money has never been a topic I've been fond of discussing with people. It's obvious I recognise its importance in our everyday lives but I don't see it as the be-all or end-all of how we live or how we view our lives. That said, I admit the fear of losing financial stability was one that delayed me from going on my round-the-world trip sooner. But after a while, the need to fulfil my goals and do something about my life overcame my fear. I stopped thinking about how much money I would lose paying for such a trip. I started viewing money as having a temporary nature. Even if you spend all you have, there's some way of earning it back again. Just like how it is with most things in life - there's always a way. Even if it may be a long time before you see the end result.

To be completely honest, how much I spent shouldn't really matter to anyone, even if they're considering doing a similar trip. Everyone's different and each trip is as individual as its traveller. We spend differently, have different interests and priorities, have different dreams and goals, travel differently, etc. There's so many factors that affect the end cost!

At the end of the day, when you embark on such a journey, you'll quickly realise it really isn't all about the money. Though I spent less than I was prepared to spend, the things I gained from going on this trip was well worth every penny if not more. The experience, memories, friends - it's all simply priceless.

Saudade

joannawong — Sun, 9 Mar 2014 08:12:00 GMT

I miss Istanbul. I miss their amazing breakfasts. I miss the cay that's always there. I miss tiny cups of potent coffee served in fancy silverware. I miss the fresh bread that's so easily attainable. I miss being fed all this awesome tasting food for close to nothing or for free. I miss the "real" Turkish Delights... and baclavas that are far too sweet but better. I miss being in that grey atmosphere that shimmers magically at dawn and dusk. I miss the Bosphorus and the Galata bridge of fishermen. I miss the friendliness, the eccentricity and the history. I miss being closer to the people I miss.

http://www.parlafood.com/turkish-breakfast-kahvalti/

It's been a month since I've been back.

I've taken onto routine really quite swiftly without too many issues. It had me worried that maybe I didn't have the most awesome trip that would've made me forget work and life back here. But I know it's not true. That worry is not well-founded.

I do still suffer from wanderlust though and like the saying "the grass is always greener on the other side" - it's ALL on the other side.

Initially, when I got back, I constantly and deeply questioned myself why I was here. I'd never felt as lonely throughout my travels as I did, being back in Brisbane.The primary reason to come back for the longest time was the partner I left behind, but that relationship is now, no longer. The second and third reasons, being work and my round-the-world ticket respectively, seem lame. But strangely enough, work's proven itself to be fully worth the return to a city that I've lived in for years but not call home. Obviously there's the financial benefit of working (it was exciting to receive my pay after a year of not seeing it!) but it's the people. They're my family here and they provided me with such a genuine and happy welcome back.

My problems being back do not lie within work or routine but being back in Brisbane. It's just not home. After travelling and finding places, cities that resonate so completely and naturally with me, this fact has become even more apparent. Add to that, this challenge of forging a new life here in the shadow of the past that no longer exists.

Whatever it is, I've told myself to stick it out for a year and I believe I will. I don't think I'll be here for too long but I intend to the make the most of it. Whatever strife, qualm or lack I face here, I'll get over it. Travelling has equipped me with the tools (I didn't have before), to do so.

Live Without a Car

joannawong — Sat, 8 Feb 2014 15:00:00 GMT

That is my current challenge. Before coming back to Brisbane, I'd decided that I'd like to avoid owning a car mainly because of the costs associated with having one, especially when it's not being used daily. A lot of people think it's quite a challenge to be without one in Brisbane since things are fairly spread out around the city, public transport isn't as convenient (or cheap) and weekend trips to the coasts or hinterland require one. But at this moment in time, the costs of having a car really outweigh the benefits of me owning a car. I don't really want to have a depreciating asset when I really have no idea how long I will be back here for.

And so it is. I don't know how long I'll be in Brisbane for and so I'm creating a life here that is highly flexible - one which I can leave quite easily should I decide to. Given that it's only my fourth day being back in this city, I understand it might be too early to think this way. But truth is, I'm already really questioning why I am here. The questions are not because I don't want to settle back into "real" life and start work. It's because I'm already starting to feel the same sentiments here that made me want to leave in the first place. This place is not my home.

Anyhow, I'm going to give it a year. And I'm going to update this blog from time to time with the challenges and breakthroughs the future in Brisbane might hold. Here's to a completely different year to the last but hopefully an interesting one too!

Back in Brisbane

joannawong — Wed, 5 Feb 2014 20:48:00 GMT

We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
TS Eliot

How apt is this quote from the great TS Eliot? It's my first day back in Brisbane. It might be partly due to the fact I had no sleep flying in, but it all feels surreal.

As I found my seat and prepared for take-off yesterday, I was taken back to my first journey away from Brisbane to San Francisco via Auckland. I was a bunch of nerves and tears - sad to leave what I felt was safe and home, nervous about what really lied ahead of me with this unbelievable trip of a lifetime. It was strange to feel the exact same feelings coming back - to feel sad to depart from the uncertain but enriching environment of travelling, and to feel nervous about what my rather clear forecast for the year.

Things have changed so much over the past year, both externally and internally. Maybe I have travelled enough to reach a state where it really IS my first day back in Brisbane once again.

Packing Up

joannawong — Mon, 3 Feb 2014 18:30:00 GMT

I think it's finally begun to really hit me that it's time to head back. It's my last day before I travel back to Australia. I'm packing and I'm really sad.

As I look through my wardrobe deciding which items to bring back, it's the dresses that trigger memories of this past year in my mind. I remember how I was wearing them. It's that look. The look of happiness and freedom. I'll miss it so much.

Then there's that yellow jumper. It brings me back to work. I received so many comments about it wearing to work because of its bright colour. But I've also carried with me all around the world. So maybe going back to being the yellow jumper girl isn't that bad.

It’s not as though this day has sprung up suddenly on me. I’ve been busy researching prospective homes to rent, making appointments for when I get back, talking to work, writing to people about what’s happening, etc. But right now, it’s time to pack. While I've always loathed the packing part of travelling, this is by far the hardest and saddest session I've had to endure.

Isn’t it weird how it’s the packing that always gets me?!

12 months

joannawong — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 09:30:00 GMT

I'm leaving Prague today for my last two days in Istanbul before heading back to Malaysia. My calendar tells me today marks the 12th month anniversary of when I left Oz.

It's been an unbelievable year.

Snow!

joannawong — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 19:30:00 GMT

It's snowing today!! Just when I thought I wouldn't see Prague in white this time and would have to come back. While walking in the rain yesterday was more ridiculous than romantic, walking in the snow today was just as magical as I imagined it to be. I really love snow so much.

That said, I'll still come back to Prague! :)

Falling in Love Again

joannawong — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 20:09:00 GMT

Prague just continues to amaze me. And life just continues to surprise me. Something like today where I was completely blown away at Vysehrad, where this beautiful city was prophesised. I hadn't expected too much of it, having seen it on a boat cruise the last time I was here. But because the weather looked relatively alright today (ie not raining), I decided to make a visit. It took a lot of effort to walk to it as I had stupidly forgotten it was up on a hill. But it was completely worth it. First, the incredible views of the city, different to how I've seen it before. Second, stumbling upon one of the most beautiful churches I've been into - Church of St Peter and St Paul. The church looks very similar to St Vitus Cathedral at the Castle, but has a longer history and dare I say, is more beautiful? The thought definitely crossed my mind as I marvelled at its intricately painted decor. Matched with a sweet tranquility you don't often get at the Castle, Vysehrad is really worth visiting if you have time in Prague.

Prague is such an old-school urban paradise. I absolutely love it. I find myself constantly falling in love with this city over and over again. From playing tour guide to a random stranger I met at Wencesclas Square on my first day, to my peaceful solitary walk along the Vltava today from Vysehrad to Kampa. From finally paying to go inside the Castle to walking over the Charles' bridge just because. The buildings, shopping, food, beer and my wonderful friend, Andrea. This city has so much charm and magic to it. I simply love this city.

It's been nearly six months since I last was "touring" Prague early on a Monday morning, drunk on slivovice. I found the famous John Lennon wall we made a stop at on this drunken tour, but I couldn't find my drunken scroll from then. I remember writing or intending to write (whether I was capable of writing is a different story) "I heart LOVE". The wall has changed so much in the last few months, that the section of the wall where Andrea photographed me in my crazy glee, was barely recognisable. Likewise, my life has changed so much since then. Seeing the wall reiterates one of the great truths of life - change is the only constant in life. I'm reminded that each moment is precious and unique in its own right, and we should savour each one completely, especially our present.

It's taken me a while to get back onto the blog and write something on this trip. It's not because I have nothing to write about. Far from it. I have too much and I don't know where to start and how to do it all justice.

But in case you're wondering, I did fall in love again with Turkey, too. This time, it began with a tram ride through Istanbul at dawn. I watched the sun rise to unveil night's black canvas and paint the sky in rosy hues, reminiscent of my favourite visual memory of my last visit - the city glowing warmly at sunset. Being back in Istanbul was a great pleasure as it's also one of my favourite cities. There is no doubt that I had a wonderful time there although it usually comes with a lack of sleep!

Despite the hecticness that accompanied my trip to Cappadocia, with early wake ups, delayed flights, the intense cold and constant touring, I can't recommend Cappadocia enough. It certainly is stunning... and gorgeously different. I will definitely return. I had fears that visiting in winter wouldn't be a good idea but the season gifted me with a different perspective of the area and I loved it. With patches of snow and frozen trees against the rock formations Cappadocia is so famous for, fairytale scenery was made. Though there was heavy fog while I was there - common for winter, I made it up for my first hot air balloon ride ever. The fog wasn't ideal, but it didn't stop the experience from being amazing. Like many of life's imperfections, it gave something to the experience, perhaps making it more memorable and beautiful.

Having seen so many beautiful photos of bands of hot air balloons blissfully floating over Cappadocia's incredible scenery, I'd often dreamed of experiencing it with a loved one. But as soon as I knew I'd be back in Turkey this time, I had to make it one of the first beautiful experiences for this New Year. I was so happy I rode with me :)

On the other hand, the people I've met so far have been nothing short of amazing. From the snowbunnies heading to Kashmir with no return date to the cheapest carpenter in London, setting off on a bike ride from Istanbul to Delhi (through Iran!). From the lovely staff at my hostel in Istanbul who've become my Turkish family to the funny and adorable Russian Andres who "economically" plastic wrapped their own bags. From the cute Singaporean couple I met in Cappadocia to the Yorkshire-bred nurse with the dry sense of humour whose been all around the world. I'm sad I don't get to stay in touch with most of them but I'm so happy our paths crossed even if just for a little while.

Travelling is so fun and it is addictive. Even though I have to admit I've been to so many places this year, my worst fear has yet to happen. I've not become jaded with travelling. I still have great awe for the beautiful things I see. I still appreciate the simple and precious things life bestows upon me. I still meet unbelievable people and am captivated by their stories. I still have lessons to learn and re-learn about myself, people and the world.

I still fall in love with life itself.

Back on the Plane Again!

joannawong — Fri, 3 Jan 2014 18:03:00 GMT

Tomorrow I start my 3-week so trip back to Istanbul and Prague (and beyond?). :) I realise that I really do despise packing. I can't imagine how terrible and last minute my pack back to Australia will be! It will be epic!:-S

Happy 2014

joannawong — Wed, 1 Jan 2014 12:00:00 GMT

2013 - what a year. Not just a year of travelling, but a year of adventure, achieving goals, reflections and learning. I want to bring these lessons I've learned into the new year.

1. It always seems impossible until it's done.

2. Happiness is an attitude.

3. The simple life is true poetry to the soul.

4. Be yourself - there is no one else to be you.

5. Cultivate a habit of gratitude.

6. Love is and does.

7. Only you can define your self-worth.

8. Be and stay present.

9. Life is short - love life and live fully in love with life.

10. The universe will always surprise you :)

Wishing you a good year ahead! :)

Count Your Blessings and Be Happy

joannawong — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 22:45:00 GMT

This is something quite personal that I'd like to share. I wrote this a couple of days ago.

This is advice for me today:

Count your blessings when you're feeling sorry for yourself. Look at what you have, not at what you don't have. True happiness comes from being content and more importantly, being content with what you have already.

As I did my yoga this morning, I recognised there's a lot going on in my life right now. There's a lot of things calling out for my attention and thought. The nature of these things are unlike what I had to face at the start and during my travels. Most of the things on my mind then were good - nothing I had to deeply ponder about. My situation was pretty ideal. I was finally off on my dream and living it. There were no adversities surrounding it. Life had somehow worked it all out in the most ideal way possible.

While I was travelling, I realised I was truly happy. Not only was I travelling, I actually got to a state that I could only dream of before - waking up each day happy and loving what I was doing. Sure at times I was tired and maybe a little grumpy too, but I was constantly reminded how blessed I was to be doing what I was doing. This gave me energy to go out and do it all. And when I really didn't have the energy, I never fretted because I was already happy where I was.

Travelling made me realise the seemingly impossible can be achieved if you set your heart out for it and rearrange your priorities. As a side effect, it gave me confidence in myself and brought out a new light and energy in me. I was really being me, and not trying to be anyone else. I loved it. I loved being that authentic for others and especially for myself.

But now, I feel like I'm lacking that spirit I had gained from travelling. I'm lacking that sense of self and love for self. I realised this is something I've lacked in the past growing into adulthood. Today, I actually understood that loving yourself is so key to attracting and establishing happy relationships as it is to leading a happy life. Happy people always start being happy from the beginning - with themselves.

I don't think you need ideal circumstances to lead a happy life. You gain a happy life by making it that way. I was blessed to be travelling and living my dream, but that's not to say it came easy. I worked for it and took risks for it before setting off. Even while travelling, I lived on a budget, not always staying at the best, eating at the bests or doing the best things to do. What I realised though was that the best is subjective and that you needn't have all these things, to make your trip or day memorable. Your attitude towards it was more important.

Maybe this is the most important thing I should be wishing for myself each time - To be completely happy in love with myself, my situation and my life... to count my blessings each day and to just be or do.

Merry Christmas!

joannawong — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 22:34:00 GMT

It's Christmas night here in KK, Malaysia, and everyone has gone to bed. It is merely 10.30pm and bedtime is usually at midnight - earliest! I can't believe it as much as I can't believe it's actually Christmas. Time really does fly...

I'm celebrating the holiday season at home with family once again. It's been wonderful to be back with family, especially since it's the first in a while, where both my brother and I have been home for Christmas. Christmas has always been a big thing for our family, where we pretty much spend all the days between Christmas eve and to New Years at family gatherings here and there. Yesterday, we had the usual Christmas Eve dinner/pot luck at ours to kick the celebrations off. The family has always been big, but it's incredible how much it is growing. When I was five, it used to be just cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. Now, the family events comprise of the cousins, their other halves, their children, and aunts and uncles some of whom have graduated to grandparenthood. Because I'm not always here, it's always a surprise/delight to see how much the younger children have grown since the last time I saw them or meet the new additions for the first time ever. I guess it also serves as a gentle reminder that I am getting older. =)

Though I've only spent two Christmases in Australia with friends, I'm finding it hard not to miss Australia, especially since there's an abundance of Aussie Christmas updates on Facebook. Similarly, I do wish I was celebrating with other friends I've met travelling in their respective homes too.

The problem you get when you've been to many places, is that you want to be at all of them, at the same time!

Wishing all of you a happy holiday season! =)