Phnom Penh

Had an interesting bus ride here this am. It was mostly a local bus. I guess there was a more expensive bus that had a toilet, that most of the tourists went on. I didn't know about that bus. But after tourist overload for the last few days, it was refreshing. The girl I was sitting with could hardly speak English. I think I was very curious to her. Probably as curious as the Buddhist monks are to me. She was mostly quite shy. But she couldn't resist herself at one point and squeezed my chubby face and arms. And then stroked my forearms a few times. It was kind of funny. But thankfully this only happened once.
The guy sitting across the aisle could speak English, and he was quite friendly. He was from Siem Riep and worked as a Japaneese guide at the temples (spoke Cambodian, English and Japanese quite impressive). It was very interesting to hear a local persons perspective of the tourists. Apparently the Korean tourists are the least liked. I can kind of understand why, based on some of their behaviour that I observed. Anyways thats not the point. I had a hotel in mind, and he told me it was a cheap place and not very nice. He was travelling with his buddy (also a Cambodian tour guide) and his buddies ?female companion who was a Japanese tourist. He insisted I come with them to their hotel, he said it was only $15 and quite nice. Obviously I was hesistant. But after great difficulty getting of the bus due to being swarmed by a million tuk-tuk drivers (tuk-tuks are carriages pulled by motorbikes) and hotels personal it was too overwhelming. So I opted for the easy option of following them. Once I clarified that I wanted my own room (he actually asked) it has been fine. I haven't actually seen them since. And the guys negotiated the room for much cheaper than they would have given to me (they made me and the Japanese girl wait outside). So it worked out quite well. But it felt kind of sketchy for a while. The room has cable TV and airconditioning. Which is quite nice.

I went for a boat ride on the Mekong. I suck at bargaining and know I overpaid. Oh well. It was really nice. It was at dusk and the sun was setting. This internet place has USB cables and it is right next door to my hotel. So I will try to post pictures tomorrow. Tomorrow I am going to the killing fields. I'm sure it will be one of those enlightening but depressing experiences.

Siem Riep

This place is very different from what I expected. I knew it would be touristy, but I didn't expect this. The old quarters in Hanoi is touristy, but typically you see more locals than tourists, or least 50/50. Here there are only tourists in the downtown area, with locals working or selling stuff. No need to worry about currency, everywhere takes US dollars. They usually give change in US dollars unless really small amounts, than they give rheos. Everyone speaks English. Even the toddlers that don't look like they should be talking yet can say "buy a postcard". It's harder to ignore peddlers when they speak perfect English. Especially when they are adorable children. I already bought a guide book I didn't need. And although things aren't as expensive as Canada, they are considerably more expensive than Vietnam.

Ok enough complaining though. The temples are amazing. I quite enjoyed biking to them today. It was nice relaxing by the pool during mid day. I plan to take a tuk-tuk tomorrow am for sunrise by the temples. Well I should be going now.

Siem Riep

Well arrived in Siem Riep. Drastic temperature change. 30c at 9:00 at night. My supper is ready. Will update soon.

Some pictures

So here are some photos. The first two are the yummy desert we had last night. It's ice cream they put in all kinds of creative designs. Tricia's was a cannon, mine a was a topical design, and I forget what Candaces was. You can order in shapes of bumble bees, pinocchio etc etc. Very fun. Although probably wouldn't fly in North America, they would charge like $10.00. Here it is grossly over priced at $2 to $3 per treat.

Sorry these photos are the wrong way. I suck on the computer. [Tricia fixed them]

These were some ladies trying to sell us fruit from their boat in Halong Bay. Everywhere you go in Vietnam, they are selling something. Haven't seen many panhandlers considering its a developing country. See more in downtown Winnipeg.

This is a photo from our crazy hike in flip flops to see the "monkeys" on Monkey Island in Halong Bay. I think this photo made the treacherous hike worth while.

This is me and Candace on our boat in Halong Bay. It wasn't sunny the whole time we were there. It felt cool even though it was around 15C. Candace has some more good photos. If i have time before she leaves I will upload some of those. Today we are going to the ceramic village. It's early in the morning yet, the girls are still in bed. I have been up since 3:30am again. Haven't been able to sleep past this since getting here. Drugs don't help. Oh well, still having a blast regardless.

WOW

WOW!!! This place is beyond description. Its amazing how a city that is so loud and crowded can be so relaxing and peaceful. Crossing the street is one of the crazier things I have done. Regardless of how many motorbikes/bicycles/buses/cars are coming in your direction, you just walk very slowly, and you get across. It gets kind of fun after a while.

Every street, alley, and corner has someone trying to sell something. Usually they take a polite no, some are more persistent and then require firmer respones.

Halong Bay was fun, although cold. I still went swimming (the water was quite warm). It was fun jumping off the boat. For $50 we had two nights accomodation (one on the boat and one in a hotel) all our meals and transportation and a guide. It was crazy. At one point we were told to follow arrows to find monkeys on monkey Island. The next thing I knew we were on this difficult rocky hike up and down a hill in flip flops. But being me, I was up for the challenge and it was fun. You would never be able to do all this crazy stuff in North America with out signing a million waivers. Of course we didn't find any monkeys on the hike. They came out on the beach later (I think they let them out of their cage). This place is fantastic.

I am flying to Siem Riep Cambodia on Sunday. That is where the Ankor Wat temples are. It is supposed to be quite hot (40C on Sunday). I have decided to splurge and booked a 33 dollar hotel with a pool. I will stay there 3 nights and then slowly work my way back to Vietnam and through the country back to Hanoi.

If Tricias internet is working tonight i will load pictures from Halong bay. Lately it hasn't been working. OH well this place is only 33cents per hour. And thanks for all the comments when Tricia blogs for me. Cheers.

Greetings to all!

This is Tricia posting on behalf of Pam. Pam arrived safely in Ha Noi on Sunday night. Candace and I met her at the airport. While Candace and I waited for her on the other side of customs, we could see Pam bouncing around waiting for her luggage. It was nearly midnight, and she was of course full of energy, and super excited to be in Vietnam. It took us about an hour after we got back to my place (so an hour on top of the one hour taxi ride) to get her to stop talking so we could go to sleep.

Yesterday she and Candace went exploring the old quarter of Ha Noi. Surprisingly enough she bought very little, but it was only the first day. I met up with them and we went for supper. Last night the internet wasn't working at my house and all three internet cafes on my street were full, so this is why Pam has not updated as of yet or emailed anyone. This morning aroung 6:30 am she and Candace left for Halong Bay. Candace arranged a tour for them from a company in the old quarter. They get to spend a night on a boat in the bay, as well as go kayaking and biking. They will return to Ha Noi Thursday evening.

Pam finally made a decision as to the outline of her trip. On Sunday she flies to Siem Reap (Cambodia) to spend a week there, and then will work her way back through Vietnam. Fortunately she was able to get a flight just 30 minutes after Candace, so they can go to the airport together and split the horrendous cost of $10 for a taxi. I'm not joking. $10 is an atrocious amount to spend on a taxi ride, but there aren't many alternatives.

So Pam is doing well. She's having fun exploring. I'm sure she will have 6 000 photos to post when she returns from Halong Bay. Leave her comments.

Tricia

Vancouver

Got into Vancouver safe and sound. The hotel was nice, minus the fire alarm at 5:00am and having to go outside in my pjs in the rainy Vancouvery climate. Got a free meal on the plane and last night at hotel and again for b-fast so can't complain to much. Good thing because I'm starving every hour or so. The hotel is right on the water which is nice. I need to seriously explore BC one of these days. Already having nice conversations with different people. I'm so much friendlier when by myself. Gotta go almost out of time on this computer!!!

The downside to travelling

Everytime I fly with Air Canada I vow I am going to boycott them. Then it's booking time and it's difficult sometimes to find economical tickets from Winnipeg without using the pathetic excuse for an airline.

Now part of what happened today was out of their control. I got to the airport this am for my 9:00 flight to Vancouver around 7:40 and was informed it was cancelled. The plane was stuck in Toronto because of the storm in the east.

But here's the frustrating part. They hand me piece of paper with a phone number to call. After finally finding a payphone (times like this make consider a cell phone)and on hold for 20 minutes I talk to people that have been on hold for 1 hour. I then find out there is a line for customer service. Why didn't they tell us this in the first place? I get in line and finally left the airport around 12:00!!! Of course everyone in the line was very frustrated. I however have stopped being surprised by Air Canada's poor customer service. It's just part of flying with them.

Now it would be unfair to complain with out giving praise where due. When I did finally get to talk to an agent he was very helpful (although dreadfully slow ... I spent about 20-30 minutes at the counter and this was average some people were at the counter for an hour). For over an hour there was ONE AGENT for a line of around 100 people. He arranged for me to fly to Vancouer this evening, stay the night, and then catch the same flight to Osaka and then to Hanoi as before (just a day later). Early in the conversation he mentioned they would cover the hotel in Vancouver and cab ride to home and back to airport (as it was 7 hours until my flights). You would think this should be standard, but I assume nothing. It's all part of the package when travelling. Being flexible is a necessity!!!

Well that is my story. Hopefully I will get to Vancouver tonight and be one step closer to Vietnam!!!

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.

Now its my turn

Enough waiting already!! Candace is in Vietnam now, Jodi has been there almost week, it's my turn now!! Well in 10 more days that is. I hope you guys are all having fun and enjoying the north of Vietnam right now. I heard that it is warmer than expected. Jodi what happened to your blog idea? I keep checking it and no posts yet!! I'm sure its because you are to busy having fun. Oh and I probaby shouldn't be blogging about this Jodi but the cat man had liver Ca that spread all over his abdomen, and he already passed away. So good call on insisting he wasn't a drinker to the Dr.!!! He supposedly left all his money (which I hear was alot at least for up here) to the winter road fund. And Candace I hope you are enjoying yourself, even though you must be exhausted after your stupidly long flight. Candace do you want to go to Ninh Binh with me? I'm planing to go there that first week for 3 days or so. And Jodi maybe we will hook up in the south in Cambodia or HoChiMinh. Vietnam....here I come!!!

Today I am lazy. I have not done anything. It is almost 1 pm and I still haven't changed out of my pyjamas. I love Saturdays in the north. When I am in the city there always feels like so much to do. Up north I work, eat and sleep, and try to excercise. I don't even clean that much. My apartment is always messy. Kinda of funny since my former house mates seemed to think I was a clean freak. I think I am more fussy about my own house, because it's my house. I own it, so I want it to look nice.
I am already thinking about my big trip (for next year) even though I haven't been to Vietnam yet. I'm considering a tour in Egypt, and then spending a few weeks in Turkey. I have found fairly reasonable flights. And the tour in Egypt isn't to exepensive either, for 16 days. I have heard that Egypt is not a safe country for a single woman. So I'm thinking about a tour instead. Of course there are the famous historical sites and it's suppose to be a great scuba diving destination as well. I hoping to get certified in Vietnam. I'm really excited about scuba diving. It's something I have always wanted to do. Only 3 weeks left until I arrive in Vietnam!!! Ok maybe i will get dressed now.

Well I guess I haven't made a post because I didn't think I had to much to share. Work has been entirely uneventful. That is a good thing. Trying to get caught up on the prenatal program before I go away for 8 weeks. For those who don't know, I run the prenatal program here. It is a lot of work because there are usually 40 - 50 prenatals at any given time and don't really get a set time to work on it. There are 2 full time nurses coming in March which will be good for the clinic. Since I am part time now, it might mean I will have to share an apartment with the nurse that shares my position. Which means I will only work half time (instead of picking up to almost full time as I have been). I guess that would give me the opportunity to check out Nunavut and NWT. I haven't done it thus far because it has been so short staffed here. I felt guilty when I thought about going there and leaving Oxford House short staffed. I already have my nursing license processed ( just need to pay for it) for the NWT and Nunavut. So that could be an interesting experience. I really love my job here though and feel wierd about not being here as much. But it has been so much better being part time. It helps to get regular time out. I have a much better attitude this way. I don't get as frustrated with the BS that inevitably occurs.
I have finally gotten back into exercising regularly. I only have 5 pounds left before Vietnam. I had put on a few extra in the fall and then Christmas (even though I was up here). As long as I am in reasonable shape for Vietnam. I am so excited for Vietnam. I love travelling. Well I made a post. Considering I'm not the blogging type, one post per week is pretty good!!! Oh and the picture is of the nursing staion on the residence side. (It was earlier in the year, we actually have alot more snow). My barbecue is covered.

Time flying by

Wow this week sure went fast. Going back to Oxford House tomorrow afternoon. I spent two days painting my hallway. It goes so much faster when my mom helps me paint. It looks pretty ok. I also bought hardwood today for the upstairs. That will be a "fun" summer project for dad and I. It is nice to get things done to the house. I enjoy being part time and having more time to spend in my house.
I did do stuff other than house renovations. For instance, I went skating twice on the River Trail. For you Ottawa people, the river trail in Winnipeg is a more ghetto form of the Rideau Canal. The picture on the right is the trail. The other one is the Forks. The trail is quite long (at least 3-4 km) but minus multiple huts selling food and bences every where such as on the Canal. The Forks is beside the trail and there is lots of food in there. Sadly no Beaver Tails anymore. Both times I went it was relatively deserted. My legs hurt several days after, skating is a great workout!!
ONE thing I didn't do is buy any clothes. I am quite proud of that. I don't even think I entered a clothing store. Quite impressive.
I DID see the movie Waltown. It didn't tell me to much I didn't already know. Kind of preaching to the converted. People that go to independent films generally don't shop at Walmart. I have less noble reasons for not shopping at Walmart. I just find it too confusing and crowded. Thus I perfer Zellers (plus its closer). I also find Superstore frustrating, too confusing like Walmart. I keep trying to buy my groceries there because I have over $400 in PC Points. But I only end up spending $20. Then I have to go to Sobeys or Price Chopper for real grocery shopping. I'm pathetic. Well thats my story for tonight. I'm sure I will be more faithful once I get up north and enjoying my restful evenings of TV and internet. Oh and Tricia, if you're reading this, post some pictures and give us details!!! I want to know all about Hanoi!!! Enough empty promises already!!

sorry for the last post

Sorry for the color of the font of the last post. Tricia you can change it, I don't know how. I am in Winnipeg now. Trying to get myself organized to paint. Will make a proper post later.

Snowshoeing

I just went snowshoeing today and it was great. It was the first time I went this year. Mostly because I have been afraid of the ice up to this point. There are trails in the woods but they are farther away. Usually I snowshoe by myself or with one of the other nurses (Jodi or when Donna was here). But quite a few other women met this afternoon to snowshoe on the lake. It was fun. The men meet every Sat and Sun and run with their snowshoes. It's really impressive. I can only run for a short while on snowshoes. I will have to practice. There is a man that makes these really narrow ones that are suppose to be the best for running. I have asked him before to make some but he hasn't yet. Maybe if he sees me trying to run he will. My Atlas ones work really well for walking and ok for running. But they hurt my feet when I wear my mukluks (that a lady made up here) and regular boots are so heavy to run in. Above is a picture of my mukluks and gauntlets. They are really warm. I like posting pictures. Ok that is all for now. Tomorrow I'm suppose to fly back to Winnipeg for a week off. Hoping to paint the hallway and touch up the kitchen. Will see if it happens.

My sister

I miss my sister. Well I don't actually miss seeing her, I miss talking to her on the phone. Every Friday night since she has been in Hong Kong has been "my" phone night. Since Friday night TV generally sucks talking to Tricia was a good time filler. Now that she is in Vietnam and I don't have her phone number. I am excited that I will be going to Vietnam in over a month. It will be cool to see Tricia. I am really excited about exploring Vietnam for 6 1/2. I plan to spend some time (about 2 and 1/2 weeks) in northern Vietnam coming and going from Hanoi and seeing stuff. Than I will take off to the south and hopefully get a week in Cambodia. I have applied for my visa and it should be in Winnipeg when I go home next week. Since this blog is about my sister I thought I would post a hot picture of her.

winter time rambling

I love winter. Last weekend I went snowmobiling in -25 (-35 with the windchill). Even though it was freezing it was great. I had a hundred layers on. It did prove a problem when nature called. But theres nothing better than campfire tea, roasting weiners, and marshmellows on a cold winter day. This weekend I also went to a baby shower. This was the first baby shower I was invited to. It was just like any regular baby shower. It was very nice to be invited. I know the mothers other children very well. They live across the street. And during the summer they are often knocking at the door for popsicles. I also swim with them in the lake (in the summer of course). Not very many adults swim up here. But who said I'm an adult? The kids up here don't seem to think so. An 8 year old once asked me what I was going to "be" when I great up. I told her I was a nurse. And she said "but when you grow up". That made me laugh. Ok well thats enough rambling today. If you do take the time to read this, make a comment!!!

The winter road

Here I am blogging two days in a row. Now that I finally learned how to do it on my own!!! (Last night Tricia taught me by MSN). I find the sign pointing to Oxford House really funny. I haven't had the pleasure yet on driving very far on the winter road. But there's something humorous about a sign posted on a tree. Especially when it's for a swampy path that magically becomes a "road" when it is frozen enough to drive on. It's actually more pathetic than it is humorous. The lifeline of these isolated communities relies on the winter road being open. With global warming the time frame for this opening is shortening. People are so happy when it gets cold. They will drive 12 hours on the winter road (to and from Thompson) in one weekend. But more importantly, it means the years supply of gas, construction supplies, and luxuries like new vehicles/snow-mobiles/ATV's/boats and motors and other such things that are impossible/difficult to fly in. It has finally become cold this week. So hopefully the road will be open for the month of February at least. But it is just one example of the great inequalities these isolated reserves face.

Finally a post

Well after 7 months here is a post not by my crazy sister. She must have felt so bad for this abandoned blog that she decided to help it out (if thats what you can call it). It was hilarious. Everytime I posted a comment on anyones blog the picture of my butt came up. Pretty funny. My sister has done such a great job on her blog that it inspired me to put a post on my own. Originally the purpose of my blog was simply for trips.But most of the time I do live up north away from everybody, so maybe i will try to make updates. We will see. Today I am going to post some of my favourite pictures from up north. They are from the last two years.

Well we made it to Prague this afternoon. It was a long journey and we are both exhausted. We were on night trains through Poland that were just packed with people. Makes it difficult to get any sleep. If you can pray especially for Tricia, she has been quite sick with a cold and tonsillitis as I think she has mentioned. However her knees have also been bothering her. They are both big but the one is extremely swollen as is her whole leg. It´s difficult for her when most sightseeing involves walking, not to mention long walks with a backpack on!!! We will only be here two nights then heading to Vienna on Monday (only a four hour train ride so at least the gruelling part of travelling is done).Tomorrow I think we will do a bus tour of Prague.

Oh and Jodi sorry I didn´t respond to you earlier. Did you buy a kayak yet (can´t figure out where the question mark is on this keyboard). I am flying to Wpg on Tuesday and get back to work June 11th. Will you be there (no question mark again). And of course you can use my kayak. OK see you soon.

That is it for now. Will be home soon.