A new year begins. Already. 2011 seemed so short and so long all at once. This year… …I did a LOT of travel. I worked out that I spent 20% of 2011 outside China. I hope to do less travel next year but not sure how that will work out. …I began to REALLY enjoy…
The TCK workers’ retreat in Thailand went really well. There were only 6 people, but the small size gave us some flexibility. I had wondered if there was enough “content” but was committed to making it a restful experience. Looking back I’m glad the time was not more structured and that the sessions were so…
Hi everyone, It’s now Autumn in Beijing. The temperature cooled off quite suddenly a few weeks ago and now I need a cardigan at night. The weather has been beautiful for most of the past week – clear skies and warm sun. I am soaking up the sun while it is still around! I’m sorry…
I had just over a week in Singapore. I rode the Singapore Flyer, went on a Ducktour, saw a bit of Marina Bay, including the Helix Bridge, ate at hawker stands, and did a little shopping. I’m told that eating is one of the most important things to do in Singapore – so of course…
I had five days in Chiang Mai. I wrote about my trip to Buatong Waterfall already, but here are my thoughts on the rest of my time there. If I had to describe Chiang Mai in one word, I would choose “green”. Even the overgrown abandoned lots have a lush green-ness, verdant and beautiful, with…
I landed in Chiangmai on Friday afternoon. On Saturday morning I went to Buatong Waterfall with a few Chiangmai families, including some I’d met in Cha-am in April. Buatong is in Mae Taeng National Forest Reserve, about 45km north of Chiangmai. The last stretch of road was a narrow concrete path, which reminded me of…
Yesterday (Thursday) was my tourist day. I rarely play tourist in my travels (my touring is more about seeing people and taking part in events) but I really, really enjoyed it on this occasion. I met up with Beth, a girl I knew in China a long time ago, and together we wandered the old…
After my unexpected extra day in Phnom Penh, I flew out on Tuesday afternoon. I knew my fight was really two flights with a short transit stop, but hadn’t clued in that the transit stop was in ANOTHER COUNTRY until I got my boarding pass – from Phnom Penh to Vientiane. We flew to Wattay…
I really enjoy visiting Phnom Penh. This is my fourth visit in about 18 months and I’m now quite familiar with the areas Christina frequents. I feel confidant to get around on my own – I can give basic directions in Khmer and I recognise a lot of places; I can feel my way around.…
On Monday afternoon Christina and I left Dolphin Bay and signed into a guesthouse near Khao San Road in Bangkok. It was on Soi Rambuttri, the same street Carla and I stayed on 4 years ago, so that was fun for me. We walked past the guest house Carla and I stayed in, and I…
Today was our last full day at Dolphin Bay. Tomorrow afternoon Christina and I will travel back to Bangkok and spend the night there before taking a bus to Phnom Penh the next morning. I’ve really, really enjoyed our week here. Thursday (day three) was the day the whole holiday thing started to sink in.…
I left Beijing on Monday morning, starting what will be a full month of travel around South East Asia. I return to Beijing on July 22nd, giving me a few weeks before the youth ministry kicks back in for the year. The air was terrible as I left Beijing. I’m accustomed to watching the city…
Stories From Tanya 