It has been 18 months. If you didn’t have faith that I could continue a blog this long, I don’t blame you. I’ve said it before and I’ve said it again, this is the longest I have ever stuck to a hobby. So, what is new?
*** Revisited Korea and Japan (May-June, 2014)
After two months in the US, I went back to Korea. This time, I didn’t have a nice job or a neat apartment waiting for me and spent a lot of time cooped up in a tiny little room known as a ‘koshiwon,’ an experience I do not recommend. In between the two months there, I ended up going to Japan for two weeks, which was awesome as always. If you didn’t know yet, it is my favorite country in the world. Finally, I left Korea on July 2nd for my next adventure!
*** Thailand and SE Asia
I have been in SE Asia for a month and plan to be in the region until September 3rd when I fly out of Malaysia. So far, Thailand has been pretty cool and am currently in Cambodia. Here, I was able to surprise Barang, my wonderful driver and friend who I met here four years ago. A lot has changed since then with him being married and having a kid now, but at the same time, a lot has stayed the same. He is still an awesome person. While everyone always talks about “meeting locals,” the truth is, that’s harder said than done. I am glad to have a wonderful local friend in Barang ‘the man’ Hang.
On a side note, I kept getting mixed reviews about how Angkor was too crowded and how it was different than I remember it. I was worried at first, but reaffirm, it is the most incredible World Heritage Site I have ever seen.
*** What’s next?
In a few days, I head to Laos for the first time. I have done zero research, so this should be interesting. After that, Sid and I have to decide between north Thailand or Myanmar. We are both leaning towards the latter due to its relative “off the beaten path” allure, but it will come down to money.
There was actually a sudden change of plans. We are skipping Laos and headed back to Bangkok. After a brief stay, we will spend most of the remainder of the trip in Myanmar. I think it is the right choice, and more on this later. Sadly, this means I will not be able to complete every UNESCO world heritage site in SE asia, but at least I will get to see Bagan, a town I am incredibly excited to visit.
*** Updates
With all of the traveling, I haven’t really had time or motivation to make any radical changes to the site. I want to focus on writing and not just to get views. While I like food as much as the next person, I think that niche of travel blogging is so saturated, I can skip it. What the hell am I talking about? Oh yeah. My point is, I have to think hard to come up with a unique story or theme that hasn’t been done to death. Wish me luck!
*** Instagram!
I decided to give Instagram a try and I love it! Pictures will be divided into three categories from now on. Silly, but completely unspectacular pics will go on the FB page, good travel pics taken on my phone will go on instagram, and of course, the best pics taken with my (girlfriend’s) SLR will go on blog posts… or stored on my computer forever. Oh yeah…
*** My SLR Broke
My Sony Alpha 33 could not handle 2 days in the Bangkok heat and humidity. It threw in the towel and for now, I am carrying a pretty large paper weight. Thankfully, Sidney is letting me use her SLR (which is much better, an Alpha 57) and am managing fine. Sucks to have a big piece of junk though.
*** The Race to Beat Brad
Brad is my friend from college who is also into UNESCO World Heritage Sites. He surpassed my count and I have been trying to catch up ever since. Not sure if Brad reads the blog, but if you’re out there Brad, I WILL catch you!!! 🙂 At time of writing, I have visited 61 62 WHS and he has been to 65.
I think that is all. It has been a wonderful 18 months of writing and hope to have 18 more. Thanks everyone for the support.
Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand (north of Bangkok)
