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You are here: Home / Archives for Destinations / Asia & Oceania

Infamous Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka

June 21, 2012 By Jillian

Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka may not be the easiest place to pronounce, but then again World Heritage sites almost never are.

Polonnaruwa was the capital of the ancient Polonnaruwa kingdom, which spread throughout North Central Sri Lanka. Without going into too much detail, lets just say this was the major crossroads for trade, agriculture and commerce in 11th century Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa is a good stop if you’re in Sri Lanka for a honeymoon or other unforgettable holidays in Sri Lanka . What is really unique is the Sea of Parakrama.  Polonnaruwa is not on the ocean, but King Parakramabahu I was an absolute nut about water conservation.  He devised an advanced system of irrigation, one of which is called the Sea of Parakrama.  It is hard to see from one side to the other.  Incredible.  His water conservation efforts helped the kingdom become completely self-sufficient.  More than most modern states can say today.

 

Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka

IF YOU GO to Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka:

Present day Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka is a few kilometers away from the ancient ruins. Not quite a day trip form Colombo (5-6 hrs by car), plan to spend a few days in the area. You can get to Polonnaruwa by train, bus or private/shared taxis, which are inexpensive and plentiful in Sri Lanka.

Of course, you’ll first have to travel to Sri Lanka itself.  You’ll have the easiest time finding flights from India but there is also some decent availability from South East Asia as well.  Regular flights come from as far away as the Middle East and there are even seasonal charter flights from Russia and Scandinavia. Sri Lanka is one of those places we wished we made it to on our RTW trip but it will certainly make a good stop if you’re still planning yours.

Filed Under: India Tagged With: ancient ruins, cultural sites, sri lanka

Teaching English in Korea: Expectations vs. Reality

June 19, 2012 By Lauren

I was talking to a friend on Skype the other day, and she asked me what it looked like where I lived.

“Here,” I said. “I’ll show you.”

I switched cameras on my iPad and held it up to the window. My backyard filled the screen – misty mountains, the weird silver dome of the local sports park, and the high-rise apartment buildings of my complex.

Yeongwol, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Just another magical day in rural Korea.

“Oh,” she said, sounding slightly disappointed. “I thought it would be…different, somehow. I sort of pictured little grey-haired women and funny old markets. Not 15-story apartment buildings.”

“It is like that,” I insisted. “We’ve got a regular market that sells fish heads and down there, in that field, a wrinkly old man tends his crops every day.”

But I understood what she meant. Sometimes you’ve got a fixed idea of a place in your mind, and it turns out you were way off base.

Teaching English in Korea was like that for me.

I’m embarrassed to admit that before I started researching South Korea, I knew absolutely nothing about the country, other than that it shared a border with North Korea.

I pictured a rudimentary classroom with mismatched desks, blackboards, and kids straining as they waved their hands in the air, eager to answer my questions. They’d be eager because without fail, every one of my classes would be SO FUN and I’d be that teacher that changed their lives.

I know. Like I said, I’m embarrassed.

Yeongwol Elementary School, South Korea
The 6th grade English classroom, where I inspire young minds. Stop laughing. I do.

First of all, South Korean classrooms are flash. We’re talking flat screen TVs in every classroom, touch-screen whiteboards, and ergonomic chairs. This country has grown so fast, it sort of has more money than it knows what to do with. Last year, my school spent 400,000 dollars on a new 5th-grade English room. All of the window shades are covered in English text, the posters at the back are in English, and there are English games stashed in the cupboards.

This year, they turned it into a homeroom, essentially an English-free zone.

Second, the kids aren’t studying English because they like it. They’re studying because it’s a required subject from 3rd grade onwards. And just like that time your mom forced you to take violin lessons, only the students with a natural aptitude are even marginally interested.

This is how most of my classes start:

Me:  Good morning! How are you today?

Tae-seop (or any loud, obnoxious student): Teacher, GAME. GAAAAAMMMME.

Me: Later, Tae-seop.

Tae-seop: GAAAAMMME. (Slumps in his seat and howls like a dying sea lion.)

After nearly two years, it’s all I can do not to punch some of these kids in the face. My latest coping mechanism is to utter obscenities under my breath. I’ve started doing it louder because I realized that if I speak quickly enough and smile while I do it, the kid won’t understand what I’m saying.

5-day market, Yeongwol, South Korea
The lady on the right reminds me of my students. Same bored expression.

That leads to my third thwarted expectation – I’m not inspiring these kids to become English-speaking maniacs. Apparently, I’m just not that kind of teacher. Instead of meticulously planning lessons, the way I did for the first six months, I download PowerPoints from the internet and spend my free time blogging or researching flights online. Every once in a while I pull off a great lesson, but those moments are getting rarer as the end of my contract approaches.

Actually, the last time I had a really successful lesson was when I brought in some red velvet cake for my after-school class. So I guess that wasn’t a good lesson…it was bribery.

But one really good thing came out of having inaccurate expectations about Korea.

Korea blew those expectations out of the water and it blew me away, too.

Temple in Yeonwgol, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Love the colors on this local temple/daycare center.

My favorite thing about travel is learning that the world is so much bigger than you realize – not in terms of size, but in ways of life. Korea showed me that what’s normal for me is unheard of elsewhere, and things that are normal in Korea are things I couldn’t have invented in my wildest dreams.

Living here has been shocking, weird, surprising, and frustrating, but it has been nothing like I expected.

And that’s what has made it worthwhile.

Filed Under: Asia & Oceania, Destinations, Headline, Korea Tagged With: South Korea, Teaching Engish

Sizzling Singapore or Magnificent Malaysia?

May 22, 2012 By Jillian

Thanks to Rachel at Explore-Earth Travel Blog for today’s post on her favorite things to do in Singapore and Malaysia. If you’re interested in guest posting, check out our submission guidelines.

I have found Asian countries have so much to offer to the world for people of all interests and tastes – but many western travellers are nervous due to the cultural differences. Their loss is of course, our gain,  and that is no more true than in Singapore and Malaysia. These neighbouring countries are in themselves an adventure of cultural heritage, beautiful scenery and gorgeous weather. Considering that the countries are a half hour drive away from each other, there’s no real reason why you shouldn’t visit both!

Singapore is a lively and bustling city with a plethora of attractions and shops for tourists and natives to enjoy. The whole city is simply beautiful with the tall, elegant buildings providing shade for the many million city dwellers. One thing that will strike you is the great pride Singapore takes in its cleanliness which is evident after spending just an hour there. The outside ground is pretty much spotless due to the laws and regulations strictly upheld by Singapore citizens. I am reminded of my first trip to New York where I was attacked by bird droppings and entered my hotel with chewing gum stuck on my backside; rest assured this will not happen here! I simply have never been anywhere else in the world that maintains its streets in the way that Singapore does.

SIngapore
In addition, the public transport system in the city makes it extremely simple (and cheap) to see everything you want to in the city. You use what’s known as an “EZ Link” card to travel around the city. The EZ Link card contains a balance (which you can top up, much like London’s Oyster card) and can be used across the trains, buses and taxis.

My personal highlights from Singapore are as follows:

Orchard Road – A massive shopping road containing famous high street brands as well as markets for those local deals. Expect to see that Dior handbag for sale in a Dior shop at 10% off the Western prices, and that same Dior handbag for sale in the Market with 90% off… I’m not advocating the counterfeits – just acknowledging them!

Clarke Quay – Singapore’s historical riverside quay with shopping centres, bungee slings and more. On your first visit you will arrive at the Quay and wonder why you don’t live here – think of Queenstown’s ‘edge’ in a region the size of 100 football fields – it’s bustling and packed with energy and I promise you will spend at least a half day here.

Universal Studios – It’s a theme park, it has rides, it has many attractions… yes it is a clone of other theme parks – but remember you are (probably) thousands of miles away from home. There is, even though I hate to admit it – something satisfying about eating a Big Mac out here.

Malaysia is less technologically advanced than Singapore, although that’s not to say that it doesn’t make for a great and memorable Towers Kuala Lumpurexperience. Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia’s capital, contains an abundance of activities and sights to see. These range from cultural restaurants to massive towers and shopping centres. KL is home to the world’s tallest pair of twin towers, which is open to the public. It’s a beautiful spot with lot’s to see and do within the towers. Within the towers, there’s a huge shopping complex available for the public. You won’t find a collection quite like it anywhere else in the world.

In addition to the towers, there’s also the KL tower, a massive structure with a viewing platform at the top. The KL tower can be used as a vantage point to see the whole city. Looking at the city from the skies is something nobody visiting KL should miss out on. This is because you can only fully appreciate the beauty of the city from this breathtaking point of view. Malaysia has more to offer than just KL, with amazing beaches and traditional Malay towns to visit.

And these Malay towns are what a lot of people actually go travelling for, when visiting you are made to feel welcome and sometimes (not in all cases) you are treated like a local citizen – there is something undeniably humbling to see a Malay child walking to school – it’s just like the life you have lived, but different.
Author: Rachel is a travel blogger who loves exploring the earth one place at a time.  Follow along with her at Explore-Earth travel blog.

Photo Credit: Photo 1 is shared courtesy of flickr user jjcb via creative commons licensing.

Filed Under: Asia & Oceania, Destinations, Headline Tagged With: malaysia, singapore

Tomb of Tu Doc, a man with 100 women

May 16, 2012 By Jillian

The Tomb of Tu Doc, a 19th century Vietnamese emperor,  is pretty indicative of his “living the good life” lifestyle.  His tomb, outside of the city of Hue, is elaborate – with expansive hunting grounds, a fishing pond and even a spot for his concubines to relax over the lake.  That’s right- according to history, Emperor Tu Doc had nearly 100 wives and concubines. Tu Doc was certainly living the “good life”.

Interestingly enough, the tomb of Tu Doc doesn’t actually hold his remains – instead it is used as a temple to worship the Emperor.  At one time it was probably filled with art and treasure, now lost. Like all good royals, the Emperor left a mystery- the location of the Emperor’s remains are unknown because the servants involved in his burial and death ceremonies were beheaded to keep his final resting place a secret.  Likely, he’s somewhere on the tomb’s grounds… maybe near the concubine’s hang out.

This is actually a picture of the Stele pavilion at entrance to the tomb.  A stele is used to tell a story.  Tu Doc’s stele is enormous and chronicles his reign.  Perhaps most unusual about the stele is that it documents his illnesses and mistakes.  A shockingly honest ruler for a man that beheaded his servants.

Behind the stele are the remains of scaled down horses, elephants and soldiers to remain with him in the afterlife.

 

IF YOU GO: Vietnam makes a great choice for tailor made holidays as there’s a lot to see and unless you have unlimited time, not enough hours in the day to get it all in.  Until 1945, Hue was the imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty.  Outside of Hue there are several royal tombs that are often combined into one day. We went to the tomb of Tu Doc, Minh Mang, Kali Dinh and the Thien Mu Pagoda, but there are plenty of smaller tombs and sites along the river if you feel the need to explore.  The tombs are a decent distance from the city, so unless you’re up for a long day of biking, skip the DIY bike rental.  If you’re looking for inexpensive souvenirs, there’s a small tourist market near the Thien Mu Pagoda that is worth a look if you’re up for bargaining.

rtw adventure travel

Filed Under: Destinations, photos, Vietnam Tagged With: architecture, Hue, tombs

What They Don’t Tell You About Horseback Riding in Mongolia

April 12, 2012 By Lauren

Travel in Mongolia - Mongolian ger
I get really excited about animals. It’s kind of weird.

Jared and I sat on the couch in Ulaanbatar’s Khongor Guesthouse, flipping through their book of tour options.

“Ooh, this one,” I said. “Central Mongolia two: Kharkhorin, Orkhon Waterfall, eight lakes and Mongol sand dunes with nomad family.”

He leaned over my shoulder to read the details.

“Lauren, that’s five days on horses.”

“Uh, I know,” I said. “Five days of awesome.”

I could see it all now: five days of galloping across the desolate Mongolian plains, drinking in the natural beauty and forging a relationship with my horse that would make Dr. Dolittle jealous. We’d stop at ger camps along the way and learn to brew airag, a traditional drink of fermented horse milk, before diving into a pristine lake to wash off.

I couldn’t wait.

“Have you ever been on a horse?” Jared asked, breaking into my reverie. “Really been on a horse?”

When I was eight, I took horseback riding lessons for about a week.

“Yes,” I said stubbornly. “Sort of.”

Eventually, I agreed on CM-4. Eleven days through central Mongolia with two days on horseback and an optional third day at the end. We joined the tour with an American friend and a Dutch couple. I eagerly anticipated our arrival at the White Lake, where my horseback riding dreams would become real.

Mount Up

The first thing I noticed about our horses was their size.

Mongolia Travel - Prepping the Mongolian ponies
Not exactly monstrous, are they?

They were tiny, like ponies. Strong, sturdy ponies, but ponies all the same. I was worried, and remembered a time when I was younger and sat on a collie dog. It had looked sturdy, too, until it collapsed under my weight.

Hopefully the ponies were a bit more robust than the dog, which I feared was never quite the same after the incident.

Seven ponies had been fitted with saddles, which were actually blankets topped with wooden planks and covered by a bean bag. The bean bag was sewn over a curved metal bar that was ideally positioned for direct contact with my coccyx.

Our tour guide, Tushig, translated for the horse trek leader, a tanned, wrinkled man in a shiny maroon wrap.

“If you want to go fast, say ‘choo’,” Tushig explained.

He didn’t tell us how to say ‘stop.’

“Choo,” we grunted. “Choo. Choo.”

The horses turned in lazy circles, ripping grass out of the ground and totally ignoring us.

The leader cackled and whacked his horse on the rump. “Choo!”

It took off instantly, and the other horses jerked into motion.

I jammed my feet into the stirrups and winced as my tailbone banged against the metal bar with every hoofbeat. My new goal was clear: survive.

The scenery was beautiful, but the six-hour ride was grueling. My thighs burned. I had a good idea of what my knees would feel like in fifty years, and my calves were bruised from pressing against knots in my stirrups. Worst of all, a disgusting rash had erupted across my butt.

Mongolian Travel - Horseriding in Mongolia
Reality sinks in. This is not as romantic as I imagined.

And I had wanted to do this for five days?

Day Two

The White Lake stretched out to our left, the rolling hills to our right. A gentle breeze rippled through the long grass and the horse’s coats shone in the sun.

It would have been pretty close to my initial fantasy had it not been for the butt rash and unrelenting muscle pain. After three painful hours, we finally arrived at our lunch destination: a nomadic family settlement.

Without phones or internet, the nomads were clearly not expecting us. I felt horrible, sitting uninvited in their family home, surrounded by sheep parts and dried yogurt snacks, as they chopped meat on the bed and molded noodles from scratch for my lunch.

Travel in Mongolia - Mongolian ger interior
How long has that been there? Wait. I don’t want to know.

To ease the awkwardness, our hosts offered everyone a bowl of homemade vodka.

It was like drinking rubbing alcohol. I took a few sips and passed it to the next person.

Our horse guide, however, skipped the bowls and went straight for the bottle. By the time we got back on the horses, he was well drunk and chuckling like a maniac.

“Choo!” he cried, circling our horses and slapping their flanks. “Choo choo! Choo choo!”

And the horses choo-ed. For two and a half hours, the horses choo-ed. We bobbed around like kernels of popcorn on a hot stove, trying desperately not to die.

Every time I pulled back on the reins, the guide materialized.

“Choo!”

“No choo! No choo!” I shouted.

That made him laugh harder. I gave up and held tight, cringing in fear every time I heard the word ‘choo’.

Travel in Mongolia - Mongolian Guide and horse
So small, yet so powerful. That goes for the guide & the horse.

Afterwards, when we were all shivering after rinsing off in the algae-dotted White Lake, three Israeli tourists stopped by to say hello.

“Horses?” they asked.

We nodded, still miserable. I could sense my butt rash getting worse.

“We understand,” one of the men said. “We just completed a nineteen-day horse trek.

All five of us snapped to attention.

Nineteen days?

“It was horrible,” he said. “For the first three days. After that, you get used to it.”

And just like that, I realized what a wuss I was. It had been two days and I was carrying on like I’d been beaten and tortured.

Even still, when the ‘optional’ day of riding rolled around, I declined.

I may be a wuss, but I’m not an idiot.

Mongolian Travel - Horseback riding in Mongolia
Though admittedly, I might look like an idiot.

Filed Under: Headline, Mongolia Tagged With: animals, Horseback Riding, Travel Mongolia

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