The Banana Pancake Trail: Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam

It has been months since I blogged and a month since my Indochina trip. So, bear with me here, okay?

Like most of my trips, this started out at a dining table last October, talking with my brother, Red and my childhood best friend, Chianne, about her friend who backpacked Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam in 10 days. Having this thirst for new places, the adventure and just being out of our normal lives once in a while, we said we'd give it a go. Come December, we already booked our flights and the next thing I know, Red and I were always working on our itinerary. It's so easy to just walk in to a travel agency and have everything set and ready to go but I'm telling you, there's this unique kind of excitement on making an itinerary of your own. It was hard, yeah, Red and I took months to finalize it and the internet was our only resource but you get to learn things, things only for that country, things you won't ever get to know anywhere. Gathering information by reading blog posts about travelers who stayed in places and what their life was during those months, it's encouraging in the sense that I know I can do what they are doing, too.

And I did.

We started the trip at Siem Reap, Cambodia. We arrived quite late, way past dinnertime, so we just dropped off our things at Happy Guesthouse and headed over to Pub Street, basically a street full of restaurants with good food, cheap beer and everyone traveling in Siem Reap. Walking around was easy as Red has already been to Siem Reap, he knows the right places.

The gang at Pub Street

Just along Pub Street.

It was "Temple Run" the next day: Angkor Wat, Banteay Kdei and Ta Phrom. It was a hot day but really, but we weren't able to mind that as those temples are really stunning. It's really overwhelming but in a very good way, of course.

We ready, Angkor Wat!

Yep, we climbed the top of Angkor Wat!

For me, more like crawled.

Headless buddha at Angkor Wat.

Banteay Kdei.

Ta Phrom aka The Tomb Raider Temple.

We ended the ever tiring day at Pub Street, bought pasalubongs (little tip: try buying stuff on streets near Pub Street not on Pub Street, as it's much cheaper and you can still haggle), and drank beer (oh, this'll be a thing this entire trip). Pub Street can be really loud during nighttime so if you want a more relaxed feel, try the bars at the end of the street. The ones near the market. 

Cambodia's pares slash tapsi - Lok Lak.

Angkor Beer.

Cambodians are generally nice. They like to smile. I had a lot of fun at our guesthouse. They we're really accommodating, especially the owner, Ms. Phem. Most can't speak English but you can see them trying just so to make a conversation with you. I had a little trouble while shopping though. When you hold something and ask for its price, for them, it kind of means you'll get it, so if you don't, if you put it back, they get cranky.
I have this feeling I didn't make the most out of Siem Reap. There were still lots to see, lots to do. But that's just all the more reason to go back.

Early next morning, had a quick breakfast and we're set to the 3-hour bus ride to Poipet, Cambodia's border to Thailand. 20-minute lunch, Cambodia Immigration and the 3-hour line at Aranyaphratet, Thailand Immigration. I really didn't mind the time as I knew it would take almost an entire day to get to Bangkok but this was when the heat dawned on us. In Cambodia, it was just like here at home: sunny and humid. In Thailand, the heat was painful. Anyway, after forever at the Immigration, it was the 4 to 5-hour ride to Bangkok.

Two places at once.

One thing that I noticed and was surprisingly impressed with Thailand during the trip was their infrastructure, especially in Bangkok. From Aranyaphratet, which is a province, to Bangkok, the road is wide and covered well. It was weird to get on a right-hand vehicle, yes, but the trip was smooth. There's also bunch of flags and portraits of the King and Queen everywhere, living up to their motto: Country, Religion, Monarch.
For a city girl, I was really happy to see skyscrapers during that time as I was so tired of seeing faunas for hours. If you want an urban city, go to Bangkok. Everything you need is just around the corner. We stayed at Penpark Place which was 10 minutes from Khao San Road, the tourist/backpackers hub in Bangkok. After freshening up, we walked all over the area, covered Samsen Road, Soi Rambuttri and Khao San.

Though Khao San is famous for having all the restaurants, bars and the night market one must try, I like Soi Rambuttri more. It's much more relaxed than the rowdy and crowded Khao San.

Crazy Khao San Road.

I love Soi Rambuttri!

We got used to Cambodia's US dollar-based policy that understanding 

Baht was kind of a challenge but really, it's just like Php.

Cocktails in cups... and in streets!

Thai Beer.

Mix your own Pad Thai!

We asked the people at our hostel where we can roam around the next day and they suggested Siam Square if you're in to electronics or Chatuchak Weekend Market for shopping. We chose Chatuchak for pasalubongs.

Walking to the bus station back to Penpark from Chatuchak.

Cabs are accessible but it was a pleasant experience to get on a Thai bus.

Allo, Chatuchak!

Lunch inside Chatuchak Park. 

They have the best Pad Thai. :)

Very colorful and creative street food, yo!

Thailand also has a pretty good railway network which makes it easier to travel around. We booked our tickets to Chiang Mai online and had it delivered to Penpark. We were so excited for the sleeper train for the Hogwarts feel and of course, for Chiang Mai. While making our itinerary, I was most excited about Chiang Mai. Yes, I am a city girl but once in a while, I do enjoy provinces and reading about Chiang Mai, it seems as if it's the perfect home away from the city. And it was.

Hualamphong Station. 

Very Darjeeling Limited feels only it's in Thailand.

Waiting and Chianne munching the best cinnamon waffles ever!

Hogwarts Express, yeah?

We had a place to stay at in Chiang Mai but we saw this board near the information desk of a guesthouse that's much cheaper plus it has a pool, so we opted for it instead. Hello, SK House! Chiang Mai's weather then was much better than Bangkok's, probably because of its location and for the 2 days we were there, it rained in the afternoon which we really didn't mind. We'd take any forceful wind at any time.

Just a peek of how messy our rooms were.

No slacking, we just dropped our stuff, took baths and we're off again. For that first day in Chiang Mai, we went to the Doi Suthep Temple. It's a park and a Buddhist temple on top of a mountain.

Naga, the snake steps.

Of course, we wouldn't miss the night bazaar. We were told there are lots of night markets in Chiang Mai but the FO pointed us to the one in Thanon Chang Khlan. That's probably the biggest night market I have ever seen. Chatuchak has heaps of stalls but that's nothing compared to what they have in Thanon Chang Khlan. I mean, nothing's really new, it's just another night market, but it's not that bad to spend one night there.

Banana and Nutella Rotee!

For our second day, we were driven to Maetaman Elephant Camp which was an hour away from Chiang Mai. Well, trekking with elephants, what more can I say?

People were taking photos of us at the back,

nice to know I ended up in someone's photo album on their trip.

Say allo to our elephant, Kasha!

I enjoyed the ride, of course, but I can't help but feel bad with the elephants. The Mahouts (elephant rider) were using a hook to direct them. And watching the elephant show afterwards didn't help ease the feeling as some of them were even in chains. I feel for the baby elephants. I mean, yes, they are trained, but for entertainment, not for life skills. It's just not right. The yells of amusement of other spectators irritated the shit of out me.

Now this is the part of our trip I was really nervous about - to Laos.
Our guesthouse booked us tickets to get to Laos and here was the plan: from Chiang Mai, there's a 3-hour ride to Chiang Rai, then another 2 hours to Chiang Khong, Thailand border to Laos. This part was easy.

We were wearing shorts, good thing the temple people 

would give out cloths for cover.

Hell.

The White and Golden Temple at Chiang Rai.

Here comes the hard part: the 24-hour bus ride from Laos border, Houai Sai to Luang Prabang. Imagine being on a rusty bus, on top of a mountain (eventually several mountains, I asked my brother Gian during the trip, how come we're still on a mountain and he said, it just keeps on coming back up), narrow and very steep roads (a pack of Oreo from the compartment landed on my face whilst sleeping, that's how rocky the road was), no road lights and NO STOPOVERS. If you need to go number 1 or 2, you have to ask the driver to stop and he will, just wherever, and you can do your business on the side. I AM NOT KIDDING. So lucky you, you just get to imagine it. Man, I have been there and well, survived it. I mean, thinking about it now, I cannot believe I did that. It's an achievement for me, really. We all deserve a medal or even a certificate, no, a medal, really, for that trip. It really is ONE HELL OF A RIDE. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I dread it, but once is enough. And I kind of recommend it for my friends, just for the sake of experience. But as for me, remind me to just get on a plane if I ever plan on going back to Laos, okay? Notice how I only used allcaps here? Feelings, I'm telling you.

That's it... that's the bus. I have no words.

I have to say, next to Chiang Mai, I like Luang Prabang the most, too. It's a small, charming city that you can get around to with just a bike. And that's what we did on our first day. We stayed at Liberty Guesthouse.

Felt like a kid, biking around Luang Prabang. 

A happy kid at that.

The 1 dollar buffet alley.

Night Market just outside Luang Prabang National Museum.

Pretty expensive stuff so Chianne's haggling skills were put to test.

Lao Beer.

Th next day, our last day in Luang Prabang, we went to Kuang Si Falls which is famous for its natural shallow pools.

A lot were amazed with our Monopod, 

they were really staring at it while we're taking pictures. 

Guess the Monopod craze hasn't hit Indochina yet.

It rained pretty hard on our way back to the city, 

that explains my brother's wet look.

Try Joma Cafe, they have good western food. 

Obviously. And their Macchiato is to die for.

Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang are so refreshing for me. I know we have a lot of good provinces here in the Philippines and I'm not one to talk about provinces as I'm not really a huge fan, but if you're looking for an adventurous yet relaxing place, one where you can just spend a day reading a book to a spur of a moment trekking, check out Chiang Mai, Thailand and Luang Prabang, Laos. Though we're always on the go, I found solace in those quaint cities.

Anyway, we had a flight to Hanoi, which was our last stop. We stayed at Hanoi Star Hotel.
Hanoi has the most impact on me though we only get to spend an entire day there. We arrived late, and the next day, it was our Ha Long Bay Day Tour, 2-3 more hours and then we're back home. It's sad but like with Siem Reap, there are reasons to go back.

The thing I like most about Hanoi is that you can see and feel how it developed in to a city. There are the French Quarters which they turned in to a street of restaurants. There's also a street full of cafes which was a delightful surprise as I never knew the Vietnamese are dead serious about their coffees. They also have a distinctive way of al fresco dining - they use toddler chairs outside the restaurant and it's faced on the street, not to each other. So it was kind of embarrassing to walk on the sidewalks (if you can cause it can get so packed) because you can really see them looking at you. Just like their coffee, they are quite in to people watching.

I would say beware of the motorcycles but 

they are seriously everywhere and 

it's as if they don't care if they get someone killed. 

But motorcycles add flavor to Hanoi.

Hanoi Beer.

They have the best burgers! 

We had dinner here on our first night 

and a truck full of Vietnam soldiers stopped in front 

of the establishment, demanding it to be closed. 

We were so scared. 

We had to learn the hard way that Hanoi has a curfew. 

Coffee and Coconut Smoothie at Cong Caphe!

Again, our first and last day at Hanoi was all about Ha Long Bay. I regret to write this but I was quite disappointed with Ha Long Bay. For me, they kind of overused the place which got me lost on it being a UNESCO Heritage Site. Yeah, it's a tourist destination, the culture and history is there and the myth is astonishing, really, but with it being a natural site, it was upsetting to see it not being maintained well. Sure, there are lots of islets in one place but the water's not that clear and there are too many boats roaming around. Also an issue for me was the lights inside the cave. We got in to the Thien Cung Cave, also known as the Heaven Cave, and it's convenient for me and everyone for that matter, that it already has a pavement but they put on lights inside. I couldn't see the natural formation of the rocks. It looked like a theater stage. Of course, I'm still glad I was able to see it. Our tour guide's very nice and informative.

Thien Cung Cave.

And then... home. Everything starts and ends with my Manila. I never felt any bit of tiredness until I saw my bed and the reality that my trip's over until I saw my friends.

I was glad to be back, of course. But I wasn't that excited to head back which was weird, as you know me, I love my house, my box, my Manila; the comfort and convenience of my home. But after those 10 days, 4 countries and countless memories and experiences, I realized the need to travel. You travel not only because you want to but because you need to. You need to explore the world, because really, the world is the home. And that I can get the comfort and convenience of my home everywhere and anywhere because that's not something you look for, that's something you carry with you.

Far good

Right now:
5:10 in the morning. Waiting for the clock to hit 6 so I can log in at work to do some OT. I'm in my desk, typing this, obviously. The best friend's at the couch sleeping after stuffing ourselves with super unhealthy food, complaining about life and him schooling me on The Matrix.

Not right now, more like, this is how I open this entry up:
It's been 2 months since I wrote here and I have been trying to, really, for the past 3 weeks, but I just don't know where to begin. Quite frankly, I had an idea what this blog will be about for this year but a lot has happened, I don't know if I'll be able to be in detail here and even make sense really, but what the hell, here it goes..

Birthday month happened and I was thrilled. Nana and my cousin Jerby were here so I was in every mall in the metro for the first days of 2014. I also went to the Phoenix concert with Ella last January and oh man, it was so so so good.

Dinner with Kuya Xyruz at Mr. Kurosawa. 

I have been craving for their Iwo Jima Pizza since!

L-R: Gian, Papa, Nana, Red and Mama.

Phoenix! <3

The birthday happened. Ding ding ding, hello 25th year of my existence! I had a party and yes, my parents organized it. It was sweet of them to have my friends over. I'm used to spending my birthdays alone and somewhere far but the way it went down this year was fun.

The birthday gang!

A week after my birthday, it was Chinese New Year and Dani's birthday so since we're cool (or so we think), we braved Binondo among hundreds of people and dragon dances to celebrate both events. I've been to Binondo a bunch of times but this is my first Chinese New Year there, so it was an experience.

I had dinners with almost everyone to anywhere. I was, or still am, busy eating and not getting much sleep. There's the usual drinking sesh with the gang, oh well, few of gang who had "life" turning situations for the past what, 5 months. Drinking makes you numb and happy - that's just what I need right now. I mean, I'm down with the self-care and making life after that trouble, but I need to somehow tune the feeling down sometimes. And drinking is so far the best way to do so.

I've also been engaging myself back to what I love -  family, friends, movies, TV shows and books, and I'm keeping up. Not that I've abandoned them or anything, just keeping up with appreciating them more. All of my friends apparently has sepanx with each other and we're making the most out of it. We talk like, all day, every day with every communication app possible. It's crazy. My laptop and hard drives are full and I'm slowly making way through my stacked up books. I feel like I am myself again, you know.

After turning 25, really, I didn't feel much change or maybe it's just too early for me to say so. All I realized was 25 is when shit gets a little less cute.

I'm starting to feel the gravity of the responsibilities I should have looked in to ever since started working. I know I'm late with this, but I actually now have a financial list and app where I put in income and expenses and all that crap. It's good seeing the list and marking things I have already done, makes me comfortable in the sense that my money goes in to important stuff. I kind of miss getting shit I think I need but really don't though. I don't think anyone's ever really gotten over that feeling. I think I even said to Dani once that I'm feeling "make up deprived". I sincerely believe that that is a legit feeling and I need to do something about that soon. And by soon, I mean, 2 months from now.

Work is good. I mean it has gotten routinely - get to work at 6:00 am, cig break after an hour, lunch break at 10:00 am and go home by 2:00 am, but it's okay. No, not okay just... blah. I don't want to complain because really, I am compensated well with this job, better than most of my friends with their jobs even. But I am not challenged anymore, you know. There's nothing new and I'm not bragging here, but there's nothing to it that I don't know. I told myself that this year would be a "career year" for me, meaning, I'd work for my future with this company but I'm not seeing any light. It's a dead end job. I will be a proofreader for as long as I can, I think. And it sucks because I know I can do better than this, like with this company, I can manage people or even in a different field - I can do better. But it's like I'm stuck because 1. the money and I'm being accountable for it now. 2. it's not easy to get another job, regardless of what kind and 3. I'm trying to be the bigger person by sucking it all up for the sake of what's ahead of me.

I don't know how I'll keep up with this. I guess as long as it pays the bills. And I'm having fun with my officemates anyway. We don't get to have much interaction but you have to learn to appreciate the little things, like a cookie left at my desk by Joyce for breakfast, Pat's "Good morning, bbkong!" and Ate Rox's hugs. Those things make my life a little sweeter especially now.

As for myself and ahem, feelings - I'm not going to be a hypocrite and say that that thing that happened doesn't affect me anymore. Sadly, it still does. But not quite like how it was before. And I'm not in a hurry to feel any different. I'm aware now that this is the time for me to just let the questions be. And I can control myself now. Well, I have been controlling myself since this shit happened and I'm getting used to it - the pain and the heavy heart. I'm getting used to the silence. It's not that loud in my head anymore. There are moments, of course, but I learned how to breathe and just let it all out. Let out the air that contains the things unsolved in my heart and mind. I still need more time and patience and I'm always praying for the courage to pick myself up every day.

So that's it so far. I'm done with my OT and Carlo left like 2 hours ago. Must sleep for Aika and Fong's birthday barbecue later.

'13 Going On '14

Thanks to Instagram I can easily look back at what went down this 2013. Photos are for looking back at moments we were congested with feelings, may it be good or bad; moments we'll never get back.

2013 was a huge deal to my family. I got to see my Tita Arlene again after almost 11 years and there's my lola at Ilocos who dropped by and I haven't seen her in years, too. It's amazing how much we love someone even though we don't get to see and experience their warmth everyday. It's faith, I guess, knowing that they are there, makes the distance seem like nothing.
My brothers graduated from college this year. Yes, I am a proud Ate. It took them time to graduate but our family didn't mind. Having education is the only thing our parents can give us that won't be ripped off just as easily. So with that, they can take all the time they want. This is their time after all.
Papa won this year's barangay elections, too and we all worked hard to give him all the support he needs. My parentals just has this innate light in them to help people. I have witnessed yet again some people try to diminish that light but my parents are strong; helping others makes them who they are.

I was kind of lost on the friends part on the first months of 2013. I had a phase where I didn't know what to say to them so I just listened. But they emerged for me, everyone emerged for me, when I needed them the most. I am forever grateful of them and I wouldn't have gone through that sucky situation without them. This year tested how far we can go for each other and I'm proud to say that we have passed. We have given each other time and really, we all just need someone to be there. With friendship, you just have to be there and listen, and if you're lucky, they will ask you for what you think.
I was able to tell them things I can't tell to myself. I love the love they give me, they make me feel untouchable. We remind each other who we are. Friends are there to make you laugh and cry and realize who you really are.

I got to travel a lot this year, up top please as since last 2012, I promised to give some time to travel. I got to go to Caramoan last February and it was beautiful. I have experienced the Pahiyas Festival in Quezon with my High School friends and lastly, CDO, Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon with Ella, Vivi and Florie. I have always loved indulging myself in different cultures and seeing beautiful places one has to see, as this world is so big, as a human being, you can't just stay in your couch and watch TV. And I believe that being in a different place makes you discover things you don't even know about yourself.
I also got to go to a concert this year - The XX. It was a magical moment with Ella and I won't ever forget the music filling my ears and letting my body dance.
While I enjoyed going out, of course there are days where I preferred pajamas over people. It's just wasn't enough to fulfill my yearly 100 movies and 10 books. I'm sorry, self. I only got to watch 76 films and read 2 books. It's embarrassing. But GRMM's ASoS was way ass long and my HD for movies was busted for almost a month. I'll make it up this 2014, I promise.

Work was pretty swell for me this 2013. My 22-year-old self is currently giving me a high-five for sticking to a job for a year now. I've always wanted a stable job and I have it now. Some of my officemates were laid off and that sucked big time, especially since I was just getting used to them in my life, but you know, friendships just don't happen. You guys work on it and so far, we're doing pretty good. I don't remember who told me that having real friends at work is impossible but I'm proud to say that I have a small circle of friends and they make it less boring.

One can never go through life without a friend and I am beyond thankful that I have tons. Like, really, tons. To all of my friends, from the bottom of my heart, half-coated of nicotine lungs and always-craving-for-Macchiato tongue, thank you. Thank you for being up with me in the clouds and holding my hand when it's time to go down. I'm looking forward to more years with you guys. My love for you grows each and every time. I will never get tired of crazy moments with you. You make everything in my life colorful.

To my mains - Papa, Mama, Gian and Red (GAAAAAD I'M CRYING), thank you. Thank you for simply being you and loving Nikka. Everything I do and will do are all for you. Thank you for not seeing me differently even if I fuck up. We had a great year and life is so beautiful because of you guys. I love you.

To the new ones in my life, OMG, brace yourselves, we're gonna have one sweet and awesome ride! No seriously, thank you for accepting me for who I am. And I am more than grateful for you letting me in to your life. I'm still trying to figure things out and maybe you are too, so let's figure things out together. I cannot wait for this relationship to grow and I want you to know that you've got a friend in me.

For those who came and left, thank you. Still. Life's a constant motion of change. It's sad that with that change, we don't understand things between us anymore but the universe conspired for us to meet. That has to mean something. Now, maybe it's just through. We're not sure exactly why and what for but it will all come together. I believe in that. And I'm glad I had you once in this lifetime. I'm sorry if ever I hurt you. I want you to be happy, so happy, even in the parts of your life that I will probably never see.

2013 has been nice to me. Thinking about the things that I did, the things that I now aim for, people did for me, the way I think, and the people around me, makes me sigh, smile and realize that this is the life I've always wanted. This is the life that people get jealous of. I got my family and friends. Pretty solid. I grow every year and I am blessed. The latter part of the year wasn't exactly good but I take full responsibility of that. My life's good, I mean, I couldn't ask for more. But I did and that's why shit hit the fan. I kept on hurting myself, asking and looking for things not meant for me. I know it's completely okay to desire but too much can kill you. I'm a person who's never content and I don't intend to be just okay with what I have, but really, you have to want the right things. I don't particularly know how to distinguish those things but you'll feel it, you know. I have experienced the power of human instinct this year - you'll feel it if it's for you. People get hurt because they don't know their place. I was hurt because I didn't know mine, but I now do. A friend told me once that I get angry easily but I'm slowly proving otherwise, I think. I'm learning how to control myself. I'm learning how to let go gracefully the things that aren't for me.

Randy and I roll our eyes when we hear people talk about resolutions. We're negative like that. I don't do resolutions because I'm pretty secure of who I am. Well, still needs some minor touch ups. I'm not a future-thinking person but maybe it's time - let go of the past, live the moment and think about the future. Well, once in a while.
So as for resolutions, fine - to lessen smoking and time on Facebook and Twitter. To love myself more; to realize that I may know how to handle pain but that doesn't mean I'd always let myself endure it. And to smile more. Not mentally-crazy-smile but you know - smile.

I'll be 25 years old this year. I know myself, I am living the life I have always wanted but I still don't know who I want to be. I think that's hard to even think about, but when I look at the people around me, I realize I want to be like them. The people you surround yourself with brings out the best in you.
I want to be like my parents, always willing to help other people and forgive every shit that brothers and I do. I want to be like my friends, always saying what needs to be said regardless of the situation, always willing to give time for the things that matter. I want to be a true friend. I want to be like the new people in my life, always seeing the good in every one. I want to be thoughtful. I want to be like the ones who left. I want to be brave enough to walk away from the things that no longer serves me and protects me.
I want to be all that. Not necessarily completely but I want to, at least, manifest those characters because I may be flawed but I want to be the best that I can be.
Lastly, I want to be happy. I want to be filled with good vibes. Don't get me wrong, I recognize bad shit but with bad shit you should just see it, feel it and eventually move on from it.
Life goes on anyway.

Happiness is a choice and I'm wishing for all of you to choose that. Always.

Maraming Salamat, 2013!
2014, I am ready for you, bitch!
Happy New Year, y'all!