Okay so I kinda forgot about my blog...and now realized how far behind I am on the events going on in my life...and the worst part is it is crunch time here because it's report card week. Yikes so I don't know when I will update you on all of the following...I need to tell you about my birthday, Desert trip, soccer game, International Day, Going to Dubai, and of course my trip to India.
I will try my best to at least put up some pics...Hope all is well with everyone.
x0x0x
April 11, 2008
March 2, 2008
National and Liberation Day
Okay another update on my busy life here in Sandville.
About 2 weeks ago we had a sandstorm. I was at school getting ready to go on lunch duty when an announcement came on and said that visibility was low and that it was an indoor recess. Keep our classroom doors and windows closed. Then they went on to say they were contacting the appropriate authorities as to cancel school for the rest of the day and go home.
I thought to myself…”Are you serious? We are going to cancel school because of a dust storm…SWEET…nobody at home will believe this. Lol”
So I opened my door and it was a bit hazy in the hallway…then I continued all the way to the outside doors. When I opened the door all I saw was a light brown haze and no playground. Then I thought to myself “Wow this is my FIRST dust storm!...COOL”
Well needless to say school did not get cancelled….however we heard that school the next day might be…but unfortunately it did not happen. It was still dusty again and most girls came with the little white masks that you wear when you are cleaning out a grain bin…it was quite the sight to see.
On February 22 – 26 we had another holiday. I decided I should be responsible and save some money and check out Kuwait more. Everyone that didn’t stay in Kuwait went to Lebanon…but I was a bit leary as the US Embassy was recently bombed.
On Friday Feb. 23 I went to games night in my building with all the people who stayed in Kuwait..which was a fair number of us.
Then on Saturday. Feb. 24 I went to the Cinema. I wanted to see Dan the Man but it was sold out…so the only available flick was SILK. Let’s just say I did not have the best experience at the theatre. For one…there is nothing to do in Kuwait but go to the Cinema so it was packed..we had to sit in the “boy section” which is located right up at the screen (sore neck). Then in Kuwait its Haram (sin) to kiss…so all the scenes with any kissing etc were edited out. To make it worse there was lots edited out of our movie and it was 1 hour and 45 minutes long…I can’t imagine how long it would be without editing. It was the WORST Movie I have ever seen. No plot, or story to it. Don’t see it. Trust me save your money.
After the movie the girls (Amanda, Kyla and Danielle) and I went to the Chocolate Bar…and tried to make ourselves feel better. Teehee Danielle’s friend Moe came by and invited us over to his apartment for drinks. So we agreed.
The next day, Sunday Feb. 25th I went to Faaheel with Danielle and Kyla. It was one of the first sunny hot days here in Kuwait that we’ve had in awhile. Didn’t buy anything but we sat and drank coffee near the water sprinklers. It was a nice atmosphere.
Then Monday, Feb. 26 (National Day) I wanted to go skating so Danielle, Jamie, Joe and I headed to the rink…which had no ice because they were setting up for a concert. Seriously I didn’t think my break could get any more bad luck. We went back to Jamie’s house and ate wings, chilled out and then went back to Faaheel because Jamie needed some new shoes. Back at my house we ordered Thai and watched the Oscar Awards. Then Moe was having another party so we went to it..but it was not fun.
Tuesday, Feb. 27 – Liberation Day …I had full intentions of getting up early and going to the Liberation Tower in Kuwait…but slept in. Sigh and that was the worst week I could possible have had this year. So next year I don’t think I want to stay in Kuwait for that long of break.
On February 21 we were supposed to celebrate National Day at school but because of the dust storm the Ministry of Education cancelled it. So we had it on February. 28th. This is when everyone in Kuwait dressed in the Kuwait flag colors..jpg)
Just a bit of history for you..as I am currently teaching the Kuwait Unit in S.S National Day is always celebrated on the 25th because it was when Kuwait became an independent country. On Feb. 26th Kuwait became free from the fighting with Iraq. At school it was a whole day of events. .jpg)
there was buffet lunch and shwarma! They also had blow ups as you can see..and I couldn't resist myself! lol.jpg)
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So right now I am cleaning my apartment…I am hosting a student teacher to live with me for the next 8 weeks…hopefully we get along because the living quarters are going to be tight.
Hope all is well. Miss everyone lots.
Love,Krista
About 2 weeks ago we had a sandstorm. I was at school getting ready to go on lunch duty when an announcement came on and said that visibility was low and that it was an indoor recess. Keep our classroom doors and windows closed. Then they went on to say they were contacting the appropriate authorities as to cancel school for the rest of the day and go home.
I thought to myself…”Are you serious? We are going to cancel school because of a dust storm…SWEET…nobody at home will believe this. Lol”
So I opened my door and it was a bit hazy in the hallway…then I continued all the way to the outside doors. When I opened the door all I saw was a light brown haze and no playground. Then I thought to myself “Wow this is my FIRST dust storm!...COOL”
Well needless to say school did not get cancelled….however we heard that school the next day might be…but unfortunately it did not happen. It was still dusty again and most girls came with the little white masks that you wear when you are cleaning out a grain bin…it was quite the sight to see.
On February 22 – 26 we had another holiday. I decided I should be responsible and save some money and check out Kuwait more. Everyone that didn’t stay in Kuwait went to Lebanon…but I was a bit leary as the US Embassy was recently bombed.
On Friday Feb. 23 I went to games night in my building with all the people who stayed in Kuwait..which was a fair number of us.
Then on Saturday. Feb. 24 I went to the Cinema. I wanted to see Dan the Man but it was sold out…so the only available flick was SILK. Let’s just say I did not have the best experience at the theatre. For one…there is nothing to do in Kuwait but go to the Cinema so it was packed..we had to sit in the “boy section” which is located right up at the screen (sore neck). Then in Kuwait its Haram (sin) to kiss…so all the scenes with any kissing etc were edited out. To make it worse there was lots edited out of our movie and it was 1 hour and 45 minutes long…I can’t imagine how long it would be without editing. It was the WORST Movie I have ever seen. No plot, or story to it. Don’t see it. Trust me save your money.
After the movie the girls (Amanda, Kyla and Danielle) and I went to the Chocolate Bar…and tried to make ourselves feel better. Teehee Danielle’s friend Moe came by and invited us over to his apartment for drinks. So we agreed.
The next day, Sunday Feb. 25th I went to Faaheel with Danielle and Kyla. It was one of the first sunny hot days here in Kuwait that we’ve had in awhile. Didn’t buy anything but we sat and drank coffee near the water sprinklers. It was a nice atmosphere.
Then Monday, Feb. 26 (National Day) I wanted to go skating so Danielle, Jamie, Joe and I headed to the rink…which had no ice because they were setting up for a concert. Seriously I didn’t think my break could get any more bad luck. We went back to Jamie’s house and ate wings, chilled out and then went back to Faaheel because Jamie needed some new shoes. Back at my house we ordered Thai and watched the Oscar Awards. Then Moe was having another party so we went to it..but it was not fun.
Tuesday, Feb. 27 – Liberation Day …I had full intentions of getting up early and going to the Liberation Tower in Kuwait…but slept in. Sigh and that was the worst week I could possible have had this year. So next year I don’t think I want to stay in Kuwait for that long of break.
On February 21 we were supposed to celebrate National Day at school but because of the dust storm the Ministry of Education cancelled it. So we had it on February. 28th. This is when everyone in Kuwait dressed in the Kuwait flag colors.
Just a bit of history for you..as I am currently teaching the Kuwait Unit in S.S National Day is always celebrated on the 25th because it was when Kuwait became an independent country. On Feb. 26th Kuwait became free from the fighting with Iraq. At school it was a whole day of events. Starbucks came to school,
there was buffet lunch and shwarma! They also had blow ups as you can see..and I couldn't resist myself! lolSo right now I am cleaning my apartment…I am hosting a student teacher to live with me for the next 8 weeks…hopefully we get along because the living quarters are going to be tight.
Hope all is well. Miss everyone lots.
Love,Krista
National and Liberation Day
Okay another update on my busy life here in Sandville.
About 2 weeks ago we had a sandstorm. I was at school getting ready to go on lunch duty when an announcement came on and said that visibility was low and that it was an indoor recess. Keep our classroom doors and windows closed. Then they went on to say they were contacting the appropriate authorities as to cancel school for the rest of the day and go home.
I thought to myself…”Are you serious? We are going to cancel school because of a dust storm…SWEET…nobody at home will believe this. Lol”
So I opened my door and it was a bit hazy in the hallway…then I continued all the way to the outside doors. When I opened the door all I saw was a light brown haze and no playground. Then I thought to myself “Wow this is my FIRST dust storm!...COOL”
Well needless to say school did not get cancelled….however we heard that school the next day might be…but unfortunately it did not happen. It was still dusty again and most girls came with the little white masks that you wear when you are cleaning out a grain bin…it was quite the sight to see.
On February 22 – 26 we had another holiday. I decided I should be responsible and save some money and check out Kuwait more. Everyone that didn’t stay in Kuwait went to Lebanon…but I was a bit leary as the US Embassy was recently bombed.
On Friday Feb. 23 I went to games night in my building with all the people who stayed in Kuwait..which was a fair number of us.
Then on Saturday. Feb. 24 I went to the Cinema. I wanted to see Dan the Man but it was sold out…so the only available flick was SILK. Let’s just say I did not have the best experience at the theatre. For one…there is nothing to do in Kuwait but go to the Cinema so it was packed..we had to sit in the “boy section” which is located right up at the screen (sore neck). Then in Kuwait its Haram (sin) to kiss…so all the scenes with any kissing etc were edited out. To make it worse there was lots edited out of our movie and it was 1 hour and 45 minutes long…I can’t imagine how long it would be without editing. It was the WORST Movie I have ever seen. No plot, or story to it. Don’t see it. Trust me save your money.
After the movie the girls (Amanda, Kyla and Danielle) and I went to the Chocolate Bar…and tried to make ourselves feel better. Teehee Danielle’s friend Moe came by and invited us over to his apartment for drinks. So we agreed.
The next day, Sunday Feb. 25th I went to Faaheel with Danielle and Kyla. It was one of the first sunny hot days here in Kuwait that we’ve had in awhile. Didn’t buy anything but we sat and drank coffee near the water sprinklers. It was a nice atmosphere.
Then Monday, Feb. 26 (National Day) I wanted to go skating so Danielle, Jamie, Joe and I headed to the rink…which had no ice because they were setting up for a concert. Seriously I didn’t think my break could get any more bad luck. We went back to Jamie’s house and ate wings, chilled out and then went back to Faaheel because Jamie needed some new shoes. Back at my house we ordered Thai and watched the Oscar Awards. Then Moe was having another party so we went to it..but it was not fun.
Tuesday, Feb. 27 – Liberation Day …I had full intentions of getting up early and going to the Liberation Tower in Kuwait…but slept in. Sigh and that was the worst week I could possible have had this year. So next year I don’t think I want to stay in Kuwait for that long of break.
On February 21 we were supposed to celebrate National Day at school but because of the dust storm the Ministry of Education cancelled it. So we had it on February. 28th. This is when everyone in Kuwait dressed in the Kuwait flag colors. I will post some pictures of this event. Just a bit of history for you..as I am currently teaching the Kuwait Unit in S.S National Day is always celebrated on the 25th because it was when Kuwait became an independent country. On Feb. 26th Kuwait became free from the fighting with Iraq.
So right now I am cleaning my apartment…I am hosting a student teacher to live with me for the next 8 weeks…hopefully we get along because the living quarters are going to be tight.
Hope all is well. Miss everyone lots.
Love,Krista
About 2 weeks ago we had a sandstorm. I was at school getting ready to go on lunch duty when an announcement came on and said that visibility was low and that it was an indoor recess. Keep our classroom doors and windows closed. Then they went on to say they were contacting the appropriate authorities as to cancel school for the rest of the day and go home.
I thought to myself…”Are you serious? We are going to cancel school because of a dust storm…SWEET…nobody at home will believe this. Lol”
So I opened my door and it was a bit hazy in the hallway…then I continued all the way to the outside doors. When I opened the door all I saw was a light brown haze and no playground. Then I thought to myself “Wow this is my FIRST dust storm!...COOL”
Well needless to say school did not get cancelled….however we heard that school the next day might be…but unfortunately it did not happen. It was still dusty again and most girls came with the little white masks that you wear when you are cleaning out a grain bin…it was quite the sight to see.
On February 22 – 26 we had another holiday. I decided I should be responsible and save some money and check out Kuwait more. Everyone that didn’t stay in Kuwait went to Lebanon…but I was a bit leary as the US Embassy was recently bombed.
On Friday Feb. 23 I went to games night in my building with all the people who stayed in Kuwait..which was a fair number of us.
Then on Saturday. Feb. 24 I went to the Cinema. I wanted to see Dan the Man but it was sold out…so the only available flick was SILK. Let’s just say I did not have the best experience at the theatre. For one…there is nothing to do in Kuwait but go to the Cinema so it was packed..we had to sit in the “boy section” which is located right up at the screen (sore neck). Then in Kuwait its Haram (sin) to kiss…so all the scenes with any kissing etc were edited out. To make it worse there was lots edited out of our movie and it was 1 hour and 45 minutes long…I can’t imagine how long it would be without editing. It was the WORST Movie I have ever seen. No plot, or story to it. Don’t see it. Trust me save your money.
After the movie the girls (Amanda, Kyla and Danielle) and I went to the Chocolate Bar…and tried to make ourselves feel better. Teehee Danielle’s friend Moe came by and invited us over to his apartment for drinks. So we agreed.
The next day, Sunday Feb. 25th I went to Faaheel with Danielle and Kyla. It was one of the first sunny hot days here in Kuwait that we’ve had in awhile. Didn’t buy anything but we sat and drank coffee near the water sprinklers. It was a nice atmosphere.
Then Monday, Feb. 26 (National Day) I wanted to go skating so Danielle, Jamie, Joe and I headed to the rink…which had no ice because they were setting up for a concert. Seriously I didn’t think my break could get any more bad luck. We went back to Jamie’s house and ate wings, chilled out and then went back to Faaheel because Jamie needed some new shoes. Back at my house we ordered Thai and watched the Oscar Awards. Then Moe was having another party so we went to it..but it was not fun.
Tuesday, Feb. 27 – Liberation Day …I had full intentions of getting up early and going to the Liberation Tower in Kuwait…but slept in. Sigh and that was the worst week I could possible have had this year. So next year I don’t think I want to stay in Kuwait for that long of break.
On February 21 we were supposed to celebrate National Day at school but because of the dust storm the Ministry of Education cancelled it. So we had it on February. 28th. This is when everyone in Kuwait dressed in the Kuwait flag colors. I will post some pictures of this event. Just a bit of history for you..as I am currently teaching the Kuwait Unit in S.S National Day is always celebrated on the 25th because it was when Kuwait became an independent country. On Feb. 26th Kuwait became free from the fighting with Iraq.
So right now I am cleaning my apartment…I am hosting a student teacher to live with me for the next 8 weeks…hopefully we get along because the living quarters are going to be tight.
Hope all is well. Miss everyone lots.
Love,Krista
February 9, 2008
Thailand
Winter Break Adventure continues...
Day 7 – January 31st
We left Cambodia and headed back to Bangkok only to fly out again to Koh Sumi, Thailand. We spent the day laying on the beach soaking in rays. Then Kristy and I went for the most amazing massages that I have ever had in my life. For $10.00 I was heaven. We went to a place called FRIENDS. Amanda and Kyla got their nails done. Afterwards we went to McDonalds for burgers…mmm beef! We stayed right next to the ferry and had a beach front room. Carla and her friend Kendra also met up with us there and were going to Ko Phangan with us the next day.
Day 8 – February 1st
We jumped on the Ferry (150 bht) to Ko Phangan that dropped us off at Haad Rin pier. This is where the full moon party is held…but unfortunately we would be missing this big event because we will be back in Kuwait.
We took a mini bus to a small, quite resort called Haad Yao. We stayed at Dream Resort. It is a resort that is not packed with people. The beach was beautiful and had lush green trees all around. It was a place you would see on a post card. Sara and Edwin were already there (teachers in Kuwait) so that made our group total of people on the resort from Kuwait 8.
We ate the most delicious Thai food at Happy Restaurant. Our hotel also had good food too. For the rest of our trip our goal was to relax, lay on the beach, swim, eat, and get plenty of massages!!!
Day 9 – February 2nd
For the entire day we relaxed, layed on the beach, went swimming, ate lots of food and snacks, and got an aloe massage for under $10.00 !!!
Day 10 – February 3rd
Today we decided to take a boat trip. For a full day we went sightseeing, snorkeling, a bit of sun tanning, fishing, and kayaking. We went to bottle beach, Thong Nai Pan, Than Sadet and Me Haad. We only got off at Bottle beach as the tide was too high at the others. We fished off the deack at Haad Khom and only 4 people caught fish. They were pretty tiny. I was not one of those 4 people but it was still lots of fun.
When we got home we decided to go into Haad Rin (45 minutes away from our beach) and check out the beach where the full moon party is. We had a few drinks where you can write your name on the walls with glow and the dark ink. Then we wandered around the streets and bought pancakes and delicious crepes. I had a banana mars crepe. SOoooo good. Then back to the beach to watch drunk people do the limbo under a rope on fire. We were also on the look out for lady boys. (thai men who try to be women) We were told that a thai man gets excited when his wife gets pregnant because that means he didn’t marry a “lady boy”.
Day 11 – February 4th
Slept in and then relaxed, layed on the beach, went swimming, ate lots of food and snacks.
Day 12 – February 5th
Everyone headed back to the Haad Rin to catch the ferry back to Koh Sumi except Amanda. In Koh Sumi Kristy and Kyla and I went on an Island Safari Adventure. We went elephant trekking, saw a baby elephant show where Kristy and I got an elephant thai massage. Watched a monkey and thai boxing show. A jeep (looked like one you would see in Africa) picked us up and took us to a waterfall. (even went swimming in it!!) Then we went on a canoe ride. It was really a fun way to spend 4 hours in Koh Sumi. On our way for supper we drove past Fisherman’s village and if we had more time this would have been a cool place to visit/shop. For supper we went to a Korean BBQ. Here we cooked meat and vegetables and threw in some noodles and made a soup. It was all you could eat so we ate until we could hardly move!!! It was delicious.
Day 13 – February 6th
We flew back early in the morning to Bangkok. We jumped in a taxi and headed to Cosan Road. We shopped all day and believe it or not spent less than 100.00 and had a pile of stuff. I am still shocked at how cheap everything was in Thailand. The big cost was the flights…once there it was cheap to eat, sleep and drink. I bought purses, 4 bathing suits, many shirts, watch, thai hats etc
Then to end the evening we went to a PangPong Show…oh my..What I am about to tell you is graphic and disturbing. But when in Bangkok you must go to the show to believe it. When we got there we got a free drink with our ticket. The show started with a couple having sex..yup right on stage. Then many girls showed us what they can put up and dropped out of their vaginas. (we will call the vagina a yaya for the rest of this post) So one girl stuck ping pong balls up her yaya and dropped them into a cup. Then another girl shot darts our of her yaya and popped balloons. Razarr blades, string were also objects that came out of the yaya. There was much more going on beside me..that wasn’t even part of the show. I am shocked to say that I have never been more discusted at what those women and men for that matter do for money. The lonely planet suggests that if you only have 1 day in Bangkok that this is what you should see. Wow and what a show you will get.
Day 14 – February 7th
We decided to do some more shopping but at a different market…but in the end the taxi dropped us off at a mall across from the market so we decided to check it out instead. Here there was more cheap items. Then we went to the Royal Palace. I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life. Pictures can’t explain how beautiful it was. Then back to Cosan Road we went….you guessed it SHOPPING!! Amanda’s flight got in at 10pm and she found us around 11pm. We packed until 1:00am and had to get up at 3:30 to take a taxi to the airport…we didn’t get much sleep.
Day 15 – February 8th
Flew back to Abu Dhabi and then Kuwait…Home Sweet Home. I had wonderful relaxing and fun trip. It is nice to be back and see my other friends in Kuwait. Not ready to go back to teaching..but ready to see my girls and what they did on their holiday. It is going to be a busy week planning and catching up. I will try post pictures soon as it is much more interesting to see…rather than read.
Talk to you soon,
Love Krista
Day 7 – January 31st
We left Cambodia and headed back to Bangkok only to fly out again to Koh Sumi, Thailand. We spent the day laying on the beach soaking in rays. Then Kristy and I went for the most amazing massages that I have ever had in my life. For $10.00 I was heaven. We went to a place called FRIENDS. Amanda and Kyla got their nails done. Afterwards we went to McDonalds for burgers…mmm beef! We stayed right next to the ferry and had a beach front room. Carla and her friend Kendra also met up with us there and were going to Ko Phangan with us the next day.
Day 8 – February 1st
We jumped on the Ferry (150 bht) to Ko Phangan that dropped us off at Haad Rin pier. This is where the full moon party is held…but unfortunately we would be missing this big event because we will be back in Kuwait.
We took a mini bus to a small, quite resort called Haad Yao. We stayed at Dream Resort. It is a resort that is not packed with people. The beach was beautiful and had lush green trees all around. It was a place you would see on a post card. Sara and Edwin were already there (teachers in Kuwait) so that made our group total of people on the resort from Kuwait 8.
We ate the most delicious Thai food at Happy Restaurant. Our hotel also had good food too. For the rest of our trip our goal was to relax, lay on the beach, swim, eat, and get plenty of massages!!!
Day 9 – February 2nd
For the entire day we relaxed, layed on the beach, went swimming, ate lots of food and snacks, and got an aloe massage for under $10.00 !!!
Day 10 – February 3rd
Today we decided to take a boat trip. For a full day we went sightseeing, snorkeling, a bit of sun tanning, fishing, and kayaking. We went to bottle beach, Thong Nai Pan, Than Sadet and Me Haad. We only got off at Bottle beach as the tide was too high at the others. We fished off the deack at Haad Khom and only 4 people caught fish. They were pretty tiny. I was not one of those 4 people but it was still lots of fun.
When we got home we decided to go into Haad Rin (45 minutes away from our beach) and check out the beach where the full moon party is. We had a few drinks where you can write your name on the walls with glow and the dark ink. Then we wandered around the streets and bought pancakes and delicious crepes. I had a banana mars crepe. SOoooo good. Then back to the beach to watch drunk people do the limbo under a rope on fire. We were also on the look out for lady boys. (thai men who try to be women) We were told that a thai man gets excited when his wife gets pregnant because that means he didn’t marry a “lady boy”.
Day 11 – February 4th
Slept in and then relaxed, layed on the beach, went swimming, ate lots of food and snacks.
Day 12 – February 5th
Everyone headed back to the Haad Rin to catch the ferry back to Koh Sumi except Amanda. In Koh Sumi Kristy and Kyla and I went on an Island Safari Adventure. We went elephant trekking, saw a baby elephant show where Kristy and I got an elephant thai massage. Watched a monkey and thai boxing show. A jeep (looked like one you would see in Africa) picked us up and took us to a waterfall. (even went swimming in it!!) Then we went on a canoe ride. It was really a fun way to spend 4 hours in Koh Sumi. On our way for supper we drove past Fisherman’s village and if we had more time this would have been a cool place to visit/shop. For supper we went to a Korean BBQ. Here we cooked meat and vegetables and threw in some noodles and made a soup. It was all you could eat so we ate until we could hardly move!!! It was delicious.
Day 13 – February 6th
We flew back early in the morning to Bangkok. We jumped in a taxi and headed to Cosan Road. We shopped all day and believe it or not spent less than 100.00 and had a pile of stuff. I am still shocked at how cheap everything was in Thailand. The big cost was the flights…once there it was cheap to eat, sleep and drink. I bought purses, 4 bathing suits, many shirts, watch, thai hats etc
Then to end the evening we went to a PangPong Show…oh my..What I am about to tell you is graphic and disturbing. But when in Bangkok you must go to the show to believe it. When we got there we got a free drink with our ticket. The show started with a couple having sex..yup right on stage. Then many girls showed us what they can put up and dropped out of their vaginas. (we will call the vagina a yaya for the rest of this post) So one girl stuck ping pong balls up her yaya and dropped them into a cup. Then another girl shot darts our of her yaya and popped balloons. Razarr blades, string were also objects that came out of the yaya. There was much more going on beside me..that wasn’t even part of the show. I am shocked to say that I have never been more discusted at what those women and men for that matter do for money. The lonely planet suggests that if you only have 1 day in Bangkok that this is what you should see. Wow and what a show you will get.
Day 14 – February 7th
We decided to do some more shopping but at a different market…but in the end the taxi dropped us off at a mall across from the market so we decided to check it out instead. Here there was more cheap items. Then we went to the Royal Palace. I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life. Pictures can’t explain how beautiful it was. Then back to Cosan Road we went….you guessed it SHOPPING!! Amanda’s flight got in at 10pm and she found us around 11pm. We packed until 1:00am and had to get up at 3:30 to take a taxi to the airport…we didn’t get much sleep.
Day 15 – February 8th
Flew back to Abu Dhabi and then Kuwait…Home Sweet Home. I had wonderful relaxing and fun trip. It is nice to be back and see my other friends in Kuwait. Not ready to go back to teaching..but ready to see my girls and what they did on their holiday. It is going to be a busy week planning and catching up. I will try post pictures soon as it is much more interesting to see…rather than read.
Talk to you soon,
Love Krista
Cambodia
Day 1 – Jan. 25th
On the way to Thailand we had a lay over in Abu Dhabi (capital of Dubai). We had about 10 hours so we decided to check this capital out! Abu Dhabi was small and very quiet. We walked along the water and saw the most beautiful hotel (Emirates Palace Hotel) it was breath taking it was so big At night different colors of lights faded in and out on it. We decided to go to the mall and look in a few stores and catch a movie called Even Money (it was ok…not the best I have seen. I really wanted to see Enchanted but it was sold out! Then back to the airport to catch our LONG flight to Bangkok. I slept the entire way…didn’t even watch a movie!
Day 2 – January 26th
At Bangkok we decided to book our flights and leave the same day to Cambodia. We landed in Phnom Penh just in time for supper. We dropped off our bags at the hotel and took a tuktuk to a small Thai restaurant that we saw on our way to the hotel. Cambodia and Thailand are full of Geigos. If I see another geigo it will be TOOOOoo sooon. Yuck. The food was good. (I really like Thai food). Afterwards we went to the night market. People were selling clothes, cds, purses, scarves, souvenirs…anything you can think of they were selling…CHEAP! I didn’t buy anything the first night because I didn’t know what prices were and wasn’t prepared to bargain just yet. We hopped in the tuk tuk and went back to the hotel to have a good nights sleep…once my head hit the pillow I was out!
Day 3 – January 27th
We had booked a car and driver for the day to pick us up at our hotel in Phnom Penh at 9:00…they definitely are not punctual people. He arrived at 10:00am. So we jumped in the car and headed to the Killing Field Choeung Ek. This place is where the men, women and the children prisoned in Tuol SLeng were taken to be killed and buried by the Communist regime Khmer Rouge. I walked around in kind of a daze. I couldn’t believe everything that I saw and what I learned along the way. There is a massive building with glass windows in the center where 5,000 human skulls are stacked high above your head. Then as you walk around the area there are little wooden signs next to each hold in the ground that gives the number of bodies found in that particular hole. In some places you could see pieces of clothing emerging from the ground. To save on bullets, they were usually bludgeoned to death, the smaller children and babies swung against a tree. They are still uncovering remains today.
After the killing fields we headed to Wat Phnom. Here we saw monkeys, a temple and a large clock in the ground.
After that we ate at a restaurant that helped an orphanage. I had a delicious pizza! (not Thai food…had a craving for pizza when I saw another couple eating it!!)
Next we went to Tuol Sleng S21 Genocide Museum. We watched a hour documentary on the Genocide…it was definitely hard to keep my eyes open in a dark, warm- slightly air-conditioned room. Tuol Sleng is composed of three buildings arranged around a rectangular yard. The classrooms were converted into prison cells and torture chambers; some preserved so you can see the conditions people were kept in, some cleared for exhibitions of torture mechanisms or photos of the thousands that were incarcerated. You can walk through the mass prison cells where people slept on the bare floor. You can see the rooms of the ground floor that were sectioned off into tiny single person prison cells, the chains that bound ankles still embedded in the concrete. Photos hang on the walls above the beds showing human shapes, faces obscured or beaten. The final rooms are photos with thousands of faces, covering the walls, photos of those that were arrested by the Khmer Rouge because they were considered a threat to the regime.
It was a long day and all of us were all in shock about what we had learned. Up until 1995 people were still hiding from the Vietnamese. They thought the war was still going on.
Afterwards we all needed massages and booked one for after supper. We went to a large shopping mall and found a place to buy cheap DVD’s. I bought a few romantic comedies to watch back in Kuwait.
We went to Seeing Hands (massages given by the blind). My massage was quite good. However, Kyla has never had a massage before and the guy who we think could see a bit, liked her and his hands wandered a little bit!!!
By this time we were all hungry. We decided to eat at a restaurant called Friends. Friends is a training restaurant which is training young people of cambodia necesarry skills for the future. (It is the 3rd and final step of their training. )The food was amazing!!! They were Tapas (small dishes) so that we could try a variety of items. Similar to our appetizers but a bit smaller.
Day 4 – January 28th
We went to The Royal Palace. It was very nice. Not all of the buildings were open for the public as they are still used today. I love Palaces so we had to check it out! The dress code was very strict here. Most of our body had to be covered. Skirts and a elbow length shirt was the best. No scarves! Kristy had to purchase a nice white see through t-shirt to cover her arms because of the no scarf rule. It was very hot walking around fully covered with the sun beating down on us!
Then we went to The National Museum - not very big but full of interesting artifacts from various temples around Cambodia. I don’t really like museums but it was still cool to see.
The best part of the day was going to the Russian Market. I was ready to shop!! My first purchase was a cute slip on pair of puma black and white shoes $10.00. Then I bought some Hollister t-shirts for $3.00c. A pair of A & F shorts for $7.00 and much more. All brand names items were cheap cheap!
Then we went to eat at the 2nd training restaurant owned by the same people as FRIENDS. The name of the restaurant was Romdeng. I thought this food was even better. It was traditional Cambodian food and complete meals.
Then we went to the Boom Boom room.
Afterwards we went to the water front street and walked restaurant to restaurant having some beverages. We saw some pretty nasty men paying women to touch their children in inappropriate places just for money. We saw foreigners paying Cambodian women to go home with them. It was sad to see the poverty and what women will do to survive.
Day 5 – January 29th
We had to get up early to catch the ferry boat to Siem Reap. I slept most of the way on this boat. But when I was awake the scenery was nice. You could see floating houses and boats with people fishing. We past buy a floating village on our way into Siem Reap. Getting our bags and getting off the boat was an experience I will never forget. We had to walk along the edge of the boat to get our bags. Put it on our back without falling over into the water. Then to get off the boat walk off a wooden board and hope not to fall into the wet mud. We had a tuk tuk driver waiting to pick us up and take us to our hotel. Kyla and I felt like we were in the Amazing race. Our tuk tuk driver drove very fast and we past every tuk tuk driver that we saw. Our hotel was cheap as usual. Only $7.00 a night. Amanda and Kristy’s room had geigos but lucky for Kyla and I we were on the 2nd floor and for some reason didn’t come into our room only stayed outside our door.
We headed straight to the tourism information office to find out what we wanted to see in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat. It was very helpful and we ended up eating at a buffet restaurant with Cambodia dancers for entertainment. After supper we headed to the late night markets where I bought some cheap flowy pants and a hand made bag. Cheap Cheap again. Then we went to Pub street to hang out and dance. Beer was only $1.00. Eeks So we ended up at a bar called Angkor What Bar. Here they had a special buy 2 pitchers get a t-shirt free. We sat and drank with some young guys who were also staying at our hotel. I signed my name on the wall…twice because the first time I didn’t think I made it big enough! (We ended up with 4 or 5 shirts…but some how only 2 ended up back in our hotel. Kyla lost the bags she purchased at the market too. We think when we were dancing it fell out of her purse. It was a really fun night but the next day we were lucky to wake up in time to go to Angkor Wat.
Day 6 – January 30th
So due to the fact that we didn’t get home until the wee hours of the morning and had a tuk tuk waiting for us at 8 to go to Angkor Wat…it was the longest day of our lives. The sun was very hot and we all were tired and yes hung over. But the troopers that we were made it through the entire day at Angkor Wat and saw all the temples that we wanted to see. We had to take a break every 10 minutes and sit down but we did. 13 hours in the heat …including the sun set. (I will upload pictures to show you how beautiful the buildings were)
On the way to Thailand we had a lay over in Abu Dhabi (capital of Dubai). We had about 10 hours so we decided to check this capital out! Abu Dhabi was small and very quiet. We walked along the water and saw the most beautiful hotel (Emirates Palace Hotel) it was breath taking it was so big At night different colors of lights faded in and out on it. We decided to go to the mall and look in a few stores and catch a movie called Even Money (it was ok…not the best I have seen. I really wanted to see Enchanted but it was sold out! Then back to the airport to catch our LONG flight to Bangkok. I slept the entire way…didn’t even watch a movie!
Day 2 – January 26th
At Bangkok we decided to book our flights and leave the same day to Cambodia. We landed in Phnom Penh just in time for supper. We dropped off our bags at the hotel and took a tuktuk to a small Thai restaurant that we saw on our way to the hotel. Cambodia and Thailand are full of Geigos. If I see another geigo it will be TOOOOoo sooon. Yuck. The food was good. (I really like Thai food). Afterwards we went to the night market. People were selling clothes, cds, purses, scarves, souvenirs…anything you can think of they were selling…CHEAP! I didn’t buy anything the first night because I didn’t know what prices were and wasn’t prepared to bargain just yet. We hopped in the tuk tuk and went back to the hotel to have a good nights sleep…once my head hit the pillow I was out!
Day 3 – January 27th
We had booked a car and driver for the day to pick us up at our hotel in Phnom Penh at 9:00…they definitely are not punctual people. He arrived at 10:00am. So we jumped in the car and headed to the Killing Field Choeung Ek. This place is where the men, women and the children prisoned in Tuol SLeng were taken to be killed and buried by the Communist regime Khmer Rouge. I walked around in kind of a daze. I couldn’t believe everything that I saw and what I learned along the way. There is a massive building with glass windows in the center where 5,000 human skulls are stacked high above your head. Then as you walk around the area there are little wooden signs next to each hold in the ground that gives the number of bodies found in that particular hole. In some places you could see pieces of clothing emerging from the ground. To save on bullets, they were usually bludgeoned to death, the smaller children and babies swung against a tree. They are still uncovering remains today.
After the killing fields we headed to Wat Phnom. Here we saw monkeys, a temple and a large clock in the ground.
After that we ate at a restaurant that helped an orphanage. I had a delicious pizza! (not Thai food…had a craving for pizza when I saw another couple eating it!!)
Next we went to Tuol Sleng S21 Genocide Museum. We watched a hour documentary on the Genocide…it was definitely hard to keep my eyes open in a dark, warm- slightly air-conditioned room. Tuol Sleng is composed of three buildings arranged around a rectangular yard. The classrooms were converted into prison cells and torture chambers; some preserved so you can see the conditions people were kept in, some cleared for exhibitions of torture mechanisms or photos of the thousands that were incarcerated. You can walk through the mass prison cells where people slept on the bare floor. You can see the rooms of the ground floor that were sectioned off into tiny single person prison cells, the chains that bound ankles still embedded in the concrete. Photos hang on the walls above the beds showing human shapes, faces obscured or beaten. The final rooms are photos with thousands of faces, covering the walls, photos of those that were arrested by the Khmer Rouge because they were considered a threat to the regime.
It was a long day and all of us were all in shock about what we had learned. Up until 1995 people were still hiding from the Vietnamese. They thought the war was still going on.
Afterwards we all needed massages and booked one for after supper. We went to a large shopping mall and found a place to buy cheap DVD’s. I bought a few romantic comedies to watch back in Kuwait.
We went to Seeing Hands (massages given by the blind). My massage was quite good. However, Kyla has never had a massage before and the guy who we think could see a bit, liked her and his hands wandered a little bit!!!
By this time we were all hungry. We decided to eat at a restaurant called Friends. Friends is a training restaurant which is training young people of cambodia necesarry skills for the future. (It is the 3rd and final step of their training. )The food was amazing!!! They were Tapas (small dishes) so that we could try a variety of items. Similar to our appetizers but a bit smaller.
Day 4 – January 28th
We went to The Royal Palace. It was very nice. Not all of the buildings were open for the public as they are still used today. I love Palaces so we had to check it out! The dress code was very strict here. Most of our body had to be covered. Skirts and a elbow length shirt was the best. No scarves! Kristy had to purchase a nice white see through t-shirt to cover her arms because of the no scarf rule. It was very hot walking around fully covered with the sun beating down on us!
Then we went to The National Museum - not very big but full of interesting artifacts from various temples around Cambodia. I don’t really like museums but it was still cool to see.
The best part of the day was going to the Russian Market. I was ready to shop!! My first purchase was a cute slip on pair of puma black and white shoes $10.00. Then I bought some Hollister t-shirts for $3.00c. A pair of A & F shorts for $7.00 and much more. All brand names items were cheap cheap!
Then we went to eat at the 2nd training restaurant owned by the same people as FRIENDS. The name of the restaurant was Romdeng. I thought this food was even better. It was traditional Cambodian food and complete meals.
Then we went to the Boom Boom room.
Afterwards we went to the water front street and walked restaurant to restaurant having some beverages. We saw some pretty nasty men paying women to touch their children in inappropriate places just for money. We saw foreigners paying Cambodian women to go home with them. It was sad to see the poverty and what women will do to survive.
Day 5 – January 29th
We had to get up early to catch the ferry boat to Siem Reap. I slept most of the way on this boat. But when I was awake the scenery was nice. You could see floating houses and boats with people fishing. We past buy a floating village on our way into Siem Reap. Getting our bags and getting off the boat was an experience I will never forget. We had to walk along the edge of the boat to get our bags. Put it on our back without falling over into the water. Then to get off the boat walk off a wooden board and hope not to fall into the wet mud. We had a tuk tuk driver waiting to pick us up and take us to our hotel. Kyla and I felt like we were in the Amazing race. Our tuk tuk driver drove very fast and we past every tuk tuk driver that we saw. Our hotel was cheap as usual. Only $7.00 a night. Amanda and Kristy’s room had geigos but lucky for Kyla and I we were on the 2nd floor and for some reason didn’t come into our room only stayed outside our door.
We headed straight to the tourism information office to find out what we wanted to see in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat. It was very helpful and we ended up eating at a buffet restaurant with Cambodia dancers for entertainment. After supper we headed to the late night markets where I bought some cheap flowy pants and a hand made bag. Cheap Cheap again. Then we went to Pub street to hang out and dance. Beer was only $1.00. Eeks So we ended up at a bar called Angkor What Bar. Here they had a special buy 2 pitchers get a t-shirt free. We sat and drank with some young guys who were also staying at our hotel. I signed my name on the wall…twice because the first time I didn’t think I made it big enough! (We ended up with 4 or 5 shirts…but some how only 2 ended up back in our hotel. Kyla lost the bags she purchased at the market too. We think when we were dancing it fell out of her purse. It was a really fun night but the next day we were lucky to wake up in time to go to Angkor Wat.
Day 6 – January 30th
So due to the fact that we didn’t get home until the wee hours of the morning and had a tuk tuk waiting for us at 8 to go to Angkor Wat…it was the longest day of our lives. The sun was very hot and we all were tired and yes hung over. But the troopers that we were made it through the entire day at Angkor Wat and saw all the temples that we wanted to see. We had to take a break every 10 minutes and sit down but we did. 13 hours in the heat …including the sun set. (I will upload pictures to show you how beautiful the buildings were)
January 19, 2008
It's Official
Well it's official. I am staying in Kuwait another year...ACA gave the teachers a raise I couldn't resist. lol. Actually I want to travel more...I have the bug.
This is short because I need to write my report cards...but I leave in less than a week for Thailand/Cambodia so I will post some pics from that vacation when I return...I am sitting at the coffee shop that has free high speed if you buy something so to upload pictures will be faster.
Hope everything is well with everyone. A friend of mine set me up with a yahoo account so I can call you for 1 penny a minute...unfortunately I didn't bring my address book with me as I didn't plan on calling anyone for 50 cents a minute...and right now I regret it...so if you get a chance send me your phone number via e-mail: kristaflynn@hotmail.com and I can call you!!!
Miss you all lots,
Krista
This is short because I need to write my report cards...but I leave in less than a week for Thailand/Cambodia so I will post some pics from that vacation when I return...I am sitting at the coffee shop that has free high speed if you buy something so to upload pictures will be faster.
Hope everything is well with everyone. A friend of mine set me up with a yahoo account so I can call you for 1 penny a minute...unfortunately I didn't bring my address book with me as I didn't plan on calling anyone for 50 cents a minute...and right now I regret it...so if you get a chance send me your phone number via e-mail: kristaflynn@hotmail.com and I can call you!!!
Miss you all lots,
Krista
January 5, 2008
Bethlehem, Israel
I loved Israel. I want to go back and spend more time here...maybe next year. I have decided to stay another year and teach in Kuwait. I am really enjoying teaching here and the travelling is great. As much as I miss my family and friends I think one more year will make my resume look a bit better before returning to Canada.
Jesus was born on the spot above...in a cave (also known as a stable)
Did you see this on TV Christmas eve?!?!
Wahleed our tour guide who wanted me to marry him and become queen of Bethlehem.
The Western Wall (People come to this wall and write a note and stick it in the cracks and pray)
Also known as the Wailing WallJordan
From Cairo we flew to Jordan and stayed the night in Madaba. In the morning we went to Mount Nebo where moses is supposedly buried. Then we went to the baptismal site of where Jesus was baptised and crossed the border into Israel. The border crossing wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. But it was a lot easier that we had copies of our flights leaving Jordan and a hotel in Jerusalem.
Behind me is where Jesus was baptised...its a dried up river now.
Touching the Jordan river..on the otherside is Israel.
Inside the Catholic church next to the Jordan River. Egypt
At the Valley of the Kings/Queens you cannot take pictures inside the tombs. We went into King Tuts tomb and saw his mummy. Pretty cool. In Cario we went to the museum where all his artifacts and stuff that used to be in his tomb is now stored. He had alot of stuff!!!
From Luxor to Cario we took the night sleeper train. I had a great sleep but nobody elese did.
At the pyramids....
I am soo strong I can pick up the pyramids! OH ya
Sphynx
At the pyramids....
I am soo strong I can pick up the pyramids! OH ya
Sphynx
A few of my favorite pics from Egypt...Loved Luxor.. 1 day in Cario was enough. The pyramids were amazing. We took a camel ride all the way to the pyramids. ..and honestly I was a bit sore for the next few days. :S
January 3, 2008
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