My husband is in love.

Since we stepped onto the soil of Czech Republic, my husband has been permanently in high mood. He is unusually sentimental and emotional. That is not normal to him. He is quite rational and realistic so he can control his feelings pretty well but not at the moment. Everything seems to be so special to him that he can't walk away without appreciation. Even small very ordinary plant (to me) makes him surprised and holds his next step. He can't stop loving everything around him. He seems to be in a very happy dream that he doesn't want to be awaken up from.

We were here about 2 years ago so it must have been a quite long wait for him to be back home as he has all his family, relatives and friends in Czech. Last twelve and half years, we have spent most time in Australia as Australian citizens but each time we visit our mother lands, we cannot resist being sentimental and emotional just like who are in love. 

Suddenly, all foods are simply the best and all cities are the most beautiful in the world. Any small development can be the most proud things to see and any childhood memories are the most memorable. Everything around us are so precious that we can't help wishing for that the time is moving slowly. Without any doubt, we are glad that we have created a new nest and thankful of what we have in Australia, but home is always home and our hearts cannot deny the truth.

He simply loves being in Czech and I am enjoying seeing his emotional changes. He loves talking with his mother till very late night. I don't know what they can talk about that long but as long as he can release his homesick, I feel fine to let him do whatever he wants to do here. Visiting relatives and friends can be one of his favourite things to do here. Two years of gab does not look like existing between them. Like all met each other yesterday, they look very comfortable to get into their normal, deep and strong relationship as before, as always...

I know that this special feeling cannot be fully understood by some people who don't have any experience in living in another country. The easiest way to understand would be thinking about our mothers. The permanent warmth and comfort from mum is what we are feeling at the moment.

If someone ask me why we chose to live in another country when we miss our birth countries this much, I am not sure what can be the best answer. Choices are mostly made based on circumstances and it was the best choice for us to make at the point of life and I still think that it was appropriate decision. The life decision created two homes and now we appreciate more our mother countries where our nature come from, which we did not acknowledge before. The good news for us is that we have an option to stay in the both countries with comfortable feeling. 

Home is always home. Soon, we will leave his home, Czech Republic so every single day is precious for him. We are now heading to near his birth town to see his 84 year old grandmother by train and he is comfortably reading Czech newspaper. He looks very relaxed and happy. What else would he need more? 

Nothing is permanent but his love in Czech seems to be quite solid. Until goodbye to Czech, I will enjoy looking at a man who is in love.

His hometown, Prerov

Olomoc Townhall, UNESCO listed city

Czech traditional dishes

Castel

41 days away from ordinary life

Today is the 41st day  away from home and we are now sitting on a small bench in a little park in Moscow to relax our tired legs. I believe that it is time to talk about our days passed and refresh ourselves for the days ahead of us. 

4 July 2013 we left Sydney and 14 August 2013 we are now in the 5th country, Russia. I still feel like we are at the starting point of our journey but as we all know, we can never trick the time. We have been through one third of our trip already. Our trip has been incredibly pleasure and joyful. Our days were fulfilled by excitement and memorable moments. My words are too shallow to describe how much I have been enjoying our days and freedom.

Let me share with you what we have done so far. 

We have visited to 5 countries : Indonesia-Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand-Russia. 

We have stayed in 8 cities where we stayed more than a night : Bali, Lovina, Ho Chi Minh, Vung Tau, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Bangkok and Moscow. 

Average number of nights stayed at one place was 4 nights so I have been constantly on packing and unpacking mode. Therefore, packing and moving businesses do not bother me any more. Limited space in the luggage perfectly controls my shopping but still I could enjoy looking around local style clothes and bought some under my husband's supervision.

I really can't choose the best place as I enjoyed being in each place so much. However, if I have to choose one where I want to stay the most will be Bali. Bali has special charm to make people relaxed and excited at the same time. I can definitely stay in Bali as long as possible. 

Where I would not mind going back is Vietnam. Vietnam was full of lively people with endless excitement. The food was simply divine. Fresh, tasty and healthy food... Next time if I have a chance, I would like to spend more time in order to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi by train. Coffee we enjoyed evey day two three times in Vietnam will be remembered as an unforgettable tasty experience. 

The worst experience would be the 12 hours bus trip from Siem Reap to Bangkok. We were told it would be 9 hours. Especially the time we had to wait for a bus at Thailand border in the rain, on the muddy street was simply chaotic. After 1 hour wait, they took us to a local restaurant to sell food instead of heading to Bangkok. We were very upset with their behaviour and how they treat us. However, all we could do was waiting for a bus to take us to Bangkok finally. It was unbelievable experience and I never wish to have it again. I strongly recommend you to book an international bus from the hotel if you ever want to go to Bangkok from Siem Reap by bus. It goes directly to Bangkok without changing the bus and avoiding waiting for more than hours without any information. The bus is always fully booked so better try to book the ticket as early as possible. 12 hours of bus trip almost destroyed us. 

The best food for me was Vietnamese food. Most of dishes are served with fresh vegetables. The food was absolutely amazing and tasty. Especially, rice pancake with prown was mouthwatering. I should not forget commenting about Vietnamese coffee. It has strong and very special flavour. You can have the best coffee everywhere for $1. It sounds good, doesn't it? 

The worst food? For me, Russian food can be the one. Russian food is very rich and tasty but there are something missing with the food. It seems to 'ME' that Russian cousin still doesn't have 'Health consciousness' nor 'Balanced diet'. There are nothing about controlling calorie consumptions. I would love to have the food once in a while for spoiling myself but I can't imagine my body shape if I eat it for every meal. Normal cappuccino price is over $8 so who loves coffee should be ready for it.

The most convenient city is definitely Bangkok. Some people in Sydney would laugh at my choice but I would laugh at their ignorance and blind perception. I still remember my first feeling when I arrived in Bangkok. I couldn't believe what I saw in Bangkok. Train system is far more advanced than any other cities. Big shopping centres are everywhere and world most popular Thai food is available at any places. People are living in a modernised world and also keeping their own culture which makes the city more open and attractive to anyone.

One of the most memorable trips was the cycling trip in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Sightseeing around Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom by bicycles gave me absolute pleasure. Enjoying the beauty of natual and historical monuments while riding was incredibly joyful. Best shopping place was Bangkok even though I didn't do much shopping. 

Seeing Cambodian people's hard lives sadden my heart and tought me to appreciate my privileged life. 

Moscow was a vibrant city that has a modern life as well as magnificent historical buildings. It was absolute pleasure to walk around the city and enjoy the beauty of the breathtaking old buildings. 

Our cheapest lunch was in Vietnam (less than 5 dollars for 2) and most expensive coffee was in Moscow (about $8.50), and what else... Unless you stop me here, my story will never end and go on and on so better end for now.

I have rang my sisters to ask how they are doing and they answered me that nothing special has happened to them. It would be my answer as well if we didn't start this trip. I thanked again for this precious opportunity in my lifetime. My days are constantly joyful and full of excitement. Whatever I see and do are unique and special. Life is fabulous! About 2 more months of travel is ahead of us and still 9 more countries are waiting for our arrival. Of course, I will let you know our journey and share the experiences with you. I hope my story can brighten your day little bit. 

'Ciao Ciao' for now.

A church built in the 16th century, Moscow 

Sitting Buddha on the street, Bangkok

Royal Palace, Bangkok

Best coffee, Vietnam

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Goodbye, Cambodia!

09/08/2013, 7:21 am.... 

I am sitting at the hotel lobby and waiting for a bus to Bangkok from Seam Reap. It will be a very long bus trip, about 9 hours plus some time on the borders between Cambodia and Thailand. 7 days in Cambodia has passed as quick as any other trips in any other countries but honestly I am having a bit different feeling at the moment. I love travelling and experiencing different cultures and people's life so each time I feel so attach to the country that I want to spend more time in the countries but not in Cambodia. Don't get me wrong that I didn't enjoy the time in Cambodia. I absolutely did enjoy travelling and seeing interesting things here. I still believe that Cambodia is one of the countries to visit and I am glad that we made to come here. However, there are some uncertain feelings bother me to wish to stay here longer. 

These are my simple summary of our trip in Cambodia. I want to make clear that these are completely my personal opinion from my short staying in Cambodia so please do not take my view for your decision on travelling to Cambodia. I just want to share my very personal feeling. 

1. Poorest country: Cambodia is the poorest country I have ever been to. I know there are many other countries that are even worse but It was a simply shocking experience to see how people can live under the harsh circumstances. On the way to Phnom Penh, Capital of Cambodia from Vietnam, I could not believe my eyes that people are living at the uninhabitable houses. I am talking about the people who live near the Capital city and I refuse to imagine others in the villages. Many kids are growing up in poverty and quite often told to beg for money by their own parents. "Hello, madam! one dollar!" seems to be the first sentence kids learn in Cambodia. Hopelessly looking at countless homeless people, especially vulnerable kids living on the dirty and muddy street made me feel sick. 

2. Saddest: Phnom Penh was one of the saddest city ever to me. Especially, half day trips to the killing field and S21 where millions of innocent people were brutally killed under the Khmer rouge regime broke my heart. Walking on the pathway that I could still find the pieces of clothes of the killed people in the killing field while listening what actually happened to the people was unbelievably shocking experience to me. Whenever I think about them, I feel my heart is sinking down. 

3. Messiest : I was told that Cambodia is famous for dusty roads and I can easily add one more thing that the country is extremely messy. Streets are full of rubbish and the people don't seem to mind the mess. People throw away rubbish on the floor although there are rubbish bins next to the table. We had to ask waitress to sweep the floor before serving the food. Can you imagine the smell from the rubbish in over 35 degrees of heat? Simply disgusting. 

 4. Darkest: The first night when we had to look for a restaurant after 6 hours of bus trip, we couldn't believe how dark all the streets were. There were not many street lights. Lack of electricity supply would be one of the main reasons. I still don't know how the local people can live in the dark but they seemed to be fine. 

5. Worst roads: Cambodia is full of dust. It doesn't matter whether you drive motorbike, are in a Tuk Tuk, ride a bicycle or walk, you will need to cover yourself. Most of locals are wearing masks. Only main roads are sealed and the rest are just dirt roads. Condition of the road is also overwhelming. You never know when the unsealed dirt roads will start. When we went to one of most popular tourist places called ' floating village' by bicycles, the last kilometer was totally muddy that we had to ride on the opposite direction. It was a special experience but I really don't want to have another one. 

I have been quite negative, haven't I? I admit that I was very critical but I didn't want to disguise my ture feeling and wanted to share what I exactly felt. As I mentioned earlier, I did enjoy the time in Cambodia. Especially, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and many historical monuments were amazing. I think there are not many places in the world can capture your eyesights instantly as they do so it is definitely worth to visit. I couldn't stop taking photos as I felt like being in a movie or a picture. Food was also fantastic. Full of fresh local herbs create amazing taste and fish dishes were simply divine. I am sure that I will miss the food a lot. 

When I am ready for leaving Cambodia, I couldn't hide my mixed feelings. I was very sorry for the people who were killed under the Khmer rouge regime and who are struggling their daily life in poverty currently. I truly hope that one day Cambodian kids don't have to beg to foreign tourists for a dollar. I have packed the mixed feelings inside of my luggage and heading to Bangkok for flying to Moscow. 

Goodbye Cambodia!

Angkor Thom

Riding bicycle was an excellent way of travelling in Siem Reap.

Angkor Wat was absolutely impressive.

Local people's house. no water....

Another house of local family

Kids are selling stuffs in restaurants

Royal Palace

Great place to visit in Vietnam, Vung Tau

Frankly, I didn't expect that I would like to write about Vung Tau, 140km east from Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam even though I agreed to go there. I really enjoyed being in Ho Chi Minh City so I wouldn't mind to stay there a couple more days but my beach lover husband wanted to go somewhere near the beach just in case he could have some luck for surfing. Travelling to Vung Tau easily exceeded our expectations and I am very glad that we have been to such a beautiful place. So I would like to recommend Vung Tau to anyone who wishes to visit Vietnam. I am sure that you will have a very special experience in Vung Tau as we had. Hereunders are why I think you should put Vung Tau into your travel itinerary. 

1. A beautiful beach called 'Back beach': About 2km length of soft sand beach will immediately attract you when you arrive there. Water is so warm that anyone can enjoy swimming or body surfing in the ocean with local tourists. Walking on the beach will give you another pleasure as you can see so many interesting things which you can hardly see any other beaches. Fishing boats unload fish, small stalls sell freash seafood and fish dishes, local people pick up oysters and shells between rocks, etc.... It was definitely good fun to look around while walking on the beach. 

2. Not many foreign tourists : Maybe this reason would make someone to hesitate visiting Vung Tau but it was very special and unique experience for us. We did not expect there will be only small number of foreign tourists in Vung Tau. Vung tau seems to be more popular to local people than foreigners. Very early morning and late afternoon when the heat is bareble, many local tourist buses come to Vung Tau with full of local people and unload them next to the beach. Vung tau then suddenly become a lively city. Not many people can speak English so not expect that easy communication with locals but that can be another fun you can enjoy there. Negotiating with them by body language, finding out the price by showing the money and being not sure if the waitress will bring the right food ordered are definitely interesting experiences. You will see and feel real Vietnam there. 

3. Good local fresh seafood : As a professional eater, I liked most of local food there especially fresh seafood and fish barbecued on charcoal. You can enjoy many different types of fresh seafood. Go to the beach in the afternoon and choose one stall with good looking fresh seafood. Choose what you want to have. It can be fish, octopus, squid, oyster, shells and crabs, and ask them to cook for you. You can eat the fresh and yummy seafood on the beach until the sun goes down and cool sea breeze gently touches your face. You can add a local beer to enjoy the time more. It sounds not bad, does it? 

4. Great walking path along the beaches : If you like walking, you can take a long walk along the beaches. There is a well built and maintained footpath between Back beach to Front beach so you can enjoy the ocean view all the way through. On the way you can visit a place where the biggest statue of Jesus. It is very hot during the day so dont forget to wear hat and sun cream.

5. Safe : While we were in Vung Tau, I felt quite safe. I could feel that local people were very interested in us as they don't often see foreigners but there were no problems with anything we wished to do. I could enjoy my early mornings jogging as plenty of locals were always around. 

6. Cheap and good value hotels : You can easily find excellent value hotel in Vung Tau. The city is still not well known by foreign tourists, hotels are reasonably cheap and provide good services. We paid less than $40 for the ocean view room with big space which can be for a bed in Sydney backpacker. Value of your money can be very different in Vung Tau and it will make you feel quite relaxed on spending. 

There are plenty more things to add on the list but I don't want to spoil your expectations as you better find out more by yourself. 

To enjoy the time in Vung Tau more, you need to know make sure to eat at the right time. Locals seem to eat meals on a certain meal time so if you are bit late for the meal time, it is very hard to find anyone eating. As we didn't know which one is a good local restaurant, we normally based on how many people are sitting in the restaurant but this tactic didn't work there. Simply no one eats out of mealtimes so find a restaurant when mealtimes. One more thing, If you go to Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh, better take a ferry instead of bus. Ferry will take only 1.5 hours when 3 hours by bus and drop you next to the beaches where most of hotels located. 

We absolutely enjoyed the time in Vung Tau and I hope you will have a chance to visit there and get unforgettable memories. While travelling, I constantly surprise how many beautiful places in the world where we need to visit and Vung Tau was one of them.

                                  Walking path between Back beach and front beach

 

 

                                            Back beach view from the hotel balcony

 

                                                      Yummy octopus  on the beach

Biggest statue of Jesus

World is small, too many things to do.

"The world is so small and there are too many things to do." 

One of the richest men, a former CEO of Daewoo in Korea said this pharase and it was quite popular between people quite a while to encourage and motivate themselves. I didn't really care why he said that or what made him to think that way at that time but I used the phrase very often because it sounded quite cool. Can you believe that I finally found out the reason and I cannot agree it more. 

We had breakfast in Indonesia, lunch in Singapore and dinner in Vietnam a week ago. Being in the three countries within a day surprised me again how the world is small and reachable to anyone who wish to travel nowadays. While we are travelling, we have seen so many young people who are travelling many countries with their peers. I am very happy for them that they have got opportunities to travel other countries and learn new things and different cultures when they are young. Unfortunately, I didn't really know how important to travel and see other people's life at that age and dismissed the opportunities with ordinary excuses, 'study hard, get a good job, work hard and earn more money'.

I am not young and fresh as them any more but I appreciate that I finally realised how important to see the world and learn new things. I truly believe that late is far better than never. I am so lucky to have this opportunity to travel in order to experience different culture and see life of other countries' people. It has been a priceless education and eye opening experience for me which I would be extremely sorry to miss.

'There are too many things to do...' I don't think that he exactly meant that we need to travel more, experience more and enjoy life more. As one of the richest business man, maybe he meant work harder or learn more skills to increase efficiency. However I can certainly say that there are too many things to do, see, feel, experience and learn in our world. Since we have started our trip, every day seems to be a new empty page to be filled. I have seen so many extraordinary people, memorable places, special things and unforgettable events. There are too many things I would like to capture, understand and learn so  the 4 months travel doesn't seem enough to me. My days are absolutely filled by excitement and joyful experiences. I can't imagine how many things we would miss if we did not push ourselves to start this trip. I appreciate every single moment of my life and enjoy it completely now which I have always wished for. 

Now I can proudly say and understand that 'The world is so small and there are too many things to do! '. If you are now sitting in front of the computer at work and dreaming about something special that makes your life happier and brighter, then plan a trip or do something new. Waiting the chance will never lead you anywhere. You are the one who can create the chance and today is the day. 

We are ready for walking around Phnom Penh, Cambodia today and I can't wait to see new things and feel the city. Life is simply beautiful, isn't it?

 

       Vung Tau Beach, Vietnam

 

 

      Vung Tau Beach view from the hotel balcony - Great view from $40 per night.

 

 

       Ho Chi Minh City - millions of bikes from everywhere

 

 

     There are many nice parks for people in Ho Chi Minh

 

 

      Ho Chi Minh City Opera

 

 

    Mt.Batu in Bali - We climbed to the top (1,717km)