Traveling Shoes...

4 months of traveling, 6 countries visitied, 1 pair of flip-flops...

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS.....

Favourite food: Thai
Favourite place: Tonsai, Thailand
Favourite experience/most terrifying: Tiffany and Erin's motorcycle adventures in Vietnam
Favourite country overall: Vietnam
Favourite activity: rock climbing
Favourite people: Cambodians and Thai
Favourite person to travel with: Tiffany of course!!!
Favourite local friend: Made Sudikta (from Bali)
Favourite travel experience: long boat ride from Thailand to Laos
Favourite accent: English

Last thoughts:

It’s near the end of this adventure for me, concluding 4 months of traveling throughout SE Asia. The past 4 months has been a kaleidoscope of colorful people, exotic foods, pungent smells, breathtaking scenery, sunshine, beaches, and of course outdoor adventure.

One of the most enriching experiences about traveling has been meeting people from different cultures, backgrounds, and professions from all around the world! I end this traveling saga with rich memories, friendships and new dreams.

What now:

I am heading to Korea in a couple days for a short 2 1/2 month teaching contract before heading back to Canada in September where I’ll be living with my friend Roxy in Vancouver. I’m excited about this next chapter in my life and whatever new kind of adventure that may bring…

The Worst Surfing Day Ever!!!

Today I got back from Nsua Lembongan and met up with my Spanish friend Lagui for lunch (we met a few days ago over a discussion on avocado shakes). I am amazed how easy it is meeting people traveling on my own. It's always a little scary when I first arrive in a new country by myself. I always think, what if I don't make friends? and then in a day or two I do!

Lagui asked, "Do you want to surf with me this afternoon?" I responded, "sure! but you know I'm a beginner right?" I was starting to feel a little confident, previously having had no problem getting up on my friends 6'6" board. So I rented a 6'6" board that was quite narrow and the guy told me it wasn't a beginner's board. "I think I'll be okay,” I said nonchalantly.

Off I went: surfboard under my arm with a cute boy walking down the beach. I was starting to feel a little cool actually. When we got in the water Lagui said "see you later?" and I was like, "yeah, see you later."

Thank-goodness I really didn't see him otherwise he would have seen quite the show.... First of all I was trying to catch the smaller waves (being a beginner and all) but my board was too small so I was having a hard time actually getting the wave. "So, I thought, I need more powerful waves for this board (obviously) I better go near the back and catch some bigger waves!"

I paddled hard to get to the back and encountered some bigger waves that were definitely too big for me! I tried to catch this rather large wave (for me anyways). It was steep and I took a nosedive. I came flying off my board, crashing head first in the water. The wave came tumbling down on me sending my body somersaulting and flipping every which way in the water. I would come up for air only to have another wave come crashing down on me.

I tried to relax as much as possible but after repeatedly being trapped by the waves, I started to panic a little. Finally, there was a break in the waves. I took this opportunity to paddle like mad towards shore, knowing there would likely be another big set of waves to come.

My hair was completely pushed forward in my face, having lost my hair elastic in the water. When I finally felt "safe" I tried pushing the hair out of my eyes to discover it was completely tangled up in my nose stud. I was holding my nose, hair all wild and in my face, trying to ride the foam to shore. I'm sure I was quite the sight.

When I got out of the water and untangled my hair from my nose stud, I sat on the beach waiting for Lagui. My eyes were really sore (probably from sand) and I really wanted to go back, but felt it would be rude b/c Lagui would have had no idea what happened to me.

I must have looked pathetic b/c this guy stopped and asked if I was okay and had I taken a big fall? As well a German couple asked if my nose was okay? I sheepishly explained it was just my hair caught in my nose stud...

What a day! So frustrating! But I learned my lesson. I am a definite beginner and I should know my limits. Next time: Big board and small waves!

At dinner, Sam and Louis, who have been surfing for a while made me feel better about my surfing disaster. We had quite the international group for dinner: Lagui from Spain, Louis from Brazil, Sam from Sweden, and Zella from Slovenia. I was the only one who was uni-lingual. They could all speak at least 3 languages fluently. They graciously spoke English for my sake (I really need to learn another language!)

Sam said it takes a good 6 months of surfing before you experience the addiction. Surfing is unlike any sport I've ever tried. It really takes some serious perseverance to become good! Going back to Canada, I wonder if I'll ever get there? But I've had fun here regardless! Maybe there will be some surf trips to Tofino in the future (Andrea?)

Beautiful Beaches

View of a volcano at sunrise.

Maurice, Lieke, and I

After our night surf session... don't ask me what pose I'm doing and why??



I'm in Nusa Lembongan and it's absolutely stunning!! The water is crystal clear and the waves are good.

Last night Maurice Lieka and I had a night session of surfing. We watched the sun set while paddling out on the water. And I thought to myself: I'm in Bali, I'm surfing and the sun set is spectacular... I don't want to be anywhere else right at this moment.

We were on a reef break and the waves were a bit too steep for me so I spent more time paddling than surfing but I still had fun. =)

This morning we woke up at 5:30am to surf at sunrise. This was only my second sunrise I've seen since traveling but it was worth it to get to the waves before the crowd.

I really like it here and wish I had more time to explore the rest of Bali. Kuta is not a particularly desirable place to be (at least not for me) but it's a great place to learn to surf b/c it's a sandy-bottom beach break. That's why I stayed for so long. Plus I met Made Sudikta and have enjoyed his friendship.

The other day I went with Made and his friends to a beach where they were playing guitar and singing (really bad western songs) and I asked Made, "do you know what we call your hairstyle at home?" and he broke out a huge smile and said, "Mullet?" We all laughed. I think it's hilarious that Made is rocking a mullet!!

I only have a few days left to enjoy Bali so I want to make the most of it!

A Little Taste of Balinese Culture

Woman making Gado-Gado.


Today I went with Made to a Balinese dance. It was beautiful with all the elaborate costumes and was more of a drama than a dance. I enjoyed it.

Then we went to Ubod (in the mountains) and went to this monkey temple. I don't actually like monkeys, but it was alright. A monkey bite me in Thailand, so ever since then I don't like them and I'm a little afraid of them.

Afterwards we drove through his village which was really neat (not a foreigner in sight). We stopped at this little dive of a place (where his friends he grew up with worked) and had the best meal I've had yet! It was authentic Balinese food and we ate with our hands which was a fun experience. It pays to make friends with the locals, forsure!

Made was trying to teach me some Balinese, which was semi-successful. I remember a few things...

Rocking the Mullet!!

Today after surfing Made asked me if I wanted to go to Ulu Watu (a famous surfing area with huge waves- not to surf but to see) and a couple other places with him on his bike.

In my head I was thinking, "this is not a good idea! I shouldn't go, etc..." but then I remembered Lieke saying when she was here by herself the locals took her around and didn't expect anything in return. So while they do favour girls (especially blonde girls), Lieke only had positive experiences... After a moment of silently debating what I should do, I thought "what the heck!"

It sounded like fun so off we went (me on the back of Made's bike) to different beaches in the area and then to Ulu Watu. It was great to do a little exploring and then we came back to Kuta beach where we had a bite to eat (all Indonesians in this place- I love that) and I ate cow throat soup. Sounds gross but aside from the texture, quite tasty.

I had a really fun day. I think people who only hang out with other foreigners while traveling really miss out!

Surf's Up!

Today was my second day surfing and I was able to catch some waves (I was doing much better than yesterday) and was even able to turn. I felt cool until I had to take my board anywhere. It's 7'4". It's huge! I think anyone can stand on it and that's probably why it's a beginners board... right!

I'm hanging out with Maurice and Lieke - pronounced Likka. They're a couple from Holland I met climbing in Tonsai and they are super nice. After awhile I tried Maurice's board (a 6'6") and he said I probably wouldn't get up on it, but I did which made me happy =) I know nothing about surfing but I'm having fun!

We leave our stuff with the lifeguards during the day and they are great. We hang out with them between surfing. My new friend Made (pronounced Mauday) came out surfing today. He's really good and gave me some greatly appreciated tips. My surfing adventure has begun and I'm loving it =)

Goodbye For Now Tonsai!!!

Nee and I cooking at Chai's.

Tiffers and I my last night in Tonsai.

Adam and I

Eva and George (Austrian couple)

Yohanas and Mary-Anne (Austrian couple)

Bon and Kitty (impossible to actually get their photo!)

Eva and I at "sea of love" coffee shop/bar

Cheung and I at Kitty Cafe

Kitty's bungalow (aka Kitty Cafe), across from mine.

My Bungalow/ home for 1 month!

I’m on the road again. Tonsai was an absolute amazing time for me. I’m going to miss the little community I’ve became a part of here. Tonsai has been one of my most memorable experiences traveling so far. I met such a wonderful and interesting mix of people.

There was Louise, Patty, and Geum my first week. Then came Cheung, my favorite climbing partner who could always make me feel like a rock star even if I was only climbing a 6a. haha. I met Cheung through Bon and Marie. Bon is British Chinese and Marie from Sweden. They were both such interesting people. Adam and I also hung out and through him I met the 2 lovely Austrian couples: Eva and George, Yohanas and Mary-Anne.

Last night Chai had a little party for me. Nee and I cooked. (well, I more or less stirred a few things). I enjoyed my last meal in Tonsai with Tiffany, Mary-Anne, Yohanas, Eva, George, Chai and Nee. After dinner the “cool club” dropped by for a drink. Even Fid came by. I’m loosing the Evil Erin bit I think… haha.

In Bon’s, 1-too-many-chang’s-state, he invited me to the Kitty Café at 6:00am for one last coffee before leaving. They made sure to inform me it was only b/c I’m leaving that I get this privilege… what nerds. They’re going to miss keeping tabs on me, as my bungalow is directly across from theirs. =)

Tiff and I had one more late night chat/laughing session before finally going to sleep at 1:30am. Why did I say I’d get up for coffee at 6:00am again?

I met the guys at Kitty Café in the morning for one last heckling session with the “cool club” before I was off. Cheung carried my bag to Chai’s and Chai took me down to the beach with his motorbike. I’m still riding the sprained ankle thing. I told Tiff I’d have to remember to fake it at least until I got to the boat!

I said good-bye to Cheung and as the boat drove away from Tonsai I grew nostalgic. I breathed deeply and soaked up the scenery and memories one last time.

My climbing adventure (for the meantime) is over. Next chapter: Surfing in Bali!

Missing Snow

Missing Snow/ sprained ankle climb!





Yesterday was my last day climbing. I woke up and was invited to the Kitty Café (Kitty’s bungalow) for coffee. I felt privileged to be invited by the “cool club” haha.

I really wanted to climb Missing Snow on lead and my goal was to send it (lead the climb with no falls or rests).

Well… after a couple warm up climbs, one which I took a Big fall on my warm-up, I started climbing Missing Snow. I fell on the crux a few times no longer making it a send but I still wanted to complete the climb. I was at the second to last clip when I completely ran out of strength. I was hanging onto the rock by an awkward side pull and a small crimper. The bolt was at belly button height. I knew if I tried clipping I would fall. I yelled falling and fell a good 10 ft, before slamming into the rock and spraining my ankle.

My ankle wasn’t stiff yet so I completed the climb and about ½ hour later my ankle was completely sore and hurt to walk on so Cheung and Tiffany had to piggy back me around.

Tiffany is here now (she arrived yesterday) so we had dinner and then drank tea at Bon’s bungalow with Cheung and Kitty.

Today is my last day in Tonsai. That’s a little sad for me. I’ve had a great time here and have enjoyed the community so much. Tiff said the other day: “Erin, you’re killing me!” Because I know so many people here and know them all by name. It’s going to be a little hard for me to leave tomorrow… but I’m pretty sure I’ll be back at some point.

The "Cool Club" Incident...

Mary-Anne and Yohanas Bouldering on Tonsai Roof .

Mary-Anne, Eva and I and George.

Bouldering on Tonsai Roof

This past week has been spent hanging out and of course climbing with new friends. Evan and George, Mary-Anne and Yohanas (two really nice couples from Austria), Adam from Vancouver, and my friend Cheung as well.

One of the more interesting days for me was when it was pouring rain. Because of the rain there were not too many areas we could climb so we ended up bouldering on the Tonsai Roof and Wall.

Cheung and his crew of friends who are long-timers in Tonsai (Kitty was in Tonsai for 3 years, Bon for 2 and Fid comes every year). I call them the “cool club.” Let me clarify that statement. They are called the “cool club” not b/c they are actually cool but b/c they think they’re cool. Nah, actually they are fabulous climbers and really interesting characters!

After the rain stopped I wanted to try this 6C climb on the Tonsai Wall called Viking in Heat. Yohanas lead the climb and I top roped it. I didn’t finish the climb so Mike (who had already had a few too many at this point) came up with this great idea to put the climb up again with my draws so I could try it a second time…

I didn’t quite think this one through b/c what would happen if I couldn’t climb it? Plus it was already late in the day and people were coming to Freedom Bar (where I was climbing) for a beer or a meal. I’m definitely not good enough to climb there with an audience but too late now, my draws were up. I had no choice but to go up…

After spending a good half hour or more on this climb I called down to Cheung to lower me. Defeated. My arms were pumped and my mind was going a mile a minute as to how I was going to get my draws down.

Bon, Kitty and Fid were still at Freedom Bar so I offered 2 beers to whoever would go up and get my draws down.

They are all stellar climbers (7b) so I figured this climb would be a breeze for any one of them.

After a little persuasion, or maybe a lot, Fid agreed to climb. However the beers apparently affected his climbing ability and he was up there for about 40min before finally completing the climb. We all sat there watching and heckling him as he went flying off the rock at the crux time again.

When Fid finally got down, he was completely knackered! Later on I caught up with them all at the Banyon Tree (their usual restaurant) and now it was my turn to be heckled. Fid now had this huge gash in his knee from this knee bar move on the 6C climb. On his bandage someone had written Evil Erin. I didn’t live that one down for a few days!!

A Typical Day in Tonsai...

Chai and I at Chai's breakfast cafe

Eva chilling out at Chai's before a day of climbing... ahh the life!

I wake up around 7:30-8:00am and go have breakfast at Chai’s. (Chai is the name of the owner of my favorite breakfast café) I went there my second morning and was sucked in by the cool climbing vibe and Nee’s excellent cooking (Nee is Chai’s sister).

Chai is excellent at remembering everyone’s names and every morning he greets me warmly: “Hello Erin! You climbing today? You want coffee?” I love chatting to Chai and Nee in the morning and his coffee is the best (sorry Kitty!) Also it’s a great place to meet up with other climbers in the morning.

After a leisurely breakfast I get my gear ready and head out to climb for the day. There are so many amazing areas to explore for climbing. I could never get bored here!!

After a full day climbing and a shower, dinner is enjoyed with other climbers and friends. I love Thai food. It is my favorite ethnic food I’ve experienced traveling so far. There is so much variety!

The night winds down by chilling with cool people. I’m usually completely worn out by around 10:00pm. It may sound lame but I love it!!! I love going to bed at the end of the day, completely exhausted from doing an activity I love, knowing I can wake up and do it all over again the next day. I’m actually beginning to see how people come here and end up staying for years. I’m not about to do that but I can actually understand it now.

I love Tonsai: the climbing, the people, the chilled out atmosphere... I love everything about it. The vibe here will not be forgotten!

Some Old Friends...

Mike getting ready to climb by the beach =)

Cheung and I



Evan and I
Mike and Alex

I ran into Evan, as in Max, Mike and Evan whom I first met in Laos and then again in Vietnam. It was so random to see Evan. I passed him after lunch on the way to climbing and casually said, “hey Evan.” Then I did a double take and was like, “HEY!!” It’s a small world when you’re traveling!

Evan and I climbed together for a day before meeting up with Mike and Mike’s girlfriend, Alex. It was the crew, sans Max and Tiff. We missed you guys! The second day they were here we all rented kayaks and paddled out to Prota Island. It took FOREVER!! I’m not so much into kayaking, but I must admit it was a really good day and an excellent was to explore. Evan has done some paddling so he helped me on my “technique.” Apparently I needed it – haha.

On the way back to Tonsai we saw the most spectacular sunset I’ve experienced since traveling. The sky was red and magenta and fuscia. None of us had cameras unfortunately. It was just one of those moments where you breathe more deeply and try to soak it all in!

Evan, Mike and Alex were around for the next couple days so we climbed along with my new friend Cheung (he’s BBC: British born Chinese. He’s been living in Hong Kong but is returning to England). I had a great time with everyone and it was really nice to meet up with some familiar faces again.

Also it was really random meeting up with Jenna and Noelle Ziegler from my home town Smithers!!! Of all places. It was so funny and I hung out with them and their crew of friends for a night or two. I never really knew them from high school but I really liked them and thought: cool people come from Smithers! haha

Climbing At Last!!

Geum (from France), Louise (from England) and I. My climbing partners my first week in Tonsai.


crowed crag at Diamond cave

My first week in Tonsai I climbed with an English girl Louise (who I met my first day here) and a French, Geum and an English guy Patti. It was great and I started leading really easy climbs just to get back into it.

I really enjoyed Louise's company and was sad to see her go. We got on really well and she was just trekking in Nepal too (we were there the same time). I thought she was such a neat person. She is a singer/songwriter and last night she played guitar and sang some of her songs for us while we chilled in hammocks at one of the local bars.

One of the things I love about traveling and meeting so many different people, is hearing about what people are doing with their lives. It's inspiring and yet again it shows me that I don't have be limited to the 9-5 job my entire life, if I don't want to. There are so many opportunities that are not only restricted to Canada. I love Canada and desire to be there long-term but there are always options and that is a freeing way to think and live...

Tonsai!!! Tonsai!!!

Tonsai Roof and Wall: The view from Freedom Bar.



I'm finally here in Tonsai!! I just arrived this afternoon. It's beatiful. There are limestone formations jutting out of the sea and it's stunning... with the beach and the rock... People are climbing and I'm lounging on this little bamboo platform at Freedom Bar right beside the rock. Tomorrow I will climb.

It's a little intimidating being surrounding by all these really hard-core climbers but I'm stoked to climb none-the-less. I passed this girl with a serious six-pack and later I checked out my own stomach in the mirror, expecting to see even just a little definition... Nata. Wah!! haha.

Last Day!

Our little plane at the Lukla airport.

Our last day! We finally arrived in Lukla and tomorrow we’ll catch a flight back to Kathmandu if all things go as planned.

I’m seriously such a baby!! I have blisters in half smiley faces on the backs of both heals and I was in pain for the last three hours. The boys are great though and even though I told them to go on ahead (which I meant) Gary was waiting for me at the top of this big hill. Awe, I love these boys!

Then with about ½ hour to go we stopped and I asked Gary if this was it (knowing it wasn’t). He said no and I started to cry (very discretely, but they still knew). Can you believe it?! Then Evan came down to see how I was doing and I really did feel silly for crying especially when I pass porters carrying their huge loads wearing flip flops!

Much to my own embarrassment and slighly hurt pride, I turned out to be the biggest loose cannon on this trip with my AMS episodes and couple crying bouts. Honestly! These boys are the bomb for putting up with me and being such great company on this trip. All in all this was an excellent trip. I had a fun guide and 3 great Irish lads to share this experience with. What would any trip be without a little drama anyways? That was my job I guess… =)

Evan's descent...

I just finished laughing til I was crying as Evan recounted his day. Today was a tough day I admit; thank goodness I wasn’t suffering from altitude sickness. It’s so nice to be able to breathe more deeply now that we’re back in Namche. (We descended almost 1000m today). On the way down, it’s not all down hill. In fact it’s mostly up and down the entire way for 8 hours.

Evan seriously cracks me up and although he probably would love to know this is in my blog, I’m going to tell it anyways. Evan arrived in Namche about 1 ½ hours after Gary, John and I. He was back with our guide Subba and Subba had to carry his bag today while Evan kept one hand on his back the entire way. Anyways Even said he was completely delirious and couldn’t even see. As in, he could hear the cows and yaks passing him but couldn’t see them. He said if Subba wasn’t there he would have passed out somewhere or fallen off a cliff. (I believe him)

When he finally arrived he put his head in his arms and couldn’t stop coughing for about 15 min straight. All I could do was laugh and laugh and laugh. I really truly tried not to laugh out loud which was only making me laugh harder. Sorry Evan!

Whenever I share a room with Evan I can’t stop laughing. (we all take turns sharing rooms) For instance back in Periche Evan and I were telling crazy travel stories and the walls are so thin. I didn’t actually think people would be able to hear what I was saying so I hopped into bed and said, Evan, I think I’m suffering from HAF. He was like, what’s that? And I said, High Altitude Farts! We laughed and told stories until we heard the loud cough from next door. The “Be Quiet” cough.

Sure enough the next morning at breakfast this Aussie man Allen (who was next door from us) said, so you’re suffering from HAF? And then Evan informed me he heard everything we said after that too!! I was so embarrassed I just kind-of slid down in my chair. Oh well, Evan told some pretty good stories too!