Cold, Grand Prague... to Hot, Bustling Bangkok

On the 24th, we took a 14hr bus ride from Amsterdam to Prague, and then, struggled in our search for the hostel, and were forced to feel real cold (the first time this winter for me). The hostel (Czech Inn it's called) was one of the nicest we've been to yet, at least in terms of the cleanliness and the facilities.
We didn't do much for the beginning of our 3 days in Prague because the cold (-15ºC) really just made it unpleasant to even go outside...especially when one has a limited amount of clothes, AND when the majority of those clothes were packed with Southern Asia in mind. We met some cool people, mostly Americans, and in the evenings enjoyed delicious, cheap (like everything else in Prague, and supposedly most of eastern Europe), Czech beer! And, the rest of the time spent indoors was dedicated to preparation for our upcoming change!
We did, thankfully, force ourselves to go out to explore the beautiful city. The grandeur of everything, the buildings, roads, even sidewalks, was quite the contrast from Amsterdam's quaintness. We explored the Wencesias Sqare where all the big touristy shops overwhelmed the beautiful, old architecture. We admired the old Tyn Church and the other sights in Old Town Square, and bought a few little odds and ends at the incredibly cheap street markets. We went on to the big canal/river "Vltava", and then crossed it on the Charles Bridge, heading toward the Prague Castle. We didn't actually go into the castle, but we walked all around the courtyard, got the amazing view of the city from up high, and went into the grand and colorful church. We did all this with two American (NC) guys we met that morning!
That evening, we went into the Basement Bar below the hostel, got a fe pitchers of beer, played a game of trivia (a Monday night tradition at that bar), and then started a card game with a few new friends. By 23:00 we had managed to attract at least 6 more travelers who wanted to join in the jokes, laughter, and the exchanging of stories. It was great fun!
Tuesday morning we had to get up earlier than we would've liked, and the next 50 hours was travel time, with a few 10, 20, 30 minute chances for some shut eye. We flew from Prague to Moscow, and then from Moscow to Bangkok. Upon landing in Thailand, we went through customs, to the currency exchange counter, baggage claim, and then quickly to the bathrooms to change out of our boots, and sweatshirts, and into sandals, and short sleeves. We found our way across Bangkok and to the train station where we would later catch our train to Trang (and then a bus to Koh Lanta - where our workaway is). We bought outpr train tickets, put our big packs into Baggage Storage, grabbed some much needed caffeine, and then stepped out to get a feel for Thailand! We were immediately offered rides by the little taxi cart drivers, offered any kind of info, offeres coconuts, and beers, etc. We walked a ways into the city, keeping an eye on the time (it was only 12ish, and our train left at 17h). We discovered a few big, colorful, ornate temples, and justwandered the streets which were lined with small shops selling all kinds of cheap odd and ends...and then there were even more people selling stuff all along the sidewalks on little carts. Coming from Prague where the streets held few people only out to run errands, Bangkok was bustling, and so jam packed you could hardly move at times. We didn't encounter any signs of the riots, and for the most part people were very friendly (although we did have to simply be aware and wary of those who might not have been all good intentions...but that applies anywhere and everywhere). We bought some delicious, SPICYYYY, street food: Kels got a chicken curry, and I got a big, fresh, ripe coconut,  and some kind of a porridge (the only veggitarian thing around), and then I added my own fresh veggies. Now, that was risky of me because my body is not accustomed to this food or water...so I might pay for that...
We got back to the station at 16:30 (according to Kelsey's watch), and relaxed for a few minutes. When we were ready to get on the train, and were walking toward the platform, I happened to glance at the big clock in the station. It read 17:42. We had missed our train. Thankfully, there was one more train going to Trang, BUT all the first and second class seats had been reserved, leaving us with two, 3rd class seats. Normally I wouldn't complain about that, but the 2nd class tickets we had before, placed us in air conditioned sleepers (actual horizontal beds). To give you a little insight here, we hadn't slept for over 36hrs by this point, and we were really looking forward to a good nights rest before ourexciting next day. Also, the train ride was 16hrs long (no, I'm not exadurating). Thats a long time to be sitting - very upright - in a crowded, brightly lit train car, with a large, very loud crew of Thais we just knew we couldn't trust.
So, some painful stomachaches, countless, annoying, unsuccessful attempts to sleep while hugging our bags, and 16h hours later, we are about to arrive at Trang Station! Finally!
~Iolani

P.s. so sorry for the lack of posts. My blogger app has been deleting all my hard work :(
Amsterdam post and many many photos to come...!

Denmark ♥

Upon my arrival in Ribe (the oldest town in Denmark), I was greeted with big hugs and smiles by my friend Mette and her father, Henrik. We drove a couple minutes through the narrow cobblestone streets to Mette's school (she was on her lunch break), where I went with her to her Spanish class and then physics class. It was great to see that side of Denmark.
After classes were over Mette took me around the town, pointing out all the interesting sites: her school- the oldest school in Denmark- Ribe Katedralskole, the oldest town hall in Denmark, the house of Maren Spliid (Splids)- the last witch to be burned in Denmark, the hill where a castle used to stand, the water-control hills and dam, the beautiful Ribe Cathedral in the center of town, the smallest house, etc. She taught me about water levels in the city, and how flooding was an issue certain years. And, on our way to her house (a few km outside of the city), she showed me the completely flat landscape where one can see over 30km into the distance, and can feel the intense winds that have traveled so far, without and interuption.
We arrived home and were engulfed by the delicious aromas of her mom, Merete's cooking. She made the typical Danish Christmas dinner: delicious pork roast, with gravy and potatoes, and of course the crispy fat from the roast! It was so yummy! Mette, Merete, and I ate together, which was so nice! Henrik missed out because he had to work the "afternoon" (night) shift, as a policeman in Esbjerg (the biggest, closest city). They told me about their lives here in Denmark and taught me a lot about the many systems in Demark, and how different it is from the US and the rest of Europe. It was really very interesting to learn all of this first hand!
The next couple of days consisted of me going to school with Mette for part of the day, and then more exploration! She took me up to the top of the bell tower of the cathedral where we were surrounded by beautiful views, and impressive winds. Then, we ate real, danish danishes...WOWWW!!
Mette took me to the Menesker pa Havet ("Men by the Ocean"-4 big, white statues) in Esbjerg. So cool! In the mornings after Mette had gone to school, and Merete to work, Henrik and I had some great discussions about travels, cars, politics, work, money, etc. I learned so much from him! I also attempted to help out as much as I could  0:-)  On my second night there, I cooked dinner for them (stuffed peppers, and carrot salad), which I think was appreciated, and then Mette and I made danish pancakes with some interesting fillings for another dinner! :D
I had initially told Mette and her family that I was only going to interrupt their lives and stay until Thursday or Friday, but they were generous enough to let me stay until Sunday!! The weekend was relaxed in the house, and being the only one who didn't have to work or study all week long, it was nice to just be lazy the whole time and it gave me time to be productive in my planning, but it was also a bit much... It made me re-realize how much I love being a nomad :)
On Saturday night, Mette's best friend Helena came over and we had some Saturday night fun! They introduced me to a few different kinds of Danish alcohol: GaJol (a licorice liquor), Tempt and Somersby (Danish hard ciders), Carlsburg Beer (Danish beer), and Cuba (a liquor). We played games at Mette's house and then walked to Helena's house and played more games, and then at 1, we took a cab into town. They showed me the 2 bars where "everyone" goes, and gave me a little taste of the Danish small town night life. After a few exciting events, we finally made it home!
This afternoon it was very hard to leave! This wonderful family had opened their house and hearts so wide to me, and I really felt at home. I hope that we can connect again soon, either somewhere in Europe (Denmark or Italy), or in the states, when they make it over there!
Mette, if you're reading this... thank you sooooo much for all your kindnesses! You all went out of your way to make me feel comfortable and happy, and it was all more than I could've ever asked for! I hope you find happiness there, and then as soon as it's possible, that you come try out the spontaneous and adventerous life of a curious traveler! I love you!
TUSIND TAK!
♥♡♥

Winter holidays in Deutschland

Kels and I had a fun time in Berlin! Kels only had a few days left before flying home for Christmas, so that loomed over us the whole time. It was only a bit of a distraction though, and we were still able to fully enjoy Berlin! The artsy city gave us a new and fun attitude full of spontaneity and the need to fully live every moment. We met 3 American college students on a study abroad semester, near the Berlin wall, and ended up spending the evening and night with them. They were sweet and fun, and it was funny seeing the different attitude they held toward Europe...
The climate change coming from warm Barcelona to brisk, windy Berlin proved to be a bit of a shock for our bodies, and we got hit pretty abruptly and hard with a cold (that I'm still trying to get rid of a month later...). But we pushed through the sniffling, coughing, and tiredness, and managed to have a great few days in Berlin!
On December 22nd, we parted ways, Kelsey to Frankfurt to catch her flight home, and me to Magdeburg to my sister. It was bittersweet: we were both overwhelmed with emotions about seeing loved ones again, and returning to the rythmic and structured life, after 4 months of freedom and spontaneity. It was also sad knowing that our time traveling through Europe was coming to an end...
When I arrived in Magdeburg, I was greeted by Mareika (my 15 year old sister) who is currently living with our uncle and going to school in Germany. It was so nice seeing my uncle and ant and big cousin again who I hadn't seen for over 4 years! I stayed with them for a couple days, and then on Christmas Day we all drove to Salzwedel to my grandparent's house. Again, very nice to see the family (my oma and opa, ant and uncke, and little cousin)! We ate a TON, played cards for the majority of the waking hours of the day, and downed chocolate like there was no tomorrow (and I mean boxes and boxes!) It's always a great time, going to Germany to visit the family, but the lifestyle (and diet) are sooo completely different, and I can only take a so much of it...
On the 26th, Mareika and I caught a train up to Kiel, in northern Germany, where our big brother, Toby, picked us up! We then drove to Lütjenburg to where he lives with his girlfriend Andrea. It was the first time in 6+ years that we 3 siblings were together for Christmas...it was very special! We also got to spent a couple days with Elias, my precious nephew ♥ ! Unfortunately Toby only gets him for a couple of (tough) days every 2 weeks...custody battle... It's not a situation I would wish on any child or parent. He's only 1 1/2 years old, and it's all so confusing for him...
On New Years Eve the four of us (Toby,  Andrea, Mareika,  and I) loaded into their small car and drove to Berlin where we stayed with Andrea's mom in her small apartment until Jan. 5th.
On 31.12.13 we enjoyed the time together, ate a big dinner, drank lots of champagne, and hung out. Shortly before midnight, the 4 of us went to Alexanderplatz (central Berlin), fireworks in hand, to let 2013 go with a bang and a pop! It seemed like all of Berlin was out on the streets, and most people were setting off their own fireworks right off of the streets out of empty Sekt, Wodka, and beer bottles! Hugs, kisses, alcohol, and wishes for the 2014 filled the air!
Toby, Mareika, and Andrea went home then, and I made my way across Berlin to meet Tom (someone I had met when I was in Berlin with Kels) to go out dancing, and start off 2014 with some excitement! We ended up going to a house party and spending a great time with (new) friends until 4am, and then heading out to look for a club. After walking an hour, and then standing in line for 1/2 an hour, they asked us for 30€, EACH, to get in...AT 5AM :O ...so, we walked around the still lively Berlin for another couple hours, and then went to sleep. That day we all stayed in bed, and evidently so did most people in Berlin.
The next few days were calm and relaxing, and on the 5th Toby, Andrea, and I drove back to Lütjenburg, and Mareika back to Magdeburg (school started back up on the 7th).
I stayed with Toby and Andrea (I think I forgot to mention that she is 7 1/2 months pregnant) for the next week! It was great having a stable place to stay, a stocked kitchen (something that is greatly missed while traveling), and a bicycle I could use to go those 4Km into town. I got myself a week membership at the tiiiincy gym in Lütjenburg, and that quickly became my couple hours for myself everyday. I think I may have sparked a bit of (much needed) interest for excercise at the house as well!  Toby works weekdays 8h-17h, and then comes home exhausted, so our quality sibling time was limited but sooo great! I hadn't spent and real time with Toby since 2007, and sooo much has happened to and changed for the both of us...but inside we're still the same people we were before, so things just worked between us and it was as if we no time had gotten between us!
It was also so great to see Mareika! The dynamic there is quite different though: There are only 3 years between us (and 6 years between Toby and I), we're both girls (self explanatory), and we've been together pretty much our entire lives... It was wonderful to see her again after 4+ months of separation, and all went surprisingly smoothly for the first week...and then we went back to their same old sisterly ways. No matter how much we wished that things would change over time, it wouldn't be at all the same without that...
So, yesterday I made my way up to Denmark wher I met Mette, a friend who came to the US on exchange last year. Her and her family are being very kind and letting me stay at their house, and show me around the beautiful town of Ribe (the oldest town in Denmark). It's so wonderful to see Mette and spend time together, and I'm so grateful to have a private guide around this beautiful city so full of history!
More to come sooon!
~Iolani