so, once again, another 2 months down. it seems like it was just yesterday that i was at the 8 month mark of my trip, and here i am now at the 10 month mark. 10 months down!! going by my old calculations, this trip should have only 2 months left. hopefully i’ll be able to stretch it a bit longer than that!
these last 2 months have been a bit different than all my previous travels. i’ve left the third-world countries and ventured into the richest most high-tech country in asia (japan) and also spent some time in russia. it’s been an interesting adjustment, all of a sudden not living in small huts anymore! i’ve definitely enjoyed it. japan was incredible with its great nightlife, fancy technology, and beautiful temples. russia was festinating and i enjoyed walking the beautiful streets of st petersburg and staring at the scenery of siberia from the train. after all of this, i’m ready now to get back into some more rugged travel. pretty soon it’s off to africa!
so, as usual, a quick summary of the last two months:
i saw cuttlefish, turtles, and other marine life in the waters of indonesia; i was stung in the face by a bee while riding a scooter; i got in a huge battle w/ garuda airlines and wasnt allowed to board my flight to japan; i got to hang out w/ my brother; i got to hang out w/ randall; i carefully tried to figure out japanese customs so as not to offend anyone; i stayed in a traditional ryokan; i spent more money than i thought might be possible; i saw more japanese temples than you can imagine; i used the high-tech toilets; i rode a bullet train; i got interviewed many times by japanese schoolkids; i’ve tackled the confusing world of japanese cuisine; i’ve fed deer and eaten buiscuits out of the hand of a japanese businessman; i’ve seen wild goth girls parade around in crazy costumes; i’ve stayed w/ randall’s family; i’ve slept in a capsule; i’ve slept in a love hotel that had chains built into he bed; i met up w/ natasha’s friend adrian and randall’s friends hikaru and laughlin; i ate the freshest sushi in the world at 7am after drinking all night long; i saw hermit crabs wearing designer shells; i saw a square watermelon; i visited the country i was born in; i battled long lines and frustrating customer service; i experienced the white nights; i rode on the transsiberian railway; i hung out in siberia; i saw the elusive asian russian; i saw one of the most beautiful cities in the world, st petersburg; i saw the bridges get raised over the Neva river; i experienced some amazing russian hospitality from Natasha who let me stay at her house and fed me many many great meals; i saw one of the most famous museums in the world, the Hermitage, and also got some great tours by my dad’s friend Boris.
it’s been a busy two months!
so, that’s it for now. once again, if you’re out there reading this… please leave a comment in this post. i like knowing who is reading. i know some of you just refuse to leave comments… it’s not so hard (or scary)!! just drop a quick note.. even a “hi, i’m reading” will do!!
*v
Hey, who do you think you are, always filling up my inbox with this SPAM, and soliciting comments and stuff?
im still reading!
I have never read your blog, I have no idea who you are, (or this Caryn person you speak of) I have never even been to your website. Computers frighten and confuse me, so I’ve never touched one. Oh, and Thailand is a den of naughtiness (with the exception of those nice tuk-tuk drivers who give free tours of Bangkok) so I would never go there.
Same Same, but different!
Ryan
Hi my name is Tom. I’ve met you once or twice. Anyway, I read your journal when I have nothing better to do. I don’t comment because it is *super* scary…. And, I want to eat dog…
Have fun in Africa. I know Joey is really looking forward to it… lucky bastards…
Hello from the Bay Area! I’m still reading! I have to, now that I’m no longer living my own adventures abroad…
Dood, i’m all set. All details have been completed. I received five inoculation yesturday, im moving out of my flat on thursday and ready for a great adventure. Like i said in our phone conversation last week – be ready to hit the ground running.
see you in a couple of weeks!
-joey
Still reading. 🙂
Still reading, still regailing friends and co-workers with “Hey, guess where my cousin and her boyfriend are now!” stories. 😉
Still reading! I’m behind though!
Hey Vlad,
Keep em coming…we really enjoy hearing about your adventure (except for the bee sting of course). Our wish is that your journey will continue until you are READY to come home. BTW are you going to Nigeria? Please let us know.
Be Safe…Love you both.
Suzi & Tom
Still here; still envious; still miss you guys. 🙁
still reading. might have missed a post here and there, but i’m keeping up for the most part. happy trails=)
I read your journal!
You only mentioned me once in this post. What’s up with that? 😉
A little behind but still reading.
dont worry, ive been reading your posts all along… so damn interesting!!! i too, cant beleive its all ready been this long… it feels like i was just reading about you and caryn diving off the coast of egypt.. anyways, post a lot about africa…!!