Blog alert!!!

Hey guys, i know i haven't written in awhile but it's been hard finding a decent computer to send blog posts from. I have a ton of pictures and videos to load. China is absolutely amazing though. Send me an email with your address if you want a postcard. =)
I'll post some cool stuff as soon as i can! miss you all

email: abevelazquez@hotmail.com

Videos

Videos will be added later. They take a dreadful long time to upload. :p

Ko Kret

Ko Kret is a small island 15 kilometers northwest of central Bangkok. The island itself is comprised of a tiny village with no more than 500 inhabitants. On Monday, Da and I took a day excursion to the island via the Mae Nam Chao Phraya river. An hour long boat ride followed by a short drive on a minibus took us to our destination. Ko Kret is virtually tourist-free, making it the perfect getaway from the noise and bustle of Bangkok. As we strolled down the narrow “road” that encircles the island we passed through many pottery shops. Occasionally, we’d stop and observe the potter’s work. Every hand movement was carefully coordinated and had been thoroughly memorized by years of working the trade. As we continued walking, we came across various small temples. I spotted a few women kneeling, offering their prayers and gifts to Buddha. It was a peaceful experience just watching them.

A man let us rent his motorcycle for 100THB (around $3) I let Da drive since I’ve never had much luck driving those dreadful things. The road was extremely narrow and in certain spots it was no wider than the average sidewalk. Nevertheless, the motorcycle ride made the island experience much more adventurous; dodging through sharp corners, zooming past tiny stores and huts, enjoying the scenic panorama. The ride was great.

random photographs

Da and I

Lotus

this is hillarious

Photos from Nangnooch Gardens

Gardens

Bangkok is a city full of lush greenery. And although decades of transformation have taken place in this city, you can still find a few areas which have remained in their pristine state, especially around the outskirts.
Today we visited some beautiful gardens with Shann and her friend Zariah. Both insisted that I see the elephant show with them and they could instantly tell that I wasn’t too excited about seeing the animals do their tricks. Nonetheless, Nangnooch Gardens boasts some of the most incredible scenery and variety of plant life found in the Bangkok area. There were plenty of photo opportunities.

A dear old friend

Walking down the old Soi, I felt a strange familiarity with my old home street. This neighborhood was once my home and after two years what once was a daily ritual for me, has now become an experience full of emotion and nostalgia for a world that I’ve missed dearly.
I walk pass a few stray dogs. I recognize them both. After two years, their demeanor hasn’t changed. They lay on the middle of the street, heads buried between their paws and their mouths nipping at the flies buzzing around them.
I arrived at Da’s apartment at 10am. I didn’t have her cell number to call in advance and I didn’t even know if she still lived here. I didn’t remember her room number either and after 30 minutes of struggling with my limited Thai and the receptionist’s limited English, Da, along with her cousins wife and daughter came walking down the stairs. “Abe-ie!!,” she exclaimed running down the stairs and throwing her arms around me.” Our embrace was a beautiful one. I had missed Darunee and after exchanging greetings with her, it seemed like nothing had changed during the past two years. Our friendship was just as strong. I joined her and her cousin’s family for breakfast in their apartment. Sprawled across the floor was a traditional Thai mat and Da and her cousin had gone out and bought the traditional Thai breakfast; soup, rice, mixed vegetables, sweet corn. After a beautiful prayer by Pong Sak we enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast which although plain, was completely satisfying. Sitting around the mat, legs crossed I felt a beautiful feeling of home in that setting. Our conversation was pleasant, and the meal and atmosphere couldn’t have been anymore peaceful.
We spoke of memories and old acquaintances and it turns out that one of my old Iraqi students, Abbas is still at the language school. Things are progressing for everyone. Some people have moved, others are coming. Life continues in this city.


Walking down stairs, I told Da I’d wait for her in the lobby. We’re planning on going to the weekend market and she still hadn’t showered or changed today. As I sat on the lobby couch, a few house cats tiptoed inside and after nibbling on some of their breakfast they sprawled out on the ground with their legs and arms outstretched; ready for their morning nap.
I could hear somebody coming down the steps. Looking up, I noticed that this time it wasn’t DA but one of my old students, Sarah! She didn’t recognize me at first so I waved and greeted her. Equally surprised as I was to see her, she asked me if I was planning to stay here to teach again. I told her I wish I could but I’m just visiting for two weeks. Sarah was one of my star pupils, she would always study diligently and her English had improved dramatically in the past two years. Although she was only 13 years old, I could predict a strong and successful future for Sarah. We chatted a bit, and then she told me that she had to run off to school. I watched her leave, and in her hurried walk I could see a feeling of determination and resolution.

Recycled Air

I’m sitting in the plane listening to "recycled air" by The Postal Service, enjoying a sizzling cup of black tea as I watch the sun set over the Pacific. Life can’t get anymore beautiful at this moment. I lean my seat all the way back, close my eyes, take a deep breathe and think to myself “This is why I travel.” These moments of complete stillness and peace may seem trivial, yet their importance is inescapable. I think as humans we crave for these moments. They allow us to step beyond the limits we set for ourselves.

The Epiphany

A bitter, cold breeze sweeps across my face. Rubbing both palms of my hands together, I lift my cupped hands towards my lips and blow warm breath into them.
The time is 5:50AM and I am taking my daily walk towards the bus stop. I look towards the horizon and spot a few red and orange rays slowly oozing their way towards daybreak. A few cars buzz by. One after the other, their humming tires rub against the pavement rousing a constant monotonous tone. Lost in this hypnotic state of morning ritual and seeking an escape, my mind wanders off. Feelings and forgotten memories of a world once known begin creeping their way into my mind. Thailand was once my home. The smell of its streets and the sound of bustling school children are just but some of the memories I hold dearly. I remember my ESL students; each of their smiling faces have become permanently fixated in my mind. Every one of those kids was so different than the other. I had Iraqi, Thai, Chinese, Korean, African, and Iranian children in my class. I remember how much joy those kids made me feel. My mind then shifted towards the friends that I made while there. They were kind, real, and peaceful. Traits which I strive to emulate daily. These and many other thoughts began stirring inside of me feelings of excitement for this upcoming trip. Reaching this one epiphany is what I had been looking forward to for moths; I was actually going to Asia.