One of the true adventures of travel is wondering how the complete unknown will match up with the anticipations and expectations in your mind. As I head out on my incredible journey to SE Asia, I am filled with excitement about the adventures I will find, anxiety about surviving the 20 hours of actual flight time and feeling blessed for the desire to make the world my playground.
While I am heading to Asia for several travel writing and photography assignments, I will also be celebrating my 40th birthday and enriching my life with new discoveries about humanity and myself. My travel companion, David Peters, is uncovering these stones with me and will certainly experience a lot of self-discovery also. You simply CANNOT return from travel the same as person as when you left.
The journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam where local markets and a visit to the famous Cu Chi tunnels fill the agenda. Engaging with locals is how I choose to really get to know a foreign culture and there is no better way to do that then to just be a part of it!
The next stop is Siem Reap, Cambodia. I will hold my breath in anticipation of the sunrise over the Angkor Wat temples that I have only ever seen in photos. A boat trip to Battambang will take us past floating villages to arrive in the remote hills of the Cambodian countryside. The DAY I turn 40 (October 30th) I will be riding a motorbike through mountain villages (not accessible by car) and visiting caves that hide a dark history of the Khmer Rouge Regime.
Next, is Loas, a very primitive country. I am anxious for the trip down the Mekong where we will visit with many villagers and take-in some of the most spectacular natural views in the world. There are tea and coffee plantations that thrive in this natural setting. I plan on grabbing the freshest cup-o-joe I’ve ever had as I head to one of many waterfalls and just appreciate life.
Chiang Mai, Thailand is the next stop where we have a moment to rest before getting on an elephant for a 3-day trek through the jungle in northern Thailand. Along the way, we will visit Karen Tribe villages. We will learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes and perhaps even fish with the locals.
Bangkok is the last stop before heading back to Vietnam. Beyond the incredible shopping, Thai kickboxing tournaments, the nightlife and feeling the mystique of the city, the highlight here is without a doubt the fishing we will do at Bungsamran Lake. Some of the world’s largest freshwater fish are in this lake and I have dreamed of living my own version of River Monsters for a very long time. The Mekong giant catfish, giant Siamese carp and the arapaima top more than 250lbs. in this lake!!!!!! I have packed the aqua shoes for my opportunity to jump in the water (ewwww, I know!) and take a photo with my catch.
I look forward to sharing my journey with you. More than that, I hope to enlighten, inspire and encourage you to uncover your own journeys in this world. So, pack your virtual bags……here we go!!!!
Comments
BEVERLY
I can not wait to read more from your trip,I wish I could do this.
And early HAPPY BIRTHDAY…..
I am a big fan of yours and have been for years.
Anietra Hamper
Beverly, thank you. What a great life change from television huh? I hope you are inspired to make your own journey at some point.
Karl Grobl
Good luck on your journey, I’ll be following along!
Anietra Hamper
Karl,thank you. Vietnam and you opened my world to photography and a passion for travel. You taught me the beauty of engaging and the human element that results from that.
jenny poudrier
Anietra, what a wonderful beginning, a new journey. i will be following your blog. much love to you and david. enjoy each other and the universe.
-jenny
Anietra Hamper
Jenny, we walked down the street in Cambodia tonight –barefoot==just soaking it in. It is a peaceful and beautiful part of the world. Thank you for your many wishes and friendship.
Carolyn Jones
Great article and pics – feel like I am there with you – keep the pics and blogging coming!
Anietra Hamper
Hi Carolyn, yes I will. I have stumbled on some fun stuff. I just need to stop moving long enough to write!
Joel M
As usual, I look forward to reading about your travels. This is one part of the world that I haven’t been to yet and I hope to get some good ideas from your trip. Also, Happy Birthday to you!
Anietra Hamper
Joel,
I love it here. If you ever want to plan a trip I have lots of great tips and connections I am happy to share!! Thank you for the B-day wishes.
Jane Hawes
Enjoy, Anietra! As always, I know I’ll enjoy reading all about it!
Karl Grobl
Good luck Anietra, I’ll be following along, I can’t wait to read about your adventures.
Luke Daniel
Now this is what I call an adventure. Three more days and it will be your Birthday so a big Happy Birthday to you. A great way to bring in your 40th Birthday. Take care and be safe and look forward to reading more about your epic adventure.
Anietra Hamper
Luke-
I spent the day literally in the jungle and it is definitely an adventure. Thank you so much!
Patrick Boyle
I spent most of my military career in Southwest Asia and have always wanted to travel to Southeast Asia. Maybe some day! I am enjoying reading about your adventure and look forward to more! Enjoy!
Anietra Hamper
Patrick,
It is beautiful here–as you know and the people are very peaceful. It is hotter than the sun—108 degrees at 10:30am in Cambodia today and about 1000% humidity. If you need any recommendations if you plan to return, let me know!!
Susan Peters
Hi Anietra,
Hope you two are continuing to enjoy the journey! According to your itinerary you are riding an elephant thru the jungle in Chiang Mai today!! What glorious stories there will be to report. Can’t wait to hear all about it and I’m following along as you go. Be safe. Don’t forget the “Water For Elephants”. . . Love 2 U 2
Anietra Hamper
Hi mama! (David’s mama!) We are having the time of our lives and getting some incredible photos and stories and so glad we have each other to share such neat life experiences with. As far as the elephant riding and tribe visit….well, we did get on an elephant..after a harrowing car trip for 5+ hours through sinkholes and a winding non-existent road…we stayed in a hut with a tribe..were the only guests of honor as the entire village showed up to do a ceremony for us..took several hikes to get to showers and bathroom in the jungle in the middle of the night (yep, we used the buddy system and flashlight everytime)…and we were handed tribal gear to wear. We bailed and considered the expensive tour cost a donation to the tribe. It is a pretty incredible and almost unbelievable story to share. I will need a few days to process before I can even find the right words to share in a blog. Love and miss you too!