Jjimjilbang (찜질방)- South Korea's public bathhouse

If you want the quickest way to break the ice between new-found friends, I would suggest visiting a jjimjilbang. I guarantee having to be totally naked with someone you have just recently met will definitely allow you to pass into the other person's comfort zone in a very short amount of time!

I've been living in South Korea for nearly nine months now and it was only a month ago that  I finally managed to pluck up the courage to visit a jjimjilbang. I knew I would have to at some point if I really wanted to experience one of the aspects that makes the Korean culture unique.

A jjimjilbang is basicly a public bathhouse. It is often visited by those late night party-ers that just need a shower and a floor to sleep on, or travelers on a budget, or even by families as a bonding trip. They are open 24 hours and have hot tubs, showers, Finnish-style saunas and massage tables. Depending on the size and popularity of the jjimjilbang, as well as if you are just using the shower area or want to stay the night, the prices range from 4,000won to 10,000won per night (approximately $4 - $10 NZD).

My first experience was at Riverside Spa Land in Seoul. This is quite a big and well-known jjimjilbang, so I'm glad this was where I had my first taste at this sort of thing. Upon entry, you are given two Korean-sized towels (meaning the size of what we use as hand towels in western countries) and gym clothes to change into to sleep in for the night. As I had a hiking back-pack they allowed me to store this behind the desk overnight, but for smaller bags you can store these in your locker they provide for you in the changing area. Also, if you forgot any toiletries there is a mini convenience store in the changing areas for you to buy and they sell everything from underwear, clothes to shampoo and soap.

As soon as I enter the woman's area I am faced with ladies in their birthday suits casually walking around either getting ready to enter the sauna or having finished, and some even just sitting around socialising or watching a K-Drama on the TV that the little convenience store had playing. I found my locker number and after standing there awkwardly trying not to make eye contact, I decided that I stood out more being clothed so I took a deep breath and disrobed. Being a foreigner I immediately expected the not-so-subtle stares to come my way, but fortunately and surprisingly no one really paid any attention.

As the ladies at the entrance counter didn't really do any run down on what the rules or procedures were, I ended up aimlessly walking around the lockers, nude, for a few minutes trying to figure out what the next step was and hoping I wasn't infringing on the social etiquette of this place. After observing for a little bit and feeling anxious to do something else other than walk around in a bright lit place naked, I finally entered the sauna area. Straight to the left and the right are the showers with standing or sitting options. Ladies of all ages are sitting there with their traditional Korean hand scrubs giving themselves a full rub down before entering a sauna. The number one rule of the sauna is that you MUST  shower before you enter a spa. If anyone catches you not doing so, be ready to suffer the wrath of an ajumma (middle-aged or older Korean woman).

There are different baths to choose with differing temperatures. There is also a sauna and if you want, a massage table where an ajumma is waiting to give you a full body scrub. This is not for woman who are feint of heart or shy about their body because they will get into nearly every nook and cranny! I opted to sit in the mid-temperature spa.Though, after about 10 minutes I almost forgot I was completely naked and just began to relax and enjoy the moment.

Hot baths

Once you have finished with the hot baths, sauna and showers you go back into the lockers and change into the shorts and t-shirt they provided for you. You go up one level and this is the unisex area where there is a variety of facilities to enjoy: aeorbics room, fitness room, movie room, arcarde, comic book room, eating and restaurant area and more. There are also themed rooms which you can either relax in or sleep in. For example they have the oxygen room, cold room, hot room, salt room, iron room etc.  In terms of sleeping, it ranges with each jjimjilbang. Some may have some bunk beds, some will have mats that you can take and put on the floor and some will just have pillow-like blocks and you just pick a spot on the floor and this is your area for the night. For this particular jjimjilbang, it was more a first in first served for the good, dark areas and sleeping mats and just pick an area to lay down
.

Sleeping caves

To be honest, unless you can sleep easy or are a deep sleeper don't expect a good night sleep here as most lights are on during the whole night and you will hear some loud snorers you can't block out. Although, it is definitely a great experience, one you have to do when you are in Korea. I would definitely go back again if there is ever a night I just need a quick and cheap place to sleep. Also, as much as I dread being naked infront of complete strangers I must say that I found it to be very invigorating and refreshing. It definitely makes you appreciate your body more.

Common area / sleeping area

So if you ever head this way and want to do something a lil different, how about staying at a jjimjilbang for a night.

Dive Sites and Snorkeling Spots

I am still working towards getting my PADI certification, but until I have the time to be able to do this course properly I'll just keep on doing the introduction dives for now.

Introduction dives are a good way to start off if you're nervous about jumping into a full course straight away. It'll give you the basic instructions on buoyancy, air control and the underwater hand signals you need.

I've been to five spots so far and hope to add more to this as time goes. Although, the few spots I have been to have been amazing diving and snorkeling sites with abundant underwater life.

All these dive shops were PADI members and rated with 5 stars.

* FIJI - Mantaray Island
When I went here, this was operated by Reef Safari. Now the island runs their own dive shop called Mantaray Dive- http://www.stayinfiji.com/accommodation/diving.htm

This has been my favorite spot so far. So, so, so many different types of fish and it was at its best at about 830 in the morning. If you remember that scene from Finding Nemo where he takes his son to school and there are just schools and schools of fish swimming about...it was exactly like that but more! (Sorry, that was the best way of describing how it was!)


*SAMOA- Aqua Samoa at Aggie Greys Hotel and Resort
This was in their dive site called the 'Fish Bowl', about a 20 minute boat ride from the harbour.
http://www.aquasamoa.com/


*NORTHLAND, NEW ZEALAND- Poor Knights Island
This site was named by Jacques-Yves Cousteau as one of the top-ten dive sites in the world. Not too shabby for lil 'ol NZ.
http://www.aperfectday.co.nz/


*GREAT BARRIER REEF, Australia
If you can, definitely do a sailing trip around the Whitsunday Islands and tell your captain that he MUST stop at Whitehaven Beach. This is only THE BEST beach I have ever been to yet (you can read a little more on my post about Adventure Tours Australia). Powder, white sand and baby reef sharks and stingrays in the shallower waters. It takes about a half hour hike to get from the beach entrance to where this beach is located (nearly on opposites sides of the island).
http://www.explorewhitsundays.com/content/sail-dive


*GILI TRAWANGAN, Indonesia
While I only snorkeled here, this island and Gili Air are well known for its coral reefs right off the coast which will be perfect for diving as well. Each time I entered the water, I was lucky enough to be able to swim with a big sea turtle which made my stay here even more special. The currents here are a little strong so you do have to be a little careful and wary of being taken with the tide.

Wanderlust

Something just off topic a little bit....but I guess this also explains why I love to travel so much. Stepping foot on new grounds and seeking adventure is like living out a fantasy or stepping into another persons shoes; another version of me that only comes out when I'm consumed by wanderlust.

*****

A TRUE PISCES

I love being a true embodiment of a Pisces being: ambitious, impulsive, enthusiastic, full of energy; pioneers both in thought and action, a lover of freedom. Albeit, it does get me into trouble. Pisces are over-emotional, sensitive, dreamers and will lose themselves in a relationship or their passion. I’m an escapist. I like the little fantasies that play in my mind. If only I could project that into real life and let everyone else watch with me. More so, I wish it was real life. But there I go again, wishing fantasy into reality. It’s not always healthy to be a true Pisces.

*****

Thailand Tips

Just some things I would advise for Thailand:

- Accommodation: There are many, many different hostels/hotels you can book with. Don't be afraid to shop around if you aren't planning on pre-booking and don't be afraid to ask to see the room before paying.

- TukTuks: They will try to rip you off! Don't be afraid to barter and if you can, somehow try find out how far away your destination is. Jump on a computer and try google map it. I stupidly paid nearly 200 THB to just go around the corner. It is only $7NZD equivalent but when you can get it for only half the price or less, it's worth it!

Also, they'll try take you on a 'tour' of Bangkok and will take you to visit their friends jewellery shops etc, where they get a commission if you purchase something. So if you don't want to go, you can say no. Don't be afraid to stand your ground even though some can get quite pushy.

- Airport shuttle bus: Most accommodation will offer taxi or coach services to and from the airport. You can do this, or for a cheaper option (from memory only 100THB) you can take the airport shuttle bus. I took one by Khao Sann Road and took about an hour or hour half  to get to the airport from there, depending on traffic. They leave pretty frequently and is the most convenient and cheapest way to get to and from the airport.

- DIY vs Packaged tours: There are many tour companies that run through out Thailand, either locally or bigger companies like G Adventures or Intrepid. While these are good if you are on a limited time frame or want the ease and security of having an itinerary already, but if you are planning on doing this yourself Thailand makes it very easy to do so. Buses and trains go to nearly every town in Thailand and are very affordable. From what I saw, train and bus stations do have an English speaking guard or helper that will pick out tourists and ask if they need help so it is quite easy to book as you go.


Enjoy your Thai adventure ;)

The best of NORTHERN THAILAND

Northern Thailand has been one of my favourite destinations so far... and this is why:

Before heading north, I'll just start with BANGKOK- the capital and the heart of Thailand. This city is full of hustle and bustle. Personally, as much as it has a lot of history and famous temples I would only stay here for 2 or 3 nights at the most.

There are many different hostels and hotels all around this area and nearby. The good thing about Thailand is that for a good 3 or 4 star hotel, the price is considerably cheap (about $40NZD per night for a decent place).

If you just want a place to lay your head and are not fussed about spending too much I would recommend either the Sawadee Khao Sann Inn or Sawadee Bangkok Inn. Both are around the corner from the infamous Khao Sann Road Markets, and offer dormitory rooms or private rooms. They are both clean with basic necessities and offer breakfast included as part of the nightly rate. You might also recognise Sawadee Bangkok Inn from the movie 'The Beach'. Or else for something a little further out, Lub D Bangkok Hostel comes highly recommend from friends who have stayed here. Great atmosphere and service.

Otherwise, for a slightly longer walk away (slightly longer meaning 5 minutes instead of 2) I did stay a night at the Royal Hotel. Open air swimming pool, two restaurants inside, storage for bags (cost about 10,000THB per day, per bag), taxi service and a travel desk.

If you limited on time and want to see temples there is one that is a must see and that is the Wat Pho Temple. This is home to the infamous reclining buddha. It is 46 metres long and 15 metres high and was designed to illustrate the passing of the buddha into nirvana. The feet and the eyes are engraved with  mother-of-pearl and the decorations at the feet are to represent 108 auspicious characteristics of a true buddha.

*Khao Sann Road -  Test out your bargaining skills or enjoy some tasty street food, or pop into one of the local restaurants for a cold Singha beer.

*Chao Phraya River - Here you can feed catfish, see the river houses on stilts and even see some floating markets.

Khao Sann Road Market

Chao Phraya River 

Wat Pho Temple

The feet of the Reclining Buddha

At Wat Pho Temple

1) SUKHOTHAI
This is easily one of my favourite places in the world so far, and in Thailand. This was known as Sukhothai Kingdom, which existed from 1238 to 1438. This is Old Sukhothai, which is where I stayed and ventured around. About 12km outside of this is New Sukhothai.

The old capital (Old Sukothai) is now in ruins and has been labelled as a UNESCO World Heritage Historical Park. It has so much character and history. Such a beautiful place to get lost in. I was lucky enough to arrive when the lotus flowers were blooming in the river, as well.

The best way to get around the park is if you hire a bicycle. 

One of my favorite temples in the park.

A seated Buddha

Phra Achana in Wat Si Chum Chapel

The hand of the buddha above. You can buy gold painted paper to stick onto the buddhas hand as an offering after a prayer.

A local cooling down in the river after a days work.

Le Charme Sukothai Resort. 

Local transport. 

2) THE ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER - LAMPANG
There are many different elephant conservation centres in Thailand, however, some don't have the best resources or staff to properly manage and run a massive operation like this. Also, a lot of ethics and animal welfare come into play as well especially from tourists unconsciously keeping an eye out on how the animals are treated in places like this.

When I came here I was very impressed by how the centre was managed and built. You could tell the staff really did care for the elephants well-being and were not just used as a showcase for tourists that visit. The animals were almost given free reign at certain points of the day, were also well fed, had large enclosures and adequate health care facilities. If there is a centre I would recommend for people to keep coming and feeding money into to help sustain, it would be this one.

Not only can you witness these magnificent animals at play and in their almost natural habitat, but you can also volunteer here for a period of time to become a 'mahout' (elephant trainer/caregiver). Depending on the length of time you decide to do this you can get very close and personal with your elephant and while there I met a couple volunteers who had been back twice to which their same elephant remembered them.

For more information about this place: http://www.thailandelephant.org/en/

I went here en-route to Chiang Mai.

The nursery

Paintings done by some of the elephants themselves. These are sold off and money goes towards the center

Mahouts giving their elephants a bath / a time to cool off.

3) CHIANG MAI / CHIANG RAI
Chiang Mai is my second favourite place in Northern Thailand. The city is surrounded by hillsides and although is still a busy city, it feels less stressful than Bangkok. The night markets here are infamous and while I think Khao Sann has better selection of clothes, here you can find more handicrafts and souvenirs.

While in Chiang Mai, don't forget to try your hand at a traditional Thai cooking class. Delicious value for money.

Chiang Rai (about an hour or two out from Chiang Mai) also holds one of the most interesting temples I've seen so far. It's not the typical temple you see in Thailand but the designer made it with a 'heaven and hell' theme in mind, something that is usually not seen in Buddhist thinking. A definite must-see if you are up this way.

The temple is called Wat Rong Khun (White Temple of Northern Thailand), an unconventional Buddhist and Hindu Temple. Construction began in 1997 and is supposed to end by 2070.

Night markets at Chiang Mai.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep- 309 steps up to the temple.

Cooking class- traditional Chicken and cashew nut stirfry.

Monks at the white temple.

4) THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
From Chiang Mai you can head towards the Golden Triangle, which is where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet. Historically this area is known for the trading and growing of Opium. From the Thailand side, Chiang Rai province, they have an Opium museum if you wanted to know more about this history.

From here, I was able to get across to a part of Laos via long boat. Here we spent a couple hours meeting locals and shopping around the local markets.

Entering Laos

Some snakes and reptiles soaked in very strong Vodka like alcohol.

Travelling Solo

Travelling solo and as a female has always made my family and some friends a tad nervous. I admit, when I first ventured on a holiday by myself it was definitely nerve-wracking, even if I told everyone else that I wasn't worried at all. But I think that's what I love about it, that nervousness that turns into excitement. That unknown journey you're about to take and seeing the changes in yourself once you come out the other side.

I think at least once in your life you need to step out of your comfort zone and throw yourself in the deep end. Book a one way/return ticket and make plans or arrangements as you go along, or travel alone, whatever it may be I think you'll be surprised at what you're capable of.

For those that are uncertain of doing something like this, I just wanted to share my reasons of why travelling solo is great. While I love being able to share memories with a fellow travel partner, I think travelling by yourself adds a different, more memorable aspect to a chosen getaway.

1) DO WHAT YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT.
It is you and only you that you have to worry about and plan for. You don't have to sacrifice seeing certain sites because your friend doesn't want to, or stick to a scheduled plan as what happens most times when travelling with others.
Had an unexpected (late) night out? Don't worry, you can take that 6am bus to Chiang Mai the next day =P

Taking the 13 hour overnight train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok

2) LOCALS TEND TO BE A BIT MORE HELPFUL TO YOU
Locals generally tend to be helpful to all tourists in their country, however, when they do see you alone they almost become your best friend, mother, father, sister, brother, cousin...you name it. Some will go out of their way to make sure you end up where you need to be, or you have somewhere to lay your head, or will help get you a good deal on a package. Having a local to help you does come in handy especially when English is not so commonly spoken in the country you're visiting.

3) YOU WILL MAKE FRIENDS ALONG THE WAY.
I consider myself to be quite sociable but when you already have someone you know with you, you don't tend to speak to others as much or get to know other travelers than if you were alone. Alone you are forced (to use that term loosely) to make conversation, find out about other people and mingle. From this I guarantee you'll make at least one, two, three or more lifelong friends even if it comes down to just sharing travel stories or photos via Facebook.
Also, it's always a good story telling friends and family back home about all the interesting people you've met along the way.

In this case:
- Stay in a hostel- dorm room: You may feel nervous sharing your personal space or feel shy to speak to others but trust me, I bet majority of the people there feel the same way too. You may come from different sides of the world but you are all there for similar reasons so you already have that in common.

- Take public transport:  Try travel using the buses or trains. This is another great way to meet fellow solo travelers.

- Stay away from places that are more popular with couples or families if you can. These  kinds of places will tend to make you feel lonely.

- Join a tour group: Generally I do try stay away from these but in some cases you may have to. I experienced this in Ubud, Bali where to get to certain sites a local company had to drive you there. This meant signing up to a small tour company, however, through this I met two awesome people from Europe (both travelling alone) who I keep in contact with still.

Khao Sann Road, Thailand

I hope this helps ease those worries about taking that leap into travelling alone for your next getaway. Feel free to let me know if you need any more motivation!

Stay adventurous everyone =)

White sands of Boracay

You can probably see a re-occurring theme here: tropical getaways! I admit, when making travel plans I do tend to gravitate more towards the hotter climates rather than the cold. Guess I'll have to change this one day but as the saying goes "if it's not broke, don't fix it".

This destination is dear to my heart. I was born in the Philippines but moved to New Zealand with my family when I was very young, so have grown up as a Kiwi but have never forgotton my roots. Boracay is one of the many islands in the Philippines and one that has always been recommended by locals and foreigners alike.

Boracay is a typical beach destination. Pure white sand, crystal clear waters, resorts, backpackers, restaurants and bars lining up along the beach. Every few hundred meters or so stages are set up where at night you can see fire dancing shows, live bands, live dances or concerts. There's always something to do. Like other beach areas, you can't go anywhere else for food or other necessities so prices are a little bit higher here at the local shops however, bargaining is accepted.

If you wanted to do a little more than just lazing on a beach, you can sign up to do either a full or introduction PADI dive course, rent out ATVs, participate in water sports or hike the local trails. As I was with family we did upgrade our accommodation to stay at the Boracay Regency Resort (which I highly recommend if you have the budget for it). However, there are many different priced accommodation with good facilities if you're willing to shop around.

At night, I recommend getting way from your hotel and try find a local restaurant for dinner. There are many different seafood buffets along the beach strip, which for a decent price you can eat as much fresh lobster, crab, clams, oysters, muscles and much more with some cheap (but good) cocktails on the side. Also, don't forget to try the local beer San Miguel or Red Horse...choose your poison!

A definitely cheap but great option if you are looking for that tropical holiday. Just head into Manila and you can catch a cheap flight across to Caticlan, where from there you take a banca  boat across to the island. The flight from Manila to Caticlan takes roughly an hour and the boat ride is about 20 minutes. Be ready to disembark into water rather than stepping onto a wharf!

Banca Boat

Boracay Regency Resort

The shopping strip on the beach

Boracay Beach

Aggie Greys Hotel and Resort

Just a short and sweet post about Aggie Grey's Hotel and Resort. You always hear people talking about the bad rather than the good, so thought I would be a little different and make sure people hear about the good as well.

I stayed here for about 5 nights and have never felt so relaxed. Aggie's has two options, the Hotel and Resort as well as their Hotel and Bungalows. The resort is located about 10 minutes drive away from the airport but right on the coast, on a man-made lagoon. Where as the bungalows are situated right in the heart of town, so both have their pros and cons. The bungalows are little older but I would say has more character, and has the traditional Samoan vibe about them as well. The good thing is that Aggie's do provide a free coach service between these two properties for their guests so you can get the best of both worlds.

All rooms at the resort have their own private balcony and face the beach. The rooms are clean and fitted with a mix of traditional Samoan furniture as well as being slightly westernised. Staff are very, very friendly and accommodating. They have four restaurants to choose from all having a different theme, cuisine and price range. Easy to say, all are delicious so it just depends on what your budget is really! They have a lagoon pool or you can opt to sit on their beach instead. There is a swim up bar in the pool or else, if you are on the beach they do have waiters walking around to take food and drink orders so you can just literally be a beach bum.

For those who want the full relaxing experience, they also have an onsite spa and massage place. You're welcomed into a half fale, and taken out to their open massage areas set out in their tropical bush. A perfect setting to relax and just take everything in.

I also managed to get an introduction dive in one day, which they take you out to their infamous 'fish bowl'. If you had wanted, you can also sign up to do a full PADI course here and get qualified. Their diving instructors are very professional and you know you are in good hands. I would definitely recommend doing this if you have the extra time.

Walkway from the reception area through to your room.

View from the beach looking to the rooms.

The lagoon pool, facing towards the beach.

Reception

View from the balcony