Caitlyn Marie

I am the cliche.. at least I can admit it.

[utwo]

Sumela Monastery Turkey

According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Sumela Monastery was founded around AD 386. That is in the early days of Christianity being legal in the Roman Empire and during the reign of the emperor Theodosius I (375 - 395). That would also make it among the oldest Christian monasteries in the world.

© Fatih Morgül

[callmekittyc]

Chiang Mai Life

Have you ever seen the commercial or ad or whatever that says "Tiny keyboard, Big headache"? Well let me just say that's how i feel about typing these blog posts from my phone. We all know I'm more of a novelist... so that is why I have been slacking. Also I'm on vacation, and this somehow feels a bit like work. So this is for all 14 of my loyal followers, you're welcome. Let me give you an update on things:

1. Holy temples! Chiang Rai is the bees knees!! If you want to see some of the most bizarre, yet detailed oriented, and slightly questionable artwork I highly recommend the White Temple and the Baandam Museum (aka the Black House). Let me break them down for you and ed-u-ma-cate you.

         A. The White Temple: My thoughts, "Do I really want to go to another temple? There's going to be so many tourists... ugh. Guess I'll go." Please excuse my American Millennial slang when I say OMFG! THAT SHIT WAS DOPE AF! Seriously. The amount of time and detail that's put into this is crazy. So this temple got started in 1997 by some master artist that has an odd obsession with all things pop culture and politically questionable. It is a 90 year work in progress! As in, most people reading this will be dead when it's completed. (Sorry for the bluntness) But yea you can see for yourself what I mean by artistically gifted. I only wish they would have allowed me to take pictures of the murals that line the insides of this "sacred place".  Inside you'll not only find a wax figure of Buddha, but hidden gems like Pikachu, Hello Kitty, and even, the attractive Keanu Reeves. If you go to any temple at all, it should be this one because the artwork speaks for itself. I'm slightly disappointed I only paid 2 cents to get in.

         B. The Baandam Museum is truly one of the most extensive collection of animal bones I've ever seen. "Baan" means house, while "dam" translates to black so it literally translates to Black House. This was by far my favorite "museum" I've ever been to. It probably would seem creepy to most, but the artist lines the walls of 43 structures with animal bones, skulls, skins, and the most detailed woodworking I've ever seen. Bones are assembled in an almost ritualistic way. It's beautiful.

2. While the title of this post is "Chiang Mai Life", Chiang Rai is where I had my self- actualization moment. I had some seriously deep thoughts in the mountains of Chiang Rai that really has changed my perspective on quite a few things. I also experienced the most beautiful thing in my life. I'm not kidding. I was speechless for the first time. I think everyone has at least one of those moments in their life where the world quite literally stops for you. All is quiet. And you can't think of anything more beautiful. Maybe it's holding a child you just gave birth to, maybe it's experiencing love for the first time, maybe it's jumping out of a plane.... everyone has a moment and I had one. Watching the sunset at one of the highest peaks while the full moon reflected in the background was breathless. It was my moment. My world stopped.

3. I met this stranger in a coffee shop. An older gentleman i had never seen and will most likely never see again. We had some of the most meaningful conversation and it made me realize several things. Travelers are a whole different people. I'm one of those people. We don't just travel, but we experience. We do things to learn more about the world. We make ourselves uncomfortable and do things others wouldn't normally do. We are wise and infinitely young. We live by doing, not by example. Although travelers are all so different and we each have our own story, we have a commonality in that we are always searching for new knowledge and new experiences. We revel in learning and doing. We love being.

Sorry for the deep thoughts here, but the post is called "Chiang Mai Life"...

4. Going back to Chiang Mai, I decided it's time to start doing. Even if it meant the touristy things, but YOLO and who knows if I'll ever come back to this magical place... so I booked a cooking class, a trekking tour, and a ziplining excursion. I'll break them down for you..

         A. Cooking Class: This was awesome. It was Christmas day for me and I was kind of feeling sad and lonely. Well turns out, I ended up being the only person in that cooking class. I liked it though. The owner was very cool and took me to the local market and explained ingredients to me and showed me how to shop for the best items. We all know I come from a cooking household, but let me just say Thai cooking and ingredients are a brand new experience. Asia has so many fruits, vegetables, and spices I've never even heard of. After the market, I talked to a local about cooking methods, and after using a mortar and pestle for about 30 minutes, I have a new appreciation for pre-made chili paste. I almost boiled my arms because they were noodles at that point. I made 6 items: Cashew Chicken Stir-fry (Gai Pad Med Mamuang), Northern style chicken curry (Khao Soi), Coconut Milk and Chicken Soup (Tom Kah Gai), Spring Rolls, Mango Sticky Rice, and Red Chili paste.

        B. Trekking Tour: Made for beginners or out-of shape people like me, this little tour was perfect. We started at this phenomenal waterfall in the famous Doi Inthanon National Park. Then we trekked about 3km through the jungle to a hill tribe village, belonging to the Karen people. We passed fields of strawberries, rice, chrysanthemums, and coffee plants. We crossed bridges made of bamboo and even caught a glimpse of an electric green python native to Southeast Asia. After we got to the village, we were able to watch how the coffee was roasted, hand ground and brewed. From there, we went to two pagodas honoring the queen and late King. Our tour concluded with a visit to a hill tribe market overflowing with fresh produce and local honey.

        C. Zipling: Please see my Google rating for "Jungle Flight Chiang Mai" for a more detailed description. Ha. Kidding. Although the review is way more kickass than this. Ziplining was awesome yet slightly terrifying. I'm pretty sure I've once before mentioned the safety protocols in Thailand... they're non existant. I'm pretty sure OSHA would have something to say. (Harley maybe you shouldn't visit) But damn I'm glad it was questionable because flying through the mountains was exhilarating. Getting slung around on a zipline roller coaster left me squealing with delight! To the losers that said, "I like more extreme sports." You're missing out!

Sorry if this post was too short but honestly, the experiences have just been so much fun! I don't have any complaints or overly funny stories because I'm living in the moment... Although my instructor for the ziplining course said I need to use my ass more. He's quite right though. Looking at my inflated pancake ass has me longing for a stairmaster and a salad. Damn Northern Thailand and their delicious food... Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year! I promise I've thought about every single one of you.

[callmekittyc]

Chiang Mai Underwear?

**WARNING: This post contains descriptions that some may find too descriptive.. I tried to keep it PG-13. If you're the sensitive type, please skip over number 8. For the non-sensitive type, you're about to laugh your head off. ** Don't say I didn't warn you.. Day 3 went a little like this:

1. Upon boarding the bus to Chiang Mai, I wondered, "why do they give you these donut neck pillows when we already have a head rest?" Turns out, it must be for your behind because that bus ride was b-b-b-b-umpy.. no way I'm sleeping when I'm teeth are rattling.

2. Finally I get off the bus at a beautiful 6:30AM all bleary eyed, just  to have 4 taxi drivers asking shouting "TAXI!" Excuse me sir, I barely know where I am, much less where I'm going...

3. I did the next best thing, found 1 of the 5 McDonald's in Thailand and had the biggest, greasiest American breakfast possible, sausage biscuit and hashbrown included. And it solidified one thing... America needs to get their shit together. Like damn, that breakfast was chronic! And my cappuccino even had the letter "M" stenciled into it.

4. With caffeine, sugar, and carbs in my system, I was finally able to pull it together and figure out what I was doing. I found the cutest little hostel ever! Only problem-- I had to take a taxi. Motorbike taxi is always the best, cheapest, and fastest way to travel. However imagine sitting side-saddle, carrying a 40lb pack on your back wedging between two cars. Needless to say, I arrived to the hostel, white knuckled and tense.

5. I get to the hostel and I'm in luck! One bed left! At 250 baht a night, in the city, this is a steal! And it's an all girl hostel with numbered towels, cubbies, lockers, everything. I'm overjoyed! Immediately, I jump in the shower and get reborn again. I can conquer the world!! (Ha, yea right...)

6. Time to explore. I find some museums about the culture and people in the region. 4 hours and some Northern Thai cuisine later,  I'm feeling marginally smarter. Except I can't recall a single fact at the moment.... here's some pics to compensate.

7. As I'm walking through the Old City, I'm passing at least 20 massage parlors and spas. My subconscious starts screaming at me, "Treat yo' self. You know you want to." (Turning down my subconscious is equivalent to taking a toy away from a baby) ...except when I get something in my head I'm like: GO BIG OR GO TF HOME! So of course I can't get the simple Thai massage, I need "the ULTIMATE spa package". Oh boy, what an experience...

8. First things first: the parlor I went to is an ex-inmate program supporting women that can no longer find a job with a criminal record. In prison, they get certified as massage therapists so they can get work upon completing their time and support their families. GO WOMEN'S RIGHTS! (*NOTE: Most of these women are imprisoned for crimes they are forced into by their abusive husbands*) So anyway, I'm all, "give me the whole shebang and they are like "okay, you wait 10 minutes." I'm waiting, all geared up and ready for this. They call me over and wash my feet. So far, AMAZING! Incredible service also! Then we get to the room and they hand me this pair of disposable underwear that should just be called a diaper...because that's what it is, minus all the absorbency junk. She tells me, "wear only this"... I'm apprehensive but still feeling the massage. There is a sheet lying on the bed that I can cover myself with. I've had massages before, it's all good. Then the therapist starts scrubbing me down with a jasmine rice scrub which hurt a little, but hey, EXFOLIATION! She completes my backside, *cheeks* and all, then proceeds to flip me over to scrub my front...the whole front. Ladies, you can imagine. I'm the awkward human being that just laughs because I don't even know how to respond. My mind is in shock... Well she finishes and tells me to go shower. I'm like okay, hard part over. Oh, but no.... it gets better. I come back into the room to find the bed wrapped in plastic. I'm like "what the actual f*** is about to happen to me?!" She orders me to sit Indian style. I'm in my birthday suit people, save for the diaper I'm wearing! She slathers me in lotion, orders me to lay down, then wraps me up in this plastic that's covering the table. She says "Be right back." I'm thinking okay, I just have to endure this for 10 minutes. My immediate next thought is, "I feel like the chicken my Aunt used to make where you marinate it, then cook it all in the bag. OMG I'm Shake and Bake! Shake and Bake Ricky Bobby, Shake and Bake." Well the 10 minutes turned into 30 and the whole time I'm thinking about how similar to a chicken I am, breast side up, marinating in this plastic bag. Finally she comes back into the room and slowly unwraps me, like foil you would unwrap from a roasted chicken. Unwrapped, my mind finds another analogy: "I'm a beautiful butterfly, springing out of my chrysalis, spreading my wings in all my marinated goodness." I go shower, and get yet a 3rd diaper to change into and finally the massage turns into what I expected and the rest passed uneventfully. Upon leaving, I must admit, I felt pretty damn moisturized and glowy.

9. So after that odd, but yet satisfying experience, my mind is still, "Treat yo' self. You're on holiday!" And I'm all like, "Damn, you're right!" I decide to eat dinner at this super nice Italian restaurant. The chef was Italian (Shocker, because I'm in Thailand) and I swear that was some of the best food I've ever had in my life. Partly because I've eaten nothing but Thai food for four months... 3 courses and 3 glasses of wine later, I'm feeling exquisite. I decide to take a walk...

10. I really want to see some damn Christmas lights. I don't even like Christmas that much, but when the country you live in doesn't celebrate it, it makes you realize how much you actually miss it. (Okay I miss the food, booze, and presents...and the PARTIES, of course) Well I'm walking and there are no lights to be found. I'm contemplating my feelings on this when I pass this crazy bar and immediately I hear the lyrics, "My neck, my back, lick my...." yea y'all know the rest... This is my scene! The bar is literally calling to me! So guess what I did? No! You're wrong! I turned my ass around (quickly...before I changed my mind), walked back home and am now in bed writing this post. Ha! Y'all thought I couldn't resist?! Assholes...

See you tomorrow! 😈😁😘

[callmekittyc]

Watch out! There is a monkey...right...above...you.

Whew! What a day! Today I visited the city of Lopburi, about an hour north of Ayutthaya. How did it go? Well here's Day 2:

1. Lopburi has--yep, you guessed it-- more crumbling buildings. These were actually kinda cool though. You could still see some of the artwork hand-carved in the stucco.

2. Ancient rulers must have been total princesses. Do you really need all of those buildings?

3. Lopburi is known for having ruins covered in monkeys. It was awesome going inside of the temple and watching them crawl all over it.

4. My experience with the monkeys is as follows: "Aw look at that cute little monkey.... wait what the hell?! Give us back our shit you little demon! Ahh!! He's chasing us! *SHOUTING* NOOOO!! GO AWAY! LOOK FOOD!!" Monkey walks away unperturbed.  Locals are laughing so hard they're crying... Feisty little beasts they are.

5. Why I even try and plan transportation ahead of time is beyond me... waits 2 hours for van, almost misses second bus. Successfully catches 2 motorbike taxis. Gets on bus right on time.

6. You thought that was it for today, nope... currently sitting on a 12 hour bus ride to Chiang Mai. The bus breaks down on the side of the highway.... in Bangkok... for 2 hours.

7. Lines on the road shouldn't exist, people don't drive in them. I rode in a minivan that squeezed so close to the concrete divider on the left and giant tour bus on the right that a small child wouldn't have even been able to fit between.

8. Why are children so fascinated with moving vehicles and the need to jump over the seat? Does this make them feel a sense of danger?

This day isn't quite over so I'm leaving 9 and 10 open to your interpretation. What else can happen today?

**I haven't downloaded all of the pics from today so I will update this post later.**

[callmekittyc]

A-you... got something in your hair

That something turned out to be bird shit... This has happened to me at least 3 times since moving to Thailand.

So I'm taking this trip for the holidays.. it's my first time being alone for Christmas and New Year's so I'm not sure what I'm gonna do with myself. (Okay I'm gonna probably drink...a lot) just kidding fam! ;) Gotta stay safe! Anyway I'm going to try and document it as best as possible. So Day 1:

1. I honestly don't think I'll ever be able to pronounce Ayutthaya correctly. And if you think that's difficult, you should see the names of the temples.

2. Seeing the temples in the center of a city makes me wonder what the surrounding buildings looked like at the time. We are talking 681 years ago... there wasn't 7-11 back then was there?

3. The famous Buddha head in the bodhi tree fell from the main body onto the ground and the tree grew around it. It is one of the most photographed images in Ayutthaya. 

4. Riding bicycles in the middle of traffic is a sport, not a leisurely activity.

5. In the city you can ride an elephant around the capital. DO NOT EVER DO THIS! Elephants do not like being ridden and are tortured and caged up as babies to tame them. Riding elephants is not humane in any circumstance.

6. Ayutthaya has over 2000 temples. I went to 6 of them. I must admit old building start looking the same after awhile..

7. Ayutthaya is actually an island. Its is surrounded on 4 sides by rivers. This site was chosen because it was far from the Navy-laden gulfs, making it more difficult to attack. It's much cooler than Manhattan. (Not that I've ever been)

8. It was the second capital of Siam and remained that way for 417 years until Burma attacked and burned the city to the ground.

9. This city is only a short 2 hour van ride from Bangkok. Wait, who am I kidding... that van ride felt like 5 hours! Imagine being pressed against a stranger in Bangkok traffic with your giant luggage riding in your lap. But hey, at least it's cheap!

10. Lastly, the sun is brutal! Sunscreen is a staple in Thailand, except they don't sell it anywhere! Apparently people of Thailand don't ever burn, they just get dark. If you're wondering about a valuable Christmas present for me...

[callmekittyc]

Thailand experiences three seasons: hot, rainy and cool. This picture is a result of three days of heavy rain, otherwise known as a "monsoon." Monsoons in Thailand are common and are a result of shifts in prevailing winds. This particular storm is a result of a low pressure cell converging with a northeast monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand.

[callmekittyc]

Favorite Color..

This post is a bit different than my last posts.. I know it's kind of long, but I really hope that you read it. I put a little piece of me in it. Enjoy. :)

There is absolutely NOTHING more gratifying than the euphoria you feel after a long, moderately challenging hike. The rush and sensation is so great, there is a moment when you feel like the greatest being alive. I'm not sure if nature leaves something with you or if you leave a part of your soul with nature...probably a little of both. How does one describe the beauty or the feeling? Walking barefoot amongst waterfalls is one of the most cathartic feelings of my life. Thinking about the struggles I've faced or the culture shock I've experienced recently was rushed away the higher I climbed. The cool whisking water was like a balm to both my physical and mental pains. Being in nature is like a drug to me. I get desperate and itchy, sad and lonely without it. I am an addict that craves more every time I have it.

One of the most basic--yet my least favorite--question is, "What is your favorite color?" My mind goes blank as I try to come up with a response. It's the color of the sky at any given point of the day, from the neon orange sunrises to the crystal blue cloudless sky or the cotton candy sunsets to the indigo of the night sky. It's the shade of green when the sunlight illuminates the leaves of trees or the burst of yellow from a basking sunflower. It's the soft, sweet lavender from the blooming Morning Glory's against the salt and pepper sand or the crimson red of a fresh cut rose. This world would be devoid of color should there be no forest, mountains, or beaches to discover. I would be lost without my sense of sight. The colors of nature are sweet melodies in my head, with their own sounds, rhythms, and pitches. Depsite the quietness, nature practically shouts at you to look around, see what it has to offer.

This solo trip has grounded me more than ever and has been the reprieve I needed to refocus and enjoy my time in this foreign environment. This year I turn 25, a quarter of a century old. Seeing trees that are probably close to 3 centuries old puts the concept of time into perspective for me. Time is irrelevant, a man made concept that we can't ever seem to "unforget".  Trees are wise and they know many secrets. They've been around since the beginning of time and before. If I live my life based on experiences and the knowledge I've gained, I will be fulfilled instead of upset by my rate of decay. It should never be a question of how old are you, it should be a question of what have you done so far?

My mind is clear as I step over rocks made of granite and marble to leave the forest floor, the smell of damp earth still ringing in my nose.. I just got my "fix" and am riding the high that comes along with it. So once again, you ask, "What is your favorite color?" My favorite color is Nature..

[callmekittyc]

One of the best parts about living in Thailand is trying the exotic street foods. Some say this tradition is slowly dying out and could be a thing of the past in a few years. This particular street vendor is well known for her som tum, or papaya salad. Green papaya salad combines the unique flavors of sour lime, spicy chili, salty, savory fish sauce, and the sweetness of palm sugar. While there are many variations depending on the region, all traditional versions are mixed and pounded with a mortar. It is common for customers to request the vendor to prepare according to his or her taste.

[callmekittyc]

Chumphon it...

Sorry is that title too “pun-y”? I met this guy that is interested in making T-shirts with Thailand puns on them, and I promised to be a brand ambassador.. As promised, here I am writing another blog post half a month later... But, in my defense, it has been a busy past two weeks. So let’s recap in 100 characters or less, left Bangkok, got so f*&%ing lost EVERYWHERE, moved to Chumphon, and started a new job. So for the good stuff:

1. Chumphon is pronounced Chump-on, not Chum-fon. The ph is pronounced like “pa” in Thailand. 

2. Everyone rides motorbikes (they’re more like motorized scooters). And yes, I do mean everyone, even newborn babies.

3. Street food is hella good, but you better have some kind of Tums or Alka-Seltzer because it will feel like your insides are leaving your body a few hours later... coming from a friend. (You get used to it after a week)

4. There are almost as many stray dogs as stray people. 

5. Oh, you think you’ve had a hangover... obviously you haven’t tried Thai beers. They are called “Chang-overs” for a reason. 

6. I have learned a total of 10 words in Thai. Two of them may or may not be my coffee order... “Sa-wat-dee-kahhhh” is hello in Thai, in case you’re wondering.

7. There is ONE pizza and Mexican restaurant in Chumphon. Yes, they serve both Mexican AND Italian cuisine in the same place. (This is my Friday spot.)

8. The beaches are as pretty as the Pinterest pictures, but better and more exotic.

9. Coconut water tastes waaaaay better with whiskey in it. 

10. Grocery stores are far and few between. You need something? The five 7-elevens on your street probably have it.

11. Everything in America is designed for CONVENIENCE. Sometimes it’s nice to step away from that, and see what is really necessary to be successful.

So I normally only post 10 things, but #11 has been the biggest realization so far. It is the most important lesson I have learned, and one that will stick with me. Stay tuned on the post strictly about my school... That’s a whole ‘nother can of worms.

[callmekittyc]

This little house is known as a phi house, or Thai spirit house. They are found outside of homes, businesses, and apartments designed for spirits, or ghosts, to live so they won’t bother the inhabitants of the land. Often times, residents will put out fruits and vegetables as thanks for bringing good luck. 

[callmekittyc]

"Asian breakfast": similar to egg drop soup but with rice and ground pork meatballs. A bit bland, but tasty upon adding a mix of spices and sauces.

[callmekittyc]

Day 2 Adventures

Soo today was definitely an adventure to say the least. It was going great until I thought water taxis were a good idea... Things I learned:

1. There is such a thing as black water. It exists in the canals of Bangkok and the smell is that of Bourbon St. after Mardi Gras except...worse.

2. You move for motorcycles, scooters, tuktuks, all transportation, really. They DO NOT move for you!

3. There are two types of malls: wholesale retail and couture. You’re either going to spend $5 on two pairs of shorts or $500 on one pair of shorts. 

4. The flowers and plant life (those that you can find in the city anyway) rival those of any tropical island or florist.

5. “American” food in Asia is still Asian food.

6. There are two beer options: Smirnoff Ice or Heineken.

7. People are proud of not only the royal family, but where they come from, no matter their means of living. 

8. Either people of Asia don’t have sweat glands or they are used to the heat. (Yes, I’m salty about this..)

9. Being different means people will stare at you. Unlike America, at least they smile! :)

10. This is a big one: DO NOT take a water taxi unless you know how they work... or unless you have ample amounts of time and money to waste.

The city of Bangkok is so massive, there are cities (districts) within cities (sub districts) all within a province. Why me, who gets lost in Ponchatoula, thought navigating a city of this size would be somewhat easy (was thinking 5k, not marathon), is still beyond me. In light of it all, I got to ride on a water taxi and a Tuktuk... a vehicle that America needs to invest in. Not many can say they felt like both Angelina Jolie and Bridget Jones all in the same day!  Now to figure out this sleep schedule so I quit waking up at 2 in the morning...

[callmekittyc]

Streets of Bangkok

[callmekittyc]

First Impressions of Thailand

So yesterday I moved to Thailand.. It was the first time I have ever been out of the country and probably one of the craziest stunts I have ever pulled. My thoughts are as follows:

1. The billboards are massive.

2. I am the minority.

3. Cab drivers/taxis/public transportation are scarier than the Rock N’ Rollercoaster at Disney World.

4. Everything is so damn cheap! Taxation in America is ridiculous.

5. Yes, there is a Starbucks one block from my hotel. 

6. I will never be fashionable or as thin as the girls here.

7. “Asian” food in America is just American food.

8. The beds are really hard.

9. Jet lag is no joke.

10. It is possible to get lost inside the mall.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s adventures.