laos Archives • Jessie on a Journey | Solo Female Travel Blog

Notes On Realizing What’s Important In Life

Jessie Festa — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 14:14:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of Jenavieve.

You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger – Buddha I recently started attending a meditation class called “Soup and Serenity” on Wednesday afternoons at Dipamkara Meditation Center in Port Jefferson, New York. On the outside, the place appears to be a small home in a charming harbor village, but as soon as you step inside you can feel the peace within the room. Everyone removes their shoes at the door and then finds a seat in front of the altar-type setup where the instructor, Maggie, sits. The session begins with a lesson, something we should think about and try to process when we meditate and also after we leave. If there are things that are difficult for us to mentally digest, we have the chance to discuss them over homemade soup at the end of the meditation. I find the group to be wonderful. Nobody judges or tries to force beliefs upon you, but instead, gives you things to think about that can help lead you to a more peaceful mind and a more peaceful existence. At the last session, the major focus for the day was that we should try not to categorize people into the groups of people we like, dislike, and are neutral toward. Instead, we should strive to love everyone. This is not to say that we turn our heads away when people do terrible things, but instead realize what they have done and see that their psychoses have led them to their actions. While some of this is difficult to digest — after all, there are some really bad people in the world — this thought led to further discussion about how, as children, we have an inherent desire to help others. It has also been found that certain areas of the brain that trigger pleasure receptors are activated when we give to others.

Locals harvesting grains in Thailand. Photo courtesy of lyhndan.

Memories Of Asia

All of these ideas brought me back to my summer in Southeast Asia and China, touring rural villages. Reading the journal that I kept during this time I was constantly transfixed to the idea that there is something our culture is missing. This thing keeps many away from true peace and happiness, and is a secret thing that the people who lived in these small, hard-working villages knew about. These people had very little in terms of possessions and lived a very simple life, but they were all extremely happy. They danced, they sang, they played with their children, and most of all, they were extremely generous. All of the people I met had no problem inviting me into their homes for meals and charades-like conversation — my Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese language skills were minimal — despite the fact I clearly had a lot more in terms of money and possessions. But, did this really make my life better? Could I honestly say I was happier than these people? Did I really “have more”? I shared this experience with the group at the meditation center and all the members were very moved. Maggie agreed with what I told her and said it made a lot of sense. Apparently, as long as you are above the poverty-level for where you live, possessions do not bring true, lasting happiness. That Mercedes-Benz may be exciting to own, but is that what you want to recall as your life’s meaning when you are on your deathbed?

Photo courtesy of Ginny.

Realizing What’s Important

I heard a story about a man from Alabama who was affected by devastating tornadoes. He lost everything: his home, his possessions, his car, and, most importantly to him, his dog. Luckily, his dog was eventually found at a pound and the man was reunited with his pet. Nothing else mattered to him; he did not care what material possessions he lost, because he had found his dog he was a happy man once again. This is a great story in terms of how people can begin to evaluate their lives and see what is truly meaningful in them. Have you had an experience that made you realize what was important to you in life? Please share in the comments below.

Offbeat Guide: Where To Go On Your Next Vacation

Jessie Festa — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:01:06 +0000

Trying to decide where to go on your next vacation? Well, that will depend on what you want to do. Looking for extreme adventure? An eco-friendly island? Somewhere to get away from the world? Read on for information on some of the world’s best destinations depending on your mood.

If you want to…

Go On A Budget-Friendly Holistic Retreat

Vilcabamba, Ecuador – While going on any type of health, yoga or holistic retreat will usually cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, Vilcabamba provides everything you need to detox, relax and purify – for less than $20 a day. In fact, the area is known as the “Valley of Longevity” due to its emphasis on health and locals who tend to live past 100 years of age. The two recommended accommodations are Izhcayluma and Madre Tierra Eco Resort. While both provide world-class spa experiences and natural mineral water pouring from the tap, Izcayluma is set in the mountains with stunning views of the landscape (pictured above). Waking up early to see the sunrise here is a very spiritual experience. Moreover, Madre Tierra Eco Resort focuses on sustainability and farm-to-table dining. Throughout the town, hiking trails abound, as do yoga studios, meditation centers and spa, all for less than $20. If you’re interested in practicing Andean Medicine in the mountains – which often involves the taking of hallucinogenic teas – stop into the turquoise joyeria in the town square and ask for Santiago.

Feel Culture Shock In A Safe Place

Ghana, Africa – Ghana is one of my favorite places in the entire world. Is so different than anywhere else I’ve ever visited. When you first get off the plane in Accra, it can be quite overwhelming, the loud streets, the shouting hawkers banging on your window as you drive by, locals shouting “obruni!” (foreigner) at your every five seconds; however, it’s such a great place to learn and experience a unique culture. The country is very poor, yet many people seem happy; dancing, playing the drums, or kicking a soccer ball around. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of problems with the government that people are unhappy about, but they make it work, especially since most of the country are religious and put their faith in God and that he’ll give them the things they need. I definitely recommend taking some drum lessons, attending some reggae festivals, and trying natural palm wine. To really get to know the culture, I would recommend doing a homestay.

Experience Nonstop Adventure

Interlaken, Switzerland – Bungy jumping, hiking, canyoning, rafting, parasailing – this lively backpacker city is full of adventure. The great thing about Interlaken is you’ll be immersed in the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Moreover, the options for hiking are endless. I would also highly recommend Interlaken if you’re a backpacker and/or you like to party.

Banos, Ecuador – For a more budget-friendly adventure option, this fun mountain town about three hours south of Quito gives offers opportunities for bungy jumping, ziplining, canyoning, parasailing, biking waterfall routes, hiking to small villages and lookout points and taking tours to the Amazon Jungle. Not only does its proximity to the Amazon make this city unique, but also its relaxing thermal baths and the fact that everything is dirt cheap.

Queenstown, New Zealand – Possibly the most famous of all adventure destinations, if there’s an extreme sport or active adventure to be had, there’s a good chance you can find it here. What makes Queenstown special is its unique landscapes – like relaxing on a beach while simultaneously viewing glaciers. You’ll also find some incredible New Zealand hikes here! You’re also not very far from the epic Copland Track within Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

Cairns, Australia – There’s a special place in my heart for Cairns since it’s where I popped by extreme sports cherry with bungy jumping. What makes Cairns unique is its seaside location and its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, where you can snorkel and scuba dive. Need help with planning? Check out this 10-day Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary!

Do Something Crazy And Out Of The Ordinary

La Paz, Bolivia – Bike the Death Road. While bungy jumping and skydiving can be done all over the world, there’s no where else on the planet you’ll be able to bike the world’s most dangerous road. While there have been an extraordinary amount of deaths here, the last biker to fall off the road was a Japanese tourist in summer 2011, whose bike didn’t have good brakes. Go with a reliable company, like Vertigo Biking Co Bolivia, and you’ll have a great time and feel very accomplished once you’ve finished.

Vang Vieng, Laos – Tubing. Drunkenly tubing from bar to bar, ziplining and mud wrestling was one of the most fun days I barely remember. Every few feet down the river is a new bar, where you’ll take shots and socialize before ziplining back into your tube to go to the next bar. I wouldn’t leave Laos without trying this unique, fun and slightly dangerous activity.

Volunteer Abroad

Thailand – There are so many great projects being done in Thailand. When I was there, I volunteered teaching English to the Chiang Rai hilltribe village childen, assisting local teachers and even teaching local women (who were gaining skills to start their own business). I got to participate in a homestay, work on a dam-building project, attend community cultural nights and work in schools from levels preschool to college. It was such a rewarding experience, and all the activities really helped to immerse me in the culture. Before signing up for a project check out this guide on responsible volunteering.

Get Away From Life

Gimmelwald, Switzerland – Located high up in the Swiss Alps, away from cars, stores and nightlife, is Gimmelwald, one of the most peaceful destinations on the planet. When I was here, my life consisted of hiking, reading, drinking wine and eating cheese – which I didn’t buy from the grocery store, since there isn’t one, but from a woman named Erica who lived down the street. I loved the feeling of getting away from the world and just being in a peaceful, beautiful place.

Stuff Your Face On Delicious Food For Cheap

Peru – Peru is one of the cheapest countries I’ve ever been to, and one of my favorite for food. For $.75 to $3, you’ll be able to have a huge soup, filling entree, juice and sometimes dessert in local restaurants. Heaping bowls of cream of mushroom and chicken noodle are followed by sauteed beef with rice and vegetables, crispy shredded chicken cooked in spices, walnuts, and cheese and fried trout served with potatoes and vegetables. Even cuy, also known as guinea pig, turned out to be delicious, tasting like a mix of chicken and pork.

Go On A Truly Eco-Friendly Trip

The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – While you’re probably thinking this is way to expensive, it is absolsutely within your budget. The pricey part about the Galapagos is actually getting there – the flight and $100 admission fee to the park. Once you’re there, however, you’ll be able to book budget-friendly hotels and tours and eat delicious and filling meals for less than $8. If you want to checkout other islands, the ferry is affordable. In fact, I was able to go from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz for $25. Moreover, those looking to do a cruise can get them super cheap by booking last-minute deals in Puerto Ayora. For example, my friends scored an 8-day cruise on a first class vessel for $1,200.

The Galapagos Islands are full eco-friendly activities, and you’ll learn a lot about ecology, flora, fauna and how to respect nature. My favorite part of the trip was doing a $50 snorkeling and diving tour on San Cristobal that went to Isla Lobos, Leon Dormido/Kicker Rock and Puerto Grande. The group was able to swim with sharks and sea lions, which were abundant in the areas we went to. Giant tortoises, nature hikes, volcanoes, lakes, lava tunnels, blue-footed boobies and other natural wonders made up the rest of the trip.

Party All Night Long

South Molle Island, Australia – For a completely uninhibited party experience, head to South Mole Island in Australia. Want to get completely wasted, take off all your clothes, slide down a stripped pole, then sprint across the island naked and have sex on the tennis courts? Here, that’s totally acceptable. I’ve never seen so much nudity and drunkeness in my life. There’s nothing on the island aside for the resort – no police, hospitals or shops – meaning there’s nobody to really patrol the area.

Ios, Greece – From sun-up to sun-down, the techno music never stops on this crazy party island. Everyone is drunk 24/7, dancing on the bar, near the pool, on the beach, in the street – pretty much anywhere there’s ground. I especially love this lively place because it is pristine and beautiful, with everything seeming to radiate turquoise.

See The Most Unique Landscapes Of Your Life

Patagonia, Argentina/Chile – I cannot put into words the landscapes I saw traveling through Patagonia. There were colors, shapes, textures and terrains I’d never experienced in my life, all swirling together to create patterns like looked like abstract art. Hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier, make your way through unworldly national parks like Torres del Paine and Tierra del Fuego and take in the vibrant landscapes at Fitz Roy Mountain.

Solili Desert, Bolivia – Crossing the Solili Desert in Bolivia, which you can do by taking a 3-day 4×4 tour from Uyuni, Bolivia, to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, or vice versa, offers bizarre scenes right out of Dr. Seuss or a Salvador Dali painting. In fact, you can see Dali’s Rocks in this very desert. Hot pink lagoons littered with flamingos, silver lakes that act as mirrors, deadly geysers, unwordly stone formations, abandoned train cemeteries and glistening salt flats that seem to stretch for miles are just some of the sights you will see on this trippy trip.

Symbol for “Mothers of Plaza de Mayo,” a group of human rights activist women, in Buenos Aires

Start A Riot

La Paz, Bolivia and Buenos Aires, Argentina – I have never seen as much protesting as I have in these two cities. These people are passionate, and will do anything to get themselves heard. When in La Paz, I was constantly sitting in traffic due to the many protests taking place in the streets. Moreover, you can’t go to the Pink House, the official executive mansion and office in Buenos Aires, without seeing some form of civil action taking place. In fact, porteños, or locals in Buenos Aires, riot so hard, they caused former President Fernando de la Rúa to resign from office and exit the building via a helicopter from the roof in 2001.

Experience The Real Meaning Of “Quaint”

Bacharach, Germany – I know, I know, it’s a deadly sin in travel writing to use the word “quaint”, because, really, what does that even mean? To me – and I think to most people – quaint is more of a feeling than a description. You can go to a certain place and just know the place is “quaint”. That’s the feeling you get in Bacharach, Germany, a tiny, hillside town situated on the Rhine River. You’ll find cobbelstone streets, half-timber buildings that look like dollhouses, boutique shops, lush vineyards and family-owned restaurants where you can sit outside and enjoy a glass of locally-made vino.

Island Hop

Fiji – While Greece has some of the world’s most gorgeous islands, it is extremely expensive to visit them all. However, Fiji offers beautiful and diverse pieces of land that are easy and cheap to visit. Many backpackers start out on the party island of Beachcomber, and then make their way to other islands from there. One tip: Stock up on alcohol at the airport when you arrive into Fiji, because buying it anywhere else is extremely expensive.

What destinations would you add to this travel guide?

8 Memorable Experiences to Have in Laos

Jessie Festa — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:37:30 +0000

After volunteering in Thailand, I decided to extend my time in South East Asia by visiting a few other Asian countries, one of them being Laos. There are a lot of great cities to visit in Laos and a lot of fun and worthwhile things to do. Here is a list of some of my favorite experiences while touring Laos. Boating Down the Mekong River This is actually how I arrived in Laos from Chiang Khong, Thailand. Not only will you enjoy beautiful scenery in the open air, the boat ride is so relaxing! I think I took about 20 naps as we slowly floated down the river. Such a peaceful and carefree experience, just like the country itself. You can easily book a boat trip yourself at the piers in Huay Xai and Pakbeng. Many guesthouses also offer packages which can be convenient but a bit more pricey. Tubing in Vang Vieng I’m just going to let you know now that while this photo shows you the area that you will be tubing in (as well as a guy demonstrating how you get down from the bars), it does not accurately depict the drunken crazy chaos that ensues (there weren’t too many photo choices in Flickr, and I did not want to risk my camera getting wet). Tubing is insanity…and so much fun. The river is littered with different bars and you float to each one. Once there, you climb up to the bar, chug some drinks, then either zip-line or just back down into the tube. Mud wrestling and drunken volleyball are also part of the fun. And don’t even think about getting your deposit back on the tube, it’s not going to happen, as you’ll be having way too much fun to keep track of the time. Pak Ou Caves in Luang Prabang The Pak Ou Caves are located in a mountain face overlooking the Mekong River (where it meets the Ou River). There are hundreds of Buddha statues in there, all different shapes, sizes, and positions. To visit yourself, you can either hire a guide or arrange for a local at the docks in Luang Prabang to take you. The entrance fee will be $1 for the caves and about $10 for the boat ride. Hike Around the Kuang Si Waterfall The Kuang Si Waterfall area is absolutely breathtaking. The waterfall itself is crystal clear and empties into a lake that looks like bath water. Millions of tiny fish swim around your legs and there is a rope swing tied to a tree for you to swing like Tarzan into the water. Hike around the entire area, as there are many scenic trails with other waterfalls, bridges, and lush forest to explore. Take Part in Alms Giving This is a great cultural experience that can really open your eyes to the way other people live. At dawn, locals gather near the temples to “give alms”, or give food to the monks to eat for the day. It is the only meal they get for the day, as they are not allowed to hoard food or cook for themselves. If you’re traveling and don’t have food to give, don’t worry, there will be plenty of locals selling bananas and rice balls that you can purchase and give to the monks. Shop at the Night Market in Luang Prabang This market is huge and features locally made handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, clothing, lanterns, quilts, housewares, statues, and more. Even if you don’t want to purchase anything, just strolling through the market at night when it’s all lit up is very enjoyable. Just make sure to bring your hotel’s business card with you to show to a tuk tuk or taxi driver, as you don’t want to be walking back to your hotel in the dark. Get a Traditional Massage Massages in Laos are very cheap, and while not as relaxing as what you’re probably used to, are definitely interesting and will work your muscles. Many times you will be given comfortable clothes to wear (think loose pants and a baggy men’s button down) and will lay down on a mat or bed. Often you will be sharing a room with others, but I was usually still separated by sheets. The experience reminded me a lot of a wrestling match, as the massage is quite interactive and involves a lot of bending your legs over your head and beating you up. Do Some Learning at the Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang The Royal Palace itself was built in the early 1900’s until the royal family was overthrown by communists in 1975. It was then converted into a museum, and today visitors can enjoy lotus ponds, art, Buddhas, the Crown Jewels of Laos, and the various rooms of the old palace as well as the well-preserved decor and furnishings.