Beauty in Bangkok

Blogging ends up being tougher than I thought. Even with the time we have in Kuala Lumpur. C.C. is keeping us busy with fun outings. Today we did some Batik painting  which was a blast. See the photo below: 

Canopy walking was one of my favorites so far! I am having fun. I am not sure C.C. or Sarah did. C.C. must really love me because she is terrrified of heights. Next, is to convince Sarah and C.C. to go to the Batu Caves and go spelunking. Please! Everyone who reads this please explain to them that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you only have to do it once in your life if you do not like it. 

Off to Bangkok and here are some temple shots and reclining budda. Sorry for all the selfy shots but Sarah was not doing well with the heat. Funny story. I was feeling sick all day, but look at all those smiles! What a faker ;) 

Also, we went to a cool mall and Sarah was super happy with our huge meals for under $2.

Plus we went to the movies:

Funny thing they do not tell you is that there is a montage for the King before the movie in which everyone stands. Wish I would have recorded some of it. It was interesting. Here is a picture of the subtitles in Thai. We watched Star Trek into Darkness. It was sweet. 

Sarah loved the mall for many reasons, see below:

Look at our cute hostel in Bangkok. LubD was kind to us. I did get sick one day, when at the temples above, but that was from some bug the kids were carrying. Here are some pics of the hostel. I thought the fact that we needed to put in a card to use the power was funny. 

Overall having a blast. Yeah! 

Tinkering in Taiwan

The Taipai airport was full of surprises. Each gate within our airport held a new surprise:

Comfy lounge chairs

Hello kitty fun

Libraries!

Loads of entertainment and jungle gyms for kiddos!

We have 24 hours in Taipei on the way home and hope to make our way into the city for some fun. For now, Taipei is my favorite airport. 

Hit by a car in Kuala Lumpur airport

The trip to Kuala Lumpur was smooth and went faster than expected. The almost 15 hour flight went quick between food, entertainment and sleeping, and we soon found ourselves in Taiwan before a *brief* 5 hour flight to KL. We discovered our cousin C.C. and her son Lorenzo "Enzo" waiting for us at the arrival terminal. As we walked to the car, I said a quick thank you that the trip went so smoothly. Long international flights can be tough.

Per my usual, while we were getting items situated in the car, I crouched down and spoke to Enzo. He had grown quite a bit since I last saw him last November. He was enamored with the first donut of his life and I was...*bump* I was suddenly knocked forward. Given my travel daze, it took a few minutes to understand what had happened. A car had hit me in the parking garage! I stared at my cousin in disbelief. "The car hit me?!" I exclaimed, but quite uncertain how to proceed. C.C. ran up to the driver and knocked on the window. "You hit her!!" She exclaimed, "there are small children around!" The man seem unconcerned and stated, "my background censor is really sensitive." C.C. was indignant, "your background sensor went off because you were going to hit someone!"  (Almost all cars in Malaysia have background sensors) 

Luckily, I'm ok and hopefully the driver will be more careful next time. I'm happy to be safe and sound in KL!

First few days...

By Amanda:

Flying over? Maybe Alaska? It was literally so beautiful to my eyes after a few hours of sleep. I woke up to look outside upon a dream. The snow covered mountains are not done justice from this picture. Also something I could not get a picture of was the ice covered bodies of water we flew over. Beautiful.

As I gazed upon the snow below I began to feel that I could be happy almost anywhere in the world. Because regardless if it is a chaotic city, beautiful beaches, or snow cover mountains there is always hope to be found in the nature that God has provided for us. I try to not be saying "Jesus is awesome!" so much these days, because sometimes all people see then is someone who is perfect or hypocritical (neither I want to embody). I want to be living my life in such a way that God sees my heart and knows the desires of my heart. In the secret of my heart I want to worship God, where no one else can see or hear my praises. It feels more real that way. Although of course praising God in all ways is important. 

Anyway, sorry to get sidetracked - this is streaming consciousness, I finally got a computer and can type fast and distract myself from taking an afternoon nap after all the dumplings we ate today. Yum. 

We showed you some of the orchids already but here are a few more picks from the Taiwan Airport. It was so beautiful.

We got picked up by C.C. at the airport and got stuck in some traffic because of a huge truck was laying over the median. It was fun to get to chat with C.C. and share all the exciting details of life. We got home to see Enzo and Roman getting ready for bed. Then C.C., Steve, Sarah, and I all went out for some street food in the "Honda parking lot" which was delectable. And got to try some of Tiger beer from Singapore. So good. Different food makes me happy. Then we went to the mall for some of the best ramen, ever, according to C.C. and Steve. I was not disappointed. Though I was a little sad that my stomach would not allow for more of the noodles to be consumed. Pickled plum. Not bad. It was so fun just to quickly catch up and then off to bed. Sarah was a bit delusional at this point. Made me laugh. 

Also Sarah loved the sushi aisle at the store. And we got scolded for taking pictures.

Started off day 2 with a play date with some of the kiddos friends. Not what I expected from my South East Asia adventure. But it was a lot of fun. I always remember what a joy children are when I spend time with them. They are a lot of work, but such a blessing. Then street food with C.C.'s friend Chris, which was delicious. See photo below. Also went to the mall near the Petronas Twin Towers and looked around at jewelry and shoes. Tempting and I do not even wear jewelry that much. While there I got this delicious passion fruit bubble tea with coconut jellies. I would drink this every day if I could. I realized it might be my Turkey Hill  Iced Tea (If you are not aware of this, Seth, my finance is obsessed with Turkey Hill Iced Tea). Went to the Petronas Twin Towers. Tallest twin towers in the world. Done. Later, we went swimming in the pool with the kids which was a lot of fun. I love to swim. C.C. made delicious falafels and salad for dinner while we chatted about family like true Boriquas. Snuggled into the covers for another tired night. 

Day 3 began with coffee. Lots of coffee and a relaxed morning. Traveled to have Bible study with some of C.C.'s friends and then dumplings, sweet and sour chicken, fried pork, noodles, and rice for lunch. Also barley water, which was fantastic. Stuffed! I am fighting a nap right now. In the hopes that I will stay on a good schedule for the rest of the trip. Started off strong. I am enjoying my time so far. Barely enough time to miss anyone. Though I think of you all often in the smallest details of my life. I think, "Oh, I wish I could tell (fill in the blank) this. Or they would love this, I need to remember to tell them when I get back." Or I am just laughing at a joke someone has said and thinking about the fact that I am so incredibly blessed. For a long time, I was praying to God telling him that I love him and trust him despite not feeling him or knowing when the hard things in life would end. And now, I continue to feel that God's goodness is literally chasing me.

I know that this trip will most likely bring trials and tears, along with blessings and laugher. I continue to be so thankful for all the people in my life that have encouraged me and made this trip possible for Sarah and I. We love you all! 

Cannot figure out how to get the pictures under text. Sorry.

Entertainment in Taiwan

Blog by Amanda.

Exploring the airport and found a beautiful spot full of orchids. My heart feels so full already. Yay for adventures! We both slept a lot of our flight. And watched a few movies, food was good. I can already tell that articulating my feelings about this trip are going to be difficult. But I love it. I just flew over Russia. How random?! Also I saw some beautiful snow covered mountains. I think it was over Alaska. No se. 

Here is a poem written by my own Seth Charles about our trip

Malaysia, Malaysia,
At the bottom of Souteast Asia.
A land so magical it rivals Anastasia
 
With tropical climates
and the bluest of seas
many soujernors come
usually carried on the breeze
 
In the hustle and bustle
of Kuala Lumpur
are many new enticements
and tourist trinkets galore.
 
But don't let these fool you,
for the real treasure oft missed
lies in the many unique people
don't forget this I insist
 
So in your many travels
if perchance you get the choice
take the road less traveled
and there you'll here the voice
 
Of some malaysian native
who lives a life so different than ours.
This is the magic of travel
to know we're under the same stars.
 
To finally feel how big the world is,
and how truly small we are.
And that people are just like you and me.
Whether here at home or afar.

The origins of my militant packing ways – 6 weeks, 4 outfits in Southeast Asia

Those who know me well will know that I can be challenge to travel with. I have many rules. The most important rule is to pack light. Whether I go for 6 days or 6 months, I refuse to check bags. Everything must fit in a carry on. (4 wheels good, 2 wheels bad)

The origins of my militant packing ways date back to trip to London, Copenhagen and Italy shortly after the euro emerged (The dollar was worth more than the euro at that point!). I had been to Europe before but I wanted the quintessential backpacking adventure so I borrowed a childhood friend’s backpack and filled it to the brim. Fast-forward to rainy cold London in January and 2 hours of me walking around, lost and unable to find my hotel. Imagine the same scene in Florence, Rome, and Vienna—pint size Sarah with a backpack larger than me and probably the same weight. My back and neck were wrecked! The pack would later be lost for 2 weeks after a massive snowstorm in Copenhagen—there may have been an instance where I cried to the lost baggage clerk about my interview tapes that I describe as priceless. It was all a little traumatic. The risks associated with “traveling heavy” are too great and too burdensome.

Travel is supposed to be a time for adventure, discovery, self-reflection and freedom. Apart from the sore back, I realized that I only wore a handful of outfits I packed. There were few things I really needed. After airlines started charging for checked luggage (and now carry-ons), my view became more firm. Pack as light as possible!

My poor baby sister (6.5 years younger) is subject to my travel rules and has been drafted into my lite travel military. After explaining the 7 kilo rule to her for airasia and jetstar – the discount airline carriers that will fly us around – she was on board and embraced my ways.

So, you ask, what am I packing? I am taking a small backpack (pictured above) that fits easily under my seat. Two pairs of shoes: 1) plum colored brooks walking shoes and 2) sturdy outfits. My four outfits: 1) linen pants with florescent orange quick dry shirt, 2) black flowy dress, 3) lululemon white pinstripe pants with white and grey striped shirt, and 4) black track shorts with ems quick shirt that looks like dress shirt. Wa-lah! All fit easily in my small backpack and I achieve a new record.

Sarah

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Coquí Sisters in Southeast Asia

 

The Coquís are off again! This time to Southeast Asia!

I'm so excited to be off on a new trip soon with my younger sister Amanda.

Our 6 week journey will cover Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore.

This trip is significant for me because it marks the beginning of a sabbatical / mini early retirement I have wanted to take for years. I'm looking forward to the adventure and self reflection.

Amanda and I will both be blogging our way across Southeast Asia. So stay tuned!

 

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Graffiti Garden

It's everywhere you look. In every corner, on every wall and object. Some of it is simple and some of it could rival better known art masterpieces. It somehow adds to the beauty and character of Athens in an ugly way. Nothing is safe from it.

It reminds me of weeds in a garden. The garden of Athens with its glorious ancients ruins and sights, plagued with weeds of graffiti in every corner. I'm sure if an attempt was made to remove the weeds of graffiti they would only quickly return to cripple the garden of its beauty.

 

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No poetry needed

By Sarita

My inner monologue .. you know - the version of your voice that speaks in a poetic rhythmic way - is not needed here. The little island of Thia, we walked/ drove from beautiful cliff (lighthouse) to cliff (white church) sings its own kind of poetry, a mix of sounds and smells from ocean, goats, yellow flowers, to small tangled webs of wine grapes, has a rhythm that requires no extra words.

We visited three beaches today - red, black, and white - each so close but so vastly different. Red volcanic sand, black pebble beach, and white sand, begging us for attention and abandoned in the wintertime, home to well-fed and entertaining local dogs and cats.

Cliffs + beach = paradise

 

We visited 5000 year old ruins, Akrotiri, well preserved like Pompeii, and the best part of our road trip...

 

I made Alex pull over to a local market and careful picked out a bag of local oranges and tomatoes. I mentally did the math .45€ per kilo. Wait, how much is in a kilo again?

 

The total? Wait for it amid pictures of my favorite views...

 

 

63 cents!

 

Alex keeps asking me and no, I would not live here. Too remote. I do love those houses, but this place is for one visit.

 

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