When 2009 rolled in, I had just returned to the the United States from Patagonia to attend my sisters wedding in Phoenix, Arizona.
It was in February 2009 under the influence of a carne asada burrito that I decided it was time to record my migrationology travels in the form of online documentation.
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I knew next to nothing about the web world, (twitter was literally just the sound of a bird to me). Utilizing gallons of my parents coffee and my addiction to yerba mate from Argentina, along with free internet, I gave birth to Migrationology.
1. United States
- Flew to Honolulu, Hawaii, along with buddy David Damron from Life Excursion for a few weeks to visit relatives, do nothing on beaches, and never resist copious amounts of food.
- Lopsidedly balanced Waiola Shave Ice and extremely fried Mitsu Ken Garlic Chicken with hikes to Koko Head Crater and Makapu’u Lighthouse.
2. Malaysia
- Treated myself to my debut fish spa massage which left me giggling like a 10 year old.
- Enjoyed the Northern island of Langkawi.
- Had my first enlightening experience with the King Of Fruits while I tackled the Durian buffet.
3. Indonesia
- Came face to face with orangutan’s in Bukit Lawang, Sumatra.
- Experienced ultimate peaceful relaxing on the shores of volcanic Lake Toba in Sumatra.
- Climbed to the top of the deadly Mount Merapi Volcano on the island of Java, near Yogyakarta.
- Marveled at the impressive Hindu Prambanan Temple and Buddhist Borobudur Temple near Yogyakarta.
- Visited the Bali House of Life orphanage near Bali Cliff where we played games and football all day.
- Learned how to successfully drive a car in Indonesia.
4. Singapore
- Aimlessly walked around and glamoured at the cleanliness and neatness of the manicured gardens and cityscapes.
- Couldn’t resist the Golden Mile food center or partaking of the famous chili crab and Singapore chicken rice.
5. Philippines
- Became a millionaire for the price of $35.32 on the island of Palawan while sitting on private beaches and eating entire crabs by the mouthful.
- In Manila I was able to feast on fetus (balut) and 1 day old chickens that KFC can’t compare to.
- Volunteered with Gawad Kalinga to build houses with hope and heard powerful stories from people like Tita Silver while being immersed in Payatas.
- Hiked the most incredible rice terrace scenery from the Mayoyao Paradise rice terraces to the 2000 year old rice terraces of Batad with 116 levels.
- Couldn’t believe I was in South East Asia while spending time in the glorious evergreens and caves of astonishing Sagada.
6. Thailand
- Thailand is where booty shaking in Bangkok and ghostride the tuk tuk with Thrilling Heroics and In Search of Sanuk emerged.
- Hung out with In Search of Sanuk by way of expending energy with awesome kids and celebrating with elderly folks. Little things make a difference when you relate and talk to others.
- The annual vegetarian festival in Bangkok proved to be much more delicious than it sounded at the time.
- Taught English at kids camps around Thailand and learned how to become an instant celebrity and get a little pay in the process.
- Celebrated Christmas in Bangkok with the company of wonderful friends and unbeatable Thai food.
7. Laos
- Learned how to make a Thailand visa run to Vientiane Laos.
- Hung out in the colonial French quaint town of Luang Prabang, relaxed by the river, read books, and shopped for the first time ever for souvenirs.
- Spent 2 delightful days relaxing on a slow boat while boating the Mekong River.
8. Hong Kong
- Observed the most concrete structures I have seen in my life while spending 3 days in Hong Kong.
- Made conclusions about late night dim sum in Hong Kong while successfully attempting to eat unhealthy amounts of my favorite dumplings at Lin Heung Dim Sum restaurant.
9. Cambodia
- Gawked at the amazing temples of Angkor Wat in Seam Reap (still gawking).
- Ushered in 2010 to the local countdown in Phnom Penh with fireworks and Khmer dancing and songs.
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vishal kaushik
2 years ago
Awesome photos and great food blog. Keep it up!!!
Coolmon
13 years ago
Nice selection of pictures and nice travel destinations. Thanks for sharing.
Pagbung
14 years ago
This is totally cool! Hoping that you have a great time here in BKK 😀
Good Migration.
Mark Wiens
14 years ago
Thanks Pagbung! Glad you checked it out. Take care!
Mark Wiens
14 years ago
@Adam, definitely go for the fish spa, your feet will be rejuvinated like a baby!
@Alan and Nora, Thanks for the comments, in 2010 I’m hoping to go to a few more SE Asian countries and then head West towards India. Possibly also going to visit my parents in Tanzania and do a bit of traveling in East Africa. I will be in Bangkok for a while though,
@Kristy, Yah, If you make it to Toba I would love to hear your thoughts. I thought it was one of the most relaxing places I have ever been. Have an excellent time!
@Soultravelers, You guys had a great year too! If I am still in Asia when you come through, be sure to contact me. Have great travel!
soultravelers3
14 years ago
Gorgeous photos! Sounds like you had a grand time. We also went to 9 countries in 2009, but on the other side of the planet. Next year though, our family tour will lead us to some of these same places in Asia, so particularly interesting to see! 😉
Happy travels in 2010!
Nora – The Professional Hobo
14 years ago
Sweet roundup! Looking forward to seeing what 2010 holds!
Kirsty
14 years ago
Looks like you had an amazing 2009 in some of my favourite places. I’m glad to read that Lake Toba in Sumatra is as relaxing as you say since I am thinking of heading there soon and am in need of a break! I might have a crack at one of those fish spas too next week when I’m in KL.
All the best for 2010!
Alan
14 years ago
Beautiful images, Mark! And what a year of travel. What’s in store for 2010?
Adam Mayfield
14 years ago
Awesome photos! I think my feet need a massage from fish! lol
Cheers Mate!
flip
14 years ago
i wouldnt be able to travel yet for the meantime Mark, but i’ll definitely let you know once i hit the road again
Mark Wiens
14 years ago
Thanks Khing and Monette, hope you guys are doing great too!
Dave, I could use that hike too, I’m starting to slack in the exercise department (but I could use a daily shave ice). You got to roll through…bring Trost, Timberlake and Story too!
monette
14 years ago
great itinerary! can’t wait to visit hawaii…
happy travels!
Dave – LifeExcursion
14 years ago
Some great adventures….Hopefully I get out to SEAsia before you take off at the end of the year.
David Damron
LifeExcursion
Khing
14 years ago
What a fun life! o(∩_∩)o
What an inspiring blog!!!
Stay active, and keep walking.
… 。+￡ikё゜:。(*´∇｀)´∇｀*) 。:゜￡ikё+゜:。…
Mark Wiens
14 years ago
Thanks a lot for the comments.
@Flip, Hope you are doing great, if you ever come back through Bangkok, I should be in the vicinity for a while.
@Anthony, Thanks, I think my two favorite activities this year were sitting around at Lake Toba and hiking in the rice terraces of Batad. You will surely have a majestic time!
Anthony Feint
14 years ago
A really inspiring post. I literally went down the post adding things I wanted to do to my
to do” list for this year.
flip
14 years ago
what an adventure!!!
wishing you more travels this 2010!!!
thanks for sharing your experiences…
nice new layout by the way
-flip
GotPassport
14 years ago
Beautiful pictures Mark!!