Silver Spring Hotels
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Sitting in my cube
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So I figure home is a good a place as any to start this log. I am 5 days away from departing and I just got my Lonely Planet, South America on a Shoestring...which is weird, because that is the only LP South America guide. So I wonder if it's a marketing ploy. I mean, the place isn't like North America or Europe where a backpacker can easily spend $50+ in one day. It's freakin' South America...it's would be comparable to writing a guide book and naming it "Finding dirty water in India" or "How to catch AIDs in Africa". Sorry to all my African friends, I'm really not this culturally insensitive in real life...I'm much worse.
Any ways, I feel the need to introduce myself. I am Mark, a college student who's gotten bit by the travel bug. Caught it in Thailand and never saw a doctor for it, even though there's been a festering boil there now. Or was it cause that ladyboy touched me long time on the bus. Oh I can't remember. From that day forward, I've backpacked to over 30 other countries to include regions such as Northern Africa, Western Europe, The Balkans, Eastern Europe, The Orient (I like saying that, it makes it sound exotic like there are elephants and tigers there), Central Asia (think near the stans), SE Asia, and Central America. I can't help myself...I have a travelling problem. I enjoy photography and salsa dancing. I feel that as a person from China, I should live up to the proud and honorable tradition of taking pictures where ever I go...the salsa part is just used for my mating dance of loooove. That later usually happens after I had a few drinks and honestly belive I am the best dancer on the dance floor. However, don't think of me as vain or full of myself...this only happens when I drink a lot. Although I'm sure at least one of my friends reading this will be rolling his/her's eyes.
Okay, so why am I going to S.America, and namely Venezeula to Lima? I got this goal of hitting all 6 continents (sp?) before the age of 25. Seeing that I am 23, I would have to get S.America and Oz in two years. Why am I doing this? So I can go to fancy dress up black tie party and say "I've been to all six continents."...then wait for someone smug to tell me there are really seven. It's a worthy goal in my opinion. Almost on the same level as world peace and finding the perfect ice cream. But really, it's because I am tired of staying in one place too long...I'm sure you know the feeling. That and I need a break. The last couple of months has been a roller coaster for me. Right now you're thinking, oh god, he's gontta get serious and talk about how pathetic he is. You're right. I was hit by a car while crossing the street and then a group of gang members took the opportunity to steal my wallet and keys.. I was left to die on the street...except all that didn't happen and I just want to make you feel bad. Starting to hate me? Good. Hoping I really get kidnapped? How thoughtful of you! I have this really badass professional camera and when the drug lords take one look at that and one look at me, he will definitely think I am a reporter. I'll be thrown into the back of a chicken bus, tied up, beat up and blind folded. I will be shipped to his manor on the coast. While there I befriend his lovely daughter....her name will be Isabella (Isn't that the most beautiful name?). I will charm and woo her! After a night of passionate love making, we decide to do away with the old man and take over his empire. Since we all know Cocain is bad, I will turn all his factories into ice cream parlors and open the first chain of Dairy Queen in Colombia. I will become rich and happy and make the perfect ice cream....then with ice cream I can solve world hungry and bring all the leaders of all the nations to one table and have an ice cream buffet. Then there will be peace...all because I am going to S.America.
I will attempt to spend 30 minutes everyday online, documenting my whereabouts and what I've eaten as well as a salsa count. Salsa count would be the number of times I've danced Salsa, not buy the dip...although I hope they give you the salsa for free down there like at Chilli's. That would be awesome! ... do they even have salsa down there? Hmm...I hope it's not all rice, beans, and fried/grilled chicken/steak again like in Central America (guys, I still love you, but your food is horrible). I want to eat a python, I think that would be stupendous.
Alright, I've taken enough time away from work today. Back to the grind. Keep tuned for more!!
-Mark
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