Details for the curious people

After my balloons post everyone wanted more details on the surprise hen party I organized, I thought I'd share a photo of the presents and a summary of my trip to Brussels to buy them.

My last job was very very boring and mostly had boring people. However it was right in the center, I could go to eat in a nice restaurant for lunch, go shopping and sit in a park. All nice things. Parallel to the shopping street is the sex-shops street (of course, it is. They know what they are doing when they set them up) If you're from a small town you'll probably wonder what I mean with 'sex-shop street'. Let's just say that both sides of the street have several shops, from all kinds, from S&M stuff, to only videos, to peep shows... And it's not even on the red district area.

Once the date and the girls were ready to pretend they knew nothing of a surprise party I went to spend an afternoon browsing for fun stuff. I saw everything from sexy underwear, scary underwear, eadible underwear, nurse/nuns/ scouts/ school girl/teacher uniforms, whips, handcuffs, dildos, vibrators, masks, feathers to lots of stuff I didn't even know how it worked. So I did what I had to do, get over my awkwardness and ask questions. I explained it was for a hen party, which in French is literally something like: the burial of the 'young woman's life' (I think they mean 'single' life, not that you'll be old and decrepit once you say 'I do'.) and I thought it would be a smooth ride after that. It wasn't.

'What does your friend like?'

Problem number one. I never slept with her, never got into a detailed conversation that allowed me to reply to the guy. I shrugged.

'OK. Do you want to give her something for her to wear on the night, something for the honey moon, something to have fun once or something that she can keep and use whenever she wants, maybe a costume for the party?'

Problem number two. I dunno. I smiled and tried to look like a nice innocent girl while I gathered my thoughts. I could see the guy was trying to be helpful.

'How about I have a look around to see what you have and then decide?'

'If you have any questions I'll be downstairs.'

As soon as he left and I started looking around I had a huge smile on my face. There were some interesting things for sure! But what would my friend like? I saw a box with a vibrator, handcuffs, a mask an anal vibrator and a feather and decided to call for help. I called a friend of the victim and asked her opinion. 

Once out of the store I went to other stores to see and compare. The one on the right was mostly for sexy or specialized underwear, another for hardcore S&M (some things looked scary) and in the fourth one as I was deciding to go in a guy came out pulling his zipper up so I decided against it...

The first store with the helpful guy that probably thinks I'm a bit slow was the best one.

The nice helpful guy suggested that I do my own combo of sex-toys. He even coordinated the colors! In the end there was so much stuff he had to problems closing the bag.

While he packed everything I noticed a shelf of genitalia piercing items. I knew only the common stuff you see in movies so I was amazed with the choice I was seeing. There was all types of shapes and sizes and for several points of the genitalia as the owner (who had been watching me from the beginning) pointed out. She even explained some to me. 

'Interested?'

How could I explain that just by looking at some of them I felt an urge to cross my legs?

'Curious... But it's not for me.'

'Some really enhance the pleasure.'

'I'm sure. I believe you, I really do but it really wouldn't work for me. That one on the right has just made me dizzy just by looking at it.'  I felt pale. She laughed. I looked to the lower shelf.

'What is that one supposed to be?'

'A horse.'

'And where-'

'Men put it under one of the balls, usually both.'

I like this open age and country when a sex-shop is no longer a dark and slimy place and you can have your questions answered in a clear way. That's part of who I am, I like to understand things.

'And that one? Is that a-'

'Yes, that's a lightning. For the clitoris.'

I shivered. The nice helpful guy was done wrapping, I wanted to hug him.

He said 'have fun' when I left. Personally I blame all those sissy girls that say they are shopping for a friend when it's really for them. 

I left the store with a whole new knowledge. And with a small paper bag packed with sex toys. All the way to the train station I prayed it wouldn't rip.

Items bought: handcuffs, edible massage oil, mask, feather, kamasutra dice (you throw to see which position you do it), edible dust that you spread with a vibrating brush on the partners body and then lick off, a vibrating bath duck. 

Items not included: batteries and a way to find out for sure the bride and groom enjoyed the presents.

Hard life

The school will be closed from March 18th until May 1st. Actually May 12th but the teacher are asked to return earlier. So from the 18th until the 15th I have a visitor, then on the 26th I go to Vietnam (Hanoi) to visit a friend who will return to Europe on the 30th. From the 30th onwards I travel around Vietnam. Yay for me.

To enter Vietnam you need a visa, you can do one online now at http://www.vietnam-immigration.org for 20dollars. Then you give the letter at the airport and get a stamp for 25dollars. And tah dah, 30 day visa.

I am looking for the cheapest flight and will soon chase down couchsurfers for accomodation. According to my guide I can live with around 25dollars a day in Vietnam, we'll see...

Leaving Belgium

In case you've never lived in Belgium or you do and are planning to leave, this is more or less what you have to do:

• Buy Newcomer, an introduction to life in Belgium, a very useful magazine.
  

1. Give your landlord notification at least 3 months before so that he can find all sort of maintenance things left to do and that you have to pay.
2. Cancel your internet/television provider two months before so you can hear them say it's all taken care of even though it's not. (actually, I know from experience that in Portugal after 6 months they still call you concerning delayed bills that were paid 7 months before).
3. Arrange for a moving company or for friends with car. Either way be prepared to tip.
4. Check your passport/ID expiration date and if it has empty sheets (I don't know why but some countries want at least 6 empty ones).
5. If you can buy some currency of your new country (India and Angola for example, do not allow buying bills outside the country).
6. Go to your bank, just for fun.
7. Go to the post office to redirect your mail. Expect to pay 50e or 60e.
8. Take a morning for the city hall's foreign service and return your nice Belgian ID. Be prepared to pay up to 50e for that privilege.
   
9. Donate clothes, furniture, stuff you do not need to Oxfam or Les petits riens. They usually come and pick it up at a ridiculous early hour.
   
10. Invite your friends and give them all your expired food and drink items.
    
    

Thailand: the visa questions

It's hard to explain this bit, actually. Being from an EU country I can for sure say that Thailand is a bit complicated. It's almost impossible to get a "one year visa" which is exactly the one I needed, right? So my only option is to do several "normal visas" that are valid for 2 months, and I get do a 30 day extension in some office in Thailand. Then I have to leave the country and ask for a new visa. Not the cheapest way either...

So today I went to the embassy and did a 60 days tourist visa, that I will extend when I'm already in Thailand. After 3 months I'll go to Laos and do a new visa. Not that I mind traveling around, I don't. It's just papers and feeling ripped off that I don't like.Oh well, no country is perfect.

I can pick up my visa already today. Yay! I think it's low season because it usually takes 5 working days.

ah, if you're planning to visit :P a less than 30 day visit doesn't require a visa.

I only need a couple of blouses that can handle tropical weather, a water filter and lots of photos (2 per visa) and I'm all set!

Thailand: packing for year

As requested here is (clothes aside) what I'm taking to Thailand. This was prepared thinking that I will live at least a year in a tropical country, next to a lake and a jungle. Also I will be leaving the country at least every 3 months to renovate my visa.

It's hard to plan for a whole year but clothes wise you take less than for a holiday because you'll be washing it or buying local products that are even cheaper in Asia. It's the rest that takes up space.

In case the photo isn't very clear, here is a list:

• 1 Nikon D40 + waterproof Crumpler bag + 1 extra batery + 1 usb cable + 4 giga memory card + battery charger.
  

• 1 tripod - this tripod was bought thinking that I will walk around with a backpack so it's the most pratical and not absurdly expensive I could find.

• 1 DEET impregnated mosquito net (it is a malarial area).

• 1 Lafuma sleeping bag - in the school I'll have a bed however for the traveling around, staying with couchsurfers, or hostels a sleeping bag is very useful. In Russia I slept on a sleeping bag for the duration of my stay. Also I'm prepared for a guest. This is the lightest sleeping bag there is, ideal for the heat of Asia and for carrying around.

• 1 waterproof Thailand map - a nice xmas present.

• 1 basic first aid kit - Mostly for cuts, bruises and twisted wrist or ankle.

• 1 swimming suit - Eat your heart out.

• 2 pairs of flip-flops + 1 pair of trekking sandals - one for walking, one for the bathroom, one for walking around the house.

• 1 microfiber towel - it's super absorbent, ideal for backpackers. I've had this one for more than a year, even took it to India. Once in Thailand I'll get a local one and use this one exclusevely for traveling.

• 40$ - Forty Dollars - In case of emergency or in need of paying a bribe, dollars are always handy.

• 1 pencil case holder - I always need a pen plus I'll be a teacher now.

• 2 mosquito repelents - one with DEET, one natural.

• 1 padlock - I can strap my suitcase to the bus/train, I can lock it in the hotel etc

• 1 waterproof document/paper holder. Does rain season ring a bell?
  

• 1 passport case - after seeing my passport bend strangely in Russia I bought this little hardcase.

• 1 raincover for my backpack

• 1 pocket knife

• 3 compression sacks - I'll have a lot more space in my suitcase and bag, especially good for dirty laundry.

• 1 secret pocket for money and documents.

• 3 pacsafe locks, 1 with combination

• 10 envelopes

• 4 copies of my passport - to be spread around my stuff and myself.

• 1 toiletry eagle creek bag - with a mirror and that I can hang up anywhere.

• 1 blues harp - I sooo need to practice.

• 5 notebooks

• 1 little bag/wallet

• 1 hat (with UV protection, I didn't even know it existed).

• 1 Astérix agenda

• 1 old laptop - the screen doesnt even stand up for itself. Good for pictures, teacher stuff as tests and activity sheets, for my music, for watching a film when I'm bored and to go to the Internet.

• 1 north face backpack - it will glued to me all times since it will have my documents, money, camera etc

• 1 cheap Nokia phone that will have a Thai SIM card + charger

• 1 dynamo flashlight - it doesn't need batteries nor electricity, you just wind it up.
  

• Others: lots of pens/pencils, some teacher stuff such as activities books/sheets, a deck of cards, trekking biscuits (with high energy level for when my stomach cramps up or when I'm trekking), some books, my little personal pharmacy (stomach, flu stuff), vitamins (I'll be living a vegetarian lifestyle)
  

• Clothes: I haven't prepared this part yet but I have a general idea:

• 2 pairs of light trousers, one becomes a pair of shorts
• 2 pairs of shorts
  
• 1 pair of sport shoes
  
• 12 t-shirts, some are super light and absorb sweat
  
• 16 pairs of underwear and socks
  
• 1 pair of sunglasses
  
• 1 jacket for the evenings
  
• 1 waterproof jacket
• 2 skirts
  

And before you ask, no, I am not rich (I wish! - I'd travel a lot more!), some of these things like the backpack, clothes etc I had already since I do move around quite a bit. Stuff like the mosquito net I bought for my trip to India (also the same vaccines) and the rest I bought thinking of Thailand. I worked for the last two years thinking I should save for travelling. It also helps that Asia is a cheaper continent than Europe (for the most part). The most expensive thing will be having to leave the country every 3 months, with new visas, airline tickets, a hostel if I can't find someone to host me, buying my own food as opposed to eating at the school etc

I'm not complaining, I chose to do volunteer work but have a look at the "help out section", I don't just ask for money but also goods, as well as a place to stay while traveling, a meal etc I'm also prepared to work for that money, if you're hosting me I can cook and clean, if you're in another country I can be useful via email. Just have a look. Even a shout-out if you're in the area (or not) is included in the help out section. You can also donate books or buy waffels to help the library I'm setting up for the Baan Unrak school.

Have you travelled in the area? Tips are welcome!
Have you travelled extensively in a certain area or country? Again, tips are welcome.
Any comments or questions: email or comment.

Help a volunteer: give a book, buy some waffels

As you know I'm off to do volunteer work in the middle of nowhere in Thailand so I'm gathering up funds to support my year there. However I am genuinely trying to help those kids and the Baan Unrak school/orphanage. While checking out their new website I noticed their wish list. The wish list includes things like:

• "A Dump truck- 310,000 B (USD $890) To transport food supplies, construction materials and even take the children to school when bad weather makes the road to the house very difficult to travel on with normal vehicles."

• "Housing for the boys aged 12 years and older- 4,000,000 B (USD $114,000) ...Their current housing (constructed from bamboo) is in very poor condition; leaking badly and very unstable. We require funding to build a new living area for them."

• "Electricity Supply Line- 900,000 B (USD $25,700) ...Due to the location of the house (far from the main road) the electricity company will not provide a supply line; we have to pay for this ourselves. The current connection is very poor and results in frequent power cuts. With the funding above, we could install a safe, reliable electricity supply to Baan Unrak."

• "Library- 50,000 B (USD $1,400)
  We are short of reading resources for education and pleasure. We would love to have a library so that the children could broaden their horizons and foster a love of reading that will stay with them throughout their lives."

As a former literature student the idea of kids without reading material is appalling, as such I am committed to help them out. I myself am donating a box full of books but I need your second-hands books, your "I didn't like it all that much" books, your "I bought for uni" manuals etc

Baan Unrak not only has orphans but also refugees from Burma, that means young adults as well as mothers who can't get jobs and are trying to get vocational training and English lessons. So all books are most welcomed, not just children's books.

If you have any books or reading material IN ENGLISH that you can donate, please contact me as I am working out a cheaper way to transport things to Thailand. So far the cheapest I could find thanks to a friend is around 500e for 7 boxes of books. So after clearing your library and telling me where to pick it up how about buying a box of waffels to help pay for the transport? It's 10e a box with 20 waffels per box. Surely you can eat that! Or you display it at a children's party...
Looks good, doesn't it? You know you want it... :) 20 waffels for 10e. If you're outside of the Benelux area I can ship it as well, don't use your country as an excuse. :)

IMPORTANT UPDATE: I am now working with Children of the forest, another ngo in the same village as Baan unrak. The books will go to Children of the forest.

Yes, I'm still going to Thailand

Just in case you're wondering if all the confusion in Bangkok - airport's closed, supreme court disolved the government - are making me change my plans. Only if there is a civil war or something like that... I still have two months, I'm hoping all will be ok by then.

How prepared are you?

This is now a frequent question. I assume everyone is worried, but I am not. I think it's going to be ok, I'll have some adventures, some good and bad moments and it will be worth it. Yes, I'm being optimistic. Be worried, be very very worried.

Most of the stuff I had already bought for India. I have a mosquito net, light clothes (I'm taking the minimum as I expect to buy local stuff), a padlock for my luggage, a compass (hey, I'll be living next to a jungle), I learned how to bargain in India (but I hate it), Imodium, a pocket knife, a camera, a first-aid kit, a hat, a sewing-kit, my magic tea and mosquito repelent.

I have my ticket, I know about the visas that's why I havent gotten mine yet, it is only valid for 3 months.

I need to buy a dynamo flashlight (you dont need batteries nor electricity), a sleeping bag and a water filter.

And another thing that I learned with the India trip is to always have spare underwear, toothpaste and toothbrush in my backpack just in case I get separated from my suitcase for 12 or 24 hours.

"One is never prepared, one hopes." - I forgot who said it.

Back on the market

Yesterday I had a new tennant, today I dont. Damn...

Just I uttered my first complaint

My landlord has found a new tennant and he's interested in buying the bed, the closet and the table. That means I can stop running home to show the place and worrying if it looks tidy. It's all happening very fast, isn't it? I mean, the first of February is just around the corner...

Not so easy

One thing I dont like about showing my appartment around is having to run home so there is still some light out when people arrive, having to always check in the morning if the place is not chaotic and people not calling back when they say they will.

One visitor was more interested in my stuff than in the appartment. I wont tell my landlord that. Some of you asked why I have to look for someone in the first place. Well, my contract is for 3 years and as I'm leaving before and I dont feel like losing my warranty money I have to find someone to replace me.

I've yet to put my furniture online, I'm still hoping a single person will get the appartment and the closet and bed so I dont have to carry those damn things out.

So far I've sold 5 rough guides. I still have the Spain and the Cambodja ones on the slot. The Spain was used but looks new, the Cambodja has never been used.

I have a also not used dvd recorder and comics. Most books will go to the oxfam bookstore. I think oxfam will love me for a very long time after I drop yet another suitcase full of books.

How is it that such a small appartment has so much? I have to remember how much everything cost to then make a fair price, it's not always easy. Two days ago I froze when a lady asked me how much I wanted for my bar, all I could manage to say was 'eeuuh... Can I call you tomorrow on that one?' Great impression.

I'm not worried though. It's going to be fine, what I cant sell I'll give away and I'll have a great year and laugh at my preparation franticness.

Selling most of my stuff

Not sure if it's a good thing how their price has gone down since I bought them...

My appartment is up for rent

I put this up and on the first day had two calls, one visit; second day 5 calls; two visits, third day, one call, one visit. I'm selling my furniture and just about everything really. It's a bit strange to be giving prices for things I've lived with or actually like and some people just aim way too low.

"Loyer mensuel demandé 530 €

Bascule(Vleurgat/Vanderkindere/Churchill). Chouette appartement 1 chambre de +/- 65 m² au 3e étage d'un petit immeuble sans ascenseur situé à proximité des commerces et des transports en communs. -Grand living (+/- 30 m²) - cuisine équipée - 1 chambre à coucher (mezzanine) - 1 salle de bains/WC. Charges 30,00 euros (Provision eau et frais communs). Très lumineux.

Libre le 1er Février."

If you know someone who needs a place in Brussels...

Ticket to Thailand

Yes, yes, yes! I've bought a cheap ticket - one way. I leave on the 1st of February 2009. The cheapest I could find was with Etihad airways, 450e.

Resignation

i've handed in my resignation letter, my last day is January the 16th. I wanted it sooner, so I could relax a bit before but money is money and with Christmas coming up I'll need every penny!