Fake Plastic Earth

Without a breath of explanation about what has happened in the extended time since my last post, I will continue like any good writer does and go on with the story. No need to flip back and write the missed pages.

I’m currently living in Bangkok. Who knows for how long, but I can say with all honesty I’m ready to hit the ground running on some seriously cool projects. Now it’s just a matter of which direction. I wonder if “All the Above” is an acceptable answer in the questionnaire of life.

While throwing caution to the wind is a gross understatement for why I’m here, one thing is for certain, Thai people know how to eat and I’m most certainly going to tell you all about it. Take this lady for example. When a stand at the On Nut Square Night Market has a line up 30 people deep with locals, you pay attention.

~Josie

These last couple months have been an interesting mix of stress, fun and the great unknown, but I’ve survived and come out the other side with a stupid grin on my face, excited for what’s to come. I’ve fallen in love with someone with even more of an adventurous spirit than me. Together we have crazy plans and almost no means to fulfill our destiny. But, somehow, this all makes for more of an adventure.

With English winter on our heels and with me spending a large percentage of my day on the tube, we had a serious thirst for vitamin D. The world was at our finger tips. We just needed a few select boxes to be ticked before we decided where our new home would be. Aric couldn’t stay in the UK and I couldn’t work in the U.S. So, randomly enough, an opportunity arose in Vietnam and we decided that it made the most sense.

Now, a bit of background for all you kids that don’t know. During my travels this past year, Vietnam, and specifically Ho Chi Minh City was my very least favourite place…ON EARTH. So it was with great caution that Aric proposed the idea of moving here [He even had a speech prepared]. That being said, we have rad people to stay with [Collin and Kate] until we get our feet on the ground and they have hook up’s for tons interesting gigs around the city. So, it was with this mind set that our decision was made. None the less, it’s still pretty random that I’m back here.

It was significantly cheaper to fly to Bangkok instead of directly to HCMC, so we decided to take advantage of it and hang out in Thailand for a week. We ate, drank and lazed around the pool while we waited for our Vietnamese visas to process.

I experienced major déjà vu the whole time in Bangkok. Just walking down the same streets I called home for so long was enough to weird me out.

Aric has spent a number of years in Asia and I was last here in March so we hardly took any pictures. It was really nice to just be in the moment and not worry if I was missing a photo op.

Now, when I see pictures of designer homes or clippings from design magazines, I always wonder who these lucky jerks are. Now I know. I’m staying at their house. And, I hate them. Ok so hate is a strong word. I’m madly jealous and pretend I live here and I’m never going to leave. Ever. Too much? Basically what I’m saying is, the place that we’re ‘crashing’ at is far from a crash pad. It’s gorgeous.

It’s definitely a bonus knowing people that live here. Ho Chi Minh City is such a hidden city when it comes to ‘hip’ places to eat and drink. There’s almost nothing in the way of street level cafes or bars. Everything is tucked away down some nondescript alley or secretly located on a roof top. We’re been fortunate enough to have our friends show us a lot of the hidden gems in the city. It makes for such a better experience. I’ve even got my hands on some pretty decent sushi. Bliss!

So, that’s it. I’m here. We’re here. I’m still working on the marketing gig in the UK [online]. And, looking for some fun projects to work on while I’m here and save money for my next adventure.

*quote from my Uncle Jerry

~Josie

~Josie

One of my favorite pass times, while traveling, is perusing through the aisles of the local grocery store. Neil and I aren’t really big on junk food, but it’s impossible to resist taking pictures of these hilarious products. I’ve highlighted a few of my fav’s here.

Bucharest, Romania-Fruity Balls Cereal

Bucharest, Romania-Krax Bacon Chips

Bucharest, Romania-Burger Beer

Bucharest, Romania-Ice Crap

Bucharest, Romania-Lady Milk

Bangkok, Thailand-Dr. Taco Chips

Bangkok, Thailand-Pirate Ship Dark Chocolate (these are just rad!)

Bangkok, Thailand-Doll Hair Dye (so you can look like a doll?)

Bangkok, Thailand-Pringles (possibly the worst flavoured chips ever)

Bangkok, Thailand-UFC Canned Fruit

Ko Tao, Thailand-Spicky Potato Snacks

Ko Samui, Thailand-Burger King Chips?

TBC

~Josie