Chitless Foodie Overlands 2 Oz

Online Diary: OZ Rally '09

2009-12-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

visiting a minefield in Kosovo
In search of the greatest Freedom Fest on earth, Fiona, a banger car rally enthusiast and veteran, and I, an expert culinary vagabond, planned to drive 22,000 miles in a '69 Baja Beetle from London to Sydney this summer. We also decided to adopt the charity No More Landmines. They work to clear minefields around the world and also support mine victim rehabilitation centres. We raised about USD 5,000 together for the Mine Awareness Trust (http://www.mineawareness.org/) in Kosovo and the COPE rehab center (http://www.copelaos.org/) in Laos. It's incredible to think that just £50 can help an adult or child who has been maimed by a landmine to walk again! It feels good to get involved in countries that we are visiting and help the local communities, and we would like to thank all of our friends for donating to this cause. We personally visited both projects enroute and we assured everyone that both are honest charities who work very hard at making their communities a better and safer place.

We did not make it all the way to Australia with the car. We suffered many setbacks which included ongoing car problems, illness, weather (rainy season in SE Asia), and of course, a major dispute with our compulsory self-drive tour company in Tibet. Unfortunately, we were not able to make up for lost time before Fiona's deadline on Oct 14. This is when she had to return to work, and her boss would not give her any more time off despite her desperate pleads from China. ;'( We did make it to our last charity project in Vientiane together and this is where we said our last farewells. Fiona continued on to Singapore where she shipped the car back to the UK, and afterwards flew to Brisbane to meet up with family and friends. I continued on the original route on my own, making additional stops along the way, and eventually ended up at a holistic spa in Bali for some much need rest and relaxation for 2 weeks. Afterwards, I flew to Kerala, checked into an Ayurveda hospital for 23 days where I received a complete Panchakarma detox. A lifetime dream come true! After 5 years on the road I can say that the Oz Rally had to be my biggest challenge to date.This online journal has truly been a labor of love and hope that you enjoy it very much. HugS!

Charity is not only about helping the survivors, but also honoring those who died defending their respective country's freedom. God Bless. Many thanks to Artur, MAT project manager, for all his generosity.

A typical day in the Oz Rally, Yep! Keep reading for more challenging but hilarious adventures. Driving in Pakistan on our way to the Indian border

Kuwait: Ayna s-suq dahab?

2009-12-04T18:58:00.000-08:00

Well, we never found the 'real' gold souk as Heidi could not remember how to get there. Every time I asked someone we would be directed to the smaller souk where the selection was not what I was looking for. I'm so glad I went to Kuwait. Love it! Heidi was so much fun to be around and a really good host. She has been working in the ME for a couple of years now and last time she was in Houston I missed her. At least we found the camels. Love camels! So, sad could not go camel riding in the desert because they were all prego. Looking back at these photos I almost forgot! I did wear the same outfit for a week. Lol!!! This was because I had a 'little' mishap at the airport in Singapore, and frankly could care less at this point. (you can read about it on the India post). This was the only 'muslim' worthy outfit in my bag. One of the coolest thing I have seen is a washer/dryer combo. So, Cool! Heidi had one in her apt, tho, a load takes 2 hours.

A final stop to visit Heidi, a former roomie in Houston, who is now working in Kuwait.

Many are surprised to find out I only travel with 2 pieces of luggage, but here is the proof!

Marhaba, Chitless Foodie!

Our first dinner and this is what you get when you order the fruit salad.

Kuwaiti Towers at night

Out for veg sushi

Kuwait City

Falaika Island, twenty kilometers east of Kuwait City, is one of Kuwait's most famous islands. It was an upscale and peaceful settlement before the Iraqi invasion. During this time the locals moved to the city and were compensated for their land by the gov't. Today, it is mostly uninhabited and used for Kuwaiti and American military drills. On the weekends, the locals enjoy the island's resort, boating, fishing, watersports, and diving. Desert Storm remnants are widely visible as the bombed structures are still standing.

Bank

Mosque

Housing

Iraqi tank cemetery

Beautiful desert sunset

Jim! (luv yah) but you are awful at taking photos, Lol!!! (well, maybe not, as I did post many of your photos)

Camel caretaker from Yemen. He so happy when we arrived to play with the camels.

This man is our driver and he had a penchant for crashing photos. He ruined my photo!

1 He is in all of Heidi's photos, funny! (well, not really) Look at the way he is holding her hand down! She looks so uncomfortable, poor Babeh! The camels and caretaker very happy! This could of being such a photo..

The camels were having a blast! They kept coming around us and wanted to play and pose for the photos

So, was I.....

Pretty Lady Camels!

I had such a blast with Heidi! She rocks!

Camels do not spit and are very fun loving animals. They love to come up to you and snuggle

They like to rub their noses on you and love it when you show them affection

snuggling the handler

canoodling with her boyfriend. Soo cute!

Reindeer

More bombed buildings

Bullet holes, Everywhere! War is not pretty and hope our troops in nearby Iraq stay safe.

Dinner with our favourite mint lemonades

Kuwaiti Towers during the Day. Going up!

Kuwait City is a posh living and play space built in the middle of the desert

Kuwaitis spoil their children rotten. You can see family outdoor spaces, amusement parks, and waterparks all over the city. Kinda like Starbucks in the US.

I wanna go to the waterpark!

You can see reminders of Desert Storm all over Kuwait City. Here is a photo of the Air Conditioner Command Center. Hey! it's hot in the desert. In the summer months just 5 minutes is unbearable.

"The Iraqi invaders made beautiful oasis (garden) a dead land"

Salam!

Where there is a fort, there will be cannons! This one is pretty.

On the ferry to Falaika. This was supposed to be a 45 min ride but unbeknownst to us we were let on the 'working ferry.' The one used by the military and transport and the trip took almost 1.5 hours!

We posed for photos, talked to the locals,

and of course, napped! "Are we there, yet?"

I see land!

Surprisingly enough, for a Gulf, the water is a pretty shade of blue and clear. SCUBA is good here.

Yipeee! We are here!

and a slew of funny vehicles disembarked

First glimpse of the Island is not the resort, but a Desert Storm open air live museum

making a lil' movie for y'all!

heee-heee!

I told him to backed off. Now, I wished I would of done the same for Heidi.

I feel bad, cos, I am the one that took that really good photo...

the camel is soooo cute! For this one, I did!

Moroccan dinner and minted lemonades. Kuwait is completely dry. It's illegal, in fact. Alcohol is not 'publicly' served.

My faves, Morrocan salad

and lentil soup.....Delish!

Hurry up and take my photo...

so, that I can eat my....malabiyya...my newest obsession! Custard flavoured with cardamon and rose water and topped with pistachios. Yum! It's Lebanese, tho....

Because the ferry took twice as long as we expected and it gets dark in Kuwait by 1630, Heidi and Jim kept trying to rush me, Arghhh!!! What about the blog? They love the lil' videos!!!

The destruction caused by Iraq during the invasion

Iraqi armoured car cemetery & desert sunset

Meeting the Kuwaiti camels

There were so many camels and the corral we were in was all pregnant femmes. Some were really tall and if you stood still long enough it was kinda freaky. You know, to have as many as 10 huge camels surround at a very slow pace and twice your height. It was like something out of Jurassic Park! They did not mean any harm, they were very curious about us...

Kerala: Ayurveda, Backwaters, Snakeboat Races

2009-11-10T16:24:00.000-08:00

Not Bored in S'Pore!

2009-11-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Kuala Lumpur, again!

2009-11-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

Laos

2009-11-05T13:41:00.001-08:00

Brunei: Opulant Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB)

2009-09-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

BSB was another beautiful relaxed place to visit for a few days. I ate, I took in the sights, made friends, and found the local Wifi at the Coffee Bean. It was a great time!

I also hit the beauty parlour where I was massaged, had my toenails coiffed and painted a bright red, and my underarms were waxed. The beauticians kept calling them 'armpits' having no idea that women in the West think that word is a bit too vulgar sounding, nonetheless, they were very comforting and wayyy cute. They were amazed at how soft and white my 'armpits' were.

Asian women are hilarious and obsessed with whitening products, even deodorants have it. Funny thing is, many men (the whitening product conversation is very common as it is hard to ignored all the products and adverts) always tell me, "We don't get it either, the underarms is the last place we look!" It is also funny to see the Loreal adverts with Beyonce where they have completely lightened her complexion. You only know it is her, because you regconize the ads from the states.

One thing that I missed was the Sultan's Palace, Istana Nurul Iman. The Istana is open to the public only at the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. I was there during Hari Raya (the celebration day when Ramadan finishes). The Sultan and his wife greet their guests, serve celebration food, and hand out presents. Thanks! swine flu!!!!! All this way from Texas, and no Sultan!

Gosh, this mosque gives the Vatican City a run for its $ (or shall I say gold bars)

with my sweet local host, Chan, who showed me around for a day, and I'm very grateful

The best crash pad in BSB: Empire Hotel and Country Club

with its very own human made lagoon & beach

feels pretty natural

Infinity for sure!

ahh, I love it here!

Brunei's own Ambuyat. Sago (a product of Rumbia trees) mixed with water to create this tasteless, glue paste consistency, gooey local eat! Bon Appetit!

with Ambuyat as a local delicacy you are sure to find eats from nearby countries all over BSB. Singapore rice with black pepper chicken

and, Thai Seafood Tom Yum (the best I've tasted so far, even in Thailand) and many Indian restaurants serving biryani & curries. There is even a local KFC, Ayamku Resturant, which is sooo good! Love ayam goreng!

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

It stands close to the Sungai Brunei in its own artificial lagoon and is the tallest building in BSB. It can be seen just about from anywhere in BSB. The boat is a stone replica of the royal ceremonial barges used in the 16th century.

Jame'Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque

6 22kt (pure not plated) Gold domes

22kt Chandalier!

Palatial entrance and an escalator at a Mosque?! Gotta love the Sultan!

Mosque at night

Kampung Ayer (Water Village with houses built on stilts, pop 32,000)

Water Taxi (B$ .50 each way)

You arrive and depart by boat

View of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Most houses come equipped with satellite tele, A/C, electricity, internet, indoor plumbing, and there is a car park for those who own a car.

Police Station

Zzz's: BSB. Pusat Belia B$ 20 for 2 nights & 2 days gratis

Miri and the most adorable Chinese family....

2009-09-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

I left Sibu at midnight for an overnight bus to Miri. Wow, this bus was the Rolls Royce of all buses! I had the first seat, naturally, more leg room, but the seats were extra cushiony and soooo comfy! There was hardly anyone on board. Most people drive. So, if you are travelling by bus in Borneo use AsiaBus.

Miri is an oil-rich boom town and Malaysia's first oil well was drilled here in 1910. Petroleum has continued to drive the city's economy and development ever since. The Sarawak Shell Berhad and Petronas Carigali are headquartered here. As a result, Miri has a cosmopolitan atmosphere as it hosts many expatriates from all over the world. These expats work in many of the multinational oil and gas giants that are headquartered in Miri. It is a gateway to the national parks, world class diving, and Brunei.

Shungie met me at the bus station and we headed over to a food stall for a hot bowl of laksa and catching up. Shungie is absolutely adorable, he just returned from Russia where he studied to be a doctor. He is back in his hometown of Miri about to start his intership, or as he likes to call it, a government slave, since his salary will only be 800 USD a month for 2 years. Hang in there!

For the next few days he showed the wonderful sites in Sibu. All I can count on one hand! Sorry about Canada Hill, Lol!!! He also clued me in on Chinese-Malaysians ways and most of the stuff we discussed was hilarious, though I can't repeat! Then it seems like I am saying it!

During my stay at his lovely home I was treated like a princess. His family is adorable, his Mom and Grandpa which did not speak English but made every effort to communicate with me, and his 16 yr old sister who spoke English and always doing homework was wayyy cute. His Dad works in Brunei since the 70's (because it is a tax free country) and is not home every night, though I did have a chance to meet him and he graciously offered to give me a ride to Brunei. BSB is only 2 hours away. He was really nice. My time spent in Miri was lovely much in part to Shungie's gold star hospitality, the Wifi at the Coffee Bean, and of course, the mall! Love Watsons! and, Yes, Air con!

Self portrait

Malaysia flag. Thanks for Everything, lil bro!

I feel silly!!! Shungie made me do it. He said everyone takes this photo! This is Miri's first oil well and the technique that was used to pump the liquid black gold back in the day

Miri's first oil tower

Old Lady's Rock!

Shungie and his lil Sis catch crabs on the beach

Shungie's adorable lil sis. She is half my age and taller than me!

Shungie and I LOVE Sarawak Laksa. Ahh, it is so difficult to have a good hair day in Borneo. 50 degrees and 300% humidity!

Zzz's: Shungie's cozy palace, the coolest kid in town and his family was just too adorable...Mom, Dad, even Grandpa...who was 89 but looked at least 20 years younger. I wish I would of taken their photo

Sibu: Farewell Fiona and Goreng this, Goreng that! Ayam & Telur, Yum!

2009-09-25T04:02:00.000-07:00

Fiona and I went to the Kutching Airport together. While relaxing at the Starbucks and fiddling around on the Wifi we discussed our travel plans. Fiona would fly to Vientiane and visit Luang Prabang, while she waited for Pedro (as he is still in China enroute to the Laos border...arrival date still unknown) and I would keep on trekking in Malaysia, destination: Sibu! Sibu is the gateway to the Rejang River.

I wanted to visit the longhouses, which are the traditional dwellings of the indigenous people of Borneo (head hunters!). These communal houses are raised above the ground and may contain up to 100 individual family 'apartments' under one long roof. There are 3-day upriver trips available where you can visit and stay with the families.

Upon arrival I was told there were not any boats going upriver. The economy had hit the headhunters! There simply are not enough tourists, they explained, and if I wanted to go I would have to charter the boat myself. I was not interested, I already knew that the price would be very expensive as I was already told my 3-day stay would cost RM500. Ok?!!! The 'normal' price should be about RM200, and certainly no more than RM300 including the boat. "The curse of the beautiful blond hair strikes in Asia, Again!" (USD1=RM3.50) I smiled politely and told them I will get back with them.

It was a million degrees outside and I just wanted comfort and wanted to get away from the 'tourist welcome party.' I found it! My hotel was beautiful, well located, and it only cost RM35 a night. There was Air Con, Wifi, hot water, and cable...Real Cable! With movie channels in English, HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and some local channels with English subtitles. Which was awesome, since Malaysian soaps tend to be hilarious. I soon forgot about the longhouses.

Let's be real. It is just the jungle! It is 50+ degrees, miserably hot and sticky, and mosquitoes would feast on me. Been there done that! Flashbacks of the Amazon (Which I just visited in April) became almost too vivid in my head and images of the spas I saw enroute to my hotel began to quickly comfort my disappointment about the 'boat situation.'

So, I spent 4 glorious day in Sibu watching tele and napping all day in the air con, daily massage and herbal bath at around 6 or 7 and then I would go to my favorite foodstall where the cutest Chinese family made my delicious Sarawak laksa. My other stall made tasty chicken noodle soup with a fried egg on top and fried chicken.

The first night I forgot my camera and my 'dining alone' arsenal, a book. So, there I sat waiting for my food while everyone stared (I was the only foreigner). At least 50 locals! This was the most popular stall. I was handed a fork and spoon with my laksa and when I asked for chopsticks, everyones' stares got a little more intense. H*k! I was very self conscious, but, Hey! I am not shy, so I just ate, minded my own business, and just stared back! Hello! C'mon folks, you seen people eat laksa before. "Quit trying to make me feel like a freak."... Most of the time it's like this, but here, everybody stared nonstop and little kids pointed at you, adults giggled at you, the young guys tried to make eye contact with you, and the person that served you the food waited for 'your' approval...it was crazy!

Funny enough, no one spoke English, therefore, no one ever spoke to me.....just stared....and as I requested night after night, Sarawak Laksa, mee goreng ayam-telur, sup-mee-ayam telur, ayam goreng, and a botched up order of nasi goreng ayam-telur.....where I received a fried egg, 1 chicken wing, and some white rice with diced up vienna sausages on 3 different little plates....I wanted fried rice with chicken and scrambled egg or fried egg on top.....when I freaked out about the vienna sausages, the lady immediately started picking the pieces out with her hands and throwing the bits on the table.....I was shaking my head, and trying to get the other lady to make me what I ate the night before. She was confused, so we cooked my nasi goreng together! But the other food was never picked up from the table, and my bill included everything. When I pointed to the rice/vienna sausage and the fried chicken wing with hair still on the skin, and shook my head, she immediately substracted it off the bill. She was really nice, but this is what makes eating an adventure!

The next day I forgot my camera again, I wanted to take photos for this blog......it was the same for the next 3 nights, no camera, but I always had my chick lit book and the best local meals Sibu had to offer! Surprisingly enough, I was always charged the local price.

Last supper in Tibet, One night eating in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Kushing, and Borneo's Orang Utans!!!

2009-09-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

Omg! All we have been doing since our last night in Lhasa is Eating! Seriously, if eating was an Olympic sport, I would have a million gold medals! Phelps, cry me chlorine tears! Today, we decided to put down the chopsticks, and headed over to the hot and sticky jungle (it is so hard to leave the A/C in this weather) to visit Borneo's own pride and joy, the adorable and sooooo loveable, Orang Utans! Sooo, cute, esp. the new 3 month-old Babeh!

We almost missed them, but they decided to earn their coconuts after all! The Orang Utans live in the wild, but because there is not enough food in the jungle for the them (due to logging) the research center supplements their diet with fruits twice a day. This is when we can come by and catch a glismpse. We were taken to the 'feeding platform' and waited for over 20 minutes. The park guide had a huge fruit basket and kept calling to no avail. Well, they never came, but on the way out we saw 5 of them (about 24 live around this part of the jungle) which included a playful young male, a new mother and her 3 month old Babeh, a lady enjoying (and throwing) her bananas, and a skillful male who showed us how to crack open a coconut and slurp down like a Champ!

About the Cats! Kuching means Cat in Malay....they are everywhere in Sarawak's lovely capital.

Zzz's: Kuala Lumpur, Attapsana Guesthouse 10 USD each

Fancy Ji dinner at our favorite restaurant in Lhasa

Kiss the Ji

Our last dinner in Lhasa, gonna miss it

One night in Beijing enjoying an outdoor B-B-Q

Fiona ate fish-on-a-stick

Nirou B-B-Q skewer. I ate like 10 of these!

Bear's black Chinese twin!

! Fried soft shell crab

Lamb Curry

Zzz's: Kutching. CSing with the very helpful, Ping Pong Chong

Roasted Duck

Malaysia's signature soup, Laksa, Sarawak Style (with prawns, egg, and chicken)

Kuching means Cat in Malay

Kuching Cats! (and Universal Brand, Mcdonald's)

Malay Satays

First meal in Kuala Lumpur!

Malay fried Chicken

Indian Banana Roti

Malaysian Fresh Coconut water

Thai Green Chicken Curry

Thai Tom Yum Seafood Soup

Nasi, of course, everything comes with rice!

Fresh Mango Juice

Thai Green Mango Salad and Fried Fish

Malay Lady Chef!

Malay Cookery

Pretty teacup fountain outside a shopping center

KL's Famous Petronas Towers

Arabian Mezzes

Fried Grouper

Eating out with our lovely host, Barry (Kuching)

Lamb Biryani

Kushing's own delight, Midin, Jungle RiverFern

Prawns in sweet chili sauce

Out for a beer, or 2 at Terminal One

The Feeding Platform

Semmengoh Research Center, Sarawak

Love this!

So cute!

Japanese soup in a tea pot

Eel

Kuching

Sashimi (Yum!)

Prawn Ramen Soup (double-Yum!)

Tibet: 10 Days in Lhasa

2009-09-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

Barkhor Square (Jokhang Temple in the background) Gilded cows. Love it!

Praying Tibetans @ Jokhang Temple

Prayer Wheel
Tibetan Prayer Wheel

Tuk-Tuk in from of Potala Palace

tuk tuk joy riding!

love this name!

this nirou was sooo good & spicy

Working-hard, Working-hard!

one of my fave dishes, spicy aubergine (I know! never photographs 'pretty')

Spicy prawns: Yummy, but they are never shelled!

Ok, I ordered nirou (beef) but rec'd cow's intestines, Yuck! Chinese Chefs rock! Have you ever seen a more mei li (beautiful) plate of cow's lining?

Fiona relaxes before her massage

I practiced my Mandarin with the 'therapists'

First of all, we were staying at a 3-4 Star hotel and we decided to go to the Hotel's spa. Well, well! When we walked in we saw a huge framed photo of a virginal looking Chinese girl in lingerie and many 'therapists' waiting. Some were young guys. "Yes, we immediately, got that feeling." But it was our very own hotel's spa. When we were taken to the back there was a girl in lingerie giving a man a foot massage. We laughed and said, let's go for it! I was curious and I wanted a tour! Hey, it was either this or cheesy Chinese tele back in the room. Fiona got a foot massage by the same girl dressed in skimpy light blue lingerie and plastic heels and I befriended a male 'therapist.'

I wanted to know if he was there for male or female clientiele. I could not imagined a local Chinese lady visiting this place! So, when I asked what he did at the spa, he pointed at the word 'pleasure' in my book. I laughed....asking men or women and he kept pointing at me.

We went to the back for the grand tour! The Chinese don't mess around! Kinky!!! This room has this outrageous bed...which I want one!....and an old fashioned wooden sauna, wooden tub, and western toilet. We decided to have some fun and took some photos. Love this bed!!!! It even vibrated.

Later when I was leaving and walking the hall...we saw 2 girls smoking in bed with a Chinese guy, another room like this but it was tore to hell....sheets and towels all over the floor, and the 'therapists' dorm' The girl that gave Fiona her massage was sitting on a top bunk bed reading a fashion magazine.

Another reason to love the Chinese! Fiona called it a 'knocking shoppe'

One of our favorite appetizers, cool cucumbers

spicy tudou (potatos)

Flaming spicy beef

'rea' Chinese tea

After the knocking shoppe, we decided to try another massage parlour

This time the famous Chinese blind massage!

Yes, this guy was blind and gave me an authentic Chinese massage

Every time I get 'punched' during a massage it makes me giggle

Love my head massaged....Feels sooo good!

Doing spinal stretches

He was adorable and his English was 'excellent'

Dinner!

WE love this Girl! I forgot her name, but she was adorable! She spoke no English, and everyday would yelled at us, Money! meaning...can you pay for the room? So, we nicknamed her, Money

Tibetan prayer wheel

Locals give it a try

I do the entire series....It takes about 10 minutes

View of Potala

Nirou noodle soup, Yum!

Tiramisu....

Ice cream...it was Hagaan Daas (Big Deal!) and it cost like 7 USD for this tiny scoop....I guess the cherry tomato bunnies were worth the extra 6 bucks!

Trying on sunnies...Love buying sunglasses...just wished the lenses were darker....bought a jade bracelet instead

Zzz's: Namtso Hotel and Spa, Lhasa

Tibetans praying at the Jokhang Temple

Tibet! From Zhangmu to Lhasa

2009-09-06T12:18:00.004-07:00

Zzz's: Zhangmu- Gorgeous views from our hotel room (RMB 150)

Tibetan prayer flags

First Tibetan dinner

Tibetan Village

Here come the Yaks!

Morning chores, walking the yaks

Tibet is one of the highest regions in the world!

Love it out here!

Love the colors on the traditional houses

Love this village! These horses are the taxis!

Pedro, the Superstar!

Our racist guide won't let us eat inside the restaurant, (he claimed it was dirty and that Tibetans smelled), so we must eat packaged noodles...Came all the way to Tibet to eat .50 ramen noodles?! "Does he not know that I am the Chitless Foodie and gastro is the last thing on my mind when I'm enjoying a delicious local meal in a very humble setting?" Also, the Mt. Everest look out point was only 5 minutes up the hill, we could of taken our lunch up there. The worst guide ever!

I was not only mad (and still biting my tongue, because it was our very first lunch stop with Joe) but also uncomfortable because everyone was staring and of course, the Mom's started to send their children to ask us for money. Our guide thought it was funny and took a photo when I asked him not, too. But again, I'm posting now because it proves what an insensitive racist bastard he was.

Chinese Red Bull, cute can!

While we explored the village and posed for photos, Joe, was not very happy. He did not think it was proper to mingle with Tibetans....Gosh, he was crazy!

As Pedro drew a crowd, which by now we are used too, Joe kept warning us, "Beware, 'these people' are going to steal your car, they are not good people." Seriously, where are they going to take the car? We are in the car! Idiot!!!!

When I told him that the Chinese have a reputation for not stealing, he said, "Yes, but 'these people' are very different from us." Not the kind you are used to in Beijing....I'm trying very hard to like this guy as we have 16 more days with him, but Wow, does he like to make a good first impression?!

Mt Everest look out point...We are waiting for the clouds to clear

still waiting....

Finally!!!! You see it? Right on top, beautiful Mt. Everest!

Yak meat with green peppers

Tibetan soup, Thukpa with Momos (dumplings)

Fiona gets a housecall from a cute Chinese doctor, she is suffering from altitude sickness after visiting Mt Everest base camp

Zzzs: Lhatse Shang Hai Grand Hotel. A whopping RMB 260 It actually is pretty posh inside, and was the nicest hotel in town...

daily chores...fueling up on the road (and it is soooo cold!)

Fiona loves her oxygen...she used like 6 of these things...She was not doing too well at this altitude.

mobbed by the school kids

Adorable!

We say bye to the mechanics

Yep! No English anywhere! This is what a typical menu looks like...

Pedro creates a scene at the police station in Shigatse

enroute to Lhasa....Ah it is sooo nice

therefore, we stop and take photos

Pedro's Chinese plates

After a 5 hours drive, we make it to Lhasa! Having dinner at the Namtso Hotel

Making Joe work for his paycheck!

Love this village! Between Zhangmu & Lhatse

Are we ever gonna make it to Zhangmu?

2009-09-06T05:35:00.000-07:00

Nepal!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-06T03:56:00.000-07:00

Raxaul, India- Second day trying to get to Kathmandu and then Pedro breaks down again, but Hey! at least we are FINALLY in Nepal!

2009-09-04T04:07:00.001-07:00

Leaving Varanasi-Ballea

2009-09-04T03:37:00.000-07:00

A typical day in India

Gorgeous saris & women

Motorcycles

Locals acting outrageous (must see video)

Cute kids

Heavy Loads (that NEVER get out of the way!)

Curious Stares

Traffic! (that just stops & stares)

Livestock

Slums

Road diversions that slow you down

Loud Beeping Horns! (and it's actually encouraged)

Overloaded public transport

Colorful Lorries & friendly drivers!

Carefree cows!!! (that just take over the roadways bc no one is going to bother/hit them.) They are GOD in India.

and cow poo! (that just flies into the car)

Map!

Gorgeous Food- Biryani (My Fave!)

Dahl

Baht

Aloo Parathas, Yoghurt, and pickled condiments

Tasty Sauces! (I ate all the chillies)

Natural Breath Freshener (Fennel seeds & Sugar)

'Watch' Guard Service ;')

It is always a party when we leave (or come to) town (Hotel Ashoka)

Varanasi-Holy Ganges River

2009-09-04T02:54:00.001-07:00

India-First 36: First Drive into India,Traffic Jam, Car Sleep-In, Taj and Camels!!!

2009-09-04T02:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, Watching this I think it is hilarious! I can not believe I was practicing driving Pedro for the first time ever in front of Custom Officials! I mean this is the kind of thing that could get you in Big trouble at any other border, especially the filming! You know that is why I love India and Pakistan, it is so chilled here. The Customs officials actually thought it was cool and were very supportive. They had so much faith in me, that they just stood right in my way and I never saw one Cop run inside the building crying for his Momma!

Also, what you don't see here is, that Pedro's seat are not adjustable! I am sitting on a big cushion and my back is a good 6-7 inches forward and why I look uptight. I'm only 5 ft (and a quarter)! As you can see my feet are barely touching the pedals and I must come to the edge of the seat when I must press the clutch and brake all the way forward.

Some of y'all must think I don't know how to drive. I can!!!! I am a driver for decades, but almost never a Standard car or one as old as Pedro, though, I think it is pretty cool I will be able to. Standard cars or as the British say, Gearbox cars, are very rare in the USA. Our cars are automatic, fully loaded, and wayyyyy comfy, heated leather seats, talking GPS systems, and a computer even tells you when it is time for an oil change. You don't have to worry about a thing! The price includes Full Maintanance Service for 4 years. Love it!!! And, Yes, Silly Hunny, I have a Drivers License!

India!

2009-09-04T02:21:00.000-07:00

More Pakistan@

2009-09-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Pakistan

2009-09-03T09:49:00.001-07:00

Driving in Pakistan! Lahore to Wahga (India) Border

2009-09-03T09:42:00.005-07:00

I said my Good Byes to Rabs, who had been a very gracious host in Lahore and I know that it was just temporary because I will see her again, and hopped back in the buggy! Wild Child caught! All my peace about riding in a car ended! It was back to Pedro, the Superstar! All the stares and hooting and cheering, and then, there they were, The Cows! and more livestock wondering the streets and not taking any notice of Pedro.

First, some friendly locals guided us towards the border as the area was very rural and no signs posted anywhere.Then Pedro decided to have his 'usual' temper tantrum and just died! Right, there! blocking the way on a narrow dirt street and no one could pass which caused a scene. After we got going a bit, then cows just started pouring from every direction. One of our 'guides' even had to hopped off his bike and physically move the cows out of our way.

And, where there are cows, there must be poo! Yep!!!!! Pedro got stuck in cow poo and helpful villagers towed us out. Some even splattered inside the car when the wheels spinned out of control. Gross!!!! Yes, I was yelling!!!!!

Sadly, or happily, we missed the border by no more than 10 minutes, so, Yep!!! "It was not my last night in Pakistan!" Fiona and I grabbed a room at the border motel and watched the Pakistan-India border closing ceremony which was wayyyy wicked! Loved it!!!!! (watch the video on the ceremony posting) It was like a giant Go Pakistan Pep Rally. We walked 2 minutes to the ceremony and no one saw Pedro. Afterwards, locals kept coming up to us and would shake our hands and tell us, Thank You, and then asked to take a photo with us. We spent over an hour posing for photos with the locals. I did not mind, I got to hold many babies and cuddled with some cute kids. It was sooo sweet. Thank Allah for cow poo!!!

Tourists are very rare in Lahore due to all the 'hyped' press from news networks. Everyone would always asked me (in a real serious mode), "What are you doing in Pakistan?" which at first it was a bit shocking, because normally, I am asked, How are you liking ___? or What do you think of ___? I would just have fun and respond, "I'm looking for Osama, the guy is worth 25 Mils in reward $$$." Then laugh!!! We all laughed!!! Then they asked if I was serious. I laughed! They laughed, again, Lahoris Rock!!!!

Partying in Pakistan!

2009-09-03T09:42:00.003-07:00

Pakistan-India Border Closing Ceremony!

2009-09-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Con't

Dubai, UAE, Another country, More Fun!!!

2009-07-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Cooking, of course! Shweta is a Foodie, too! Toasting to new friends!

Acting Silly: Kareoke! Re-enacting, Madonna's Like a Virgin, a little too much liquid courage, doncha think? ;'
Marhaba, to all! Yes, I'm still doing the rally! Actually, I am on my way to meet Fiona & Pedro in Lahore, but, since it was an Emirates flight, I decided a little layover in Dubai was a must. Original plans included a desert safari, belly dancing, camel riding, sandboarding, sleeping under the stars, but can you say, HOT & STICKY! Yep! It is like a sauna in Dubai at the moment. Every day, 50 C! So, I am thinking when I finish the Oz Rally in mid-October, I am going to make my way back to Houston in this direction. Gotta have my camel fix! Yalla!
Zzzz's: Csing with the lovely Shweta

Dubai: Another country, but nothing has changed! Still geting my 'Indian' fix!

2009-07-26T15:56:00.002-07:00

Istanbul: Too much Raki in the Waterpipe!

2009-07-21T23:06:00.000-07:00