Best Cupcakes

Shortly after moving to Bangkok, I started frequenting a cupcake shop on Sukhumvit 53 called Sparkles. It's owned by a Thai-American named Sophie who makes the best cupcakes I've ever eaten. I would say sorry Mom, but she agreed that they were the best. The shop is neatly decorated for each season, and new cupcake flavors often appear with Sophie's new inspirations. Although I'm in love with the apple cinnamon cupcake, I also love strawberry, chocolate orange and lavender- all made with natural ingredients.

Longtail Boat Expedition

Stop One: Monkey Island





Stop Two: Maya Bay (Where Leonardo DiCaprio's "The Beach" was filmed)




Stop Three: Snorkel and View Scenery




Stop Four: Bamboo Island

Sunsets over Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand

The first night spent on Phi Phi Island, we climbed to the view point. The sweaty hike was totally worth it.



The second night we saw the sunset from a longtail boat. Same effect... less work!!

Engrish

This is what we "falong" (word Thais use for foreigners) call "engrish."

Halong Bay

So, 6 days in Hanoi, Vietnam... what on Earth can we do? Go to Halong Bay, of course!!! Booked through Hanoi Backpacker's Hostel, this trip was three of my most memorable days in SE Asia. After a bus trip from Hanoi we arrived at Halong Bay, where we traveled by boat to where we'd anchor until the next morning. The entire 3-hour journey was spent weaving in and out of massive limestone rocks, cliffs, and mini-mountains. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking.


After anchoring, everyone started jumping off the top of the 3-story boat. Safe to say, I did a massive belly flop! It only stung for awhile... and was completely cured by the time our kayaking adventure began. We kayaked through the bay for close to an hour before finding a cave... leading to a beautiful lagoon.


Originally I only planned on spending 2 days and 1 night, but after given the option to stay another night and travel to "Castaway Island" for another night of adventures and extreme living, I had no option but to agree. I met so many wonderful people who would make the second night unforgettable.


Castaway Island was occupied solely by the hostel's small staff, wall-less huts, mosquito nets, white sand, hammocks, volleyball net, and meeting area which served as a kitchen, lounge and bar. It was the closest to paradise as I've ever seen. And, for the first time in my life, I experienced pure silence.

English Camp

On the first day of English camp, the school was packed with 3rd and 4th grade girls who were not bound to their typical uniforms and braids. Instead they were able to express their individuality for just one day: colors galore, headbands, pearls, bows- anything girly. The morning was a rotating schedule of games, and the afternoon was a full-out production. Each team met with their English teacher to learn something awesome (like dance moves, the "YMCA", the cat walk, all incorporating the English language).



Day Two blew Day One out of the water: road trip to Safari World, a massive zoo. Here I got to check off a box on my life's to-do's list: pet a baby tiger.

Hanoi

Hanoi- What a magnificent city! It has tremendous French influence in it's culture- sidewalk cafes, baguettes sold everywhere, cheese, wine, French architecture, colorful buildings, Latin alphabet. English is well-spoken, so it was easy to get around. Although tourism is relatively new to this city, unlike many other cities in Asia, the locals are willing to give you directions, smile, and make you feel like you're right at home.












We stayed at the Hanoi Backpacker's Hostel. It was my first experience at a hostel, so I was a bit nervous staying in a room with 9 strangers. But the hostel's staff was warm and welcoming- willing to suggest places for massages, motorbike rentals, drinks, dinners and tours. The hostel was situated in 3 different buildings: the main building (containing the kitchen, front desk, free high-speed computers and wi-fi, coffee lounge, rooftop bar and rooms), the other side (containing a bag check, laundry service and more computers), and the annex (containing free DVD rentals, couches, big-screen tv, and more rooms). All three buildings were on the same side street within 50 meters.


Do I love Hanoi? Yes, without a doubt. Would I recommend staying at the Hanoi Backpacker's Hostel? Yes, without a doubt. Just be wary of taxis trying to take you to Hanoi Backpacker's Hotel from the airport. If they do, know that the real hostel is just blocks away!