Back in Korea and Arriving Students,

My first days back in South Korea has been hectic. Lunch, coffee dates, dinners, shopping etc. Also, a few of my friends graduated and they will leave Korea and go home. So sad to see that everybody is leaving, without knowing when we will meet again. It's nice being back though. I haven't had a second to just be at home, so now I finally have time to unpack and get my side of the room in order. My roommate, Inhaeng, hopefully I got it right, is a new dorm assistant and my new roomie. Have only seen her once, but I'm sure that we will get along. Something that is a typical korean thing is to give gifts. Doesn't have to be anything special, big or expensive. My roommate left me nice notes and snacks on my desk, even though we really don't know each other yet. I'm so looking forward to hang out with her. Since she gave me some snacks, I though that she just have to taste some salty licorice or salmiak and also xylitol from Finland. Let's see how she likes it. 

A few of the new exchange students have already arrived. Just talking to them and see their excited faces makes me thing of how it all started for me last august. What came as a chock to me was their nationalities. Last semester, most of the students were from Germany, France and Finland. There was no one from more "cool" or special countries. Today, the group of students I met were from Venezuela, Pakistan, India, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Thailand and Uzbekistan. So interesting to listen to their stories and expectations.

During this week, the new exchange students have been dropping in one by one. I'm excited to get to know new people, since they come form exotic countries, places I don't have that much knowledge about and countries I want to know better. Today, Kyung Hee University, had an organized pick-up service from the airport. Three of my korean friends were at the airport, and the rest of us were waiting with excitement for them to arrive. With happy faces, we gave them a great welcome to KHU and Korea. After, it was time to show them were they would sleep for the coming four months.

Last semester, I got plenty of new friends, mostly from Korea. They were all members of IFCC - International Friendship Culture Club, which is a group of koreans who helps the exchange students. A few days ago, I got an surprising message from the president of IFCC, Jongyoo, who is also a good friend of mine. He told me : 

"Hey my dear friend, as I told you before, YOU are recruited as a honorary staff of IFCC!! YEAY!!!! I finally got an agreement of every members about recruiting you into IFCC. Congratulations and thanks for joining here and it’s my great honor to spend my best semester in my life together with you". 

Great guy, I love him! So what does this mean? I will be one of the jumping, energetic, excited staff members of IFCC who will organize, help and create an unforgettable semester for the new exchange students. The cool part is, that me and Jani, a finnish guy, we are the first non-koreans who have ever been a part of the IFCC, ever. I feel honored and I'm ready to do my best and work my ass off. 

Tomorrow is the official orientation day, that I once attended last august. It will be weird to be up on stage, be presented as a staff of IFCC and to have a speech to all the newbies. 

A long, but a good day. Here you got some pictures from today!

The trafficking of women in Aisa,

I'm not a reader, nor a writer. Never been good at it, but I'm trying to get better. As a kid, I had a hard time to finish a book with over 100 pages and no pictures. The worst thing I knew was when our professor told us to chose a book, read it and talk about it with our classmates. Back then, I remember that I read a book, that many 5th grade students wouldn't read: The stoning of Soraya.M written by Freidoune Sahebjam. Based on a true story and an example of how much power the women has in the society. The book talks about an iranian woman, which made me want to read it. Even though it's many years ago since I read the book, it's still in the back of my head. I don't really know why I like to read tragedies, but the thing that catches my attention is that it's based on a true story.  

Another book based on a true story is a book I found while walking around a night market in Cambodia; Sex Slaves - the trafficking of women in Asia by Louise Brown. I chose the book since it had to do with the countries I have visited during my trip and places close to South Korea, where I'm on exchange. The book is based on gender studies aswell as politics. The book talks about the asian sex trade, women who has been forces into prostitution by people they trust, the customers, the girls rights, their voices and stories. As the book explains about the countries that imports or and exports, the prices of the girls, how many customers they serve a day and how much they earn, have made me open my eyes. I have been traveling through a few of the countries just recently, where this is happening everyday. 

The book is sad. Girls are supposed to be girls, not become women when they are 12, or even younger. In many cases, they are tricked to the trade by their mothers, friends, husbands, boyfriends - people they should be able to trust. Here is one of many stories the book brought up told by young girls.

Since the sex trade makes a living for some of the girls/women and their families, if it's a choice of their own, I don't see what's the issue. Unfortunately, it's rare that it's the girls own choice. I think that they should have more options to chose from and not see prostitution as the only way out. Read this book. It will make you stop and think, and maybe, hopefully reach out to the tourists and men who buys sex. For them to think twice.  

Backpack Summary,

Traveling around South-east Asia has been a blast. I only wish I could have stayed longer in each country and explore it even more. A vacation must come to an end and now it's here. I have managed to do a lot of thing during these weeks, so I decided to do a little shortlist of places and attractions I have visited and things that I have done.

Philippines: Got the Open Water Diving certificate in Puerto Princesa. A few nights in El Nido with diving, breathtaking islands, eating and being ill. Back to Puerto Princesa and a visit to the Underground River, one of the seven wonders of nature. From Puerto Princesa - Manila - Siem Reap. 

Cambodia: Siem Reap as our first stop. A hot air balloon took us over the city and this event was a big thing for the local kids aswell. A must-do trip to the Angkor Wat temple and visit to the famous night market with plenty of fish spas. From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by bus. Phnom Penh offered us walks in the city, a visit to the Royal Palace and other important attractions. 

Malaysia: Arrived in Kuala Lumpur and to our One-Stop Hotel close to the city center. Amazing view from the 11th floor over the big city and the hotels private pool. A quick reunion with Christina and Livia, my german friends who are also studying in South Korea. Together we went 400 meters up in the air, to the KL Tower. After a great view, it was time to dine in Kuala Lumpur's own China Town. The following days were spent in the beautiful city just looking around and shopping. 

From KL to Langkawi Island. Diving, elephant riding, horseback riding, monkeys, kayaking and beach, beach, beach. 

Thailand: The original plan was to go to Indonesia, but since a few friends were in Phuket, I thought it would be more fun to go there. From Kuala Lumpur I flew to Phuket where my friend Taru was waiting for me. Staying with her for a week was great. Diving with Taru at the Phiphi Islands and a crazy night out at Bangla was exactly what I needed. A little scooter accident, a lot of finnish tourists, ladyboys and shopping!

Singapore: From Phuket to Singapore, a destination I was waiting for since the trip started. Mira and Waikit, two singaporeans I met in South Korea, had sat up a touristic schedule for me so I could get the most out of my short time in Singapore. They were both waiting for me at the airport, and I must say that I'm lucky to have them as my friends but also they were making my stay so comfortable. As we usually said, they are my private tour guides! Staying at a capsule hotel located in the city center was so cosy, since I love capsule hotels! Shopping at Orchard Road, one day at the Sentosa Island, waterpark, picnic, a beautiful sunset at the Marina Bay barrage and new great memories with lovely friends.

All of these countries were mostly unfamiliar to me. What I like about traveling is to be surprised, traveling to the unknown and see what will pop up. That's how I did when I decided to go to South Korea for exchange. I had no clue where I was going, and it turned out to be the best choice!

After being away from South Korea for almost six weeks, it's great to get back home. Yes, home! Normal routines, friends and also a lot of things to deal with. Nervous, but excited to meet my new roommate and wait for all the new exchange students to arrive. There will be trips done during this semester aswell, for example to Jeju Island, Busan and maybe a country I haven't visited yet. Until next time! 

Last days in Singapore,

Even though Singapore is expensive, we still wanted to do some shopping at Orchard Road. Among the expensive shopping malls and stores, we managed to find the small and cheaper shops with unique jewelry and clothes. The only things I bought was two necklaces and a little gift for a friend in Korea.

In the evening, it was time to explore one of Singapores most famous clubs, Zouk. The club had two dancefloors with different music, in the beginning at least. Then it all turned out to the music that makes me lose my great party mood, especially if I'm not drinking.

My last day in Singapore was spent with Mira and Waikit, of course. We bought some snacks and food and went up to the Marina Bay Barrage for a picnic. The view from there is amazing and I'm not shocked that many couples take wedding pictures here. After looking at the amazing view and stars for three hours, we decided to go home. 

The time in Singapore is coming to an end, and this will be the end of my journey around South East Asia. What an amazing time I have had.

 People living the same hotel as me, were watching the game between Finland and Russia.

Sentosa Island,

The morning started early, since I can't really manage to sleep for many hours these days. Took myself to the lobby, ate some toasts, and fell asleep again. Before noon, Waikit was waiting for me outside. Taking the subway from Bugis - Harborfront where we met up with Mira. A short ride with a train over the sea, we were at Sentosa Island, which is a popular island resort. This island offers everything, and it's no wonder that the island is visited by over five million people a year. This island has a long beach, wildlife, a waterpark, the Universal Studios of Singapore is located here and also iFly, the worlds' largest indoor skydive wind tunnel. 

But everything has a price, and nothing in life is for free. Although Finland is seen as an expensive country, especially the southern part, it's cheap compared to Singapore. During my two first days here, I have come across plenty of price tags, which have left me speechless. Everything is expensive here and that's why it didn't come as a surprise, that Singapore is the worlds' 6th most expensive country/city. Helsinki got ranked as the 20th most expensive. I'm feeling that Seoul is cheap, but it's ranked as the 14th most expensive. These kind of surveys compare many things, and all the surveys have different results. 

Of the countries and cities I have visited, Singapore and Tokyo is definitely the most expensive places I have been to. In every country and city, there is something that is cheaper or more expensive than in other places. Let's say, Tokyo, the accommodation was really cheap in my opinion. A cosy capsule costed me around 14€ a night, which isn't that much. 

Boring Singapore?

Now I'm on my way to my next and last destination on this journey, Singapore. Singaporeans believe that besides shopping, there is nothing else to do there. My Singaporean friends Mira and Waikit has both asked me for a couple of months when I will arrive, what I want to do, eat and see. I'm honored how excited they are for my arrival and it will be great to see Mira and Waikit again after saying goodbye in South Korea. 

My friends have been telling me that Singapore is boring. Do I believe that? No way! I have never been to the country first of all and all countries or cities has something unique. The must do things in Singapore includes a lot more than just shopping. Singapore has beautiful botanic gardens and one that has got a lot of attention is the Gardens by the Bay, which opened just a few years ago. Since then, it has achieved many awards like the Design of the Year 2013 and the World Building of the Year 2012, just to mention a few.
Singapore, as many other countries, has its own Chinatown and also the Little India with food, shops and museums. The city is crowned by the worlds ex-largest observation wheel. 

Singapore used to be a British colony, which you will notice right away. Singapore is probably the cleanest country I have ever visited and is so Europe-inspired. The buildings, pub streets and the river flowing through the city all reminds me of Europe. Not what I expected, at all! 

Anyways, I started early this morning by packing and headed to Phuket International Airport, where I was supposed to fly to Singapore. Arrived a bit too early so I had to wait for a few hours. Tired as I was, I fell asleep immediately when I got to my seat and didn't even realize that the aircraft left Phuket. In Singapore, Mira and Waikit were extremely excited to see me and how nice it was to meet again!
Our day started by finding my hotel, where I will be staying for a few nights. After leaving my stuff, we went for lunch at a local restaurant. We did some window shopping at the huge mall, Marina Bay Sands, before we decided to go for a little boat tour in the middle of it. Our boatman was really nice, and offered us another free ride. Around the city, we met a lot of Koreans and we though it was a bit funny to practice our excellent korean with them. A visit to the Gardens by the Bay, watching the kites and enjoying the sunset after many hours of walking was a great end of a long day. It didn't end there though. We still managed to head to Chinatown for dinner and to a pub/bar/restaurant with a liveband. I must say, that Singapore is really expensive, we are talking more expensive than Finland. Even though the prices are high, I managed to find a very affordable hotel in the city. I will be staying at Bugis, which is an area with delicious local food. My hotel is called Plush Pods, located close to the Bugis subway station. Pictures and a post about it will appear as soon as I have had the time to take pictures. Here is a few pictures from today.

What to do in Phuket,

Every city in the world probably has its own top 10 list of things to do, see, discover and experience. So what is there to do in Phuket? Nothing spectacular I would say. Visiting temples and go for island hopping is the same things you can do all over Southeast Asia. What's so special about Phuket then and why is everybody coming here? 

The main things that the beloved internet suggests that should be done and seen in Phuket is for example the Big Buddha, Phang Nga Bay (James Bond islands), Old Phuket Town, Bangla Road Nightlife, Simon Cabaret Show, PhiPhi Islands, Thai Boxing and Phukets amazing viewpoints. A must do, is to get a ride with a party tuktuk, one thing I missed out on. A great place to do some shopping is in Phuket Town. They have everything you can imagine and it's very affordable. During the weekends, there is a big Night Market with hundreds of food stands and a lot of stands where you can get the best souvenirs, clothes, bikinis... Basically anything! Just to add, a thing that I would not want to miss in Phuket, is a visit to the Surfhouse. This is definitely a thing you must try before you die, even though it's a bit pricy for a backpackers budget, but it's worth it. 

Apparently tourists from all around the world finds their way to this city with sandy beaches, beautiful islands, cheap massage and a crazy nightlife. Diving is a popular activity and there is probably a diving shop for every country. Yes, there is a finnish, french, russian, german, chinese... The list is long. With a lot of non-thai people living in Phuket, it can be a bit challenging to see the real Thailand. Phuket, as a tourist destination, fits all kind of people. A great city to relax but also to get crazy.

Have to add a few places that you have to visit and do. First of all, eat a lot and have dessert. The prices are so low, the food is delicious and the dishes are huge. Second, take a day off at the O2 Beach Club. Music, pool, fatboys and an amazing sea view!

Phuket was better than I expected. If you are about to visit Phuket just to see and do things, one week is enough. Phuket can be a bit boring if you don't have the energy to party everyday or if you don't have any special interests or hobbies. To end off this post and my time in Phuket, here is pictures from the last day spent there.

Beauty Treatments and Thai Sauna,

Most of the beauty treatments in Phuket and probably around Thailand is very cheap for a european traveller. A manicure and pedicure, with all kind of nail art you can imagine, costs around 300bath (7€).

To experience some true thai culture, you have to visit a thai sauna. For 70bath (1,50€), you will have access to a herby, steamy and hot sauna, showers and an icy bathtub. If you have the guts, you can try the thai massage and experience how it feels when strong women walk all over you, and yes, it hurts. I chose the oily massage, which was interesting. A typical massage with a few strange things. Pulling my toes, massaging my behind, pulling my hair and so on. The funny thing was, the owner was lying next to me and got his daily three hour thai massage treatment. 

In general, what I have experienced so far on this trip, I have to say that thai people has been the most helpful and polite. Such open and friendly people is hard to find. I'm very pleased with my stay in Phuket and Thailand. A great and big thanks to Taru that organized everything for me and took me all over the city!

Dive and Surf,

The past days in Phuket has been very eventful. Taru has had a few days off, which gave us the opportunity to hang out all day. Yesterday didn't start that well. First, we drove to a few viewpoint Phuket has to offer before we continued to the beach. I will warn you, the road that takes you to Nui Beach is challenging. The road is long, sandy and steep. Both going up and down is difficult and even dangerous. Obviously, we still had to give it a go. Our trip started with Taru falling and hurting herself, and when I joined the ride, we fell one more time. The beach was beautiful, and I completely understand why people go there. Getting away from the beach was also hard since I almost had to walk the whole way up. 

After a shower and some food, we decided to visit Surf House, a surfing club located at Kata Beach. Here I discovered one of the most fun and exciting things I have every done in my life. Surfing beats partying and clubbing anytime. I could surf everyday because it's so much fun, people are friendly and helpful. So far I have tried two times and I'm starting to understand the point with it and getting better each time. I really have to do this again, maybe Surf House could be the place where I could finish my next internship? A few months in Phuket with surfing and serving customers. Sounds great!

Friday me and Taru decided that we wanted to see and dive at the Phi Phi Islands. The view was great, visibility awesome and we saw a lot of interesting things. The most beautiful thing was the Leopard Shark. The day was great! 

 

Phuket, Thailand

A typical choice for a typical Finn is to spend a holiday in Thailand. Finnish people usually visit Thailand or the Canary Islands. I have always told myself; "No, I don't want to go to Thailand, everybody has been there". Now I have to take that back, because yesterday I arrived to Phuket. There is a good reason for this destination though. It's close, cheap and I have friends who are there at the moment. Plan A was to go to Indonesia for a week by myself, but it's more fun with friends. 

Yesterday was was spent at airports and flying from one place to another. First from Langkawi - Kuala Lumpur and after 3 hours of waiting I was off to Phuket. Taru, my friend from Finland working in Phuket, was waiting for me at the airport. A big van took us from the airport to her apartment, where I will stay for a week. I arrived late so we didn't do much. We had dinner at a local restaurant and after we went by scooter to Kata Beach, where we had a drink and watched people surf in a bar. I need to try this!

Waking up this morning, I was all by myself. A bit tired after traveling yesterday so the pool outside the apartment doesn't sound like a bad idea. In the afternoon we drove to the Big Buddha and on our way down we went to Patong Beach for dinner and walked through the Pub street. Night clubs, bars, pubs, ladyboys, strippers... You name it!