An old lady on the street told me the best way to see the Loire Valley in France was by hot air balloon. The peacefulness of floating along in the sky was like nothing else and from our vantage point the newly cut fields looked like an intricately sewn quilt. I still remember the contrast and drama of the dueling colors. The old lady in the street was right; it was the best way to see Blois, but what she forgot to mention was the landing. As we were dragged sideways through the newly cut fields I remember the terror on all the crickets' faces as they desperately tried to jump out of the way of our capsized balloon and savoring the glass of champagne we used to celebrate our survival.
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BEFORE THE CRASH
by Alicyn Roy, Altadena, CA
Alicyn's Dream Trip
Southeast Asia
My fascination with Southeast Asia began during junior year abroad in Australia. I had planned to backpack through Southeast Asia with friends, living off fried insects and sharing beds in hostels. Unfortunately, the Bali bombings shut out anyone with an American student visa.
My trip would last about six weeks and would be modest: I would rather spend my time and money on activities and eating things with names I can't pronounce than hang out at the hotel. It would leave room for unexpected tips from locals or fellow travelers or the rainstorm that disturbs beach plans.
Starting in the Philippines, I would visit Palawan's lagoon, rice terraces in Banaue, a stilt fishing village; explore the Bacuit archipelago; dive where they allow amateurs; and boat through subterranean rivers.
Vietnam would include Ho Chi Minh City, old town, and, moon permitting, lantern festivals in Hoi An. Halong Bay, the Tonkinese Alps, Hue's old imperial capital, and Hanoi also call.
In Laos I would concentrate on Luang Prabang and Vientiane, with waterfalls and scenery in between. On to Myanmar for architecture in Yangoon, Shwedagon, Bago, Mandalay, Bagan, and Mount Popa.
After the ancient, the modern bustle of Bangkok beckons with city adventure and Buddha statues. Then to the fabled beaches of Phuket for a spa splurge before heading inland to Chiang Mai's temples and epic haggling with local vendors.
In Cambodia I would bike, hike and tuk-tuk around Angkor Wat, the markets of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Kep. Then to Malaysia for Kuala Lumpur, Taman Negra Preserve's wildlife and rainforest, Penang Hill, and a stroll through Georgetown.
My trip would climax in Singapore for a Chinese New Year I've heard is like nothing else.
Finally... relaxation in Bali before the long flight home.
Alicyn's Travel Tips
• Keep an open mind and experiment with foods and activities you are not normally exposed to. If you have never tried something before and it scares you don't cop out by saying "I don't like that." Besides, if you only wanted to eat pancakes and hamburgers, what was the point of your traveling anyway?
• So you're super excited about your trip. You're going to go hiking and walk around cities and explore old ruined places. You bought all your new travel duds and packed them up in anticipation. Please do yourself a favor and walk around in your new hiking boots or trainers before you go. Breaking in new shoes only hurts when you do it by climbing 15 km in one day and realizing you lost your toenails somewhere around kilometer 10.
• Calling all fashionistas! It may not be the look you would pick for a night out on the town, but one of the most useful things I take with me on every trip is a white long-sleeved man's shirt. When I'm done being a sun goddess it keeps me from transforming into a lobster. I've also used one as a sheet for sleeping, a sun shade, a sling for an injured limb, and a knapsack on a stick for lunch.
http://www.cntpromo.com/ex.asp
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