Author: Erin Onsager
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Volcano Climb and last days in Sumatra
In Berastagi, Niki immediately signed up to climb Mt. Sinabung, the taller and more sinister of the two local volcanoes. This time, we wised up and actually hired a guide, which is highly recommended in the guidebook and at the hostel, as they have a list of hikers that have absconded or perished whilst on…
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Northern Sumatra
We spent 4 very relaxing days on Lake Toba. One day, five of us rented a large boat and went “rowing”. The next day, we rented bicycles and rode to the northern end of the island through Batak villages and saying hello to every single child that saw us pass by. Indonesia has to be…
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Sumatra
We actually tried climbing a volcano near the town of Bukittinggi, the most active volcano inSumatra, where we hoped to catch sunrise from the top. We initially had our fearless foursome intact, but Monique had never hiked before and felt uncomfortable hiking in the dark and Ric felt obligated to stay with Monique. So, Niki…
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Melaka into Sumatra
I spent one night in Melaka, which is a really cute UNESCO World Heritage site with a charming Chinatown and plenty of Singaporean tourists. The highlight was walking through the night market, trying some local snacks and watching a world record holder put his finger through a coconut (both shell AND husk). I wanted to…
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Malaysia is truly Asia!
The tourism slogan for Malaysia is “Malaysia is truly Asia.” And you know what? They’re right – it is! I feel that this country is the most comprehensive “blend” of the various Asia cultures that I’ve seen. First off, this is a Muslim country (and it’s Ramadahan), so you see woman in burkhas everywhere. I…
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Peninsular Malaysia
Getting into Malaysia, I headed straight to Penang, an island in northwest Malaysia. An animated French woman that I met on my mini-bus served as my impromptu guide, and she promptly pointed me in the direction of a nice hotel. Then, she and I went to eat some delicious Indian food (masala thosai served on…
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Arrived at Long Last!
After nearly 40 hours of travel (Chicago -> Kansas City -> Los Angeles -> Taipei -> Hong Kong -> Bangkok), I arrived in the heat and humidity of Bangkok. After finding a room for the night ($6), I immediately set off to Khao San Road in search of some banana roti, which is pictured here.…
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I’m on a blog!
So I decided to start a blog, because I think it’s the easiest way to keep track of my travels and pictures while I’m traveling. In honor of this SNL video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7yfISlGLNU I modified the words to express what I’m doing here. Oh shit, get your eyes ready It’s about to go down Everybody in…