Life in the Sky

It’s safe to say that I was absolutely terrible at keeping a blog while I was traveling. I think the problem stems from keeping a hand-written journal, which I wrote in every day.  With bits and pieces of memorabilia stuffed, taped and glued into each ink ridden page, the worn brown leather nearly unable to contain the hundreds of pages scribbled on through the months, it’s safe to say I had a lot to write about – I just didn’t want to write it twice! But, since I have the next like… 18 hours in the air and lazing around airports, I’ve decided to take bits and pieces from it and sum up my experiences and newfound mind-set as best as possible (you’re welcome, grandma).

Let’s start this daunting entry with a clear picture of where I currently stand – since most of my family and friends expected me to be settled back in Canada, continuing on with my nursing job and possibly planting some roots by August. Well, plans changed. Priorities shifted. Planes were booked.

Which leads me to where I am today. Headphones in, Mac Book out, I’m currently seated in a brightly lit coffee house within China’s Shanghai airport.

It’s August 14^th, 6:30am here, but my body thinks it’s 4:00pm on Tuesday, and the last time I slept was over 20 hours ago due to being in transit since early Monday morning. Or would that be considered Tuesday? Is my math right? My brain capacity is nil to none at the moment. But as I sit here, a freshly made Moline and Kiwi fruit drink in hand, skin warmed from early morning sun beaming through surrounding glass planes, I’m not concerned with my lack of sleep – I know I’ll make it up. I’m not concerned about my next plane transfer in Beijing. I’m not uncomfortable with the fact that the waitress and I have no idea what each other are saying – I’ve gotten very good at Asian-English and my made-up version of sign language where I simply mimic drinking or eating in exchange for whatever food or drink she thinks I want. This is the life of a traveler. You’re constantly adapting to time changes, language barriers, and currency, cultural, spiritual and changes in beliefs. You’re used to adjusting your sleep schedule, ways of communication and methods of negotiation. And while some people may see these parts of travel as inconvenient or frustrating, these are the exact things that I fell in love with.

Not only that, but I fell in love with the unknown: not knowing where you’re going or how you’re going to get there. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t necessarily mean this in a literal or irresponsible way. To be a traveler you do need to be incredibly organized, street smart and have a general destination in mind. What I mean is that while you can makes plans to visit somewhere, read up on the town, city, country and plan to get there via train, boat, or plane, you won’t actually know what to expect and what a place is all about until you’ve lived it for yourself.

While traveling, I spared no expense in reading up on all the countries I wanted to visit; temples, pagodas, waterfalls and ruins I wanted to see – blurting out historical facts while tripping along the shoreline of Tanah Lot Temple in Bali, Indonesia: “Did you know this temple is the work of the 15^th century priest, Nirartha, and is one of the seven sea temples around the Balinese coast?!” All while watching hundreds of Balinese royal descendants line up along the temple base before their uphill climb of spiral stone steps leading to the very top of the lone rock wonder. Dark Ocean waves crashing into it’s solid beauty as if each wave were the goddess of the Sea herself thanking the people for each sacrifice they left at the temple base that night. Knowing some historical facts definitely enriches your experience while faced with such overwhelmingly beautiful sights, but it’s the sights itself that blow you away. You can read about interesting places all you want; you can talk to other people and live through their experiences, or feel content with seeing places and sights in the movies, and that’s just fine! But for me, it’s the being there. It’s being able to touch the temple ruins with my own hands; grazing them along their rough, ash-colored surface, knowing that men laid that exact stone thousands of years before I walked the Earth. It’s having my sight blinded by monsoon downfall as I walk through miles of waste-high, lusciously green rice fields – my bare feet sinking into the cool muddy ground beneath me.

Bali, Indonesia 2013

It’s feeling your body lift from the music of Balinese dance performances in the streets of Ubud; or the mix of terror and excitement felt when monkeys are frantically climbing your body in order to grab those bundles of bananas you’re helplessly trying to keep them from reaching. The fact is: I could read all I want about Indonesia, but not one blog, article or travel forum will provide me with the sense of contentment I felt while physically on the land. Without that experience, I would have never felt that overwhelmingly emotional pull when facing Indonesia’s landscape, or the uplifting energy I left with after watching communities work with the bare necessities to create an oasis unparalleled in North America.

On the contrary, traveling can provide you with a startling slap in the face as to how much evil there is in the world, too. You come to really see how some countries, most actually, have seen absolute evil. The Vietnam War, for example, which went on for years and basically for no reason (as most wars do). Or a mere 38 years ago, when Pol Pok came into power in Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge enforced genocide and extreme communism on the country, closing it off to the rest of the world and killing approximately 3 million of it’s own people - aiming for those considered educated. If you owned drinking glasses, you were considered educated, or if you had soft hands. You were stripped naked, blindfolded and brought to camps across the country to be tortured with unimaginable contraptions, or, ruthlessly thrown into trenches full of chemical spray, alive and full of other people. From infants to elderly, natives to the land to foreign travelers, no one was spared during this heartbreaking period. Temples, libraries, museums, banks, all currency was destroyed. As I walked through the Choeung Ek ‘Killing Fields’, and literally saw human remains (bones, clothes…) still re-surfacing from the ground up, I was speechless. Sick to my stomach. At the S.21 Genocide Center in Phenom Penn, I was paralyzed as I stood staring at dried human blood that had pooled under a torture bed for a 16-year-old girl. I can’t even describe the haunting feeling I experienced in seeing these sights first hand.

Portraits of victims brought to the prison. Phenom Penn, Cambodia

As expected after all of that, I found Cambodia more emotionally draining than any other country I visited. My heart broke for those generations lost. You could see the pain in the eyes of the elderly, glazed and cold from what they’ve seen, what they’ve lived through not forty years ago. Faces rid of emotion, worn from poverty and terror. But in the same beat, my heart would burst with admiration for the new generation: buying land, owning businesses, and making education a priority. Though my spirit was crushed after seeing the type of evil brought upon these people, it was lifted once I sat back and realized how far this country has come in the last forty years. Children played freely and innocently; the people smiled and welcomed foreigners into their homes, their hearts and their traditions. There was no sense of bitterness or anger, just a determination to prevail and move forward. After visiting Cambodia, I have a complete grasp on the severity and importance freedom has within a country. I am beyond thankful and proud that I am Canadian; and I have an incredible appreciation for the life that I’ve lived.

Surfing in Bali, Indonesia

Skydiving in Taupo, New Zealand

Halong Bay Cruise, Vietnam

These experiences are what I’ve become addicted to. Touching the wonders of the world, jumping off waterfalls in Laos or exploring its inspiring countryside through tuk-tuks or rickshaws, bike or by foot. Stumbling upon the scariest creatures alive through Thailand’s forests, or lazing the awe-inspiring national beaches along Maya Bay. Swimming with jellies, snorkeling with tropical fish and then taking a break along Monkey Bay. Using longboats as a main method of transportation and being surprised when you reach an island that actually has cars on it. Eating fresh fish caught that afternoon, crab, prawns and delicious Thai meals made by locals with large hearts and small kitchens. That’s what traveling is about, and those are the experiences only gained from going out there and taking risks.

With that, I’ve decided to go out and take another risk: I’ve moved to Sydney, Australia! I’ll explore the down under and rather than wonder what it would be like, I’m going to live it for myself and I’m going to do it with the uplifting spirit and sense of adventure that backpacking has instilled upon me. I’ve never felt more content with where I am in my entire life. I’ve never been happier or felt lighter. I’m grateful for all the supportive family and friends I have in my life, and the opportunities that I’ve been given that have got me to this moment. Now, off to laze the beaches of Manly!

Looking over North Head, Manly in Sydney yesterday

Fiji, 2013

I honestly don't even know where to begin.. Fiji is breathtaking - but I'll start from the beginning. As mentally exhausted and physically cramped up we were feeling after our 10hr flight on a budjet Air Pacific plane (with seats as comfortable as bar stools and leg space as limited as the channels on our *broken* TVs) when the six of us first stepped off the plane at 5am on March 4th, we didnt care how we got there: we were in paradise. The air was humid, warm, and smelt of fresh sea water, tropical flowers and juicy fruit. Although I was convinced I was listening to rare, Fijian birds chirping and singing and greeting us as we entered the airport, I was quickly assured by Steve: "That isn't the sound of tropical birds, Chels... It's the squeak of the baggage claim trollys". He was right. I was tired. 

Although the airport is out-dated.. And that's putting it very lightly.. You would never know it by the staff. They met us at the entrance with ukilelees and acoustic guitars, dressed in light cotton tshirts covered in fijian flowers, and singing traditional songs to us while we waited in line to pass security. Security was more like another friendly greeting rather than a check-stop. I don't even know if he looked at my passport, just smiled, said Bula (hello) and pointed us towards Duty Free Bounty rum - which we bought, pronto. We were finally on vacation!

For our first night, we opted to stay at Radisson Resort in Denarau, the man-made island linked by bridge to Nadi. It was stunning. A modern building on the edge of the ocean wall. The grounds were lush with neon green bushes, coconut trees everywhere, flowers of every type and color, and stone pools glistening teal waters. I never saw one Fijian there without a smile on. Whenever they passed you they said Bula! often followed by a high-five or friendly laugh. Walking along the ocean was beautiful but since Denarau was made on marsh land, the ocean was murkier than normal. Still lined with shells, scattered with crabs and offering up a cool breeze - walking along the shoreline couldn't be beat. 

At night we explored the marina, ate a delicious surf and turf dinner, had some drinks, and in the morning, ventured out to Nadi to check out a hostel named Bamboo. Bamboo was more of a backpacking experience. A 9 bed dorm with bunk beds and a fan in place of air con, and a shared shower. Although the coconut ring making, night-time fire show and 4$ beers were enjoyable, my iphone and Coach sunglasses were stolen. We left the next morning to board the Bula ferry, get out of Nadi, and head the furthest north we could through the Yasawa islands.

After a very sea-sick and rocky 5hr ferry ride, we finally landed on Nacula Island and stayed at Safe Landing Resort, simply because we didn't know any better. With no electricity or hot water, let's just say this wasnt the highlight of the islands. Small, very basic, and staff not to be found for the most part, it was a bit of a shock. The food was always some combination of rice and previously frozen vegetables, and if you didnt come to eat at meal times, they came and found you to enquire as to why. There didnt seem to be a choice when it came to participating in activities as well, we had to. And it entailed musical chairs, two rounds of freeze-dance and musical potatoes. It seemed to be built on a grave site as well. Every path we took along the grounds led to a stray of graves and tomb stones. We were told that this island put a halt to their canabalism only a couple generations ago. It made me wonder if any of these tombs represented loved ones eaten years ago. We checked out as soon as we could in the morning, and made a very good decision to explore Tavewa Island, Coralview Resort. We all fell in love with it.

Our planned one night stay turned into three. The staff were so outgoing, friendly in a genuine way, and willing to accomodate in any way possible - our friend and trusted Fijian bartender, Kelly, even encouraged us to plug our ipod into their resort sound system while we drank. He was a big, jolly mid-aged man with a thick moustache, four teenage children and an uncanny intuition for when our drinks were running low. They called us Team Canada, and by then we had added a few travellers to our group: Andrew, who currently lives in Alberta, and two British loves, Hailey and Tom. We did lots on Tavewa - explored the shoreline finding secluded beaches to ourselves (being chased into the water by wild dogs), went on a boat to Suntan Beach, hiked the trails, drank Kava and watched a traditional Lovo dinner be made underground.

After Tavewa, we went to Naviti island, Korovu Resort - another beautiful resort on a long stretch of beach. There were rhinosaurous beetles the size of my hand that ate through bark like it was nothing.

The next night we went to Beachcomber, known as the party island, and danced until we couldnt anymore. We are now at Mana Island at Ratu Kini hostel, and leaving back for the mainland later this afternoon to stay at Smugglers Cove hostel in Nadi. We only have two more nights until we depart for New Zealand, and we're all really looking forward to it!

Instagram: @chelseakop

Good-bye 2012, it's been a slice.

I think it's safe to say that 2012 has been the most eye-opening year of my life to date. By the end of it, I've comfortably gathered my bearings in a new city and have created a healthy, fun-filled and exciting life for myself - sharing it with my amazingly supportive and loving boyfriend, Steve.

But we didn't get here overnight. Let's rewind a little: three months prior to the new year, I had fallen tired with my home town, Victoria, BC. I hopped on a plane with a carry-on and my dog, Saydee. I came to Edmonton to explore somewhere different from everything I had ever known. Knowing no one in Edmonton except my mom, step-dad and younger brother, I traded ocean views and morning walks along the boardwalk, for industrial views and flat land. What. Was. I. Thinking? By January, I had no idea what was to come of 2012 - my life felt chaotic, unorganized and uncomfortably spontaneous. At first, everything was new and exciting - job, people, places.. but this quickly shifted from new and exciting, to stressful. I was definitely naive, I trusted too much, and I took a lot for granted. And from this, I learnt some invaluable life lessons that can only be learnt having thrown yourself into unfamiliar environments, head first.

Cliche, but it's true.. The grass is greener where you water it. As a general rule to life this is true, but it's especially applicable to friendship and love. Love can grow into something great, filling your heart and soul with an energy that's uplifting and inspiring, generating a positivity that can beam through you in every word you speak. But this takes dedication to one another, a willingness to grow together in love and not apart - and a conscious effort to do the same - because love isn't something that's owed to you. If you have it, you can't assume it will last forever without effort. Tell that person you love them, speak to them out of love, and treat them how you want to be treated in return. Live positively together. Create life goals together, travel places together, laugh, support and inspire each other to be the best person possible, and in turn, when one of you falls down the other will be the first to lift you up. That is love to me. That is a lesson 2012 taught me.

The same can be said for friendship. This, too, is not owed to you and it takes effort from both sides in order for it to grow into something amazing and life-long. It means being the friend to other people that you wish to have yourself. When your friends fall down, either lift them up or lay down beside them until they're ready to face the world again. Things change, and friends come and go - but you're always going to have those few people in your life that you know are life-long friends - show them you love them, call them often, never speak ill of them, inspire them and take inspiration from them - grow into a better person because of them. That's what my friends do for me, they are my family. I love them, and I'm so thankful I can enjoy my life with such fascinating human beings. This year has taught me the importance of loyalty and trust in friendships, and to never take for granted someone you connect to who displays such qualities honestly.

My moms wedding party

Lessons aside, 2012 had a lot of fun to offer as well. We traveled to Invermere, BC to enjoy a cabin get-a-way and splash in the Radium Hot Springs, flew to Victoria, BC in June to see my mom get married; I traveled to Vancouver in October to celebrate birthdays and visit with friends and family. I went to Las Vegas with my girlfriends to see the Electric Daisy Carnival.

There's been countless concerts and shows: Tiesto, Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki, Mother Mother, The Black Keys, Jon & Roy, Bob Dylan - to name a few.

Las Vegas, EDC 2012

Now with 2012 coming to an end, it's time for a new adventure: six of us are packing up our bags, saying good-bye to our homes, and going backpacking for four months. Myself, Steve, Carly, Justin, Jenny, and Ryan are all going backpacking together for four months, beginning March 2nd, 2013. With no real regimented plan, we've booked our flights and have decided we're starting in Nadi, Fiji. We'll take the Bula Ferry and venture out through the Yasawa Islands, moving on to New Zealand two weeks later. After two to three weeks in NZ, we're headed to South East Asia for two months (Bangkok, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, possibly Indonesia), and who knows after that!

So here's to the end of 2012, and to the start of an adventure filled, fabulous 2013 with some of the most amazing best friends and people I know. I've created this blog as a means for friends and family to follow our travels as we go, so I hope you enjoy the read and I hope you have a healthy and positive start to your new year, too!

Chels xx
Instagram: @chelseakop