Fashion from a backpack

A day in silver and black

Posted on October 18, 2014 by erikamae82

NFL- the National Football League is a North American sport that will be defined in many different ways depending on who you ask.

For example, the average American might say, “It’s a full contact game with 4 exciting quarters, a half time show and the best fans ever”!
Someone less enthusiastic might claim it to be a “4 Hour commercial, with some occasional football in between”. (That is unless they have the NFL red zone ticket). A diehard rugby player could accuse it of being “An over padded, handball game with too much structure and unnecessary penalties”.

For the most part, it’s generally an event that gives people another wonderful reason to gather on a Sunday to enjoy food, drinks while sharing the support (and hassling others) for the their favorite team. Although I don’t base my entire social schedule around this league, I do consider myself a fan.

Which team do I root for you may wonder? Well, non other than the Oakland Raiders! As of now, they are currently 0-5.
If you’re unfamiliar with the meaning of those numbers, let me explain:
Zero times have they selfishly taken a victory for themselves… which means they have kindly donated 5 wins to other teams in order to divi out the prosperity. Sharing is caring.

That is why I am such a loyal fan of this generous team (to be said in a sarcastic voice ending with the tone of a question. You may also vision it with a head tilt and one eyebrow raise).

Moving on. It used to be a tradition that my mom and I would go to one game a season. Since she now lives on the other coast and I, well you know, it’s been a few seasons since I have gotten to enjoy it live.

Flashback collage with my fabulous mom!

Compliments of my dear pal Hayden (thanks for the early birthday present) I got to go! Ride along as I share with you the experience of a NFL game.

Alarm clock: 4:45am. Depart at 6:00 to meet with friends for the 6:30 carpool. Below, is a series of photos from the sun rising to the opening of the gates at 8:00am.

Without exaggerating, I took the next set as we were parking and snapped the second picture when I got out of the truck. Please notice the sign in the back to prove this is the same angle, just seconds a part. These people mean business!

Parked, unloaded and set up (in less than 60 seconds). Now we’re ready for the well known act of “tailgating” – An outdoor party or picnic, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium. Served on the tailgates of trucks, station wagons and any other vehicle that can be sat on or in front of.

If you take a minute (or an hour in my case) to walk around, you’ll get to see the many unique sights the parking-lot gathering has to offer.

Yes, pictured below is a DJ mixer inside of a barbecue.

This popular tailgater brings a supply of beer, liquor, shooters and food to generously offer to all fans for free. A drink and a burger? Jell-O shot and some nachos? Sure! He accepts donations to support this routine, but if you don’t have a few bucks, cheers till next time!

More grub, friends and… the game hasn’t even started yet!

I planned on “a” handstand shot, but with friends like mine… It turned into 4! Thank you Kate, JC and Hayden for the photo suggestions!

The kickoff is nearing so we wrapped up the grill and headed in.

After being guided in a structured, slow manner (ha ha ha) we made it into the stadium. This is when that sensation rolls over you that I explained in the post called cricket… not the insect.

The photos say it all. Here is just a glimpse of the view that consumes the day.

Our team was on the 10 yard line ready to score (fingers crossed). I sat back and waited for the touchdown so I could capture the crowds response… Success!

Final score was 28-31. The Raiders so graciously followed their pattern by granting the opposing team a win. I had no idea I was a fan of such a generous team.

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: black, fans, football, NFL, Oakland Raiders, parking lot, silver, stadium, tailgate, touchdown | 1 Comment

Down de road 2014!

Posted on August 12, 2014 by erikamae82

Usually for the week of Cropover, I’m an eager passenger along for the ride as my local friends guide the way through the festivities. This year however, as mentioned in the last post, I’ve brought two friends for their first excursion through the unforgettable journey of the Bajan Carnival.

World… Meet Kadooment. As always, if you’re interested in more than just photos, please look back in years prior and read about the full meaning to truly capture the history that drives this annual parade.

Quick recap collage:

2012 Kadoomemt

2013 Kadooment

…and now we start our 2014 celebration day with an alarm that awakens the household at 4am.

Beyond the stunning costumes, you also have the option of getting airbrushed, body painted, professional hair and makeup, liposuction… Ok, maybe that’s a bit much, but you get the drift. I’ve always opt to do it on my own and this year, the only difference is I have two partners alongside me. Bree is a fashion designer, I’m a hairstyling and Hayden is… well, a guy (a very fashionable one might say). So with our powers combined, getting ready reminded me of something along the lines of an adult prom at Mardi Gras.

Hair done, eyelashes secure, makeup, costumes and a glass of champagne brings the clock to 6:45am and our driver honks for pick up! We gathered at the pre party which was celebrating Aldo’s birthday. A few pretty pictures (taken before the sweaty, drink infested, glorious makeup destroying, nylon shredding parade) and a toast before we headed out to the private bus.

We all looked amazing! I felt like a feather princess (I don’t even know if they exist, but if so… I’m sure I resembled one).

Instead of putting these photos in some sort of order and pretend like it makes sense, I’m simply going to just post them without rhyme or reason. Take it for exactly what it is (or for what you want to think it is).

Where is everyone getting refills for those snazzy cups? As long as you’re “jumpin” in the right band (in other words, a legit participant in costume) your drinks are included. You simply walk up to a designated drink truck and order what you wish. They have quite the range in juice, soda, coconut water, beer, liquor and mixed cocktails. Pretty much everything shy of a Bloody Mary (of course the first thing I asked for).

The working gentlemen you see not in costume walking with the trucks are there to make sure your feet stay out of the way. We’re all adults here, why would anyone ever get close enough to… “Owheee!” As the truck slowly creeps over my right foot. As I embarrassingly told the story of my flattened toes, a majority of the group exclaimed “Me too!”, turns out it’s more common than I gave credit. Lesson learned.

It’s Ryan again! Just for fun, here’s our three years in jumping collage. Is it just me or does he just keep getting younger and younger!?

I got the pleasure of running into this lovely woman again. Still smiling and glowing as I remembered!

Check us out! Last year and this one… Looking superb ladies!

Although security isn’t necessarily needed (I’ve never seen anything anyway) there are men on horses, sober faced soldiers and your typical “staff” walking about.

The crowd that comes to observe ranges from locals who have been viewing this nonsense for years gathered with a few that used to do it “back in the day”. Some of my favorite onlookers are the tourist that booked their family holiday without the knowledge of Cropover. This little guy waved at me so I removed the belt (that was given to me by another participant) and gave it to him. Oh happy day!

What on this beautiful earth can all of these people be dancing to for over 7 miles in the blazing sun, in full costume and priceless smiles?! I’ve attached a link to give you a Soca Sampler.
Warning: What you hear may encourage involuntary hip movement with an overpowering urge to thrust in a pulsating manner. I wish you luck.

Dear Barbados, I thank you for the energy you’ve shared each year with the abundance of kind people within your island. There’s something special here… I’m so thankful to be a part of it.

Cheers till next time!

Categories: Accommodations, Art, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: Barbados, bluebox cart, Carnival, Costume, Cropover, feather princess, jump, Kadooment, Parade | 5 Comments

Paint me up mudder cup!

Posted on August 5, 2014 by erikamae82

I figured there were mainly two ways I could introduce Barbados back into my blog. Either my traditional style of easing into the description of what the people are like, how the culture makes me feel and showing you gorgeous pictures of the world wide known landscapes of this striking island…

Or, the Bajan way and dive right into a street party that went till Sunrise!

If you’d love to find out more about the the unique island of Barbados, please be patient as they’re soon to come. Please also feel free to read older posts that I’ve so conveniently connected below. You’re welcome.

“Just the beginning of Barbados”

“5 not so well known facts of Barbados”

“Random sights of Barbados”

“The rest of Barbados in a nut shell”

For now, let’s take you along a photo adventure of the preparation that goes into the night parade know as J’ouvert. Also referred to as Foreday Morning Jam, Mud and Paint or last year in which I titled it An Orbit gum commercial, Bajan style.

The package you get includes randoms gifts such as bandanas, cups, a t-shirt and wrist band. This is to ensure that you’re “jumping” with the right band and have appropriate attire. (Meaning that you match your group, not “appropriate” like you’d wear it to a family holiday).

Each year I’ve cut, torn and tied my shirt into a new design and this round shows no different except I’ve brought two friends to experience that which is Carnival in Barbados!

Quick and easy introduction: You all know Hayden. I grew up with him, gave him the travel bug and now he can’t stay in the states long enough to plan for his next flight out.
Here we are on several different trips within the last 15 months:

Bree: Our story began on a flight in Asia, branched to an unforgettable backpacking journey in Thailand and now we reunite on my favorite island in the world. Bree and I traveling together looks something like this:

The prep phase turned our apartment living room into a fashion design studio. Each one of us filling in as a model for one another’s experiment. Poor (lucky) Hayden was included as well, I suppose it’s small price to pay celebrating with two energetic females.

The ending result? One-of-a-kind shirts for the ladies and a comfortable tank top for the boy to Rock.

As if that wasn’t completely entertaining in itself, we then complete the tradition by heading out around 10:30p to catch a van for our jaunt to the starting line.

The waiting area is a group of a few hundred of “your closest friends” ready for miles of parading to Soca music, drinks and dancing…. With the main attraction of mud, paint and powder.

The music fires up and the walking begins!

Not much explanation needs to go into the following photos. If this blog had audio, you’d be moving your hips to Soca beats while trying to make out the words with the sound of people singing along. Awh, the beauty of rich tunes.

Remember Ryan? He’s my dear friend that I met years ago who has been my Bajan mentor… Properly training me on all of the local traditions. Here we are in my first two Morning Jams, followed by this year!

Wrapping up the evening includes a breakfast choice of fish, ham or cheese sliders and Caribbean corn soup. At this point, we would of inhaled it just the same if they would of fed us dog chow and mystery juice. While consuming what seems like the best food on the island, the energy from the parade leaves some still jumping and others, well…

So now we’re fed, but still covered in mud, paint and powder paste. What to do? Only my favorite part of the entire festivities! They blast more dance music and gear up the water trucks. Shower party time!

The ride home presents itself with yet another victory defined as a safe journey packed full of memories (and one tired pup).

Categories: Art, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: Barbados, Carnival, Cropover, foreday morning jam, mud and paint, Parade, Spring Garden | 1 Comment

Notting Hill and Jerk chicken

Posted on September 2, 2013 by erikamae82

The longer I’m on the road, the more fascinating people I get to meet. Through volunteering, hostel hopping or simply chatting with another passenger on a long train ride, friends are being made all of the time! Reconnecting with fellow travelers has become one of my new favorite pastimes, as it’s like nothing else I’ve experienced. Theres something to be said about bonding with someone by natural chemistry and to stay connected by choice. A neighbor is always there and you can grow to like a classmate, but to meet someone thousands of miles away from home and stay in touch for years to come takes energy and effort.

In the past, you’ve seen the follow up path crossings, however the next few chapters of this journey will have an abundance of these marvelous people that I’m truly thankful for.

With that said, time to reintroduce a new friend Sophie. Her and I met while volunteering at The Donkey Den in Santa Marioñita, Ecuador. After an easy conversation, we decided that linked travels were in our future. From there, we journeyed south together for a week and parted ways with the “hope to see you again” farewell. Here’s a collage from some of our South American excursions.

During our time together, the talk of reuniting in her homeland of England started as a casual joke that turned into proper plans. 4 months later and a train to London, brings us together again!

We spent the weekend with her and her friends as they showed what a holiday in London looks like. After checking out the view from her apartment, we dove into what is still my favorite thing to do in a new city…. the local market!

A group effort went into the dinner of Paella and greens with dessert being a pile of typical candy for us to try. I’m sorry England, you have not peaked on my list for best sugar delights. Even though the sweet treats weren’t my favorite, this great bunch of eager locals did a fanatic job at adopting us in for their holiday weekend.

This is a weekend in which London comes even more alive to celebrate Caribbean roots with the famous Notting Hill Carnival. Sophie and her friends took lead as our guides to experience the event. From the bus to the tube we blend with a crowd of participants shuffling shoulder to shoulder.

Reaching the top brings a huge deep breath and just enough time to adorn my purse with my Barbados flag that was given to me in Barbados, thank you Mikie! Feeling proud to represent my new bag (see the story of my old bag here) and “Caribbean roots”.

Heading into the festival you’ll see several stands offering souvenirs, drinks and food for sale. The parade really wasn’t what I had imagined as it was more of a group of people randomly making noise in costume as they tried to catch up to the next bunch. The street sights are visually stimulating and definitely a complement to the unique variety of styles that the attendees bring.

I understand that when you over crowd popular streets with music, food and drinks, a little waste is to be expected. I’m lucky enough to say that I’ve been to festivals, carnivals and holiday events around the world, but this was the first time in which I watched the trash develope into mounds along the roadside. Is suppose this just encourages the eyes to keep focus on the happy people and vibrant festivities.

Due to the Caribbean influence, the main dishes are ones you wouldn’t typically find in England but more so in the islands. The drinks included but aren’t limited to Jamaican beer, coconut water and Rum Punch.

Thank you to Sophie and new friends. Our first weekend abroad was filled with quality memories that are still being smiled about! Cheers to tiger suits, Curly Wurly’s and Jo-Jo’s dancing skills (my rib still thinks about her everyday).

Categories: Edibles!, Fashion from a backpack, Travel talk | Tags: Carnival, coconut water, Ecuador, England, jerk chicken, London, market, Nottinghill | 1 Comment

Down de road – Kadooment 2013

Posted on August 16, 2013 by erikamae82

Drum roll please (my mom used to say that before big announcements) the post has finally come to expose another brilliant day of Kadooment!

Last year, I experienced my first Cropover here in Barbados and as usual I’ll give you the link to that adventure. To see details of the controlled chaos and more photos from the collage below, click here.

For this post, I’m going to teach a small lesson based off of my experiences to date.

First and foremost, it’s always more entertaining to get ready with a group. Everyone can use a little help from their friends! Meet Ethan, a kind hearted little man that was not only eager to apply my jewels, but did’t hesitate to dish out the compliments to me and his beautiful mother. “You are pretty girls… I come with you?” Its no surprise he’s such a gentle character coming from his parents Aldo and Jane, who are equally welcoming and full of warm energy.

Ready, set, oh shoots… we’re late! Lesson number two, here in Barbados, “time” is just a general suggestion of when one may or may not think about arriving. All this means for us, is that instead of starting at a snails pace like the others, we get a tiny workout by actually walking to catch up with everyone.

Side note: You’ll never be the only one running late. In fact, you have a better chance of being the only one there early!

Once the bands (a designated group in which you are representing) have gotten into order, we cross the big stage to officially kick off the 7 mile parade of dancing, chipping, whining and… are you ready for it? Wuk’n up!

Definitions:
Chipping – a dance step that is flat footed, knee bent and moving forward, almost as if to “chip” away the street.
Whining – a movement in which people attach themselves to one another by their ‘middle section’ and pulse, sway and thrust to the rhythm in every conceivable manner.
Wuk’n up – to gyrate the waistline upon another persons waistline, specifically to soca and/or calypso music.

A few photos from the crowds perspective followed by our view of the spectators, leads me to the next unspoken rule: just because you’re not in costume doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to get involved!

Unofficially official participants of Cropover.

You might be wondering, why is everyone holding those cups and where did we get the liquid to fill them? Reminding you of the brilliant Barbadian way of keeping the adults fully hydrated (enter questionable sarcastic tone) by having mobile bars that travel with the parade. Just walk along next to it and request your next drink. Looking down with a smile, they’re at your service!

All righty, the next portion of todays lesson requires an increased rating to PG-13 due to the dancing techniques and adult beverages now taking affect. Welcome to the world of open minded, bent knee, fun loving people “jus doin deir ting”!

Moving on to our next lesson, staying cool. If you care about your makeup looking perfect utill the end (you probably shouldn’t have come) anyhow, stay to the left! Although rain here during Cropover isn’t rare, it’s always guaranteed that you’ll have a refreshing source of water to drench you down during the walk.

Like some festivals I’ve experienced, there’s an over all vibe of “only doing it once, so go big” or “I’m never going to see any of these people again”! Not here. That alone is one of my favorite things of Kadooment, the loyal participants both local and traveling that return to share this unique holiday!

Lets have some fun and finish up this assignment with a few past and present shots of returning friends. So exiting to see you all again!

Remember Nisha? She’s the friendly girl I met last year who shares the health food passion in her shop here on the island. The first shot is us at her store last year followed by a photo from this Carnival.

Check this one out! Here are two of my favorite people Melodie and Kris, observing last year from the side lines, why not participating? Inside her tiny belly was little Tiernan from the next photo!

The first picture is me with sweet Jason at Soca Titans last year and the following photo is him with his beautiful new wife Beth!

Mikie my buddy with all smiles from last years boat cruise and this years Cropover!

It’s darling Jane!

The list goes on and on of precious people that surround this memorable event. Although its tempting to show you all 618 of my pictures (no exaggeration), I’ve got to pull it together and end this fun post. As you can imagine, plans for next year are already in order! I’ll leave you now with a collage of photos from my favorite local photographer Luke De Freitas!

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Fitness, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: bands, Barbados, Calypso, Carnival, Chipping, Costume, Cropover, Dancing, holiday, Kadooment, Parade, Soca | 3 Comments

Sisterhood of the traveling bag

Posted on June 18, 2013 by erikamae82

This multi colorful little bag came into my life back in February of 2011 from a woman on a side street in the tropical country of Barbados. Since then, it’s literally been by my side as I’ve worked my way around the world.

Packed along with “Big Blue” (named by a sweet friend and blog follower), it’s traveled planes, trains, buses, boats and has walked uncountable miles over my shoulder. It’s been used as a purse, over nighter, seat cushion, grocery sack, carry on, pillow, beach bag, door stop, and I’m sure several other things that have gone unmentioned.

Take a quick stroll with me as I recap some fond memories between me and my little travel buddy.

A little over 2 years doesn’t seem like a long time, but after trekking almost 30 countries, it’s time to pass along my durable sack of many uses. I’ve been offered money for it, friends have requested a trade and someone even suggested I auction it off for more travel funds!

With all of these wonderful thoughts, the only person I’ve had in mind was a sweet young girl who’s loved it from the beginning. Little did she know, this was the day in which she finally got her sisters purse.

Please smile with me as you view the new owner of the traveling bag (that’s as big as she is).
My beautiful sister Sarah!

Next step… Start looking for a new bag!

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: Purse, sister, travel | 2 Comments

Do you believe in blue giraffes?

Posted on January 12, 2013 by erikamae82

I do! Welcome to the inspirational Blue Giraffe or what I now call the positive energy of Watercolor, Florida.

Why a giraffe? As said by the owners themselves, “Giraffe’s have really big hearts (two feet long and 25 lbs. on average) and a big heart is what drives our business philosophy at The Blue Giraffe”.

This unique place provides an opening experience for the eyes and mind with the abundance of color, texture and artistic variety. As you snoop through The Blue Giraffe, you’ll think to yourself and hear from others, “Ooh, look at that” or “I wonder what’s that made of” and my personal favorite, “Oh wait, that’s a necklace…you can wear that!”

From local art to jewelry, books to knick knacks this stimulating boutique supports local designers and promotes recycling and reuse of what would normally be “waste”. Let’s check it out!
One must properly greet Jeanie the giraffe (named after her grandma) before you enter this magical place of art.

A quick look around isn’t possible as every space is filled with one-of-a-kind items. With that said, here’s a glance at the store full of happy handmade creations!

Mom pointed this one out to me, “That was made for you”. So when (if) I grow up and have a place of my own, you may or may not find this is on my wall!

Let’s take a closer look for all the inner “beach bum” in all of us!

The following pieces are all made with sea shells or recycled broken glass.

Here’s my favorite corner as it bring attention to the reuse of everyday items to create an eye catching work of art. Can you figure out what these are made of?

Some creative shots with my pretend fancy camera.

Look who I found! World, meet Christi. This is the brilliant owner who shines just as vibrant as the walls around her. She will greet you with a smile (and a piece of chocolate) every time you enter her home of pride and joy. Christi, thank you for sharing your passion with us. Your enthusiasm towards supporting the local talent through representing their incredible abilities is much appreciated by all!

…and a final goodbye to Jeanie as we depart till next time.

Click here to be directed to their official website!

Categories: Art, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: art, Blue giraffe, Florida, jewelry, Panama city beach, travel, unique, watercolor | 1 Comment

Cheers to the next chapter!

Posted on January 5, 2013 by erikamae82

What a year! This day marks 12 months that I’ve been living out of a backpack and circling the globe. Let’s pause for all the other backpackers out there and take a moment to absorb what I mean by “living”. I’m not implying that I was on vacation with a suitcase or barely surviving on the road with some luggage. I mean my toiletries, kitchen, first aid, bedroom closet, and playroom was carried on my back around the world. I now have a new attachment to this blue beauty that has hugged me on trains, busses and hikes and slept next to me in hostels, vans, airports and tree houses. It’s been below jet planes and on top of Peruvian mini vans… I feel like it should have a name, any suggestions?

As I begin to comprehend where I’ve been and continue to appreciate where I am now, I realize that my experiences are reaching beyond the people and places and are now truly extending to new friends and extraordinary cultures.

Much love and many thanks to those who have continually supported this spectacular adventure. To the fellow travelers that have brought me new perspectives and to the other unexpected connections along the way… My heart has full gratitude for your vibrant addition to my life.

Cheers to the next chapter and more priceless memories!

*Side note: I’m currently taking nominations for the handstand photo of the year! Please take a look at the page above titled “Handstanding around the world” and pick your favorites. You can comment below or email me directly at universalaughter@yahoo.com. The top 5 will be announced and voted on soon!

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: anniversary, Backpackers, gratitude, handstand contest, next chapter, traveling | 2 Comments

Volunteering in Malaysia!

Posted on October 28, 2012 by erikamae82

I met Marcel while sipping a health shake from “The Green Forest”. (For more details of that magnificent morning, please see “A ray a green light in Malaysia” from the Edibles page).
He’s the smiling customer sitting at the bar in the blue shirt.

During our breakfast conversation my volunteering came up and he said with a spark behind his eyes, “Next time you’re in Malaysia, let me know because I’m very active in the community and I could put you to work”. I responded with “Well then, what are the plans for today?”

After a quick discussion he gave me a meeting point and time. I instantly felt my mind and body fill of joyful excitement!

I met him at our spot and he tossed me a helmet, my first ride on the back of a motor scooter! A little unsure but thrilled for the experience I hopped on, let’s see where this goes. Ps, so much fun!

He took me to a local shelter which was a safe place for street walkers, drug addicts, HIV patient’s, and others in challenging situations.

Turns out they needed some hair services too! Although the following pictures are just me giving haircuts, I wanted to post each face as they all warmed my heart with their sincere gratitude.

After I had wrapped up the salon work, they invited me back to the area where the nurses and care takers gather. Without questioning, dinner was served with a portion of milk tea and more smiles. I really couldn’t tell you who was more thankful for this days events, them or me.

I’m not sure if it was the cloud I was floating on from the volunteering or the kind energy from Marcel, but I felt like my entire being was at peace for this moment. A safe ride back to my hotel and a hug of hope that we could work together again someday.

As Marcel pulled away, I realized my “Thank you” seemed like an understatement for the amount of uplifting bliss that he brought to my time here in Malaysia.

So I send my gratitude once more… Till next time!

Categories: Edibles!, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: community, Haircut, Malaysia, motorbike, Penang | 4 Comments

Penang part 1

Posted on October 26, 2012 by erikamae82

I was craving some “lost in a city solo” time so I thanked Kuldips family for the incredible week and priceless local experience as they dropped me off at the central bus stop. I heard that the island of Penang was one of the most culturally diverse states here in Malaysia. Sounds perfect!

A few hours in this bus and after crossing one of the longest bridges in Malaysia, I arrive at my new destination.

Cool effect pic from one of the bridges!

I had done my research as far as the hostel location, however I was unclear on which inner-city bus to snag to get there or if a $40 RM cab was worth it. I asked a friendly employee who referred me to a kind gentleman that was escorting an elderly woman (his mom) next to a youthful boy (his nephew). He was so helpful by drawing a map, verbalizing detailed directions and making sure I knew where I was going, then he says “You know what, I’m going that way, would you like a ride?”
(Family, take a deep breath… He didn’t offer any candy).

I felt safe and it was either him or a random taxi guy, so off we went. I kept the map in my lap so he knew that I was aware of exactly where we were going. Upon arrival he thanked me for the great conversation and gave me the spare change from his car and said, “Please use this to call me from a public phone if you need anything at all, God bless.”

What a way to start my adventure in Penang! A quick shot of my room, with the balcony, private bath and a sign that isn’t necessarily “comforting”. But for less than $20 USD I get a glimpse of what it’s like to have own place for a minute… I’m like a teenager with parents out of town for the weekend, almost tempted to jump on the bed in my pj’s!

I ordered a cup of hot water for some tea and this super cool thermos of boiling water came to my room, love it!

Right away, I put down all of my things and go for a wander. I’ve been slacking in the “fashion from a backpack” section, so here’s a classic mirror shot of my comfortable outfit to hit the road in.