5 down, 21 to go

On my adventures through SE Asia and China last month I completed 5 things on my 2009 list:

#19. Watch the sunrise (at Angkor Wat).

#12. Light a wish lantern (they float into the sky like hot air balloons).

#23. Learn how to make Chinese dumplings.

#22. Learn to surf.

And #20 ride a motorbike taxi.
I took one from the airport in Cambodia, luggage and everything! I did not take a photo (it was dangerous enough as it is!), but I enjoyed it so much I just may be doing it again. I'll keep you updated as I continue to complete my list!

I got back to Changsha on Wednesday, put my bags down, took a shower, and then went to teach my first class. I was on the road for 42 days total and could have kept going. I love exploring and experiencing new places, discovering new worlds. There are so many stories to tell: train rides, underground tunnels, shooting ranges, little girls on scooters, dogs dyed yellow, a deck to watch the sunset, moldy hotels, massages by blind men, two sunsets and a sunrise at the most beautiful temple ruins in the world (Angkor Wat), new friends that feel like old ones, slow boat rides down the mekong river, meeting my mom in Hong Kong, meeting Mike in Beijing, hiking the Great Wall, surfing in Hainan, a stolen bag with our passports in it, the overwhelming generosity of strangers...
I'm hoping to have the thousands of photos whittled down and uploaded by the time the weekend is over. They'll help tell the stories. Have a Happy Valentines Day!