Coreyography

33 & 1/3rd

I had a great birthday thanks in no small part to my cold going most of the way away.  I checked in the Hotel Continental first thing this morning - my room brings to mind the Hotel Chelsea (minus the junkies, plus an arrow pointing towards Mecca) and I am quite enjoying my one night stay.  Before embarking on this trip, I was worried about my birthday because I thought that the newness of travelling would have worn off (not so true) and by this time it would be clear whether I would indeed be travelling for two years (which would make me a bit sad) or not (ditto).  All of this to say: I have no idea how long I'll be gone at this point, but I'm determined to enjoy the ride.

Yesterday I visited the Penang Museum (which could really use the help of my museumeologist friend Dusty Wescott!  5 out of the 8 exhibits were 'under construction') and it was v. interesting.  Malaysia is known as a place where ethnic tolerance (between Chinese, Malay, Indian and Muslim peoples) rules, which I think is a v. timely model/lesson.

Tomorrow I'm headed across the peninsula to Kota Barhu, which is supposed to have one of the great night markets, before heading out to the Perhentian Islands where the diving is supposed to be v. good.  Perhaps I will take a dive course?

California Uber Alles

I've been here in San Fran since Tuesday - gotten a lot done and had some fun, too.  Logistical goals accomplished: passport acquired (that was giving me some heartburn), banking issues solved (all hail USAA!), daypack dilemma decided (winner, not a fanny pack but a utility waist pack - that's my story and I'm sticking to it), and visa situations somewhat muddled through.  The Thai letter of the law states that you must have a ticket for onward travel when arriving or no visa.  I've read that the Thai border folks rarely ask, but apparently United will not allow you to board a plane without such a ticket.  So I'm headed to Penang in Malaysia on May 22!  Party in Penang on my birthday - who's with me?

And speaking of fun, been having a lot of that here in SF, too.  Anyone who knows my Dad and stepmom knows that they are super into their dogs.  In addition to the Bichons Rufus and Roxanna and the Sheltie Reggie, they also have a new Beardie puppy, Riley, who is equal parts cute and goof.  I would love to see Riley and my friend Michelle's standard Poodle Chili in a Cute/Goof Off.  It would be a competitive match that I, for one, would greatly enjoy.

Dad and I also took a trip to Berkeley, wheretofore I had never been.  Delightful!  Beautiful campus, very nice art museum (small but some interesting pieces and a lovely building) and most especially Chez Panisse!  Which I must confess was the most influential motivator for the trip overall.  We had lunch in the Cafe and it was all I had thought it would be, which is to say fantastic. 

Uncles and family are coming for dinner tonight and I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone.  And then it's on the plane to Thailand tomorrow - take off at 1:30 p.m. and arrive at 4:30 p.m. on Monday in Tokyo.  Not really sure how the whole international date line/time change situation is in play here, but it's safe to day I'm going to be on the plane awhile.  And then Tokyo to Bangkok, arrive 11:05 p.m.  It's all led up to this, so exciting!