Hello Teresa! Welcome. Hope u feel better. I am also nursing an 'upper respiratory tract infection' that i caught in vietnam, though i must say a trip to the vietnamese hospital was an eye opener (they were afraid i contracted birdflu) . I think going to prison or the hospital of any country is a bonus experience; that way you really see how the country functions, in times of dire need or some sort of organisation.

I have been to cambodia; I spent 6 weeks in the village working with the children in a village in phnom penh, teaching english through speech and drama when i quit my first job. That was an amazing experience and of course i made the mandatory visit to siem reap to see the fabled Angkor Wat.

In a way, im envious of your lifestyle, but it's lovely to have dreams and believe in them. Unfortunately, in practical materialistic Asia, you just get laughed at and discouraged. And i empathise, i live in candy cane nation where girls usually don't go beyond UK size 6. I am struggling with my weight issues having lived blissfully and carefreely in italy the last year enjoying the best cuisine.

LOL 'gawi mui'. My brother works in hongkong and loves it there. Infact he works alot less than he does in Singapore. I got used to being called a 'lao wai' (foreigner in mandarin) while i was in china working on an editorial project doing interviews and translations for colors magazine.

In many ways, i lust for the western models of democracy and liberation, yet at the same time, I'd retain all of my conservative asian values. I hope to begin my new life in china in a matter of time. Chinese contemporary art, for one, i find very inspiring, very conceptual, tongue in cheek and so so clever. Considering their cultural and historical baggage, they've really come a long way and i would love the opportunity to live and work there and be part of their 'progression'. As my italian friend commented 'asia is the new gold mine. everyone wants to go to asia these days.' i can't agree more with him.

In the meantime, I'll lie still and work a job I don't mind doing and continue with my own non commerical writing projects. My practical self tells me i have to work for money if i were to enjoy certain things in life.

Back to work, after skiving for un petit moment.