Some things can't be planned.

Just registered for a Women's self defense workshop my friend Mieko suggested I take before leaving for SE Asia. (Thanks for sharing your tips/stories with me over pomegranate chicken and chicken celicia, Mieko! Much appreciated.) Taking this half-day course should provide some sense of reassurance for my mother, whom is now constantly calling me with new warnings aimed at single female backpackers. Don't worry, Mom! I am going to learn how to be prepared to kick some major a$$. Thanks to...

R.A.R.E. Workshop (Rape Awareness & Resistance Education)

which can be found here: http://www.impactbayarea.org/. History of this organization (told to me by Mieko and also taken from their website) -

In 1971, a woman from Palo Alto, with a black belt in karate, was raped and beaten. Following the assault, her peers began to question why a trained martial artist was not physically or emotionally prepared to handle an attack. Over the next fourteen years, an ever increasing group of individuals nationwide developed a new form of self-defense by researching police records, speaking to survivors and perpetrators, as well as experts in education, psychology, sociology, martial arts and physiology. Their efforts resulted in a unique form of self-defense that better prepares women for real-life attack situations. This method of self-defense came to be known as "model mugging".

In 1985, a group of Northern California instructors incorporated to form Bay Area Model Mugging, Inc. In 1989, instructors nationwide agreed to change the name of the style from "model mugging" to "Impact". Shortly afterward, our local organization became known as BAMM IMPACT Self-Defense. We became a nonprofit agency in 1995 to bring courses to women and girls who could not otherwise afford them. Finally, we changed our name in 2003 to Impact Bay Area, aligning ourselves with the worldwide Impact organization.

Seems like a very cool organization with a positive purpose. Something females, like myself, can get behind; especially for travellers who can find themselves in predicaments/situations unplanned for. Can't wait to see what this is all about...

Also looking more closely at which places I want to stay at while in Thailand. Right now, it's looking more and more like Bangkok, Pattaya, Ko Tao, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, Railay, Ayuthaya, Chiang Mai, Mae Salong, and Mae Hon Son (depending on time, and of course, spur-of-the-moment change of plans that usually come with travelling in your mid-twenties). As for the other 3 countries I will be staying in - have a rough outline, but allowing for more flexibility, thus actual itinerary is really tbd. I just know I am planning to celebrate the break of the New Year in Bali. Hello surf lessons...

Ok, signing out for the night. Too much to do, too little time, but really just counting down!

Good night :)

Back from Mexico

So, I've actually been back since Sept. 1st. Trying to catch up at work, preparing for 3.5 months in SE Asia, and starting Round 2 of studying for the GMAT has taken up most of my free time over the last few weeks. In addition to getting the most out of SF's typical indian summer by attempting to enjoy every minute of sunshine present, I'm trying to spend more time with friends and family. It's not easy.

Here are the pictures from the trip I took to Playa del Carmen and Mexico D.F. In short, I had an amazing time soaking up the sun, drinking Miami Vices and sailing with my mom, meeting the hospitable people in town squares, speaking (in Spanish) to strangers for hours, exploring the ruins and pyramids, and eating street food at every opportunity. I would like to return to D.F. someday. Until then, I'm going to have to settle for getting my carne asada taco fix from El Tonayense on 14th & Harrison.