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  • Clark Conlisk
  • Clark Conlisk

India & Southeast Asia

A 296-day adventure by Clark Read more
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  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Mandalay 1, Myanmar

    November 28, 2015 in Myanmar ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    A day around Mandalay, Burma's second largest city. Pictured: Mandalay Hill; a Buddhist University; ancient Pagodas and Temples; a kid with a bunch of birds on his head; my motorbike taxi driver giving no bothers, as Winnie the Pooh would say.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    U Bein Bridge, Mandalay, Myanmar

    November 28, 2015 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Apologies for the dramatic superlative, but maybe the best sunset I have ever seen... Built in 1849. A wobbly, rickety, and apparently impervious to the mythical Burmese safety standards (they are mythical because they do not, by any means, exist), 1.2 km-long bridge over the Taungthaman Lake and is thought to be the oldest teakwood bridge in the world.

    A big thank you to Wikipedia for teaching me about my own evening.    Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Mandalay-Hsipaw Train Journey

    November 29, 2015 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Practical and popular train trip from Pyin U Lwin to Hsipaw through the Burmese countryside due to an 800 meter long, 111 meter high bridge built in 1889. I boarded early at Mandalay Station, extending the trip to around 11 hours. Luckily, my experience with 15 hour train rides in India had me seeing the ride as more enjoyable than as an encumberance. This first dose of Burmese agrarian life was a particular treat after urban Mandalay and Yangon, and the semi-desert of Bagan.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Hsipaw, Shan State, Myanmar

    November 30, 2015 in Myanmar ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    The real charm of the northern village of Hsipaw lies outside the formal city limits and in the countryside surrounding the town. In the morning, the villagers congregate in the market to offload their day's harvest and collect their earnings, then return to their land to continue their craft. This all transpires between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.. By 9:00 the town is less active and encourages visitors to rent bicycles to explore the nearby areas; I did just that. For $1.50 I rented a mountain bike for the day and got lost on back roads that weaved in and out of small villages and farms. I found myself at a huge waterfall overlooking a valley in the morning, and around riverside communities in the afternoon. In the evening I decided to plan out a three day trek around north Shan state to interact with some of the more isolated ethnic minorities that have populated the area over the last several centuries.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Pankam Village, Myanmar

    December 1, 2015 in Myanmar ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    Grabbed an interpreter/guide with a knowledge of Shan, Burmese, and Palau language and set off northward. Just one day trekking in Myanmar distinguished it from my former Ladakhi and Nepali treks. First, there are no daunting Himalayan Peaks staring me down. Secondly, and as one could expect, the local Burmese ethnic tribes are much less accustomed to seeing white faces. Because of this, people pop their heads out of their stilted bamboo homes to get a look. We are generally greeted with a smile and a hello in one of the local dialects ("Ming-ga-la-ba" in Burmese, "Mai-su-ka" in Shan, and "Kem-Sa" in Palau). And, for the first time in Myanmar, the food has been stellar. Stuffed on tea and pink vermicelli noodle salads, sweet potato curries, cabbage and mustard seed soups, Shan noodles, and relentless Shan and Palau hospitality, I certainly will not be losing any weight on this trek.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Mun-Loi Village, Myanmar

    December 2, 2015 in Myanmar ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    Day 2 of the trek was a mostly level jaunt through an elevated Palau and Shan valley. The Palau, meaning "people of the slope", mostly cultivate tea on the hillside. The Shan farm rice on terraced rice paddy fields. Both coexist peacefully despite the presence of rebels throughout the Shan state. That said, the villages do not intermarry, and doing so forces some men and women to leave their village permanently, with the exception of holidays. Pride in cultural identity is something that hasn't yet been lost among such isolation. Per usual, the children got all riled up when we entered each village. Laughing at our broken attempts at Palau, they teased us, giggled at photos of themselves, and took whatever sweets we had on hand.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Loa Kun Village - End of Trek

    December 3, 2015 in Myanmar ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    The last three days were outstanding. Unlike previous treks, this one was almost fully dedicated to better understanding the day-to-day lives of those in rural Myanmar. Huge thank you to Omaung, my guide and interpreter, who took time off from being the village leader and chief to give me an inside experience with both Shan and Palau culture.

    Pictured: women bringing in tea leaves from the fields; one of the typically stilted bamboo homes; dry rice fields    Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Inle Lake, Myanmar

    December 6, 2015 in Myanmar ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    One of the more touristy spots in the country, along with Bagan, but for good reason. The lake is gorgeous, the fishermen paddle with their feet and still use traditional style nets to bring in their catches, and the stilted bamboo communities over the water host lively and eccentric locals who are thrilled about the blooming tourist industry (Myanmar only opened to tourists in 2011). Luckily, I fell in with a group of Frenchmen, a Belgian, and a Mainian, who kept everything entertaining and poignantly sarcastic. A few days around the lake and on the water (and at a hillside winery) was a great way to wrap up my month in Myanmar. My visa expires on December 10th, so I'm setting off toward the Thai border for the next few days.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Hpa An, Myanmar

    December 8, 2015 in Myanmar ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    A scenic stop in Myanmar on my way out of the country. The area is known for its caves and abrupt mountains, which jut out of the plains as if some enormous giant accidentally left his boulders just lying around. Pretty inconsiderate of that giant. A visit to a bat cave at sunset and a walk through the markets was all I was able to experience in my one night, one day stay here. And yes, every one of those black blurry dots in the first picture is a bat. Millions flew out of the cave for over 25 minutes continuously. Hawks awaited them outside the cave, so a few other backpackers and I got a nice national geographic performance. A few locals set up outside the cave and played drums, each beat causing the stream of bats to jump and dance through the air.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Pai, Thailand

    December 16, 2015 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    I figured that over the last six months, I had properly experienced what the term "touristy" meant. I was wrong. Seemingly surrounded by more European and Australian tourists than locals, Pai was always bustling with raucous parties and white people on motorbikes. This isn't to say that it hasn't been a great experience, but it has certainly been more reminiscent of college spring breaks than of my previous 193 days of travel. A typical day in Pai includes a late morning of meeting up with friends at Western cafes, renting a motorbike to explore the caves, waterfalls, and canyons that are just outside of town, and a long night out to the bars. Needless to say, I am exhausted.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Chiang Mai, Thailand

    December 28, 2015 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Coming up on seven months since leaving home, so a stint of temporary stability was craved by the time I arrived in Chiang Mai. Instead of making my normal, fast paced tourist circuit, I settled down for almost two weeks and relaxed. Still a very social place, but not quite like Pai, Chiang Mai was a good place to get my ducks in a row for future destinations and work. Still, I managed to get out each day and play some footie, jump from 16 meter quarries into lakes, and zip around on a scooter through town, dodging my fair share of crazy Thai drivers. The night markets kept me gaining weight and the huge cafe culture kept me adequately caffeinated.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Bangkok, Thailand

    January 1, 2016 in Thailand ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    It's a lot. A whole lot. It defies any and all politically correct descriptions.

    A New Years Eve for the books; eating scorpions; stumbling into VIP spots at a muy-thai fight; et cetera

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Poi Pet Border Crossing, Cambodia

    January 3, 2016 in Cambodia ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C

    What an introduction to Cambodia. Crossing one of the most infamous land borders in Asia and experiencing all the scams that come with it. Dodging cheeky solicitors, locals impersonating government officials, and conscripted tuk-tuk drivers meant to rope you into filling out a fake visa processing form for three times the cost of the basic form provided free in the Cambodian immigration office. Got through without losing too much patience or cash and looking forward to arriving in Siem Reap and the stunning temples of Angkor Wat.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Angkor Wat, Cambodia

    January 6, 2016 in Cambodia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    The crowning jewel of Cambodia in terms of Khmer culture, Angkor Wat represents one the remnants of the golden age of Khmer life before its decline following invasions by the Siams. The temple of Angkor Wat, as well as the many complexes that surround it, boast intricate and ornate architecture and sculpture work that are ostensibly unrivaled in Asia. The pictures here are some of the few that I took on the GoPro, which doesn't quite do justice to the incredible area that became the set of Tomb Raider and a focal point of ancient Asian culture.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Sihanoukville, Cambodia

    January 11, 2016 in Cambodia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Cambodia's alleged preeminent party destination and jump-off point to some of the most secluded and unadulterated beaches in the region, Sihanoukville is an assault on the senses. It was also an assault on my wallet and cell phone, as both we stolen shortly after I arrived (resulting in my GoPro taking all of my photos and, also, in me staying off-the-grid for over a week). Backpackers from places as regular as Australia to as exotic as Mauritania congregate here for the $0.50 beers, island-to-island booze cruises, hill-top 5-star hotel pool parties, and the beach club scene. A little beach-footie to stay healthy and even cheaper coffee kept the blood circulating during my two stints in the beach-side town.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Koh Rong, Cambodia

    January 14, 2016 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌫 13 °C

    The remote island of Koh Rong must a much necessary change of pace after the onslaught of a social-life on steroids for which Sihanoukville is infamous. With a new, "lets-go-do-stuff" attitude-sporting Swiss travel companion, Jana managed to get me on the speedboat to the relaxation of bungalow life. With our view spanning all of the main beach, the island's main albeit small bay, and the jungle, I can see how so many tourists get stuck here; and, without a phone to remind me of civilization, I almost did... The many secluded beaches that outline the isle, accessible only by boat or jungle trek, were unlike anything I had experienced. Untouched beach, clear blue water, gradual sand bars, and fine white sand coaxed us away from our top-notch bungalow and deep into paradise.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia

    January 16, 2016 in Cambodia ⋅ ⛅ -3 °C

    Just south of the Island of Koh Rong, its tiny cousin, Koh Rong Samloen, sits quietly, immune to the development of the mainland and unable to fit into many travelers' itineraries. Koh Rong Samloem was nothing shy of perfection. Virtually uninhabited, remote and hidden beaches pop up on all sides of the island. An hour trek through the jungle, filled with exotic birds and canopy critters, popped Jana and I out on our own neglected beach. It is hard to really articulate the degree to which Koh Rong Samloem is off the beaten path. Then again, if it was easy to convey the majesty of having an island to yourself, more people would do it.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Ream National Park, Cambodia

    January 17, 2016 in Cambodia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    The bungalow tour continued, this time back on the mainland, as Jana and I journeyed to Ream National Park and the highly acclaimed and hidden "Monkey Maya" guest house. A few days here was enough to recuperate after a bout with fever and to celebrate Jana's birthday.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Killing Fields, Cambodia

    January 24, 2016 in Cambodia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    **GRAPHIC. Little cousins of mine, please scroll past this! Thanks**

    A somber day of remembering the millions of lives lost under Pol Pot and the ruthless Khmer Rouge (1975-1978), many of which were taken to the Killing Fields from Tuol Sleng executed by hand so as to not waste bullets. This is just one of hundreds of Pol Pot era mass graves in Cambodia.

    Also, Tuol Sleng, which was formerly a high school but was later converted to the principal torture outpost for Pol Pot's army. Referred to as S-21 during its use as a torture facility, Tuol Sleng was the center and most organized of over 200 intelligence complexes. It is thought that over 20,000 prisoners spent time here and that less than 20 survived.    Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    Phnom Penh, Cambodia

    January 26, 2016 in Cambodia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    I spent most of my time in Cambodia's capitol arranging my visa for Vietnam. But, still, here are a few sights seen whilst walking around the chaotic Mekong-side Khmer city of ex-pats, beggars, Lamborghinis, cycle rickshaws, blooming skyscrapers, and bustling night-markets.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler
    1

    Saigon Fine Arts Museum, Vietnam

    January 28, 2016 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    The HCMC Fine Arts Museum had several exhibits displaying ancient ceramics and sculptures, "Ancient Contemporary", pre-1975 oil on canvas, and post-1975 works. Every exhibit showed off distinct uses of the traditional Vietnamese lacquer-on-wood style. Below are some of my favorites as someone who is largely clueless when it comes to art.Read more

  • Clark ConliskIndia & Southeast AsiaTraveler

    War Remnants Museum, Vietnam

    January 29, 2016 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    Ho Chi Minh City's "War Remnants" Museum is the country's most comprehensive collection of historical records and items from the Vietnam War. US reconnaissance planes, bombers, helicopters, tanks, and torture devices have been preserved and are on display for anyone willing to pay a $0.70 entry fee. The legacy of the war, which pitted the US and its allies against the socialist opposition during our Cold War hypersensitivity to far-left groups, is tangible throughout the countryside and illuminated by the museum; active minefields and bombs still litter rural areas and noticeable anti-American sentiments purportedly exist as one travels northward and away from metropolitan areas. The museum underscores an ethical paradox that our now violent society seems to disregard: when a government even considers whether or not it has the right to bombard civilian areas, it is no longer engaging in a political debate, but rather demonstrating our human capacity to devalue the lives of others different from ourselves.Read more

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