Lady, you crack me up. I so appreciate your candor. I often get platitudes and cliches so when I read something real, I like it. Anyone who says they like change is lying. It is kind of like when people say they like people or they are a people person. Really? I personally can't stand people 99% of the time. Your closing off of your psyche is normal. You are going into defense mode. That is ok. Everyone deals with coming back in a different way. It can get super annoying having people ask you "How was Kuala Lumpur" and expecting a sound bite response. How do you sum up three months of your life on the other side of the world into a sound bite? I try to come up with something pithy and biting that scares people away. I look forward to hearing what you come up with.

My guess is you won't know what you've brought back until you are re-immersed in the good ol' Western Hemisphere and the differences within yourself are given relief. I think I used that word correctly. Pretty sure. I'd also like to point out that there is an advertisement for Dianetics on the side of the blog. Almost as though it were in response to the difficulties with change. Its great cause its just an erupting volcano with DIANETICS.ORG superimposed. HILARIOUS.

me thinks you forgot the link. And, I loved the "Get a Job" ad.

Incredible. Just incredible. I want one for my apartment.

You guys are absolutely adorable together. Also, that is a fantastic hat.

BUGZ. Seriously that's gross.

Looking forward to a live presentation of this trip!

That tree ladder looks amazing! I'm pretty jealous of this trip!

I made this quote my facebook status because I laughed so hard: Next morning, Jungle Trekk. I was told that this was going to be a baby hike but..it kind of kicked my ass. I mean, I'm not sore or anything, but my heart was definitely like "Dear Clara, you did not do enough cardio in your life to be comfortable with this hike. Please go to the gym when you get back. kthnx."

Is it common for girls to have short hair like you do? I am trying to figure out what is with the immediate hatred. People usually have to get to know me before they hate me. Plant a big, goofy smile on your face and see if that helps.

clara, you are so smart.

Too bad you didn't get an assignment in Thailand, it looks awesome. And the sky added such a nice back drop for your pictures. On the down side, Chiang Mai is a little too close to scary Myanmar.

That handicap bathroom is amazing and makes me slightly nervous for some reason.

I like the one for Ilana. What an experience!

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I had no idea Singapore was so hilarious. Well actually I did because it's in freaking Asia... but it's MODERN, crazy, overpriced Asia! Those mall guys blow my mind. I want to book them in Mississauga NOW. Where can I find their phone numbers?

I agree with pretty much every single word of this and I feel the same way. I am not myself in the office - and I NEVER want to have a career where I feel like this. Ever. I don't "do" humour in the office, I don't show pictures of my friends who play in hardcore bands with 0 gauge ears and limbs covered in tattoos, and I don't talk about my family and how we are not close (because Vietnamese families are VERY close and always involved in each others' lives) because it would be too different for them. I hate that I have to censor myself, and the next 16 days of my internship will be a challenge because of this.

ah - so this is why I couldn't reach you via phone this morn.

It is so funny that you write this post. I was composing in my mind the next blog assignment about how people have dealt with the adjustment and totally thought of you and how you seemed to hit the hard part right at the beginning. It sounds like you are going to have an amazing month. Please take pictures and write fun stories so that I can live vicariously. Oh, and it is lonerz with a "z" or "zee" for you my Yankee friend. Wink!

WOW - the next few weeks sound awesome!

I'm so happy you're having so much fun. Can't wait to hear about it all. Take care.

Clara, I am so proud of you.

You look so at home with these girls, they are all so beautiful. I love that you are so comfortable with other cultures. The photo also reminds me when I was marrooned on a beach in Figi and accepted shelter in a girl's school in the jungle.