Overseas GC Connections

So I showed up in Mumbai about a week and a half ago. I knew that Ashley (for those who don't know Ashley is a friend from Bend who also is traveling in India) was going to be flying in two days later. So I tried to meet her at the airport but somehow we missed each other, then for the next two days I was trying to connect with her but emails got delayed and we were having a hard time meeting up. I was getting a bit frustrated because I really didn't want to spend that long in a big city (population of nearly 13 million). So I was walking down a street right at dusk, wondering if I should forget about meeting Ashley and just continue with my traveling. As I am crossing the street guess who is on the other side smiling at me...yep straight from Bend Oregon to the streets of Mumbai Ashley Stone. Turns out we weren't even staying on the same side of town, she had met some new friends and was just going for a walk around the city.

We both had in mind to go check out a place called Auroville in Southern India. We are currently staying at a Botanical Garden/ Seed Farm, volunteering in exchange for a grass hut to stay in.

Ashley adds that she misses everyone terribly and loves you all greatly.

Much Love,
Brent and Ashley

Sunsets Temples and Scooters

Hello Family... Just wanted to check in and say that all is well from SE Asia. My time here is running out however I fly to India in less then a week, soon to be meeting up with Ashley. Latly my life has consisted of exploring temples and beaches.

To anwser your question Travis. I actually brought in the new year at a local Cambodian club in Phnom Phen. I met an French NGO worker and we cruised around the city to find the most exciting looking place to bring in the new year. We wanted to experience a Cambodian New Year celebration so we stayed away from the foriegner spots. At first I couldn't figure why the place felt a bit different. Everyone was super friendly and touchy feely, which is not like anywhere I have been in SE Asia, most local people don't really touch each other at all when in public. I thought this is cool its just like being back at the GC (kind of). Then we went to the dance floor and things got really interesting really fast. Turns out it was nearly all Cambodian men. We later find out that the club is a very well known gay pick up bar. And yes Alyssa, I did get a new years kiss but just one and it was just on the cheek(from the NGO girl).

Thanks for the post from home. Its always good to hear about quality gatherings coming from the home base. Of course I would expect nothing less coming out of the GC. Rachael I wish I could have been there to see you off, Blessings from Thailand.

Much Love as always,
Brent