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Travel

Broken Computers and Masala Coke

written by Brenna Holeman May 9, 2011

Drinking Masala Coke in Pokhara, Nepal (BEFORE)

Drinking Masala Coke in Pokhara, Nepal (AFTER)

I am in Vientiane now, after a very anti-climactic 36 hours in the notorious riverside town of Vang Vieng. Despite utter frustration at an utterly busted laptop (I was highly recommended the Asus eee by other travel blogs but it has been nothing but trouble for me… and now it has died completely), Vientiane seems like a cute little city full of ornate Buddhist temples, French cafes and shops full of beautiful handicrafts.

I only have 22 days left before I fly to Melbourne to visit my dear friend Ali; I have about another ten days in Laos, leaving me less than two weeks in Cambodia. Looking back, I would have distributed my time a bit differently, but I know that I did what I wanted to do in the moment, and that’s all that really matters. Besides, even if I can’t see everything this time, I’m sure to be back again, and again, and perhaps again…

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Brenna Holeman

Brenna Holeman has travelled to over 100 countries in the past 15 years, many of them solo. She's a big fan of whisky and window seats.

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11 comments

kls May 9, 2011 - 3:17 pm

coke, ocean water, dirt, and spice kind of sounds like a good idea for a perfume. good job beautiful bindi woman. you never could have known unless you tried it xo

Reply
This Battered Suitcase May 9, 2011 - 3:30 pm

I love you, Kerrilyn. xxxx

Reply
Ali Banali May 11, 2011 - 8:16 am

EEK ONLY 22 DAYS!!! :-)) Don’t worry about timings in Laos and Cambodia, you can still see and do a lot in that time. No masala coke in Melbs fortunately… XXX

Reply
This Battered Suitcase May 11, 2011 - 10:14 am

I CAN’T WAIT! I am feeling like I am getting a lot done in my time in Laos, so I’m not too worried about the limited days. I’m off to Plain of Jars for a few days and then all the way down to 4000 Islands; I just booked my flight from Cambodia to KL, though, so I am definitely on my way to Melbourne!! You best have some cheese chilling in the fridge for my arrival. 😉 xxxx

Reply
Ali Banali May 11, 2011 - 9:26 pm

You have no idea: assorted fromage, okonomiaki set from the Asian grocery store (including mayo & sauce), giant umechu, red wine…. the list goes on! Any special requests let me know and i’ll get on the case.
(I also have an excited ex of yours here who is keen to see you and put things straight… we need to skype darling!). LOVE YOU xxxxx
PS: I found The Best bakery EVER in Phonsavan! Their savory rolls are like clouds of heaven! It’s in the tiny shacks on the left as you’re facing the taxi/bus area. Yum!

Reply
This Battered Suitcase May 12, 2011 - 11:48 am

Mmmmm I can’t wait for all that food (and drink)! Sounds like heaven…

Reply
Tee May 25, 2011 - 10:54 am

Hello!

You always look immaculate with just the right amount of make-up to look fab without too much effort. What are your tips for makeup while travelling and also for hot, humid climates?

I’m about to embark on a gap year and am not the type to go out barefaced anywhere, so need tips and advice for looking good on the road and when things get sweaty!

Thanks and love your blog.

Reply
Tee May 25, 2011 - 10:57 am

my other question is about mobile phones. what with laptop/camera/ipod/chargers etc, am wondering whether to even take a phone. It’ll be switched off most of the time anyway, so is there any point? A few travellers have suggested getting an iphone as can combine, mobile/laptop/ipod in one…. what are your thoughts on this? Thanks again, Tee

Reply
This Battered Suitcase May 31, 2011 - 6:26 am

Hi Tee! First of all, about the make-up…thank you! I am really quite sweaty all the time in these humid climates so I try not to wear too much on my face in the day, just a bit of bronzer perhaps. I break out quite easily so it’s tough to resist bringing out the concealer and powder…I do always wear waterproof mascara, though, and usually some eyeliner. Anymore than that and it all starts melting off, so I would suggest buying good-quality waterproof make-up, but to realize that most of the time it will slide right off anyway! I am positive I’ve cracked a few mirrors on this trip just by looking in them…

As for a phone, I don’t have one, at least not one from home. I just bought a cheap mobile in Thailand and switch the sim card in each country – family and friends can still call me, and I use skype if I want to call them. It works just fine for international texting, and it seems to be quite cheap everywhere I go.

I hope that answered your questions, but please let me know if you want to know more! Thanks again for your comments…

Reply
Anonymous May 31, 2011 - 8:41 am

Thanks, that is actually very helpful! I have found the most incredible eyeliner and mascara called ‘Blinc’ that goes beyond and above waterproof make-up… bit pricey but never smudges.

Hmmm interesting point about the mobile.. I think will do the same and just buy something mega cheap. Now just need to decide whether to bring my laptop… another thing to lose, but would be so handy.

Saving for my Canon G12 also!

Take care, Tee

Reply
This Battered Suitcase May 31, 2011 - 12:48 pm

Oh cool, I will have to check that make-up out!

As for the laptop, I definitely find it handy (although the one I brought gives me a lot of technical trouble). It just makes things easier in terms of going online, plus it is nice to be able to play games, watch movies, etc.

I can’t recommend the G12 enough, I love it!

Thanks again for your comments…

Reply

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About Me

About Me

Hi, I'm Brenna

My name is Brenna Holeman and I drink a lot of whisky. No, wait. That’s not how I want to start. After travelling to more than 100 countries over the past 15 years, many of them solo, I tend to write about travel a lot, but I write about other things, too: getting dumped, buying way too much jewellery, and yeah, OK, whisky (none of those things are related, I swear). You’ll find a mix of advice, opinion pieces, and stories on this blog, but either way, I hope to make you want to read more. And up next? I'm about to become a single mom to a beautiful baby boy, the biggest solo adventure I've ever been on. For more about me and what you'll find on This Battered Suitcase, click here .

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Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life." - Jack Kerouac

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This Battered Suitcase is not only about the where and the how of travel, it's about the who and the why.

Originally from Canada, all I've ever wanted to do is travel. After eleven years of solo travel and over 90 countries, I'm currently living in London and fulfilling my other dream of becoming a writer. If I'm not travelling, I'm writing about it, either for my blog, my job, or my book. I firmly believe there is adventure everywhere, so long as you keep your eyes (and your mind, and your heart) open. Join me as I continue to look for these adventures. Hopefully you'll find your own, too.

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