Asian Adventure 2k12!

Ok, so this post is a little late in coming seeing as though Chinese New Year vacation was about 3 weeks ago and it feels like ages since it happened, but better late than never! We had a week off of school to celebrate Chinese New Year in mid-January. Four of my best friends from college (Laura, Rachael, Douglas, and Jon) flew out to embark on an epic Asian adventure with me! We've been planning this trip since last May, so the anticipation leading up to their arrival was killing me. First stop was Taipei to check out my stomping ground, then Bangkok to ease into SouthEast Asia, and THEN...Cambodia and Angkor Wat!

Here's a breakdown of one of the best vacations of my entire life. If one word could describe it, it would be...epic. First stop: TAIPEI!

They've arrived! Happiest moment ever right now.

Exploring Danshui in the 12 hours before jetting off to Thailand!

Introducing them to the BEST. DUMPLINGS. EVER. I think Jon wanted to eat these forever.

Next stop: BANGKOK!

8 pm departure time! Ready for 90 degree weather in Bangkok. Woohoo!

Visiting the Grand Palace! Take note of the sweet sarongs that us ladies got to wear :)

Posing with the strange golden men!

UVA meets Bangkok! U-V-A! Go HOOS Go!

Swanky drinks and dinner at the Deck!

Rooftop experience at the Moon Bar! Best view of the city by far.

Next stop: CAMBODIA!

Ready for their first Air Asia experience!

About to eat my favorite meal of the trip in Phnom Penh: Frizz!

Cheers! Checking out some of the interesting establishments in Cambodia's capital. 

We arrived safe and sound in Siem Reap after a long van ride from Phnom Penh. Then we got on our favorite form of transportation: tuk-tuks!

The glory of Angkor Wat!!! It was just as amazing as I thought it would be. Laura agreed!

Perfect girl pic :)

Posing with the giant faces at the Bayon - my favorite temple!

Listening to Douglas the tour guide explaining the bas reliefs of Angkor Wat.

Still can't believe you two flew halfway around the world to see me!

Giant octopus tree at Ta Prohm - the Tomb Raider temple.

5 am visit to Ta Prohm to watch the sunrise...best decision of the trip!

Hello Angkor Wat!

Enjoying dinner at the Red Piano (Angelina's favorite bar when she was filming Tomb Raider!). We needed some major sustenance after our day of templing.

Khmer cooking class. So much deliciousness happened in this room!

Last stop: Back to Taipei!

Exploring Taipei the best way: at the Taiwan Beer Bar!

Ready for some late night karaoke - a must in Taiwan! 

89 stories up in Taipei 101! Laura even has the Asian V out in full force.

The crew posing with the dragon. Seemed fitting!

Last expedition of the trip: Chiang Kai Sheik Memorial. Posing with the big guy!

Going back through these pictures reminded me (once again) of how this was one of the best trips of my life. I love Asia, but I love Asia even more when I have friends to share it with!