name a price. pick a subject. get a poem...

Meet Abigail Mott.

I met Abigail tonight while walking to the 4 train, at the Union Square Street Station in NYC. My favorite park and station in all of New York City, mainly due to the performances both outside and inside, and the cesspool of types of people that journey through it's underbelly. I've seen quite a few performances here, from dancers, to beatboxing, to folk singing, but tonight it was something rather silent that yelled so loud.

A young lady (Abigail) has a typewriter (love), a table and chair set up, and a sign. "Name a price. Pick a Subject. Get a poem." It doesn't matter the price. Follow directions and you are blessed with a unique piece of art based around whatever you ask her to create. Before long, a line forms and you're mesmorized by her typing keys, anxious to see what it is she has created for you.

"Can you create something about traveling the world," I asked.

"Ok."

(Abigail creating my poem)

About five minutes later, I was handed a piece of paper. I would have asked her to read it to me (a la 'Before Sunrise') but her line was already long enough. I left so fulfilled and I hadn't even read the poem yet.

I wanted something that could be dedicated to the Tribe. It reads:

'Murmuring through ancient hallways,

Cobble steps that echo

memorous feelings of THIS ManMade

CREATION

is IT

New Centuries Eclipse--

Fields, stones, nature in lushness

It sweeps by

in ceaseless wind

Fluttering new worlds in."

Abigail Mott

Jan 10, 2012

NYC

I love it. It immediately, upon reading, transported me back to Cambodia. Of all the places I've traveled, it took me right back to Ta Prohm, in the Angkor Wat Ruins, to this very photo.

The image I recollected was so vivid I couldn't shake it.

On the train a gentleman was sitting next to me. In oblivion, I was woken up by his words, "Sorry to be reading over your shoulder, but that poem is very beautiful."

I said thank you, and that slight introduction led to an indepth conversation about Abigail, my travels, and the purpose I intend to fulfill through Nomad•ness. Great guy. Greater conversation. I hope he checks out the website, and I hope you all check out Abigail.

spring into SEAsia...

Spring into SEAsia...for those who have been there, enjoy the stunning imageray of the amazing South East Asian countries. For those who haven't been, to you I share a peek at what you need to experience.

Nomad•ness Travel Series Official Teaser is here...

Nomad•ness Travel Series Official Teaser is here. Check out snippets of me all around the world. Including updated Berlin footage, from your fan help with Kickstarter. 

Nomad·ness is the reality show of one woman, with one perspective, traveling one country at a time. Through these journeys, I bring you urban life as it's lived around the world. Exploring art, music, food, local pastimes, and causes unique to each area I travel within. 

Check me, and other episodes, out at http://nomadnesstv.com

'Traveling Girl' Theme Song (obsessed) by Mr. Ivory Snow @mrivorysnow on Twitter

Shouts out to Foreign Beggars from the UK (obsessed) @foreignbeggars on Twitter

Please spread the word about the Nomad•ness Travel Series Facebook Fan Page. If on Facebook, follow this link and 'Like' the page. Every person counts for the attention of networks and sponsors! Facebook Fan Page LINK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nomadness-Travel-series/129147987097101

born into brothels...growing into a dream

The last time I watched the documentary "Born Into Brothels" it was just before visiting India. I knew my photography would flourish there, and the story of these kids, finding an escape and expression through the same art form, held so tightly to my heart. Proud owner of the film, again, I found myself moved to tears watching it.

Having had been to a number of second and third world countries, but India specifically, gutted me. India, by far, was the worst poverty I'd ever seen, and smelled, in my life. Naked bodies, open masturbation from men on the streets, lack of personal space, being followed, street animals ranging from elephants, to buffalo, and monkeys. It was unlike any place I'd ever been to before, and been to since. Yet, one boy from the film reminds of a boy I met in Cambodia.

This is Avijit, ten years post the film's debut. He's 20 now and of all the children in the film, he stook out to me the most. The capacity of which he had to describe photos, and the level of his skills was impressive in the film, especially that being the first time he'd ever picked up a camera. Avijit has a father addicted to hash, and a mother who was set on fire by her pimp, during shooting. A true representation of everything wrong with the Red Light Districts of India. In the film he talked about wanting to go to college in the US, and wanting to be a photographer. Every odd on the face of the Earth was up against this kid...until the film director pulled every loop hole imaginable to get him a passport to attend a World Press Photography event in Amsterdam, and he was exposed to the world outside of India. Ten years later, he's now a student at NYU. Seriously, tears form writing this because of another young man, who reminds me of Avijit, yet lives in Cambodia.

I wrote on here once before about Vantaa, almost a year ago. The photo above is the first, and only time Vantaa and I ever met. I was on my trek through the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia, and after exiting Ta Prohm, I gave my driver lunch on me. While there this young man approached my table, and spoke stunning English. He asked if I was from South Africa, because of my dress. He also tried to navigate the circle of kids surrounding me, apparently because they'd never seen anyone with my style and feather earring. I was impressed with Vantaa. He spoke about meeting Angelina Jolie when they shot Tomb Raider in Ta Prohm. We spoke about his education. He was to be a few years outside of high school, and wanting nothing more than to get an education in the United States. He spoke so vividly about wanting to attend University, and how important it was to him, yet he doubted it would happen because of how poor his family was. I gave Vantaa my card, which he is holding in the photo ironically, and told him to please keep in contact with me, and use my blog as a way to study English.

About a month after my trip to Cambodia, he did just that. We keep in contact periodically over the internet. He's also gotten some free shwag sent his way. Vantaa knows I care. He doesn't know how much I care.

The type of success I want, is defined by me being able to pay for Vantaa's college tuition to attend school in America. That is the type of success I aim for in life, and travel.

People travel for different reasons, and approach it in different ways. I connect with local people when I go abroad, and I form relationships that I still cultivate after I leave. It's more so the people, than it is the places I go to. I want to see how they live and how they love. Giving back is such a huge part of what I want to do. Philanthropy is going to be a word synonymous with Evita. I have seen too much, not to give back.

Thoughts of Avijit and Vantaa today...

Nomad•ness Eps. 5: Season 2 Angkor Wat

In this episode, Evie finally gets to touch her second World Wonder, Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia. She reflects on civilizations before ours, and how it effects her travels today. Get a sneak peek of Siem Reap's Old Market downtown area. Let's not forget Pub Street.

Along with the new episode, it's time for some fundraising! PLEASE take the time out to check out the pledge page at Kickstarter.com to help get the pilot episode of Nomad•ness shot in Berlin! We have 45 days to raise $5,000...well $4,945! Thank you all in advance. Even if you can't pledge, spread the word! Pledge as little as even $1 HERE!

Nomad•ness Eps. 4: Season 2 Cambodia

This episode notes Evie's traveling from Chiang Mai, Thailand through the border upon reaching Siem Reap, Cambodia. On this journey, the question of using travel as a way to run away is posed...still unanswered.

Cambodian Space Project...

This Sunday December 19th Cambodian rock band, The Cambodian Space Project, will be performing at my favorite hostel in the world, The Siem Reap Hostel! Check some of their music out in the video below.

DJ Paradise Nights, from Australia will be spinning.

The performance is a part of the Sunday Poolside BBQ ritual done at Siem Reap Hostel.

Two Nomad•ness episodes from now, you're all going to see why this hostel is the dopest thing I've ever slept in, in life.

Directions (in Siem Reap, Cambodia):

From the Old Market walk over the bridge, cross the river and head straight down 7 Makara Street
We are near the corner of Angkor School Road & Wot Bo Road
in the Wat Dam Nak area of Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia

Cambodia Water Festival...

I woke up to an email from a friend in Cambodia today telling me it's Cambodia's Water festival. Stretching over three days it's marked by grand boat races, and huge celebrations at night, complete with fireworks.

The whole meaning is very army and naval oriented, as it was a contest to find the best of the best in the Cambodian army before preparrig for battle. It's now become a serious tourist attraction.

Illuminated float (Loy Pratip), Moon salutation (Sampeas Preah Khe) and the eating of pestle new special rice with banana or coconut juice (Ork Ambok) are all three celebrations that take place.

If you're in Cambodia, check it out and let us know how it was.

Nomad•ness gal: Erica's Trip to Sri Lanka

Erica's Trip to Sri Lanka

Erica is on her way to Sri Lanka at the end of December, into the first few weeks of the New Year to help build houses with Habitat For Humanity.

The countdown is on and she has 30 days to raise $1850.

That would bring two full homes to Negombo, Sri Lanka.

She's also done similar work in Cambodia. A place we all know is dear to my heart.

More info on her trip and fundraiser is HERE!

Help support, even $1. I mean, her sign alone deserves something.

10 months, 7 countries...my 2010

I had this up as a status about a month back. The realization of everything I've done in 2010, alone. We're officially in November, and the mirage of what has made up all these moments in 2010 is humbling, exciting, even tiring. Home feels good. It feels right, right now. The world did me good this year, and as per usual to Evita, the traveling was extreme. Never half assed...

Japan: New Years in Tokyo, and the Nomad•ness episode to rep it. Niigata and saying goodbye to life long friends and children I taught. Started off the year with a ton of goodbyes, but have been adamant about keeping in touch.

India- Late Feb into March; Three cities and a desert in eleven days. Stephanie, Melissa, and I hit the ground running in India. Holi Festival and our lives are changed forever.. Nomad•ness epsiodes and some of my favorite travel photography. Running your fingers across the Taj Mahal is out of this world.

NYC: April into August; Home sweet home, for what was supposed to be a substantial amount of time. Until an opportunity presented itself.

China: End of August; two days in Hong Kong rummaging around, getting reused to Asia. Then stranded there for four days while trying to reach home again a few days before Halloween.

Thailand: September to November; home for what would end up being two months. From the streets of Bangkok, to the country of Saraphi. Chiang Mai temporarily replaced the concrete jungle.

Cambodia: The place in Asia that stole my heart. Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm were the catalyst, and the city of Siem Reap is what kept me there past my border run, for sure. So much to see, experience, and the art...oh the art. Many back alleys there reminded me more of Europe than any Asian country I'd visited before. I'll be back.

Burma: Oh Visa-Run, how you loved us so...

Gratitude for being able to live out dreams, and for those who helped support it.

friends without a border: work in Cambodia...

About an hour ago, I was contacted via Facebook from an old college associate who, truthfully, I spoke to more in passing. It's funny how Facebok truly brings everyone together like that.

In a private message, she made me aware of this foundation, Friends Without a Border. It's an organization that is raising money to help give funding to the Children's Hospital of Angkor Wat, in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

For those interested, and able, there are events being held on October 23rd, 2010 and an art opening on December 7th, 2010, where all proceeds go towards the hospital. I am currently working on what I will need to make happen, so that I can be in attendance, in accordance with my invite, for the dinner on October 23rd.

As it radiates from my blogs (many more to come), Cambodia really took a piece of me. The short time I spent there opened my eyes to the reality of where they need help, and the abundance of hope the Cambodian people have regardless of their situation. I loved this place. Siem Reap was probably my favorite part of this trip, since leaving NYC on August 29th. Whatever I can do, within my own limitations, I will wholeheartedly.

For those of you who cannot attend any of the events, but would like to donate, even $1, you can HERE!

I am also announcing, right now, in this very blog post, a pledge.

**FOR EVERYONE WHO PURCHASES ONE OF MY TRAVEL PHOTOS, FROM CAMBODIA, I WILL DONATE $3 FROM EACH CAMBODIA PHOTO PURCHASE DIRECTLY TO FRIEND WITHOUT A BORDER. YOU WILL BE SUPPORTING TWO CAUSES.**

You can check the photos out HERE. You can purchase any size, and my donation will not vary.

Thanks everyone!

spiders or red ants?

Little did I know my second morning in Cambodia would be full of creatures of the wild. I woke up in a bed of red ants.

Then while walking down the street, in search of breakfast, I found that a Cambodian delicacy is that of eating huge spiders. Cooked tarantulas being sold on a random corner. Sweet. (No, I did not try!)

doctor's diagnosis is Dengue...

Apparently, I have Dengue Fever. Why wouldn't I? I can now check this off the list of unneccesary shit to go through during life. Another badge of honor. Something else that legitimizes the fact that. "Oh yea, you are a traveler." Bullshit.

I wish I could say that this was rare, but that'd be a lie. I've heard more about Dengue Fever here than I have traveling anywhere else. Apparently, there's been an influx, and Chiang Mai is not out of the line of fire, nor is Cambodia...so we don't know where I caught it. Yes, I probably ate something shitty in Cambodia, but that doesn't necessarily equate to Dengue.

All of my inital symptoms have subsided with due diligence and vitamins, but today the dizziness was at a height. Walking to try to get food, while being on a liquid diet for damn near two days, in Thailand heat, left me helpless when I was faced with a trek back home. We're talking, a five minute walk, that I felt I would have passed out during, if I was to complete it. I hailed a tuk tuk. I'd officially had it. Time for a second opinion.

My male landlord, also known as Thai Dad, is a retired doctor who studied in New York. Luckily, he was home. Excuse me, he was pulling out of his driveway when I came over yelling his name. He took me for food. When he saw the trouble, and painstaking amount of time it was taking for me to get it down, he took me to another hospital.

Enter Rajavej Chiang Mai Hospital.

I'm still not sure what my doctor's name was. He just told me to call him Will. I dug it. He said what I was feeling was very consistent with what normal foreigners go through when they travel, but that he wanted to check my blood to see if there is any infection. I dug him more, considering the first hospital did no such thing.

Lab. Needle in Arm.

Thirty minutes later, I was called back in with results. Everything was ok, except my white blood cells are about half of what they're supposed to be.

"I think you get bit my mosquito. Your platelets are normal though so no malaria. I say you have a mild case of dengue fever. It's almost over, maybe done on Friday. It takes usually one week," said Will.

"Ok, so there's no medicine?"

"No, viral. Get more electrolyte packets. You can buy at any store. Make sure you start to eat more. Drink a lot of water and stay away from alcohol. We will schedule another blood test on Friday morning so you can see the difference."

Thai Dad, Dr. Cosi, took care of me today. We stocked  up on electrolyte packets, cough syrup, food, and fluids. He laughed at me. "You can tell crazy story now. I was so sick, and home alone." As all the guys were gone until the next day. Or so I thought...

I was surprised by two of my favorites about an hour ago. While I was mixing my concoction, they walked through the door. When I asked why they'd returned so early, Jean-Pierre offered over a "just making sure you're alright". I love these dudes...

Ps. For more info on Dengue Fever click here. Inform yourself.

Pps. Fuck mosquitos.

Ppps. Even if I did get this in Cambodia, I'd still go back because it was bomb! :)

(home)sick.(love)sick...

'Love Sick' by Yukiba

My Thai mother came over. Her husband, who is a retired doctor and speaks English, told her I have been under the weather. She speaks no English. She came over to check on me and brought me over some soup and bread to eat. Despite a magnificent language barrier, I somehow understood when she offered to drive me to the hospital, if I felt the need to go again. Her smile is one of the first things that made me smile all day. Her laugh is so pure. Her motherly instinct is infectious.

As soon as she left, I started crying hysterical...out of nowhere. No PMS to be found (which could be a semi-logical reason for the outburst). I couldn't hold it back. I checked the time and realized that my real Mom would be up driving to work. Can we say, Skype?

Sometimes it's just good to hear her voice. The voice of the woman who birthed you, and knows what's wrong most times before you address it yourself.

"Evita? How are you?"

Waterworks...like the scene out of a chick flick. "I don't know why I can't stop crying."

As per usual, she hit it on the head.

"You're homesick. You're sick, but you're homesick. You miss your honey."

She's right. On top of feeling the stomach sick, I've been feeling the draw of home more and more as the days go by. It happens to many of us, even the more seasoned of travelers. Don't be fooled. We all just have different triggers.

Boy, did I cry. She let me let it out. I haven't felt this homesick in awhile, and definitely not since being on this particular trip. I'm homesick and lovesick. New York, family, and Nelson feel like the recipe part of me wished my doctor ordered.

I also wonder if, with the trip to Cambodia being such a high point (and personal goal) of mine, if in a way coming back to Chiang Mai depressed me a bit. I actually venture to say, I know it did. Back to the sameness of the house, small city, personality agreements and conflicts. I came back mentally rejuvenated, and frankly, happy. I feel as though I'm slowly descending the high and it fucking sucks. I've become bored in Chiang Mai and it's making the idea of two more months in this scenario seem daunting, not to mention unneccesary.

The physical symptoms are slowly subsiding...but I have to figure out a specific course of action to deal with the emotional bit. Soup and Vitamin C don't cure mediocrity.

fish spa...

I had been eyeing it for awhile. Walking down the streets in Thailand, you see people with their legs knee deep in huge fish tanks. The sight looks like something out of a horror flick, but apparently this is their rendition of a spa. My curiosity for the weird never fails me. I knew I’d do this, I just never knew when.

After a glass of wine, on Pub Street, I gave my feet over to the fish in Siem Reap. They eat the dead skin off of your feet. It feels crazy and is so much more psychological than, I think, it is physical.

Insane! Enjoy the video...



faces and conversations in Cambodia...

On this journey, the life of a traveler, you come into contact with so many people within the places you see. So many people leave imprints on your life, for the rest of your life I find myself wanting to hold onto many of them. But they are a part of the ebb and flow of the life of a nomad. These are a few gems I met along the way to and from Cambodia.

"Are you singer?"- Polin

"No, I'm a writer. I work in television in New York."- Me

"Are you single?"- Polin

"Oh, am I single? Oh, no. I have a boyfriend. And you? Do you have any family, children?" -Me

"Yes, I have one daughter."- Polin

"Congratulations! Are you married?"- Me

"Of course. No wife, no daughter."- Polin

Polin was my guide and driver throughout all of Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, and Angkor Wat. He shuttled me around in his tuk tuk through a terrential downpour and sunshine to make sure I saw everything I wanted to, and those I didn't know I wanted to. He was sweet. There was a genuine innocence to him that really struck me as kind. After getting lost for twenty minutes in Ta Prohm, I needed to eat before continuing the journey. I'd already decided that I would pay for Polin's lunch before he even sat down. Our conversation webbed into talk of other countries he'd love to visit, as well as the fact that I was his first customer all month. It was September 29th. He spoke alot about different salaries people could make in varying countries doing different types of work, especially in New York. His fee was $10 to drive me around the ruins from 1pm until close, and back to my hostel. I tipped him as well, and he wrote down (in perfect English) all of his contact information, in case I needed a ride the next day. 

While eating with Polin, I couldn't help but meet eyes with Vahtaa (I apologize if the name is spelt wrong), a young man with the most beautiful eyes and chisled face I'd seen in Cambodia.He smiled when all the children came up asking for me to buy something off of them. Not because of the rush, but because they would all stop and stare at me. He told me that they had never seen a foreigner with an earring like mine. They liked it.

"Are you from South Africa?"- Vahtaa

"No, America. I'm fron New York."- Me

"Oh because I am studying South African culture in school and you look like their style." -Vahtaa

His English was impeccable. We spoke about how he was working in Ta Prohm when they shot Tomb Raider. His tales of Angelina Jolie and them shutting the site down for a time were entertaining. I was really captured by him, as he was so young and so intelligent. I gave him my card with the link to the website on it, telling him it could help with his English reading. I really hope he stops by. More than that, I hope his future is as bright as his smile.

In the midst of my painful bowel before the Cambodian border, I hadn't really noticed that Yalan had been one of the many people on the bus. From China, she's traveling around and we ended up having only one person sit between us in the minivan ride from the Thai border back into Bangkok. It was in this ride we realized we were going the same way, to Chiang Mai. We now had a traveling partner in each other. We left Khao San Road, journied to Hua Lampong station to acquire tickets for the overnight train to Chiang Mai. Downtown, we ate dinner and got to know each other better. She is an amazing artist and allowed me into the world that is the pages of her personal journal. Though in Mandarin, it read like a comic book. She had little illustrations that depicted what she was talking about in words...well, characters. We were together from Cambodia all the way up to Chiang Mai, the next morning. I couldn't have asked for better company.

Honorable mentions in this blog are:

Anthony, Georgia, and their Mom who I teamed up with in order to get Cambodian visas (sketchy) and make it across the border in one piece.

Also Ms. Jo Peeps, who was my right hand woman the entire time I was in Siem Reap. We shared a room, and the fish spa!

You all mean more than you know. Thank you.

big girls don't cry...

But they may weep when leaving Siem Reap, Cambodia to head back to Chiang Mai, Thailand....they just might.

the answer...

Today reminded me of why I started traveling in the first place. Those moments when you see things, meet people, and are in awe of something greater than you've ever seen before.

It is one of those moments, where love takes on a new meaning, and true life is lived. It is where true inspiration is bred, and grown.

I am so blessed and humbled to have been able to see all I did today, and to experience all of the Angkor Wat offerings.

Walking through Angkor in the midst of a full on monsoon shower and lightening storm was the eeriest, and most enchanting thing I have ever done in my life. The photos...my goodness, the photos. You all are in store for a huge treat with upcoming travel photography and a pending episode in a few weeks.

I love this! I feel so alive today!!! Thank you all who have supported. It, literally, means the world to me.

.

change in plans...

This is where the change in plans to go from a visa run to Laos, became a visa run to Cambodia.

So, I’m headed to Cambodia. It’s official. The packing is done. I’m writing emails to everyone and catching up with the family back home before I begin this strenuous trip down and over to Cambodia.

The only female in the group is ditching the guys and headed to Angkor Wat by her lonesome.  This trip is long overdue in my life. I have been psyched about seeing, touching, and inhaling the air at Angkor Wat for a good year now. The time has come. The excuses are no more.

In a few hours, I’ll be starting the first leg of this trip, headed right back to where we came from, Bangkok. The field producers and other cast members are not coming, for financial and visa limitations. The show must go on, even if I tape this portion myself. I will officially be on my Lara Croft, Tomb Raider shit! I am PSYCHED! This is where I’ve really been wanting to go… here goes something.

heaven and hell...

Ok, so it's official. The eagle has landed and planted her ass in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I made it. After 12 hours on the train, 7 hours in the guesthouse with the taped up toilet, 5 hours on the local train, Poipot border (which will have its own post) between Thailand and Cambodia, and the 2 hour mini van ride to Siem Reap....I made it!

So, hell is the PoiPot border crossing clusterfuck between Thailand and Cambodia. Again, I will get into details about this in a later post, as I am typing anxiously to get in the pool. (Just keeping it real!) I definitely want to delve into it deeper to help aid others looking to take the same route. I got you. I documented my route and prices for everything. Poipot is the definition of sketchy...and of course being Evita, nothing I do can go according to the laid out plans online that every other person has gone through. Of course not. That was hell...

Now heaven...My amazing best friend from Japan, Megan was here a few months back and at last minute recommended the hostel I am staying in. Dude, ok $8 is pricey for Cambodia. But I am staying in an $8 a night hostel that has an indoor pool in the lobby!!!! The computer room, I am currently in, is a glow in the dark psychedelic mural. My room (shared) is flawless and I am right in the downtown area... I am like a kid in a candy store. I haven't even seen Angkor Wat yet!!! I apologize as I will not be able to post photos/video to coexist with this post until I get back to Thailand...no laptop with me.

Ok, Cambodia is calling...love you all!