Same Same but Different
Genre: Adventure
Rating: NR. Mature Theme
Starring: Your girl, Phoebe Keever*
What: Backpacking South East Asia
When: Fall 2009
Where: Starting on Jeju island of Korea, flying off to Cambodia, then gallivanting across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, bussin’ all day through Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and finally arriving home in the USA after 19 months away.
Why: ’cause that’s just how I roll.
The plot: Phoebe* ventures off on the journey of a lifetime. fulfilling a dream to visit Thailand and Vietnam, she gets more than she bargained for than just a pretty vacation. In 3 months, she discovers a whole ‘nother world. Although things may appear ‘Same, same’ things turn out different from expected.
Props: Red duffel bag used as a pseudo-traveler’s rucksack.
Special Effects: None! All stunts (ie. diving with Bull Sharks) are authentic from the leading star.
Wardrobe: Havaiana slippers, shorts, and shades.
Summary: Finishing up 16 months working in Korea, Phoebe sets out to the “Hawai’i of Korea” Jeju island. She plans to travel SE Asia–the trip of a lifetime–but a broken toe sets her back 2 weeks in Phnom Phen, Cambodia. From Bangkok surroundings riding Elephants, 4000 islands and Vang Vieng Tubing in Laos, to the harrowing and divided country of Vietnam, not even a bulleted checklist or itinerary could prepare them for the craziness that is South East Asia.
Although adventurous, on the grind daily of packing up, moving out, on, and forward has the two somewhat mangled. Arriving to the sunny Thai island of Koh Tao rekindled any tired spirits. With the pleasure of staying on a resort in exchange for taking SCUBA courses, Phoebe* ditches traveling through Malaysia and East side Thai islands to become an Advanced certified SCUBA diver. The trade-off? Diving with Bull sharks and sting rays.
The trip finishes off with Manta rays and sharks overhead in Singapore’s underwater tunnel and a glimpse into 2 of the 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia. Bali offered more great SCUBA diving as you’ll see the USS Liberty shipwreck and a reef-wall to one side and the great blue unknown to the other side. Caught in a current and scared, she calls to her buddy from 30 meters underwater. Will she escape the current and have the chance to visit Jakarta city on Java island and make it back to U.S.A. in time for Thanksgiving with the family? Watch the movie to find out. Flix and more stories to come soon.
A Line in the Life of Phoebe* 