Chinese New Year plans

Today is Thursday. Or day 7 on my 8-day work streak. It hasn't been so bad. Most of the local English teachers at my school have asked for my classes to review test material with the students. So I sit in the warm office smiling, resting my voice, and saving my stickers. Not a bad week at all.
Once Friday is up, the fun begins. I'm not due back at school until February 18!
First, I get on a 31-hour train. Sounds delightful, right? It must be heading somewhere good, right? Right?! It's heading to the northern most major city of China, Harbin, which is near the Mongolian and Russian borders. It's heading to a city that is currently running a temperature of around -15F. You say to me (and many of you have), "Rachael, WHY are you going there??" Well, National Geographic rates Harbin's Ice Festival as the #1 Winter spot and Guinness World Records has given Harbin the title of largest Ice Sculpture. But really, I don't know what I'm thinking going there. Other than knowing I need all the warm socks I can get. Should be fun! At least it's known that their indoor heating system is one to be admired. I am going with a few teacher friends and we will spend two days exploring the ice city, sliding on the ice slide, and defrosting in the evening.
Then back to SH, re-pack my suitcase with warm weather clothes, attend a birthday party, and hop on a plane for...

Phnom Penh, Cambodia! Then the wandering commences. Here's the plan:

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Angkor Wat (Siem Reap), Cambodia...getting my ancient ruins fix!

Bangkok, Thailand: thai food, thai food, THAI FOOD

Chiang Mai, Thailand: elephants, bicycles, coffee oh my!

Luang Prabang, Laos: taking it easy by the Mekong River

Vang Vieng, Laos: tubing down the Mekong, climbing some Limestone crag

Vientiane, Laos: back into the city

Hanoi, Vietnam: including Halong Bay where US marines once waded ashore.

I can't wait. In the beginning, I will be 'alone' until Laos and Vietnam where I will find some of my fellow SH teachers also searching for sun and warmth. With my backpack back on my back (can't wait!), booking trains and buses, and meeting the world in the streets and at the hostel, I will be opening my eyes, heart, and mind to SE Asia.. and stomach to the food. Is it wrong to say that I am most excited for the food? Fresh fruit and spicy curries? SIGN ME UP.

Stay tuned, there will be lots for me to share!