Learning & leaving

We’ve been staying at Udee, a hostel for the remainder of our stay in Bangkok and I am impressed! The people here are so unbelievably hospitable. I’m glad we found this place online with positive reviews. It’s nice to feel comfortable for once! We’ve been staying at a few unkempt places, some without hot water or toilet paper here and there, but it goes to show that “you get what you pay for”, really. The offer free bread, tea/coffee/chocolate milk here every morning. Their toaster toasts your bread with a happy face on it and a coffee mug on the other side. Happy toast makes me happy.

As we’ve continued to travel, I bear in mind the theme of diversity but more so, similarity when meeting fellow vagabonds. Everyone has their stories of their escape into these foreign lands and it is exceptionally refreshing. I love knowing that people have taken charge of their lives and removed themselves from societies of monotony and discomfort and just ‘packed up and left’ because life is just too short to settle for unhappiness.

I am always inspired being here. The universe has attracted us to so many people who have such amazing stories and parallels to our lives. I’m learning that although we are all from different countries, our views of each others may not entirely be the same, leaving us to believe one’s is lighter than the other but in the end appreciating those facets of our country that make us unique. I hope to continue to meet these extraordinary people who have a strong appreciation for travel and risk throughout this experience and learn a thing or two from them.

We’ve been trying to soak up as much Thailand as we can while we’re here. I’ve been trying to eat everything I’ve ever enjoyed from the markets and even going so far as buying coconut ice cream from every single ice cream man roaming the streets (or more like me stalking every single one of them the moment I hear that little bell!).

There are a plethora of things, people and food that I will miss:
• Coconut ice cream for 10 baht
• Pad Se Ewe/ Pad Thai
• Thai Ice Tea/ Iced Coffee
• Mangosteen, dragon fruit, pineapple (served on a stick)
• Fried goods on the street
• The Isara community
• Being mistaken for being Thai and getting good prices on market goods
• Pretending to be know how to speak Thai

Things that I will definitely NOT miss
• Uncomfortable bus rides
• Getting food poisoning from bad pineapple
• Motion sickness (I don’t know if I can avoid this, actually. Bleh)
• Being mistaken as a Thai go-go dancer (when I wear tank-tops), shop owner, restaurant cook when I attend various tourist events
• Mosquito bites
• Gross guest houses
• Getting ripped off by being a tourist

There are so many thoughts that I’m forgetting to include in this post. Forgive me, it’s been a long week transitioning into new places. Despite that, I will never forget these lasting impressions I have of this beautiful country. It has been an unbelievable 3 months of my life here in Thailand and I only hope for more positive and marvelous experiences to come.

Edit:
p.s. Left making sure we drank the last Chang beer we could at the airport!