G'bye Asia

Bye Bangkok

I don’t even know how to begin this.

My desire to travel has lived within me for years. Multiple plans failed in the past but I believe all for the right reasons. If I didn’t jump on Katy and Jessie’s trip, I would still be sitting in an office. Maybe I would have begun climbing the corporate ladder. Maybe I’d have a boyfriend or even moved to NYC but that overnight decision to join almost strangers to a country I never imagined I’d go to turned out to be the greatest spontaneous choice of my life.

I’ve shared my love for India. The spiritual connections I never knew existed. The realization that life doesn’t need to be so complicated. I learned how love should be shared between all beings on this earth no matter the difference. And I learned how to open my eyes a little wider and become aware of the people, the culture, the beauty, and the not-so-pretty that surrounds me.

Then off to Australia to experience how much fun life is down under. Though sobriety barely existed, I made a home in Melbourne and worked hard to fund my next trip. I grew a network of friends who I miss dearly and plan to see again. Six months flew and back to Asia I went.

These past three and a half months felt more like three weeks. Meeting Casey in Bangkok and jumping straight into Full Moon Party foreshadowed how the rest of my trip would continue. I thought I’d be more alone on this trip, but I ended up traveling with friends from start to finish. Fun has surpassed my writing and I still have many stories to tell. From guns being pulled on us in Manila to making best friends with a 5yr old Cambodian street kid and the best yet losing my passport on my final day of this trip.

Asia blew all my expectations. I had no idea how much I’d fall in love with every country I visited and as always the people. I’ll crave the dirt cheap street food daily and miss lost in translation conversations. I’ll daydream about the crazy, hectic cities and the scooter drives through the electric green rice paddies. I’ll try to remember every tiny detail as to remind myself what I’ve learned from the Eastern world and never take life for granted. I cannot thank the people in these countries enough for allowing me to capture their ways of living and taking care of me in hundreds of situations. And last this trip would not be anything if it weren’t for the incredible, interesting souls I’ve met. From just a chat at a bus station to traveling to other countries with I have made friends all over the world and cannot wait to see them again. I swear some of my situations I don’t know how I’d have gotten through without someone on my side. Even if travel doesn’t entice you, do it for the amazing friendships you’ll build.

I think back to that first day in India, inside churning feeling like an out-of-place alien in the middle of the jungle (oh wait I was one) and then I look at myself today. I won’t say I’m a different person, but I have changed some. Like I’m really good at speaking broken English and can haggle down to a price to get that bracelet I really need ha but seriously I can’t say it enough I’m so thankful for this experience and all the support I received from friends and family. I’ll never stop traveling and I’m excited to figure out how to make it my everyday life.

I need to stop rambling, this could go on forever and I’m about to board my plane but I just want to say I love you all so much and can’t wait to squeeze you to death.

Love love love,

Your soon to be back in America friend