Yearning

I reached the period in which the vacation is over, you know that two week mark where you spend every moment visiting, wandering, and wearing your body out but when that two week period ends your happy to go home. The realization that I'm living in Thailand for five months has sunken in. At this point it's strange to think this is what my life is and I must become accustomed to everyday life in Thailand. Don't get me wrong I'm having a wonderful time but just like any trip I realize what a beautiful state I live in. I appreciate California so much and my love for it grows everyday. The wonderful thing is with every weekend that goes by I'll have the ability to travel, in turn taking many vacations. It really boils down to living in the moment and time. Most likely there won't be a point in my life where I'm surrounded by young beautiful people yearning to learn and see all there is to see. I don't think I'll ever find myself living in southeast Asian and having the carefree ability to pick up my bag hop on a bus and arrive at the next island where I fill my days with cool drink, laughter, and needless amounts of swimming. But, maybe that moment in time will happen. Either way my hunger for southeast Asian is nowhere near satisfied...I'm in still in the tasting round. I wonder what's for dessert? Though most likely I'll grab a nice cold strong drink after...or a cup of tea.

Ayutthaya, Thailand

As most of you already know I recently inked my arm with a open birdcage. As I've recently found out an open birdcage is looked as very good luck in Thailand. Throughout the city you see simple wooden birdcages containing a single bird. As a sign of good luck the Thai people will let the bird go, they believe that a bird shouldn't live contained in a cage and it must be set free. Though the significance of my tattoo doesn't mean exactly that, there is a resemblance. It was wonderful finding that out especially considering im still so new to this county. As I wander around Thailand I now feel like a lucky bird set free. This does sound somewhat cheesy but seeing the reaction from the people and knowing the significance has been heartwarming.

Koh Samet...and wandering around Bangkok

The island of Koh Samet

The second night on this beautiful island will shortly commence. It's been such a wonderful getaway so far. The people are nicer than you can imagine. The water is crystal blue and as warm as a bath and the cool island breeze has been the perfect escape from Bangkok. I'm truly in love!
We rented scooters today and rode down the length of the island discovering serene beaches. Talk about a bumpy ride...dirt rocky roads up and down hill, hah it was a trip, but well worth it. Tonight will probably be another night filled with buckets of alcohol, laughing gas, body paint, and dancing like theres no tomorrow.

Bangkok, Thailand

It's been four days since I've arrived in Thailand. The reality of it hasn't sunken in and frankly it probably won't until halfways through my trip...two and a half months from now. Already Bangkok has surprised me, the smells alone smack you in the face and make you cringe or increase your appetite. You can't walk five minutes without smelling the deep urine like smell of the sewer system, the hot scent of deep fried pork, the sweet smell of fried banana pancakes or the musty smell of the river. The people are in a constant rush, be it the insane automotive traffic or foot traffic, everyone needs to get somewhere. Forget about the pedestrians right of way, even the sidewalks are filled with rushed scooter riders. But the people are kind even with the huge language barrier.But smiles are all around...pointing and smiling is usually how I chose my next meal. The culture here surrounds itself by kindness, leniency, and the royal palace. The king and the queen are highly respected figures and no matter where you go or what street corner you turn down a picture of either figure is adorned with fresh flowers and gold. The streets of Bangkok are constantly fluttered with street food, the locals tend to indulge in hot soup with pork or chicken and an array of rice dishes. No matter what time of day you will find Thais eating along the streets. To most it may seem somewhat sketchy, considering the meats hang from these small carts and the proximity to the dirty street is only a couple feet. But this stuff is great, I mean if the Thai's love it how can I not sit with them and relish in the fresh ingredients. The hustle and bustle of the city has driven me and two of my friends away. Currently we're taking a bus to the closest beach, well what I mean is we're going to the closet beach to take a ferry to an island. The beach area known as Pattaya isn't exactly the place you want to hangout and relax. Unless you are a middle aged sleazy man looking for a good time with a tiny Thai girl. This town is known for its nightlife, where hookers and 'lady boys ' decorate the street simply to accommodate to any of your wildest pleasures. As for us three the gulf of Thailand is calling out names and my body is yearning for the ocean, my mouth thirsty for a cold "Chang" and my tastebuds dancing to the favors of exotic fruit.

Koh Lan

Small island of the coast of Pattaya, place that I don't really recommend going to but my friends and I were desperate to get away from the busyness of Bangkok. The island was nice and refreshing but the city of Pattaya is too much to handle, unless your a chubby middle aged man who can't get any.

The Royal Grand Palace, Bangkok

The first palace I've seen in Thailand and already I'm blown away by the beauty and history.