Quick Trip to Thailand

Over 4 years ago, I landed in the Land of Smiles (Thailand). Since then, I have traveled both Asia and Europe, and some other random countries (Australia, etc.). A LOT has happened over those 4 years, both with me AND my friends new and old. While I am currently living in Hanoi, Vietnam, I had to go on a quick VISA run back to where it all started...Thailand.

I was only in Bangkok for 2 nights, and it was busy with running errands (VISA, shopping, eating, etc). But I did get a chance to reflect on the years. 

I was dreading heading over to Thailand because it was inconvenient and the trip was made on short notice. However, I did talk to a few friends in BKK and planned to meet up with them. So, I decided to change my attitude and be more excited for a "short holiday" in BKK with some old friends instead of being annoyed by the trip. 

Once I arrived, I realized how much I had missed Thailand; the language, the people, the bright lights of the HUGE city. I always thing of Hanoi being a big city - but it is NOT. It's is a fairly smal1 city, you can drive from one end to the other in less than an hour, I'm sure. But BKK? Billboards, lights, skyscrapers, public transportation (skytrain, subway, etc), and MALLS! It was FANTASTIC!

As I walked the streets, I always was bombarded with memories from my first year: my first trip to khao sahn, meeting up with my mate from high school (Ian) for beers, girls weekend in Sukhumvit, NYE with my at-the-time-bf, BKK4EVA weekend with the Myanmar crew, and so many more. 

One of my friends I caught up with (Tigger) was one of the teachers when I lived down in Surat Thani...so a friend from my very first year of living abroad. My friend that I was staying with (Luke) is a friend from Hanoi, so from my most current year. It was a full circle it felt like. I was chatting with Tigger - from when I was still fresh-faced and unjaded, and then hung out with Luke - from my current time, knowing the lay of the land, with a few jobs and many countries of experiences under my belt. 

It was interesting to feel the change when I met up with these guys, from brand new to seasoned. I am happy about how things have turned out - especially in the fact of being able to keep my friendships with those I've met abroad. 

I've been so bad at blogging, but I'm hoping to change that. Summer is coming, and I my goal is going to be to do a post a week....so let's hope that happens! I need to get a new battery for my laptop and then I can actually take my laptop someone to post my adventures. But, that's a tomorrow problem.

Xin Chao,

Apes