One last blog post for Thailand. It seems so odd that my time here is finally drawing to a close. As I signed into the blog today, I was a little surprised to see that this will be my 35th post--they just sort of crept up on me. While I've been at the Cavanaugh's, I've realized upon telling these stories how many experiences I've had here and how much I've gotten to see and do that I never expected. Elephant rides, trekking in the mountains, teaching, watching a tribesman smoke some opium, bus rides to nowhere, bungy jumping, chasing down taxis, cooking class, the whole Burma smuggling experience, countless temples and festivals, and so much more. How did it all fit into just 5 weeks?
I find myself at a complete loss as to how to say goodbye to this country knowing that it might be years, if not decades before I see it again. Thailand has taught me again and again: you just never know.
In my own typical style, the next trip is already in the works (mentally only, of course). I'm toying with the idea of a round-the-world tour of the 7 World Wonders. It seems like something that would be good for the first summer after I've been teaching. Need some time to let the 'ol bank account recover from its Thailand thrashing. Speaking of which, don't know what I would do without Mom's incredible homeland support--my stupid bank account was charged twice for an ATM withdrawal and a panicked 3am call from me sent Mom to the bank the next day to work it all out, which of course she managed to do, no problem. Amazing. I've often wondered how much money I could have saved in haggling with Mom's supernatural bargaining skills.
Ah. I'm excited to get home. I have so many pictures to print, gifts to distribute. It's going to be good. I'm really nervous about checking my luggage, though. With the suitcase I'm borrowing from the Cavanaughs, I'll have two checked bags and then my backpack, pillow, and one sounvenir to carry-on. I really don't trust the baggage-checking system at all. I wish I didn't have to put any of my souvenirs in the checked bags, but I'm afraid it's become impossible to carry them all on. Plus, I just found out from Debbie that all images of Buddha leaving the country have to be carried out. Also, they don't let any statue bigger than 1 meter leave the country (not that I bought something that big). I guess the ones that do get out are smuggled, probably.
I got stung by a bee yesterday. How retarded is that? With all the exotic bugs and snakes here, I get stung by a bee. Stupid.
Well, getting ready to go to Bangkok this morning. My flight leaves at 7:20pm, so 7:20am Central time. I get into LA at 11:30pm. Man, it seems longer when you think that when before all of you wake up tomorrow morning (sunday), I'll be on the plane, and I won't land until after you've gone to bed (1:30am Central time). Ouch. Then a quick sleep in the lovely Radisson, and two more flights on Monday.
Goodbye Thailand! It's been fun.
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