“…The true
harvest of my daily life is somewhat as intangible and indescribable as the
tints of morning or evening. It is a little star-dust caught, a segments of the
rainbow which I have clutched.” (Henry David Thoreau)
Getting back into Thailand was a million times more pleasant
than entering both Cambodia and Lao. We didn’t have to get the bus until 3pm,
which meant that we could sleep past 5 in the morning. We took a minibus to the
border (Chongmek boundary) and crossed into Thailand in an air-conditioned
building and did not have to pay anything! Then we had to take a tuk tuk to a
bus station and wait about an hour for the bus that would take us back to
Thailand. The bus came and left on time (6 pm), had good air con, and even gave
us snack bags! Luxury! We did not get gassed and actually managed to be semi
comfortable. The midnight stop was a little crazy, our pit stop was at a huge
places with dozens of buses and a huge open place with stalls with food and
tons of people. Even through the haze of tiredness I still thought it was cool.
We got back to Bangkok around 5:30 in the morning and then found a place as
quickly as possible and went straight to sleep.
Eventually I got up and did some shopping and wandering
around Bangkok. I really love this city even though I completely sweat through
my clothing and want to die a bit. I just feel happy and comfortable here, but
I guess I feel that way in a lot of cities. Then I got to take advantage of the
pool at our guesthouse, which was awesome! The view was beautiful, so many
buildings, colorful flowers, and non -top life and energy. For dinner we got
the pizza at Green House (so amazing) and I also tried scorpion (it’s a common
sight to see people selling crazy looking bugs and I hadn’t done it yet)…it
kind of tasted like chicken but was hard to swallow! After we ate we took a
walk down Khao San and had one last bucket in Bangkok!
On Thursday I rolled out of bed at 6:45 in the morning and
got picked up at 7:20 to get taken to the Damnone Saduak Floating Market (R had
already been). I picked the most popular one (there is also Amphawa, Taling
Chan, and Khlong Lat Mayom), which ended up being a mistake. It is way too
tourist oriented and did not feel authentic. I know there is a better one with
lots of food but that is just one more reason for me to come back to Thailand!
The good part of the trip was that I met a nice English couple (T and M) who
are going to Bali the day after me so I might have some company! When I got
back R and I ate and had one last walk around and then headed off to a hotel we
had booked close to the airports.
Tomorrow morning I will be on my way to Bali, my last stop
before Israel, and I have very mixed feelings. I feel extremely excited because
Bali is somewhere I have always dreamed of going. I feel sad because I have had
an amazing time in Thailand (as well as Cambodia and Lao) and this chapter is
over. I feel a bit nervous because I will be on my own again. Finally, I feel
confused because this is my last travel stop. I want to enjoy it as much as
possible but at the same time I know this is the end and I the thought of
returning home is not just some far off date in the future. I will do the best
I can and really try to channel my inner strength. Then again, I might not have
to try so hard because after almost 8 months I think I have really found it.
After all, in my opinion, strength is a synonym for traveller.
Signed,
Tangible Future
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