Back to America

Wow, Back to reality.

I can not believe that the trip is over. I am home. I am at my desk at work. I am filtering through IB fun list emails. (I forgot how much time I spend doing that!) I am doing tech escalations. I am going to Wed. night Karaoke. I am performing with Mainstage. I am going to get coffee at Flour. I am doing all of the things I do. In Boston. At home.

This trip was possibly the greatest thing that I have set out to do for myself - besides maybe doing study abroad in Israel. Traveling is so rewarding. It is not only fun - but educational, exciting, eye-opening... it is waking up and not knowing what you will be doing or where you will be going next - and loving it. It is not predictable. It is not 9 - 5.
Let's see... yup - It is freaking awesome.

Since I have been back, a few people have asked me if I just love other countries so much now that I have become Anti-American. And, as you can imagine from previous emails (although I don't think I ever blogged about it?) the answer for me is clearly no. I have, in fact, experienced a different revelation. I'm not Ms. USA or anything, but I do recognize the importance of being proud of your roots and of your country. I know patriotism is not something that happens over night. But, with a new prospect of hope due to a new president-elect, I think that greater Patriotism is a possibility for me - and for other Americans - in the future.

Now, that being said...all I can think about is where I want to travel next! At this point in time, I could go anywhere in Europe and have friends to visit! We met so many wonderfully awesome people throughout our travels. In Europe, I am definitely interested in Italy and Germany. My family is all from Germany...and researching my roots could be really cool. Of course, though, I want to see Australia, New Zealand, South America...more of Japan.
The predictability of routine is already getting me down. I have caught the travel bug.



I keep having conversations with people who say they can't travel because they have kids, responsibilities, or whatever... And yes, I know these walls exist. But, I also think they are climbable. Now that I'm back, and have gotten my year of "Independent Raero" out of my system, I would love to meet someone and possibly settle down. But, by no means does that mean I'm going to stop doing these things that intrigue me! I'm not going to stop traveling. I won't so don't try to make me!

Some random thoughts and observations:
- A lot of foreigners hadn't heard the phrase "Fair enough." And they quite enjoyed it.
- Australian and British people often say "I reckon" and "quite." I always thought those words sounded so formal...but now, I reckon I'm going to try to fit them into conversation quite often and whenever possible.
- The American election was followed by everyone EVERYWHERE. And, the results of a new President will affect everyone everywhere.
- I reckon (there it is!) American education needs to expand its lessons on the foreign world. For a generally smart person, I felt dumb sometimes in conversations with others. I realize how much other countries educate their people on American geography, history, and politics - and how much we do NOT educate our people on the rest of the world. Granted, as my friend from Norway replied, my life isn't much affected by the politics of Norway... but still.
I should know some stuff.
Just some stuff.
More stuff than I know at least.
Luckily, in the Metro this morning, I read that Massachusetts is thinking the same thing and are looking to update the curriculums to include more global education! The Metro must have been reading my blog. In the future.



And, for anyone who doesn't already know: I got home to a very special surprise in my apt. If you have read this blog, you will know that I mentioned there are no napkins in Asia. Because of that one comment, two of my girlfriends surprised me and completely decorated (dare I say vandalized?) my place with red, white, and blue napkins - literally covering my walls, drawers and closets from head to toe! Napkins were taped together into flags; streamers draped my doorways and walls, and red white and blue star shaped lights decorated my kitchen walls. Megan and Cuddy - thank you! It was amazing. Best welcome home ever. :)

Snapshots

Can't you read?
MBK Mall in Bangkok

Bangkok

In the market, you can buy anything from flip flops and t-shirts, to pineapples, to puppies.
"Don't be around the dog lick your hand." Seriously.
Bangkok

This last one is actually from Vietnam...but it's just such a classic, I had to include it.
When your child is being difficult...do what I do - give him some cash.
Hanoi, Vietnam Airport

Almost over

In the blink of an eye, this trip passed me by. I can't even believe it.

Mcgorty, Wendy, and I made it to Koh Samet on Monday (an island off of Bangkok) after a few unforgettable days in the beautiful land of Pai. Pai has got to be my favorite place in Thailand. The major highlight of the weekend, I would say, was riding motorbikes through the mountains! That's right - I actually rode on my own motorbike for the first time in my life. It was very scary at first, but Wendy and I eventually got the hang of it (with the guidance of one very skilled Matthew Mcgorty.) Driving all through the mountains and through tiny villages, I felt like I was seeing the REAL Thailand. No tourism. No stores. No signs in English... just straight up beautiful Thailand. We ate lunch over looking the mountains in something that resembled a tree house. It was perfect.

One of the funny things about Pai was that the third most popular language after English and Thai - was Hebrew! Hebrew was everywhere - as were traveling Israelis! I loved it.

We arrived in Koh Samet last night just for a quick stay on the beach. I was absolutely thrilled last night when we bumped into Sara and Mike - mine and Tucker's friends who we met in Mt Fuji, Japan - almost 2 months ago! We have been hanging out with them ever since and it's just been a perfect ending to this trip.

Tomorrow night we have our last moments in Bangkok before flying out on Thursday morning...

I miss my friends. I miss my family. I miss burritos and American football. But...nothing could ever replace the amazing experiences I have gotten while traveling. I have so much more to see and do... and more to say about it...but only a few hours left of this trip. So, I need to go enjoy. Bye!

Chiang Mai, Pai...and only 6 days to go

The end is near. Never have those words rang so true! I can't believe that after almost 2 months of traveling, i will soon be wearing my pack for one last time and hopping on a flight back to New York. This trip, of course, flew by and although I know it isn't over yet (I have 6 more days) its hard not to think about the "real world" that awaits me on the other side.

But until then... a quick update. First off, internet hasn't been as easy to come by - and also i am trying to enjoy my last few days. So, hence no updates. Also without Tucker's computer - I can't upload photos. Sorry all!

Currently - though - I am with Mcgorty and Wendy and we are in the North of Thailand, in Pai, after spending a few days in Chiang Mai. Wed. during the day we explored the town, walked all over, and got massages! (obvi.) We also experienced the Night Bazaar one night where we got our bargaining skills down pat - and bought a ton of stuff. For someone who isn't a shopper - I can't stop! There is so much cool stuff and its all so cheap!
Wednesday night in Chiang Mai, we actually went out with some new friends we had met and celebrated our new President-elect in style - with other random Americans at a Thai bar with a Thai band that played American covers! We danced and drank and had a great time.


Yesterday we had a jam packed day trip in Mae Hong Son. We were picked up by our 73 year old tourguide/driver - who looked like he was about 93 - and went on the ride of a lifetime. Literally, i didn't think we would make it through the ride alone. We were in an open sided truck that has seen better days...off roading through potholes, mud, and mountains! It was scary. Our day, however, turned out to be a huge success. We rode elephants (!!) and then went on an amazing (at at times pretty challenging) hike up a waterfall and then to white water rafting, then bamboo rafting... the whole day was exhausting but perfect. Also, our tour guide was absolutely adorable and he so clearly LOVED his work - it was great to spend the day with someone that happy. I got a slight injury getting into the raft, since the boat was "docked" in the busiest part of the rapids and we had to just walk on these tiny slippery rocks to get into the raft... i slipped and hurt my foot but its not too bad and definitely could've been worse. I met the nicest pharmacist ever who helped get me the right stuff to take care of it. :) She could teach the people at Walgreens a thing or two.

This morning we left for Pai...which is where we are now. It is a tiny somewhat alternative scened town in the middle of the mountains with little shops, live music... A perfect spot to chill for a few days. Its really beautiful and we are staying in a bungalow with our very own hammock. Paradise.

Actually...that is the name of the hotel. Pairidise.

We are going to try to fit in one island (hopefully where Tucker is) as well before we fly out of Bangkok. I don't know where the time has gone...

There is so much in this world to see...so many people to meet, foods to try, towns to explore, cultures to learn about, hikes to venture, music to here, places to go, beautiful things to see, things to do... I hope to do a trip like this again really soon. So should you.


OBAMA!

yes we can

Hey everyone,
I writing on a computer that doesnt have all the right keys so its quite difficult to make an update but Im getting a lot of complaints about not updating. Also,the zs are ys and the ys are zs on this kezboard. It is a mess.

So reallz fast - I am in Thailand. I am with Mcgorty and Wendy and we are having a blast. We are north in Chiang Mai and Tucker is down south with some of our new friends we met in Bangkok. Hopefullz, we will all be meeting up down there in a few days. Bangkok was awesome. I doant know why i have heard so much negativity about that city. I thought it was quite nice and a cool combination of modern and ancient. We saw some amazing temples with Buddhas bigger than buildings! Also, my friend Juay lives there and he and his girfriend Ying showed us an amazing time and an amazing home cooked meal!

Since I can't write much now / I mainly just want to tell you all about this morning. We watched Obama claim the win as our next President of the United States on Cnn. It was definitely strange to be in a foreign country when something so monumental was happening in the USA. However,i can tell you..everyone inThailand was watching. Everyone. We sat at our hotel bar with another American and watched the acceptance speech. I will say, it was the first time in my life I have ever shed tears as the President elect made his first speech. I was moved. We are feeling patriotic here...and we are looking forward to the changes in the future.

The Frenchman that owns this hotel has informed us of a democratic celebration happening at a bar here in Chiang Mai so we might just stop by tonight and show our red, white and blue!
We will get into more as soon as we can..but update in summary: Thailand is awesome. We are safe. And, hopefully - so is America!

Raero, Wendy, and Matty