to be free

I now realize what a trip this is really becoming. Have I gone completely off the edge? I understand now why my parents, grandparents, even boss freaked out about. This could have been a 3 week holiday but Year of the Tiger, you have actually kicked my ass! What better thing to do after a good ass kicking than to go on a life journey (or breakdown and have a full blown quarter life crisis). Experience is priceless. Culture is educating. And really, I need to get grounded. I need to know what this life can offer besides post secondary and marketing agencies. No more spoiled Ting... it's time to get gritty, appreciate it and share these lessons with the people I meet in life.

It wasn't until 10 minutes before I landed in Bangkok that I knew what 'to be free'* really meant. Sitting there engaged by the clouds and the Mekong out the window with a huge open smile on my face. I was oddly happy. A feeling that I haven't felt in quite some time. Sure I'm filled with giggles and have fun with my mates, but this was for me and only me. Euphoric. It was strange. I bet the two Chinese ladies thought I was crazy as I would glance at them then back out the window. They must have thought it was my first plane ride. Ha.

After trekking with our packs through the Bangkok airport, I felt like a seasoned traveler. Knowing what to accept and not to accept. Bang on Bangkok! I love it here. Visually the city reminded me so much like Southern China, so naturally, I was comfortable.

Our hotel is great, it's quaint with lots of bugs, nothing that I'm not used to. We are super close to Ko San Road which is like a backpackers hot spot. It's great to sit and people watch and feel very thankful that I wasn't the one walking down that road with my 25 pound pack in the rain!

We are heading to Koh Pangan tomorrow night on a sleeper train... well hopefully it's a sleeper train. One day in and Bangkok already has me by the balls (excuse my language mum)! But really there is nothing this girl can do but just blush, giggle and be mega thankful that I have a little money left in my savings account. Laughter is the best medicine right? But does it make you money? This is the question... might have to head to NZ early and beg someone for a job. But we won't worry about that just now... but just in case... I'll be accepting donations for the 'Get Justine Back to Canada Fund.' I assure you friends and family, it's for a legitimate cause, the money will actually get me back home... for now.

(J2 get a tuk tuk ride from a super friendly driver. After our first destination, we tried to get him a gas coupon from a tailor shop... ya... I was in that tailor shop the day before and it was stuffed with fabrics and Indian men, and they over quoted me on a silk sleep sheet x2!... if anyone has any idea where to get a silk sheet for pennies, you let me know!)


(Singha beer for my big lipped, twin toed mate, thank you for introducing me to such a tasty and refreshing delight!)

Special SHOUT OUT to my knowledgeable friends who have made me feel super comfortable with traveling to SE Asia and not getting ripped off by taxis or tuk tuks: Larry, Chelsey, Serene, Maxine, all you cool cats, THANK YOU!

xo.
ting

*to be free: next tattoo?