Friday: the longest Friday of my life!

Struggled to wake up this morning, again dragging with the idea of leaving.

I headed to breaky at riverside one last time.

Plate of fruit. Love these things, they're called Longon.

Loaded up for one last red truck ride. (Tear)

Love Chiang Mai! It's a small town feeling city with so much life and character.

The most around town.

Hopped on my plane, or shall I say nap time headed to Bangkok. Thankfully I didn't have to leave the airport there!

One last simple Thai meal and of course capped with a Thai iced tea. Never did I think I would fall so in love with Thai food. I've always said Mexican was my one choice if I could only eat one thing forever. Nope. Mind changed! 

I had no concept of time even in the Bangkok airport and spent my last hours meandering the airport aimlessly without a care in the world.

I met the most adorable Taiwanese girls on the flight! 14 & 15 years old. I settled in to read my book when I was politely interrupted with a light tap & "Excuse me, would you like to chat with us?" By the girl in the middle. I am kicking myself for not writing down their names. We talked for over 3 hours. Apparently they had to rock, paper, scissor for who would ask me to talk. For the cutie on the left, I was the second English speaker she had ever spoken to and in the middle, I was her first! They were elated to speak English with me and they did it so incredibly well! 

We chatted about cultures and out trips. They kept saying how beautiful I was along with all Americans and that Taiwan did not have cute boys. Tom cruise has their hearts.

A few tidbits of our special conversation (they could not stop saying how special it was to talk to me)

"Neehow" is hello in Chinese. Yet do NOT call then Chinese, huge offense taken. They are very proud of their culture and that they are not "rude" like the people of China. 

The darling middle girl was speaking ifTitanic  and I didn't understand what she was saying, so she spread her arms and said "Jack and Rose". Oh the universal language of movies!

I was informed I was their new sister and I could visit whenever I pleased and that would show me Taiwan and their food. Their pride for their country brimmed from their hearts. 

I heard "Americans so beautiful" probably 100 times. My heart sank when they talked down upon themselves for their "yellow" skin. I made a strong effort to remind them they are gorgeous and not to compare themselves or long for white skin. 

"You're so tall" ummmm...YES! Never will I hear that in my life again! 

They dream of visiting America and potentially going to school there. I again reinforced them and told them they one day would and to of course call on their American sister!

They're schooling is beyond rigorousl, therefore they dream of life in America where we barley lift a finger. The middle darling wakes at 5am daily to catch a train to school which is over an hour ride. They attend school from 7am until 4pm, then head to another school to study what they learn. They do not return home until 9 or 10 at night, only to study the days work before bed. Part of their schooling is to clean their school for 15-30 minutes a day. Apparently no janitors on staff. 

You frequently see (too much) western influence upon such an amazing culture, the playboy bunny being spotted more often than I'd like. The middle cutie had the bunny on the side of her shoes. I asked if she knew what it was and she said "rabbit, playboy". I crushed her and informed her it was really after a magazine of naked women. She was horrified and said she was throwing them away as soon as she returned home. Hopefully I didn't scar her for life, but educated her to pass it on. 

The 4 hour flight flew by while chatting with these two and eventually getting the Canadian, Kiwi and English folk in the aisle across from us involved. A lot of laughs shared yet again! 

  I asked then what the seeded white fruit was called and was told,   "If you eat many, your poo poo red" from the girls. Thankfully this was one if the last meals I would be consuming of plastic organized food in my lap. 

       

I am beyond crazy about these rice cake type cookies. So simple, yet SO good! And gluten free of course!

We had a lot if turbulence on both flights, the first heading through thunder, lightening and rain as well. Probably the list scared I was my entire trip. Thank goodness for the power of conversation to distract me! 

I spent my 2 hour layover wandering the Thapei airport with the kiwi guy (Chris) in search of a beverage, but it was too late for service. Again, wishing these conversations never ended. He was a sustainable farmer and yet worked in the pork and poultry industry. So interesting! 

He told me I looked like a "pregnant Philipino" with my canvas bag draped across the front of me and my gargantuan bag in my back. I received much ribbing from him and the Canadian girl for the size of my bag. Good news is I didn't have to check a thing coming home! (My bag is now 16.4kg) 

Heading into San Francisco.

Waiting on the curb for mom. Tears were shed when the immigration officer asked how my trip was. Then seeing mommy they came flooding. Poor thing thought it was because I missed her. (Of course) I miss Thailand and the experiences more than anything. Take me back. 

There was some intense traffic on the return trip to auburn. I shared stories through tears and mima said, "In 3 weeks you've come a long way." My heart melted. My life has forever been changed by this trip. 

Perhaps I should? For 5 days since returning I have contemplated just how I can attend school online while living in Pai.

The welcome home from my bestie. Just what a girl needs!

I didn't miss cheese until I could actually eat it. Wine on the other hand I missed greatly!

And this guy of course! He has been by my side, even in my most private moments. He has eased my sadness of coming home. Like I said three weeks ago, my reason to return!

I apologize for the delay in informing you all of my last day and safe return. As you can see, I am suffering a little bit of sadness to be home. Thailand captured me in so many ways and will always carry a piece of my heart. It's time to work my buns off to fund my next, much longer trip! Next summer I'm off again! 

I have been attempting to catch up on sleep (waking @2:30am for the day is not ideal) and get acclimated back into life in America. The job and apartment search has commenced after a few days rest, although it all sounds like too much responsibility! Please send me any good energy you've got for finding a great place and a new gig soon! I can use it! 

Thank you all for dedicatedly reading  about my adventures and the wonderful response you have given me about my writings. It keot me on top of remembering the details for myself as well. Perhaps I shall travel and write for a living? 

I returned to my 3 associates degrees and the sweetest welcome from my postmaster, Mark, who shared in my travels as well.  

Loves! 

Sunday: my heart longs for Pai

I woke up not loving this island life on Koh Tao, missing the energy of Pai. I should have heeded the signs of missed flights for my departure. Soooo....I booked a boat, bus and plane ticket back for less than 2 nights here on the island. Yup! I'm headed back to Pai, Pai (que "I'm headed back to Cali, Cali", despite it not rhyming) EEK! I know that is where I want to spend my remaining time. I had planned to finish relaxing on the beaches all zenned out before heading back home, but the young party crowd is not my scene and that is all there is around here.

Upon waking I went and had breaky, which is twice as much as in the north down here. After breaky I headed straight to a travel agent. Everything is booked, even transporation due to the full moon parties. There was nothing for today I was told, then the phone rang and the agent on the other end informed the girl who was helping me there was in fact a ticket. Woohoo!! I'm outta here!

Had to waste about three hours so I showered, then walked a bit and saw this beauty...

Then I got a mani/pedi in paradise. They give you tea afterwards, it tastes like fruit loops!

After my mani/pedi I went back to the cafe at Goodtimes and had a fresh coconut juice. I ran into Barbara from Scotland whom I had met in Pai. She was extremely envious I was headed back. She is headed to Australia at the end of the month to work for 3 months, then move to Pai for 3 more months. She was not pleased to be on a party island either. Was fun to catch up and meet some others she had collected along the way.

It's a rainy day in Koh Tao, little bit of a breeze.

Sairee Beach

You're probably looking at this wondering why I would want to leave. What you can't see is the mass of young, hungover people and trash everywhere. This pooch made me smile, so calm in his little hole amongst the chaos around him.

The pier where the boat picks us up, it's a 3 hour ride.

From the pier

I have never felt so much like livestock as I do on this trip. Loading onto the boat via rickety piers followed by even worse makeshift ramps. We pile our bags in one spot, which are unloaded into another pile for pick up in the end. It was lightly raining as we loaded.

Paid for the air conditioned room again, $1 this time. Finding Nemo was on for our viewing pleasure. The seats recline so far & most are broken, leaving you in the lap of the person behind you.

View through the dirty, wet window. Thank goodness for iPods and boat rocking to put you to sleep.

Sunset at our arrival pier where we had a 30 min wait to grab some fried rice & misc snacks and use the potty. The potties in these stops are always squat style, a basin in the floor-getting my fitness on doin' my business!

These are the busses we cram into, although this one is the VIP meaning more space and less passengers. I wasn't on VIP. The bus has the same reclining seats that put you in your rear neighbors lap nearly.

About 30 minutes in our driver pulled over to buy a flower garland for his mirror (hanging from under umbrella). I'm not sure what exactly they mean, but I know it's an offering. We also stopped to fill up on gas and have a pit stop for food and more squatters.

The ride was to be 10 hours, but ended up being 8. We were literally dumped on the side of the street in Bangkok, no one knowing where we were supposed to go. I grabbed a taxi for the 15 miles or so drive to the airport. That taxi driver was so energetic for my sleepy self! My flight to Chiang Mai is at 8:05, so I have time to kill!

Looking like a hobo needing a shower in the Bangkok airport. Shameless selfie moment! And yes, I'm wearing a swimsuit-came straight from the islands and in desperate need of getting laundry done! (& a shower)

Hobo here eating  pineapple out of...you guessed it! A bag! Grabbed this at our 11 pm pit stop. Thankful as nothing in the airport is open yet.

I am probably the most tired I've been this whole trip. So happy to be headed back to Pai for a warm (not quite hot) shower, fresh laundry, a comfy bed in a room of my own and most importantly relaxation! 

I get into Chiang Mai at 9:15, will then take a tuk tuk or taxi to the bus station and hop on the soonest minibus. Should be in my beloved happy place by 1 or 2! I'll be in Pai til Thursday, then head back to Chiang Mai for my last night, catch up on shopping and have a real hot shower. Friday morning I'll catch a flight to Bangkok and then fly home Friday afternoon! 

42 hours of adventure later

I knew I'd be racking up hours in travel time, but it's been more of an adventure than I had imagined. 42 hours total since leaving home! 

The most gorgeous orchids I have ever seen in the Taipai airport. Absolutely flawless. 

Auburn to Sacramento, to San Fran, to Taiwan, then to Bangkok. Once in Bangkok I hopped in a cab straight to the train station. I immediately headed to the ticket counter only to find out there were no available seats for the overnight train I had originally intended to take and had attempted to make a reservation via email as well (only to find out that doesn't actually work!). The next available train was 13 hours with no air conditioning and didn't leave until after 11 pm. This would have had me camped out in the Bangkok train station (limited seats & no a/c in the building) for 10 or so hours. Despite calling myself a backpacker for this trip, I am a tired pansy after the limited sleep in the first 36 hours of travel. My poor tootsies are sausages and this sweaty Betty hasn't showered in over 50 hours! If you know me, you know this is not something I do well with!
 

I left the station and headed to a street-side cafe offering free wifi with the purchase of my first authentic Thai iced tea! I have been so excited in the weeks leading up to my trip about having the real stuff while here.

(Train station in the background)

 Although it tastes just the same as at home; the humidity, chaotic traffic zipping by (cars, busses, tuk tuks& scooters), incessant honking, smells of Thai food & smog made it the real deal! I started searching for flights and hotels for the night while sipping my first authentic indulgence. I can't imagine how I would have handled this situation without modern technology!?

I felt more at ease with the decision to spend a little more than I had planned and head back to the airport and purchase a ticket to Chiang Mai.   I saw quite a bit of Bangkok from the freeway in my two cab rides and that alone solidified my decision to leave this city ASAP! The flight is 1 hour and 10 minutes versus the 13-14 hour train ride.
 

The Bangkok airport made me so excited to get out and shop once I get settled in Chaing Mai. This was a fresh veggie stall where I purchased a good sized bag of dried mango and water for less than $2.50! Made this frugal chica mighty happy! 

Once arriving in Chiang Mai I quickly showered then headed out to grab a real meal (that wasn't served in plastic on my lap). My hotel is across the street from the bridge crossing the Ping River. Just over the bridge is the hubbub of all kinds of activity. As I was crossing the bridge I noticed there were police standing around (but their presence provided safety, not fear! All you mommas, don't you worry!) I then saw a small crowd gathered on the bridge looking towards the west side of the river. I looked to where they were facing and there was a little lit up "4th of July" sign, then instantly fireworks started firing off and exploding just above our heads. It was the most incredible way to start my time here, and by far the best fireworks experience I've ever had. Fireworks are one of my favorite things to see every year & I was a lil bummed I'd be missing them at home. We were so close you could feel it shake you with each one set off. This is when fear did get me a little, standing directly under the falling sparkles! But it was a night to never forget!! (And an A.D.D. Child's dream-sparkly!)

Absolutely incredible 

Once the works were done I kept walking to the night market where I was pulled to look at such amazing things-I will be checking a bag upon my return! (Mom & Lacy-I was able to carry my gargantuan backpack on all 3 flights!) I had to stop myself to have dinner as I had originally set out to do. My simple dinner of crab fried rice and water was less than $2.50. It's official, this girl is in frugal heaven!
 

Night market. For a girl who hates to shop, this is my heaven!
 

You can buy a variety of treasures and services. This one if for Jen, you asked for bug pictures & this is as close as I'll get! 

"Fish spa" I'm still on the fence about this one.