Ahhh, the sights, sounds and smells of Southeast Asia which have been my home for the past 6 months, it seems only fitting to give a proper sum and goodbye while on a long layover in the transit terminal of the oh so clean, Singapore airport. 12 countries. Many different modes of transportation: foot, plane, train, boat, rickshaw, motorbike, bicycle, I know I'm forgetting something here and of course, cartwheeling my way across these countries. Yes, I enjoyed my time in Russia, Mongolia, China and Japan but that was an entirely different trip. My (mostly) solo time in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, back to Thailand, Philippines, and back to Thailand for a third and final time, then to Malaysia, Singapore, Bali and the Gili Islands, and finally culminating in Vietnam has been an amazing experience, each country leaving its own indelible mark. The poverty in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam broke my heart at times while the beauty of the people and the amazing UNESCO World Heritage sights will be forever etched in my mind. Thailand was just too easy to be in, I somehow managed to while away 2 months there and still didn't get my fill. I was lucky enough to see the Philippines with a good friend from Seattle and her family, an experience which was far removed from the usual touristy, backpackery experience. Try a Filipino! was the mantra of my new adopted family, hoping I'd find love :-) In Malaysia, I was introduced to a truly magnificent person, a dear friend of a dear friend, meanwhile feeling absolutely spoiled with my own room and bathroom, a true luxury after months of close quarters with others, often in dorms. The most friendly people vote goes to the Indonesians with the Laotians a close second. Best food is a toss-up between Thailand and Vietnam with Vietnam the slight winner due to the French influence of baguettes and coffee. However, I might have shifted my vote if only I had timed my visit to mango season for my favorite Thai dish of all time: mangoes with sticky rice. I lost my heart many times and regretted not a single experience save the stolen wallet in Laos. Oh and all the gross bugs, roaches and mosquitoes which call the tropics home, those I could do without. I dabbled in the spiritual side a bit trying meditation in Thailand and yoga as much as my knee would allow. But of course, it's always the people who make the place. So to all whom I shared minutes, hours, days and weeks with, you are all a part of my beloved SE Asian experience.
Although southeast Asia was not originally on my itinerary, it was a place I wanted to revisit to experience more fully. And it did my head in, I fell in love even with the pure chaos at times, becoming sufficiently attached to the food, friendliness and even the grittiness that is associated with underdeveloped countries, very unlike my upbringing in America. Sure, there are things I could do without and you've heard me complain about this one time and time again, to sum it is basically: lady, wanna buy something? Repeat ad nauseum. These touts vy for your business for absolutely everything: transportation, lodging, surfing lessons, restaurants, you name it, they will find a way to sell it to you and for double the price of its' worth leaving me feeling ever slightly more jaded with each encounter. And this constant haggling broke me at one time forcing me to feel like I had no other choice than to leave for a short time to Australia. But even this short digression, a mere 10 days to the most isolated city in the world, Perth, and its' environs, served a higher purpose even if it was intentionally due to visa restrictions: I gained closure from a previous relationship. In the end, I couldn't wait to return for more, a sure sign I was hooked on this part of the world. And here in SE Asia, I realized how lucky I am and how good my new, lifelong friends are: 7 friends from Seattle joined me along the way! And I made some seriously cool friends and met up with them along the journey. TUL (the unemployed traveling life) is seriously good.
So now it's time for the next chapter in this life adventure. First, to explore more of the land down under for 3 weeks prior to more serious business. You might want to brace yourself for this one: I plan to work!!! Heart attack, anyone? :-) It's volunteer work in Fiji in my field doing exactly what I've wanted to do and been trained specifically for, finally using my master's degree to do so. So this travel wearied girl is open and ready to experience what's next!! I'm sure I'll find a way to continue to keep things spicy, just as I like it, taking a bit of southeast Asia along with me!! Buckle up, I have a feeling it's gonna be a wild ride.....
