Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Home Time Blues....
... Back in the UnKnown.
It's, weird. It definately does not feel like I have been back one month but today being the 5th of May and the date of my return being that of the 5th of April, well; it certainly suggests that a month has passed.
My very minimal budget was running low. I was in need of an extension to my Visa, which would of meant further spending of a limited budget. Guaranteed work seemed just too far away. I decided to come home.
Though I did not perhaps experience all that I had first envisioned that I would, I certainly think I experienced enough for the four months I was away. I visited three amazing countries and took in many fantastic experiences from Laos boat trips, to Historic Cambodian Temples; from home cooked Thai food, to my own cooked Thai food; and from bruised elbows and shins, to bruised egos from sins.
I have travelled by foot, car, pick-up truck, moped, motorbike, bicycle, boats, tuk-tuk, train, plane and others.
There now however, is a void that is no longer filled. A great part of me longs to still be travelling. It is the moving from place to place and seeing new places, cultures, and people that is the greatest part of travel. If I stay somewhere too long then It is similar to where I lay my hat being my home. The urge to travel simply returns even if I am far from what is my true home.
This is another reason for my return. If I am to live somewhere for an extended period of time, then why not it be a place I know to be comfortable, with family and close friends.
Now I am back though, so is reality. Reality for me though is the Unknown. I am never anchored. That is to say, that I have still not figured out what it is I wish to do. Though the whole idea of 'what to do' is more than often based on others opinions and not often enough on something true to ourselves.
Each day can be a new experience. We do not need to seek out adventure or variety in far flung places, though it certainly helps us feel more free. The Unknown can be found right at our feet.... though often that's the scariest distance at which to step in. With everything that matters, so very close.
It's, weird. It definately does not feel like I have been back one month but today being the 5th of May and the date of my return being that of the 5th of April, well; it certainly suggests that a month has passed.
My very minimal budget was running low. I was in need of an extension to my Visa, which would of meant further spending of a limited budget. Guaranteed work seemed just too far away. I decided to come home.
Though I did not perhaps experience all that I had first envisioned that I would, I certainly think I experienced enough for the four months I was away. I visited three amazing countries and took in many fantastic experiences from Laos boat trips, to Historic Cambodian Temples; from home cooked Thai food, to my own cooked Thai food; and from bruised elbows and shins, to bruised egos from sins.
I have travelled by foot, car, pick-up truck, moped, motorbike, bicycle, boats, tuk-tuk, train, plane and others.
There now however, is a void that is no longer filled. A great part of me longs to still be travelling. It is the moving from place to place and seeing new places, cultures, and people that is the greatest part of travel. If I stay somewhere too long then It is similar to where I lay my hat being my home. The urge to travel simply returns even if I am far from what is my true home.
This is another reason for my return. If I am to live somewhere for an extended period of time, then why not it be a place I know to be comfortable, with family and close friends.
Now I am back though, so is reality. Reality for me though is the Unknown. I am never anchored. That is to say, that I have still not figured out what it is I wish to do. Though the whole idea of 'what to do' is more than often based on others opinions and not often enough on something true to ourselves.
Each day can be a new experience. We do not need to seek out adventure or variety in far flung places, though it certainly helps us feel more free. The Unknown can be found right at our feet.... though often that's the scariest distance at which to step in. With everything that matters, so very close.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Riding Bitch in Bangkok...
... before anyone reads too much into the title; 'Riding Bitch' is the term used for a passenger on a motorcycle, and the intended meaning for the header of this story.
There are many ways to travle in Bangkok, but by far the quickest and most fun is on the back of a motorcycle taxi. If I am not walking through the labrinth that is Bangkok's city streets then I always opt for the motorcycle. The quickest way from A to B with a death defying exhilaration thrown in for good measure.
.
Apologies for the length of the video. It is my entire jourmey from the train station, HuaLumpong, to Kao San road, Bangkok. At roughly 12 minutes long, it gives you a good idea as to what the motocycle taxis were like.
This was, however, one of the more tame journeys I had though still with enough of near traffic contact to make an exciting trip.
There are many ways to travle in Bangkok, but by far the quickest and most fun is on the back of a motorcycle taxi. If I am not walking through the labrinth that is Bangkok's city streets then I always opt for the motorcycle. The quickest way from A to B with a death defying exhilaration thrown in for good measure.
.
Apologies for the length of the video. It is my entire jourmey from the train station, HuaLumpong, to Kao San road, Bangkok. At roughly 12 minutes long, it gives you a good idea as to what the motocycle taxis were like.
This was, however, one of the more tame journeys I had though still with enough of near traffic contact to make an exciting trip.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sore Back in Nong Khai
Just to let you know what the current situation is.
I'm back in Nong Khai where I collected my bankcard from Mut Mee, the guest house to which my parents sent the card, thanking you kindly for doing so.
I do leave however, at 1820 this evening on a night train bound for Bangkok.
I may upgrade my seat if possible because for the past couple of days I have not been feeling all that good. I am much better now but my neck and back were full of aches and pains and I was getting some cold symptoms. From what I here though there has been something going around.
Yesterday I woke feeling a bit better but still very much aching in the shoulders and back.
Coming up to four months in Thailand and still not having a massage, now was the time to do so. I had seen one place advertising a herbal sauna and part of me wishes I had of chose this option (still may try today).
Instead I opted for the full body massage. Oh... hang on... got that wrong... I think I must of opted for the full body torture session instead. This was one of the most gruelling hours of my life, well at least pain wise. I kept quiet though, putting a brave face on, (well; brave or contorted with pain), continually thinking... 'this is good pain'.
My thoughts were correct. I felt sooo much better after my tortuous time that I would definately recommend it.
I think the fact that I was feeling a bit fragile anyway, amplified the pain considerably.
It was all finished with a heat massage. This was so good after the agony I had endured.
I'm back in Nong Khai where I collected my bankcard from Mut Mee, the guest house to which my parents sent the card, thanking you kindly for doing so.
I do leave however, at 1820 this evening on a night train bound for Bangkok.
I may upgrade my seat if possible because for the past couple of days I have not been feeling all that good. I am much better now but my neck and back were full of aches and pains and I was getting some cold symptoms. From what I here though there has been something going around.
Yesterday I woke feeling a bit better but still very much aching in the shoulders and back.
Coming up to four months in Thailand and still not having a massage, now was the time to do so. I had seen one place advertising a herbal sauna and part of me wishes I had of chose this option (still may try today).
Instead I opted for the full body massage. Oh... hang on... got that wrong... I think I must of opted for the full body torture session instead. This was one of the most gruelling hours of my life, well at least pain wise. I kept quiet though, putting a brave face on, (well; brave or contorted with pain), continually thinking... 'this is good pain'.
My thoughts were correct. I felt sooo much better after my tortuous time that I would definately recommend it.
I think the fact that I was feeling a bit fragile anyway, amplified the pain considerably.
It was all finished with a heat massage. This was so good after the agony I had endured.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
A slice of Pai...
Chilling out at the bungalow,
or down by the river,
or even at the Hot Springs.
Life was tough but we struggled through.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Ode to Swede
Cleaver in Hand,
Doc Martin on Foot.
Bomber Jacket.
Checked Shirt.
Don't forget the skinhead and
crisp white bow tie to complete the look.
La La Lala La Laa
Time filled with the condition of your car.
A life of sailing, but not always plain.
Cross Country Skiing, saying Cheseus in Vain.
Sailing boats, cross country skis,
throw in some admirable deeds.
Then Skol not once,
nor twice,
but Skol thrice,
Skol, Skol, Skol
To the Adventuring Swedes.
Doc Martin on Foot.
Bomber Jacket.
Checked Shirt.
Don't forget the skinhead and
crisp white bow tie to complete the look.
La La Lala La Laa
Time filled with the condition of your car.
A life of sailing, but not always plain.
Cross Country Skiing, saying Cheseus in Vain.
Sailing boats, cross country skis,
throw in some admirable deeds.
Then Skol not once,
nor twice,
but Skol thrice,
Skol, Skol, Skol
To the Adventuring Swedes.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
