Edie and I said goodbye to our Beach Bungalow in Hua Hin and made it back to Bangkok--after minor panic looking for where the van was supposed to pick us up-- The escape and adventure was marvelous. The Journey back to the city; not so much...although the van did stop off at a rest stop where we all went to the toilets and bought some road snacks. I chose green Guava and little peculiar olives...but sweet!

I loved getting acquainted with the sea here. Warm, like a spa. but also cool and refreshing! It didn't smell as strong as the pacific ocean, but stronger than the brine of Northern Ireland Coasts.

Change can be difficult at times...but also glorious if we use this uncertainty for our own enlightenment. And oh how I am changing. I love it. I don't ever want to be stagnant again.

Tonight Edie and I made it back to my couchsurfing abode and we did a load of laundry and headed to 'ETHOS' Vegetarian and Vegan restaurant near Khao San Road--the famous area where tourists and backpackers frequent--and ordered a meal fit for the veggie gods themselves.

I didn't bring my camera. I was getting tired of carrying it around : /

We ordered spring rolls, Chai Tea, Pesto pasta and green curry noodles. Then for dessert, a delicious apple crumble bake with the sweetest richest custard and sticky rice with mango--that we had to pack up and take with us.

We rolled ourselves belly first out of ETHOS and went to a cute rustic bookstore called passport bookstore. I got a book called "what is it we are seeking" by J Krishnamurti. I would recommend it! the copy I have has English on the right hand side and Thai on the left pages. Hopefully as I learn more Thai I'll be able to read BOTH!

I bought more post cards. Some with deep, thought provoking photos and quotes on the front. This place made me think. I liked it. The workers there treated each book as if it were a divine grail. This is how literature should be treated.

I'm learning a bit of Thai from Edie and people I meet...I love this language. It's like storytelling. And the cadence! Ahhh some words have moans and grunts and high squeaks and cute full stops. I love it.

I'm bursting at the gills with reading and writing and photography. Is this what a full life looks like?? I think so.

Life is good. My woes and worries are drifting further and further into the past. I do not carry the same burdens as before. I feel light. Clean. A blank slate. And for this I am grateful.

Tomorrow night we get an overnight bus up north to Mae Sot. We wan't to visit a Burmese Refugee clinic and see some waterfalls. There are hot springs, vegan food, and chic hostels too. I am eager to see what's at the other end of this adventure.

In 15 days I will start teaching further up north. I can't wait to start this leg of the journey.

Sticky rice and muggy Bangkok nights,

-DW