I had been wanting to do a silent meditation retreat in Thailand, but wasn’t sure how much I’d get out of it, as many people said they received virtually no instructions beyond “Just focus on your breath.” If I was going to do this, I wanted instruction, so I reached out to an acquaintance in Bali to see if she knew anyone who taught meditation. Turns out, she did.
It wasn’t until recently that I began to realize the beauty and importance of good friends in my life. When I was away, I loved being alone – indeed, it was much needed. But my eyes were also opened to how much I am loved and cherished by the wonderful souls I call friends and family.
Being somewhat of a lone wolf, I never realized the impact my relationships had on me. But a major reason I became so unhappy in NYC in the past year was because the closest friends I had were leaving – for good. I felt abandoned and adrift. But you know a wonderful thing I learned while traveling solo through SEA? There are always new friends waiting to be made!
After traveling for a few weeks, I’ve learned quite a number of new things about this country I’m traversing.
1. Wounds take forever to heal
Even if it’s just a pimple you popped or a small scrape you got along the way, the humid climate significantly slows down the healing process. Not too bad for minor abrasions, but I feel bad for those with “Thai Tattoos” (motorbike accident victims) or whoever scratches their mozzie (mosquito) bites.
Clinics in SEA take bandaging VERY seriously..
On this trip I want to push myself into new experiences and adventures, try things that normally I’d avoid, take the plunge and get the blood pumping again. I decided to get things rolling by going rock climbing – something I hadn’t done since 4th grade, and never on real rocks!
CDMCA is located in Chiang Mai and I got an entire day of climbing Crazy Horse, finished with rappelling into a beautiful cave for about $95.
My Figure 8 Knot
**I was in Bali for a month where wifi never worked, hence the quietness of Curious Traveler Travelogues for such a stretch. I’ve been writing all along the way, so many of these are written as if they just happened – go with it 😉 And enjoy these throwbacks to an amazing whirlwind of a journey **
One Stop Hostel
Price: $7 dorm (female 8 bed)
Breakfast: $2-$2.50
Staff: Very friendly. Lots of options for tours and tickets onwards. They even have a board where you can sign up to share a tuk-tuk to the Killing Fields.
I am in Cambodia! I took a boat from Chau Doc, Vietnam up to Phnom Penh via the Mekong Delta. It was a fantastic, relaxing trip – so much nicer than bus.
How I got from the hotel to the dock 😛
This is my last night in Vietnam. I have traveled an entire, beautiful, wonderful country in 30 days. Pretty cool.
The more I travel, the more I find myself tickled when I realize how much we are all alike.
Humanity. That strange, fickle beast.
There are good and ill-intentioned people in every country; those who will go out of their way to fleece you or help you get somewhere with no thought of payment. Whether in a mall in Wisconsin or around a lake in Vietnam, gal pals will power walk to socialize and exercise.
Siblings squabble and take care of each other.
Grandmothers discipline.
Mothers hold their children close and couples across cultures are blissfully in love.
Friendships form in hilltribe villages and in inner city schools.
Good will can be shared across unknown languages with a smile.
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