Last day...

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  Bangkok, Thailand
Saturday, May 13, 2006

Today is my last day in Southeast Asia, a place that has become more real to me in three and a half months than the home I have known my entire life. I saw so much here, experienced so much, that challenged everything that I thought I knew - about life, myself, people, so many things. I came here so green, and I feel the change in me, how much this place has allowed me to grow. All the funny little things that used to intimidate me or puzzle me about this area of the world now seem second nature. Squat toilets are a sinch, I feel totally comfortable eating with either my hands or with chopsticks, I easily shrug off vendors and touts, and communicating with someone without a common language is more of a shared adventure than a frustrating ordeal. I've met so many beautiful people from all over Asia and all over the world. I've come to realize that a place is only as good as the people you meet and the mood you're in. For me, SE Asia will always be remembered as the place where I chatted with Vanndy as I explored the Angkor Temples, where I passed a part of an hour with a little boy named Krum. It's where I held onto the back of a motorbike as Steve drove us along a deserted beach, where Angelique and I giggled over coffee, Mr. T regaled me with stories of his "hotheaded" youth. I'll never forget sharing travel stories with Richie while being pampered with a four course dinner at the villa, or making Klaus finally smile. There was the van waterfight with the Luang Prabang eight, the happy shake experiences with Betty, and yoga with crazy Mama with Sarah and Bianca by my side. Southeast Asia is a place filled with friends, memories both bad and good, and the most stunning vistas I have ever seen. As I contemplate leaving this beautifully flawed paradise, the sadness and nervousness creep up on me. What will it be like to leave this place that I have grown so accustomed to? When will I get back? But there is also that edge of excitement for what is still before me. As any wanderer knows, the thrill of the unknown is always there within. I have China and Russia and whatever bit of Europe I can afford still ahead of me. Anything is possible.

And someday, I WILL return...

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