5 months

I'm ready to get my backpaking pants back on...

5 months ago today I landed in the Phuket airport after 30 hours of traveling. I didn't have a hotel room, I had never heard Thai, I wasn't aware that Ayutthaya existed, and I thought that this was going to be a six month adventure. I was most concerned about finding a travel buddy after my TESOL certificate and not being put in a town with no other white people.

...make new friends...

Here I am 5 months in and nowhere ready to go home. I've finished a term of teaching, have seen some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, conquered Bangkok, and have made many incredible friends. I knew that I would grow here, but the fact that I am living every day outside of my comfort zone and wanting it to continue I think speaks volumes about my experience. Even teaching--the "reason" I came here-- was something I didn't think I would be good at, yet here I am loving it every day and having the most incredible connection with my students. I actually hated kids before coming out here...yea, a lot has changed.

...and see new places!

Even though I haven't learned as much of the language as I would like, I feel as if I have a good grip on the culture and am ready to explore South East Asia not only on a budget, but also with minimal travel plans (we have an itinerary, but are not making any hotel reservations or hard dates in each location). 5 months ago I would have never dreamed of this, and would be shocked to know that I was extending my stay in Thailand to a year. I can't wait to see what the next 7 months bring. Right now I am really focused on my trip which will take me through Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Northern Thailand. I will try to keep the blog as up-to-date as possible with all of my stops so that you all can follow what might be an even crazier adventure than what I first set out on!

I've also decided to change the appearance of my blog. I was getting a little sick of the dark elephant skin background. I tried to upload my own beautiful picture of Thailand but unfortunately the size was too big, so bamboo it is!