South East Asia, so many words could describe it's wonders and adventures, the people and sights, the food and the culture.
I had the best summer of my life this year as I travelled to Bali, Thailand, and Laos with my best friend.
Our choice to travel to Bali was made two days prior to departure, as the riots and conflict in Bangkok at the time were preventing us from visiting Thailand as planned.
Bali was: Scuba diving for the first time, meeting surfers from around the world, trusting strangers and the good in people, monkeys, traditional dances, seaweed farms, peaceful beaches and hectic ones too, beautiful hindu offerings at every corner, motorbikes, tourists with motorbike injuries, local art, temples, and stunning rice fields. Of course I cannot forget the night with two mice in our hotel room.
Bali was a blissful week filled with happiness and jet-lag and
overall an unforgettable experience.
Once the conflict in Bangkok seemed to settle, we were able to travel to Thailand and ended up spending three incredible weeks there.
Thailand was: The most amazing food on Earth, the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen, snorkeling, cliff jumping, long tailed boat rides, riding elephants, petting tigers, friendly local smiles, more monkeys, fire dancers, adorable cats, lady boys, tsunami evacuation signs, tuk-tuks, sweating, intricate temple design, the overnight busses, boxing, ancient buddha ruins, absolute diversity, and the amazing island lifestyle.
Thailand inspired me to do more, to challenge myself everyday, to push my boundaries. I had so many new experiences and learned so much about myself. Thailand is the most amazing country that I have visited and I would love to go back one day.
Laos, our final stop on the five week long trip. We had one remaining week to spend there.
Laos was: The smallest and scariest plane ever, the most green and lush scenery I have ever laid eyes on, perfect waterfalls, monks, the long Mekong River, beyond hot and humid weather, caves, night markets, street food, and cheap massages.
After Laos we travelled back to Bangkok to fly home. We had a stop over in Tokyo, where we tried some sushi in the airport...we had to! It was everything I could have dreamed of and more.
I will never forget this trip for as long as I live and it has inspired me to see more of the world. Next stop, New Zealand??
