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Sawbaidi!
As some of you anticipated, it has been more difficult to keep this blog updated than I initially imagined. I have so much to share but so little free time and energy to get it all down. I wish I had it in me to go into detail but I'm just going to give some very brief highlight notes on what I've been up to in Thailand and Laos. I'll also post an album of photos to illustrate. Once I'm home I can verbally elaborate on these :) I'm hoping to get inspired to write more over the next few weeks.
-had more 2hr ($12) Thai massages than I can count
-participated in chanting with monks at Doi Suthep temple on Buddha day
-meditated for 5 days in the Chiang Mai mountains
-swung in hammocks devouring novels
-was educated at an elephant conservation camp on the tragic situation regarding elephant cruelty in Thailand
-with that education in mind, responsibly hung out with many elephants
-trekked the Thai jungle with an overnight stay in an open air camp along the river
-took a day long Thai cooking course
-saw a moth bigger than my outstretched hand
-dated an expat
-climbed and swam in multiple unbelievable waterfalls
-paddled down a river standing on a bamboo raft
-relaxed in a lake side hut
-watched some epic live Thai jazz
-got lost on a muddy farm road on a scooter and then almost ran out of fuel (but didn't thanks to the guy selling glass bottles of fuel from his shack)
-learned a rope game from Thai kids playing on the side of the road, taught them how to limbo
-crashed a police only party and got in on the karaoke, my performance (Disney classics of course) got me an introduction to the chief of police haha
-soaked in a natural hot springs, boiled some eggs at the spring source
-got up one night to use the washroom and found a scorpion crawling in the toilet bowl
-took a two day boat ride along the Mekong river into Luang Prabang
-took a silk dying class using traditional all natural dyes
-drank tea made from silkworm poo
-ate and ate and ate so many amazing meals around $2
-met loads of friendly people from around the world
I am feeling good overall. The digestive problems that ail me back home have not been an issue here. It may have something to do with the lack of dairy and processed foods in my diet. I also eat a lot of steamed rice which seems to feel good on the belly. My feelings change daily. One day I'm on top of it all, overcome with a grateful feeling. The very next I wonder how I came to plan such a long trip away from the people I love. It is teaching me so much about who I am and the life I desire for myself. It has been beautiful. I feel blessed. The best part is that I'm now feeling safe, happy and at home where ever I am. This is some real peace. Thanks for reading and allowing me to share with you. Next stop Cambodia!
With love, Riesh
- comments
Mom Riesha, This is amazing....so proud of you....I pass on your updates to Chedan and Khyah, they say hi and send love too....Life is a journey, and you will be home with us all when you are...I just got an amzing awesome paying job-me and Khyah are looking for a big house to share...it's RAINING here....of course. I think you will find your health getting better and better as you release your fears and dig in to what the other side of the world has to offer......can't believe all the awesome stuff you've done...ELEPHANTS!!!! LOVE elephants! You are always protected by our love........Big Smiles......if you just travelblog a line or two...that's ok! - Mom
Tatym Fantastic list of events Riesha. Can't wait to hear you elaborate on them! It's great to hear that the diet is agreeing with you. Sounds like something you can reproduce at home and feel great all the time! Crazy! :-) We've just moved downtown to cute little apartment on the 27th floor of a building right next to Sunset Beach and Stanley Park. Oh, I love it so much! I've always wanted to live in a place like this, with a seemingly endless view of the city from all my windows. Still lots of cleaning to do but otherwise is feeling like home after just a couple of days! Missing you and looking forward to having you back, but keep enjoying yourself, we will all be here for when you return. (-: Big hugs from Tatym!