Wanderlust

Alas. It has come the time for the inevitable "visa run" that plagues (or rather blesses) travellers located in Thailand on a tourist visa, even if it is an extended one, much like my own. Therefore, I am required to hop in and out of the country every two-three months. After an initial one month extension, the three month mark has finally arrived (and will be celebrated tomorrow), and therefore requires me to pack that bag of mine and join the backpacking masses, guidebook in one hand, wallet and passport clutched in the other.

Part of me is scared of the thought of loneliness as I become very accustomed to my group living situation in Sangkhlaburi, always being doted on and doting on others. It will be a strange and welcome experience to be an anonymous person again, not identified as "Teacher," or "that strange white girl who never will take a taxi ride and is always asking the market if they have received their new ice cream shipment yet."

Currently, I write from the luxury and comfort of Bangkok, where I am graciously hosted by former roommate and allstar Mackinnon Webster, who welcomes all those into her home with open arms. In Bangkok I feel that I have crossed borders and am in a different country all together, and that my visa run is already complete, the difference between Bangkok and Sangkhla is so stark. Glistening buildings, fountains of marble and high-rolling business men take to the streets in stark contrast to individuals who seem to be sucked right from their rural Thai village, wearing muddy, loose farm clothes and carrying fried goods over their shoulders, selling them for the equivalent of 10 cents. The variety of social norms here really seems much more distinct than those I have seen even in the hub of culture that is NYC.

In a few hours I will hop a night train to Laos, where I will be for a week, and then swing back home via Chiang Mai, a city I've heard only positives about. I will write if given the internet opportunity, but going on the fact that I've heard no ATMs function with American cards in Laos, I'm not too sure about the internet connection. I will write again in a week or so, when I bop back through this city on my way home.

Onwards and upwards fine fighters-

:) Laura