I really can't believe that in eight days I will be boarding a flight home (with my mom!) back to California. After three months of hostel hopping, riding motorcycles, and eating all sorts of good food my time in Southeast Asia is coming to an end. It really has been a whirlwind of a journey and I consider myself so lucky for having met such amazing people throughout this trip. I really want to dedicate this post to some of the people that really made my trip so memorable. First off, Stephanie!
Stephanie -
Deciding to stay at Nappark hostel was the best decision I made on this trip, because that's where I met the amazing Steph. We met on my first night in Bangkok and to be honest we did the usual "where are you from" and "how long are you traveling for" type of conversation and then moved on to other people. It was on the second day that we started really talking because word around the hostel was that Steph was trying to go to the islands, and it just so happened that I was also itching to get to the beach. Having known her name, where she was from, and a general idea of what her travel plans were I decided that I would propose a trip to Koh Tao together. With barely any hesitation she agreed, and about 3 hours later we were boarding an overnight bus together to Koh Tao. Little did I know that asking Steph to go to Koh Tao would result in a three month long trip that I can't imagine experiencing without her. We've gone through so much together, but I wanted to highlight some of my favorite moments with Steph. Starting from the beginning I just enjoyed your attitude toward everything. Always open to trying new things and going off the beaten path. It was a dynamic duo from the start. We got to know each other very fast especially after the 12 hour overnight bus and ferry to Koh Tao where I learned that when you put on your "Donut Disturb" eye mask that it truly means leave me alone until I have enough sleep and food. Avoid hangry Steph at all costs, but once we got some toasties everything feels right in the world.
Another key moment that I remember is when it was the four of us (Steph, Dan, Tharmitha, and I) in Khao Sok. On our second night there we decided to grab some beers and chat outside our bungalow and that was one of the first times that everyone really opened up about things going on in our lives. It was a moment where I felt even more connected to you because after traveling with each other for a while we are comfortable and trust each other to talk about whatever is on our mind. I felt so lucky that we got along so well and that we were able to get to know each other in such a short time frame, but that's one of the amazing things about traveling. You get to know each other fast, and I mean fast. You spend literally day in and day out with each other and the bonds you create while traveling are unique.
I can quickly breeze over some other fun times we had like our time in Koh Phi Phi drinking "smoothies" and just wandering around the yellow brick road. There have been some really fun, and I mean FUN times we've had drinking Chang and causing shenanigans all around Southeast Asia, but to be honest with you my favorite time with you was drinking wine (naturally) on the hostel balcony in Hoi An. It was just the two of us hanging out on the bean bags drinking wine and talking about how far we've come in the trip and how much more we have. I also learned that you were a U2 lover and we were jamming out to some great tunes while sipping on our fermented grape juice. It was also a special moment because it was right in the middle of our trip and I was in a sort of funk because I was missing home a little bit and starting to get bittersweet feelings about the trip in general. Talking with you, however, really was just what I needed and it was so important because the conversation was all about traveling and how it shapes you as a person. How there are ups and downs. Especially in regards to meeting people. I think one of the hardest things to do when doing a solo trip like this is when people part ways. You create such a bond with your travel buddies and its the people you're with that make your trip, so when someone leaves it can completely change the vibe. I'll really never forget this organic and important conversation that we shared with each other.
As the months have passed we are back together again in Bangkok and being able to go back and visit Nappark with you was such a treat. It was a full circle. Where it all began, and where it ends. We were the life of the party, of course, and as you are sipping on the 300 baht wine we split I'm looking over at you and I know that we will be friends forever. I can't describe every moment we've shared, but I wanted to let you know that I love you and this trip would not have been so awesome without you. You're like a bundle of happiness and I admire that. Wherever you end up after this trip, I know you will be so successful at whatever you do. Keep on being awesome, and always remember you can never have too many toasties ;).
Tharmitha-
Tharmitha you were the very first person I met after arriving in Bangkok and I remember hearing you say "Canada" was the most re-assuring thing to hear, and I knew that I needed to befriend you for the sake of having someone to speak English with. We connected immediately and the terribly long taxi ride from the airport really gave us a chance to get to know each other. It just so happened that we had the same general idea of a route we wanted to take in Southeast Asia so from that moment I knew that we would probably be traveling together for some time. Just like that we were travel buddies! Although we stayed in different places in Bangkok we met up again in Koh Tao, which is where I have my most memorable moment with you.
It seems a little silly, but when we were eating breakfast together overlooking the beach we had a very important conversation. We discussed what we wanted out of this trip. I remember thinking to myself "what DO I want?" In my head I just wanted to explore this part of the world and it seemed to be the most logical time for me to go since I just finished school and had so much free time. In my heart I wanted to find out more about myself. It's hard when you graduate from college because you're faced with so many different paths you can take and it seems overwhelming at times. What do you do? I felt that taking this trip would help guide me to which road I should take through helping me become more comfortable with myself and learning how I can utilize my natural skill sets in a career. Looking back on it now, I feel so much more grounded and ready for whatever life throws at me. You really got me thinking at an early stage of my trip as to what I wanted and how I can achieve these goals.
We've also had some pretty fun times on Koh Phi Phi. I remember on the ferry to the island we kept telling ourselves that this is our last chance to party on the Thai islands, so we have to make the most of it! We rallied as much as we could but the full moon party really destroyed us, and I felt that we were on the same wavelength the entire time. We complemented each other well and I'm so happy that I was able to experience Southern Thailand and parts of Cambodia with you! Until next time, Tharmy! LOVE YA!
Dan & Esben-
Dan, I remember when we first met at the tourist information office while we were waiting to get on the bus to Koh Tao, and I had no idea that we would end up becoming so close and travel all of Southern Thailand together. Suffering through that awful bus ride to Koh Tao really forced us to get to know each other and get close super quick. I also remember thinking that it was awesome that you were traveling solo and had no plans like me, which made it possible for us to hang out and travel together. We shared some pretty awesome memories together but one of my favorites was when we were on Koh Phi Phi. We were just walking up and down through the yellow brick road on the island and just chatting away until we decided to sit down and chill near the ferry dock. It was you, Esben, Stephanie, Tharmitha, and myself and I just remember thinking how awesome it was that we were all from different countries and solo travelers. I really felt like I was in a movie because I never thought that I would have met such amazing people and been able to bond with them so quickly. The whole night we talked about everything that was on our minds, and we all had a lot on our mind. It was the beginning or middle of everyone's trip so we could reflect on some things that have happened and also think of whats to come next. I really wish you could have traveled with us more, but I will always cherish our moments that we had together and I know that we will see each other again in the future!
I also have one of my favorite moments with you, Esben, while we were on Koh Phi Phi. We met on Koh Tao but we ended up being in Koh Phi Phi at the same time as well, which worked out perfectly! Esben, you're one hell of a guy and you really showed me how to go with the flow and not care about what other people think. You are such a free spirit and you're positive and adventurous attitude is contagious. I just really loved your presence because you made everything so fun and crazy with your spontaneous attitude. You were always down for whatever came your way and you taught me so much. You really helped me come out of my shell in the beginning of the trip and I vividly remember sitting at the ferry dock with you and talking with you and everyone else about our trips. You had already done a lot of traveling before us so I was asking you for all the tips and tricks, and your carefree outlook on the trip made me realize that its a good thing that I have no itinerary. The only two things I had booked before the trip was a ferry to Koh Tao and a flight from Krabi, neither of which I got on and I'm so happy I did because i never would have met you or probably anyone else on the trip. Everything happens for a reason, and I'm so happy I was able to meet you. Thank you Esben!!!
Parker-
Ahhh Parker you were my frat bro, cali kid, Chang train buddy and I'm so happy that we traveled so much together and had some awesome experiences. I remember meeting you and all you were wearing was either UCSB or other California attire and I thought it was the funniest thing ever. Did you go to school in California or something?! We had some pretty fun times together but a few of my favorites are when we were in Kampot. This is where we had some time to take a break from the Chang train and get to know each other a little better. I remember I was so in love with your music taste and we were just jamming out listening to Client Liason and chatting about our trip. I also remember you telling me about your motorbike crash in Pai and how your foot got all messed up. I shouldn't have laughed at your foot because little did I know that I would end up getting in a crash and have a gnarly wound just like you! I will never forget our motorbike ride up to Dalat when we had one breakdown after another. Remember when my motorbike broke down in the mountains and we befriended all these local kids? Yeah, that was probably one of my favorite moments in Vietnam and you were there with me drinking a beer while my bike was getting fixed. I loved that you were always down to do anything and that we could bond about California together. Thanks for an amazing experience and I will see you in Colorado. Fuck yeah!
Rachel & David-
Where do I even begin with you two?! I think it's necessary to thank the Mad Monkey pool in Siem Reap for bringing us together because if we hadn't met then my trip would have been completely different. We essentially traveled all of Southeast Asia together. I'm so happy that I broke the ice by saying "get in the pool, its not that cold" because that was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. I remember thinking that you guys were the hottest couple (lol) and that it was so nice that you were traveling together. After getting to know you guys a little bit more I soon found out that was not the case! We've shared SO many experiences together and I truly can't even begin to describe how much of an impact both of you had on me. First off, Rachel!
Rachel I can't even begin to describe how lucky I feel to have met you. We instantly connected after we met in Siem Reap and our friendship kept on growing throughout the entire trip. I wish I could write about every awesome moment we had but we had way too many, however, I would like to highlight one of my favorites when we were in Chiang Mai together. After we parted our ways in Vietnam I didn't think that I would see you again and when I saw your face at the hostel in Chiang Mai I was filled with joy. I'm so happy that I was able to share the experience of the Loy Krathong festival together because that it truly a once in a lifetime experience. Even though you can go back and participate in the festival again, you cant recreate the way you feel at a certain moment. I felt a feeling of pure happiness and relief when I let go of that lantern in the sky. I wanted to share that moment with people I care about and I'm so beyond happy that you were there. You always made me feel so good about myself with your amazing outlook on life. You're positive energy radiates and I honestly cant believe that I met such an amazing girl at some pool at a hostel. Who would've thought that we would've shared so many crazy stories together? Another moment that I remember so perfectly was right after we got our motorbikes and were driving to Mui Ne in the middle of a thunderstorm. We were in way over our heads and when we were sitting at that restaurant on the side of the road when that guy got into the motorbike accident I knew that we were in for a crazy journey. Honestly thank god you're an EMT because you probably saved my foot from falling off after I got into my accident. Also thank you so much for letting me use all your neosporin to heal my wounds. I still owe you a bottle! I know that we will forever stay friends and you're ALWAYS welcome in California or Colorado (wherever I am)! You're going so so far in life and I know you will continue to live your life with adventure and excitement like you did in Southeast Asia. Never stop exploring! See ya on the flip side ;)
Ahh David, where do I even begin with you?! We literally are like two grapes in a wine bottle. Two brunch bitches at an avocado cafe. Two wanderers in search of an adventure. Let me first start off by saying that you made this trip come alive. You're energy is electric and you always seized every opportunity to explore, eat crazy foods, and take that extra step everyone else was afraid to. I can't imagine this trip without you, and we've shared the best moments of my life together. I honestly never thought that I would meet such an amazing, genuine, and just FUN dude at some hostel in Cambodia. You're such a special person and I know that you'll succeed at anything you do because of our incredible outlook on life and your fun loving personality. You will always have a special place in my heart after the experiences we had these past few months. I just think it's crazy because if I decided to get on my flight to Bangkok instead of Siem Reap we would never have met. Everything happens for a reason and I'm so happy that we connected and shared such a crazy adventure together. We could honestly talk for hours and it never got boring and there was always meaning in our conversations. I swear every time we talked I had some sort of realization about myself or about life in general. We had so many amazing conversations and experiences together, but some of my favorites are...
When we were on the beach in Koh Rong Samloem just hanging and listening to music. Honestly I felt like I was in a movie because I couldn't believe that it was reality. It was one of those moments when I thought "this is way too good to be true" but it was happening right in front of me. The moonlight glimmering off the waves and the plankton glowing in the water. Even today it seems like a dream, but it was real. I remember we were just talking about everything that was on our minds and that was one of the first moments that we opened up to each other. I will always remember when the song "Electric" started playing and we both exclaimed that we loved that song. Now I will forever associate that song with that moment. I just felt so at peace and calm. Everything will be alright, just chill and go with the flow. A significant lesson I learned from this trip is to live my life like water, and just be free. My biggest downfall is that I'm impatient and I hate the unknown, however, after my experience in Southeast Asia my method to deal with my impatience is to live like water. Maybe live like the waves crashing on the beach in Koh Rong Samloem? Yeah why not?!
Another moment that I always will remember is when we were in Chiang Mai together at the night market. We just got some wine (naturally) and we talking about what's next in our lives. You're going to Hawaii and then Colorado (yay!), but what happens when you start traveling is that you start getting all these amazing ideas of new travel plans like going to Australia. I remember you were asking me about what I thought what is the best idea and my response was actually a lesson for myself as well. One day at a time. You can't do everything at once and even though we may feel this rush to see the world there is still so much time. Everything in moderation and when the time comes, it will come! I vividly remember when I said, "I don't know whats next in my life to be honest. If it's living in California or Colorado, or whatever opportunity arises when I go home. But what I do know, is that trip has prepared me for whatever life throws at me." Being fortunate enough to come to this part of the world and been put in sticky situations has prepared me for literally anything. I feel so much more grounded and ready for adult life and it's also because of you since we shared those experiences together. Getting stuck in the mountains in Dalat when my bike broke down, riding the bamboo train in Battambang, eating so much street food, and jamming out to funky music and drinking wine. There have been some big and crazy moments we've shared but I loved the little ones as well.
I'll highlight one more (of many) great times I had with you. So remember when we were in Hanoi and we were going to get Indian food, but then spontaneously decided to drink snake blood?! That was one hell of an experience watching a live cobra get its heart cut out and then taking a shot of its blood. The vodka helped dilute the blood, but it was still an odd sensation and I'm happy we had that experience together. You and I are the best travel buddies ever and I still cant believe that it all began poolside. IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW! Be like water, be like the mad monkey pool, and just go with the flow. I'm so happy that we met and shared these experiences together, but I'm even happier that you're coming to Colorado. I can't wait to show you around and see you again! Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience... until next time, Tarzan!
Wow, that was a lot. As I'm sitting at some cheap little hostel in Bangkok writing about all my memories with the people I've met throughout my journey I've finally had time to sit down, reflect, and realize all the amazing things I've accomplished throughout my time here in Southeast Asia. Although it's sad that my time here is almost over, I'm definitely ready to come home. I'm ready to start my own professional young adult life in Denver. I know that I want to work in international education, but I also know that I want to be in Denver for at least a few years. I wouldn't have been able to achieve what I did throughout this trip without these amazing people by my side. Thank you so much to everyone that I met on this journey because it was YOU that made it an unforgettable experience.
I chose this song because I've created some of the best friendships during my time in Southeast Asia, and I truly believe that these types of relationships are unique and unbreakable.
Although its time for me to head home in a week I will always cherish the experiences and memories that I've had throughout my time in Southeast Asia. It's all because of the amazing people I met, so I would like to thank everyone again for making my time here so awesome. Where will Conor go next? Australia? South America? I have no idea, but until then its time to start adding places and experiences to that wanderlist!