Ko Mak Daddy and Bangkok by Bus

We're in crazy Bangkok on our final night in SE Asia, and reminiscing about our travels here....

After leaving Cambodia, we made our way back to Thailand. It was a relief in a way to leave the hardships of Cambodia behind. Even until the last moment, people were begging for money while shoving cartons of cigarettes in our faces. These interactions are exhausting to me, as I never quite understand how to react. I want to be civil and yet any acknowledgment feeds the cycle more and more. I want to give something, but this too encourages that begging works. There's no simple answer, and I again am reminded to be thankful for all the opportunities and blessings in my own life.

The fat ride of Sunset Bungalow

We spent our last few days in SE Asia on a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, called Ko Mak. It happened to be a Buddhist Holiday, so the islands were full of Thais vacationing. Ko Mak is another beautiful island with white sand beaches and palm trees hanging over the sea. We stayed in a hip budget bungalow spot called Sunset Bungalows. Unfortunately, the coral around the island has been destroyed, so the snorkeling wasn't too good. But more than anything, we simply wanted a place to relax. It seems that traveling so much has worn us out, although we have a very warped sense of responsibility these days. We started to think about how it feels to go to work everyday, wake up every morning to an alarm clock, and decided we shouldn't feel overwhelmed by a few long travel days.

Our final bungalow in Thailand

The rest of the story is pretty boring... we just sat around each day reading our books on the beach. We swam when we got hot, and drank Beer Chang when we got thirsty. We did find one of the coolest rope swings of all time, though.

"The bomb" rope swing

Our last night in Thailand is in Bangkok. We're staying on Khao San Road, which happens to be one of the busiest, loudest tourist traps in the world (I personally hate it). Luckily, we came on a day when there is no drinking allowed, because there are elections here. I guess they don't want people to vote under the influence. It makes for a quiet evening, as far as Khao San goes.

Hectic Khao San Road

Off to the literally greener pastures of New Zealand tomorrow.

Erin