Today marks our last day in south east Asia, in Bangkok, Thailand specifically, where we’ve been the last two weeks sorting out our visa and travel arrangements to go to India.
I think I speak for both me and jft when I say we are feeling a little morose about leaving south east Asia behind. We’ve enjoyed our time here more than we could have imagined. Thailand, in particular, has become like a second home. We did spend more than two months in the land of smiles, afterall. We will sorely miss all the easily accessible and delicious street food, exploring night markets and sois to see what vendors are cooking up, quick as lightening before our eyes.
Last night we met with a friend of mine from the University of Waterloo, who has been living in Bangkok for the last three years, but has plans to return to Canada with his Thai wife. We all acknowledged that the quality of Thai food, and finding truly painful spicy Thai food won’t be easy back in Toronto, or perhaps anywhere in North America, unless we argue with restaurant owners to let us have our way. We were also feeling quite dejected at the prospect of none of Thailand’s mouth watering fresh fruit. Although we haven’t figured out what’s in seasons when, it doesn’t matter, because something juicy and delicious is always in season, and that’s all that matters when it comes to quenching your thirst with Thailand’s variety and tasty fresh fruit.
I admittedly have some butterflies in my stomach about our next destination. I’ve been dreaming of going to India for more than a decade, and I am feeling both excited and unsure of myself as I take my last few steps in Thailand, onto a plane that will deliver me into my dream, starting in Mumbai. Will India be waiting with open arms, or have I just built up my desire to go there into a dream that can’t be fulfilled?
I am feeling both trepidation and delirium at the prospect of finding out.
For now, thank you Thailand and the rest of south east Asia for showing me your beauty, your simplicity and complications; for hardening my stomach and loosening my stride, for welcoming me and for taking care of me and my husband while we discovered joy, plenty of love, and definitely lots of laughter in your humid and verdant countries.
Renee,
I remember several years ago when you asked me if I would take you on a trip to India. My answer must have been like “are you crazy?”. Well, so many years later, here I am, thru you, in my journey to India, and I can’t wait until I discover more.
I also rememner when, long time ago, i came to Canada. I had read so much about Niagara Falls that in my mind i had created such a gigantic visions, such high expectations that when i saw the falls for the first time, i was disappointed, they didn’t meet the expectations that i had created in my dreams.
For you, the fact is that you are now in India, regadless if India will meet your expectaions or mot, it really doesn’t matter, it will be a life chnaging experience, and your dream will be fulfilled.
Always remember, a man (Woman) without dreams has nothing.
Love,