I'm a little nervous about going to another country where a foreign language is spoken. The only other country I have been to is Canada, but that really doesn't count. What if no one understands English? What if they point and laugh when they see me? What if I don't even make it to my hotel room and end up living on the streets of Bangkok selling crappy jewelry and crafts that I have fashioned using bits and pieces of my clothes and backpack? Well, I doubt that will happen. From what I gather, english is widespread and Bangkok is filled with tourists.....so I should be fine. Also, I read that pale skin is admired and revered in most Southeast Asian countries, therefore I will most likely be viewed as the most attractive man on the planet due to my extremely pasty, ghostlike skin. Finally, my Irish and Scottish genes are coming in handy. I knew the day would come. But seriously, although I am anxious about the whole trip, I'm mostly I'm feeling hopeful and optimistic that this experience will be an amazing adventure that is a once in a lifetime opportunity to grow as a person and gain a real perspective on life and what is really important.
For people curious about the trip, I am traveling with a Intrepid Travel for about a month through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. You can find out all the details here. The tour ends in Bangkok at which point I plan to travel in Thailand, but I have yet to make any specific plans. Armed with my copy of Lonely Planet Thailand, an abundance of Baht and plenty of sunscreen and bug reppellent, I will roam around the country for a few weeks until I run out of money or get bored. My bet is on the former.That's it for now, I have to finish up packing. Please Leave comments so that I can feel good about myself that people actually read my blog. The next time I post I will be halfway around the world....
15 comments:
have a fun and safe trip pat! you should feel better now, since i left you this msg. ha. ;)
Update this when ever you can. even if its short im sure mom will be glad to hear it.
Hey patrick! its great what you do, wish i could gowith you! looking forward to the pics & your stories! have as much fun as we had this summer in chicago!
hugs from munich!*
Patrick, this is excellent. What a wonderful way to tell us about your trip. I know you'll have a fantastic adventure!
Love, Mom
Good Luck Patrick! Be safe! If you get caught in guerrilla warfare and get taken hostage, just update you're blog :) Have a great time.
We're tracking your flight with Google Earth. Looks like you're halfway there. From jumping out of airplanes (hopefully not the one you're in now) to traveling to Thailand for 6 weeks, there's nothing you can't do. Except maybe eat the stir-fried bats or birds nest soup from the sidewalk food vendors in Bangkok. We're looking forward to some great photos of Thailand.
Hi Patrick! I'm so glad you included me in this blog. I'll be checking it a lot and following your adventures and wishing I was over there on that side of the world again. How exciting. Can't wait to see some pics. You're probably jet lagged so try to get some rest before the group arrives.
Have lots of fun!
we saw your plane land using a plug-in for google earth. we were a bit worried when for about three hours it looked as if your plane went into the ocean. but then a few thousand miles it poped out. we figured the japenese would have submerine planes.
Hi Patrick - Have a great trip! You're on your way to some great adventures - can't wait to read about them on this cool blog. :-)
Margaret
There was a explosion in bangkok as i am sure you know but we all hope there wont be anymore violence here is a link to the story for all who dont know about it http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6221177.stm
Happy New Year Pat! Stay away from the local prostitutes.
hey pat. heard bout the explosion. hope ur safe in bangkok... drop us a msg so we know back here.
you have nothing to worry about, pat...they'll love you there...i mean..come on..just look at you...handsome and gorgeous at ANY time..ANY where...=D ENJOY your trip pat..i KNow it's gonna be AWESOME!
Patrick!!! Hope you had a safe New Years in Thailand and hopefully you will update your trip antics soon so everyone can make sure you are keeping out of trouble.
Dear Patrick,
What a wonderful record of your experiences! I love the sense of having an "ear to the ground" and a feel for everyday life via your postings. I wish I could have blogged when I went to Japan with my dad (let's just say, ...many years ago). My journaling felt boring and I felt stuck in my own head, when actually, that trip was an incredible event in my life. Your blog is animated and fresh! Blah, blah,....well, I look forward to reading about the rest of your adventure!! And congratulations on your graduation!
Liz (Teddy's mom)
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