THAILAND, unpacked

THAILAND has always been my dream trip. I can remember googling, "most beautiful places in the world," and "where can you interact with elephants," Thailand was a repeated result. I knew this was one place I had to visit in my lifetime. Going never actually seemed like an option though because, HOW?! I was always intimidated by the distance, cost and my busy work and school schedule.  As mentioned in my last post, Mexico ignited my wanderlust   yet again, and after that trip I knew I had to start seeing the world sooner than later.  Within days of returning, I put a deposit on a 12 day trip through Thailand. After five months of planning, worrying, and of course excitement, I left North America for the first time and explored Bangkok, Koh Samui, Khao Sok, Krabi, the Phi Phi Islands and Chiang Mai, yes all in 12 days! 

Bangkok was big and busy and reminded me of New York City.  We visited the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. I enjoyed learning about Buddhism and  Thai culture from our great tour guide.   We travelled south to Koh Samui for a few days and although it was raining and cloudy, it was still easy to find 

beauty in the island.  Next was one night in Khao Sok.  I was pleasantly surprised ​with what this natural reserve had to offer. There were beautiful mountains and rainforest everywhere and while on our canoeing trip, monkeys came up to us and said hi! I was a bit nervous, because they were very close and have been known to snatch cameras and other belongings away from tourists.  It was definitely a highlight.  From Khao Sok, we travelled to Krabi, a resort town on the Andaman coast.  There, I tried sea kayaking and went on a two day island hopping tour, where we visited over 10 islands! I could not believe what I had spent years looking at online was finally in front of me! The sights were unreal.  Everything could have ended right then, and I would have been content, but the next stop on my tour was truly the best thing I have ever done.  In Chiang Mai, I spent a day touring and sightseeing.  My hostel was steps away from the Night Baazar, which was full of vendors, food and entertainment.  The next morning, I headed off on a two day , overnight stay at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.  I got to interact with over TWENTY different rescued elephants, who had survived working in the harsh tourism industry in Thailand.  I have never felt more at peace, totally disconnected from the world, lounging and playing with these beautiful creatures.  I hope to write a separate more in depth post on this experience.  There is so much to say! My trip to THAILAND was life altering to say the least.  I tried so many new things and learned a great deal, about myself included.  Stay tuned for whats up next!