Southeast Asia 2023

This morning was an early morning, waking up at 4:00. I had mostly packed the night before, so I quietly gathered my things to not wake up my dormmates and brought everything into the lounge. I got ready, gathered my laundry that was drying, finished packing, and left the hostel at 4:30. Although it was 4:30am, I was already sweating. I was hoping for a break from the heat for my walk since it was so early, but I guess that's not going to happen. It was a 15min walk to the bus pickup point and I wanted to be early for the 5:00 pickup. When I got there, there were two other girls waiting, which is always a good sign. We waited until a van came and picked us up. The van was nice and air conditioned though.  It was a slow journey as we stopped several times along the way to pickup more people. Then we stopped for gas. Next we stopped to put air in the tires. Again we stopped at a bus terminal, but this was to get a customs slip. By 8:30, we reached the boarder. The line at the boarder...

Today I woke up at 6:00 to keep with my routine and get to the national park early. I quietly gathered my things and got ready in the lounge area of the hostel as to not disturb my dormmates. I journaled and did a quick 5min of yoga to wake up my mind and body. Once I was ready, I was out the door by 6:35.  On my way to the bus, I wanted to grab a quick breakfast. Not many shops were open yet, except for two street food stands. One had pancakes, so I got two to eat while I waited for bus. This was the perfect snack. I also stopped in 7/11 for some trail snacks and a coffee.  I waited for the bus. Which wasn't at a bus stop or even a sign. Just standing on the side of the road. But there was another man standing there too, so I figured it must be the right spot.  The bus came, and quickly went. Not even slowing down, let alone stopping. I watched it pass as I waved my arms in the air. I thought, I guess you have to wave the bus to get it here. Standing at the ...