Last updated on December 20, 2010 by Shannon
The time has come,’ the Walrus said,
`To talk of many things:
Of shoes — and ships — and sealing-wax —
Of cabbages — and kings —
And why the sea is boiling hot —
And whether pigs have wings.’
This fragment of a Lewis Carroll poem wandered into my wayward thoughts as I sat down to write tonight; I often quote these lines to my niece and nephew when they spout nonsense…
… but worry not, I’ll keep away from nonsense and instead note that my travel plans, like the winds of the world, have changed direction.
Several months ago I was giddy at the thought of heading to the Middle East and traveling through Syria, Israel, and Turkey with a couple of fellow travel bloggers—we hatched the plan over beers but all were serious about seeing if we could make it work.
Although I have been talking about settling in somewhere since last March, it didn’t take much convincing to forgo that notion for new travel plans.
And then plans changed, and I find myself confounded by the fact that the very first plan I hatched up during my sad travel fatigue session in Guatemala last April is finally coming to fruition.
The New Travel Plan
My plane sets sail for to live in Thailand starting in mid-January (mixed metaphor, I know) and I am pleased as punch with this development.
Actually, I’m content, excited, and enthused in a way I haven’t been in ages.
Thailand was the very first location that floated into my consciousness when I dreamed about an ideal location to both relax and work.
I instantly connected with the promise of a vibrant expat community and delicious (cheap) Thai food.
And then for some reason I moved to Bali instead.
Don’t get me wrong, Bali’s character, culture and charisma stunned me. The smiling locals, the fragrant frangipani wafting up from the dozens of nearby offerings—all experiences and memories were measured and logged, recorded and remembered.
I enjoyed Bali.
I will go back to Bali one day for a bit longer than the mere two weeks I spent this past fall.
But Southeast Asia is alluring in a way I simply can’t name or number…
So why all of these sudden changes?
I am constantly amazed by my ability to embrace rapid change and planlessness in a way that is so not a pre-travel Shannon character trait. I still battle twinges of doubt and resistance every time a new idea pushes forward and an old one is abandoned, but split second decisions and the unpredictable nature of perpetual motion altered me at a core level. As long as I have the promise of an internet connection, sure, why not, let’s go!
I chalk this change up to an inherent attachment to certainty that we all crave, and conversely don’t crave at the same time. I want a plan. I want a bit of consistency. And yet I thrive on last minute decisions and the adrenaline rush that comes from rapid travel adjustments and a general “unknown” lying endlessly in front of me.
Another way to say all of this: I don’t know what the heck I’m doing with myself half of the time!
I follow whims, so when I announce new “plans,” I use the term “plan” pretty loosely :-)
So now I get the certainty of settling in Thailand with the uncertainty of making and breaking that decision for the past eight months.
It’s to Thailand with me on January 14th for near certainty (the plane ticket has been purchased!). And as much as any plan of mine actually forms fully into fruition, I am setting my sites on Chiang Mai for the next five months-ish.
And in my Asia daydreams I am most looking forward to:
Mangosteen and rambutan—two delicious Asian fruits that will make up the cornerstone of my breakfasts.
Fragrant foods in plenitude from chatty street vendors.
Community and friends already living in the region as expats.
Culture and temples; I’ve been away from Asia too long, since I’m far from being “templed out.”
Hikes, mountains, tigers, animals, adventure.
People and places, new sites and smells.
Simply put, I’m excited.
Are you also in Thailand? Going to be in Thailand? Love Thailand? Have a great “that one time in Thailand story?” Do share! :-)
Ok – just one more time – go to the SIMILAN ISLANDS!!!!!!! (The bus ride down was my creepiest experience in Thailand but completely worth it. :D)
Lol! Duly noted, I will definitely add the Similans to my “must see” list in
Thailand :)
Awesome picture. I’d love to spend a couple of hours sitting on a bluff and taking that view in!
Thanks Spencer, it was shot in India during my hike to the top of a huge hill with a Krishna temple at the top and 360 panorama views! :-)
Hooray for Thailand! We’ve been in Chiang Mai for the last month and have loved it here! We’re staying here until mid Feb so we’ll be able to bump into each other :-)
That’s perfect! Our times should overlap if all goes as planned, pretty sure I am heading straight to CM when I get to Thailand we can hunt down some yummy food and swap stories :)
See you Thailand then? Yeah? :)
Yes, yes, absolutely! Can’t wait to catch up with you and Steph :-) Oh the fun we will have!
well, I certainly wish you’d have stuck with the Middle East, so I could have run into you there, but suppose I will wait for the in-person introduction until Tbex. Then…. trains…. ;)
That would have been great – but we’ll have to make sure to grab a beer one night during TBEX! :-)
Been to Thailand, loved it, want some more of it. Heard awesome things about Chiang Mai. Go and enjoy!
Like you, I’ve been to Thailand but not CM – with all of the current expats there though it sounds like too much fun to miss :) Any plans to head back to SEA?
Congratulations with our change of plans! I am looking forward to reading about your adventures in Thailand. I have never been to Thailand, but my ex-housemate spent quite some time in Chiang Mai. It sounds lovely.
I have travelled in south-east Azia and got addicted to mangosteens and can imagine them having for breakfast very well. It’s such a shame they’re not for sale in Europe…
Anyway, enjoy! :)
Thank you so much for the moral support Maria! I’m looking forward to blogging about Thailand. Like you, I’m sad that the mangosteens can’t leave the region…something to do with the plant diseases they carry, but I have literally never seen them exported to other regions :( Guess that’s one way SEA keeps us coming back for more! lol :)
Hooooray! I may just have to join you. ;)
Really?! Come to Asia and play Candice, that would be excellent! :-)
This was my plan before my plans changed and I bought a ticket for Australia instead! So I know how you feel :) Can’t wait to hear how you enjoy it–it sounds like an amazing place to spend some time!
Have the best time!!!!!! Everyone is in Thailand it seems.
Thanks Andi! It is strangely popular right now…I’m taking it as a sign though that I should be there too! :)
Plans changes the most important thing is that you’re happy with your decision. Plus Thailand is beautiful. I heard so many beautiful things about it. Who doesn’t like Thai food and temples right? And I’m sure Middle East will still come around. It just mean more traveling for you in the future and more fun! Good luck with your 2011 travel plan, I’m looking forward to your adventures.
I second that, change your plans as much as you like as long as you’re happy with your decision. The worst thing ever is to stick with something you no longer want.
You’ll love it in Thailand!
Thanks Sofia! It feels really right for me right now so I’m glad I am just following my gut and heading to Asia – from your enthusiasm for Thailand it sounds like you jived with the country too! :)
Thanks so much for your thoughts Sarah. As you said, it’s not like the Mid East is going anywhere and I have no doubt the opportunity will arise again. Good luck in 2011 for you as well – do you have any fun travel plans lined up?
You’re going to have a good time here in Thailand! There’s no shortage of social opportunities and things to do around here.
Thanks Kyle! I have been following all of your fun adventures as #TeamCM and am looking forward to joining the community…even though you two will be on your way outta there :( We’ll have to try and catch up at some point though :)
Thailand, and especially Chiang Mai, is becoming travel blogger central! Seems to be where many people find the energy to recharge their batteries :)
It’s crazy how many bloggers are ending up there, but I figure that
many people can’t be wrong! Any Thailand in your future plans? ;-)
Seems like everyone’s plans are changing! I too used to be really set in my ways and am really embracing my new ability to make these split second decisions. Besides you can’t go wrong with Thailand!
I love that you are staying in South America – knowing how much you love it, and raves from @unmarket and others, has inched S. America higher on my list of travel wants. Cheers to us for doing what feels right! :-)
Hey!
I’m planning to finally get to Thailand sometime in February I think. Too bad about the Middle East – it’s such a cool, fascinating place, but it’ll likely still be there later on.
See you in Thailand? :)
Brilliant! Thailand it is then :-) I will make it to the Middle East at
some point, but apparently the travel gods decided now is the time for us
travel bloggers to converge on Thailand, great that you’ll be coming too, I
had no idea :)
First, my apologies for messing up the Middle East plans, although it seems that this is working out quite well in the end of course :) So, hooray for Thailand!
Looks like I’m headed to Australia for the month of January but should be back in Thailand right after. And the community here in Chiang Mai is so wonderful. I haven’t had this kind of community in such a long time so I have no doubt you’re going to love every minute as well!
Oh gosh Earl, that is so not something you need to apologize for! More
than anything, it’s interesting now my first plan is so right. I need
to recharge and the Mid East would have been more traveling and
pepetual motion, so this is perfect :)
Yay for Australia and double yay that you’ll be heading back to
Thailand! The Trio of Champions will reunite and we’ll have to do some
more brilliant beer brainstorming :)
Trio of Champions, FTW! Very happy to see you’re heading to Thailand and looking forward to catching up over a bowl of khao soi.
Ahh, the amount of Thai food we will consume is going to be *epic!*