This trip started very much in my comfort zone with a road trip in the US, then ventured all the way to Western Europe where I have backpacked many times before.
It's finally time to get out of my comfort zone. Istanbul was a soft landing with a friend/family/guide. Thailand will push the envelope further but not too far. After all . . . most signs are still in English. And the people are some of the most welcoming you'll ever meet. It's known as the land of the smiles and so far that has been a good description.
A friend who lived in Thailand once told me it was a "Choose Your Own Adventure Country." It can be anything you want it to be. He was right. My friend Melanie is joining me for the first week and a half I am this country.
So far we are choosing the high-octane, made-for-tourists version of Bankok and Chiang Mai. We'll swing through Cambodia before returning to Bangkok. Learning Spanish and checking the news have taken a back seat. I'll get the lazing on the beach in PhiPhi or Vegas-like nightlife in Pattaya versions of Thailand if I want them after she leaves.
Also, I updated my one political post. I don't like being embarrassed of my country.
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