Sure my Thailand trip was filled with crazy midnight tuk-tuk rides, still temple moments, quiet monks, food poisoning aka Tonsai Tummy, fire shows, slack lines, nicknames, scuba diving, climbing, brilliant sunsets, a crush, and late night Thai pancakes, but the mango sticky rice sweet spot was being present in the moment and being present with incredible people.
There was a scuba diving moment when CJ and I had sharks on either side of us, there was no cage, nothing to defend or protect us, just a GoPro, some corral, our instructor and miles of open water. A casual bike ride turned into an intimate moment where four of us explored a temple all to ourselves. A slight panic attack half way up rock climbing turned into a feeling of accomplishment and fearlessness. A tipped kayak produced moments of giggling, chanting Team America and killer GoPro footage. A simple dinner out spiraled into the most outlandish travel story I've ever experienced. An invitation to a stranger turned into a night of stargazing. A shroom shake gave someone the babbling super power to profess their love for the city of Austin for hours. HOURS. A game of connect four produced a competitive spirit in everyone that played. A French encounter turned into a hashtag and verb. One simple goodbye somehow turned into three beautiful goodbyes.
The wild souls that filled this trip with so much laughter and unbelievable memories....
Rachel - Having your contagious laugh be the soundtrack of the trip heightened every experience. You're a true friend with a pure heart and a forgiving spirit. May we share many more adventures, stories and laughs for years and years.
CJ - I wish I could clone you. Your honesty and loyalty are what I value most in our friendship. Every conversation we share, I walk away feeling renewed and valued. Thank you for accepting me just the way I am and for being so inspiring. Also thank you for not dropping me on our climbing expedition. To many more shark, shake and connect four experiences.
Lee - From Koh San Road to mimosas in Hermosa, we've shared quite a journey in just one year. I'm very grateful for our friendship road bump since it exposed your sincere loyalty. Your dedication to keep our friendship intact spoke volumes of love, love that I'll forever cherish.
Hannah - I've never met someone so intense yet kind, strong and beautiful, young but full of wisdom and experiences. I'm excited to follow your journey because it's filled with greatness.
Mr. Cobb - There's no way these words will ever find its way to you, but know that you deeply impacted our crew. Every task you were given, you went over and beyond to ensure our experiences were stellar. I can honestly say I've never met a more kind soul. This year, my wish, my lantern new year's wish is to be like you, a person that makes all those around them feel cherished.
Ash - How do I repay someone that gave me the best nickname ever? And why did it take this long for the universe to bring us together? I know this trip was just the beginning, to many more dance parties, frenchies, laughing while kicking our legs up in the air and shakes.
Oleg - An intimate conversation is the most beautiful gift someone can share with me. To have shared a handful with you on such limited interactions makes you a forever friend. Your perspective and kindness are powerful.
Samira - Your spunk and sass are hilarious! The Princess needed to be put in place time and time again, you did it brilliantly.
Maarten - Your stories and pictures of Africa along with talks of international music festivals made me rearrange my New Year's priorities and set my sights on different experiences. I'm so happy to have met you. Happy travels around the world!
Pontus - The love and concern that you have for your sister shines brighter than any of the constellations we observed. You are a rarity and I'm glad our paths crossed even if it was briefly. May they cross again in the near future.
Francois - Como sa va? I don't know if you are aware that kindness exudes from your eyes and heart. We were all enamored by your spirit.
Garren - Here's to wishing that life brings me to Austin so that I can properly experience the city and once again hear Ricky "yar" about life.
Orban, Rosa and Jack - thanks for making my last night in Thailand epic. The circle of trust was full force on the dance floor and as Mr & Mrs Johnson in the swimming pool.
O & R - your relationship and the way you two interact gives me hope and inspiration.
Jack - use those dimples son and continue dropping beats. Maybe I'll be your opener at a festival!
JoJo, Maxi, Ida, Max, Rittikeat and Kaew - thank you for being so friendly and welcoming!
From a moon bar night in Bangkok to buckets on Koh San Road, an illuminated sky in Chiang Mai and singing happy birthday, the longest taxi ride to Phuket, a sunburnt boat ride to Phi Phi and a monkey bite, to meeting the most incredible people in Tonsai. Kob Khun Ka, Thailand.
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