I am in Thailand!!!

Thailand and travelling around south east Asia has been on my `bucket list`so to speak for almost five years. I have been dreaming about simply backpacking, experiencing the culture, the people, exploring the countries and most of all my inner self. It has been a dream of mine that I constantly postponed for a great new job, invaluable experience, my relationship and other things that presented themselves and were a part of my life.

At the end of 2014 almost every element of my environment fell apart and I gave up around me...my job, my relationship, the place I called home for three years (Tanzania) and my friends. It was an abrupt decision of note but I had to take the risk. It was a now or never moment...I literally resigned two weeks before my flight out to the UK.

Fast forward three and a half months spent in the UK with my sister, brother-in-law and their beautiful little dumplings and I find myself standing in the queue to board the plane to Thailand. After months of planning and researching I was finally on my way..yet I am thinking what the fudge are you doing? Keeping in mind I am a person quick to panic out of my comfort zone and when security in all forms is not 100% guaranteed. So yes, my body was experiencing a small panic moment filled with fear. But I just kept reminding myself that this was happening and I needed to do it. And of course I was not the only person on earth who ever did backpacking in Asia...it was quite normal and everything would work out!

After 14 hours of travelling and losing 7 hours due to time difference the plane touched down and my world changed. I AM IN THAILAND!!! After five years I am finally here. I just couldn't grasp my new reality. It felt beyond surreal. My probably looked like a star  and I could not keep the grin off my face...I had a little giggle too about how ridiculous I felt the day before having a little freak out.

After a few hours I arrived at my friends place just outside Bangkok and regrouped..something I love to do just to make sure I am still a touch in control of my situation, environment and life.I felt amazing. I felt so happy and just could not believe I had done it....after all these years I AM IN THAILAND!!!

My first night out in Bangkok with my friend was incredible. We took the BTS Sky Train, used motorbike taxis, I learnt how to say our address in Thai, I took loads of pictures of the area (my delight) and explored some of the city. We had dinner at a restaurant called Condoms and Cabbages...yes true story. I was expecting a slightly porno vibe with a name like that and was almost proven right when we walked in and I saw people made out of condoms. From head to toe all the features are created using condoms. But It was quite arty and very creative.

The restaurant is actually tied in with a NGO and educating on safe sex. It is in a beautiful setting with an abundance of stunning coloured lights, a Thai woman playing music creating a soft ambiance and dont get me started on the food. My first exposure to genuine Thai food was explosive...and I decided right then and there I love it. I love all of this around me.

My first day was brilliant, and I even though by the end of dinner and being awake for 35 hours I could barely keep my eyes open, and I felt in awe with so much gratitude that this was my new reality.

I AM IN THAILAND!!!