I forgot to tell you about the motorcycle ride we took last night around the base of the mountain that you’ve seen in many of my photos. I’ve spent little time on motorcycles and never at night but the temperature was perfect for taking the long way home, balmy and smooth like butter, and with no light pollution the sky was peppered with stars. Surreal and peaceful

This morning we found a lovely outdoor cafe on the walking street to enjoy a breakfast of rice soup followed by a motorcycle jaunt through the countryside, passing orchards of pink and white blossoming trees, networks of rice paddies with their sunken floors partitioned by berms that keep the water in and provide walking paths, new resorts, coconut and fruit trees, temples, small outdoor markets in the old town, and people going about their day.

After my second Thai massage this week (I loved that the practitioner gave Buddha a bow and silent prayer before beginning), we found lunch then headed to the tiny airport in Loei for my return to Bangkok on @AirAsia. Saying goodbye was bittersweet: this family has been incredibly generous in sharing their time, space, knowledge, circle of friends and family, and patience with me this week as they translated and fielded my relentless questions about this beautiful place, made sure we had fun, kept me fed, and laughed. How blessed are we for the gift of our friendship?

It’s not a great photo but was a beautiful building and it shows the rats nest of wires above. I don’t envy any line worker who has to tangle with that mess!
Shop selling offerings for the nearby temple
“No shoes inside” is the standard everywhere
From Loei to Bangkok

Bangkok has two major airports: BKK is the main one, and Don Mueang DMK is the other. I flew into DMK from Loei. The place is huge and the taxi queue is next level. With Bangkok as the major hub for the region and a stopover for many flights, this place has an almost New York thrum. With 70 people in the taxi “queue room”ahead of me, I prepared to wait awhile. But the system is efficient and moves along quickly and soon enough we were on our way.

Note, as is typical most places, do not accept rides from taxi drivers anywhere except the official taxi stand, particularly at airports. The official drivers have usually been vetted and do not want to risk losing a coveted spot for business. The others will rip you off.

Bangkok is so expansive that we drove an hour on the freeway and remained in city limits! After some “lost in translation“ moments I arrived at my hotel around 8pm then walked to an eatery down the street for some delish pad Thai.

Beautiful accommodations made up for the lack of elevator but the strapping young porter hoisted my 40# bag on his shoulder and sprinted up the stairs like he was being offered durian juice after crossing the desert.
Pad Thai in Bangkok

There are no words to adequately (and briefly because clearly I’ve written a lot of words already this week!) describe how sweet, robust, authentic, and unique this week has been and how grateful and blessed I am for the opportunity.

If we measured everything with this metric…💗

But wait! There’s more! Tomorrow begins the next leg of the adventure and I hope you’ll join me there as well. Details to come when I arrive.

Thanks again for being here. I so appreciate you choosing to spend your time with me.

From my heart to yours, thanks for being here 🙏🏽

Love, Wen


12 responses to “Last Day in Thailand 3/30/23”

  1. Lynnelle Avatar
    Lynnelle

    Oh, Wendy, it’s such a blast following your journey!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wen Avatar

      My heart is full of gratitude for your kind words 🙏🏽 I’m so glad you’re enjoying it too!

      Like

  2. Diana Robicheaw Avatar
    Diana Robicheaw

    Travel suits you, you look great – clearly your GDH is high! Can’t wait to see what is next!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wen Avatar

      🙏🏽🙏🏽😍

      Like

  3. hunbunx2 Avatar

    Wen…….I wait daily for your posts of beautiful descriptions of your travels …hanging on your every words and gorgeous pictures. Thank you for bringing me along with your many adventures. Can’t wait for “our” next stop!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wen Avatar

      I get goosebumps reading this, hunbunx2! I’m so glad you feel you are “here” too. That’s my goal. Thanks for your continued support and encouragement. 🙏🏽💖

      Like

  4. Janice Avatar
    Janice

    Can’t wait to hear what’s next. Your writings are so interesting. What an adventure.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wen Avatar

      Thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying them and appreciate your support! 🙏🏽

      Like

  5.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    Love reading your travel adventures and can’t wait to hear what’s next!! ✈❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wen Avatar

      Thank you!

      Like

  6. Heather Webster Avatar
    Heather Webster

    I love reading your travel adventures and can’t wait to find out where you’re heading next! ✈❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wen Avatar

      Thank you! So glad you’re here 🙏🏽

      Like

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