That's a wrap!

"Come from where?" "Canada." "Oh Canada, that's in Europe?" "No, North America." "Oh, close to Denmark?" "Ah, nope, close to the United States." "Oh, and Denmark?" "Ah, no, just on top of the U.S., Canada then United States." "Oh, and where is Denmark." "Across the ocean, in Europe." "Oh, but Canada is not in Europe?" "No, it's in North America ... " And around and around we go. I love these random conversations with strangers. I also love contemplating these random things, like why Donald Duck is a guardian spirit of this Chinese Temple ... Can we ever really know the answer to that? I had a really relaxing time on Pulau Pangkor with great hosts at the Ombak Inn. It's was a losing battle with the monkeys, but it kept me on my toes if nothing else. I'm glad I took a few days on the beach before going home. Back to Bangkok for my flight meant another overnight in Georgetown and a 24 hour cross the border train ride. In Georgetown I met Anna from Spain. Thirty-eight years old and out on her own. She found me sitting alone in the Hong Kong Bar, and asked if she could join me. It was great to talk to another woman about politics, love and travelling alone. She said that she often feels other travellers treat her like there is something wrong with her and that she is alone because she HAS to be alone. She agreed that there are hardly any lone women, our age, on the trail. Listening to her, I wondered if I ever felt the same way from other travellers, and I realized that maybe I do at times. I know I often say to myself, "why do you have to be so weird? Why can't you just act more normal?" But what does that mean? I really don't think I am that weird ... I think I'm just okay doing my own thing. Which usually makes me a loner, and probably weird in other people's eyes. And as a woman you stand out. That's it. You do. It has been amazing for my confidence to find that ability within myself to just be okay with being alone and having people stare at me. All the time. It's like Korea all over again. But now I'm older. And weirder. This experience has been tough at times, but also very powerful. I feel joyful, and I feel like myself. I am extremely grateful to have had these weeks to myself, to listen to my own heart and act accordingly. What a luxury! Now I'm relaxing in Bangkok. Although I complain about Bangkok, there is a strange charm that makes staying frustratingly enjoyable. I have to admit I love filling up on succulent street meat, crispy spring rolls and tangy papaya salad, love getting beat into alignment  in a massage parlour and love sipping on cold mugs of Singha beer served over ice. This afternoon I accomplished all of the above. Sigh. Tomorrow I fly to Manila. It's been kinda crazy ... One night Georgetown Malaysia, a night on the train, a night in Thailand, a night in the Philippines and then a day in Vancouver before arriving home. So much moving and travelling. What a trip it's been! Wonderful! I'm so lucky! xo