Present Moments

When you’re traveling solo there is something about waking up on your first morning to the sounds and sights of this “new world” that is mind boggling. I essentially solo-traveled to Thailand this past December for 3 weeks, but fortunately I had some connections there that seemed just too good to not take advantage of.

My first morning in Bangkok was seemed typical, I woke up, I wasn’t jet-lagged just yet, I was hungry, and frankly a little confused. I was on the 21st story of a very nice condominium in a rather convenient part of the city. My mom’s old grad school roommate Nong was allowing me to stay in this condo at no expense and had made sure that I was settled and safe after picking me up from the airport at 1AM.

It’s difficult to really understand how different yet how similar places so far apart can be until you are actually standing at your balcony looking out over an expansive city that keeps going with no end in sight. Nong was like the Thai mother I never knew I needed in my life. She introduced me to Thai culture, Thai food, the best ways to get around Bangkok and even got me tours of some of the great sights in the area.

Nong is a very successful business woman who has worked hard her entire life to be a strong independent woman. I have a wonderful mom here in South Dakota and Nong is the perfect Thai compliment to her. It was through Nong’s spirit and grace that I learned how superbly wonderful the Thais are. I have never met anyone so generous, caring, and motivated to make the most of her gifts as Nong. This local connection sealed me in, I will forever adore Thailand and the memories I have because of her and I can’t wait to go back.