Traveling...

This entry is a little rushed as I hurry to post it before I leave the very reliable internet of the President Solitaire Hotel in Bangkok. But, before we get to Thailand, I want to catch you up on my journey here.

I spent about one week road tripping through Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona and New Mexico. I stayed with friends and family along the way and it was great to have some time to catch up with folks before making my trans-Pacific voyage. It also felt appropriate to cap off my experience in the states with a quintessential road trip.  

See you later, Mt. Rainier!

The first day of the trip was short. I finished cleaning my apartment, packing my car and then even had time for a few errands (passport photos!) before the trip to Tacoma. 

It felt as if I had come full circle, spending my last night in Washington with some of my first friends in Seattle. 

Lindsay and I enjoy the best of gluten free beer + kombucha!

Night #2 was in Yreka, California. It was my only night in a hotel during the trip and my only night alone. I passed through Oregon in one single day!

The next day I visited with Grandma Lyle in Moraga, California. Grandma treated me to sushi and we got to have breakfast with Aunt Barbie and Terry the next day.

Moving steadily south on I-5 my next stop was in North Hollywood. Leslie Reunion!

Here we are at Laguna Beach.

 Grandma Lineback was next to open up her house and garage. This was a two day stop and I enjoyed beach time, cooking with Grandma and time with cousins Emma and Kirby and Aunt Tracy.

It was exciting to visit Flagstaff, my home during undergrad college years for a few nights. Amanda came up from Pheonix and I caught up with Ann-Marie and Emily (friends from play-group days). 

Northern Arizona University

It's easier to feel light-hearted after your degree is complete. 

Vrksasana in front of the Babbit Academic Annex, aka the Spanish building.

My home during undergrad years.

Hanging in downtown Flag!

Thank you Amanda for driving up to spend time with me!

Emily and Me at Charley's!

This used to be Cafe Espress, my employer during and just after college.

I finally arrived to Santa Fe where I spent about one week with family during which time I sold my faithful car, organized, organized and organized and finally whittled my life down to two suitcases and two carry-ons. This is not an easy task and certainly more challenging than fitting things into a car. My family was very patient as I worked through this process. 

Jayleen helps me pack. Here we are weighing my bag.

The trip across the Pacific is long, but Cathay is a lovely airline to travel with and everything went smoothly. I recommend them if you are thinking of visiting. J

I’ve spent the last few days in Bangkok and I’ve been absolutely delighted with this city. I haven’t done any major sight-seeing, but I’ve wandered around a lot, eaten real Thai food and met my cohort of new teachers. There are 18 of us newbies, mostly from the United States. I did walk to and around Lumphini Park.

I'm getting fancy...trying a video here...

The food!

Phad Thai

Fresh Rolls

Green curry with rice noodles and TWO kinds of Thai eggplant

Yesterday was a big day – we woke up early to fill our work visa paperwork and then made the trip to the Myanmar embassy. After two hours of waiting in line our visas were granted. Note: even tourists to Myanmar need to apply for a visa, stopping by this embassy or another one.

Our next stop was registering at the hospital. The Bumrungrad hospital is one of the best in the world and the building is big and modern, even boasting a Starbucks on the registration floor. Now that we are in their system it will be easier when we come back for any appointments. The staff was super-friendly and spoke great English.

On the way to the hospital we got caught in a rainstorm. The rain here is warm and comes down hard – definitely a monsoon style – very different than most precipitation in Seattle (Dad, the weather updates here will primarily be for you. J).  

Today we pack up and make the short flight to Yangon. As I transition into Myanmar internet may be spotty, so please be patient. I promise to update you again soon!

The best road tripping songs that I found on my iPod were: Bright Eyes – Another Travelin’ Song and Road to Joy, Geographer – The Myth of Youth, Nacho Vegas – El Camino, Conor Oberst – Sausalito, First Aid Kit – King of the World, Xoel López – Buenos Aires, Campfire OK – New Tradition. What would you add?

What I’m Reading: A Tale for the Time Being – Ruth Ozeki