Oz!

So, I'm now in Sydney and Parker has gone home after our trip in Thailand which was amazing! Parker is so chill and relaxed that he was the perfect person to travel with. We almost always wanted to do the same things so it worked out very well. We went on a few boat tours and explored several islands. It involved some of the most amazing snorkeling of my life. I ended up getting scared because of all of the fish that were swarming around me. I had to get back in the boat when I saw one poop right in front of me... It was really strange because we then made eye contact and I didn't know quite what to do.

Anyway, we never made it out of the airport in Bangkok because of the protests and violence going on there. We decided to stay in Phuket a bit longer instead which was a blast. We were able to celebrate "Songkran" which is the Thai New Year and it is honestly an all out water fight. There is a road that is kind of like 6th Street or New Orleans were the Farang engaged in a fierce water battle. Parker and I both made the mistake of wearing jeans that night which wasn't fun at all. The next day, we were able to celebrate with the Thais and they were much nicer and it was way more fun. Apparently, Songkran is a festival inspired by the annual cleansing of the image of Buddha in order to get rid of impurities. Thai people wash each other with water, put paste on your face and wish each other good fortune for the year. It really was quite the experience!

I am now in Sydney and I love it here! It is such a laid back city and the people are extremely nice. I am fortunate enough to have a friend that took me around all weekend to the sights and out to the cool clubs. She knew people that could get us into all of the swanky, hip clubs so I experienced "the scene" in Sydney. Lots of pretty people and party excess but good times none-the-less. I am taking today to recover because I just can't hang with the Aussies- they really can drink! I am staying in a hostel here because it is SO expensive in Sydney and the girls in my dorm make me look lame by comparison. They keep showing up around 6/7 in the morning with stories of almost getting arrested, various hook-ups and just general drunken debauchery. It is funny because I am the quiet one here. If only they knew how many beer bongs I did at my going away party!

I am gearing up for my return to Thailand in order to start my course. I am both nervous and excited because it is going to be challenging but I am ready to engage my mind again and start this new path in my life.

I must admit that I am getting homesick and I miss my girlfriend, family and friends. I am sending you all my love!

XOXO