Today I Leave Thailand

These past few weeks have been a roller coaster. A fall out with some friends made for some serious heartbreak, which became another life lesson learned. One of the hardest things about growing up is learning about burning bridges. When you are the type of person who cares so deeply for people it is easy to become a door mat. I thought I had learned how to discern between quality over quantity. I am now realizing that there are times where you need to be the one to light that match and walk away. Saying goodbye to NIS was like a bad dinner party you excuse yourself early from, due to a "headache." There are people there who touched my heart and at one point I did love that place so it's not all negative memories. I have to say lately I have felt like the people I thought were my friends here in Thailand truly were friendships out of convenience. With the exception of one person, (and a few wonderful colleagues) you know who you are. The real relationship I am leaving behind is the one I have with Thailand. I have learned so much here. At times dysfunctional, this love hate relationship has changed me forever and I would not trade it for anything. This is my final post as “An American Girl in Chiang Mai.” I will continue a new blog as “An American Girl in Seoul.” I am choosing to leave you with my final words of things I have learned so here it goes, my Words of Wisdom From Thailand Remember you are in a conservative Buddhist country and be respectful of their values and beliefs, Don’t wear a wrap dress on a motorbike, If you chose to get on a motorbike be prepared to crash at least once, Smiling will get you much further than frustration, Smile especially when you are feeling frustrated, Get used to the word “Farang,” Take a moment on occasion to remember not to take yourself too seriously, People will call you fat. You are not Thai size and that’s okay, Complete strangers will go out of their way far more than you would ever expect, when you least expect it. Sometimes when you need it more than they will ever know, Life is different here. Don’t look at a more simplified, hard working life with pity, but stop to think about how much happier people seem. You might even find yourself envying them, Soak it up and learn as much as you can. Stop, pay attention, and observe. There is a lot more to “The Land of Smiles” than meets the eye.