When I landed In Bangkok, I realized I had no idea what I had to see and do in Bangkok. I stepped off the plane and realized I should have done more research. In talking with friends who live there, everyone said I had to see the Grand Palace. I did. It was beautiful, but I have a really hard time at most popular sites, temples, monuments, palaces, etc. I don’t know why, but that’s just the way it is. It was hot, it was crowded, and I’m really glad I went. I leave the lovely Koh Tao today for traffic, noise, and excitement. Bangkok round two, here I come! Most travelers in Koh Tao these days are heading to Koh Pha Ngan for the full moon party and in order to avoid the crowds and the mess, I’m going back up north to the big cities and enjoy these next few days in Thailand.
hot
The India I used to know
Made it to Delhi at long last!
I got to Greg’s place this afternoon after a long, long journey. It took over 24 hours on a non-A/C train to get from Mumbai to Delhi.
Unlike this, the journey reminded me of the India that I used to know. The India I both love and hate.
I can honestly say, regardless of the number of trains I’ve taken like this in India, I always forget how hard it can be. I always forget that being a woman in India is hard. I always forget what hot really is. . .
It’s 115 degrees (F) in Delhi today.
. . . And I haven’t stopped sweating since I left Mumbai.
I woke up this morning and realized I only had five more hours to go. I was covered in new bruises, new smells, but I quickly realized there was still a lot of good. I had friends to look after me and share their breakfast with and help me down from my high bunk. . .
And once I arrived, nothing compared to the great sense of victory that washed over me. I walked into Greg’s apartment and didn’t know what to do with myself. I went to the shower and stood there, stunned.
The good that comes from train travel is that there is time. Lots of time. Time, to think, breathe and meditate.
For me, I thought of and questioned my life decisions a good deal, I thought about chaffing, I thought about what the word resilient means, and I thanked God for music and the occasional breeze that came through the window. . .
Now, it is time to celebrate the good. The victories both big and small and for being here, safe and comfortable even in extreme heat.
*Note: Still feeling incredibly dehydrated, so hope some of this makes sense. Too tired and hot to even bother reading over this again.
[Photos: Paschmin Express from Mumbai to Delhi//Grace Farson]
GRACE FARSON 