Yay - another birthday on the blog! If anyone tried to tell me at this time last year that I'd be running a kindergarten in Bangkok when the next birthday rolled around, I would have called them crazy.
Indeed, it has been crazy. From celebrating my 25th on the beach last year in Vietnam, to meeting the newest additions to my family (hey, Anna and Eneko!) and spending quality time with all you other amazing people and settling into life/starting a school in Bangkok amidst a military coup; it has simply been the best year of my life. It certainly hasn't been all sunshine and orchids, I'll readily admit. But at the wise age of 26, I realize that even the difficult times have been so immensely meaningful that it's hard to contemplate all the ways in which I've grown this year.
While I would have loved to relive last year's birthdaaaaayyy month of wandering the countryside of Vietnam and Laos, celebrating this birthday in my new home, with my best friend has been incredible in a totally different way. We've still managed to do some sightseeing this time around, but the best birthday moments have been the hugs from people I love (hey, Sam!), phone/Skype calls from those I miss so much (hey, mom and dad and all of you reading this!) or whispers from students trying to keep the afternoon surprise party a secret but couldn't resist reminding me "today is your birthday."
Thanks to all of you for joining me on this journey and for sending your love from around the world.
Now, enjoy some pics from the beginning of birthdaaaaayyy month's celebrations and think about how much fun we're going to have next time we get to see each other because we'll have a lot of celebrations to catch up on. Sending love to you all today and every day. xx
Indeed, it has been crazy. From celebrating my 25th on the beach last year in Vietnam, to meeting the newest additions to my family (hey, Anna and Eneko!) and spending quality time with all you other amazing people and settling into life/starting a school in Bangkok amidst a military coup; it has simply been the best year of my life. It certainly hasn't been all sunshine and orchids, I'll readily admit. But at the wise age of 26, I realize that even the difficult times have been so immensely meaningful that it's hard to contemplate all the ways in which I've grown this year.
While I would have loved to relive last year's birthdaaaaayyy month of wandering the countryside of Vietnam and Laos, celebrating this birthday in my new home, with my best friend has been incredible in a totally different way. We've still managed to do some sightseeing this time around, but the best birthday moments have been the hugs from people I love (hey, Sam!), phone/Skype calls from those I miss so much (hey, mom and dad and all of you reading this!) or whispers from students trying to keep the afternoon surprise party a secret but couldn't resist reminding me "today is your birthday."
Thanks to all of you for joining me on this journey and for sending your love from around the world.
Now, enjoy some pics from the beginning of birthdaaaaayyy month's celebrations and think about how much fun we're going to have next time we get to see each other because we'll have a lot of celebrations to catch up on. Sending love to you all today and every day. xx
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| View of Bangkok's Sukhumvit Rd and surroundings from Zeppelin Rooftop Bar. |
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| They threw a surprise party for me! That's my student, loving his cake. |
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| Tapas at Long Table on a cloudy night - October 1! |
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| Steak and sushi buffet for the main event. Surprise cake! |
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| Stay-cation at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel - tallest hotel in SE Asia. |
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| A horrendous space theme jazzed up the viewpoints. |
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| Godzirra. |
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| Smog beat out the sunset. |
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| Being tourists is fun! |
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| A little more clear the second day. |
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| Please do not spit or litter from the 84th floor. |
