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We Travel With A Purpose

What’s Happened to Me? Let The Adventure Begin

August 4, 2015 by Sonia Marsh 9 Comments

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IMG_20150804_100425105_HDR (1)

 

What’s happened to me? I used to shop at Nordstrom and Brighton Collectibles, and all of a sudden, I find myself spending hours at REI, Patagonia and other outdoor/camping retailers, looking at fast-drying, microfiber towels that fit in my pocket, and waterproof hiking shoes (for the Peace Corps).

This is the first time in my life that I’ve tried to pack almost three-weeks worth of clothes into one 45L backpack.

I’ve spent hours online, and at REI researching backpacks that pack like a suitcase. I also watched  YouTube videos on how to use packing cubes; something I’ve never heard of before.

Yes we have the same name, isn’t that something!

IMG_20150804_121748663
I took one of the three packing cubes out, for you to see

It’s time for me to start thinking like a student again, especially as I’m off to Thailand, where I shall be sharing an apartment with 3-4 other volunteers. I have no  idea what to expect, and keep my fingers crossed that I shall succeed in getting Baht, from the airport ATM, as well as a Thai SIM card.

I’m supposed to meet a rep at the airport who is driving me to the hotel. It’s all done through the Bamboo-Project organizers, and I trust all will go smoothly, although I have been warned about “Thai-time” which sounds similar to “Belize-time.”

I’m flying on China Eastern airlines to Shanghai, in business, thanks to a free ticket with my miles. Sadly, I read that due to our departure time at 1 a.m., no meals are served, and I was looking forward to a glass of champagne and some “gourmet” dinner. (Not sure if I would pick Chinese or Western food) but this may no longer be an option. Oh well, at least I should have a comfortable seat, and be able to sleep. The flight lasts fourteen hours and then I have a six-hour layover in Shanghai, before leaving for Bangkok.

I checked reviews on China Eastern, and they were not that promising, as far as service and quality, but I’m lucky to be in Business class, and try this for the first time.

I hope you follow me on my journey to Koh Samui, Thailand.

 

Filed Under: People, Travel & Adventure

Comments

  1. Shirley Hershey Showalter says

    August 4, 2015 at 6:24 pm

    Oh, Sonia, you are going on a great adventure. But this time you are prepared. You’ve got packing cubes! Cool idea.

    Many blessings on this journey. I hope to follow along.
    Shirley Hershey Showalter recently posted..Before the “White Man” — The Longhouse and Other Stories of ShelterMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      August 5, 2015 at 3:52 pm

      Thanks Shirley. Just landed in Shanghai and I’m waiting for my connection to Bangkok in six hours.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..What’s Happened to Me? Let The Adventure BeginMy Profile

      Reply
  2. maria orozco says

    August 4, 2015 at 7:12 pm

    Cool. U r at it again. Yes keep us posted on your adventure and pl add pixs of area. Curious how it looks. Best wishes. M

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      August 5, 2015 at 3:53 pm

      In Shanghai at the airport lounge. We arrived super early, at 5:30 am, and all the coffee shops are closed.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..What’s Happened to Me? Let The Adventure BeginMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Penelope James says

    August 4, 2015 at 8:54 pm

    Off on another adventure! Have a wonderful trip. What? No meals on a fourteen-hour flight? Doesn’t sound right to me but then I don’t know how China Eastern Airlines works. Look forward to hearing about your flight and your arrival, first impressions, and so on.
    Penelope James recently posted..WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YESTERDAY’S HOME WAS A MANSION AND NOW IT’S ONE ROOM?My Profile

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      August 5, 2015 at 3:54 pm

      Pennie,

      Yes, we got two nicemeals on the flight.I even managed to sleep for 6 hours as I wasin a comfortable Business class seat.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..What’s Happened to Me? Let The Adventure BeginMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Ian Mathie says

    August 5, 2015 at 3:19 am

    Glad to see you’re travelling light and unencumbered. Have a great adventure! Good Luck. 🙂

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      August 5, 2015 at 3:56 pm

      In Shanghai. Very interesting to see the difference in “social space”and attitudes towards passengers at the airport.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..What’s Happened to Me? Let The Adventure BeginMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Indy says

    August 5, 2015 at 9:31 am

    Good luck with the flight. I think you’ll love Thailand. My son and daughter-in-law sure did! Their favorite phrase they heard over and over, “Same, same, but different.” They heard this especially when asking about and ordering food. ha! Have a grand adventure!
    Indy recently posted..Life Hacks: Back to the Basics for Dental HygieneMy Profile

    Reply

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