It's only been 19 days, but somehow during this time . . .
I've had flight delays, bus delays and train delays. I've been let off on the wrong street, in the wrong neighborhood and in the wrong town. I've had my chain come off. I've had tuk-tuks breakdown mid-route. I've ridden VIP, first-class, second-class and too low class to bother charging money for. I've been bitten by mosquitoes and by bedbugs. I've been attacked by leeches. I was hit in the crotch by a kid who was irritated I wouldn't buy gum from him. I had a train porter intent on goosing me every time s/he passed down the aisle. I've weathered the contempt of several French people. I've been laughed at and yelled at. I've been chased out of alleys by stray dogs. I've been in sand storms, thunderstorms, power outages and a state of emergency. I lost my hat. I lost my water bottle. I lost my way. My ATM card stopped working. I ran out of repellent. I ran out of q-tips. I got sunburned. I strained my back. I banged my head numerous times and wore a long scab across the top of my head most of the trip. I had vertigo from too much motion and tripped over my bed. I ate peppers so hot that I had the hiccups for hours. I had a traditional Thai massage. My new hat has an ugly salt stain around the brim, and I've developed a constant craving for potato chips. I've been forced to drink instant coffee. Worst of all, I've been forced through necessity to eat bananas, and I really don't like bananas.
But it was a good trip. I wish I was young enough to keep going for a few more weeks.
-Robert
