Backpack or suitcase?

I'm a backpacker. It doesn't matter where I go or for how long, you can be certain that I'll be carrying a backpack. And the more I travel, the smaller the backpack is getting. It's amazing how much stuff you don't need.

But I'm not here to convince you to travel with a backpack (even if they are more convenient, easier to carry in all terrains, have several pockets to help you organize your stuff, and are generally better in every respect...), because ultimately, it's your choice.

There are occasions when suitcases are perfectly acceptable, and even necessary. If you're going to a 5 star hotel, and you walk in with a backpack, they immediately look at you a bit weird. (Trust me, I've done it). If you're traveling with an organized tour and they'll pick you up at the airport, take you to your hotel, and generally take care of all your transport so that you don't have to walk or lift a finger, then by all means, take a suitcase. If you're traveling in your own car, and you're driving straight to the hotel where someone will take your bags and take them to your room, again, by all means, take a suitcase.

What I don't understand is this: people who travel like backpackers, i.e.: stay in backpackers hotels/guesthouses/hostels, around dirt roads or beaches, having to rely on public transportation (which sometimes means moto-taxis) and still bring a suitcase. Tell me, how do you carry a suitcase in a moto-taxi???

Honestly, either get some money and travel on the 1st class circuit, or buy a backpack already!!

Bangkhaos-- Bangkok is Chaos! :)

Khao San road*

There's something fascinating about chaos. Order is nice. It's clean. It's organized. It's... boring. But chaos... ah, chaos can come in millions of different shapes, smells, forms, colors. It changes all the time. It's busy, noisy, unpredictable. --> It's Bangkok.

I arrived on Friday evening and took the express bus from the airport (RE2 = 150 Baht) which drops me off directly at Khao San road, and in front of my hotel. I actually booked ahead this time, for the simple fact that arriving at 10pm at night on a Friday and then trying to find accommodation would be a little insane even for me...

Immediately after checking in, I dropped my bag and went to walk around the wonderful chaos of Khao San. It hasn't changed much. I'm sure the particular restaurants and travel agencies have changed since I was last here (7 years ago!) but the general appearance of it all is exactly the same. People. Happy people. Smiley people on vacation, enjoying the warm weather, chaos, and amazing Pad Thai for 30 Baht.

It's the mecca of backpackers in Bangkok, and even if you're not staying there, you should go for the experience. It's wonderful. I love it. And yes, it's chaotic and noisy, but somehow it's also--magical.

*This picture was taken 7 years ago and happens to be the only one I have. Unfortunately every time I walked out of my room to walk around KSR I happened to not have my camera with me and didn't want to go back to get it. Oops. :(

A world of friends...

People always ask me if it isn't hard moving to a different country every few years leaving all your friends behind... and I always answer the same way: yes, it's a bit hard, but you always end up making new friends...

By now I have lived in so many places, and met so many wonderful people, that it's a joy traveling anywhere (besides the obvious fact that I'm traveling!) because I know I can meet a friend here, another there.

Today I'm flying to Thailand. I was there in 2004 and I loved it SO much! In fact, the picture that inspired me to start this blog was taken there, in the hills of northern Thailand.
A few days ago, I discovered through Facebook that a friend I met in England 3 years ago has been living in Thailand for a year, and we're planning on meeting. I had no idea I had friends in Thailand!!! But I do. And I'm so happy and excited about it!

This trip is going to be a very short one, unfortunately... but I'm looking forward to the sunshine and the ocean... and also, to leaving the computer behind. I won't be posting anything for the next couple of weeks, because I need to "unplug". I promise to update it when I get back though, with plenty of pictures!! :)