Since today is officially the last day of summer, I figured it was time to catch you up on what I have been up to over the past few months – and boy has there been a lot happening!
So remember how earlier this summer I wrote about how I needed a little break from all the go-go-go, hopping countries, and switching cities every few days?
Well, that didn’t happen.
When Sam and I first moved to Chiang Mai back at the end of May, our plan was to stay put for 3 months and enjoy living in once place and planting temporary roots. At that point we had been travelling for 3 solid months through Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and we had also managed to visit a grand total of 15 cities. Needless to say, we weren’t giving ourselves enough time to settle into a place and the constant unpacking and repacking was becoming exhausting.
A little apartment in the northern Thai jungle sounded like a great idea – early mornings spent wandering around the temples, fresh fruit shakes from Mrs. Pa, spicy khao soi for lunch, and a nice apartment with a rooftop pool. Sign me up!
Well, I guess we underestimated how ingrained travel is in us, because even after we had an apartment, we didn’t stop travelling.
That’s right, out of the 3 and a half months we paid rent in Chiang Mai, we were only around for half that amount of time… I know, I’m rolling my eyes at myself too.
We really tried to stop, but all these things kept coming up!
You probably wouldn’t know it from reading my blog, since I didn’t really keep up with all the sporadic comings and goings, but over the summer I went to Bangkok on 2 different occasions (once to attend Digital Innovation Asia where I got to meet up with travel bloggers from far and wide, and the next time to celebrate my birthday), I did a visa run to Burma (new country!), I went to Phuket (nice beaches, but boy is Patong Beach sleazy), I did another visa run to Malaysia, I was invited to come visit Finland, oh yeah, and then I went back home to Toronto to visit my family for 2 weeks!
How’s that for taking it easy?
After that I bounced back to Thailand, packed up the apartment, and since then I have been to Macau, Hong Kong, and China.
I currently find myself back in Hong Kong for a couple of weeks, where I have met a group of travel aficionados who know how to sniff out some good dim sum and I am enjoying the bright lights and bustle of it all.
I’m still not entirely sure of what autumn will bring, but at this point I’ve learned that it’s best not to make concrete plans since Sam and I seem to switch destinations faster than we can learn to say hello in the local language.
After more than 6 months of solid travel around Asia, we are both ready for a change of scenery, and while I won’t tell you where we’re going quite yet, I can tell you that we are heading to a part of the world that neither of us has ever been to before! Think less palm trees and more deserts.
But enough about me, how was everyone else’s summer?
Jordan? Dubai? Those are my guesses!
Wow, can’t wait to read up on where you end up! I’m thinking Middle East!
Remember Jafar?
You’ve done brilliantly, girl! And we only missed each other by a few short days. Can’t wait to meet up somewhere (anywhere) in the world! xo
Oooh, can’t wait to see where you are going!
My money would be on Egypt, if it wasn’t for recent events…so yeah, lol, I’m intrigued. Looking forward to hearing about the next leg of your journey.
Oh wait! It’s Australia!
Australia, right?
Gorgeous photos! I especially love the last shot
That skyline is amazing.
Wow, you really don’t know how to slow down, do you? That’s cool you met up with Neil Doherty in Hong Kong; I love his blog.
Oooh the suspense! Is it Africa? Is it?!
The endless travelling around sounds so familiar! I’m thinking Israel for your next destination…
sounds like a good couple of months! can’t wait to read more! bet you dont regret the staying put fail lol
Great stuff, Audrey! I also enjoyed your summer posts
My summer was good and adventures… But, not as yours for sure
Can’t wait to see where you guys are headed next!! Safe travels!!
Wow! Someone’s definitely got the travel bug. My husband and I have been living in India for two months now, it’s been crazy.
That does sound a little exhausting! Hopefully your next few months are a little less hectic? Beautiful photos.
You have been busy! Love all your photos, it looks like you’re having a wonderful time.
I’m guessing you’re off to the Middle East next?
What an amazing summer! Can’t wait to see you’re headed next!
Wow, what a summer! What a last SIX MONTHS! As exhausting as it might have been, I bet it’s been 10x more exciting. Your blog posts have been very inspirational for me as I get closer to my traveling life, and once I get started, I don’t think I’ll want to stop, either!
Oh, and my guess for your next destination? Africa!
I want your life. Care to switch for a week or two?
Wow, bouncing around like crazy! You’ll have to give some pointers on how to celebrate a birthday in Thailand, because I’ll be landing in Bangkok on mine! Also, I’m guessing the visa jumps were because you didn’t get a tourist visa? I’ve been debating on whether to get one or not.
Fun post and fun summer!
Woah!! Definitely not as busy as yours. All I did was go home to Canada for 3.5 weeks. Looking forward to seeing what’s coming next for you two!
Wow! What a wild ride the summer has been and it’s been a blast following along via your posts- can hardly wait to see where your teaser of “less palm trees” will be but I know there will be some great reads coming soon!
Oh exciting. I’m guessing your next destination is the Middle East, but if it is Africa be sure to come visit in Malawi!
Brill! Looking forward to reading your blog posts and viewing your pics from your new chosen location!
Wow, wow, wow! You guys have been busy bees with travelling I must admit. Jumping from one continent to another :):). I went back to Poland for 6 weeks. During that time I managed to travel to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Crete and Russia :). Nothing comparing to you, but I had an awesome time!
Hmmmm I smell Middle East!!
Next time you are in the Great White North CALL US!!
Woah, your summer was crazy! I can’t imagine travelling so often and to so many different countries. I tend to take it slower. I love that first picture by the way, I am fond of “details”…