I wish I could go back...

This time of year in China is their holiday. They take off months and spend time with their families celebrating the new year. A year ago at this time my dear friend Kylie and I left our freezing home in China and traveled south.

We wanted warmth. We wanted to eat something besides Chinese food. We wanted a change. We wanted pineapple.

And so that is what we did. We took a few weeks and traveled around Thailand, with nothing but our Lonely Planet.

And because it is so cold in Oklahoma, and because all I want is to be able to wear flip flops I'm reliving the glory days. Won't you join me...

A time where...

We zip lined through the jungles.

and talked to little monks.

and traveled by boat to shop.

We...

Relaxed.

And climbed mountains to see the view of an islands survival after a disaster.

and met locals who lived through that tsunami, and loves sharing their stories.

We slept in disturbing hostels.

And laughed uncontrollably after drinking ONE Chang beer.

worked out with the locals.

In Thailand...

we stood in awe of all the color.

Ate turkey sandwiches they only know how to make in America.

we rode water taxis for a quarter.

ate fruit off the street.

and then drank the fruit.

And drank coke from a plastic bag.

We learned to cook. (it didn't stick with me)

We watched the sunset.

and took pictures with THE World Cup.

and found baby elephants in the street.

and posed with giant buddhas

and rode on VIP overnight party buses.

And last, but certainly not least...

We dreamed of a time when we could one day, finally, shop at The Gap.

Can you tell I'm missing this place? Or is it the warmth I'm missing? Or the 2 months off for the New Year?

Either way, we should all take a trip. We all need a vacation.

kisses.