cambodiasue

Bangkok, July 1985... I was twenty traveling alone between Tokyo and Delhi. I'd had enough cash for cab fare for my overnight in Bangkok yet a re-entry permit took the balance of my cash and a bit more. The steward noticed my distress and introduced me to a woman, whom he said he thought could help. I had noticed this woman in Tokyo, her garb was asian, her look was scary, a foretaste of "goth". Kinda Angelica Huston in Darjeeling Express but in black with a pentagram rather than in white with a cross sort of look... I was scared of her. Yet she brusquely paid for my shuttle bus ticket to her hotel which she said we would settle in the morning. I wasn't sure if I'd see breakfast... it was a 3 star hotel and arriving at about 1am the disco throbbing with "A Night in Bangkok" and being offered a drink at the desk... yikes. Over the papaya the next morning I discovered this woman was a Reiki healer, lapsed catholic and truly generous soul, not a person to be fearful of as I had imagi...
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"Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly." GK Chesterton... Being able to laugh at myself is one of the most valuable travelling skills I have... and it can apply to packing my bags as well.

I'm not sure which is older my friend's farm house in North Essex England or the heritage "Samurai House" in Usuki, Oita, Japan. Maybe Schloss Rheinfels in Germany?

True... Delightfully surprised by the "breakfast included" in budget travel to London... low expectation example. And both Hawaii and Japan have always exceeded my highest expectations... profoundly sacred places for me... even on return visits.

Solitude's sweet solace... I find when I'm outside my context of origin, I better appreciate where I'm from which helps me embrace with joy where I am.

Cambodia... I'll be there next week this time.

Paris.