Life is so precious.

It's been a couple months since I've given an update and I figured what better time than on my 7-month mark in Cambodia! In 109 days I'll be done with my service in Cambodia and in 121 days I will be home in Meadow Vista, California. It's crazy to think that I haven't seen most of my friends and family since August 5, 2018, but I was fortunate to see 2 very close friends in February and my parents in March.

In February I was able to spend 8 days with my friends April and Sara who I've known since 5th and 6th grade. They flew half-way across the world and we met in Thailand to explore the beaches and islands and have a much-needed girls' week. We met in Bangkok and explored the Chatuchak market which had the most amazing coconut pancakes and we discovered the wonderful fruit shakes. We ventured to Krabi where we stayed in the cutest little Airbnb that was our private jungle oasis with an incredible host. The beaches were amazing (Railay Beach) and we began to indulge and discover our favorite mixed fruit shakes. Soon our daily fruit shake turned into 2 or 3 a day! After Krabi we continued South to Ko Lanta and discovered the wonderful area of Old Town Ko Lanta. We hit the jackpot on this one, but we didn't realize it until our last day. Old Town Ko Lanta had just about everything you could need, besides access to the beaches - the town had been built out on the water and there was no access to swim. One day we took an all-day snorkeling tour around 4 nearby islands which was absolutely beautiful! Even though we didn't have access to swim in the ocean our Airbnb had a little pool which was perfect after a day of exploring. On our last day we rented scooters and made our way pretty much around the whole island. We went to the West side of Ko Lanta and discovered that even though that's where the beaches were the heat was completely unbearable. We were happy with our little Old Town. In Old Town Krabi we discovered Grandma's House and found THE BEST avocado toast and fruit shakes. It was a sad day when we had to leave. We finished our trip in Ko Phi Phi (party island), and while the beach parties were interesting I would have liked to stay in Krabi or Ko Lanta instead. But that's what traveling is all about, finding what you like and don't like about places. Overall the trip was just what I needed! I had gone 6.5 months without being around anyone familiar, and having that time with my girls was perfect!

I flew back from Thailand on Sunday March 3rd and my schedule lined up perfectly to where I could see my parents for the afternoon before I went back to work for the week. It was such a happy and tearful reunion. I was so excited to see them, and as I walked quickly into the restaurant, our emotions completely took over. Soon enough we were all in the hall crying and hugging and laughing. Our vacation officially began on the 7th when we met in Hanoi Vietnam, the Northern part. We ventured around Hanoi and saw a Water Puppet Show which was a great insight to Vietnamese music and culture. After Hanoi we took a boat cruise around Halong Bay which was absolutely breathtaking, and we stayed the night on the small boat with about 40 others. The staff was incredible and taught us how to make deep fried spring rolls (the best I've ever had!) and even took us out kayaking to see the different rock formations. Did you know there are 1,969 islands in Halong Bay? Our next venture was to Hoi An where we visited the My Son Sanctuary, saw the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge, and ventured around super cute markets, streets, and the riverside. Hoi An was one of those towns where you could have spent a couple days exploring and relaxing! Hue was the next destination, and while I wasn't a huge fan of the city vibe, it did have a lot of history close by. We visited the Thien Mu Pagoda, boat trip down the Perfume River, visited the Citadel, saw the Royal Antiques Museum, ventured through the Dong Ba Market, and visited the tomb of King Minh Mang the 2nd Emperor. Our final destination was Ho Chi Minh city, and over a couple days we were able to experience a lot. We visited the Re-Unification Palace, Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnel, and took a boat ride on the Mekong Delta where we were able to visit local businesses on the river. On our last afternoon we ventured around to find the site of Thich Quang Duc. The story of this monk was something I'd never heard, and I'm really glad I was able to learn about him and see the memorial. The whole week was great in so many ways. We were able to relax in the Northern part of Vietnam, where it was significantly cooler and I clearly didn't pack the right clothes, and we were also able to learn a lot about the culture and the Vietnam-American War as we approached the Central and Southern parts of Vietnam. As I've gotten older I really appreciate learning about history and I'm really glad I was able to experience and learn from this part of the world. Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Hoi An were all incredible and I would love to go back! While the War Remnants museum was tremendously sad, historically speaking, I think that's where I learned the most and I'm glad I was able to learn about the history of the Vietnam-American War.

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" - Winnie the Pooh.

Saying goodbye to my parents was tough I'm not going to lie. I waited for them in the airport while they checked their bags in and began to get more and more emotional. I watched a family say their goodbyes as a dad left for a trip and the little girl cried in her mom's arms. The mom quickly ran her daughter over to say another goodbye. I watched and tried not to cry because I knew my goodbye was coming moments later. I hugged my parents and didn't want to let go, but I had to. Luckily for me it's only 4 months this time instead of 6.5, silver lining.

Personal Update:

Yesterday, I found out that a friend of 15 years, someone I met at Weimar Hills Middle School, passed away from cancer. It was devastating news and something I never thought could happen to such an incredible person. Austin was such a genuine and amazing friend and it breaks my heart to know that I won't see him when I return. I can only hope that the Fitzhugh family is able to heal from their loss and I ask for your thoughts and prayers for them through this tough time. Rest in Peace Sunshine <3

There are places I'll remember All my life, though some have changed Some forever, not for better Some have gone and some remain All these places have their moments With lovers and friends I still can recall Some are dead and some are living In my life, I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers There is no one compares with you And these memories lose their meaning When I think of love as something new Though I know I'll never lose affection For people and things that went before I know I'll often stop and think about them In my life, I love you more

Though I know I'll never lose affection For people and things that went before I know I'll often stop and think about them In my life, I love you more In my life-- I love you more

In my Life

The Beatles