Return to Bangkok

All I can say is what a mad day. It started off normal with us all having breakfast – for a change, I opted for muesli – and packing up our stuff ready to move back to Bangkok. Our transport today was going to be four proper minibuses taking us in style; the seats were leather and so comfortable with even a little footrest in front with loads of leg room and the ceiling had lights which changed colours along with mirrors. The driver, probably much to his regret, let us plug our phone into the van’s speaker so we had a little sing-song along the three-hour journey. We must have arrived at our guest house in Bangkok around 3.00 as due to the breaks, as well as a slight detour to go back on ourselves as Hope had left her purse at the service station, it took us a bit longer than expected; thankfully, Hope’s purse was still there when we went back for it which was a massive relief for everybody in our bus, but especially Hope.

I was put with Lucy in a room to share with for the next few nights which was okay. I felt so tired today for some reason; as I knew I wanted to go out with everyone this evening as it would be the last chance before people start to head their separate ways, I opted for a nap as soon as we got in the room. I didn’t sleep for as long as I thought I might have done so I decided to go for a walk around the streets and look at the market stalls, whilst out and about I also bought myself some new light trousers, larger bum bag and a daytime dress. I did want to buy some white tops, but I managed to resist as what with the sun cream and not having a proper washing machine, the white ends up soon becoming yellow. I wandered around for a good few hours before deciding to grab some dinner, I chose to finally test the street food as no one else seems to have had any problems plus it is so cheap, that it would be a good way to save some money, so I had a chicken and egg pad Thai and I was pleasantly surprised with the taste of it.

Afterwards, once I got back to the room and ready for the night ahead this is when it all started to go a bit downhill. I felt isolated as if no one wanted me around as I felt as if I was being continuously left out; I struggled for quite a bit trying to compose myself as I spoke to my mum and Richard to try and help to calm me down and think rationally. In the end, after speaking to them, I put a post in the group chat just sort of saying how I have been feeling and the next thing I know people were inboxing me and turning up at my door saying that they are here for me and they never meant to make me feel left out. It was the first real chance I got to speak to them and not feel like an outcast due to being introverted. I was wrong about them with my first impressions, everyone just wants the same and all it took was for me to reach out for me to realise that. I did, in the end, go out with everyone along Khao San Road and got far too tipsy even though I did not drink that much but I think just from where my emotions had been like a rollercoaster, the

drink just hit me. Also, I got half my head corn braided as I have always liked it for the holiday look, and also, it meant I should be cooler due to more skin showing on my head. I quite like the look plus I did find myself a lot cooler today than what I have been.

I am surprised by how much of a thing Valentine's day is in Thailand, with there being loads of decorations put up along the street and in the restaurants. I am not sure if this is the norm throughout all of Thailand or just in Bangkok where it is mainly tourists, although I am not sure Thailand is the most romantic destination for a Valentine holiday.

I think it must be around 3am and I am now back in my hotel room and slowly starting to feel like I am beginning to get a Thailand family with the rest of the tour group.