it's a bit scary to think that this is my last year in my 20's, so i'm adamant on making it the best year i've ever had.
one of the ways i wanted to start off differently was to not just get shit-face-plastered with random acquaintances and friends at some bar.
instead, my only close friend remaining here in bangkok, and i went on an overnight trip to the beach. it was really great to get away from the hustle of bangkok, and it was actually my first time going to a beach since i arrived in thailand.
we rode the bus from the city and after an hour-and-a-half, arrived at bang saen in the evening. we found a hotel that was right by the beach and booked a room with an amazing view from its balcony. afterwards, we had dinner and drinks at a local restaurant, and decided to forgo taking a taxi back to our hotel.
instead, we walked back to our hotel on the beach. with our feet being massaged by the soft sand and warm water, we talked the entire time with beers in our hands. we also seized moments to soak in our surroundings and looked at the stars and ocean as we took our time during the hour-and-a-half stroll back. it was nice because the beach was filled with local kids just playing in the water, hanging out and setting off fireworks---and watching them go about their saturday nights really made me happy. i realized that this must be the spot where all the neighborhood kids of bang saen go to see and be seen, and that every place in the world has their own versions of what these settings are.
when i woke up the next morning, i don't think i've ever waken up to such a beautiful sight on my birthday. the weather was just heavenly and the ocean shimmered like a mirror.
unfortunately though, the camera i was using stopped working the evening before just as we started dinner. even though i don't have many pictures from the evening (with the last three being taken with my friend's iphone), it was a great birthday nonetheless, and one that i will never forget.
thank you especially to su 누나 for making it so special.
