It was something we asked each other as soon as Mike quit his job four weeks prior to me doing the same. I asked him this as our living room echoed with emptiness as we packed up everything that made our house a home: does it feel like we're actually going traveling, yet? We've been planing this for well over two years, it's impossible to believe it's actually happening.
He asked me the same question as we spent a few glorious days in Langley, as Mike initially mentioned wanting to spend time with his Grandpa MacLeod and his long time partner Geanie. I quickly agreed, wanting to know what what kind of a man shaped Mike into a MacLeod, and why he was so tied to this last name to begin with (forgive me, I've only ever met Reimer's - all Mike's Dad's side). He so insisted that this last name lives on and would be passed down, and curiously I wanted to know who could have this kind of impact on someone so bold as Mike. The few days we walked within the confines of the cedar rainforest throughout the city of Langley, and spent hours sipping absurdly strong coffee and then dipping into Grandpa MacLeod's home brewed beer while he talked of being in the Canadian Militarily, and he told his tales of living in Germany, Egypt and, of course, Vanderhoof. It was fascinating hearing of this man's life and finally understanding where some of Mike's personality comes from. It was a fantastic and an easy last couple days in our country.
I was nervous about traveling as a pair. I was a solo girl, through and through; traveling alone is the most selfish I've ever been, as there's no compromising, you either meet travel soulmates and jive or you go in different directions. With Mike, conversations would have to be had on adventure lists and even the amount of time we would spend together. To be so blunt, there was a lot on the line, this six month stint would either ensure that were both committed for the long run or we would end up purchasing his and her houses, we often joked as we anticipate purchasing a second house when returning. We were also eager to move beyond the talks of the long traveling and continue on with our lives with other life changing adventures.
As always, Mike pushed me hard outside my comfort zone, and I pushed right back. We went catfishing for the day, where we were throwing back (no keepsies) 35lbs fish. It was an amazing time to be out of the bustling city of Chiang Mai and get back to basics. He was in his happy place and I was happily out of my element. We completed two hikes, one of which was the monk trail. It's a 5km hike that leads through a meditation retreat at a monk monestary and ends at Doi Suthep one of the highest parts of Northern Thailand. I've wanted to do if since the first trip in 2016, but never found the right partner or courage. I've never sweat so much or been so worn out from the sun.
Traveling with Mike has allowed me to let my guard down on so many levels. His easy going demeanor forced me to relax more on big decisions and not worry so much on the details like walking at night or venturing into empty back roads. In turn, he attended his first yoga class (as promised, no photos were taken) and has agreed to take one with me per country. These past two weeks boundaries have been crossed as Thai food only ends in two ways: constipation or ring of fire. But, also seeing the best of him, when I'm feeling unwell from a bacterial infection and so he does what needed done.
After a few days at my favorite Thai city where I had my fill of mountains and Pad Thai, as per Mike's longings we've packed up our backpacks and have headed to Southern Thailand in search of the ocean. Finally, it feels like we're traveling. It's been amazing.
Kindly,
Kirstin
Travel far enough that you meet yourself
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