Journey to Happiness - Thailand, our conclusion

Our little adventure is coming to an end and what can I say, it was the best thing we could have done. The time Nora and I spent here together has been so incredibly good for both of us. A new serenity has emerged, which hopefully also transfers back home. This trip has enriched us. The encounters with people we met on our journey who became companions. The openness with which we embraced a different culture and the warmth that was shown to us as a result! Admittedly, Nora didn't always feel like constantly smiling like the Thais, but she found her way to deal with it over time. She got to know many children here who became spontaneous playmates. Without hesitation and without prejudice. It was incredibly exciting to watch! Not even a foreign language prevented her from approaching the children. And the beautiful thing is, they always found a way to communicate.

I have found new energy again and have the urge to tackle a few things at home. I was able to free myself from my hamster wheel and restructured my priorities. This feeling is so good. And to know that a "temporary escape" is always possible - even with a child - and that the boundaries often only exist in our own minds. Nora was/is a wonderful travel companion. Through her, many doors opened more easily and I was able to adapt to every new environment because we traveled slowly. Situations that I was skeptical about, she found exciting, and animals anyway! Whether it was geckos, spiders, crabs, or even our fat black toad in the bathroom :-)

After 2.5 months, we are returning to our home country. And even though we say goodbye with a heavy heart, we are very much looking forward to seeing all of you again!

In summary, our journey consisted of:

- 75 nights in 14 different accommodations

- 9 places/regions in central, east, north, and south Thailand

- 8 flights, about 25,000 km, and some adventurous rides by bus, minibus, and various boats

- 528 rounds of Uno (roughly estimated :-)

- 1 visit to the hospital

- at least 20 massages with a view of the sea

- 13 different beaches

- almost daily fruit shakes, and by far the best food I have ever eaten abroad!

- and of course countless valuable impressions and encounters

Germany - here we come!