Chiang Mai, Thailand
Today I spoke to my good friend Henry for quite a while on Skype (hi Henry!). We started talking about something or other, and Henry said to me, “Oh yeah, we talked about that while sitting on those rocks in… where were we?”
It took us longer than I care to admit to remember that we were sitting on some rocks beside a temple that was just outside Chiang Mai. We slowly pieced together the rest of that day: puppies, monks, feeding ducks in the pond, an amusement park, getting lost on the highway, white temples, the hot sun.
When we travel, when we see these amazing sights that take our breath away, we think we’ll always remember. Sure, there are journals to write in, emails and postcards to send, and photos to take, but, as with any day of our lives, we forget certain things, forget, perhaps, the lunch we had or the name of the temple or the things we laughed about for so long. It frightens me to realize that these memories are slowly slipping away – this day spent with Henry was April 16, 2011, nine months ago, and still we questioned for a moment what country we were in when it all took place.
I can’t remember it all, and I shouldn’t punish myself for forgetting. I just wish that I could remember more.
9 comments
🙂 Hi! Do you keep a travel journal? I would assume you do… I try to remember everything as well – it’s so tough!
love the new layout.
I’m actually an exception to the rule! I never bring anything with me to take notes on while I’m traveling. People always think I’m crazy, but I can vividly remember every single detail of my adventures — it’s incredible! These pics were gorgeous and as always I LOVE your outfit.
Lorra – I always keep travel journals but I find I tend to not write in them when I am really busy and having fun! I try to keep up but I am often unsuccessful…
Andi – You are so lucky! I remember a lot but I also sometimes blend the days/memories, especially if a lot of the days were the same (i.e. chilling in Pai for two solid weeks). I love that I can often piece my days together through my photos!
first of all, i kind of like chiang mai. okay, i love it. second, it’s kind of nice to forget things that happened to you in your travels. because when you’re back in your home town, riding a bus, and a street vendor suddenly reminds you of a memory you thought you’ve lost. and then you smile. it’s nice. it’s an instant happy pill from your brain. haha.
Paul – I totally agree with you! Nicely said. 🙂
True story.
I love your photos, great shots!
I know exactly how you feel! I haven’t had much opportunity to travel. I spent six weeks in Tanzania in May 2010 and have been holding onto those memories like crazy ever since. I actually just posted on my blog all about my volunteering, safari and trip to Zanzibar. Reflection and nostalgia are good…but man it kinda hurts looking back knowing I don’t have the means to go back anytime soon!
Thank you for your comments, Chelsea and Sarah! I just try and hold on to all my travel memories during these cold wintry days…
[…] long time. I initially thought I would go for only a few days after the wild parties of Songkran in Chiang Mai, but I stayed for two weeks and then some. I got to know the restaurants so well that the servers […]