Adios Amigo

Goodbyes suck.  They are the worst part of life.  Especially for a traveler.  Anyone who travels often and for long periods of time understands the feeling.  When you travel, you learn to make friends with everyone, anywhere, and usually in the midst of odd situations.  And inevitably, you always have to say goodbye.

I've been saying goodbye for four years now.  Twice in Kenya and three times in SE Asia.  I thought it would get easier, but it never has.  It's bad enough saying goodbye to friends; throw the love of your life into the mix and you end up being a big ole' crybaby when it comes to goodbye time.

Sobbing in the middle of the departure hall of an airport, in a country that hides their emotions, is simultaneously freeing and pathetic.  I don't even care anymore though.  I'm pretty sure the people at Udon Thani Int'l Airport know me by name by now, and they are probably quite used to my strange American antics.  Poon doesn't even try to calm me down anymore.  He knows better.  And, for the record, he cried on the outside this year, so I feel ok about it.  Usually he just "cries on the inside", so we've made progress.

Every year, before the crying begins, we always snap a picture in the waiting area.  I'm glad we continued this tradition each year.  But, I can't say that I am disappointed we won't have another one next year!

2012

2013

2014