It just feels right.

February 12, 2011, marks my fourth monthiversary living in Thailand. Subsequently, this also means that for the last four months I have been homeless, but not Nathaniel Ayers pre-Downtown, LA-discovery-homeless. Instead, I use this term in reference to being without anything or anyone closely associated with home—LA, Monterey, my inner circle.

It’s not a bad thing.

I’d like to think that a temporary “farewell” or “see ya later” to all that is normal is part of the reason why people travel to begin with. It was for me anyway. There is one thing though: this headfirst dive into US homelessness has confirmed that although survival is possible without the warmth of security blankets, familiarity is certainly comforting. It’s like sticking to “the usual” at your favorite eatery or lying in your bed for the first time after a long weekend of traveling.

It just feels right.

In a lifestyle that has nowhere to go but charge forward, sometimes a tangible piece of home is the battery that keeps the motor running. This time last week, my best friend from college came out for a visit. Her presence was refreshing. AND to laugh uncontrollably for no apparent reason besides “we just get each other ” was exactly what I needed. 

Home.

I will admit, though, that the mingling of Thailand and home is amusingly strange.  While catching up on the floor cushions of Nap Park, I found myself muting her voice and just staring at her in the most-innocently-amazed kind of way. 

She looks like Ellie...and sounds like Ellie.

Ellie’s in Thailand?

Ellie’s in Thailand!!!


 
a few highlights...

Ellie's first time on a motorcycle...

Bussin to Erawan Waterfalls

The Ellies

Tigers!

Loveeee her

She likes Thailand more...