Thailand > On the way to Singapore

Every time I go on vacation, I get the feeling that I’ve forgotten something. This time, that feeling is stronger than usual, though I’m not sure why. I go through my luggage one more time. The thought that, in principle, my tickets, passport, and credit card are enough makes me feel much better. It’s half past eight when I close the door behind me. The items I now have in my bag are all I’ll have for the next 26 days.

Thailand - A beer on the veranda in Chiang Khong In the background the Mekong River Laos on the opposite side

I head to Schiphol Airport. The journey goes via Singapore to Thailand. The luggage is checked through directly to Chiang Mai. I settle into a reclining chair with a view of the arriving planes and wait for boarding. In the meantime, I look among the other passengers to see if I can spot any fellow travelers. On the plane, this is easier—the whole group is seated together. I get to know a few of my travel companions. The flight to Singapore takes a full twelve hours. I’ve never spent so long on a plane before. I watch a movie, and after the meal, I fall asleep. Shortly after six in the morning, the plane lands at Singapore Airport. Back in the Netherlands, the new day hasn’t even begun yet.