Most of you who are reading this know about my bag being stolen yesterday in Chiang Mai, Thailand. And it being found a few hours later, without the money - $300. I was incredibly lucky. Inside that bag was my passport, my credit card, both my ATM cards, my tablet, my 2 cellphones, iPod, camera, emergency contact info, wallet, all my forms of ID, and perhaps most importantly, my journal. It's funny how, in the face of not having any money or way of obtaining any, or any form of ID, my heart hurt worst with thoughts of my journal. All my detailed thoughts, emotions, ideas for future research, contact info for people I met, itineraries for future countries, and suggestions for books, movies, and music were lost. These were the only irreplaceable things, and what I missed most.
How did this happen? Why was I so stupid to have all this in one place? Well, let me explain.
I carry two bags when I travel. One is a 55liter backpacking bag, with all the big items, including clothing, emergency toiletries, and currently the copious souvenirs Ive bought for friends and family. I also keep a credit card, ATM card, extra cash, amd important emergency info here as well. The other is a small backpack that has all my electronics and things I'll need for the day, which I carry everywhere and always keep a close eye on. It just so happened that, on the day this happened, I was switching hostels unexpectedly and was a bit flustered. There was a mix up and I had to quickly pack my stuff and head to the new one. Because it was a 2-3min ride by tuk tuk (small taxi), I didn't think anything of throwing all my stuff where it fit at the time. Well, turns out all the important stuff ended up in one place.
So I catch this tuk tuk and the driver takes me to my hostel. I get out, quickly pay him, and rush into my new place to make sure I have a room. It's only when it's time to pay do I realize I don't have my wallet - my bag is missing. Frantically I ran outside, but the driver left a couple minutes prior. Panicked, I ran around looking, but found nothing. I hoped he would return - he didn't. So it set in and I was devastated. Everything lost! No money, no way to get money, and no identification. Not to mention everything else listed above. And god, my journal. I was caught between wanting to cry and throw things in a fit of rage. I did neither, but sat frustrated and distraught.
This is where the highlights of my story begin. This hostel owner, seeing my predicament, not only gave me a room without question (knowing I couldn't pay) but also proceeded to drive me around looking for the driver, then to the police station to make a report, then to my previous hostel to use internet - cancel cards, etc. The owner of this previous hostel, hearing my situation, straight up gave me $30 (repaid today), and her sincere sympathy, which mattered more to me at that moment. I know 2 hostels which are getting rave reviews online!
At this point, there was nothing I could do. I found a computer and sought repreive online. And I am so grateful, I found it from so many friends and family that I'm still responding to all the emails and messages. Several conversations in particular last night really had a positive impact on me. I feel so warm and loved, and could not imagine being luckier given the circumstances. I only hope I can return the favor to you all.
A few hours later, I got a call from the police (well, my hostel owner did). The bag had been turned in by a young man who was just at the airport, where it was found! The airport? My guess is the tuk tuk driver found the bag, looted it, then dropped it off there before picking up new customers. Either way, this kid didn't take anything, AND turned it in. My hostel owner drove me to the police station, we picked up the bag, and I proceeded to emphatically hug everyone who came near me. Couldn't believe how lucky I had turned out to be.
All in all, about 3 hours passed between realizing my loss and having the bag returned. During that time, I went from frustration, disbelief, anger, and sadness, to acceptance, and even bring energized with a new sense of adventure. More than almost any other opportunity I'd ever had, this was an opportunity to practice mindfulness. An opportunity to sit with my emotions, my fears, and work to accept them in the present moment, knowing I couldn't change anything besides my own outlook on life. Anything in life can be taken away from us at any time. The only exception is the choice to view our experience in a particular way. We absolutely control how we understand and interact with the world around us. So I sat down to meditate and work on that. I already was regretting my burst of emotion. But we begin where we are, right? The first arrow that pierces you is the actual pain or mistake. The second is the one you shoot yourself with, by trying to be someone you're not, or being down on yourself for not being perfect. Moving on, I started to see this as the opportunity it was. I felt the freedom of release from all the artificial responsibilities and burdens we carry. I began to relish the idea of having to make due in a place where I didn't speak the language, without any money or ID. Surprisingly, and in no small part due to the kindness of strangers, it's absolutely doable. Things started to seem less intense and I began to relax.
Then I got the call, my bag was found! And the rest I've already said.
Ultimately, I'm GLAD this happened. I'm glad someone took my bag, stole my $300. Becuase it woke me up from a monotonous dream that I was living - I didn't even realize I was sleeping! I was living too comfortably, something I mentioned in a previous blog entry. Despite my attempts to step outside of my comfort zone, there are always more steps I could take. And this one was big. Because of this, I want to go out of my way to take care of strangers when they need help - or don't. A few kind words or a simple attempt to understand someone else, to listen openly, is everything. That's something I lost a lot of at some point. I don't know if it was the stress of grad school, the pain of failed relationships, or just spending more time in a society that values the individual so much more than the community. But somewhere along the line I became too selfish. I owe a debt to strangers that I want to continue repaying forever. I want to give to others the same energy I feel, as a result of strangers' actions. And to my friends and family who were so loving and helpful - I want to return that love and attention tenfold.
In the end, I'm grateful for the challenges and opportunities this experience has given me. If this is all I learn during these 8 months of travel, it was more than worth it. And certainly worth $300.
To everyone who was so supporting - thanks again :-) I'm here if you ever need anything.
How did this happen? Why was I so stupid to have all this in one place? Well, let me explain.
I carry two bags when I travel. One is a 55liter backpacking bag, with all the big items, including clothing, emergency toiletries, and currently the copious souvenirs Ive bought for friends and family. I also keep a credit card, ATM card, extra cash, amd important emergency info here as well. The other is a small backpack that has all my electronics and things I'll need for the day, which I carry everywhere and always keep a close eye on. It just so happened that, on the day this happened, I was switching hostels unexpectedly and was a bit flustered. There was a mix up and I had to quickly pack my stuff and head to the new one. Because it was a 2-3min ride by tuk tuk (small taxi), I didn't think anything of throwing all my stuff where it fit at the time. Well, turns out all the important stuff ended up in one place.
So I catch this tuk tuk and the driver takes me to my hostel. I get out, quickly pay him, and rush into my new place to make sure I have a room. It's only when it's time to pay do I realize I don't have my wallet - my bag is missing. Frantically I ran outside, but the driver left a couple minutes prior. Panicked, I ran around looking, but found nothing. I hoped he would return - he didn't. So it set in and I was devastated. Everything lost! No money, no way to get money, and no identification. Not to mention everything else listed above. And god, my journal. I was caught between wanting to cry and throw things in a fit of rage. I did neither, but sat frustrated and distraught.
This is where the highlights of my story begin. This hostel owner, seeing my predicament, not only gave me a room without question (knowing I couldn't pay) but also proceeded to drive me around looking for the driver, then to the police station to make a report, then to my previous hostel to use internet - cancel cards, etc. The owner of this previous hostel, hearing my situation, straight up gave me $30 (repaid today), and her sincere sympathy, which mattered more to me at that moment. I know 2 hostels which are getting rave reviews online!
At this point, there was nothing I could do. I found a computer and sought repreive online. And I am so grateful, I found it from so many friends and family that I'm still responding to all the emails and messages. Several conversations in particular last night really had a positive impact on me. I feel so warm and loved, and could not imagine being luckier given the circumstances. I only hope I can return the favor to you all.
A few hours later, I got a call from the police (well, my hostel owner did). The bag had been turned in by a young man who was just at the airport, where it was found! The airport? My guess is the tuk tuk driver found the bag, looted it, then dropped it off there before picking up new customers. Either way, this kid didn't take anything, AND turned it in. My hostel owner drove me to the police station, we picked up the bag, and I proceeded to emphatically hug everyone who came near me. Couldn't believe how lucky I had turned out to be.
All in all, about 3 hours passed between realizing my loss and having the bag returned. During that time, I went from frustration, disbelief, anger, and sadness, to acceptance, and even bring energized with a new sense of adventure. More than almost any other opportunity I'd ever had, this was an opportunity to practice mindfulness. An opportunity to sit with my emotions, my fears, and work to accept them in the present moment, knowing I couldn't change anything besides my own outlook on life. Anything in life can be taken away from us at any time. The only exception is the choice to view our experience in a particular way. We absolutely control how we understand and interact with the world around us. So I sat down to meditate and work on that. I already was regretting my burst of emotion. But we begin where we are, right? The first arrow that pierces you is the actual pain or mistake. The second is the one you shoot yourself with, by trying to be someone you're not, or being down on yourself for not being perfect. Moving on, I started to see this as the opportunity it was. I felt the freedom of release from all the artificial responsibilities and burdens we carry. I began to relish the idea of having to make due in a place where I didn't speak the language, without any money or ID. Surprisingly, and in no small part due to the kindness of strangers, it's absolutely doable. Things started to seem less intense and I began to relax.
Then I got the call, my bag was found! And the rest I've already said.
Ultimately, I'm GLAD this happened. I'm glad someone took my bag, stole my $300. Becuase it woke me up from a monotonous dream that I was living - I didn't even realize I was sleeping! I was living too comfortably, something I mentioned in a previous blog entry. Despite my attempts to step outside of my comfort zone, there are always more steps I could take. And this one was big. Because of this, I want to go out of my way to take care of strangers when they need help - or don't. A few kind words or a simple attempt to understand someone else, to listen openly, is everything. That's something I lost a lot of at some point. I don't know if it was the stress of grad school, the pain of failed relationships, or just spending more time in a society that values the individual so much more than the community. But somewhere along the line I became too selfish. I owe a debt to strangers that I want to continue repaying forever. I want to give to others the same energy I feel, as a result of strangers' actions. And to my friends and family who were so loving and helpful - I want to return that love and attention tenfold.
In the end, I'm grateful for the challenges and opportunities this experience has given me. If this is all I learn during these 8 months of travel, it was more than worth it. And certainly worth $300.
To everyone who was so supporting - thanks again :-) I'm here if you ever need anything.
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