1579

my journey begins with arriving, and so, there are already many stories to tell.
thank goodness this trek into the unfamiliar allowed me a familiar welcome.

my 1,579th footfall took me to rm2606 in Emporium Suites - supposedly "the ultimate serviced apartment" in Bkk.
Elly opened the door for me and, like a concerned pet owner, let me in and fed me for the night.
i tell her my of painful arrival -
+ the airport bus not stopping at my stop, and so having to lug 40 kilos of luggage several crowded blocks

+ hailing a cab in the middle of the street and struggling to push my bag into the back (thank you strange, kind man who
helped me. that marks the first time i did the "way". and i realize, it IS a gesture that worthily articulates sincere gratitude)

+ arriving at my serviced apartment building craving for a rest, only to be told i wasn't booked a room :-(

+ getting a room only through a guest relations officer's kindness

sigh.
but after a while, recounting all the recent inconveniences fall aside to talking about familiar things.
my despedida, the people we know, our continuing struggles, manila.
i remember what this is all about. and i'm reminded that, after all this, there is always something/someplace/someone to go back to. suddenly, i wasn't in a strange land, but with a friend.
i had arrived.