After finally graduating from Otago Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Design (Communication) and having this awesome feeling of freedom after years of studying I immediately started thinking about how I want to make a living now. Everyone gets to this point where you suddenly realise being free requires choices and big decisions. So I started applying for full time jobs in New Zealand, but secretly kept hoping that I would not end up in an office, where I would sit 8 hours a day working for someone else’s goals and dreams while just making enough money to pay my bills. I’m in a good position and I can say that since I am already in one of the most beautiful countries and get support from the people I love. Let’s face it, I wouldn’t be anyone without the people around me.

Fact is: my visa is running out at the end of this month and I didn’t get one of those many jobs a applied for. So I had to make a decision whether I’m going straight back to Germany - where I would most likely end up in an office again pretty soon - or take the money I was saving during my time as a freelancer here and do something to challenge myself and set new goals before going back to well known, safe surroundings. And here it is. My Thailand trip that I booked very spontaneous and a lot like someone who doesn’t worry about how big the number on his bank statement is. Very unusual for myself. But it felt great! Not the fact that I was spending money, but the fact that I was going to see new things, explore a new culture. Learn new thinking patterns from people who probably live a very different lifestyle to what I am used to.

I will explore Bangkok for my first week in Thailand. So I will have enough time to adapt to the new food and the heat. April is the hottest month in Thailand with a whopping 31°C average temperature.

After that I’m heading up towards Chiang Mai and visit the Doi Suthep temple.

Now to the main part, which I am most excited about. I will trek through rugged forests and experience the diversity of the region because each village has its own language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. After some more time in Thailand’s north I will head south towards Thailand’s paradise: Ko Samui to reflect on my experiences and enjoy the beautiful beaches before getting on my way back to Germany.