Saturday December 28th 2024, Koh Tao, Thailand

Another rainy day! Let me see what is in my brain and comes to mind. Over the past couple years people have confused my nationality. I have gotten French most often. People have said I look French when I shave my head and when I have curly hair! Some people told me it is my clothing style, others say it is my "accent". I do not think I have an accent but I do believe I intonate my words in a unique way I guess. It is funny being an American in disguise. Others have noticed I am Jewish by my curly hair and start speaking to me in Hebrew, assuming I am Israeli. Once on the trip I even got Spanish! In Ko Tao right now it is about 35% people from the UK, 30% Israelis, and the remaining 25% is a mix between French, Spanish, German and Dutch. I met only one other American. It is sad Americans do not have the adventurous worldly spirit like the Europeans. I started writing my reflections of 2024 and my manifestations for 2025. I have done this the past two years and it has been cool going back and seeing the thoughts and ideas I would have. One thing huge comes to mind. 2025 will be the best year yet. Traveling has actually grounded me and solidified my perspectives and what I stand up for. The past two years I was very malleable, willing to learn and grow and try various experiences. I didn't really have things that I stood up for or solidified perspectives. I tried to be a sponge in everything I did. Now over the past three years of action packed experiences post college, I feel grounded and confident to sculpt my adult personality and draw red lines in the sand. Like I mentioned before, the age of 25 is where they say your pre frontal cortex becomes fully developed. I am really happy with how this trip has been shaping me and began to solidify my perspectives. This as I have mentioned, will make me a better brother, friend, son, husband, father. Going into the new year I have a vigor like never before. To continue to grow my intellectuality, my physicality, my emotionality, my spirituality. I think this perfectly coincides with when I will be solo traveling. Zach and I will split up in about a week and I will be alone for the rest of the travels. We have had an amazing 3.5 months together and I would not trade it for anything. That being said I am looking forward to the solo leg and seeing what it will bring. I will be traveling through north Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and maybe more!