strange waters.

i was recently convinced that my colon might explode. i was convinced by the profound discomfort i was experiencing at the time. i was sure that this flew in the face of all science, but stood strong, if a little bent over, in my personal conviction. and then, the following morning, like a heavyweight boxer emerging from sleep the night after a fight (i did spend all night under the hood of my sweatshirt, and didn't sleep, as boxers are said not too, either, all that adrenalin), i stumbled across a small pocket guide on travel and health. in the chapter on "traveller's diarrhea" i was a little upset to read that yes, the colon can explode.
but having apparently overcome the little bastards that invaded my guts, with a little help from the good people at Bayer, i truly feel that i have overcome. i am, perhaps, in a faint glow from my involuntary fast through most of last week. but things do seem a little clearer. i have a little pace, now. i am less reckless.
sadly less adventures among the street stalls for now, as well, which is very difficult for me. in fact, i cower as i walk the streets these days, fausty, stinky food at every turn. i also feel just a little more aware of what i care about. i spent much of the past few days, and one long night, eyes closed, in a dark room, trying to find my happy place. all of you visited me at one point and i thank you for that. i have begun to miss home, family and friends. a little sooner that i would have thought, but illness does this to you. this is a good things for me. i do not want to turn my back on my life back in canada. it is a great life. i know this. i knew this before i left too. i have felt especially appreciative this last year. but know i feel it in my gut, you might say.
i do feel as though i have become a little pensive. my travels had until recently been interesting, and fun, and rewarding, but in no way philisophical. the art of travel has begun for me. all i needed was a little suffering.
and so it is that i leave thailand and enter the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The "land of a million elephants," as it was once known, where 80 percent of the population are subsistence farmers. The communist government came to power after the Vietnamese and Americans brought instabilty, and lots and lots of bombs. I will first cross then make my way down the Mekong, flush with the melted snows of the tibetan plateau, home to the rare Irriwaddy dolphin, and the giant siamese carp.

balls of light are oft reported by the locals emerging from the river, considered to be fire from the Phaya Naga, the river dragons.
strange waters.