Der Countown Läuft

Finally my last blog on the road. I'm so ready to go. Tomorrow I'll head back to Switzerland and I can't wait for it. I just spent another 5 days here in Bangkok after I came back from the Island Koh Tao. I said good-bye to my Israeli friends Tomer and Haim and hello again to my Swiss friend Kubi whom I haven't seen for more than 15 months now. All the same back home he says and that I haven't changed at all:-)) Yes; 15 months exactly I have been away from home. An amazing experience, an amazing part of my life I will never forget. I think it will take time at home only to realize what I have gained through this trip. One essential thing I have learned is that travelling is amazing but still not what I would like to do permanently. Travelling is an EGO-thing. You act and perform only to your own benefits, you take with you what you like and I think, whether consciously or unconsciously, you ignore everything you don't really like. Travelling can be very superficial and I met poeple they didn't have their eyes or ears open to what was happening around them. However, living in Bangalore was definitely the most intense and most interesting part of my stay abroad. Living and working in another country is meeting the 'real' country and nothing else. Unfortunately, this is something lots of travellers who claim for seeing the 'real' country don't really get. Everyone who want's to see what a different culture is all about should live there for a while and get involved into the society in a way. Actually a simple insight but still something you don't really get when you only travel the world. Yes, and that's why I know India better than any other country (apart from Israel of course:-)) I've travelled so far. I think, I know now what it's all about in India to a certain degree, or better, to the degree I also wanted to know. And now it's over, and I'm glad about that. A new life will start in Switzerland with getting different perspectives, finding a job and settle for a while. And I'm looking forward to it.
So far, so good. I'll continue my blog, guess with working up my experiences abroad and trying hard to integrate again into the rule-addicted Swiss society. However, as soon as I'll get back I'm leaving for the Czech Republic to visit my long-time neglected father and family there. And for that the culture shock won't be too abrupt either, I guess.
Again, I say hello and good bye to all my friends of the road and everyone reading this blog in the great big world. I'm so happy that I met so many wonderful people on this long trip which is definitely the greatest thing ever and the best way to know and meet the world.
Take care and hope to see all of you soon again.
Mischo.

ready to dive...

...so am I. Just booked a diving-course on Koh Tao. I'm in Bangkok right now. Arrived this morning from Chiang Mai. Now, I am a professional Thai-massagist. The course was cool, very realxing and my Teacher, Mr. Tee was really patient and considerate with me. But I'm done with massages for a few days now. I have further plans anyway. Tomorrow, finally, my last project starts. Heading down to Koh Tao and learn diving for 4 days. The weather there is sh*t right now, as I heard from my friends Haim and Tomer who are on the islands already. Pouring down like hell. Anyway, I'll do it, and I'll go through it!
Just had about the 1000th discussion about "India" and "why nobody likes the Israeli travellers" with and Israeli friend of course (the Israelis "love" India!! Why??? because Indians let them behave, the way they behave:-))). Definitely one of my main topics for discussions right now and will be when I'm back home. So get prepared Swiss. Well, India.... I think I still have to work up my mind with this incredibly intense experience of this incredibly intense country. And you make your 3rd year there, Anna, I can't believe it. "Hut ab!!" as I would say in German. I can't even believe myself that I spent an entire year there. Yes, and the Israelis. Here I am again, little Israel in Bangkok. Hebrew menus and signs all over and too loud Israeli street talk all over. No further comment. However, tomorrow challo Koh Tao! I hope the sun comes through sometimes and all the more for the las few days on the beach. Must get some taint before coming back to Switzerland in the middle of the freezing winter.
Sincerly,
mischo.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2007

I wish you all a very happy new year 2007. 2006 was an amazing year for me. I saw so many different places and met so many poeple which has broadened my horizon so much. I've learned a lot about the world and also about myself. It was a year of most precious experiences which I will never forget and with a great impact on my future.
However, I'm in Chiang Mai right now, the second biggest city of Thailand and its capital of the north. I arrived here about a week ago heading down from Laos. Tomorrow I'll start a massage course for about a week and continue later to the south for diving. I've got a big more than 3 weeks left until I finally return back home. I'm so much looking forward to that. Still, I like Thailand a lot and the longer I'm here the more I do. The Thais are so friendly and considerate! I met some funny street artists from the States and Italy and I hang around with them quite a lot. They have travelled through Europe and then all the way here to Asia on bycicles. They make up their livings only by what they earn in the street. Anyone can join them as long as you contribute to the performances in an artistic way. So, would be an option for me, wouldn't it??:-))) No, just kidding, home is calling for me and that's all I want right now. I'll update later again. I'm too tired from a long Silverster night.
happy new year all over the world!!!
mischo.