Nick - Alone...... :(

It was a sad day in the capital of Thailand. Mateo and I did our best to fill the hours before my departure but alas the time came. I had a half an hour before taking a taxi to the train station so we decided to have one last memorable walk along the touristy street. Grabbing some refreshing beers at the local 711 we set off at a slow pace each remembering the experiences shared over the past 3 years. We exchanged stories, memories, laughs, and our own words of wisdom. It was truly a picturesque moment as the sun set and the street vendors came to life. We waded through the throngs of tourists only to be stopped by the occasional suit salesman who, upon realizing who we were (we had been walking this beat for the past 4 days and everyday refused to buy) foolishly bowed away. The cool beers and light conversation seemed to fend off the sweltering heat of the city. Mateo and i have known each other for the past 3 years and looking back we realize that between Peace Corps and this trip we have been on one incredible ride. From the first days of training and struggling with language to living in adobe huts to beaches, gang violence, natural disasters, etc we made it through. And through all of it we have cultivated a grand friendship. The moment finally arrived and I hailed one of Bangkok's flaming pink cabs hugged Mateo goodbye, told him affectionately to "stay safe" and "always use protection" and drove off into gridlock traffic.

I must take a moment here to tell those of you who don't know Matthew Beyrouty a little about him. Mateo helped get me through Peace Corps, both of us have experienced both the best and worst sides humanity has to offer and have pulled through miraculously stronger than ever in our beliefs. Mateo is one of the kindest and most dedicated people I have ever met. Even as his service has ended he still strives to help those in need in El Salvador. He is the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back and back you up in a fight (maybe not win; but at least be there). He is wicked smart and aspires to help others as a doctor someday and I know he would make a fantastic doctor.
To Mateo: Muchisimas gracias por todo hombre. Eres un amigo incredible y tienes toda mi confianza. ¡Hasta Brazil!

So after a nerve twisting cab ride in gridlock traffic with only 1 hour to catch my train my cabby pulled some amazingly illegal maneuvers and got me to the station with time to spare. I went for some Pad Thai (half the price and double the size over where we were staying) and boarded my sleeper train.