Each spring, the earth shakes off the dreary dust of winter and slips into its most beautiful, vibrant coat, a palpable invitation to a myriad of emotions.

Joy for the gentle shift in weather – layers begone.

Peace for a symphony of scents, dancing through fragrant air.

Anxiety for planning and executing garden tending.

Happy, inspired, and sensitive am I in these tender, fleeting months.

Most powerful, though, is the nostalgia that burrows into my mind. A familiar place for it to land and always content to stay awhile.

Nostalgia is a frequent visitor of mine. One of comfort and an ache not easily placeable. Like many, I often find myself visiting the past with a thick pair of rose-tinted glasses, usually washing over the emotional intricacies of days gone by – arguments, anxieties, grief, defeat, fear, and insecurities, to name a few.

Coupled with the intensity of emotions, the memory of a cherished trip to Thailand pokes its head at this time of year, throwing nostalgia into overdrive and making this verdant season all the more extraordinary.

April 10th 2015,

Hope and I embarked on an adventure that would surely turn our world around. On a plane we got, and twenty-something hours later, we were in Phuket, Thailand. This time of year is pretty special, as it’s the celebration of Songkran. Beginning in the middle of April, determined by the rice harvest, there is a celebration of the sun’s arrival into Aries, thus welcoming a New Year. Something noteworthy is the involvement of water. “Pouring water is a significant act during Songkran, symbolizing cleansing, reverence and good fortune.” Occurring during monsoon season, this feels especially powerful and symbolic.

Besides traveling to my hometown of Calgary, some road trips down the Pacific Coast, and a trip to NYC, this was my first official taste of international travel. What made this time significantly different was the fact that we did it alone – no parents, just two freakin’ eighteen-year-olds who thought they knew everything backpacking across the Land of Smiles.

I recall watching the days count down, eagerly getting vaccinations, prepping suitcases, reading books, skimming blogs, and devouring videos on the country – I was ready for the biggest adventure of my life.

My favourite souvenirs from the trip were the beloved memories we collected along the way:

• multiple hours in vans, tuk-tuks, boats, and on mopeds, watching the surrounding landscapes change
• swimming in the shockingly warm Andaman Sea during a monsoon
• getting soaked by said monsoon and locals celebrating the new year
• finding a hidden gem and tasting the best chai of my life
• endless banana pancakes
• monkeys!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• the colours and textures of the landscape, both natural and human-crafted
• trying to go ‘clubbing’ at 9pm
• the sounds of the jungle
• 7/11 (iykyk)
• eating bugs for the first time
• fish pedicures

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves, but if you want to see more, click here for Hope’s travel vlogs.

Now, over eleven years later, Hope and I have each seen more of the world, and I’d dare to say that this trip curated a very special piece of my story, for as another year passes, I find I gain something new upon reflection of those sun-soaked moments.

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And remember! It’s alright to allow yourself to honour spring’s gifts however you see fit. This season is for renewing your connection to the earth and your wonderful self.

M.