Let’s get back to writing.
December, the last blog of 2024.
A month that didn’t break me, but definitely drained me.
I was burnt out.
Not the dramatic kind. The quiet, functional kind. The kind where you keep showing up, keep caregiving, keep managing… until you realize you haven’t stopped to ask what you need.
And this December mattered because I was leaving Trinidad.
Leaving my mom, after caring for her.
Leaving routine, language, familiarity.
And heading somewhere that would force me to be present again.
So I booked my flights with miles and left mid-December, not fully understanding how much distance I actually needed.
Where Did I Leave You?
Before I even boarded the plane, the luggage situation told on me.
I always overpack. Always.
I weighed my suitcase before leaving POS and of course overweight. Not me. The bag. Every time. Because I pack like I’m preparing for multiple lives instead of one trip.
In the rush, I forgot to confirm my seat type and ended up calling the airline last minute, negotiating space like it was a personal flaw instead of a pattern.
I didn’t even say where I was going.
The plan was this:
• Virginia – a short, precious week with Renee
• Vegas – Christmas lights and chaos with my Trini Sparkle
• Thailand – December 27th
Simple on paper. Emotionally? Not so much. Wish me luck.
Virginia
Renee and her dad picked me up from the airport, and immediately, things slowed down.
Renee is chosen family. One of the very few people I truly care for and protect. She’s Navy. A rockstar. Disciplined in ways I admire and grounding in ways I need. Time with her is always borrowed, which makes it sacred.
Virginia was white. Cold. Quiet.
The kind of place that forces you inward.
We shopped, caught up, filled in months of missed conversations. We hadn’t seen each other since April, and this visit wasn’t loud or eventful, it was stabilizing. A pause before everything sped up again.
I arrived with an overweight suitcase and still managed to shop more.
So I adapted.
I wore my clothes. Stuffed the carry-on. Lived dangerously.
While Renee was on base, her aunt kept me company, helping with errands, bank runs, preparing cash for Thailand. I brought my budget book with me, slipping cash into envelopes by month. I was determined not to overspend. This wasn’t an escape trip, it was a controlled one.
Somewhere in all this calm, I fell down the stairs.
American plush stairs are a hazard. A threat. A lawsuit waiting to happen.
Thankfully, cushioning exists. Big booty joy. I wasn’t badly hurt but it was a reminder that even when you slow down, your body still keeps score.
Leaving was bittersweet.
Vegas
From Virginia to Vegas felt like whiplash.
From white, quiet, and cold. To lights, noise, and stimulation everywhere.
Slot machines in the airport. In the airport.
I was dazzled immediately.
Wyndham stays slay. The apartment was huge, the tub gorgeous, the whole thing indulgent. I did the timeshare presentation. $199 for 3 days, 4 nights, plus a $200 prepaid card if you say no for two hours.
They almost got me.
The rates dropped. The pitch sharpened. The temptation was real. I had to call Sparkle for backup. I handed over my Trini Mastercard and for once, Scotia’s tiny limit saved me. They couldn’t charge the minimum. Escape successful.
Vegas itself was joy.
Sparkle and I frolicked.
- Did a VR ride…… she pleaded the blood of Jesus.
- Ate everywhere.
- Walked the strip.
- Rode buses like locals.
- I fell asleep at a comedy show. Forgive me.
And then, just like that. It was over.
Thailand Begins
Going from Vegas to Thailand isn’t just travel.
It’s a reset.
- Different language.
- Different culture.
- Different rules.
I boarded the first of many flights. Bought a foot hammock because “travelers” swore by it (waste of time). Took sleeping pills but stayed awake anyway. I wanted to experience the journey. The food was gooddddd and they make sure you’re fed.
One delay had us sprinting through the airport, but otherwise, smooth.
When I finally landed, excitement hit… followed by doubt.
What am I doing?
Am I sure?
That question would come back more than once.
I got pulled aside for missing the yellow fever submission. Quick Q&A, no drama…..and suddenly I was in Thailand.
December 28th.
I confirmed my condo hours before my flight. I placed all my trust in Kkay. My relocation expert. She was my man on the ground. She even, found me a hotel last minute. I barely slept, finally drifting off to After Earth in Thai.
KKay did me right. The condo was perfect. She even took me shopping for essentials.
Settling In
December 29
Explored the building. Pool. Jacuzzi (twice). Had to track down staff to switch the TV to English, locate hidden light switches, and open the storage room. Initiation complete.
December 30
Washer/dryer installed by a male-female tech duo who removed their shoes before entering. Respect.
Went out alone to get pocket Wi-Fi. Came back with random purchases and pride. Navigated malls with underground street connections like a pro. Got home. Connected Wi-Fi. Felt capable again.
December 31
I rang in the New Year alone, but not lonely.
In a new country.
After a year of caregiving.
Burnt out, but still standing.
I didn’t have clarity.
But I had space.
And for the first time in a long time, that felt like enough.
Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Renting a Condo Abroad
Seems silly but check:
• Distance between TV and where you actually sit
• Pool, is it heated or covered?
• Proximity to stores and transit
• Elevator wait times (this matters)
• Internet rules, speed, ports
• Fibre appointment backlog
• Gym and facility access hours
• Mattress support (your back will thank you)
• Daytime noise levels
• Expect to furnish to suit your taste
Internet notes:
• AIS allows monthly payments
• DTAC offers 6-month plans
Shopping:
Lazada, Temu, Shein, Taobao are all reasonable. Choose wisely.
English 
Spanish