As I've mentioned before, the laidback island life is not something that I've naturally gravitated to in life. Usually when I've taken my vacations (especially since starting in advertising nine years ago), I've wanted to see and do as much as humanly possible, making the most of the precious time abroad. What's been so unusual about this trip for me is that I've spent way more time relaxing at the beach (and relaxing in general) than I ever have before. I mean, when you're in the tropics with some of the best beaches in the world, do as the Romans, right? (Or, in this case, the Germans, French, Russians, Swedes, Danish, etc., etc.)

Given that I spent about 10 days in Cambodia in beach surroundings, a long morning at the beach in Hoi An, Vietnam, and a full day hanging out on Langkawi in Malaysia, it seems almost frivolous or excessively indulgent that I have yet another week or so of idle beach lounging on the itinerary. But when I booked my flight for Myanmar over a month ago, I had no idea how much time to allow (and I probably could have squeezed in those two islands in Malaysia and cut down of some of the Thailand time!). So, I'm making the best of allowing too much time in the islands in Thailand. I know, I know. What a pity party: I'm stuck on all these gorgeous tropical beaches for longer than I needed to be! Woe is me. Guess I can nourish that sadness with a dip in the pool and instagramming more pictures of palm trees.