In 24 hours, I will be starting on my week long first solo backpacking trip.

---

Surreal. The day has come. My sudden crave to embark on a solo backpacking trip from Singapore to Malaysia and Thailand. A week is too short you might say but it is the only available time slot I have to myself on a solo back packing trip. After 2 weeks of careful research and booking all necessary transports and accomodation. Half the battle is conquered. I just need to get on my feet with my back pack and cameras and embark on the journey.

My first stop will be Penang. I haven't been back there for more than 10 years. A lot have changed, or so I heard. New buildings, new public transport but the same old Penang with great food. I have planned to visit a few places which I missed out on my previous novice trips.

In about 17 hours, I will first send my boyfriend off at the airport, he is going to China for work. His first trip to China too! I chose not to follow him because I'm not too keen on the chilly weather now which is around 3-15 degrees after experiencing Australia during winter with him. I dedcided I need to go somewhere on my own.

From Penang, I will then transfer to Thailand via minivan into Hat Yai. Stay for a night and then procedd on a 12 hour overnight sleeper train to Hua Hin with the hope of catching some nice tan at the beach. I will proceed to Bangkok in a early morning train ride and enjoy the morning glory of Thailand on a train. My final destination is Bangkok where I will have time to explore The Grand Palace, which I shamlessly avoided during my last 5 trips. i've been there when I was 14 when I travelled with my parents and I couldn't remember much of it.

So here I am, too excited or too filled with anxiety, not knowing the unknown, the fear, of every first time traveller I guess. I now need some blessings, and some luck and just have Sanuk!! Mai Pen Rai, everything will be fine!

Will try to update as I travel along. And hopefully, meet incredible people along the way.

Cheers!

Love, Grace

---