My Buds

Meet Haan and Rathsarin, my buds from the hotel restaurant. They couldn't be sweeter and more welcoming at breakfast each morning. When I chat with these guys and others - tour guides, bartenders - their stories are always similar. They're from the provinces, several hours away, but rent a small room in the city because that's where the work is. They send money home and visit in person every three or four months. Sokom from the lobby was upset this week because his daughter was ill and had to go the hospital, and he couldn't be there. It's a hard life, and I imagine lonely at times. I'm grateful that they're treating me so warmly while I'm far from the people I cherish.