Anyone can pick up an injury, but when you’re solo backpacking through off-the-beaten-track parts of Thailand — and you're someone who gets bored easily — it's a proper nightmare.
A week ago, I had a fall in Buriram. Just a small stumble at the time, but it left me with banged-up ankles. Since then, they’ve gone from “just sore” to infected — thanks, tropical humidity. I’ve debated putting the photos up here, but they’re not exactly travel brochure material…
The chemist I went to was very clear: keep cool, stay in the shade, and relax. Three sentences that don’t normally exist in my daily routine — especially not while vlogging, editing, running, and hopping on local trains. So for once, I’m doing as I’m told.
I’ve extended my stay at a hostel — not because I’m loving the downtime, but because it’s the most sensible option. And honestly? I got lucky.
There’s a kitchen, a common area, and free coffee and water (which is great, because I'm skint and constantly thirsty). More importantly, there are people — proper chats with fellow travellers, not just staring at a wall in a cheap hotel room while my ankle throbs.
There are two Russians staying here too. I haven’t brought up Putin yet — we’re keeping it neutral over breakfast, for now.
This isn't the adventure I planned, but it's still part of the story. And if anything, it's a reminder that backpacking isn't all temples and tuk-tuks. Sometimes it’s Dettol, dodgy ankles, and trying not to pick at scabs while sharing a kitchen with strangers.
I'll be back on the road soon — but for now, I’m just doing my best to stay still.
Thanks to everyone who's supported me — even when I’m more Dettol than ‘digital nomad.’ Every coffee keeps the story going. More soon (with fewer bandages, I hope).
Stu