Leaving SE Asia

I went back to Bangkok for a few nights prior to my flight to Australia. I spent a good bit of my time trying to fix my computer (keyboard trouble this time) which I did successfully and relatively cheaply. I also had a nice dinner with one of my good friends from my trip to Thailand (Jenny) who is based in BKK. But this blog is all about my leaving Thailand and SE Asia. I've been here for 8 months 5 of which I lived and worked in Thailand so its natural that I feel a bit of regret at leaving it behind. Ahead of me are 2 months in Australia and 1 in New Zealand where people actually use English as their first language. That would be weird. It would also be weird to meet a heap of Irish people as I would no doubt do in Oz. I'll miss Asia for many reasons: the cheapness, the friendliness of the people, bargaining for stuff, learning new languages, the beauty of the countries, the amazing food and the sheer craziness. I'll probably realise a dozen other things as well once I am away from them but thats all that jumps to mind just now. Things I wont miss include people constantly trying to sell stuff to me on the street even when its clear I dont want it, the heat and humidity, instantly sweating and becoming sunburned once I step outside, the mental tv and people staring at me because not only am I white I have crazy coloured hair. Once again im sure i'll think of more once ive left. I am very sad to be leaving thailand because it was my home away from home for nearly 6 months. I know some of the language, I have friends there and I know some of the tricks to avoid as a tourist. Perhaps I will be back before too long, it is a lifestyle I could settle back into again without too much bother. Coming here has also given me the confidence to plunge myself into another country where I dont speak the language and the culture is so different to what im used to. I know that I didnt travel smart in some places and with a bit of experience will be a much cleverer traveller when I embark again. But next up is Australia, a haven for Irish people travelling and a place im curious about. What is so great about it that so many Irish go here. Im going without a guidebook too as they speak english there so it will be infinitely easier to find stuff to do and places to go, hell I can just ask someone. Imagine that!