Ko Phayam

It's a good thing this place isn't easy to get to... or everyone would be here.  I found myself with four days "off" before my placement, so I thought, hell, I better travel!  So I asked around and got some ideas, and at one point I had this whole other plan laid out for me but the fella who offered to help suddenly was unavailable to actually help.  No worries, its actually more rewarding knowing I did this all on my own.  There was a train involved, a minibus, a very slow ferry, and mom stop reading for this next part---multiple motorcycle taxis. Each one led me to a very interesting emotion.  The first one was arranged by my minibus driver and he insisted my bag would be no problem. I climbed on the back with no external hesitation but inside I was thinking to myself, is this really happening? As we climbed this rather rural looking hill I thought, dear lord please let my faith in humanity and goodwill get me to where I need to go. And two minutes later I was there. This morning I was actually almost brought to tears as I was riding on the back of this second motorbike...I think the emotion was just of joy and disbelief that this is actually my life right now. This isn't something I am reading or being told about, this is an experience I am living. There was also a note of sadness for those in my life who either choose not to experience this because of lack of desire to, fear to, or the belief that they cannot.  I sure as hell wasn't making a lot of money, yet I decided I wanted to do this and now I am here. And I am doing some amazing things for dirt cheap.

I met a very nice Kiwi waiting for the train which was perfect because the train was an hour late... we talked about everything from trains to politics to the apocalypse, but mostly I listened in awe while he apologetically yammered on.  Later in the day I was offered help by several Thais in Chumphon, and my host in Ranong was delightful as well as she told me all about her recent trip to the States. I definitely recommend Dahla's House in Ranong for anyone going to these northern islands, since the ferries and boats only leave a couple times a day, a stayover is almost guaranteed.  I called two places once I got to Phayam and the first one couldnt hear me so I went down my list and ended at Mr. Gao's.  I picked right. My bungalow is a little more expensive than the book said, but it is still less than $30/night. And it has the most spectacular view of Buffalo Bay.

I just woke up from a nap on the beach in fact. I don't know if I will stay two days or just one... the paranoia of not getting to my destination on time might negate any relaxing powers this island possesses. The water is hard to explain in all its glory.  Coming in, it was a deep jade, almost jungle green.  Here in the bay it is a clear grayish turquoise.  It isn't the crystal blue I expected or that I have seen pictures of, but when the light changes so does it. I imagine if it wasn't hazy out I would experience those almost fake looking waters.  Then again, most of those pictures are from the island of Phi Phi so maybe the water is just that much more magical there. Either way, I will take this magnificent island nearly free of idiot party animals any day over the alternative.

Another reason to love Mr. Gao's is the fact that he has a library at your disposal... mostly German titles but a few English ones... I picked up a book this afternoon about a family of witches, and it is fantastic so far. Maybe I will vow right here that I can't leave until it's done. Believe it or not, I am already the better part of half way through it, and those of you who know me and my reading speed should be impressed to say the least

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