27. Domestic Bliss in Bang Kahn

So right now I am sitting in my lounge..sinking into my mini sofa, my feet plonked on my pink floor.

Best day. So far:)

I taught four sensational classes – children and me – we belong together. Nuff said. I have one particular class – age 7 – that everything good in me lights up – I become the best version of myself with them – light, free, a bubble of happy energy – I whirl and laugh about the classroom getting so much joy when they understand what they i'm trying to teach them. And that class is filled with eager beavers, which only makes me more eager to be there! The same cant be said for my teenagers – but i'm not going there tonight – as that was yesterday – my Tuesdays are days I always try to push away and as soon as i've had one, I do my best to put it behind me and focus on the fact that Wednesday is coming – the beavers await! :) At one point in class today, I was sitting behind my desk – marking their adorable script – and looked out of my window – mountains rolling on for years – with tiny speccled shacks.. this village is a beautiful sight. Ah. That simply does not do it justice.

After school I did some laundry – by hand.. which only made the experience more satisfying – dripping with sweat I kept on scrubbing.. and then when hanging it up – I had to put on my shoes as not to get nipped by a scorpion. Ah! The country life.. :) Spiders that you only ever see on National Geographic, frogs, mozzies, scorpions and ghecco's, ants and bugs of all shapes and sizes – everywhere. On our first night, Pelin and I encountered a half Cocoroatch – half flying lizzard bug that terrified us half to death.. “Well, Pelin darling..you wanted the country. You got the country.”

That we did, and I am loving it! My little cottage is an adorable double story half wooden – half white brick affair – with the cutest wooden staircase – pink floors – a lady bug door mat – baby blueish green shutters – floral bedding – pink roses ofcoarse – granny would love it! Buddahs and the most darling birdy finishings. I love my home. I have an office as well, which is great – sationary abound! :)

The teachers are just the most interesting and wonderful woman – I sat with them for a while this evening – our homes are all together – and we have a communal back yard – and we chatted away merrily – and boy when they are done with me – I am going to be a speaking fluent Thai! In the last two weeks I have picked up so much and I find myself able to grasp the gist of many conversations.

 

Today marked a true turning point. My teachers and I crossed a barrier – one I know means a sure sign of friendship! My students are officially used to a “farang” being around so they are no longer poking and prodding and squeeling when I pass by – which did make me feel as if I was living in a fish bowl! My puppies have all been given homes – I was looking after six puppies – and for me, it was a tad stressfull,tp say the least – wondering what on earth I would do with these little creatures I had nursed back to health and loved so much!

Also a creepy Thai man has not ruined my stride, nor has the lying, cheating agent that lured me to Thung Song in the first place – now that was a week from hell! Bug I persurvered, and – I hate to buff my ego :) but I am going to give myself a couple of solid pats on the back – because I pushed and fought for the life I was looking for here – refusing for anyone or anything to get in the way of that – and look where I am now.. sitting in my glorius home, listening to the crickets and frogs – eager to get to bed so I can finish my awful book (I have to finish them – I can never just say,”This is shit, on to the next.”) so that I can begin the next, which is sure to be magical!

Oh! Pelin moved out – because it's a long way for her to get to her school – and the roads are very dangerous – she had an accident last week – and it's just not responisble, so she moved to a flat right next to her school and has most of her stuff here – and is ofcoarse always welcome, so she effectively has a home in the city and a home in the country:) Tomorrow afternoon she is fetching me and we are heading off to a thanks giving dinner with some foreigners (who teach in Thung Song) in town. Our first thanksgiving:) And in Thailand.. who would have thought.

This weekend we might head off to Trang – which has apparently got some of the hidden gems - beaches – that we are eager to investigate.

Otherwise – right now I am going to go and finish that book. Up at six thirty tomorrow. Oh, how my life has changed. For the first time in years – In this particular moment – I can honestly say I am trully at peace. Travelling has been a whirlwhind of fun – but shit – three months later – I was desporate to settle down.. and not become one of those people you see so often and think to yourself, “Buddy, you really need to go home. And just.. give your mother a hug.” (“,)

Night night friends and family – I miss you all so much – you just have no idea. No words. But sending all the love in the world your way – close your eyes and feel it's warmth! xx

25. Vay kay in Rawai, Phuket :)

Phuket – a vay kay in paradise!

After Malaysia – I headed for Phuket – and was going to spend three nights with my Turkish delight and my Meggie moo in their Bungalow by the sea:) What a spot – this charming place in Rawai, Ya Nui beach - Paradise!

The restaurant there is run by two of the most spectacualar sisters,Noi and Nit who became my fast friendies indeed! First, it must be said, that I went to buy my bus ticket to return to Chiang Mai, only to find out that there were no more tickets available until the end of the month! This really upset me, because Dylan was at home and I knew he was leaving at the end of the month and badly wanted to spend some time with him before did. I also wanted to be using the last week of November to find a job – I was desporate to get going on the work front – as first I had come to Thailand to study, but then pushed the course forward because my yes click told me to travel first – so I did. Then I did the course and then decided to travel some more with some friends afterwards– all fun and games until my bank card got stolen which really put a spanner in the works in terms of settling down and finding a job – getting teachers clothing and so forth..then I get the bank card – but realize I need to be out of the country – so once again go off traveling – and then since I am in Phuket anyway – thought it silly not to spend a few nights with the girls – but really thought id have the last bit of the month to look for work in Chiang Mai.. but it seems the universe had other plans for me..

I was sitting with my laptop and bank card in hand, about to buy a flight to Chiang Mai – and then mummy calls..and so by the end of the conversation my mummy – who always knows best – told me not to buy a plane ticket but get the bus ticket back on the 31^st and rather use that money to have a nice little holiday in Phuket with my friends – just relax, a job will come.. put down the laptop and go have a beer by the sea.. And so I did exactly that.

Sitting there with Noi and Nit, I was introduced to Nit's German friend,"Rudy" and we all sat having a few beers, laughing and chatting about life. As the sun was setting Mr Rudy face decided to leave, but before leaving asked for my email address and phone number – saying he would pass it onto a Thai friend of his and see if maybe she knows of a job or something. Great, I did but thought nothing of it.

The very next morning, a charming and oh so bubblily woman named,"Wasana" called me and offered me a job! Teaching children in Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Oh, joy! I was so happy! I could not believe it – and I quickly wrote up a CV on Meg's computer and sent it to her – it seems they have no interest in what is actually on the CV as all she could talk about was my picture – note to future people seeking positions in Thailand – use a great picture and you've got the job:) Even days later – once I had actually met her – she asked what my degree was in.. ha! She had definitely not read it. Anyhoo, what do I care – I got the job..yay!:)

So I then spent the next few days relaxing in Phuket – smimming in the beautiful ocean – getting my tan back -i didnt notice how pale I had become in the North – when I got back Dylan even noticed,"Oh, you got colour back." "The South Man, it'll do that to ya!";)

Oh – and I forgot to mention – Pelin and I were driving into Phuket town when I spotted this old shop on the street. What am I saying, all the shops are on the street:) I hopped off the bike and ran in – only to buy six, yes six, of the most beautiful teaching dresses you have ever seen – so so cute! They all fit me so well, and I honestly feel like a teacher when i'm wearing them! Yay! :) Second hand stores will always be a true treasure! The universe was in the mood to get me a job, and make sure I looked fabulous doing it! :)

OMG. After this – I was walking home – from the Rawai peer to the resort – which is a windy isolated road – beautiful green bushes and trees everywhere, cows grazing, you get the picture.. when a farang stopped me – he was on his bike.."Excuse me, can you help me?" And I put down all my shopping bags,"Sure." Then he repeated himself,"Can you help me?" He was staring at me in such a way I can never explain only but to say that it sent chills over my entire body and I found that I could not even say anything, I just looked at him puzzled. He repeated, "Can you help me?" Only this time he followed the question with a look downwards, and I followed his look..and..he had his penis out and his hand around it and then started jerking off.. I just. Well, my entire life froze. I don't even remember what I said, or when I did what or how. All I know is I stumbled something like,”UUrrrgg.what's...wrong..with..uurg..” Picked up my bags – which at this point where fucking heavy – beer for the evening n' all (MUCH cheaper from a 7/11) And continued to walk – looking around me – desporate for a person to spot. No one. He stayed behind me on his bike, saying things I only remember in bits – it's really strange how the whole experience is such a haze.. I then picked up my pace, "Please leave me alone." And he just responded something that I dont wish to repeat..needless to say it was quite a long walk..and eventually I just started to sprint as if my life depended on it – and finally he drove away – but I didnt stop running until I was in Noi's arms..and promised her i'd never walk alone again. Fuck I promise myself. What a sick sick sick sick person. I still find myself having to shake it off from time to time. But I suppose it's like the birds coming out of the vagina's in Patong – time will heal all wounds.

I had such a wonderful time with Meg, talking politics and debating the world over..talking about books, and people, family and things we dream for our lives..swimming in the ocean, and wondering about Jobs..little did we know that the very next day Meg would be offered one – to teach Maths and Science to little one's – she's in her element (as we speak she's teaching them all about the sun! :)

I will never forget my time with Noi, Nit and Monica (a lady boy who is married to a german man – for five years now!) She is fantastic – such a lovely woman! But I must say that marriage confuses me – I mean..how on earth? I just seems so odd.. She has had the opp down there. - she paraded around her new bikini for us and it's gone. All gone. But how did this relationship come to be is what I wonder? Did they meet when she was a man? They have known eachother for nearly ten years.. I don't know. But I am curious. Anyway, we all had such a party together, Pelin, Monica, Noi, Nit, and Monica's husband – dancing to music from the Eagles,"Take it easy." to Johnny's,"Get Rythm." to Tracy Chapman's,"Fast Car." to Brittney's,"Stronger." and..well the Spice girls – you've just got to! ;) It was so much fun – all out of it, right by the beach – drowning the waves out with old school classics (from the very old and dead, yet so much alive to the not so old but old none the less..) Oh, what a night!

Pelin and I ending it off with our friend Mary, her sister Jane and a beer..i'll never forget that week. How could I possibly?

So, time to leave Phuket – again:) This place seems to draw me back in, time and time again:) And head off to my darling Chiang Mai – the thought of having to go there and say goodbye to her godliness is heartbreaking – but it must be done! One last night there – with Dilly bear! Yay!!!!

24. A Malaysian memory :)

Sama Sama everyone! That's welcome in Malay, which my new found Chienese Malay friend, Toogle – aka Tony but he is an information machine so Toogle he is indeed:) taught us..I had to do a visa run – and since flying out of the North is a vast expense – I took a 22 hour bus ride – from Chiang Mai to Phuket – and let me just say that that particular bus, The Green Bus – should be given many an award! Blankets, breakfast, lunch and dinner! Snacks, a very clean bathroon (with a delicious smelling sope) your chair even has a massage button – yes mummy – you would be in heaven! Friendly staff, a T.V of your own and a beautiful view– just like a plane, only on land:) When I arrived in Phuket I had lunch with some of my TEFL family, Slash, Pete, Meg and Katie – it was the vegetarian festival so no chicken for me :( Then got on a plane - exactly like the green bus only in the air:)with only my small bag – so freeing to travel so light! Off to Malaysia..!

OMG. Well, the sky train is magical! I have never been anywhere but South Africa and Thailand so you can imagine how the transport there impressed me! I kept laughing to myself, ”It is so obvious I am from a third world country..” But I must say i'm rather delighted because it makes me so easily impressed.. "You mean this machine rides on magnets!?”  :D

I spent the next hour listening to this Australian man talking to his Cambodian “Bar girl” about how his mother doesn't like that he is in his fourties flying to 'n from Asia to pay to be with these women, and how if..and I quote.."If you are good tomorrow at the track, I will give you a present when it's finished." She went on to ask how much shopping she could get done, and then he would explain that his last trip with his other lady was rather expensive, so she would have to watch the spending this time, but that if she was extra nice to him that evening, he may change his mind.. Holy hell. He was also talking so loudly – completely unfazed that everyone in the cart could hear his every word. Anyhoo, I found it rather interesting, unlike the muslim men sitting opposite me.

It's so strange how accustomed you become to a place, three months is Thailand and certain habits have formed.. Namely, I always greet someone with my hands clasped together, “Sawadee Ka.” I did this in the airport and suddenly went, “Oh sorry, I mean Hello..” and then once I had gottten the directions, gave the same gesture, “Kap Kun Ka..oh no..i mean thank you.” And I found I missed Thailand already. “They dont understand me here..” :)

After the train I got a taxi that then dropped me off in China Town and said I had to walk down the path and the hotel would be there. As if. And when I tried to ask for directions, I was not received well by the Muslim community. Needless to say I eventually found it, and once inside was met by this charming old Chienese Malyasian man, Tony.. who said, "Oh, you must be Megan..Pelin is waiting for you on the roof. Go up and ill bring us some beers." I beamed from ear to ear! What a relief!! Pelin's passport has only four or so months left on it so to leave the country was going to be a toss up..and it's a Muslim country..and she's Turkish..need I say more? But alas, the universe and my mummy's white light had done their job – and my Turkish delight was aloud in! I dashed up to the roof and grabbed this delectable creature and we just swung eachother around and around – having not seen eachother since we finished the TEFL course..ah! What a moment! We were two peas in a pod for such a long time, so it was so beautiful to be sitting with her on the rooftop – drinking a beer – looking over a whole new country!

Malaysia surprised me, I thought it was going to be..well..nothing to write home about. I'm not sure why but I only thought of the place as a “Visa Run” destination – I actually said to this Swedish girl,”So why are you here?” And she said,”What do you mean?” And I said,”I mean do you need to get out of Thailand or something for a Visa?” She looked puzzled,”No, I havn't been to Thailand yet..I'm here to see Malaysia.” We both laughed. Turns out I love the place and hope to be back some day to see more of it! I'm so glad we stayed for longer – because it's a really special country with so much history and the politics are endless.. and anyone who knows me knows that I love a good political convo – and “Toogle” was great for that! The country is very divided, with majority being Muslim (roughly 50%) then Chinese Malay's (30%) and then Indian's (20%) Speaking of Indians – Pelin and I went to “Little India” which was beautiful – so colourful! It poured with rain for a while and we just sat on the pavement – under cover – looking at the reflections in the water – it seemed to sparkle rainbows!

The buildings there are something else, you have the old Brittish colonial buildings (my personal favourite!) with this backdrop of gold and glass skyscrapers – so different but it works a treat! I kept having to catch my breath, “Oh, Pelin I just can't handle this – look there! Look there! Ah, magnificient.” :)

Hindu temples, China town (much better than the one in Bangkok!) caves and MacDonalds:) - yep! It's super cheap there so we just couldn't resist! Although we did eat Indian and Malaysian food too! Toogle made us one of his favourite dishes, afterwhich he did some wacko massages on us – and then told us our fortunes.. Pelin is going to receive a huge some of money that will make her very rich – and she won't have to work for it- she's just going to get it one day, "Out of the sky." I am not going to be rich, but I will always have enough. He did tell me that I always get money and then it always, "Goes down the draWin." Well, this is true. He said if I buy my birth stone and wear it on my two hands – a ring on each – this will keep the money safe. I plan to do this as soon as I can find some! Top priority! He also said that I must make sure I always do something creative to feed my soul, and that I will have two children. “Two Tony!?!?” “Yes. Two.” “Are you sure?” “Yes. Why are you upset?” “I cant have two!” “Why is that too much?” “No it's not enough, I need atleast four!” At this he cackles – he really does laugh like that Chienese dude in the Hangover – he REALLY does – it's hilarious – you can't help but laugh with him. Anyway, he preceded to tell me that it was not something I could change – I will only have two – but can have more that are not biologically mine. So whatever, i'll adpot. Pffft. Watch me prove him wrong. The thing is he was right about everything else..love life, all relationships, work etc. Still he cant be right about this. I refuse.

The funniest moment in Malaysia must have been when Pelin and I were arguing in the street – Toogle had taken us to get some coffee because Pelin said, “If I dont get coffee I will be a bitch.” :) Needless to say it was a tad too late :P

“Megan..Megan..Megan..Megan..MEGAN!!!!” I was standing taking a picture, some distance from her – right by all the cars..“What?” “I'm trying to call you!!” “I couldn't hear you.” “Yes you could!!” “No Pelin I can't hear you – the traffic is too loud.” “Well, come here!!” “I'm trying to take a picture Pelin, wait!!” “Fine!!” “Dont talk to me like that Pelin!!” “Excuse me!?” “I said..” At this point Pelin, Tony and I are standing at the booth about to get a coffee – Tony is ordering it..and there are lots of people around us.. "One coffee Kap Kun Ka..i mean thank you.” “I'd also like one Please.” “Really, so you want coffee!?” “Yes I want coffee why wouldnt I want coffee??” “Sugar.” “She definitely needs sugar.” “Excuse Me, what was that..yes sugar please.” “Nothing.” “Ah, fuck whatever. You definitely need your coffee.” “You think i'm a bitch!?” “Milk?” “Do you!??” “Milk?” “Yes she'll have milk. Thank you.” “What was that!?” “I said you will have milk!!” “You too?” “Yes please.” “Whatever.” “Oh, fuck off!!” And the whole time Tony was just standing there cackling to himself,”You ladies are so funny!” And the rest of the world was staring at us in disbelief.

I cannot put into words how frantic these fifteen minutes were – and that evening on the roof – the three of us laughed and laughed about it.. what on earth all those people must've thought looking at these two crazy foreigners bitching away over a sack of coffee – yes the coffe comes in a bag:)

All in all we had a great trip and i'm glad we stayed for longer – we definately made the most of it! My favourite thing though – was definitely sitting on the roof drinking Malaysian Whiskey – talking about the world..learning so much from Toogle, and laughing a mile a minute.. for instance Pelin – oh my darling Pelin, does not realize how funny she is.. we were all sitting there talking shit.. could you would could kill someone? etc and people are saying the norm things like, “Yes, If someone tried to kill my mother..” or something of that sort, but Pelin interjects – almost as if she was actually speaking to herself, "I'm always..just so afraid that I might kill someone by accident one day." ahahaha oh Pelin – ever the worry wort.

When we were all about to clink our glasses I asked Toogle, “Wait, how do you say cheers in Malay?” At that Tony's brilliant cackle overtook the rooftop, “There is no word for cheers, because we're not supposed to drink!” So we just said “Chok dee” instead. (Cheers in Thai.)

 

 

 

 

     All in all –a great trip! Definitely one for the books!

 

 

 

How funny are these signs they put in the bathrooms? :)

23. Chiang Mai - I am home..

Oki doki, Wow. How do I some up the last few days – they feel like a lifetime..

It took one loooong over night bus ride with two stops to tinkle - to get to Bangkok..One quick (and super smiley) taxi ride later and we were checked into the most fabulous home away from home I have ever been in – Nap park hostel, off Khao San road.. wow. White, clean and friendly faces everywhere. The bathrooms were real one's – like the ones at home, only even more sparkly and fantastical! Unfortunately we could only stay one night there as it was fully booked, so we moved over to Chada Hostel for our second night – which was the average, wear flip flops when you shower kind of dealio you get in the land of da Thai's.

Anyhoo.. I dont know how to describe Bangkok – maybe I could say fucking crazy, but that still doesn't cut it. It's mass madness and Khao San road is one big maniac. Basically we had 48 straight hours of this epic debauchery – twilight zone it was indeed. Sipping a cocktail at the Roof Top Bar - the most incredible view i have ever seen! China town, the floating market (which is hell on earth - it has to be said..) mad shopping, drunken tatoo's,Thai boxing and a bargaining frenzy was had by all..

 

 

 

I find it odd that through out all of this nothing bad happened, and the universe was obviously doing a very good job of keeping me safe, but then..the moment we decide to be reponsible and fule our bodies with food and then go to bed – I get robbed. Seven thousand Baht in cash, and my bank card.. which is the biggest fuck up. Anyway..thank god I have a travel family with me to take care of me! They are the most fabulous friends I could ask for! Dylan, Katie and Kezla have banned together to help me out until I get my new card – and since that includes train fares, trips, hotel fees and cigarettes – they are indeed my saviours and even though I know that I would do the same for them, I am constantly in awe of their trust and kindness. It tears me up man:) But seriously.

 

Oh, and we went to the Tiger Temple – three hours outside of Bangkok and I got peed on by a tiger. Yep. “You are the chosen one.” Yeah right :P but apparently my luck is going to change because of it, and I welcome that with open arms:)

Anyhoo.. other than that – we left Bangkok and got on an overnight train to Chiang Mai – fuck my life. 20 hours later (a train in front of ours broke down.) we arrived at our destination. But even though it was incredibly long, it was not painful as we had each other – I find it amusing that we had beds in the first class and we spent most of the train ride sitting on hard benches,chatting, eating snacks and being stupid – in third class..weirdness. It was a Thai experience that's for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

We are now in Chiang Mai and I cannot tell you how beautiful it is here!! It reminds so much of South Africa..which I have been aching for - It's big, vast landscape – the endless mountains and green lushness everywhere! Villages, forests, pigs and elephants.. Space.. Freedom..ah! I am home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our second day here we went on a village tour – met some of the locals, all of which are (as Dylan would say) “chill” :) We walked through trees and more trees, my stick in hand I felt as if I was ten years old walking along my driveway at home. We then went on an elephant trek type thing – short but not so sweet. What is wrong with mankind? Surely we are more humane than this. Elephants standing in shackles, with monstrous chairs on their backs – waiting to be hit with a sharp hook if they don't obey their masters every command. Perhaps because i'm used to places like Addo in Natal where you get to see them in the wild, free and happy – but safe from being poached. Ah! I cried. Of coarse I did. And I was just devastated for this beautiful animal and what had become of it. Surely someone or something could help? What can I do to make a difference? Obviously I will never ride on an elephant in that manner ever again and i know that does make a small difference, but surely I can do more? I have to give this some serious thought.

After that the four of us went bamboo rafting which was a pleasant surprise (we did not know this was included.) And it was fucking fun. I could do with more of that in my life, that's for sure.

We had to say goodbye to the deliciously fabulous Katie Mills yesterday – and Kezla, Dylan and I are all missing her terribly. Ah! Goodbye's – fuck em.

I'm not even going to go into my action movie experience with Kezla – other than to say that she and I can officially kick Tom Cruises ass off Mission Impossible, because there are some new badass bitches in town:) And last night some ex miltary man who's gone crazy and kills people – wanted to kill Dylan. It was so fucking weird, I have never felt more freaked out – strangeness. Anyway, we are safe and happy, eating fruit and learning about the stars. I have got to be one of the dumbest people in the world – or naïve - that sounds better:) but I can feel my brain growing:) Dylan pointed out that logic comes with thinking the thought over one more time – or giving it more time – and then..wait for it..logic kicks in. And bloody hell, the dude is right. Faaaantastic stuff I say.

And i must say - i think my luck is changing - i can feel it. Maybe that tiger peeing on me has something to do with it.. one never knows..

Oki doki, time for another day – thinking a temple is in order.
Peace, love and happiness..
Mushi*

xx