20. Goodbye Koh Phangan - it's been a trip of a lifetime!

It's official – I have finally left the Island! Toda Koh Phangan – and yes, I remember everything you taught me ;)

So the last time I wrote I was about to go off to “The Jungle Experience” which is an underground trance party in the jungle – but of coarse:) So I went, and boy did I have an experience all right!:) It was so magical, tripping my balls off with people from all over the world in this foreign country I now call home:) At one point none of us could remember each other's names so we just called each other by our countries,”Hurry up England, the wind is enjoying the joint!” “Netherlands, help me pee!” “Have some fuck bucket Australia!” “Can I have your scarf South Africa?” “No!!” I loved every minute with that scarf!:) My scarf and I became one..that we did indeed. In any event it was a night I’ll never forget – including the butch Thai woman who went mad and gave us a real knocking. Crazy bitch.

Anyhoo.. there is something about riding a scooter home in the morning after a party like that, that does wonders for me. The freedom. Aaaahh!!

The following day I was terribly worse for wear, but who can be feeling too bad when you can lay on a hammock and chill on the beach right? It actually started to pour with rain so badly that Klaura and I checked the internet and it said that it was going to pour buckets for the next week at least, and being on an Island like Koh Phangan is not exactly fun when it's like that – but when we saw that it was everywhere in Thailand we honestly considered leaving the country!:) “Maybe we should leave the country? Check the weather in Malaysia, or how about Indonesia?” I don't think I’ve ever felt so free! Knowing that if I wanted to, I could actually just leave the country. Fuck I’m loving my life:)

In any event, we decided to stick it out and booked two tickets to get back to Phuket on the Monday (today) and try have two last days of fun in what looked like terrible rain. Well, I think the universe was just trying to get me to book my ticket off the Island – actually get me off it:) Because as soon as those tickets were booked, the sun came out:) It was splendidilly because we spent the next two days exploring away! We went to the Amstardam Bar where you can chill and smoke as much dope as you like, drink beers, munch your munchies and watch the sun set over Koh Phangan. Bliss. We got such giggles and I found out some interesting things about this new German friend of mine..she ate a penis. A cow's penis. When she was eating it she didn't know what it was and so when she finished she asked,”This was delicious, what is it?” “A penis.” “A what?” “A cow's penis. Very good.” wow. Now that is one for the books:) She even said to me,”But it was really good, you should try it!” Ah! I think I’ll pass..:)

We also went on a trip all around the Island, on a long tail boat. The tour was called,”The munchies tour.” And we were pleasantly surprised by the entire package. We had a rasta guide, called “Petter Pan.” Who dished out massive fatties all afternoon and got us flying off to Neverland:) And got buckets of whiskey and sprite, and plenty of muchies:) We snorkeled and went on a hike to an amazing waterfall in Than Sadet. The funny thing was that he got us all super goofed and then took us on this hike, we were all like,”Dude, you should get us high after the hike and before the food. Not after the food and before the hike.” Nut none the less, it made the trip all the more hilarious and I was shocked at the amount of energy that strain gave me – incredible! All in all it was a great success, and we got to see so many beaches and travel all around the Island – it really is massive so it's a great way to get around it:)

This morning we left for Phuket – yes we. I have brought home a German friend:) Just like a took in a French one for a while...haha..God I love travelling. It fits. I feel like this is exactly where I am supposed to be and exactly what I’m supposed to be doing. I don't think I’ve ever felt like that before. And on that note – I’m going to retire, my belly is full of my favourite restaurant's food. My best ever, out of every place I’ve eaten in my whole life! I've been raving about it – the place itself, the people who work there, the music, the food, the prices..aaaalllll week to Klaura, so she had high expectations this evening – but they were met all right..she wants to go there every day – which is lucky since I do anyway:) Yay! Ok, time to read and sleep. Big day tomorrow, time to be a tour guide and show Klaura the best spots – and find some more – there's always more!:) And get a massage – after all the parties in Koh Phangan – we deserve one!

 
 Love to all!

19. Koh Phangan.. my mushroom Island :P

Oki doki..

Where do I even begin..pfffft.. I have been in Koh Phangan for the last two weeks and.. well.. Lets just say it's insane in the brain:) When I first got here I stayed in Nai Wok Bay, In Koh Phangan bungalows and my little place was right on the beach! When I arrived I couldn’t believe that this quaint little bungalow - that was now all mine (for a mere 300 Baht a night) had the beach on it's doorstep. I tell you, it's the best 'front yard' I’ve ever had! It's a simple home, wooden and rustic (that's putting it lightly) but for the very same reasons – suited me down to the ground.

I got a bus from Krabi to Surat Thani and then hopped onto a ferry to my new Island – one that I was only going to for one week – but I’m still here and cannot bring myself to leave just yet:) I arrived in the afternoon, took a stroll along the beach – and stumbled upon Beck's (Bar, restaurant, resort..) Naturally I walked on over to the bar and so began the adventure of a lifetime.

The Bartender 'Lek' – who is a cartoon character for sure- is a darling, and sitting with him was Alan (From Canada – dammit I love me some Canadians. They have such a beautiful, soft accent and they are even more friendly than us fellow South Africans. And so began two friendships. That evening we chatted away watching the sunset and having a beer or four, and the following evening - After I spent the day swimming in my ocean, marketing and getting my eyebrows and underarms waxed:) Lek took me out to Haad Rin – where I became a butterfly, then a swan, then a gypsy princess and then a sparkling fish! As soon as we arrived we went to the Kargaroo Bar and Alistair and was ordering the same shake I was :) and invited us to join him, his girlfriend Bredna and best friend Ailie, which we did and almost immediately my very delicious vegetables kicked in, as did everyone else’s:) and we we're laughing ourselves stupid, spilling everything, sweating and chatting about the lights or clouds (don't think we knew the difference;)

Needless to say we spent the entire evening/night/morning together – running around the beach, dancing and playing with each others feet :) Ailie was from the North of Scotland and her accent was just hilarious – I don’t mean that in a bad way – a beautiful hilarious. She was my darling for the evening and I honestly feel like we met in a different universe – especially because when we tried to exchange details as I was leaving – we didn't know how to :) The accents also made it even harder. In any event, we had a blast and I will never forget them!

For the next two days I chilled out at Beck's most of the time, nursing yet another motorbike burn :( , meeting people from all over the world (I'm seriously in heaven!) and having fun with my new dog “Bak Joy.” She is one of the resorts dogs, but we have connected so while I’m here she is mine. She follows me everywhere, sleeps on my stoop and goes for walks with me along the beach. She even tried to follow me to the Pirate Beach Party the other night:) which (by the by, is a teeeny tiny trance party that happens every so often on this teeny tiny beach up the road – it's brilliant! Drinking Fuck buckets, stomping on the beach, laughing gas and Peeing off rocks into the sea:) And kissing an incredibly hot dude from New York – and no, I can't remember his name:P ) I will miss Joy terribly when i'm gone, and know that she will miss me more – but she is very well taken care of here, and loves her life! How could she not? I often look at her and wonder if she realizes she lives in paradise..

On my third morning, Guiliano from Rome rode his bicycle past my deck and asked if I’d like to have a coconut, how could I say no? The coconut trees are everywhere and they just drop down when they are ready so you do have to watch your head:) We sat on the beach talking about our different countries and lives and so forth, eating the bellisimo - beautiful in Italian:) coconut. His friend Matteo, also from Rome, joined us and within the hour we were on the back of his bike (yes all three of us:) off to a beach - can't remember it's name but it's fuck far! This Island is 10 kilometers up in width and length. The roads here are not for the faint hearted, that's for sure! The ones in the town are great – big open tar roads – but the “off the beaten track ones” are – well.. definitely made for a 4X4.

Anyhoo it made it all the more entertaining, us struggling along, having to hop off the scooter and walk up a hill and then get back on, and then get stuck :) People where driving past taking pictures of us, it was really something else. When I told Lek about it he did a tripple take,”You three?? On one?? That road? NO!! Don't be ting tong.” (Ting Tong is retarded in Thai.) In any event, it was worth it, and a beautiful day – ending off at the local night market – yum! The three of us spent lots of time together here – with others too, from all over. We had a great time playing on this Island!

Although plenty of weird friction began from that relationship right there (the three of us.) which was rather annoying to say the least, but I supose I can now officially say that I’ve had two Italian men fight over my affection:) I wont go into details here, but I had my pesto pasta and it was bellisimo..haha! When my chosen pasta left yesterday he told me,”It was beautiful knowing you.” :) You gotta give it to the Italians – they know how to schmooze:)

On one of our evenings on our beach..drinking Leo/chang/Singa beers - I stick to Leo – Chang makes my tummy curl and Singa is the pricey one. Leo does it's job:) Ain’t no beer like Windhoek though! We met Emolina from France, who has just come from Ireland where she lived for a year. And she moved in with me the very next day:) Although she technically moved in with Lek, if you know what I mean;) I adore her! We are so similar – find the same things funny, get worked up by the same things – like pollution:) She got so angry with this boat driver once in Haad Rin, that I thought she was going to kill him right there – was fabulous:) It's funny how the cultures are so different – she was getting angry and throwing her passion all over the place and Lek was telling her to calm down and just leave it, as it doesn’t matter. Thai's are so un confrontational (generally speaking) they dont want to cause trouble etc.. Anyway on that night I was a mermaid again;) haha! I love Kangaroo Bar!! :)

Although this place is party heaven, I have still been doing day missions of note! Emolina and I Kyaked to Koh Tae Nai Island from our “Front yard”:) and found this huge crystal clear, ice cold sea pool – we were the only ones there – it was pure magic – the natural kind;) Kayaking is not so easy man, the sea was a bit rough where the boats make waves, and the two of us had to use every muscle in our bodies to keep moving:) We also went to the Chinese temple (with Guiliano – Matteo was doing his diving course, Lek and Alan were at the bar – Lek works there and Alan works the Singa's pretty hard;) This was the best temple experience of my life, the monks there are so friendly and the vibe is just. No words. Literally. As soon as we arrived we fell silent and didn’t speak until a few hours later when we left for some little town - I really should write down the names:) to have a late lunch. It has lots to explore, so much to see! Strolling around while the monks chant and we met a guy from the states who is living there as he had a really bad motorbike accident and they are looking after him. It was something special, that's for sure. And the one Monk lady person:) gave us a bracelet for protection:) She took one look at my arms – covered with so many and smiled,”You like much.” :)

Anyhoo.. I was staying at Phangan Bungalows for the first week – but was always at Beck's and Beck's is the same price only SO SO SO SO much better – more people, MUCH cleaner and the Bungalows have western toilets – which is a must for me! So I moved across after a week, and I’m loving it – an upgrade always makes one feel fantastic;)

Yesterday Klara arrived from Germany, she is super sweet and her English is brilliant. We spent the eventing with her, and the rest of the normal group – at the night market eating delicious, weird and wonderful treats:) Then we chilled on our beach at Beck's chatting away until rather late. This morning Emolina and I had to be up early – 7am – to get onto a boat and see the Ang Tong Marine Park.

It was sooo beautiful I cannot explain. I really cant. I don’t know how;) But when we got onto this boat, that I can only call a pirate boat as I don’t know how else to describe it:) the captain asked us if we would like a sea sickness tablet and we both declined, as I've never had a problem with that before. Well, by god did we regret that decision and there were no more left when we wanted to take them. It was especially windy today and the boat was flying around the ocean and my tummy was going into my throat and plumeting into my gut. I pushed through though – didn’t want to puke on anybody and be that bitch on the boat;P They take you snorkelling and swimming at Koh Wao and KohTay Plow. Loads of tropical fish to see! We went to the.... view point wich is at the top of forty thousand stairs:) And went on a hike through the forrest – more like rock climbing:) Not for the faint hearted:) But the view makes it all worth it! And boy did we eat! They treated us like kings! Unlimited Tea, coffe, water, coca cola, sprite, doughnuts, watermelon and pineapple. Also a traditional Thai lunch – rice with vegies and chicken – yum! and a big chicken salad roll in the late arvo, with more fruit and more donuts :) Thank god they did, because this tour is exhausting! We got back after eight o clock this evening – that’s a loooong day! The tour started at 9am!!!! But I’m showered and fresh and bloody exhausted – but the great kind – the rewarding one;P

This evening we grabbed a quick bite from the market and came straight home, had two beers at the bar with Claura – she's now my new neighbour – yay!:) met some more Frenchies (two guys arrived today, and they're going to join us for the Jungle Experience tomorrow! Yes you heared me! The Jungle Experience! Cant hardly wait! I'm so stoked im here for it, it's an underground.......bnlah blah.... Claura and I are going together (unfortunately Eolina leaves tomorrow..) but yeah, such is life when you travel, many happy hello's and too many sad goodbye's.

Well, it's late and I have to get to bed – I’m finito:) Going to read about two pages of my circus book and be out for the count, in lala land.. yes please!
 Night night all, may you sleep as sweetly as i'm about to!

18. Goodbye Krabi, you will be missed!

Oki doki smoki poki's..

Let's just say.. I've fallen in love. True love. This is it. This is what every one looks for their whole lives.. and I’ve found it. How lucky am I? :) Her name is Krabi. She lives in Thailand. And I love her. Yes, we can fall in love with places as well as people :) In fact, I’ve never fallen for a person like I’ve fallen for this place..

It's Sunday today, the town is quite. (The locals call it a city, but who are they kidding? I've lived in a city, and this is definitely not one.) Anyhoo..sitting at “Old West.” drinking a Coconut cooler-back on the booze.. haha.. been five days and not a drop – not that I’m trying not to or anything, but who drinks while on an Elephant, on a canoe, hiking, snorkelling or while in a cave? Maybe my uncle Martie..definitely my uncle Martie..lol..

Today is my last day in Krabi, and I'm sad. I don't want to go, but I know that I need to continue on my journey..the only thing stopping me from cancelling the rest of my trip and parking off here is that I know I will be back, and hopefully to live and teach here for a year.

On Thursday I went on a long tail boat, with a group of people – some lovely Spaniards! My Spanish is better than I thought it was – yay! :) I suppose it's the first time I've been put in a situation where I had to speak the language, but it was a surprisingly delightful conversation! Although I ended up spending that day with two German-Italian girls – Betty and Nicky. We had a lovely day together, snorkelling around the different Islands! We went to Tup Island, snorkelled for an hour (The beach was delicious but not so many fish to see.), and then Chicken Island for an hour and a half – They say that when you arrive it'll be obvious why it's called “Chicken Island.” and they mean because of it's shape. I thought it looked more like a turkey..or even a camel lying down. No chicken there for me :) I must say that the fish there are luminous! Incredible – we just jumped off the boat and snorkelled away. They feed the fish by the boat (they must do.) because there are just zillions swimming around you!It was my first time snorkelling and I think I may just have found my new hobby! Looking at the fish, I remembered the market in Rawai where I saw them – still alive – for sale.. and my heart grew a little heavy. But, I’m on holiday so I’ve vowed to myself not to let my sensitivity get the better of me. “Maybe I could set up a campaign and try to save them..no shut up Megan. You're on fucking holiday, leave that alone.”

We then went to Pranang beach and looked around – Railey beaches etc..swam and snorkelled. It was lovely. Just lovely:) I got on so well with Nicky and Betty. Betty in particular. It's times like that, that I LOVE facebook, as it means we can find each other and who knows?

We also went to Poda Island, where the turquoise water was so god damn turquoise, I couldn't help just jumping in the water,flapping my arms about and squealing for joy! Betty said I looked and sounded like a four year old having an epileptic fit..haha! Said with much love of coarse:)

When I got home I went to the night market and shopped a wee bit too much – dunno how I'm gonna fit all this in my back pack:)

The following day I went on a canoeing trip around James Bond Island. Wow. I didn't think this day was going to be so intense. Got picked up at my hotel at 7:30 am and arrived back at 6pm.

We went to Pang Nga Bay and swam at James Bond Island. Looked around the cave there, and did a wee bit of marketing – I nearly shot all of them marketers'. They harass you like I’ve never been harassed before – and I could feel myself getting rude. “Stop it, I'm just looking. No buy. Now leave me.” Eventually I bought a 400 Baht (ppppffft yeah right. sure.)– turquoise stone ring – for 100 Baht. “I live in Phuket. You can't rip me off darling.” “OK. ok. How much you pay?” There we go.. :)

We went to Pang Nga Bay – went to the floating market and did some shopping, checked out the “population” - as our tour guide – Ms Mayo (a lady boy.) kept telling us to do. “Maybe you like to see population. See population. Maybe population. You see population.” She was a darling. A monkey leaped onto me and wouldn't let me go, was super adorable! I played with him for a good half hour and then her owner tried to get me to pay 100 baht for it. “Are you ting tong?” (Mad in Thai.) ” Before we left, we had a HUGE lunch there, chicken, veggies, prawns, rice, pineapple and watermelon..delicious!

After that we went to the Swankuha temple, which is in a cave. It was a real treat, and the monkeys are cute cute cute!:) Holding onto my skirt with one hand and onto their babies with the other:) Then we got back onto the bus and I honestly passed out, longing to go home and sleep..and the next thing, Karina (from Austria – we were canoeing partners.) woke me up, “Time to swim Meggie.” I was so confused, I thought surely the trip would be over by now.. but no. I must admit I had to drag myself out of the bus, but once I saw the waterfall – I was all in. The water was so refreshing, crystal clear and as cold as ice – muchos appreciated in this weather.

After an hour there, we went to the Pang Nga 7/11 which was the prettiest 7/11 I have ever seen in my life! I wouldn't have minded staying there for a while – haha! But seriously!

When I arrived home, I was dragging my legs up the stairs, every muscle in my body aching and how I looked forward to waking up late the following morning – nothing booked, nothing planned..yay!

I woke up at 12:30 this morning..bliss. First time since I’ve been in Thailand..and walked around the town, checked out prices to get to Koh Pangang (includes a bus trip and a boat trip.) You've got to look at so many places before you settle as it's easy to get ripped off.. I was told 800 Baht, and in the end..got it for 500 – no stops – pick me up from my hotel, go by mini bus – SO much better than the bigger one's..to the peer in Surat Thani (main stop for most places.) and onto a ferry to Koh Phanang.. Get picked up at 6:30 am and in Koh Pangang by 12:30am. Yay! Going to stay in a Bungalow on the beach..haven’t booked anything yet, just going to arrive and see what happens.. I'm all for the universe deciding my fate..she always has the best idea's for me.

For the rest of the day, I plan to drink a few cocktails and listen to the locals playing guitar – my friend Mas is fetching me on his scooter from here (Old west.) and taking me to his friends place, where I can jam with them! Stoked! :)

I must say, I am sad to leave Krabi..and on that note:

My darling "monkey Island" Krabi,

I'm heartbroken to leave you, but my trail must move onwards and upwards. How I have loved getting to know you, enjoyed your company, with the friendly people you host, and the lush mountains you bear. Your turquoise waters', waterfalls', fishies, Elephanti's and caves'. I will cherish my memories here and will meet you again for more. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! As I go, I leave you with a piece of my heart.

Forever yours,

Meggie.

17. Same same, but different :)

This morning I woke up stiff as fuck. I swear, Boe my Elephant really did take me for a ride!Desperate to spend a penny, I crawled my sore self out of bed, and proceeded to hang outside the bathroom for at least, no exaggeration, at least – forty five minutes. Eventually I went back to my room and wizzed through a few chapters of my delightful book,”The night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern, which is pulling and tugging my imagination in directions I always deemed impossible.

In any event, I went back and sat on the stairs outside the bathroom. Suddenly the door unlocked and I could feel my bladder giving an astounding applause, as the Swedish girl ( The one who wanted to upgrade to the room Noon gave to me, as from today – at no extra charge – whoohoo!) came out, and said,”I didn't know anyone was waiting.” I smiled politely,”No worries.” It's so funny how people often say something like that and on the inside they're thinking,” Sure chick. No one on the entire floor needed to go to the loo this morning. Now by all means, speed up your glacial pace so I can having a fucking piss already!” lol..

After the most fantastic tinkle of my entire life, I got showered and fresh - only to sweat away any cleanliness a mere half hour later:) I'm going snorkelling tomorrow and left my bikini top in Phi Phi (what goes to Phi Phi really does stay in Phi Phi.) So I set off to buy a new one. I searched high and low, but in town they are over 1000 Baht and I just aint having that. I did find a shop with some for half the price and so I picked the first one I thought could hold up my knockers, turned to the two (strangely) snotty Thai women, “Where can I try this on?” “No can.” “Excuse me?” “No try.” “But how do I know if it fits?” “Same same.” “No same same. I need to try to see if it fits.” “Ya. Fit.” “No, please can I try it on over my top, and just the boob part.”

This goes back and forth, with the three of us getting more and more frustrated. To make matters worse, the shop is right next door to a 7/11 which has this door that goes,”DING! DING!” every time someone stands near it. It's enough to drive anyone mental.

Pushing the bikini onto me, “500. Now. Buy.” DING! DING! “I want to -” DING! DING! “..try it on..” DING! DING! “..over my top.” DING! DING!”No can.” DING! DING! “It fit.” DING! DING! DING! DING! “No, I can't just take it, I have to..” DING! DING! “500. Buy.” DING! DING! “Listen, I really need to - ” DING! DING! “Buy now.” aaaaaaahhh!! I was biting my tongue not to shot at these two cretins,”Back the fuck up bitches or i'll blow this rice paddy right up!”

The next thing, an angel appears – on a scooter of coarse! “Lady, where you wana go?” The devil witches from hell started screeching at him. I think they were basically telling him to fuck right off, and one of them witches had her claws in my arm,”You buy. Look good.” DING! DING!

And with that I lept onto my angels ride and told him to take me to Ao Nang town to buy a bikini, and we did just that. I felt like I was fleeing some mad scene in a movie, and if I turned around I’d see their shop bursting into flames.

So I spent the next hour looking through zillions of bikinis, but my knockers are just too big for these Asian sizes. “You extra large large.” Large large? Great. Thankfully my very big brain kicked into gear and I decided I’d buy one of their padded boob tubes, and since the pads are way too small – I’d cut a small whole on the side (inside) and pull them out! Then the fabric would fit (as it scrunches and curls over the padding.) Then I’d take a ribbon or something and gather the middle together to make the shape right again. So instead I only paid 350 Baht and I sat in their shop, used their scissors and did just that. I thought their eyes were going to pop out of their heads. I used my hair tie instead of ribbon as I didn't have any on me and put on my new bikini! Tada! I even got claps from the Thai ladies! Very VERY big brain indeed:) I love my new bikini, leopard print and all;)

I jumped into the turquoise sea, had a swim and then sat on the beach drinking my personal favourite – a watermelon shake. My body was still aching, but I knew not to worry because as soon as I was done, I’d grab a massage:) It was the best massage I’ve ever had – EVER! When it was (regretfully) over, I felt as though I had been reborn again..

Luckily I caught the last bus (just in the nick of time) back to Krabi town, where I went and had a prawn salad and a Long Island. Every time I have a Long Island I miss my Prince Andrew and I could feel him sitting there, cackling away with me – and I felt my heart get warmer with each thought of him. So I asked for a pen and paper and wrote him this:

My darling Prince, I miss you and so does my Long Island. I miss your voice,”Baaaayyybe!” I miss your filthy tounge,”Jesus fucking Christ move you bitch arsehole! What the fuck shit is your problem!? Fuck your mother! AAAAHHHHHH!!” - referring to his road rage obviously :) I miss laughing so much we nearly wet ourselves,”Babe, seriously stop! I can't handle!” Mostly, I think of our last hug goodbye..clutching onto each other as we made our demands..

“Ok, Babe just promise me you won't have sex with a Thai man. No Asian persuasion.”

“Ok, and you promise me you'll be healthy. That you'll look after your body and mind.”

I've kept my promise (with no intention of breaking it) Have you?

Our second requests we're that I not get put into a Thai Jail – woops..broke that one already, and that you come visit me in Thailand. Tell me your not breaking that too? :(

I love you, and think about you at least twenty times a day.

Your Meggie.

Xoxo

Anyhoo, I ended up having another Long Island with some British lads:) who invited me to join them on a hike tomorrow afternoon, but unfortunately I’m booked to go snorkelling around some islands for the day, not that my thighs could manage it anyway. The strangest thing happened when I finished my second drink..

I said, (and as the words came out of my mouth I was wondering who this person was, because I certainly hadn't met her before.) “Right dudes, it's been fun – but I should head on home.” “What are you talking about, it's early still.” “Yeah but I'm rather knackered and I have an early start tomorrow.” “Don't be boring. All South African's know how to party.” “Haha. Darling, trust me. I'm never boring and I definitely know how to party. In fact I redefine the term. Just not tonight.” Realizing that he had been defeated,”Ok. Here is my number in case you get back to your hotel and realize what a loser you are being and you change your mind.” I laugh. “Thanks. Maybe later this week.”

As I walked away I couldn't believe what I’d just done. SO not me. Or maybe I'm changing after all. I must say, I do feel different.

“Same same, but different.” :)

16. Elephanti trekking in Krabi, Thailand!

So today was my first official day in Krabi. I woke up thinking I would go down stairs, have some coffee and head next door for a Thai massage. Sounded great to me.
Although, my days never seem to bring what I expect, rather they give me what they think I need. So today, the universe thought that I needed to go on an Elephanti trek through the jungle.. and who am I to argue with the universe?

I headed to the peer to have an early lunch, watching the tail boats and chatting to my new friend,“Mas” who bought me a litre of water because the chillies got the better of me! Then I jumped on a tuk tuk and headed for my spontaneous adventure!

Wow, what an experience! It started off with a baby Elephant giving us a show – playing soccer and putting hats on our heads, throwing the ball in the hoop and playing the harmonica – that in particular was something so special, she looked like she was loving it, dancing away! Normally I get rather sad when I see wild animals in these situations, but this was different. These people love them, and care for them like they are their own children. “She my best friend.” Also, I suppose man has taken over the world, and rather they be there, than hiding from poach-men elsewhere!

Riding an Elephant is somewhat like riding a horse, you've got to get your rhythm right. Once you do, it's easy peasy! Joining me on this trek, were three old ducks'. Although to be more correct – I should say, two old ducks' and one old rooster. They are from England and I must say that their accent made the experience all the more delightful! I'm particularly fond of that accent, and it always makes me feel more at home. I'm not British, but my family leans to that “posh side” :) I kept thinking, here are these three charming old people, in their late seventies, having such a laugh! I'm going to be sending my granny some picks of this, so that she has no excuse but to come trekking through the jungle with me in Thailand! These three nuts retired twenty odd years ago, and have been travelling the globe since..hopping from one Elephant to the next temple! I hope I’m lucky enough to do that when I’m seventy eight! We had such fun together, laughing away! At one point, one of the old ducks was rather concerned that her Elephant and his owner (and the driver..lol..) we're having an argument. “No, we no fight. We talk. He like to play.” and so she responded in her dear accent, “Well, I have a feeling that this conversation is getting rather heated and I’m not too sure I want to be on top of him when he proves his point.”

My Elephant's name is Boe and he was as tender as can be! He even let me climb out of my seat and onto his head! I gave him so many kisses and loves, it was pure magic. I could feel the love! “Ah! Boe my darling, you're gorgeous! If I were an Elephant....” haha ;)

The other Elephant - the one deep in conversation with his master, had the hugest penis I have ever seen! Although he had no tusks, so naturally I had to enquire, “Where are his tusks? Did they get taken from him?” “No take. No take. He no have. He lady boy.” Ha! Only in Thailand.

We then got off our Elephants – I gave Boe a big wet one to say goodbye, and went back to the river where some lady Elephants' were being bathed. I jumped into the water and swam with them. The poor old ducks couldnt get further than just standing in the water as they were afraid they'd break another hip or two. I on the other hand, bathed “Lady.” She was so sweet, and soooooo gentle! I got onto her back and gave her a massage, and plenty of kisses followed. Lady got rather excited I guess, and jumped up – I got such a fright, “Lady darling, please put me down. Sweetheart hunny pie, princess of the Earth..PLEASE put me down.” I think she got the message because she just flopped back down into the water – thank god I was holding onto her ears because if I had slipped and falled in under her, i'm not so sure I could carry her weight!

All in all it was completely unexpected, and that made it all the more exciting – if that is even possible! When I got back to my hotel, Noon who is Mr Man's adorable wife, greeted me with some coffee, “Meggie, sit and talk Elephant.” So I sat and told her everything, after which she asked if I was ok in my room, and not too hot. “I'm always ok Noon, always.” “But we like you, want you be happy.” “I am happy Noon, very.” “Ok, but more happy in better room.” I laughed (thinking she was trying to sell me a better one.) “Well..this room is in my price range.” “No Meggie. Same same price. Better room. For you, tomorrow. You change ok.” “Ok Noon, Kap kun ka!”

Just then a Swedish couple came outside. “Excuse me, Marco is leaving tomorrow, so can we move into his room?” With that, Noon politely says, “No can. Meggie room.”

I swear, a big happy smile can take you a looooooong way ;)

After a nice chat about Africa, Noon thinks it's strange I’m not black :) I went to the night market to grab some noodles..and now..I’ve collapsed on my bed. Exhausted. Damn, what a tough life I live! ;P

I wonder what tomorrow will bring? I'll leave it up to the universe to decide – she always cooks up something delicious!

15. Living in Thailand! :)

Ok. Righto.

The past few weeks have been mass madness. To say the least. A mixture of sheer joy, anger, frustration, curiosity, bliss, peace, sadness and intrigue.

I have been unable to communicate any details, partly because my computer wouldn’t allow me to – with the humidity she gets in a very bad mood – but mostly because I have been stuck in this whirlwind of events. Sometimes floating so high on cloud nine that I cannot see the ground, and others- stuck in a tornado taking me on the ride of my fucking life. Most of the time this tornado has been happy, albeit a chaotic one. But on one or two occasions- not so much.
I think I might find it difficult to some up my Thailand experience thus far, even though it's only been three weeks - maybe because of all that has happened. It's shaped and shifted so rapidly I can hardly keep up.

Let's just say that right now, from here, I am going to discuss as much as I can..time to give it a go..

I arrived in a land so blatantly not my own, met lots of people from all over the world, gashed open my elbow on my first night (thank the lord for my medical aid kit because the smallest of cuts gets infected here.) fell down the stairs and grazed my knee, burned the skin off my shin on a motorbike, French kissed a Thai lesbian -not a lady boy;) gone on a cruise, gotten arrested in Phi Phi Island for sitting on a donkey- I suppose Thai jail was bound to happen at some point. Fell down a hill trying to pee, laughed so much in a Thai woman's car that I spat my beer all over her dry cleaning, played in the sand with the cutest of kids, gotten foreigners to buy us ladies free tequila, had an old Thai man try to kiss me, stroked an Elephanti and played with a monkey in a tutu, frolicked in the sea, rivers', caves', temples' and forests'. Ridden on buses', tuk tuks', and scooters' - sometimes with three people, a dog and no helmet:) Gotten scabies again, yes. Again. Thankfully I had all the cream and pills with me just in case, so got rid of it straight away and from now on refuse, absolutely REFUSE to touch another dog. Ever! Don't care how cute they are, all they do is make me sick and break my heart so I’m done with that. For now. Oh god. :)

Had extreme shits in way to many long drops to fathom, eaten meat that was not chicken, not fish and definitely not beef. Rubbed a zulu bum:) and begged a French colonialist for food. Done lots of marketing- clothes and food alike. Happened to be walking along the street when a gang war broke out, and got punched in the eye..shadowed two of my friends teaching Thai kids- never thought id say it, but corporal punishment is the way forward:) Gone on a cruise though the limestone cliffs and today I went sailing on a long boat through the lush mountains in Krabi, went to a fish market on water where I met Barak Obama ;) Not the president, but that's his name:)

I finished my day off at the market – bought chicken noodles for 20 baht – that's about 5 rand! And they were delicious!! bought a scarf, a hat and a dress – Krabi is so much cheaper than Phuket (clothes wise) and sat with the owner of my lovely hotel, his name is “Mr Man.” discussing how I need to move here after my course finishes in Phuket. He's going to show me a map of all the schools to go visit this week.
I must say, I love Phuket. I do. I was living in Old Phuket Town and it certainly has it's charm, and I found my local food spots that were yummy and light on the tummy – you've got to be careful here. And the bonus there is that you can live in town for cheaper and then do the beaches on the weekends when your not working – as they are only twenty minutes to half an hour away. However you cant live by the beach as it is far to expensive. One forgets that if you're in Phuket for a three week holiday, it's still cheap to hop around the beach towns, but if your living there – it is not the same. Like I said, Phuket is magnificent and certainly has it all. However I found myself (after being in Karon – a beach town in Phuket.) for the day, coming back into town and saying to my friends, “What the fuck are all these tourists doing here? Seriously, Fuck off my Island.” That's when Kyle responded, “You do realize you've only been here for five days right? Technically, you are a tourist.” lol. I suppose because I’ve moved here to move here, I don’t feel like one.

When I was in Phuket, I was staying at the Roongrawee mansion, with all the TEFL students. It can get incredibly chaotic, lot's of alcohol and parties infuse. I (but of coarse) loved this! Although after two weeks, I knew that I needed more, and that I did not travel across the globe to get wasted on Heineken. Thats not to say I didn’t go to temples, beaches, view points, visit monks, go on cruises and eat weird food:) I did all of the above and more, and loved the people I met. But after two weeks, I was itching to see what else Thailand could offer. And was thinking I needed something more rural.

Knowing Phuket would still be there when I returned, I left. Perhaps the last straw was Phi Phi Island where I was arrested and then released hours later, only to walk straight into a gang war. I left for Ban Nisan, which is 40 km's from Suratani, north of Phuket. Four hours mini bus ride away.

Nicol, my best friend and her adoring man Ty ty, live in a cottage called “Long Gone.” So cute. They live with their lil rescue pup Blossom, and live a very sweet family life in rural Thailand. They we're the only two white people I saw in my six days in Ban Nisan, and they agree they've never seen a tourist there before. A completely different world from Phuket, but I loved it all the same. We had such fun together and filled our days with river swimming, fruit picking, stroking Elephanti's, cave exploring and munching as many prawns as we could manage. I felt well rested this morning, even though we did drink a fair amount of whiskey on my first two nights! Egg and box reunion – waddya expect;) But it was lovely to be with people who are a piece of my home. People who didn’t ask about my parents and where I grew up, what I studied, and why I am here, where I have been and where I am going. Not that I mind all that, but after two straight weeks of doing that with dozens of people, it was a nice change. People who I could also be the quite and introspective Meg with, just be..because after all..we have been friends for something like thirteen years. God I love her. I'm a lucky girl to have such a dear friend. A beautiful, intelligent, thoughtful, funny – silly silly monkey person, who I can honestly say I will love forever, no matter what – I will always carry her in my heart.

None of this is to say I didn’t enjoy getting to know the TEFL group, I loved it. We had a blast! And some of them will be people I know I will keep in contact with, and I look forward to doing so. Others.. not so much. When you get thrown together for 24 hour days, you learn a lot about people, that's for sure :)

Right now, I’m in Krabi, South Thailand.. and I’m in love. It seems so far..to have the best of Ban Nisan – being the friendly faces (The Thai's there are a lot more friendly than they are in Phuket.) And it is cheaper too – huge bonus:) I can actually feel my exchange rate now:) However, Ban Nisan doesn’t have a single foreigner – and when your travelling around like me, wanting to meet people, you want them, just not as many as in Phuket, but you do. Here there are just the right amount:) Enough to make you feel like your not in some tourist destination, but enough to allow room for English chitter chatter and possible friendships.

Also, I like the fact that so far I can communicate with the Thai's here, they are super duper friendly and can understand me – which is so freeing! And I have a western toilet! Fuck yeah! Phuket has them, but there are none in Ban Nisan, and I'm sorry if I seem like a snob, but I need me a hygienic proper western toilet – especially with all this Thai food opening up the flood gates! Also Ban Nisan doesn't have the beach, Krabi does - and a town, right here..and I like that. I like da beach:) It has rivers, a sea, and markets – the night market is right next to my hotel!

So far, on the home/work scouting front..Krabi is winning:)

I'm here for a week..so I suppose ill wait and see what will be:)

I LOVE the transport!! Love riding on scooters, wizzing around! Tuk tuks, open buses and cruises – who doesn’t love a cruise right!? Love the children here – I’m gonna take me one home! I love the fact that you leave your shoes outside, and the greetings – your hands clasped together with a little bow “Sawateeka” Love the views, obviously! Love the markets and the people – so friendly! Love the food – not the after effects (though they don’t always happen.) Love getting massages and eating out! I love staying in a hotel – I’m a hippy rock star I am!:) Love meeting people, and funnily enough, love being on my own. Mostly, I fucking LOVE how cheap it is:)

But I miss my family, and I miss my friends. I miss proper communication – not having to use sign language and a huge amount of patience to explain what you want to eat or where you want to go. I miss the music (A lot of the Thai music here sounds Afrikaans strangely enough.) I REALLY miss reggae! I miss not sweating 24 hours a day. I miss the hygiene at home – especially western toilets! I miss not having the shits:) And I really miss .. my mum. Yes, I said family, but I really miss her so she deserves a second mention. But all of this is piddles, because I’m happy, happier than I have ever been in my entire life. I'm in heaven. Who knew it was on Earth.