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

22. Goodbye Phuket!

Wow. Goodbye's are everywhere – so sad – I had to try not to cry when Sean left – I'm his big sister and now he's gone back home to his “fake” one. What a fucking liberty! :) Also had to say a biiig goodbye to Brad and Slash yesterday– and I can feel their presence gone! :( Hope I get to see them again at some point. Both nutters:) Then we had to say goodbye to Bob, Meggie and Kezla – but meeting Bob the builder and Kezla in two days so that's exciting:) And Meggie is staying in Thailand so she'll be around:) She is quite possibly the sweetest person I have ever met! I don't think she's ever said a bad thing about anybody – which is a huge feat when your twenty people living, working and playing together for a month 24/7.

And to be perfectly honest I had my first two fanfuckingtastic goodbye's since I’ve arrived in Thailand – nearly three months ago. Two of the most bitchy, gossip snuggling, men craving, back stabbing fuckwads I have ever met. I do not fare well with all that crap. Now that they are gone, I can feel that the energy has shifted, we are no longer living in high school, or deal with two people who clearly do. I'm happy I’m a straight up person, watching their behaviour only makes me happy that I have never had to deal with girls like that in my life. I love you South Africa, you gypsie rock country! :)

Anyhoo..Time to say goodbye to Phuket.. and start a new adventure – wooooooopa! Off to Bangkok tonight – for a few mad days and then were jumping on a train and heading to Chang Mai for some jungle rumbles:)

The last week of the TEFL course nearly did me in – two exams – two lessons – game night – one on one ass, and classes. Come Friday I was done. Finished. I could not spell “Banana” let alone function for another hour. I don't think I've ever had to work that intensely in my life – I am also used to doing Acting – which is a completely different way of learning – anyhoo, it's done – I feel like I’ve accomplished something and happy to be done – time to breathe – sleep in and do whatever we fucking feel like:) Got a hair cut today – makes me feel like I’m shedding all the TEFL stuff and starting on a new chapter – yay!

Sooooo excited to leave this evening! But I am sad to say goodbye to my darling Pelin and Meg – who are staying in Phuket – I will definitely see them again, but dammit I’m gonna miss them ladies! Luckily I have the ever so fabulous Katie – who is determined to see a cock fight in Bangkok..aw gawd :P And of coarse there is Dylan and Pete – damn boys – we've decided we are going to feed Dylan to the cocks at the fight. Or chuck him off a temple – we haven’t made up our minds yet. And Kezla and Bob the builder are flying in on Tuesday morning – so stoked – because bob is bob and Kezla is Kezla. Yep.

Love to all!

 

Oh! A special mention has to go out to Freddie - if you come to Phuket Town and see this gorgeous speciman - give him some love - he just loves it! A darling heart - wish i could take him with me.. :(

 

21. My new TEFL family:)

Oki doki – it's been forever since I last wrote – a month to be precise.. wow.

In the last month I have acquired a new family:) there are twenty of us, and we've all become incredibly close, as my dear older brother Slash said, “You girls have to be more careful, I really care about you and worry about you. I don't want anything to happen..” such a worry wart, but the best kind:) It's the first time in my life that I can honestly say I know what it feels like to have a brother. Or six brothers:) I must say, I like it:) Just thinking about the moment we all have to say goodbye makes me tear up.

In the last month we have gotten up to so much shit – and in order to not get into any trouble – I wont mention any names:) Lets just say – jumping around flashing boobies on the beach, taking boat cruises to Islands for the weekends,threesomes on long tail boats, drunken tattoos, lesbian kisses, choosing between different Israeli men,countless shots of vodka, tequila and Hong Tong whiskey – it's petrol but we like it:) snorkelling at Maya bay, random hook ups, Asian brawls, drunken dancing in a furniture store,parties like you cannot believe – Thai pop is becoming a fast favourite! Cabaret shows – lady boys at their best. And of coarse, last but definitely not the least..ping pong shows. I have seen so many weird things come out of a vagina, I will never be able to look at mine the same way again – birds, frogs, darts..you name it. That particular experience bound this family together – all having shared one of the worst, most horrific experiences of our lives – the images still haunt our dreams.

Of coarse there is the relaxing side too – beach hopping around our tropical Island we call home:) Temple scouting and marketing. Swimming in our pool playing “marco – polo.” Singing disney songs at five in the morning, Brad, Dylan and I gave Sebastian from “A little Mermaid” a run for his money! Bungy Jumping, Elephanti treaking, and watching the Katherine Tate show:) Grocery shopping at our fabulous Tesco – that always makes me feel like I really do live here – buying bread and such:) Eating out at every restaurant we discover– street food too. Most of our family has had food poisoning at some point or another – I’m one of the lucky three who didn’t – strong like bull!:)

And of coarse we have been teaching and studying our butts off! Work hard, play hard! Work all week and party all weekend – we've definitely found our balance. We have our final exam (grammar and phonetics) tomorrow and then I teach my first unobserved lesson in the afternoon – eeeek :) But i'm stoked!

I have found what I’m looking for, that is for sure! I love teaching, and I think I’m not half bad either:) After my classes there is always a student who comes up to me to say thank you and tell me they like me being their teacher..my heart melts every time.. It's a gratifying job, and I have such fun with the younger ones – I can feel my inner child having the time of her life! I'm definitely in it for the long haul, and excited to begin working.

What is also so incredible is that my acting buzz has made a strong and playful appearance – suddenly my “nack” for accents has made a resounding come back – perhaps because I’m surrounded by different accents from all over the world! We've had such a laugh playing with different voices and skits! I know that something will happen with it, its what I’m meant to do – but for now I’m going to travel the world teaching kids the most complicated language on earth:) Meet people and find new places to explore..ah! Life is good..I don’t remember when last I have been this happy..on this crazy adventure..it seems like a life time ago that I was a depressed ball in my bed, recovering from a breakup and Simba's death..so weird.

Sometimes I miss home, the big vast landscape.. – Africa you will always have my heart! And of coarse I miss my friends and family back home, every day. But I’m on the ride of my fucking life and don’t have time to stop for too long, let alone write a blog entry:)



I thought I best check in though – feeling rather out of touch.. Been so frantically busy.. it's madness.. this course is super intensive – but comes highly recommended – anyone wanting to join the teaching train.. do it through Tefl International in Phuket – it's well worth it! Speaking of school..i have got an exam in the morning..bleh! So I best get to bed – going to watch “Sex and the city.” – it's become my evening thing. Anyhoo Carrie is gonna tune Big out and I don't want to miss it!














Nighty night! xoxo

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!