Bangkok and Ko Phayam

I have arrived safely in Thailand and getting along great.  I spent four days in Bangkok.  It is like a city I have never visited- so busy and full of fast energy.  Motorbikes and tuk tuks ( a three-wheeled open-sided vehicle named after its unsilenced motor) whiz through the small streets.  You must pay attention wandering the streets- which can be a difficult task for me as I am easily overwhelmed by a great deal of stimulation!  I cruised around the city with my American friend.  He took me north where I saw some of the flooding- it is so very sad- but they still manage to have smiles on their faces.  I spent the day with my Thai friend going to the weekend market.  Soooo incredible-- I did manage to purchase some clothes for my travel amongst the fast-paced, crowded market. 

I took a night bus to Ranong.  The journey took eight hours.  After boarding the bus, I took out all of my road trip essentials-- music, pillow and sarong (the bus had A/C- quite the change from the constant state of sweat that I was experiencing) looking out the window waiting for departure I saw a cockroach scurry over my window.  Nooooooo.  As many of you know I am a lover of insects- I would call myself an advocate really.  I am the first to come running with my cup and paper to free them to their natural home instead of the common instinct of squashing.  Not roaches- I am so repulsed by these creatures.  I must have imagined it I told myself...shit....another...another...another. Oh, this is not good.  I am meant to sleep on this long journey?  Aww- I will move across the aisle -- surely the roaches only live on the left side of the bus-not the right.  I gathered my possessions and scooted to the imaginary, safer roach-free zone.  No sightings in twenty minutes.  Next stop-- I was asked to return to my original seat- oh well- pretend like they do not exist.  We arrived at 5:30 am -still dark out- I grabbed my backpack and exited the bus.  Not like any bus station I am used to.  There were many motorcycle taxis waiting for our arrival.  I was so happy to see an older Thai woman- she grabbed my pack, plopped it in front of her and I reluctantly got on the bike- I am not a fan of this incredibly common form of transportation. 

My first island stop is Ko Phayam.  I decided to stay on the busier beach first.  I was there for two days and then decided to leave as the staff and travelers were not as friendly as I had hoped.  I went to the quieter beach and was welcomed so warmly.  I am staying at a nice place where there are only nine bungalows and luckily there was one left when I arrived.  I have made friends with two lovely woman- Swedish and Austrian.  They will be staying on this island for one month and the other all season.  My bungalow overlooks the sea and I have the coziest hammock in all of Thailand.  Ow, the owner, is a wizard in the kitchen- best Thai food I have every had- my taste buds and belly have never been happier.  It is nice knowing a "regular" here- as I have been introduced to nice people and good spots along the island.  This particular island is less well-known and one of the least developed islands.  It is really a magical place and I can see why people stay for so long.  I will be here for another ten days or so- then heading south for some snorkeling adventure.  A photo to the right is of a place called Hippy Bar.  The owner, Jim, is a creative, kind Thai man.  He has built his establishment entirely from drift wood found on the island.  I will be staying on the island until he has his opening party- he is building tables and chairs at a fast rate preparing for the opening day.  I hope this message finds all well and happy.