The Beauty and Peace of Ko Phangan

Well, just like I said in the last post, I have seriously been taking it easy and enjoying myself. An average day consists of me waking up fully refreshed at about 9am, washing my face and going to the resort restaurant for a breakfast of fresh fruit, eggs and toast. The in the afternoons, I read on the beach, stretch, walk and sunbath, while again venturing into the restaurant for usually some amazingly good Thai food and a fruit shake. Then by the time the evening comes, usually a group of us staying here sit around and talk, drink beer or go for walks. I am usually in bed by 11pm and sleeping the best that I have in years. I am relaxing and spending a lot of time to myself. I am eating food that nourishes my body. I feel stronger and more calm than I have in years.

Take a look at some of the many pictures that I have taken here so far.



This first pic is the "typical" sunset picture. However, it feels like home to me now...



Keith and I on the beach enjoying the warm sun, white sand and bath water temperature ocean.



Here is a picture of a beautiful, young, Thai girl that I played with one day.



Our bungalow at Phangan Rainbow Resort. It is sooo nice and damn cheap!



Here is a cute lizard that we see everywhere around here. We love them because they are friendly and eat all the bugs that drive us crazy!

I will try to post again soon, if I get more time and a computer with a faster connection... ;)

Staying in Thailand

I guess after some real budgeting and hard thinking, I have decided just to stay a month in Thailand relaxing and rejuvenating. I really wanted to see Cambodia and Vietnam, but with budget constraints and feeling very homesick, I have decided to leave at the end of the month and just stay in Thailand. I had no idea how exhausting backpacking can be. I guess the last time I did it I was younger and full of energy. Right now I am feeling like a real vacation on the beach is what will really be the best way to chill before heading home to Canada. I know that I will be back to Asia very soon and will see the rest of this beautiful end of the world when I have the energy and the budget for it.

As for now, I am staying in an amazing place with incredible food, good, clean accommodation and a breathtaking beach. I'm relaxing, getting a tan and really enjoying myself. Check out the link for yourselves www.rainbowbungalows.com.

After a few more days in Ko Phangan, we are off to Ko Lanta (I think) to take it I in another beautiful part of Thailand.

Ahhh, I don't think I have ever felt more relaxed in my life...:)

Bangkok to Ko Phangan

Here are a few pictures of our journey in the past few days...



Keith and I on a sleeper train heading south to the beaches



Elephant bathing! I'm riding bareback and solo!



Elephant trekking in the jungle



Sacred cave site in Kantanebury

Getting Out of BANGKOK!

I have been in Bangkok now for about 5 days just relaxing and chilling. I thought that I was going to head up north to Chang Mai, but I had no idea how burnt out I was until I got here and was able to relax. So far I have done some touring around Bangkok, seen some temples, road in some Tuk Tuks, done some shopping and eaten some amazing street food. I have already met some amazing people and have a good idea of where and when I am going to places now...AND NOW I AM READY FOR THE BEACHES!

Keith is coming later today which is such a relief, as he was in a car accident the day I left, but he is still coming. After he arrives here in Bangkok, Kevin, him and I are going on a 2 day 1 night elephant trek. It will include temples, waterfalls, elephants and possible an opportunity to hang out with some tigers. We are all looking forward to that and the we will head down south to the islands. First, we are going to Koh Phangan for 4 days and relaxing on the beach and I will attempt to get a tan. Then Kevin is going to give Keith and I some time alone to meet a friend and Keith and I are then going further south to near Krabi. We are looking into to staying on either the island of Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta, whatever is cheapest and easiest to get to. That is usually how I have been making decisions on this trip so far.

I guess the long-term plan now is (still subject to change) to spend a few weeks down south on the beautiful beaches of Thailand. Then return to Bangkok for a few days to get organized and say good-bye to Keith. Next, off to Cambodia with Kevin for a few weeks and then possible a few days in Vietnam. I am still determining right now what is best as flights out of Cambodia are extremely expensive, so it maybe cheaper for me to fly out of Vietnam and have a cultural experience in another country at the same time. I guess this is what happens when you only book a one way ticket somewhere...LOL... For the first time in a long time I wanted to be spontaneous again in my life and not plan, so hopefully this all works out and I am back in Canada around the 2nd or 3rd week in April.

I am really looking forward to the rest of my trip, but also to seeing my own country again filled with my beautiful family and friends that I miss terribly. The past few years have been an amazing journey and I have lots more to come, but I am keeping myself grounded with the idea of returning home.

I will try to post pictures if I can, but it is difficult process here, so it may have to wait until I am home in Canada. I will continue to post on here as much as I can about what I am doing and any thoughts or feelings I have to keep you all up-to-date at home in Canada, Korea or anywhere else I may know you from. For now I am going to keep traveling with an open heart and mind and relax and enjoy the adventures ahead of me!


I never took this picture, but rather borrowed it from a Bangkok site. This is a picture of Khoa San Road, not far from where our guest house is. As you can see it is full of tourist, restaurants, food carts, shopping and lots of fun!