Ko Phi Phi Island. Whoa my $250 underwater/waterproof/shockproof camera takes pretty damn good quality photos!! Thank u Olympus
After I picked up my visa from downtown Tokyo, I wandered about and bought a book for 100 yen at a used shop the day before my departure to Hong Kong and Thailand. It still amazes me how that book landed or came to me, since it is a story about a Japanese traveler and his experience in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Egypt. He meets wonderful local people and gets to know them at a personal level. Often the phrase, "hohoemi no kuni" is mentioned and I didnt understand until my trip to Ko Phi Phi and Krabi.
After a week in Pranburi, I left for Phucket, a busy hustling town with a night life like no other. We got lucky to stay at a hotel like quality hostel for 400 baht each at Bodega. Robin, the owner was super nice and recommended things to do in Phucket, except since it was pouring rain, we couldnt rent a motorcycle. Or I didnt want to risk motorbiking in a hilly town.
Karla and I headed off to Ko Phi Phi island by ferry and started meeting many nice people, who have a long list of countries they have checked off. JCs look a like, gay MJ has traveled over 25 countries. He was only staying 1 night in Ko Phi Phi, then taking off to Ko Lanta for 1 night. Intriguing to listen to their travel stories, but I prefer staying in a town a little longer to absorb and feel the vibe of the place instead of town hopping. Another 18 year old German boy grew up in Indonesia at an international school and taking a gap year before starting his university in Germany in industrial engineering. His passion was windsurfing. Kept running into him several times in Ko Phi Phi. :D
Anyway, the first generosity came when I was talking to an amazingly bright Israeli girl, whose name started with a B. Her English was fluent and an American accent (from watching Friends and other American TV). Around 1am, I got the nibbles and bought some yakitori poi food. The vendor lady offered me a whole mango, but I mentioned I dont know how to cut a mango.....thereäs no mangos in Japan! I offered her some money, but she wouldnt take it. A generous gift, which I shared with the Israeli girls and New Zealand architecture boy.
Second generosity came when I was looking for storage on the island for a night. I asked around and finally the lady showed me to her cleaning facility and told me to leave it there. She wouldnt accept any money so I paid for my first Thai oil massage for me and Karla, as her early bday gift.
Then wonderful things started happening when I became less stingy and offering more tips when eating. Met more wonderful people, more conversations, and somehow I ended up in Krabi.
Also two people, Indian owner of restaurant, and Thai owner of guest house in their early 30s, repeatedly has said that money is not important. The Indian owner has a huge heart and has all he wants and needs, and just missing the woman to share his life with. All he wants is "unconditional love, and love with a condition doesnt even have a chance." He treats his workers with so much compassion, and cares for them like family. Very giving in that way. When I came by his restaurant after closing hours with the Muay Thai guys, he made sure everyone was taken care of food and drink wise, at no cost. The gym was 3 stores down, so they have known each other for years, and on the island, friends are family. A very giving fellow.
Super inspirational that was just awing is the guest house I stayed at was owned by a Muslim family. The sister has been supporting a young couple who just had a baby. They met a month ago and his sister is letting them stay at the guesthouse, cooking for her, giving her medical aid at no cost. The new mother apparently had a C section and she has been in pain. They have no family here, and are completely on their own, it seems. I äm sure just having that femine friendship, support is such a relief for the new mother. The baby is so tiny and precious.....I doubt they even have a camera....so I took a few photos, and ran to Kodak store to print a few photos for them. It cost me about 30 minutes and 5 bucks...I hope they will cherish the photos. But to have met someone and to offer everything, a place to stay, confort, food, to almost a complete stranger is just a bizarre concept to me, yet so inspirational.
I hope I can one day give as much to someone in need, like her example.
Other than that, walking in the streets of Thailand, you have eye contact with a Thai person and they become so giggly and always smiles. Especially younger school girls. Just no reason, smile smile. Met a lady who teaches English in Bangkok and she told me that Thai people like to have fun learning, so that they won't pay attention to boring lectures. She had to create games and interesting ways to keep their attention since they always like to have fun: work or play.
After a week in Pranburi, I left for Phucket, a busy hustling town with a night life like no other. We got lucky to stay at a hotel like quality hostel for 400 baht each at Bodega. Robin, the owner was super nice and recommended things to do in Phucket, except since it was pouring rain, we couldnt rent a motorcycle. Or I didnt want to risk motorbiking in a hilly town.
Karla and I headed off to Ko Phi Phi island by ferry and started meeting many nice people, who have a long list of countries they have checked off. JCs look a like, gay MJ has traveled over 25 countries. He was only staying 1 night in Ko Phi Phi, then taking off to Ko Lanta for 1 night. Intriguing to listen to their travel stories, but I prefer staying in a town a little longer to absorb and feel the vibe of the place instead of town hopping. Another 18 year old German boy grew up in Indonesia at an international school and taking a gap year before starting his university in Germany in industrial engineering. His passion was windsurfing. Kept running into him several times in Ko Phi Phi. :D
Anyway, the first generosity came when I was talking to an amazingly bright Israeli girl, whose name started with a B. Her English was fluent and an American accent (from watching Friends and other American TV). Around 1am, I got the nibbles and bought some yakitori poi food. The vendor lady offered me a whole mango, but I mentioned I dont know how to cut a mango.....thereäs no mangos in Japan! I offered her some money, but she wouldnt take it. A generous gift, which I shared with the Israeli girls and New Zealand architecture boy.
Second generosity came when I was looking for storage on the island for a night. I asked around and finally the lady showed me to her cleaning facility and told me to leave it there. She wouldnt accept any money so I paid for my first Thai oil massage for me and Karla, as her early bday gift.
Then wonderful things started happening when I became less stingy and offering more tips when eating. Met more wonderful people, more conversations, and somehow I ended up in Krabi.
Also two people, Indian owner of restaurant, and Thai owner of guest house in their early 30s, repeatedly has said that money is not important. The Indian owner has a huge heart and has all he wants and needs, and just missing the woman to share his life with. All he wants is "unconditional love, and love with a condition doesnt even have a chance." He treats his workers with so much compassion, and cares for them like family. Very giving in that way. When I came by his restaurant after closing hours with the Muay Thai guys, he made sure everyone was taken care of food and drink wise, at no cost. The gym was 3 stores down, so they have known each other for years, and on the island, friends are family. A very giving fellow.
Super inspirational that was just awing is the guest house I stayed at was owned by a Muslim family. The sister has been supporting a young couple who just had a baby. They met a month ago and his sister is letting them stay at the guesthouse, cooking for her, giving her medical aid at no cost. The new mother apparently had a C section and she has been in pain. They have no family here, and are completely on their own, it seems. I äm sure just having that femine friendship, support is such a relief for the new mother. The baby is so tiny and precious.....I doubt they even have a camera....so I took a few photos, and ran to Kodak store to print a few photos for them. It cost me about 30 minutes and 5 bucks...I hope they will cherish the photos. But to have met someone and to offer everything, a place to stay, confort, food, to almost a complete stranger is just a bizarre concept to me, yet so inspirational.
I hope I can one day give as much to someone in need, like her example.
Other than that, walking in the streets of Thailand, you have eye contact with a Thai person and they become so giggly and always smiles. Especially younger school girls. Just no reason, smile smile. Met a lady who teaches English in Bangkok and she told me that Thai people like to have fun learning, so that they won't pay attention to boring lectures. She had to create games and interesting ways to keep their attention since they always like to have fun: work or play.
The guesthouse's sister who generously is taking care of the newborn's family
5th day into this world!
Sunset at Ko Phi Phi where the water resedes at least 50m. First day I thought tsunami was coming. maji bikutta.....since back in 2004 Ko Phi Phi was severely damaged by tsumani.
Thai ice tea=caffeine + luv
Dum took me out to see the caves, fish farm, and his village.
Monkey invasion on Monkey Island
Sana's guest house and fish farm and her staff. Super nice Muslim village.
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