My life in Koh Phangan, Thailand.
Quite a bit has unfolded since I arrived in Thailand. I have only been here two weeks but it feels like months. I came with no plans and had no idea, really, why I was here or what exactly I was going to do. I just knew I wanted to be on the ocean surrounded by palm trees. I was happy to travel anywhere by myself and digest my experiences that occurred over the previous month. I finally had the luxury of solitude. I was in a good, peaceful space. I knew this was only temporary, as the Full Moon party was approaching. Pretty soon the resort would be crowded with inebriated tourists covered in neon paint, dancing to EDM. Not really my style, but it’s always good to put ourselves in uncomfortable situations.
My first morning here, I befriended a nice guy from Holland, named Robin, who I shared breakfast with. I was relieved to meet someone I immediately got along with. Mid-conversation, I turn my head and met a pair of familiar eyes. “Hey!!” the guy across from me says. I respond with a “NO way! Hey!” and I remember that I met this guy in Bali, at the home-stay I was at just one week prior. I had overheard him speaking about Thailand and told him I was also going. He had given me his card with cell number in case I needed anything, as he knew I was travelling by myself. He was actually the last person I spoke to at that home-stay right before I stepped into my Taxi.
He joined Robin and I for breakfast and it just so happened that they were both from Holland. The three of us chatted for hours and ended up spending the next few days together. I thought I would be exploring by myself but the universe clearly had something else in store. We had so much fun cruising through Thailand on motorbikes, visiting different beaches, went to a crazy party by water taxi, shared meals and sunsets together. They were both much older than me and I felt so safe and taken care of with them. Pretty funny just me and two Dutch guys, getting along like peas in a pod.
After a few days of good times, I needed something productive to do. The resort I am at also has a diving school, so I decided to get my Open Water Certification. Ideally, they also provide accommodation during the course. So I was able to get a few nights in a bungalow while I was scuba diving. I made a ton of friends through the dive course, the instructors and interns are all awesome people. Many of them are interested in yoga and suggested I start teaching classes at the resort or even on the boat going out to dive. I spoke with the owner of the company and was given the A-OK to use their facility to teach yoga classes. So I haven’t started yet, but it’s in the works. In the meantime, I am working in the restaurant here during the day, and getting paid accommodation and 2 meals a day. It works out well because it gives me something to do during the day, I get to meet lots of people, and of course save money. There’s definitely a language barrier that makes working a little more challenging, but it’s a great learning experience. It’s really starting to feel like home here, and I love the laid back lifestyle. I walk into work, turn on some reggae vibes, serve people from all over the world, clock out and hop in the ocean for a swim, and have the rest of the evening to enjoy time with my new friends, my yoga mat, and the 2 TB worth of study material on my hard-drive.
I am keeping myself pretty busy here, but enjoying every moment. I’m so excited to create an open space here for people to escape the party scene and find peace on a yoga mat. I love being in the restaurant as well and have a lot of ideas to help out the restaurant structure/organization as well as detoxifying menu items. It’s hysterical watching people stumbling in like zombies after partying in the jungle till 7am. Entertaining, nonetheless.
So that’s my update for now. Not sure when I will be coming home.. going with the flow and will see what unfolds next.
Peace and Love,
Stacia
