I've been confused about time until one of the volunteers explained it really well. When your days are filled with new experiences, your brain has to stop to process each thing that happens, making time seem to go by much slower than usual. When you're in a familiar routine, time flies by because you don't stop to think about each thing you see and do. Every weekend feels like it lasts forever!
This past weekend, five other volunteers and I escaped Ao Luk and went to Ao Nang, a touristy beach town about 45 minutes away. It was an odd experience leaving what feels like home to visit an area that was packed with European travelers. I was able to see the tourist life in a whole new light. We were on an entirely different level from the tourists--while they didn't hesitate to sunbathe topless, we felt strange wearing short shorts. Ao Nang is one of the biggest tourist stops in Southern Thailand, so it's pretty westernized. It even has a McDonalds that delivers---eww. Most people stop there in between traveling around though, because some of the most beautiful beaches are just a short long-tail boat ride away from Ao Nang.
I loved the break from rural Ao Luk, the refreshing swims in the sea, the non-Thai food, and not being swarmed by hundreds of children. It was such a strange feeling though, to be in one of the Thailand tourist stops feeling like I was on a vacation away from Thailand. Not a local but not quite a tourist.
We stayed in one of the super cheap guesthouses, 400 baht a night ($12), which I slightly regretted after finding sand in my bed, no bin (trash can), no towel, no toilet paper, and a toilet down the hall. Mai pen rai! (nevermind!). One of the other interesting/shocking/disturbing parts of the weekend was encountering the dozens of Thai prostitutes dancing on poles (and people) in front of all of the bars. It was hard for me to ignore all of these women, so I spent a lot of the first night drinking my cocktail very confused. We did find a reggae bar that played Bob Marley and Jack Johnson which was refreshing (and a nice reminder that I was still on planet earth).
This past weekend, five other volunteers and I escaped Ao Luk and went to Ao Nang, a touristy beach town about 45 minutes away. It was an odd experience leaving what feels like home to visit an area that was packed with European travelers. I was able to see the tourist life in a whole new light. We were on an entirely different level from the tourists--while they didn't hesitate to sunbathe topless, we felt strange wearing short shorts. Ao Nang is one of the biggest tourist stops in Southern Thailand, so it's pretty westernized. It even has a McDonalds that delivers---eww. Most people stop there in between traveling around though, because some of the most beautiful beaches are just a short long-tail boat ride away from Ao Nang.
I loved the break from rural Ao Luk, the refreshing swims in the sea, the non-Thai food, and not being swarmed by hundreds of children. It was such a strange feeling though, to be in one of the Thailand tourist stops feeling like I was on a vacation away from Thailand. Not a local but not quite a tourist.
We stayed in one of the super cheap guesthouses, 400 baht a night ($12), which I slightly regretted after finding sand in my bed, no bin (trash can), no towel, no toilet paper, and a toilet down the hall. Mai pen rai! (nevermind!). One of the other interesting/shocking/disturbing parts of the weekend was encountering the dozens of Thai prostitutes dancing on poles (and people) in front of all of the bars. It was hard for me to ignore all of these women, so I spent a lot of the first night drinking my cocktail very confused. We did find a reggae bar that played Bob Marley and Jack Johnson which was refreshing (and a nice reminder that I was still on planet earth).
Me and Ella
On Sunday we went on a snorkeling tour with GVI's friend Nong, who showed us around four different islands, including Ko Hong, the island I went to the previous weekend. This was interesting too, returning to the same island with a tour group on a speed boat rather than being shown around by local Thais on a small longtail boat. The island hardly seemed to be the same place, though sparkling water, the Tiger fish, and the doughy sand hadn't changed.
Lading Island (Tammy)
Ko Hong Lagoon
Ko Hong Island
*As far as teaching goes, the kids are getting used to me which means they are getting crazier and I am getting meaner. They seem to be learning though, and that's all that really matters, right? So far I have taught: classroom objects, food, family, and this week we've been teaching animals--woohoo!
Linds you make your momma proud! Fabulous posts! You're starting to sound like a seasoned professional, yet your wonder and love for the Thai people and this whole experience shines through. Everyone tells me "she's quite a good writer!" but if you could have seen your Aunt Elise reading your blog (out loud to herself, transfixed and crying, with extraneous "ohs" and comments every few seconds) you would know how much your fan club is vicariously enjoying your trip!!! Keep it coming!!!
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