The start

Flying sucks.

I'm sorry if that sounds negative. Because it is, let's be honest. Even if it is amazing, and there is a miracle that we can 'basically' teleport to another culture, another life, another reality, being stuck in a stress position for 6 hours is lame if you are as tall as me. And if you are a midget, then good luck to you. Guess that's what I get for an ability to reach the top shelf.... nature is about checks and balances.

So off the plane into the heat of Phuket, "wheah yoo go?", bombarded with aggressive kindness. I inhale the egg smell, for soon I know it shall permeate my being. Why egg? I ponder this thought on our way to Phuket town.

Phuket City is an oft overlooked part of this island. Architecture from time of British colonial influence reigns supreme, the remnants of a simpler culture, a simpler time, beautifully adorned buildings in ruin testament to times relentless march. And that was nice, but I was just happy that it was cheaper than going to Patong. For, far more amazing than the historical architecture was the reality that when too many seek paradise, it becomes anything but. So thats a non issue, and we bounce over to Koh Samui on a connection to Koh Phangan, our first actual destination.

It's the night after the famous Full Moon Party. To make a comparison, you know when something dreadful happens in the news, like an earthquake or a tsunami, and people are starving and dishevelled, battered, bruised and torn, and some charity comes on the telly in an ad break to communicate this horror, and in the ad there is a strong bassline background music and almost grainy, hastily compiled (for effect) footage of the tragedy and it's people? Yeah? Well, getting off the boat to Koh Phangan after a full moon party felt like that. The tragedy is biblical. It's like seeing through the looking glass, the world beyond is foreign and alien, and you see this in the faces of the people. Where has the beauty gone? It's absolutely hilarious, we really are just shaved monkeys.

So we pick a spot on the map, a quaint little bungalow high overlooking a peaceful bay, and settle in for a few days scootering around before we get involved in our Permaculture course.

And I'll save THAT story for next time, reason being the intent of all of natures mosquito population forcibly entering me against my will.

Ka Kite Ano, Haere Ra, see ya next time big balls

xo