Manchester

Well my friends I am on the last leg back now and what an amazing two weeks I have had.

I have been on a plane, taxi, minibus, coach, tuk tuk, moped, speedboat and my feet - lol when I haven't fallen over! And I forgot, elephant, raft and train too lol.

I've met some amazing people, the three women at the guest house, the two lovely girls, one from Austria the other from Germany.

The gorgeous food at Jenny's - how I am going to miss that.  Jenny, you are a star!

The beautiful Thai women who have been subjected to my feet lol and who have bent me in places I have never been bent before lol.

The lovely Ivan from Slovakia lol every time I cook Thai food I will think of him 'keep stiring, keep stiring' lol that was such a great morning.

The beautiful Amy from South Korea who was so scared but so brave when she sat on the elephant.

The chikdren at Ko Mak school, their beautiful faces and smiles, that day will always have a place in my heart.

And Daniel, he is an amazing 23 year old, who has experienced so much in this life, but has definateky been here before. A sweet, sweet soul. Oh and Jackie I forgot to mention lol, Daniels favourite eatery in Manchester?  The Earth Cafe lol.

Then there was Francesca and Maximo (I love that name), John and Janet and the staff at Bamboo Hideway.

And now the circle is complete as I fly into Manchester.  I don't feel sad, how can I, I feel so happy.  I have over the past 14 days been on the most fantastic journey.  Once again, I have never felt alone, never.  I have spoken to and met some wonderful people who will stay with me - remember, I collect people.

I have learnt so much about me, so much; and I have learnt so much more.  I feel nourished. I feel such contentment and happiness, I wish I could share with you.  At the very start of this blog, if you remember, I said I had recently watched a film called Eat, Pray, Love.  At the time I coukd see me in that film, that is so, so very true now.  Do you remember the quote from it?

I've come to believe in something I call, the physics of the quest.  If you are brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting. It can be anything from your house to bitter old resentments and go on a truth seeking journey either externally or internally.  And if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue and you accept everyone you meet on the way as a teacher, and if you are prepared, most of all to  face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself - then the truth will not be withheld from you.

I have on this journey been given many, many clues and have meet, both here and in the UK, people who are teachers, people who knew me better than I did.  I have faced realities and found peace and forgiveness over the past two weeks, a peace I have never found anywhere before.  I guess we need to see what happens next.  My closest friend said to me before I left 'I hope you find what you are looking for' that alone was amazing as she is rather, how can i put it so we are still friends lol, cynical.  Yes I found something and that will stay eith me.

Thank you for reading mtpy blog; I know many of you have enjoyed it and that it has brightened up your day.  I have so enjoyed writing it and sharing it with you.  So if any of you want to call over for Thai food, you know where to find me, well for now at least!

Take care my friends and be happy xx

Bangkok Airport

Well the goodbye I had at the hostel was unbelievable.  

All three of the girls come out with me; one taking my case,mother eldest woman linking my arm and the shy one following lol.  I shared the minibus with a load of French guys lol.  I don't think I have ever been so hugged and kissed in my life, it was so moving.  I said that I would keep in contact via email, it really was so sweet.  Both of my legs are smothered in gnat bites lol.  I keep putting tiger balm on them, so I smell nice if nothing else.

My rose Daniel gave me is causing a stir.  At security control lol they wanted to keep it.  I said to them, no way lol it's the first thing I have had on Valentine's Day probably since Daniel was born lol.  I will get that rose home in one piece, if it's the last thing I do.

So a soulless airport, Burger King, Subway, kill me now.  It's now 18:20 and flight to Abu Dhabi goes at 19:50, so it will start boarding in a bit.  I don't feel sad as I feel so happy, but part of me so wants to stay here. Something has been calling me back to the Far East since HK and I know why now.  I feel so comfortable here.  People have love in their hearts, that shines through.  They see the whole of a person, if you let them, if your mind is open enough to let them.  Those three women at the hostel were genuinely pleased to see me and sad to see me go.  As many of you know, lol, I collect people.  Im find people or they find me and we rub along together.  Like Emma who I met last year at the Great Barrier Reef we still correspond and we spent just one day together, but my life is richer for having my collection in my life. Well I better go to the gate, I think I might sleep on this bit! 

And that is what I have done slept.  I was asleep when we took off, that woke me up, then apart from being continuously woken up for denims and food I have slept.  The mosquito bites are driving me mad.  I do have some piriton but it's in my case!  I will see if I can buy some at Abu Dhabi, bloody things I'm so annoyed.  Just because I was in a rush now I have loads, and I mean loads, of bites.  If ever you needed proof that little things can do a great deal of damage, look at a mosquito lol.  So it's just under an hour until I arrive in Abu Dhabi where I have a three hour wait.  But that will soon pass then I think it is about six hours to Manchester.  My body clock doesn't know if its awake or asleep lol. I will just go with the flow.

Ko Mak - people

The beautiful Francesca and Maximo - such a lovely couple

The waiter wh served me every day - he's the baby's daddy!

Janet and Dave aka Bruce and Anthea - a lovely couple

That bloody bus with no toilet lol at the bus station

Crazy tuk tuk lol I love them lol

Mangosteen shake today - delicious

Friday 14 February 2014 - Bangkok

Well I went to sleep about 2:00am and up again at 6:30!  I so needed that shower.

I now have the biggest room in the hostel, that was the only one they had left and they were so apologetic that it was expensive.  I felt lost in there, but I did sleep on a mattress on the floor, that is what I wanted to do here.  The four hours sleep I did have was a really good sleep.  So breakfast, those eggs on toast are still the best. I packed my case and the girls are keeping it safe for me, washing being done.  The lovely girl who speaks good English has arranged a mini bus transfer to the airport for me so at least I won't have to drag that suitcase around.  It leaves the hostel at 16:00, I can't tell tell you my friends how sad I will be to go.  But this is the here and now.

First stop this morning was the Temple, for my Dad.  I went to the Temple right by the hostel, I have passed it so many times but never went in.  I was too busy looking at the famous Temples, and there lies a lesson. The local temple is beautiful, stunning and simple.  I made an offering for my Dad.  This entails lighting a candle, then three incense sticks then placing flowers.  There were no beautiful lotus here but there were some yellow carnations, one bunch.  I always buy yellow roses at home, or lillies, for my dad.  I said my prayers and just sat quietly.  I know his spirit lives in me and I think, no I know, this is why I love this part of the world so much.

I then went to change some money.  I probably would have enough, but I'm coming back so it's not a problem anyway. Then to one of the markets looking at the fruit and food. Such colours.  I had a mangosteen shake oh my now one of those a day would see you right.  Then I went and bought myself a ring.  Many years ago my Dad bought me a Russian wedding ring and about six years ago I lost it, it had become too big and just fell off when I was at Splash Landings.  So today, in Bangkok it just seemed right to replace it, not with a other Russian wedding ring but with a beautiful silver band.  Off to one of the shops selling Buddhas and incense sticks and then it happened lol.  I fell flat on my face again lol.  I just laughed lol.  A lovely Thai gentleman gave me his hand and helped me up and kicked the loose pathing stone I tripped on.  So many people were obviously asking if I was ok, I was fine.  I can't stop smiling today, it's all good.  Then off to my massage place opposite Jenny's.  I had the amazing foot, leg, head and shoulder massage and now feel totally chilled.

So here I am at Jenny's with a watermelon shake.  Daniel is going to join me at 12:00 and it will. E a Papaya salad for lunch.  This is my view whilst I'm typing this.  

You can see the massage place just across the road.  For you it may not be the prettiest of views but for me, I can't tell you how happy this place makes me feel.  Last night I got bitten to death my Mosquitos lol, Daniel and I were waving our hands around like crazies then today when I looked at my legs lol.  It was my fault I never spayed myself but in all fairness I was running late.

So Daniel and I had a lovely lunch we were just laughing and laughing.

 

And look! A lovely rose for valentines day ....... Even though we birth think it's a load of rubbish.  Daniel us off to Cambodia soon after being in this lovely city for two years.  So this lunch was on me and the next time we eat together will be in Cambodia and he's paying lol.  Such lovely, lovely times and such good, sweet memories.

So both Daniel send I don't do goodbyes it's just until we meet next time.  We exchanged some gifts, which to me will always be so special and Daniel has a tree of life where he posts pictures of his family and friends and this one is to be added - how lovely is that.

So here I am back at the hostel, showered, changed and wishing so much in my heart I could say.  The three women here are absolutely gorgeous; it's like I part of the family now. I was so fortunate to find this little palace.  Daniel says this I people can tell if you have a good heart - I have a good heart!

Son Sung who has the most beautiful, contagious smile and has wonderful English.

This girl helps out with cleaning and washing.  She is so shy and I had to really ask for me to take her photo.

This woman is wonderful, she's the one who has done all my washing.  She speaks no English and I no Thai but we have communicated with smiles and now hugs and kisses.  Lol I can't tell you how pleased she was to see me when I come back.  These are memories  you can't buy they are priceless.

And now the Temple where I went first thing for my Dad.  I know he is laughing his socks off wherever he is at me lol.  

Today's lunch - papaya salad for me

Vegetable salad for Daniel (FYI that is tofu on the top)

Monk and Buddha in a pick up truck lol.

So my friends I will sign off for now.  This country, the people I have met will always have a place in my heart.  More to follow later x

Thursday 13 February 2014 - Ko Mak - Trat - Bangkok

Well I felt quite emotional saying my goodbyes to the staff, Francesca and Maximo and David and Julie.  Francesca and Maximo have the most wonderful place you could ever wish to stay at, so peaceful.  Before I left, Francesca gave me a buddhist book from the temple for me to keep and read on my travels.  I was so touched and that book will be very special to me in so many ways.  So it was hugs and kisses all round as I got in the taxi to take me to the boat.  It's very overcast this morning, with some slight rain.

Now as you have all probably guessed by now, music plays a huge part in my life.  So as I was walking down the road to then pier I was none too happy to be hearing the theme tune to Titanic lol. When I saw the sea lol I could have cried!  It was so rough, I thought how the hell am I going to get on that bloody boat let alone not throw up or get to the mainland again.

A ferry from a neighbouring island come in first.  Lol the people on it looked traumatised lol. They were struggling to keep the boat still so people could get in and off lol.  I was given a number, number 10.  I remembered the Australians on the trip to the River Kwai (which now seems like a life time ago lol) saying they had been on a speedboat and it was vile, but if they sat at the back it was easier.  So my little boat arrived lol and once again I surprised myself.  I was on that boat like a gazelle lol. What's more I got a place towards the back.  They told us to put our life jackets on, it wasn't looking good.  Then I was off.  I have to say, apart from getting drenched by the waves coming over the speedboat lol it was ok.  I sort of reikied myself lol and the hour went a great deal quicker.  But it was raining, not a great deal,

Francesca had said taxis will be waiting for the ferries to come in to take me to Trat bus station and it's 50 baht (90p)!  So I get in a pick up truck taxi with loads of other people.  The driver says 100 baht.  Everyone knew it was too much and they got up and left.  Then he says to me, to me, now 200 baht.  Yes I dont think so sunny Jim.  I said why?  He said because there is now only you.  I said no.  He said 200 baht.  Then I taught him some English it was sort of you are taking the piss English.  I think by then he was teaching me some Thai too.  I walked, with case (must get a backpack) to food place.  I really nice local guy said no no no 200 baht too much.  So what did I do, what would you do?  

Now do you remember back in Bangkok at Wat Po I had my buddhist astrology done.  Do you remember the guy saying, lol amongst other wonderful things like I'm bright, strong, intelligent and what was it!?!?!? Oh yes, stubborn.  :) I quietly told him where he could stick his taxi and started walking - I didn't know where lol but hey every journey starts with one step lol.  I got to the main road almost and another pick up truck taxi was passing.  I stuck my hand out, the guy stopped said where am I going, to which I replied the bus station and it was get in.  Yay fuck you rip off taxi driver lol.  I had to sit holding my suit case as it was balanced on the back of the truck lol.  Such fun,  also my hair dried as we sped along.  In all fairness, it was quite a long journey, but that aside when you know you are being ripped off because they think you will pay is not good karma.  I told him that too!  Fortunately, I have not experienced any of that at all, just this one time.  So you want to know how much the taxi ride cost in the end ...........60 bahts.  At the bus station I have just had a small plate of Pan Thai which I adore and a huge watermelon shake - 60 bahts.  So I am still quids in.  I guess I want to show you it's all relevant, all economics. But I believe if you come to a country then you embrace it.  I knew I had over one hour to get to the bus station - ok it was further than I thought as I am taking a different bus back to Bangkok.  Linda you'd love this bus lol.  No toilet, no seatbelts and to be perfectly frank not much speed either. I hope I'm back in BKK at 6:00 today!

So here I am now, belly full lol on the coach to Bangkok.  As you know slight change of plan but I know that has happened for a reason. Something is drawing me back to Bangkok. Also, tomorrow is an important day for me.  None of that Valentine's day rubbish (I can't remember the last time I got a card lol, years and years ago).  No tomorrow is the day my Dad died 23 long years ago, the first man I fell I love with and he first men's heart I broke.  So tomorrow, I will go to a Temple and say prayers for him. He would have loved this adventure so much.  And he would have also though you go girl, you crazy cow lol.

So it's 13:05 and we are off. ETA Bangkok 18:00!  How exciting!

16:00 this bus is so slow.  I had a sleep. Eat some fruit. Looked out the window. There's so much to see.  Stalls with fruit and vegetables so rich in colour.  Trucks piled up high with wood.  Oh I do t know if I mentioned before but those apple things I like, the ones like a red delicious but not.  They are lotus apple.  They are so lovely.  Something else for the shopping list.  The weather has brightened up now,the sun is out but I have no idea now warm it is as the air con is blowing on the bus.  

SEVEN BLOODY HOURS ON THE BUS!  I'm saying no more!  I arrived at Ekkami bus station at 20:00 - I was meeting Daniel at Jenny's at 21:00!!! I was not in the mood to mess around.  I got the skytrain. No bloody lifts, suitcase up and down the stairs.  On skytrain, London rush hour on the tube.  Nine drops and I'm off, suitcase down bloody stairs - I need a rucksack!  I was greeted by a tuk tuk driver - madam yes please.  The girls at the hostel had said how much to pay 80-120 bahts.  I showed him the address - 200 bahts, I said 100 he said 150 he got a good deal but I was in a rush.  So I told him go fast 5 mins I need to be out for nine. Oh my days! I sped through Bangkok in that tuk tuk like a bloody mad woman, he was weaving in and out bobbing out if cars, hand on the horn lol lol.  Once again, I'm clutching on to my suitcase lol it was great.  Chris lol how can you not like them lol.

I arrived in style back at the hostel and what a welcome  - the older woman hugged me, kiss me, hugged me again, then the younger girl with good English come running over hugging and kissing me. It was so lovely.  They apologised as I had to have a bigger room that cost more, I said it wasnt a problem I was just pleased that they had a room.  More hugs and kisses then up to my room that is like a place (still prefer my little room though).  No time for a shower, a quick spray change of clothes and I got to Jenny's at 9:04 yay.  Daniel arrived just after.  We had a lovely lovely evening just taking, putting the world, well trying too, to right. Then we looked at the clock and it was 12:10 lol. Much fun. We said our goodbyes and promised to meet up before he goes to work tomorrow (he teaches English in a school).  So I was walking the streets of Bangkok at 1:00am and I have never been happier in my life.

The everyone was What's Apping me lol.  My apologises to you who I fell asleep on lol but I had been up since 6:00am.  I was awake at six, lovely shower a much needed shower lol. Sorted out case, just gave the lady my washing lol.  Now eating breakfast writing this.  I will go up and take my case out of the room now and then go to the temple up the road for my Dad.  I have just gone to check it out and you can make offerings from 8:00am, it's just 8:00 now.

So what a day.  I am so happy to be back in Bangkok, I love it here, it's total madness with an undercurrent if calm.  Daniel was telling me last night that the Thai people can see the difference between the normal farangs, the Europeans, and those others who just get it - I know the Thai people in my hostel know I get it and that I am not just a tourist.

OK next blog will be posted in then UK as I need to see Bangkok again.

Enjoy your Friday and smile, it is contagious you know lol xxx

PS NO PICTUES sorry haven't had time to sync everything, I will spend time on the plane xxx

Thursday 13 February 2014 - Ko Mak to Bangkok

Good morning my friends.  I was awake at 6:00am, some of you were not even asleep there.  I know because I was chatting to some of you lol.  Saw dawn rise over this beautiful island.  Typical Virgo, case packed, bag packed now just having breakfast at 8:00am.  Taxi (pick up truck) to collect me at 10:00, ferry at 10:30.  That will take an hour.  It looks a bit choppy too this morning and it did rain briefly at 6:30.  So I think it may be another hour of my life I don't get back.

Beautiful view from my breakfast table. 

Isn't the Internet a wonderful tool?  Last night I decided that when I hit the bus station I was going to get the Skytrain because it's quicker, especially at that time of night, I haven't used it yet and it's dirt cheap.  So I needed to find the nearest station.  I Google mapped my hostel then went on the Skytrain website, downloaded the map and worked it out lol. How cool is that.  If it works out ok I might take it to the airport tomorrow as well.  Even though taxis are cheap the traffic in Bangkok is crazy.  However, I am rather excited to be going back to Bangkok.  Any of you who know me well know I never go back to places, I rather go forward.  Well Bangkok has a feel about it like no other city I have been too.  It has a buzz about it.  Hong Kong, so I thought, had made a mark on my heart.  But HK is nothing like Thailand, HK is money, wealth and luxury; Bangkok has luxury but it has something else.  I guess it's simplicity amongst the chaos.  It has a warmth that is difficult to explain.  Granted, if you just stayed along the Khaosan Road you could be in San Antonio or anywhere.  But scratch the surface and look beyond the tourist places then you will find a truly magical city.  

Before I come here I intended to visit the Sky Bar in Bangkok.  My plan was to go one night, for a cocktail , so I could say I had done it.  When I was on the trip to the old temples, I over heard Katy Perry lol say she had been there the night before. So to be honest my ears pricked up lol.  She said she had one cocktail which had cost her 650 bahts (about £12). She said it was an ok place but she preferred the Khaosan Road lol.  I guess that's it, 650 bahts would buy me around three and a half evening meals at Jenny's lol.  Sure I can afford a £12 cocktail but this is where the simplicity kicks in for me lol.  I haven't felt the need to drink and normally I love a cocktail or some gin lol. I don't want swanky restaurants, I like kicking off my shoes, eating in bare feet, eating food that is made with love in kitchens lol that you Linda, Nikki and Ann would die lol if you saw lol (I won't even mention the toilets lol).  I guess, for me, things have changed.  Each moth I work to pay to live, here people earn enough to live,they are happy. They have a roof over their heads, some food in their bellies - good food.  Nothing processed.  I have eaten the most amazing, freshly prepared vegetarian food. On the odd occasions when I have had some seafood I haven't really enjoyed it as much as tofu at Jenny's lol.  I have drunk more water than I ever drink and I normally drink at least 2 litres a day.  I have eaten the most delicious fruits and God only knows where I am to find mangosteens in Stoke and if I do lol now much they will be lol.  Any luck with the papaya yet folks?  People here have it licked, trust me.  They have a community, they are not striving for the latest gadget - mind you lol they all have smart phones, laptops and iPads lol and wi if is everywhere. Unlike Australia where it was £18 a day in the hotel in Sydney to use the wi fi, here everywhere has it and it's free.  Some places don't even have a password lol Andy you would love it for that alone lol.   The people here have an inner peace and contentment that very few of us in the west ever feel.  Someone said to me before I come here that they were so excited for me as they knew I would just 'get it'.  Oh I get it but now part of me doesn't want to let it go, I don't want to loose it.  I guess I will have to let the universe decide and let my soul be my pilot and hope they both guide me well.

I hope the wind and the rain has stopped now for you my friends.  I have heard how terrible it has been.  Anything that has been damaged (and I hope there hasn't been) can be replaced.  Keep safe, keep warm and sleep well.  More to follow when I get to Bangkok x 

Wednesday 12 February 2014 - Ko Mak

Morning.

Well I had a funny dream last night, I could understand it if I had alcohol lol, but as you know apart from the one cocktail on the Khaosan Road I haven't touch a drop.  I won't bore you to death with the details but if was about my brother.  He's three years younger than I, we had the same parents, ate the same food, up until secondary school, went to the same school; yet we are completely different.he lives in Florida, has a huge house, big cars, motorcycles, and a gun cabinet - I mean! Flies too and throw the UK.  Then there's me. Worked since 17 but will never have her own house now, would give someone her last penny lol. And would not let Megan have a toy gun.  It's just strange isn't it how your life pans out.

Anyway,the retired  couple who have booked in have sat around the pool everyday lol.  They really  can't work me out - I like that.  They know I work where I work lol and they are intrigued.  Last night I swear Bruce was waiting up to make sure I got home ok lol.  He said oh Julie was saying lol if Karen comes off that bike no one will find her lol. I said oh don't worry you will hear me lol bless.  I have called them Bruce and Anthea as he looks like a young Bruce Forsyth.

So this morning there was no wi fi.  Then I realised lol there was no electricity lol. Lee we need you lol.  So I thought I may as well go for a walk and Bruce and Anthea love them were by the pool waiting for breakfast.  Power was soon restored then it rained lol. For ten minutes then stopped lol. Max said watch the roads as they round be slippery - great.  So off to buy fruit - some for the monks and some for me for today and tomorrow.  She really is a lovely woman.  Her mum come out and she was explaining that I'm the crazy English woman who takes food every day to the temple lol. Her mum said I had a good heart, how lovely is that.  I felt quite sad saying my goodbyes.  I decided today that I would also feed the dogs at the temple.  So I bought some biscuits and took them.

When I got to the temple it was so busy.  My friends from the school were there.  Do you know, thosechildren  and the teacher, were so pleased to see me.  They all come over one by one to say hello in Thai. I was so moved by their sincerity.  There was another guy there who spoke English who took me to the Abbot (not sure if that is the correct term, I will check it out). He was so pleased to see me again and the other bloke was taken back that we knew of each other.  The other guy explained to me that the children were there to eat and to meditate. I explained to him that I meditated and he was totally speachless.  He told the Abbot who nodded his head and said something in Thai. The guy said to me would I like to meditate here.  I was so taken back that I had been invited into the other temple to meditate and by the Abbot.  Of course I said yes so I was taken to the temple, shoes off obviously.  My shoes have been more off than on lol they are off now whilst I type this in the restaurant lol.

The guy put a mat on the floor in front of a statue of Buddha and then said how long - 10, 20 or 30 minutes.  I said 20 which he interpreted as 30 lol.  Then he said copy him. He said something in Thai, I repeated it.  It was all going well until one bit lol and he just laughed at my words, heaven knows what I said.  Thai is a tonal language so it is the tone of your voice when you say something lol.  That done he told me to cross my legs.  Well Jackie lol as you know I have problems with my right hip but I tried and I did it.  And so I meditated at the temple by invitation, very, very special.  However, I think I would still be there now lol as I never saw the bloke again who was suppose to come back for me lol.  It was a very special moment for me.

I then went next door and the teacher was getting the children ready for their meditation.  She went round straightening their backs, placing their hands in the right position, it was very moving.  She invited me in and I sat with her just watching these beautiful children.  I have to tell you, and I noticed her the day I went to the school. There was a young girl there who reminded me of me. I guess she was nine, ten but a big girl and she really stood out amongst the tiny Thai girls.  It took me back to my school days, love her.  She had the most amazing smile and did so every time she caught me looking at her. I was her size at her age bless her.

Whilst the children were meditating I went to feed he puppies lol.  As usual they come running out, so pleased to see me.  They were covered in fleas love them.  I opened the biscuits and their mum come over with a puppy hanging off her nipple.  I gave her a few biscuits, then crushed some up for the 

Puppies lol they loved them.  I saved one for the old male dog and took it to him lol. See soft touch.

The children by then had finished their meditation and the teacher had them in a line outside of the temple and asked if I and another couple who had arrived would like to join them.   Each child and I were given 3 incense sticks and we had to walk around the statues three times.  I realised in Bangkok things are done I threes I will have to check that out too.  Then prayers were said and we had to place our incense sticks in the ground by the statues.  Then I witnessed such an unassuming act of kindness.  My sticks would not go in the ground, one of the small girls aged I guess 7, gently took mine from me and placed them in the ground next to hers.  Such a simple act but sums up the Thai people.

The chikdren were then making their way back to school but on the way they were collecting rubbish.  I can't tell you how humble and touched I felt about the whole morning.  I asked the teacher for the schools email address and I will write to them and send them some pictures.  It really was such a moving morning.  I said my goodbye to the abbot and beeped my horn and waved at the chikdren as I went by.

Next stop to collect laundry.  The woman remembered me and you should see my laundry!  I did wonder where my knickers were lol but they were folded inside. It smelt wonderful and cost me 85 bahts which is about £1:58.  I gave her 100 bahts. 

So quick stop at the hotel to drop off laundry and get changed and I was off to Turtle Beach!  However, I was later then yesterday and the tide was in so at times I had to walk in the sea. And that is when it happened - I went flying. Splat in the sea.  iPod and iPhone too!!! I phone is ok but I think iPod is not.  I cut my leg and have more bruises to add to the bruises from the Thai massage.  It was my fault I was thinking not looking.  Still no one died ........ Well the iPod may have.

So when I got battered and blooded and bruised to Turtle Beach I set up Camp Karen lol to get my clothes dry.  I swam and bathed leg in the salty sea, it's fine no need to panic.  For the past four days I have had no watch so I eat when I'm hungry and sleep when I'm tired.  

So fruit for lunch then I did my reiki and spent time thinking, yes I know dangerous. Then slept lol.  A very dear friend, who shall remain nameless but they know who they are was What's Apping me this morning.  They have a dilemma.  They are in a relationship where they are far from happy, a loveless relationship. But now have the chance to change their life but is scared.  We spent time chatting and I think they know what they need to do, it's just doing it - I too know that feeling.  But you never know if you never try.

I left Turtle Beach reluctantly and Betsy Mae and I were off.  All the dogs here are scraggy flea ridden skinny things but they are so happy.  They come running up to you for a fuss.  They, like the people, have very little but are happy.  There really is something to learn there.  As I got to the main road I come across the couple from this morning.  They were so lovely, she was from Japan and him from France but working in Bangkok.  I told them how to get to Turtle Beach and we just stood talking. They too said I must go to Cambodia, so many people have told me that.  He also said it's cheap to live in Bangkok and there is plenty of work for English speaking people. Lol they would not believe me when I told them I was 53 lol and I guess it all boils down to like my friends decision.  You never know if you don't try.

So been for dinner and said my goodbyes to Betsy Mae lol what a girl.  I said to Francesca and Max she must always been known as Betsy Mae now - let the legend live on.  So breakfast, pack then 10:30 boat to mainland and 1:00 bus back to Bangkok tomorrow for dinner at Jenny's with Daniel.

I have seen and done some amazing things this holiday.  Things that will remain with me in my heart for a very long time my friends x

The power station at Ko Mak - seriously!

Betsy Mae and friend.  Every night I have managed to park her without crashing into the Cambodian's living quarters lol.