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.
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