6am

It’s so beautiful and peaceful here in the mornings. The only sounds are me, the birds and the ocean waves. I hope I can keep on this early-to-bed/early-to-rise schedule, because the mornings here are by far the best time of day.

I figured out the pattern yesterday – the mornings are for the select few of us who weren’t partying the night before. At 9:30 the “trance/hiphop/club music” bar up the hill starts its music, which provides a constant thump-thump-thump background the rest of the day and evening. Around noon my hotel pool bar adds another strain of loud music to the mix, so that for the rest of the day there are two beats competing with each other Around that time, the beach, pool, restaurant, etc. start to fill up with the partiers. They laugh, shout, talk about where they puked last night, and of course, drink more.

I didn’t realize when I picked this particular location that it would be such a party scene. Oh, the hints were there in the Lonely Planet book, but since they are trying to serve all audiences, they don’t come out and say it right out: This place is filled with young hardbodies who don’t care about where they are, just that they can get easy booze, drugs and sex. I’m not sure this would have been my scene even when I was their age.

I know, I know, I’m only 31. But damn, these people make me feel old! But whatever, my cabin is prepaid for 12 days, so I’m going to enjoy the aspects of it that I can, and try to ignore the rest. Here's a rare daytime photo without any "kids" blocking the view, and another showing the reflection in my window of me relaxing in my porch hammock.

I wandered into town yesterday, which unfortunately involves tackling two big hills in tropical heat and humidity. I’m debating renting a motorbike for 200 baht a day for the rest of the trip. On the one hand, I can use the exercise – but on the other hand, if I want to take advantage of the restaurants, yoga classes, cheaper Internet access, etc. in town, I’d much rather do so without being soaked in sweat by the time I get there.

There’s a thunderstorm brewing outside now. Think I’ll go out and see if there are any good photos to be had.

Comments

[jan grimes]

Is there not any other form of transportation? A bike maybe (something not motorized)? That way you could still get your exercise.

[michele davis]

If you decide to head down to KL, don't forget to look up my friend Iri. I hear ya on the party scene there. Through the grapevine I still hear about former classmates that I went to school with at the international school in KL who head over to Ko Samui for the partying. Definitely not my scene either.

BTW -- booked my ticket for Prague. Going to probably pick your brain soon about that trip.

Love the updates....keep them coming.

[Barbara]

Oddly enough, I haven’t seen a single bike in this town so far. Of course, it’s only been two days. But I think it’s because of those two huge hills. Otherwise, the town is very walkable – it’s just getting past those hills, which would be pretty rough on a bike. The moped idea is a moot point now though… I tried to rent one today, and they wouldn’t rent to me since I haven’t ridden one before. I suppose I could keep trying other vendors, but the woman was really wary because of the steep driveway to get out of my hotel. She pantomimed me falling on my side, which has pretty much put me off the idea.

[Judy Mathias]

Hi Barb,

I just got back from yoga myself this morning and thought I would check in on you. Hang in there. One place you know you will surely get peace and quiet is on your ten-day retreat. Sounds like you're going to be very ready for it. You are so brave. It just amazes me. Spend more time writing. I think you should write a book.
I'll check in again tomorrow. Judy