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Published: September 9th 2005
Is that really the time? No update since the 27th August? To those who care (yes, both of you), I am sorry. What you must realise is that when one is stuck on a beach in the Gulf of Thailand, one just doesn't have the time to update these blog things.
Anyway, here we are. Maenam beach, northern Ko Samui. We are staying at a lovely place, right on the beach (I can hear the waves gently lapping the shore, in time with the
tap tap tap of the keyboard). It's very calm, with a view of Ko Phangan in the distance. We've been here for almost two weeks, but on Sunday we leave for Had Yai and from there Malaysia. Yes, Thailand is almost over and another country awaits. Now would be a good juncture to contemplate on what has been and what is to come, to cogitate on lessons learnt and lessons to be learnt.
But frankly, that would require effort and I can't be arsed.
It's been good here, I can say that. We went to Ko Phangan (or more specifically, Haad Rin) for a day and I am grateful we never decided to stay there. Whilst the beach looks beautiful from a distance, once you are on it, you find yourself surounded by rubbish- little things: fag ends, bottle tops, straws- but it all adds up and that, coupled with the incessant long tail boats coming and going make for a fairly unrelaxing time. There are better beaches on Ko Phangan, of that I am sure, but we had neither the time nor inclination. Maenam suits us fine.
We also hired a jeep for a day, and passed through Chaweng (the main beach on Samui). Having been there 9 years ago, I had some idea of what to expect, but on arrival, I could not put the two pictures together. I had no recollection of ever being there before (maybe I haven't- maybe everything is un-real. Maybe we live...in a Matrix. Wow). It has changed beyond all recognition. Where once there was a dirt road with some huts on the beach side and the Reggae Bar on the other, now there is paved road, luxurious hotels, endless shops and (perhaps most distressingly) Starbucks, McDonalds and Pizza Hut. Maenam has none of these (he says condescendingly).
We also took a day trip to the Angthong Marine Park which sounded good in the brochure (don't they always?). It was actually a complete rip-off- one of the reasons for going was for snorkelling, but the one spot we were allowed to do so was where the coral had died. Not many fish choosing to swim there, funnily enough. Mia and I did walk up a steep path to see an inland lake which was (apparently) used as inspiration for
The Beach. Not overly impressed, but maybe I'm too cynical. Mia was more taken with a little boy who was on the boat trip with us.
She has also learnt to swim and loves being in the water. She also has 6 braids in her hair. Jake hasn't learnt to swim, but makes a fantastic car noise, and has no braids.
Claire and I? Well, we're fine, if a little tired. Looking forward to moving on- I think our time here is done. To those who have left comments- thank you. To those who have emailed- thank you too. To those who have emailed and I haven't yet replied- I will. At some point. It's hard, you know, this travelling lark.
PS- Looking forward to (hopefully) watching Arsenal at Middlesbrough tomorrow, and then the commencement of the Champions League on Wednesday. Thought we were damn unlucky losing to Chelski but have to say, only signing Mart Poom on loan is not really going to strike fear in to the hearts of the West London rabble or the Mancs. Still. We'll win, cos we're Arsenal. Apparently. Sorry there are no photos this time, they will come soon. Until then....
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Mum/Sylvia/Manmar
non-member comment
Well what is there to say? Six braids, wow Mia. See what travel does for you. Would be good to see a phot of this. Why no braids for Jake? Maenam sounds good - too late for us all to join you now though unfortunately. Just as we were getting ready to come,too. I'm sure the thought of the tribe descending will ensure you let us know in good time where you will be in the future.... Look forward to the next blog (not to put pressure on you though. I understand how busy sitting on a beach can be.)