What a difference a year makes...

Tuesday, June 02, 2015

Phuket, Thailand

I returned to Yacht Haven to help out on super yacht After 8 which was a great opportunity and good experience to have around marinas. From washing down the boat, polishing stainless steel and cleaning the teak decks etc. it was fascinating seeing the standard which the owners expect and thankfully I have a real eye for detail so being precise and fussy over the smallest things really helped me achieve beautiful finished work. Carlo and Ollie showed me the ropes which was appreciated and I spent an enjoyable time happily polishing away to prepare the boat for their departure.

For me though circumstances have changed, finances have forced me to move on and I plan to get back out cycling again with a loose plan to head to Kuala Lumpur and look at flights back to Europe. Although my sis was thinking of meeting me in Turkey nothing was set in stone and my plans changed again. I packed up my bike once more which I was finding really sad, I had brought it back from Sumatra to continue sailing with Drew into Burma, but it wasn't to be, after another two months hanging out and fixing up the boat at Yacht Haven Marina I couldn't afford to go, and although managed to enjoy some time out at Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island... I had to move on. I bid farewell to friends I had made here and set off once more. I know I should be used to this by now, but I still find it difficult.

I set off from Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket, fully loaded up and completely unfit yet again, I headed back down through Thailand with my plan to stop in Satun first to meet up with friends Jamie and Julie again. At a period of dramatic change they have been really supportive at a sad time for me and I can't thank them enough for their kindness.

The journey south took me 5 days in all but I was in no rush so decided to just enjoy it, chill out and get my fitness back up again. The scenery is beautiful and although I do enjoy the journey and meeting locals on the road, I do find it hard concentrating. I cycled, staying in temples at night time and generally just interacting with people on the road which was interesting and gives a real nice feel of the Thai people, they really are lovely people. From local markets which I love, to sitting having lunch with the local girls to getting a whole new dodgy haircut with a local hairdresser... she didn't quite understand wanting to cut it straight at the back and instead cut from the nape (at which point I had to stop her...) and get her to leave the front as long as possible, interesting.

I get lots of hoots and waves and comments which keeps me going on the road and I don't have any problem finding accommodation at night even though I have to be a bit bold. Although I will generally sleep anywhere I did have to start putting my tent up as the mosquito's were having a feast on me! I had monks bring me bedding, food, water, all sorts but I must look like a real lost soul needing help at the minute, and I really appreciate their kindness and help. It strange the people you meet when your most in need.

From Phuket, through the stunning scenery of Phang'Nga and down to Krabi, cross country once more to Trang, Tha Phae and into to Satun, around a 450km journey and there I stayed. Not only have Jamie and Julie let me stay on 'Thea', but I have been helping around the boat doing various bits and pieces for them and really enjoying their company. I head off cycling every morning 10 - 15km before helping out and I am really proud to say that with their help I managed to quit smoking (well after 12 years off them I should never have started again), using patches and gradually start to feel a bit better.

It's been a really positive time for me, and I find myself more settled again, and with more of a direction, I'm managing to keep my head above water.

Happy Days ahead me thinks'

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