We arrived at Rayavadee in Krabi Thailand 2 days before the yoga retreat. The reasons were simple. I had yet to explore the exotic land of Thailand and my yoga was more than a few years rusty. Having the extra time would give my body a chance to adjust to the time zone (and the heat) so that I could survive the daily four hours of yoga I was dreading. Our first yoga class was scheduled for Wednesday at five o'clock.
I was sharing an amazing two level pavilion. My roommate had arrived earlier that afternoon. After a day of exploring to find inspiration for my blog, I returned to the pavilion to prepare for the evening. At four o'clock, Elizabeth came downstairs, a marked look of fear on her face.
"Tsunami. We are going to have a tsunami. We have to leave."
I had no words. "What?"
"I was watching the news. There was an earthquake near India. We have to evacuate."
Frozen in place, I looked out the window and saw people walking. Quickly. I remembered that our beautiful slice of paradise was about one hundred yards from the Andaman Bay beach. Sirens blared. People that were previously walking ran. Then everything happened very quickly.
Staff came to our door and asked us to leave with them. I gathered my passport and wallet. We were taken to a meeting spot and told to climb a hill - 700 feet straight up. Tired, hot and more than a little damp, we found ourselves with 200 other guests. We waited. Information was scarce. The mood was somber and mostly quiet except for people using their cell phones to try to find out what was going on. Staff brought water, blankets and food. Thunder brought the threat of rain. The air was thick with fear and wonder at our shared situation. Three hours later and well-passed the dreaded yoga class, word came that we were out of danger. Tired, hungry and in need of a shower, we slowly made our way back to the resort and a dinner they generously provided. Sitting with our now talkative group, I knew that I could survive anything.
