Here I am, still at the beautiful KaiBae beach at Koh Chang sitting out the most magnificent thunder storm - just starting my 2nd week here. I have learnt a big lesson, paying ahead for 2 weeks is not the most sensible thing to do, even though it did give me a cheaper rate! Not that I don't love it here, my goodness, the sunsets... but I see there are many more options, and one week would have been sufficient. Thanks for all your lovely messages, I so love getting them. It seems that the overwhelming majority of tourists here are russian, or german, or other eastern european cultures. Large groups of young people, or family groups mostly (oh and yes, always the old/fat european men and beautiful young Thai women, never get used to that!) - the big cultural difference that I notice most is that they seldom make eye contact or smile or greet me in any way. It is so different to the kiwi way, that I struggle not to be indignant and even offended at their indifference. The few times I have actually attempted to make direct contact, and smiled or said hello, I have been totally ignored! Very disconcerting! However the local people are very friendly, mostly helpful, and strangely, at this end of the island there is a definate lack of the pushy touts and sellers encountered at White Sands beach where I started my Koh Chang sojourn. On an all day snorkelling trip last friday, I was the ONLY english speaker on a boat of approx 40 people! Even the skipper pointed it out to me, "aaah Madame, only one!" However, I had the most wonderful day, snorkelling in 4 different locations, and some of the best snorkelling I have ever encountered - To those on the 2006/7 trip to the Andaman islands, it was as good if not not better than the amazing "Beach Number 7" - and that's saying something. The varieties of fish, and corals was truly breathtaking, the water clear and warm, I loved it. Our last stop was at a wee outer island called Koh Wai, about an hour's boat trip from Koh Chang, which I think will be my next stop, so breathtakingly beautiful and unspoilt, just one resort there with accommodation from villas to bungalows, all prices, and good discounts due the off season at present. There seemed to be a few english tourists there too, so that would be nice! I find I don't feel lonely, quite happy with my own company, but more a feeling of isolation at not hearing english anywhere- hard to explain. What an insight into how it must be for minority groups, and refugees, and I guess a feeling that I will just have to jolly well get used to as I continue my travels. The locals find it hard to understand why a woman my age would be travelling alone, "where your husband?" or "where your boyfriend?" is commonly the first question asked!! With their halting english, it is too hard to explain, so now, I generally just say, "oh he die!" (May I please not be struck down by lightening for lying!) I did start by trying to explain, but things got so complicated, oh dear, I hope this doesn't make me a bad person!
Well, the thunder seems to have stopped, the sun is out again, and the water is calling, so
Sawadee khrap which is goodbye in thai!
