So, there I was sitting in the back of a tuk tuk with my backpack, yep, feeling like the stereotypical, 'backpacker.' I'm not sure why but the title is less warming when you live in the actual area, but it is. When you get into the bus stations, you get a handful of eager Thai's wanting to assist you to the islands, saying "Where you go?", "Samui?", "he-llo?..I found the minibus to Khanom (more like a big van, but they call them minibuses here). The minibuses are faster than the regular buses and pretty reasonable in price. The cost from Surat to Khanom, 100 baht, one-way. I made it just in time for the 9am departure. I boarded the bus and sat with some Thai's. I enjoyed the hour trip in the AC minivan with sweet sounds of the 70s, was rather fun. I almost felt like I in the US, music in English.
So, I got off the minibus on the mainstreet of Khanom, around 10am. Hmm, which way do I go? The last time I was here, Holly took me in her in her van. I then thought to myself, hmm, to left looks "pretty and beach-like," so off I went. Meanwhile, motorbike taxi's were trying to get my attention. I refused to take one, as I wasn't even sure which beach I was going to end up on. I decided to walk until I saw something familiar or maybe just interesting.
Yep, this was a good weekend choice. I walked in the freak sunshine along the paved road. A few bikes waved as they passed by. I walked yards on and thought to myself, "I wonder when I'm going to see my first real, live, BIG wild snake?" Then my mind went into, wow, one could jump out right now and I probably wouldn't even see it coming. I am not sure why I think like this, but just think about how much alone time I get out here. Wondering mind, that's me. A few steps later I let out a SIGH.. as I saw a long vertical squiggle on the road. Yep, a snake. A very dead snake, about 4 feet long. Thank you automotive industry, you are serving me well. I walked on.
I walked, walked, and walked. Then I decided I was maybe going the wrong way, I then backtracked a mile or so..then decided I should have walked further and turned around again. Meanwhile, people were starting to notice, the locals and a handful of shop owners. I found some young boys working on their motorbikes, figured they may know a bit of English. Nope, they spoke no English..but I was able to use enough broken Thai to feel like I knew the general direction. So yes, I then went for the another shot at my original direction, but this time I walked on further. I had a few people asking me where I was going. I just told them the to swim (wai nam) and then they just smiled at me and pointed towards the sea (which I couldn't see yet, but sensed).
Not long after getting my grips on the road, a lady, maybe 50 years old, on her motorbike asked me where I was going. I said Khanom. She said, 'here, please take a ride' it's free. I talked with her along the way and she told me she was an English teacher. We soon passed her school, she pointed it out to me. She was very sweet. And I'm just going to add that this was my first hitch-hiking experience. Checking that off my Asian bucket list. Yes, it was really on my list.
Soon enough I saw that beautiful body of water and knew where I was. The moment I was ready for. I looked out some more and what did I see..?
Cows! I saw cows. I decided my first objective after getting off the bike, just before leaping into the water, was to find the cows. And that's what I did. I walked about a 1/4 mile down the sandy beach til I saw them. Made me smile. It's really the closest piece of home I've seen in coastal Thailand. I conclude the happy moment with a thought..
Happy cows do NOT come from California!
Have I mentioned that it was a beautiful, hot, gorgeous day to be on a Thai beach? Because.. it was perfect. Clouds, sun, cows, blue waters... just me and some elements. Ok, well if it was truly perfect I would have shared it with someone.
Alright, enough. Giant fire in the sky, you have my attention. Setting the bag down calmly.
I'm running.
Oh, look a beautiful Thai beach. To myself.
The view while I'm floating on my back, holding my iPod just so, as not to attract predators or gravity. Ok, not exactly, but you get the pic.
A stop on my medium-long.. walk on the beach.
Thai woman. Collecting precious shells. Just a guess.
I walked along the beach a bit more. Curiosity struck. I decided I needed to see what was at the end of the beach, where those mountains are. How far of a walk would you say? You'll find out, but you'll have to walk it with me first. I'm going barefoot. You?
I think I'll drop my bag here for now. Maybe sleep in the bungalow tonight if I can find the owner when I get back.
View to the left. I imagined as I walked passed these creeping vines, that if I was in a horror movie.. the vines would start to make their move towards me. Me, being the blonde, I'd make a run for the sea. I haven't thought the ending out yet.
Corn is to SD as topical palms are to Surat. Right now they both say home.
Hey what is that young man carrying? It looks like crab legs, maybe a large crab..
Octopus! I have never seen a real octopus, up close and personal.
You should really see this video Clip
Octopus! I have never seen a real octopus, up close and personal.
I made him ink. No worries, he was safely returned to the sea. I suppose we should carry on to our destination.
My feet are starting to get a little sore. Almost there.
Ah yes, we made it. 1.5 hours down the beach, with a one stop. Now look how far we get to walk back with our sand-papered feet. Think we'll make it back before dark?
A fun day at the beach, nearly to myself. I did run into a two of my coworkers by the end of the day, which was pleasant seeing them. We all took in the day in our own ways. I took in the rest of the night under the stars. Just hanging out. I found a cheap bungalow for the night to rest my head. Mosquito net, bed, pillow, and a blanket included.
I'm looking forward to a Sunday sunrise if you're up for it.
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