Krabi, my little piece of paradise

I have now spent two days in Krabi, at the Andaman Inn. I have a little two bed hut to myself: wood floors, thatched roof, asian toilet, non-heated shower, and a porch overlooking the ocean. Coconut palms and other trees I can't yet name line the shore and cicadas (I think...some very loud insect) sing me to sleep every evening and wake me in the morning. I'm not sure what I want more: to sit and relax and enjoy, to run and swim and sing and scream, to talk to the other guests, eat, write, pray, play with the owner's kids...it's all so tantalizing. I am trying to do each in turn. Today, I took my first motor-bike "taxi" ride. Riding a motorcycle without a helmet and full gear is something I never thought I would do, but oh well. I am safe and it was way cheaper than going by regular taxi. When in Rome...you know the story.

I climbed 1273 steps to a giant buddha at Wat (I forget the name...). It was an awesome opportunity to practice mindfulness and pray. The view from the top was a bit hazy, but gorgeous and well worth the climb.

I have had so many amazing experiences already, and even written some poetry (which for me is a welcome return)...like before leaving Bangkok, I saw a free international children's film festival at Lumpini park, and the Emerald Buddha in Thailand's most famous monastary (Wat Phra Kow, I think) was beautiful...reminded me a TON of the cistine chappel in Rome. It interests me how people so far removed geographically honor their divinity similarly. I also observed Thai children peddling Buddhist flower offerings amongst Bangkok's traffic under the watchful eyes of their father. Reminded me of the hispanic children in the streets of LA with their rose bouquets and oranges, parents watching, but children working. I wonder if the parents watch for safety or for sales...perhaps both? Who am I to assume...

It feels nice to be a single woman traveling alone... I often feel like a walking dollar sign, but if that is how I feel, how can I expect to be treated any other way? Thailand is the land of smiles, it's true. Most Thai people will return a kind-hearted smile, and usually it feels genuine. My cynical, jaded side wonders if the smiles are for sales, though.

I have befriended a boat driver and I hope he understands the difference between friend and girlfriend...I say "only friend, only friend." He say "okay, okay, darling. I wait for you. 10 year." oy... For some reason (perhaps because I experienced similar attentions in France and Italy), I am more relaxed about the whole scene here...or perhaps because I leave in a few days and know he is staying...