Comments on: Ko Phi Phi: Paradise for Sale, While Supplies Last

By: Angelika

Angelika — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 03:31:27 +0000

… hm yet another inspiring read, thank you. ” … and thousands of sweaty, wandering idiots just like me.” that’s something I felt during my travels too. “5 baht to use the toilet.” guess Americans would have kind of flogged me using this word – I found Canada and Canadians to be amazing and have cherished memories of my travel and encounters there (in 1976). And you using the decimal system and celsius – priceless.
I truly enjoy all your pictures. “Travel even in your mind is broadening.”
Thank you for letting and making me mind-travel.

By: David

David — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:47:40 +0000

I rationalize not seeing “The Beach” by ranting about exploitation and capitalism, but the truth is it was mostly a matter of inconvenience. The upside is that it is still the perfect beach in my imagination.

Two days ago I set foot on a beach I never could have imagined, here in New Zealand. The sand was like gold, and the best part is there was not another soul on it.

I’ll post pictures soon.

By: David

David — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:43:59 +0000

Hello Auntie Kim. Always good to hear from you.

Such great news all around. Good news from home is one of the unexpected perks of traveling. As you know I have reached the land of the long white cloud, and will be sharing pictures soon. I took over a hundred shots of exotic flowers in Auckland’s winter garden alone. I’ll be in touch very soon.

By: Joy

Joy — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:43:03 +0000

Wow. I love reading of your adventures, and what a beautiful place to be having them! I thought my “backyard” was beautiful, but wow! I’m glad you chose not to visit “the Beach” since it didn’t feel right to you; and I’m equally glad you chose to rest and partake in activities that soothe you after such an ordeal of a day!

By: Kim Lianne

Kim Lianne — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:40:51 +0000

Hi David!
It’s been ‘heartbreakingly beautiful’ to visit your site, read some of your eloquent passages and to view these photos. Your face is missed and it will be too long before you’re back on my couch telling me stories in person but I’m so excited to see your adventures unfold! I have been telling friends about Thailand and sharing your pics so you never feel too far away.
All is well here–I have become an auntie again; Trevor’s new daughter Melodie Amber Rose has graced us with her tiny pink presence. Also, I have a tentative job as a floral designer at least over the holidays–hurray for employment. Boo is now reading (!) and has had her first grade 1 report card, which seems right on track… if only I could do something about that occasional gregarious classroom disruption. :-s
I hope your journey from ‘The Beach’ over to NZ (the land of the long white cloud) is a smooth transition. Looking forward to our next exchange.
*warmest hugs*
KL and Boo too

By: David

David — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:06:03 +0000

Hi Erin, that’s so true. In the less exciting moments (sitting on a train/bus) I have already been revisiting some of the earlier parts of the trip. Many times on this trip (eating dinner in an ocean-view treehouse, crossing the huge marble balcony at Doi Suthep, having beers with travelers in Chiang Mai) I’ve stopped to realize how amazing this is and how this moment will never be more real than it is now. When I try to revisit them in my mind, I find they are already fading. I can still recall some of the detail and emotion of them, but what I do recall is a far cry from the real experience. All the more reason to pay attention to where I am. Before I know it I’ll be in New Zealand and all of Thailand will be a memory.

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:25:40 +0000

A day may come in the future when you sit comfortably in an office, maybe even in a suit in a meeting with someone talking drivel without ceasing.

You now have a vivid, unique and spectacular memory of the smell of the place, the jungle feel, the steps, trembling leg muscles, the sweat, the ice tea. You will be able to revisit this unexpected side trip and you will smile. The speaker will think you were listening to every word.

By: David

David — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:22:53 +0000

davidcain7 AT gmail.com. Email me, I forgot yours too.

By: David

David — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:22:04 +0000

I am not a strong swimmer! There’s nothing worse than swimming towards something and realizing that it isn’t getting any closer, yet the shore you left has gotten farther.

I never complained about the monkeys

By: David

David — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:18:44 +0000

Hi Lisis,

When I was in Hollyhock, my meditation teacher (who has traveled a lot) told me that he felt the same before going to the Taj Mahal, after seeing so many other disappointingly exploited landmarks around the world. He said he shudders now at the idea of skipping it, and that it really is much more powerful in real life that a person could imagine. It is definitely on my list.