LIFE UNLEASHED

 As luck would have it we stumbled upon an organization called Andaman Adventures that had continued working on Tsunami relief projects. AA does various things including running a school, organizing volunteers for labour projects and running homestays in small fishing villages to offer a secondary source of income to the people. As there is no place like home for the holidays we opted for a weekend homestay option.

Our stay turned out to be on a little Island called Tung Nam Dam where there was a small fishing village. We were put up in the village chief’s house. They told us too call them Ma and Pa as the whole village did. For the next two days we helped them cook local foods including festival sweets and took part in everyday life such as planting Orchids and collection delicious sea snails for dinner. We had and great time and lots of laughs even with limited communication (although there was a translator around).

For Christmas eve until boxing day we wanted something even quieter so we took a boat 40 km’s out to the Surin Islands to camp. The Surin Islands is a marine park with crystal clear waters, lots of fish and nice beaches. We had seen the islands a few years ago when we did some diving nearby but the chance to stay on them in a tent for Christmas was too tempting.

We had a great time snorkelling and lounging around until we met a few Thai Navy Search and Rescue (SAR’s) on a snorkel trip. They invited us back to their camp for a Christmas dinner that included approximately 40 grilled fish, Squid, rice, salads and lots of beer and rice moonshine. After a short while the SAR’s were quite drunk and ready to bring out the guitar for a few hours of load and off key singing! We had a blast! there is nothing like getting driven home on Christmas in a military Zodiac inflatable! (note - they did have a designated driver who even escorted us down the jungle path directly to our tent). Oh…almost forgot to mention our “tent monkey“! We often had to defend our food supplies from a particularly cheeky monkey who got into a tug-of-war with Lisa over some granola bars!!!

What a Christmas!!!

Lisa - “It’s great to be back in Thailand, isn’t it”

Brad - “Yeah fer sure”

Lisa - “Great beaches, fresh fruit smoothies, the constant smiles of the Thai people and massages on the beach.  I couldn’t ask for anything else”

 Brad - “Definitely”

Thai Masseuse approaching us to offer us a massage, sees Brad and immediately says -  “Ha ha.  You are like a monkey”.  Followed by gentle stroking of his arm hair.   

Yes our first day back in Thailand and Monkey Boy is welcomed home.  To be fair, he looked even hairier than normal with 8 weeks without a haircut and furfuls on the back of his neck.

As a result of the Thai lady being so sweet and laughing at Brad, we were ‘forced’ (yes, twist our rubber arms) to each get a thai massage followed by a mini pedicure for me and yes, a haircut for Brad.  Afterall, he hasn’t had any of his furry friends there to groom him.

Monkey Boy Stroking Count = 1

(For those that feel out of the loop — Brad has had the nickname Monkey Boy for several reasons that include him constantly being called a Monkey in various languages as we travelled across SE Asia in 2004.  Even in Russia where he thought he’d be safe from primate comparisons!  The funnier part is before that trip he gained the nickname through a silly thing I said to him on the phone once in front of a few friends before he was ever stroked in Asia.  I always new he was a bit behind evolution…..)

Lisa - “We’re taking too much stuff”

Brad - “No, it’s fine”

Lisa - “Seriously, my backpack won’t shut”

Brad - “No, it’s fine”

Lisa - “It weighs a ton”

Brad - “We’ll hire Sherpas”

Lisa - “Where are we going to find Sherpas in Japan?”

Brad - “Snow monkeys then”

Lisa - “What??!!”

Brad - “Alex told me they ‘re working as waiters in Japan. I’m sure a team of snow monkeys could carry our bags”.

Lisa - PAUSE……“We’re taking too much stuff”.

(Note: Check out “Monkey Waiters” on U-tube)

And so our travel preparations go. No matter how many times we embark on long term travel the same preparation ’stresses’ occur. I worry about bringing too much stuff, about cancelling bills, getting the house packed up, which countries require Visas, what vaccinations we need & what those vaccinations are doing to my body (which by the way is valid considering we were given live vaccines for….count them… 8 deadly diseases –Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Typoid, Cholera, Hep A, Hep B, Japanes Enchipilitus, Rabies). In other words, pre-travel I worry a lot. Of course, worry is not a new thing for me :)  But reducing your life to 10 kg on your back requires a process of elimination. Gradually as the trip progresses, so too will the elimination of my worries.

Brad on the other hand kept telling me how great everything would be. He researched electronics stores in Tokyo, WWII wreck diving in Micronesia, street food he will eat in India and work regulations of native monkeys in various countries. Even more important, how to say ‘monkey’ in every country we will visit.

Japan - “Saru”

Thailand - “Ling”

The lesson from this is that travel requires balance. Preparation & planning balanced with fun & spontaneity. Awareness of word issues balanced with openness to new cultures & ideas.  12 year old backpack filled with life essentials balanced with a plane ticket & the willingness to hit the road.

I think we’re ready.

But are the monkeys?