Find Your Beach: Sairee Beach on Koh Tao

The seaman I passed in line with blonde dreadlocks and sea blue eyes knock me off my feet. He was the first sign to what a paradise I was about to find.

The ferry allowed me to finish the book I had fallen in love with- Scar Tissue by Anthony Keidis. Funny I reference it now after he admits to Koh Tao being his favorite island of Thailand.

Our entrance was quiet. Koh Tao is less traveled than the others. It lies the furthest east of the three (Koh Pha Ngan & Koh Samui). 

The group in the back of this pick-up truck looks like God's bouquet. All different nationalities here for some real relaxation.We end our ride at Sairee Beach. My skin feels like it's melting as I try to adapt to the heat. The sea waits 50 feet from my door.

The sea is not really a relief- warm like your shower at home. Beer becomes the subsequent cure. The lack of society leaves the sky empty. Only a few quads traverse along the street.

I had it once again, a moment of peace in Thailand. 

A sunset I will never forget was next. I sat under an awkwardly bent palm tree on a wooden deck. The blend of tropic noise and subterranean music relaxed my whole body. I fell in love right there with nature and life.

Some 4 hours later I sat back in the same area for a fire show, this one more professional then Koh Pha Ngan. The moves were choreographed to indie and alternative tunes.

For $20 I went snorkeling around the island. Also included was a visit to Nang Yuan Island, which sits north east of the main island.

The view at the top

Nang Yuan Hike Lookout

Snorkeling is an interesting activity because even though you go with a group, you are mostly on your own. A personal journey within a bigger one- sound is muted, fish are friendly, colors amplified. The fish and coral were in much better shape then what I had previously seen.

On the island of Nang Yuan is a hike. You climb the top of the south portion of the island to a lookout point. It is a magnificent view. Thailand had proven that for as much party it delivers it still has some natural treasures to awe over.

Gone Bananas in Koh Pha Ngan

Last time I rode an elephant I was seven years old. It was at some fair in California. It was time to jump back in the saddle. Two British girls and me climbed up to a platform. The limber Thai man sat on the nape of the charcoal colored elephant.

With every step I could hear my heartbeat get LOUDER. I try to make my moves quick on its massive backside.

15 minutes into the ride my excitement dissapates. Watching the other elephants slug around as my friends nervously hang on did not look all that fun. Elephant shit is all I see when I look down.

I had enough and couldn't wait to get off. This guilty feeling of participating in Thailand's tourism economy of exploiting animals and natural resources had been born.

It was fulfilled again when we were escorted to the monkey area. They anxiously wait on chain leashes. The pregnant one sits calmly and stares at you with these "save me" eyes. The younger ones were going bananas. The owners warn us to be careful because they were known to nip. That is only natural since they have to stay on a leash and stare at the rainforest where they could run and be free. SMH. All I wanted now was a beer to forget all that.

Pregnant Monkey with the SAVE ME eyes

Dinner was on the sand. After we set off Chinese lanterns and watched them disappear into the night sky. The intimacy of fire while standing in water in a tropical place surrounded by friends you just met is an experience.

The last night on the infamous party island Koh Pha Ngan was finished off the party that brought me to this country. Full Moon Party is a carny of tricks and treats.

First the chaos in front of you takes you over. A sea of rainbow blankets the beach as the tie-dye and neon outfits take fashion. You see people as creatures with the glow and dark paint covering any skin.

The bars- back to back as bucket after bucket of tropical concoction is served. Fireballs shoot into the sky. Music revs up. The atmosphere is perfect for a party.

For me, the party was over after I left the animals earlier. I needed to get off this island. Thailand "Land of the Free" a concept that has a dark side too.  Free to do and treat anything the way you want to.

Take Off Tuesday to Malibu

I take the 5 Freeway to the 134 West until the 101 North. I just want to be on the beach. I have my surfboard, ice chest, and tent.

I left Pico Rivera, Calif. and 1.5 hours later I made it to Sycamore Canyon Campground that is settled in the Santa Monica Mountains off PCH in Ventura County.

Canyon- Campground- Beach

I set up camp and head to the beach. My cousins are there, about 12 deep.  I spot them chilling under a few umbrellas with drinks in hand. I feel like I am walking into a commercial.

It is a slice of prime shoreline on the Pacific Ocean, the sand softer and rich in dark tones.

If you come out early in the morning while the fog rests in the canyon I feel like I am in Iceland. The pictures I've seen show black sand and cold water with white spray.

I dive in this morning. A rush of sensational fills all holes in my body and I close my eyes underneath the surface. I am weightless and blind in that moment.

_______________

A small sandy bluff into some rocky terrain and then you hit the parking lot that sits against the canyon cliffs.

Sycamore Canyon host 51 camping sites with about 5 restroom facilities. The beach is a short walk under a tunnel. The hiking trails to the west lead into a barren burnt landscape from a past fire. The paths are challenging as the inclines steepen quickly.

Charcoal gray, white, red, and splashes of green come alive from the slow growth of sprouting bush. New beige and rust colored bark expose through the black branches.

My cousin Kaelynn, Jess and I gain elevation over a hill and start up a trail that expands only two feet wide. We relish in the accomplishment of making it up the trail to the peak.

A high ridge overlooking the sea, it reminds me of Baja California, Mexico. I am in Malibu I remind myself.

The fog and sun hold hands. They take turns gracing us over the course of three days.  I enjoy the two naps I get in the sand. My cousin quickly fills my time with sandcastles, Frisbee, and jumping in the waves.

________________

Bike rides, campfires, and good food, this is a summer vacation I could get used to. Short walks in the morning along the shore followed by meditation sessions.  The sand is a soft gritty kind. This is the type of observation I notice these days after being too so many beaches. I like the quality overall.

FRESH FRUIT

CHORIZO CON FRIJOLES

RIBS & TRI-TIP

PANDULCE

HUMMUS & VEGGIES

FRESH VEG FROM COUSINS GARDENS

   _________________

     A three-day two night is just what the doctor ordered. Sycamore Canyon is a great getaway, 20 miles north of Santa Monica, Calif.  Turn off the phone and turn on the adventure!!!

Day 38 in Wollongong at Uni

Goodbye Flinders Motel

A little over a month but I'm still discovering Australia. Now that I moved out of Flinders Motel, I feel so much better in my apartment. I live in a four-bedroom apartment at the brand new student residence Kooloobong Village (coo-lah-bong). 

Day View from my balcony

Night Shot from my balcony

                   Level 7: Blue                                                  "I haven't seen this floor yet"

                  Level 6: Green                                               "I love my floor, at the top baby"

                   Level 5: Yellow                                              "The brightest yellow ever"

                   Level 4: Orange                         " I don't know anyone who lives on this level"

                   Level 3: Red                                                   "This is the ground floor"

                    Level 2: Purple                      "Floor Lower Gound (LG), you mean LaRae Godoy."

                   Level 1: Pink                              "We got table tennis and bean bags, pretty sweet"

The day we got there, Alison Hemsley the head honcho gave us an introduction to the building. We were served slushies and muffins that rocked my world.  Afterwards, the adventure was on. Alyssa, Ari, and I toured the place. It is a rainbow with every floor painted a different color. The painted doors give the place a hostel feel. The outside is a total contrast. It looks like a up class hotel, five seasonsssssss!

Each apartment except the studios has a balcony that overlooks the outside greens or the courtyard, some can even see the ocean. Each floor has a group study room and foyer with "I FEEL GOOD" chairs.  The carpet, the chairs, the back splash, and tile in kitchen are all in the assigned color.

              The biggest benefit to the place is it is 5 minutes away from Uni. Uni here is actually a cool place unlike USA. Everyone either hangs out on the lawn, goes to Unibar/food, and chills in the library. The Unibar hosts live bands every Wednesday night and some Saturdays. They have hosted rappers, bands, and acoustics. The Rubens are coming in May, gotta check that out!

 

Uni Bar

With so much studying it feels good to hit up the beach whenever I can. The weather is definitley cooling down. I love going to North Gong Beach. The beach here is so nice. Waves are not rough and huge like the good old California ones. The water is warmer too. 

This pool is free to use. I love swimming here. 

Next to the beach sits a two free rock pools, natural and built. The built one is laned but still open circulation to the ocean. It is a great way to start your morning off. Another fun activity is indoor rock climbing at HangDog Rock gym. Tuesday night is university night where $15 bucks gives you 3 hours of climbing, equipment, and pizza.  It kicks your butt to the max, your forearms put in work. 

 

       

 I like to end the night with a skateboarding sesh on the campus, when it is empty. I'm still pretty shaky but learning something different everyday. 

Skateboarding Hasher's (Roomie) sneaks

Nikhil's Door (Roomie)

My bed