Thavorn

The staff at the low-season  hotel (pronounced by the locals 'Tah- worn') are falling all over  themselves  to be of assistance to a handful of guests. Descending to the restaurant deck after a twilight reconnaissance walk through the verdant gardens of this beach-hugging, tsunami-surviving  mini village, I am serenaded by a smiling Philippino guitar duo. Before I know it, my ukulele and I are sucked into the band. My first night in Thailand- ever- and I get a gig!

I am trying to work out how to say “my Mother is from Burma” (Korng di chan maa kon pahmah)

And “ my son is seven years old” (Di look chai a-yu jet pee).

The Thai people like that I try, and are patient tutors. I am so missing being able to natter confidently away in the local lingo, as I can in Bali!

Everywhere I look in his garden of wonders, there are stone figures wearing beatific smiles, atop elephants playfully snorting salt water. The moist-looking lawns are teeming with black rabbits and cartoon cockerels.

People back home warned me that Thailand in monsoonal August  would be stultifyingly hot. So far, there has been nothing but mild temperatures, soul-quenching warm rain, and a refreshing cool breeze that blows up onto my verandah from the sea.

Playing ukulele and singing with resident Thavorn band (The Dream Team I think?). Pictured son  & father, Apo & Victor. Wife & Mum Elvie joins them most nights. 

a deserted beach, a palm shelter, and a good book...Patong in the distance across Nakalay Bay

the coral beneath my feet on Nakalay Beach

feet  up...aahhh!

bunnies everywhere!

elephant statues grace the Thavorn gardens with their chatty cockerels

leaves wet from afternoon monsoon rains