Thailand - Time out

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Sometimes we all need a time out.

I took a time off at the beginning of this year and I cannot even begin to describe how my journey through a very small island in Thailand was not only a true bliss to the eyes, stomach and soul but such a big leap in terms of personal growth.  Besides replenishing my energy reserves and taking a big rest, I learned that there is so much joy and encounter in travelling alone.  Sitting in the plane to Bangkok, I watched the movie “Eat Pray Love” and there simply couldn’t have been a better and more accurate introduction to the three weeks that I was about to spend in Thailand. During the whole time I wandered through the little island Koh Phangan on the trails of Yoga, Thai Culture (and- how could I not mention: Food) and Solitude, I never felt more connected to nature, life and myself. And if there is one thing I am taking away from this journey it is the thought that there is never a reason to wait and make our dreams come true. Let’s be brave, let’s take risks more often. Let’s go out, all by ourselves, jump into this freaking scary, exciting and magnificent adventure called life and just - go - with - it. I believe that nothing is stopping us from moving freely (not even money).

Below, I am sharing some of my thoughts and photographs I took in the course of my travels.

Love to all of you,

Ninon

First Stop: Bangkok

"Oh Bangkok, what a beautiful start to my trip you have given me. With my sleep-deprived, jetlagged eyes I saw so many small wonders when I aimlessly wandered through your streets past thousands of little shops/garages full of crafts, foods, animals, textiles,.. when I entered one of your many temples, when I sat to have my first pad Thai, when I walked along your river bed and channels, smiling at strangers and marveling at the tiny spaces that people live in, when I took at bath under the night sky and finally rested my tired feet."

Second Stop: Salad Beach // Secret Beach Koh Phangan

"I have arrived in paradise, or haven't I? Everything is moving so fast- flip flops, fruit shakes, hammocks, sunscreen, coconuts... This place is pure joy, pure diversity, pure freedom. This is not a spot to be quiet, it is to connect with others, to let the soul dance. This is a place to enjoy the restlessness of the human adventurer spirit"

Third Stop: Zen Beach // Koh Phangan

"Everything connects here. People, music, nature. Listening to the beat of drums while watching the sun dissolve into an horizon of never-ending silk cloths made of salt water, this is where everything feels right. People are smiling at me without knowing who I am, neither strangers nor friends. We are a community sharing this very moment..."

4. Stop: Bottle Beach // Koh Phangan

"I fall asleep to the chortle of waves, soft rain tapping on my thatch roof, rustling palm trees under the breeze of fresh air. I wake up to the distant sound of children laughing, quiet conversations in the restaurant, sun beams quietly stroking the skin. Bottle Beach is where peace has its home- a place so disconnected from all infrastructure. This is where I rest and be still."

5. Stop: Pure Flow Yoga // Bamboo Huts // Haad Yuan // Koh Phangan

"My  journey got a whole new meaning when I arrived here. I learned about yogic wisdom, I got to know my boundaries- really felt them, while sucking in the joy of movement, meditation and stillness. In this place, this school of life, I grew so much. I learned to trust, let go, and just be ... grateful, happy, whole. Namaste to all the beautiful souls I got to know here, to the stunning nature, even to the animals that shared my bungalow. I will return. For sure"

And then...
way too soon
it was time to leave again.

Thank you Thailand.