So, there I was on a random island off of Cambodia
In the Sea of Thailand swimming with a couple of new friends in crystal clear waters with a storm on the horizon...how's that for an opening line to a story, lol. But, it really happened to me.
I'd been on the island several days by this point. Just chilling and enjoying the white sand beaches and some books. Staying in the dockside bunks was cheap, like $2 or $3 a night. And I was lulled to sleep by the soft lapping of the ocean on the pylons. And when the storms came through late at night, I was awoken by the hard slamming of drops on the tin roof. The ferocity of the wind was amazing and forced me deep into my sleeping bag to avoid the chill.
This particular day several of us had decided to hike over the hill
And check out another beach that the owner of this 'resort' had recommended. He said it would take a couple hours each way, but, what else do you have to do on a deserted tropical island at a 'resort' next to a squatters village? I mean, karaoke didn't start until 7pm. So off we went.
It was a pretty rough hike, to be honest.
The paths were never quite clear, very steep in a lot of places, and everything was soggy with humidity. Hot, difficult, but with these guys, it was a blast. There are a lot of conversations that pass between people in places like these. Especially so far off the beaten track. They're in so many ways unique. Those who partake in them have learned the skill of travelers talk. Almost a shorthand, that takes their new friends over their recent journeys, offers openings for people to jump in and add their experiences, and delves into the deeper questions in life. It's a constant series of experiments that turn many into skilled storytellers once they get back to the 'real' world.
Once we hit the first clearing that revealed what you see above and below
It of course made the blood (yup), sweat (of course), and tears (jk, dudes don't do that) worth it. Those aquamarine blue waters, soft almost iridescent sand, deep swelling blues and grays far off in the distance....a visual feast for the eye. Covering the distant dull rumbles, short wave after short wave rushed noisily towards shore. The mass energy approaching tempered by the tranquility of the beach.
We chilled, we played ball, we chatted.
We took everything in. I mean, how many times in our lives would we ever be in this kind of place again. Perhaps shortly, perhaps never. Our future surely unsure as we had become used to in our long travels. The water was cool, the sun hot, the company pleasant. We didn't hurry.
The hike back was as uneventful as the hike over.
More blood, sweat and tears borne admirably by young adults off on an adventure. I can't even tell you how many times I felt like a kid pretending to be a pirate off in search of treasure. Seriously.
It was only late afternoon by the time we got back. Still plenty of time for us to do what we had been doing best, chill. Books, naps, beaches, and journals, a tough regime. I didn't know it yet, but that night I was going to learn how to roll my first joint. Well, spliff. It was going to be another interesting night getting to know more people with stories that astounded.
Thanks for stopping by and reading about another of my memories from my time abroad in Southeast Asia. I hope you enjoyed this. I'd love to hear what you think. Have you ever been to Cambodia? Or any of its islands?
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