It's (Not) Hard to Say Goodbye

Finally another end of year has come. One more goodbye, just to meet another new year that is to come. It seems like any other transitional phase of the past years, except that I can feel "the change" in me as well. I don't have to wait until my next birthday to feel more mature, grown-up and insightful. It's this eventful year that has taught me to look beyond the surface of seperation within which lies something worth learning.

Since the first months I said goodbye to what seemed like the perfect professional opportunity for everybody else, imaginatively consolating myself with the promising probabilities that were still unknown.

Then one by one I waved good-bye to those beloved and trusted friends. The feeling, painstakingly unforgettable as it was, doubled in intensity when the time to look for the last time at the city I had been living in for almost three full years finally arrived.

Even before I could make it to Bangkok in hope of personally caring for one of my best pet dog, Toon, she had faught and lost the battle to the ravages of old age and lamentably breathed her last breath, nine days ahead of my arrival. Another tearful yet unreal goodbye.

As I thought that things would smooth down and get back to their own track, all of a sudden I unbelievably found myself in an emotional isolation, caused by my own arrogance and demanding standard. Sadly enough, I didn't realise that the day I walked away marked the parting of our ways forever.

Just as everything promising around me seemed heading down the drain and I readied myself for the next possible seperation from something I dearly held on to, nothing came but December. The last of the twelve months that marked the end of this beautifully nostalgic year and the goodbye of goodbyes.

Before looking forwards at what was awaiting in the future path, I decided to take a very close look at what I had found in those seperations. Plenty of things were there, waiting to be discovered and reflected at all time. It was just a question of perspective, whether I only chose to see the downsides of them or also the hidden treasures within. Now that I found some of them, I learned from it. I absorbed it...and I grew up.

So, just let me say my last goodbye to all separations I have suffered and embrace the upcoming challenges of the New Year!

2008...here I go!!!

Chronicles of Mod : Kho Khao - Nature Untouched

Phuket itself, as one of the world's most well-known destinations, stamped me with no impression I had previously expected before this trip. However, I found a consolation prize at Kho Khao, an undisturbed islet that lies just beside the province of Phang-Nga.

If you are looking for somewhere to recharge your battery while leaving all the burdens behind, including your brain, this is the perfect place.

Expect nothing but a simple non-stop rest in the (few) resorts of your choice and enjoy the delightful feast from the sea.

There aren't many fully developped touristic spots on the island but, for a long stay, you can manage to find some interesting activities to do such as fishing, mangrove forest sightseeing or taking a look at the ruins of an ancient city. For those who want to be a bit more active, snorkeling and scuba diving at the nearby (?) archipelago of Surin or Similan is also feasible.

For me, I think the island is already endowed with a characteristic charm. Its hardly touched nature, the biggest highlight. Well, it's a perfect hideaway with almost everything within reach (very near Phang-Nga and just a couple of hours from Phuket). The inland forests are being slowly invaded, cut down and exploited. So if you want to see how an unexploited island look like, without having to go a distance, try this alternative.