Following on from last week’s blog, whereby we looked at where in the world to work, in both my book and blog I shared that it is worthwhile being careful of living somewhere where you used to holiday.
Fast forward to this weekend in Ko Samet, Thailand. I experienced returning to a place I once holidayed. Thailand was my first ‘proper’ backpacking experience far from home when I was nineteen. I worked a 9-5 as a receptionist who redirected calls for 8 months, to save up for travel. The first tropical island I ever visited was Ko Samet.
Taking the trip on the weekend, 25 years later, excited me and slightly worried me. What if the quiet island had changed to be unrecognisable?
I was lucky as (unlike many other Thai islands) this was not the case. I chose a basic (yet air-conditioned due to my family’s insistence) bungalow close to the beach. Some may call this accommodation retro now, as it was very similar to the kind of accommodation I booked in 1999 (at a fraction of the cost!). The restaurant too was basic, with grilled fish out front. No swimming pool or spa, just a beautiful beach to stare at.
The drive up to the bungalows took us on a dirt road in a songthaew. This area, had changed very little.
It felt wonderful – being in Ko Samet with my daughter and husband, after once visiting a lifetime ago.
This weekend was about connecting with other teachers, and it was so nice to be part of a community together as the children played in the sand and splashed in the waves.
Could I have imagined in 1999 that I would be returning with a child and husband? Not at all.
Am I glad I did? Absolutely. A wonderful trip back down memory lane.
And in case you were curious, no I didn’t venture to the bars at the far end of the other beach with neon lights and loud music, I prefer now the quiet of a beer enjoyed on a lounger listening to the sea.
Do share your experiences of living where you once travelled.
New to International Teaching with Jess Gosling 