Hello friends,
When last we spoke, I was heading back out to sea on the lovely Andaman liveaboard cruise. I was hoping to have some smooth sailing with the trip after the hiccups of its predecessor. I would not be disappointed. The trip kicked off well, and we began our first day of diving with 4 dives in the Similan Islands. The group of divers on board was fantastic, very friendly, fun, and in great spirits for the trip. My dive group consisted of myself, dive master Micah, whom was the leader from my previous dives, and 3 others with similar experience to myself.
The diving would prove to be a bit challenging, as we continually ran into some strong currents at our dive sites. Not much can be done about this, as the cycle of moon can dictate alot of the water movements. Over the first couple days we had 2 dives aborted, as the rip was just too much, and we could not find a clear path around shelter to protect ourselves. It was however, some great practice at holding on for dear life, and keeping fine buoyancy control, to stay near the bottom where you are least affected.
Out of the water we were having some good times. The days rolled by quickly for this one. We had the chance to explore some of the nearby islands, which were glorious white sand beaches. Some including a short hike to look off views that were equally stunning. Tropical paradise at it’s finest.
The trip and dives flew by with great enjoyment, and before we knew it, we were heading back to land again. I was feeling a bit fatigued after 18 dives in 6 days, and nursing a sore outer ear infection, so a few days on land would be a good rest.
That evening I caught up with my dive buddies, Tobi and Sandra, who were always holding on right beside me as we battled the latest current. They were wrapping up a vacation, and we traded stories. I would stay in Khao Lak for another couple days however. The next days, I caught up with another dive friend, Jieun from Korea, and my dive master, Micah. She was also wrapping up a short vacation, so we chilled on the beached and enjoyed the comforts of Khao Lak. All good things come to an end, as Jieun and I said good bye to Micah, and split a taxi to the Phuket airport. She headed home, and I was off to Chiang Mai for couple days before heading to Laos.
In Chiang Mai I got into a reflective mood, as I was once again traveling alone. This can be refreshing, and also a bit jarring after spending almost a week with some good friends. I remembered the city clearly from my previous trip 2 years ago, and my last evening there found my way to a local bar to sit for a beer. There was a live band playing, and they were fabulous. The Thai singer had an amazing voice, and he didn’t even show the usual struggle with some english words. On his side was an equally talented acoustic guitar player.
I sat and thought about all that has happened in my life in the past couple years. In all aspects. 2 years earlier I was ending a trip to go back to my full time job in video games, in Vancouver, which I desperately needed a change from. I had zero savings and this was a financial necessity. Now, I have some cash, have met a life goal of becoming self employed, and worked for a very interesting start up for 2 years, on my own hours. My ability to travel now attributed to this fact.
And then of course I thought about the loss. My parents were both fine when I last sat here. And in one foul swoop they were ripped away. As I was sorting out these thoughts in my mind, the band started playing Imagine by John Lennon. I was instantly transported to old conversations with my Mom. She would play this on the piano at home after coming home from her lesson with Debbie, her great friend across the road.
Me: “You know, that song is really a bit somber but very powerful hey ma?”
Mom: “Haha, yes, I really love it”
Me: “Someday after your gone, I”m gunna hear that piano playing itself, and be really creeped out!”
We both cackle with laughter as we always did at some of our dark humorous jokes.
She continues playing as the beautiful melody echoes through the house, and it relaxes me.
My mind snaps back to my surroundings in Chiang Mai, and my eyes fill up with tears. I once again am confronted with the overwhelming thought of how truly long a lifetime without your loved ones really is. I sat in perfect solitude, completely alone in the world, as tears discretely dropped from my cheeks, the strangers around me unaware of the war raging inside my mind.
Up next, Let it Be. Another of my Mother’s favorite songs. She loved the message of the lyric, and so do I so I calmed my emotions, gathered my things, and did the only thing one needs to do. For now I will let it be, and keep on walking.