What Am I Doing in Koh Phangan?

Before leaving Japan, I looked in the mirror and promised myself that I would never be a slave again. That probably sounds melodramatic, but that how I've felt for most of my life. Not only because of working for someone else, and implicitly consenting to a socio-economic system which I loath. It goes deeper though. It's also a slavery of the mind. And it's not enough to try and reprogram myself. The problem goes beyond social constructs. I think that ultimately the only way to really be free is to transcend the mind.

Well, originally, the plan was to go to Koh Tao, which is small and boring, and to just sit there and meditate, contemplation, and generally zen out. But I after chatting with a Ukranian guy named Arsen on the mini bus there, I thought Koh Phangan must be a much more interesting place, and why don't I go there? So I did, and it's a really nice island.

It could be a little too nice. There are probably half a dozen 7/11s, and a Tesco. Even though we have crossed into the low season, there are plenty of people buzzing around on their scooters, visiting waterfalls, getting massages, drinking beer, doing yoga retreats, riding elephants, etc. In addition, Koh Phangan is famous for it's full moon parties. So, next Friday, by all accounts, the island's population is going to become bloated, and it's going to absolute madness. Of course, I could just stay in my house and meditate, but the odds of that actually happening are slim to none.

Did I mention I've found a house? I'll be renting it for the next eleven days for about ten dollars per day. It's in an area of the island remote enough that it's quite, but only a twenty minute scooter ride from Thong Salah--the port town and hub of the island. It's got  a big balcony and a kitchen. There is even internet access--and it's not bad by local standards. Ungh, what have I gotten myself into?

There is really a lot to enjoy here. So, I haven't gotten into a regular meditation routing...but at least I'm getting into shape. I've been getting plenty of exercise. This morning I did yoga and a bit of jogging, then later I got lost on a mountain trail for two hours. There weren't any maps or anything. Oh well, at least I got to see two monkeys "making love". 

So, I haven't achieved enlightenment yet. But I have found a nice place to settle in for a week and a half, and I've dropped around four kilos in the last fortnight. Maybe I'll have realized my divine nature by next week. Until then, here are your monkeys. (I've decided to post a family-friendly photo, but you can PM me for the real pics).