What is life like when you retire at 40?

Well, I always wanted to retire at 40!

I don't know why yet I wanted to do it. And i guess the brain as we all know is a powerful thing. And that is what exactly happened to me!

I'm retired!

Not living where I thought i would live, being in Thailand, or even Northern Thailand!

I have no debt, some investments, cash and live well! with my Boyfriend, Cats and 2 dogs!

Nothing like living off the land and enjoying life!

A New Life My Book out Soon!

A NEW LIFE

and all that jazz...

INTRODUCTION 

Life is a Cabaret Old Chum, Come to the Cabaret

 

If a musical represented your life, which one would you choose? What is your story about? Do you like it? Are you captivated or bored by the drama? Do you love or loathe the lead character? Do you admire the set? Are the songs uplifting and passionate or depressing and dull?

 

Do you believe in your script or are you just plodding through the lines in the hope that you will get there in the end?  Yes, life is a cabaret my friend - and if you hate what you have put on stage you can change it or shut down the production and start again. Is this easy? Most unlikely. Is this possible? Absolutely.

 

I knew what I wanted from an early age. I wanted Magic, Excitement, Glamour and Passion. I knew for certain that it wasn’t in Tamworth, New South Wales - the place of my birth, early influences and even earlier corruptions. No wonder I fell head over heels in love with the musical. At the age of 8, I was taken to see Evita which was the result of pleading with and pestering my patient mother and so I learnt early on that tears, trauma and charm was a characteristic of those who got their own way.

 

 I will never forget that first moment when the curtain went up. I was enchanted and totally transported. It was the beginning of a love affair that has endured all of my life. I believe life should be like that too. In my case, my life hasn’t always been a runaway success. I have changed the shows several times. I have had to close down productions that I really liked because they did not work and walk away from successful ones because they worked too well yet did not make me happy.

 

What qualifies me to be producer, director, script writer, set manager, stage director and then take the starring role in my own musical?  Chutzpah, outrageous talent, bare-faced cheek or monumental ego?  It all helps.  What helps more though is dedication, hard work and self belief.  Ego has its place and it

helps a great deal when your performance is less than perfect and the critics have given you withering reviews.

 

Along the way I have had to get over myself and a hell of a lot of people too. I have created three highly successful businesses in three completely different industry sectors and now I have also created a life and lifestyle that I love with people that I love. I run a thriving guest house, restaurant and bar on the tropical Thai island of Kho Samui called AKWA. This business draws together all of my experiences and skills gained from hospitality & banqueting, real estate and the signage business. I have a life partner and a son. I have lost a staggering amount of body weight in less than a year.

 

I have been to hell and back to get some shows up and running. I always had to learn on the job. Sometimes the jobs were impossible. Sometimes I was impossible. Yet most of all I have learnt that every experience teaches you something that you can put back into life and bad experiences are only mistakes when they happen more than once.

 

And it is this experience of life, loss and rebirth which has given me the ability and knowledge to create a successful business. I know how to start from scratch, I know how to let go, move on and I know how to start again.

 

Interestingly, all the best things in my life including the business opportunities came to me at the right time and in the right place. I have had to learn to trust my feelings, my intuition and ability to analyze the facts and separate them from the fantasy. I have had to pull myself away from wishful thinking and turn my wishes into creative thoughts and actions. Perhaps this law of attraction thing is about recognizing what is good for us and letting go of what isn’t.

 

What I know most of all about is how to create a new life. Sometimes we just have to tear down the set, throw out the script and start again because it just wasn’t working. That can be painful, scary, confusing and exciting. While you are doing that you have to sit tight and hold onto your nerves because when you make a big change it takes time for all the sediment to settle again after a mighty big shake up.

	A NEW LIFE  "and all that jazz..."
	By Timothy Andrew Schwan
	With Catherine Dixon

 

"If Carlsberg made guesthouses...”

After a month of travelling through Thailand and Laos , Akwa guesthouse in Samui was a refreshing experience, I booked a few nights before and luckily got the last remaining room - the price was great, location was ideal (a mere 1 min from beach) and everything just seemed to fall into place, I initially booked for 2 nights, but I think it’s been nearly three weeks now  

All the rooms I stayed in had a lively splash of colour and funky decor (I’m not sure why but I’ve got a theory that somehow it helps in reducing the hangover feeling the following day – a placebo perhaps) and without fail cleaned and replenished every day. They had everything I needed for a long stay including working fridge, DVD player, television, air conditioning, free water, shower gel etc. Perhaps some this is considered expected, however once you travelled throughout Thailand you’ll notice that generally Thai’s overpromise and under deliver by Western standards, with a VIP bus being a basic bus with air con, and a limousine being a 1980’s private taxi, and in my experience other hotels and guesthouses are certainly prone to this in their advertising. The attention to detail like umbrellas outside every room, a DVD and book library in every corridor, a realistic guide to island by a western, one of those inscent burners (and accompanying matches), and fast WIFI (3.8mb on speedtest site) from the bar/restaurants and some of the rooms, only add to the positiveness of this review.

The staff (bom, bang, noi, jet, tim, tam) took care of everything, always friendly and joking, and grasp of English was quite impressive (although obviously not perfect – they come out with some funny stuff). I had good laugh with the staff and enjoyed a few drinks with Tim and other guests many of the nights. 

Food was great, everything including western, thai and even Italian, and very reasonably priced. Breakfast was definitely closest I’ve had to a full English outside of europe and chicken pad thai soon became a favourite for lunch. 

Outside of a 5-star sterile three figure £/$ per night resort, I really don’ t think anything compares to Akwa. Kudos to Tim and the team.

“What’s makes you happy”?

Life moves so quickly. One minute you are thirteen, and you are excited you are in your “Teens” and then all of a sudden you are Eighteen and you are able to drink a beer. Yes, when I turned Eighteen I did go out and have a drink at (maybe at 17 or 18) and ohhhhh yes I drank a little too much and alas I did get the vomiting and the hangover. I had only two episodes of the vomiting and the prolonged hang over, and that was it “No more” I said. I did not drink for some 12 years until I turned 30.

On the day that I turned 30, I was what many would believe “a success” I gave myself permission to have a drink; I started like some teenagers and many younger kids do with a “Southern Comfort and Coke” ……… I in my mature years migrated to Vodka and Coke and now a vary from Vodka and OJ and now to a nice wine here and there!

I have now lost almost 90 Kilos a bit more or a bit less. I weigh in at a nice neat (underweight) of 71 Kilos. I Look good! I have tried hard! Very Hard. Maybe to hard.

I LOVE living in Koh Samui, Thailand. I love my little “Son” = “Tdan”. I love my hotel AKWA, well it is not really a hotel, A Guesthouse is what it is really is! It is a challenge running a place like AKWA that is open 365 Days a year and you work from 7am to 7pm or 8pm or longer every day.

Yet this week I have after some 3 years been able to visit my Mother in Sydney for 6 days. I got to go to my Favourite Restaurant “Bistro Moncur” in Woollahra more than a couple of times. I met up with lots of other wonderful people who I hold a place in my heart. Yet you then collide with a dreadful horrendous person you wish you never saw, acknowledged or ran into! Yet that is the history in my life (sometimes you can not always not run into a person that you really do not want to meet!!!!)

Yet, Life alas, makes me happy.

I Love Tarn & Aum.

CloudTrout

We have just returned fresh from the Akwa Guest House in Koh Samui today after a 4 nights stay at the Deluxe Room. It was purely by arbitrary web-surfing we found this lodging when we were trying to hunt for a last minute accommodation. The photos on the official website are quite an accurate reflection of what U will get in reality. There are daily room-keeping & provision of water, newspaper & new towels. The owner, Tim Schwan - a very interesting gentleman to meet, has been extremely fun-loving, warm & hospitable; he showed us where to get food, where he lived and introduced us to his 3 cats! No major frills about our stay at Akwa, if u reli have to nit-pick, I would say the guesthouse is not located at the most convenient spot - it's situated further from the main crowd and towards the quieter end of Chaweng, so if u need to look for food & more life in the crowd, u will need to walk down the stretch a fair bit. But hey, a little walking always bodes one well after a full meal yea? Akwa is easily accessible to the beach, probably 5 min away - U just need to cut through Poppies. Free DVDs which U can borrow to watch in your room, just remember to return it. In sum, I would recommend Akwa to patrons as the quality of the lodging for its price makes it value for money and Tim is such a mere joy to be with. :)

"Cozy Lil' Pad wif a Creative Touch!"

We have just returned fresh from the Akwa Guest House in Koh Samui today after a 4 nights stay at the Deluxe Room. It was purely by arbitrary web-surfing we found this lodging when we were trying to hunt for a last minute accommodation. The photos on the official website are quite an accurate reflection of what U will get in reality. There are daily room-keeping & provision of water, newspaper & new towels. The owner, Tim Schwan - a very interesting gentleman to meet, has been extremely fun-loving, warm & hospitable; he showed us where to get food, where he lived and introduced us to his 3 cats! No major frills about our stay at Akwa, if u reli have to nit-pick, I would say the guesthouse is not located at the most convenient spot - it's situated further from the main crowd and towards the quieter end of Chaweng, so if u need to look for food & more life in the crowd, u will need to walk down the stretch a fair bit. But hey, a little walking always bodes one well after a full meal yea? Akwa is easily accessible to the beach, probably 5 min away - U just need to cut through Poppies. Free DVDs which U can borrow to watch in your room, just remember to return it. In sum, I would recommend Akwa to patrons as the quality of the lodging for its price makes it value for money and Tim is such a mere joy to be with. :)

"AKWA"

I loved my week stay it AKWA guesthouse. It was the low season so not too busy. I stayen in the penthouse, this was fantastice, nice and big, bed great and nice touches with the dvd plaver. Also the bathtub was quite large. Tim who runs it was a great host, and made it entertaining, will definately stay again.

I honestly can say that this was the nicest hotel i've stayed in Koh Samui

I honestly can say that this was the nicest hotel i've stayed in Koh Samui, It excels in every department.I was lucky enough to have the Penthouse for my stay and what a stay i had. It has to be the most comfiest of beds i have ever slept on with numerous comfy pillows. The air con was super cool which as you'll know in Samui is a godsend when humidity is high.The spacious clean modern bathroom with nice toiletries was a joy too, i cannot really say a bad word about this place as if you visit it you'll see that a lot of effort has gone into almost everything.I enjoyed testing all my newly accquired DvD'S on it's player so you can check for the real deal quality of the movies for those shopping at night.The most important thing though which if ever you met him was Tim the host, a true gentleman INDEED, he goes out of his way to make you happy, I forgot my tshirts and lo and behold he sent them over to me at his expense, what a guy, i for one can't wait to return to Samui and the Hotel AKWA

“What a little gem”

Tim and his staff were fantastic , friendly and the rooms were very comfortable and clean._You have your own TV and DVD with a huge selection of DVDs to watch free of charge. This guesthouse has a fantastic theme never seen before in Thailand.Definately unique and in a great location. The room rates are too cheap ( I paid $30 AUD per night ) for the comfort you feel from the start till the end of your stay. The beds were always clean , very comfortable with amazing pillows and big open bathrooms._I would recommend anyone to stay here , in fact I would rate this a 5 star guesthouse , go check it out for yourself, you wont be disappointed. Brent , Melbourne , Australia

“Third time back, and it's not the last!”

I have stayed at AKWA three times and have now seen AKWA grow from a five room guesthouse to a 20 room multi-site boutique hotel operation...all in 12 months. 

The same quirky design and quality service still exists, but again I stayed in the 'original' property in a 'Deluxe' room 302 - the same room as twice before. 

I sensed some frustration this time with Tim seemingly missing the personal attention he is renowned for giving so generously to his guests. 

Having five rooms of guests is significantly different to 20 rooms in its dynamics. As Tim has found, people have been stealing the unique items from the rooms now, which when there were fewer guests, we wouldn't have dared! A real shame.

I rarely ever travelled back to the same places before, preferring to find new exotic spots, however AKWA has totally changed my idea of holidays. 

It has become a sanctuary for me, returning to the cafe to chill with Tim and Lee and the girls, grabbing a DVD and relaxing in the room, having a beach massage or just buzzing around the island on a motorbike. It IS a guest house not a resort, that's what I love about it. 

Koh Samui is still primitive without the trimmings, so please if you are a traveller expecting repaired pavements, high water pressure, elevators and buildings that don't leak or smell, go to Dubai. 

I cant wait to get back again. Keep up the great work!

GUEST SAY'S "Fantastic Little Place"

We stayed in Akwa for 5 nights from 16th May to the 21st May 07 and really enjoyed our stay. You pay for what you get and you get a lot at AKWA. The rooms, which i think there are only 5 of them are really funky with bright blues and reds and everything but they pull it off very well. Its really the small things that make the difference at AKWA though, such as the DVD player in each room, with a pretty big dvd library to pick from available in the hallway. They even provide you with travel books to read in your room and it just makes for a very homely feeling. They even booked a different hotel for us for earlier dates when AKWA was full up and put a deposit on for us so would definitely reccomend AKWA. Enjoy.. jbolger, Dublin May 27, 2007 -----------http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293918-d620300-r7702561-Akwa_Guesthouse-Ko_Samui.html

Kipmee Kipmee Kipmee Kip In Loas

I had a great sleep in the silence and peace right in the middle of the country way way inland of any city in Thailand a few weeks ago. I was close and very close to the boarder of Lao. And yet I was, as I classed my self the FFU = First Farang Up (I guess you have all gathered I love a great acronym ("Farang" is the Thai pronunciation (and word) and sometimes pronounced "falang", it is the generic Thai word for a foreigner of European ancestry. While generally farang is a neutral word, it can be used in a mocking manner, (and this has happened to me many many times) or even as an insult depending on the context.) So FFU to me! (First Farang Up) I had to be up at 6am in order to Bucket, Pale & Pour any and all freezing water available at 6am (apart from the fact I have always seamed to have been very very quick in any bathroom, this morning I was apparently not.)  I had to drive my newfound adopted family to the main town of Udon Thaini. They were on a mission as we all had to drive Me and Aum to the local City. "Tan" (Tim’s perhaps future "Son") of course did not miss out. The moment he found out Aum and I were to leave - he was going anywhere the pick up truck took him. He is a good kid!

"Kips" is what the Laos call the official currency! To me it sounded a little more a take on the AbbA song Gimme Gimme Gimme - Kip! I decided to do my own take on it Kipmee Kipmee Kipmee Kip. Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked socialist republic in Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar (Burma) and the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, and Cambodia to the South, and Thailand to the west. Laos traces its history to the Kingdom of Lan Xang or Land of a Million Elephants, which existed from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century. After a period as a French colony, it gained independence in 1949. A long civil war ended when the communist Pathet Lao came to power in 1975. 

Aum and I took a bus from Udon Thani, Thailand to the capital of Laos "Vientiane" I have never crossed a boarder before on a bus! Nor have I crossed a boarder filling in an entry form on a shaky wrikeddy bus where your handwriting really gets a work out! My Handwriting has never been the best at any point in my life let alone with the assistance of rethreaded Dunlop bus tires assisted by the unlubricated shock absorbers. Any one who has ever had the privileged to see my signature would understand. My exit form looked like I had written it all out with a pen in my mouth. Yet I left Thailand and then had to get my entry visa to Lao. Aum had it a little easier as Thai's have some form of agreement with Lao - where they do not need a passport - they just have to pay a fee and produce a signed form and a copy of their ID! (Mind your their ID has a photo and micro chip contained in the back of it) even more security than a credit card I would say. I sailed through (almost) just like a yacht that would enter the Sydney to Hobart race! Some shaky starts and some shaky interrogations - but hey "bring it on I say"!!! Been here done that!

It was nice to be on a bus, it reminded me of my train trips around Europe from country to country. I can now proudly say that my passport now no longer has any more pages left in it. There are of course spaces for a re-entry stamp for Thailand - But God forbid if I need a new visa. The day arriving in Vientiane went well. After being chased down by Tuk Tuk drivers, which I have, an absolute trained rudeness in ignoring we then did what I call the Sandi/Schwan Hotel Hop! (Sandi is a close friend I went to Cambodia with) we both mastered the art of quickly going from hotel to hotel seeking out the best room for the best price! Aum and I went from dive to a further dive - a little bit like deep sea diving the further you went the darker it became - both in rooms and colour! (Thou he did not see think that any of them were dives) I did thou!!! I wanted a little bit of comfort. I was not seeking out 100% full down feather pillows but I did want some comfort... and please no more tiny LUX soap! There was one day in the past (when I was 10 years old), which I think we all thought LUX Soap was Luxury. Well its way way past it’s used by date! 

We ended up at the Novotel - cheap for the price - nothing like using the industry (as in saying you own a hotel) to get the price you need! ... "Hi, here is my card I am a owner of a hotel in Thailand - what’s your best rate for the industry?" It worked I got 45% off! So here we are! I don’t think Aum has ever in his life ever stayed at a place like this. He keeps on saying that its 5 star - I let him think it is! It’s like 2.5 in my books! Try the, Bali Ritz Carlton, The Ritz Carlton in New Orleans, Mandarin in San Francisco, Shangri-La in Hong Kong, Park Hyatt in Sydney, Park Hyatt in San Francisco, Park Hyatt in Tokyo, Park Hyatt in Melbourne or the Park Hyatt in Canberra (thanks Marls) - not to mention the Hotel De Crillon in Paris or the Philippe Starck designed St Martins Lane Hotel in London or if you wish The Swiss Hotel Berlin!!! Stop Stop Stop. Ok I have stayed in them all - but hey who cares now! I have soap (not lux) a shower a bed and Air conditioning along with hot water! I am in bliss in LAO.
I have come to understand how wonderful water pressure is! Koh Samui has none! AKWA has none! (Yet we try with 2 pumps) We do ok and our showers are fine! but WOW when you jump under a shower that has some pressure - h_ly Cr_p. You want to stay there for the rest of the day! I certainly did the other morning - yet alas no time. There is nothing like a great shower!  Private enterprise apparently increased in Laos since the mid-1980s, but development here has been hampered by poor communications in the heavily forested and mountainous landscape. Despite this, the economy of Laos grew at 7.2% in 2006, 35th fastest in the world. Eighty percent of the employed practice subsistence is agriculture. The country's ethnic make-up is extremely diverse, with only around 70% belonging to the largest ethnic group, the Lao. The country name in the Lao language is "Muang Lao". The French, who made the country part of French Indochina in 1893, spelled it with the "s" which is usually retained in the spelling but rarely pronounced in the English name (pronounced as one syllable). The usual adjectival form is "Lao" (as in "the Lao economy"), not "Laotian", although the latter is commonly to describe the people of Laos (to avoid confusion with the Lao ethnic group.  (thanks wikipedia) 

Speaking of French I have seen some great old houses that I would love to buy and renovate! They would be just amazing once finished. (photos below) Laos traces its history to the kingdom of Lan Xang, founded in the fourteenth century, which lasted until the eighteenth century, when Siam (Thailand) 5 invaded and assumed control of the separate principalities that remained. To avoid a costly war with the French, the Siamese king ceded lands now known as Laos to them, and these were incorporated into French Indochina in 1893. The French saw Laos as a useful buffer state between the two expanding empires of France and Britain. Under the French, the capital (Vieng Chan) was changed to Vientiane. Following a brief Japanese occupation during World War II, the country declared its independence in 1945, but the French re-asserted their control and only in 1950 was Lao granted semi-autonomy as an "associated state" within the French Union. Moreover, the French remained in de facto control until 1954, when Lao gained full independence as a constitutional monarchy. Under a special exemption to the Geneva Convention, a French military training mission continued to support the Royal Lao Army. In 1955, the U.S. Department of Defense created a special Programs Evaluation Office to replace French support of the Royal Lao Army against the communist Pathet Lao as part of the U.S. containment policy. Political unrest in neighboring Vietnam dragged Lao into the Second Indochina War, a destabilizing factor that contributed to civil war and several coups d'état. (thanks again wikipedia) 

So after a long long great sleep, I jumped out of bed and the Tuk Tuk Driver which took us hotel hopping came and collected us from the hotel. I really wanted to see if I could get some deals. Deals In printing, Sheets and so forth. I was on a mission! After 2 unsuccessful attempts at copy (Xerox) shops I found a great 4 colour offset printer who has been able to do some great work, Invoice Books, 4 Color Cards, Small Brochures etc all with in 48 hours! I have been in an out of his shop. all for less than $325 AUD, B8,500 THB, or $270 USD. A deal if you could see what I had done!

We then went to all the symbols. Vientiane is situated on a bending bend on the Mekong river, and I have to tell you it is dry! There is water but not much! But B_oody Hell is it big and wide! Yes no water. This huge river, which forms the border with Thailand at this point. That is why it is so close to Thailand. Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos. The government of Laos - one of the few remaining official socialist states - began decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986. (Not that you would ever have an Idea that they did) Laos has no railways, although a short link is planned to connect Vientiane with Thailand over the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.(what ever that is or means) The major roads connecting the major urban centers, mainly forming Route 13,(funny that it is a 13) have been significantly upgraded in recent years, but villages that are far from major roads are accessible only through unpaved roads that may not be accessible year-round. There is limited external and internal telecommunication, particularly of the wire line sort, but mobile cellular phone usage has become widespread in urban centre. (my Phone has had no issues in Global roaming) In many rural areas electricity is either not available or offered only during scheduled periods. I have of course had to divert it to my Boy friends phone as he has a differing service provider. It is funny how all that works in all most all of the world. You learn to divert.

Yet off we went - looking at every thing going to the Morning Market (which is big but nothing like Bangkok) thou most of all the product that they sell is form Thailand. The printer told me that all his ink and paper comes from Thailand as it is easier to get - as in Loa they do not make it and it is very difficult to get. Lots of things get smuggled across. I asked if taking printing and other things across would be ok? He said yes, as if they search then you would have to just pay a tax. At the morning market I discovered some amazing DVD deals I went a little crazy! Then found some cheap things to! But Kipmee Kipmee Kipmee Kip is a very difficult thing to do in Lao! Try and take money out of your bank account via a ATM or Passbook in order to get Kip and well it is IMPOSSIBLE. Totally! I went to about 8 ATM machines and none would accept my cards - from Australia, Thailand or New York! I then went to the local branch of my Thai Bank with my passbook and they even said NO! We do not accept Thailand books or ATM cards even thou they are the same bank! Crazy! The only way I could get any cash was to get a Credit Card cash Advance. Yet now that I had a little Cash I was lucky as we then both stumbled onto a great French Restaurant! Wow was it great or was it great! It was Great! It brought back memories of my days at Bistro Moncur. Those were the heady days! I had a great Steak, Aum had a Great Prawn dish! Was yummy! Even Yummier at 15$ total including 2 glasses of wine!

But 3 days went very quick and it was time for us to jump back on the back of a bus and head back to Thailand and fly into our Island Idyllic Life. It was nice to arrive at 8pm with my staff greeting me with a "Cosmopolitan" My drink of the month, a bunch or roses and big hugs, the ritual of little present giving! 10 days away was like 10 months to them, back at the wheel Samui is in a ditch! very slow, it is classed a slow season, more like Stop!- Phuket has done a very very good job at marketing itself after the impact of the Tsunami and there are huge travel deals there. So Samui is hurting a little. A correction I think! Though the rooms are full (with discounts) yet our restaurant is slow. It will change thou. Hope all is well in your life.

Tim xo

GUEST SAY'S "Loved AKWA"

My self and my partner arrived back in the UK yesterday after spending two wonderful weeks on Koh Samui staying in The AKWA Guest House. I have stayed in many hotels and guest houses both in Thailand and world wide locations, being in the hospitality industry myself I have very high expectations of a product. AKWA Guest House never falls short of the guests requirements. We stayed in one of the deluxe rooms for the first six nights and then upgraded to the penthouse for the remainder of our duration. Both are furnished to a very high standard with many extras which one would not expect from a hotel or guest house, the mp3/dvd player , vast dvd library, flat screen in the penthouse, 2 aircon units, Egyptian cotton sheets and many sumptuous pillows to fall into. All rooms have an extensive information library from Thai guide books to local information folders giving information on do's and dont's, places to eat , drink and relax. Tim, Lee and all the team are there for you 24/7 taking care of all your needs.......
Tim, Lee and all.........thanxs for my birhday treats, all the flowers, the calls to my bank when they messed up! the help you gave for the BKK hotel and making the booking, the little trips to 7/11 you made......OMG the list goes on!
You all made us feel as if we were special and we can't express our gratitude enough.
If you are wondering to stay here or not, please take my advice and book sooner rather than later you will not be disappointed.
T & C...XX --------- read the full review at http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293918-d620300-r7702561-Akwa_Guesthouse-Ko_Samui.html

Red Rigourous Roads Ride Rough

I guess when you actually get your act together and have the time to venture North you have achieved something. I don’t think you need to be any where on this earth to achieve Going North; I think an adventure would always be on the cards as long as you headed North. For me there is no difference! I’m now 36 hours driving time (I think) from Koh Samui. I can tell you categorically I when I was told it was that many hours in a pick up truck I went ^&*(@#$%^&*. Nothing like a good flight I think! So I flew. I have ventured this far as by Boy Friend "Aum" also has alias's of "A" , "Um" , "Maxxy" yet his real name is "Wittiha". Five names, pretty good going if you tell me! His father calls him Aum (pronounced orm) - and that is what I call him. His small village is called "Tasila" and is 80 Kilometres and about 1.45 hours drive as the roads are like !@#$%^&* ( the closest city is called Udon Thani) his other village "Chaiwan" is of no more than 2,000 people, and from the 28th to the 2 May each year "Tasila" has a festival for the building of their New Buddhist Temple (still under construction) Lots of fun, dancing and parties over 3 days within the grounds of the temple area. It would be in Australian or America like a School Fete. They hold it in order to raise funds for the temple. Yet in Thailand from what I have gathered the centre of the community centres around the Buddhist Temple. Similar to a Catholic Fete and the Catholic Church. The temple and Monks life is nothing about money, or making money and keeping all the money. The Catholic Church is a Triple MMM = Money Making Machine. From what I see in Thailand the Buddhist's are a FFT = Far From That.

I think I have not been as calm as what I am now for a few years. It reminds me so much of my year or so at my own farm in the Hunter way away from any real city which is large or close. It brought tears to my eyes to see a big wide red dirt road, with dust distilling and then distributing from underneath the car you are either riding in or driving. I was asked once to drive the "Family" into town to the Temple. From that day on I was then the "Son in Law" and have now been driving the "pick up truck" everywhere, as they think and feel I drive much better than any Thai could. But the roads are s_crewed, very similar to many country roads in Australia, and America, and I guess Europe. Pot Holes are Holy Grails to the Hellhole of the earth if your are driving at the wrong speed.

I did not have the energy or the patience to have to put up with being in either the back of a pick up truck or worse still the back seat that is the smallest seat you have ever seen. So I chose to fly Aum and I to Bangkok for 2 nights and then up to Udon. I have never in my life ever been picked up at any airport by so many relatives. Let me count 1+ 3+7+5 (plus Aum and I) = 18 and we all went in the back of a pick up! I was offered the front seat, I declined, as I love an experience! Yet I was not aloud to sit in the back with the Women and Children. So I sat in the back of the pick up - those little seats that you see in a Mac Truck. Nothing like what you and I would at all be used to. But hey I did change my life for a reason right?

2 hours later we arrived to the Aum's families house. I new it would be simple. And I was correct, yet minus about 30%. Simple in your minds needs a drastic deduction in calculation terms - you all need to think (yet I do not want to say it) in primitive terms. Little running water. Toilet in the ground ( the style you squat down on) and you shower (if you could call it that) with a bucket or pale. No Air conditioning, all concrete or wood. It does remind me some of the Sheering Quarters My family and I would to visit Called "Ben Buckley" Yet in some ways "Ben Buckley" was 2 stars above what I was staying in. Yet I loved it! It was Dark, It was Quiet, I Had plenty of time to write and write. It was perfect. ( thou I have not mastered the squat Loo (toilet)) = YET!!!! Throwing cold water at yourself in and or around a bucket of water too has to be mastered! I think I mastered it. Lather up first and wash down later! Thou I have not got used to the feeling of the cold water. I have tried the trick my Brother Stephen taught me = as in get the Ankles and Wrists used to the cold water before you jump into the pool. I used this skill and it does work - yet the head and shoulders still shudder like the pick up truck across the red-ridged road when you pour the called water over your head. But apart from that life is just beautiful. I think you can see the beautiful in any thing if you want and wish to see it.

There is a wonderful song from the musical "Little Shop of Horrors" called "Somewhere That's Green" a song about a place, a town, and a street far far from the urban drive and drag. I guess we are looking for somewhere that is green. Yet here its all dry, fallow, and poor. Yet every one is happy and happy to be alive. I am white, and am one of the local attractions. All the little Boys, Girls and Adults look at me like (as I am) an Alien. Their eyes light up at the first sign of fun and acceptance from some one they do not know - yet in their eyes you can see they really do want to know you and they also want you to know them. Life is simple, simple non complicated motor tractors drive past, there is no Internet access. No telephone line, No WiFi, and if you are lucky you may have electric power. All around is Sugar Cane, Rice Paddies (thou yet to be Sown) Buffaloes and very simply tiny poor houses. Yet all is happy and uncomplicated.

I have been in and out of town for the evening festival events - (driving now as the son in law). The first day at the airport when Aum and I arrived a little Thai boy called "Tan" pronounced "Dtan" sprung to attention. He adopted Aum and I when we arrived and had no idea what I was or who I was. He is 9 and although has a mother and father are somewhere - he has no one to call his own parents. He is a really good kid. And he decided he was to be at my and Aum's side at all times when we were awake. Kids just make my life now. I guess I am getting "Klucky" Going to the Temple Fete with a child was just bliss. Watching him sliding down the big slide machine, or watching him on the jumping castle. Him waiting to walk hand in hand everywhere we went. Asking for Candy, food or even Water. I discovering he is to go back to school in a week or so and all his school uniforms are a disaster it was off to the local Mall (if you could call it that - Shed) 45 Mins away and we bought new belts, shirts, shorts and shoes. I also shouted him a new top and new pair of casual shorts. We did not escape the sweets isle either. A good boy, bad parents, time will tell, you never know what I may pull out of my hat!

I went to the opening of the Festival of the new temple. Just as I said it’s like a fete - yet they have these wonderful travelling shows. Like a huge RSL show, and they travel from province to province for fetes and another fetes and fairs. So many Dancing boys (good looking too) and So many Girls as well, every one pays admission to get in. Aum, Tan (9 year old) and I had a ball. All the things you see at the local Fete or Royal Show on a wincey tiny tiny scale. Did you every know that squashed rolled dried squid here is just like Fairy Floss or as others may know it as cotton candy! "Tan" had a ball, I drank too much ( lucky I was to stay at a local "Resort") - Thais need to define what a resort is and or means - I stayed at a local paddock or huts really! But who cared! I had a great time. I was even please that "Tan" wore the next day out fit he chose at the mall he was so proud.

Land, Land, La La Land = Land here, land there, much of it, Most is used for sugar, or rice, and maybe buffalos. I have been offered many rais (or acres of land) to buy! Yet what would you do with it? I have no idea! Yet the silence is great, fun and exciting If you could solve the cash flow issue you would be able to build an amazing home with all the comforts and fun you could ever wish for. The sunsets really are amazing. water does not seam to be an issue, yet. Power is here, yet you would need to have a life some how. Cash flow at least. Thou the idea just like the Waukivory farm is very very appealing. Time and cash will tell.

Tomorrow I catch a bus with Aum to Lao (Laos). I will be there for 3 days and have another adventure. Mean while my guru manager Lee and wonderful staff are looking after AKWA.

Love Tim
xo

GUEST SAY'S " 'Guest' into Guesthouse"

This little place in South Chaweng Beach was an absolute highlight of my first visit to Thailand.

From my early morning arrival to my late evening departure a week later, Tim, Lee and crew bent over backwards for me and from what I observed, other guests.

Tim's experience of Thailand and island life is outstanding, as is his fastidious attention to his guests total comfort. Tim and Lee are always enquiring how they could serve their guests better.

After the breathtaking climb up the steep stairs, this quirky five room boutique hotel boasts a unique sanctuary, complete with fabulous entertainment system AND Cafe Del Mar CDs and the latest DVD releases which could keep you comfy in the room for days!

My 'holiday' was a Thai Boxing training camp in Chaweng ([--]) so it was an absolute pleasure to return after each session to be fussed over!!

I will certainly return to AKWA, have more massages at Thai Thai, get more shirts from Big Boss Tailor and another week with Maair pushing me twice a day - oh and let Lee take me partying again :)

Cheers guys
Dan

-----------http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293918-d620300-r7702561-Akwa_Guesthouse-Ko_Samui.html

Ankor Wat? What What Wat Was That?

As I write this email I wonder why I am sitting in the lobby of a hotel in Siam Reap, Cambodia at 415-am typing away like a mad man. I think as you know many of you all love my e-mails, I enjoy writing them , even thou they can and do take a long time for me to concoct. Yet then again perhaps I have far too much time on my hands and therefore you receive all these wonderful long, graphic and fun e-mails!

Well some people can type like a mad man! Ask Malcolm Turnbull, He did a typing course! So did I, thou as usual I never finished it. I never finished my ballet classes either, let alone my cooking competitions. I hated all the Soccer and tennis camps I was sent on! And I know for certain that i never ever finished school properly, let alone Boarding school! God I hated that Woodlawn Compound. The best time of the week was when the canteen opened (once a week mind you) All I wanted was a Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate! You would not think this was something which would be a thing that would be would be unusual now days. Yet i have to say these Catholics ran a tight ship - in more ways than one! I can recall so many borders who would have all their ten cents saved up so they could call their Mum or Dad at the appropriate time, and at the correct place, on the appropriate day of the week! The cue for the public phones where ( lets just say long ) Yet the amazing thing i will never forget is the "Amazing Race" at lunch time ... When the bell would sound for lunch - Unlike most people who had money for lunch - or a packed lunch from Mum - now days for school - at the sound of the lunch bell you have never seen an Olympic qualifying contest in your life. There were always handy caps, many boys would be located in their class rooms right near the Food Line! Even thou I did play the role of "Oliver" it was a food line! And the 1st in was the best fed!

I took off to Cambodia the other month, (as you do around here - it is just like zipping off to the Hampton's, Brighton, Taree, or Queensland - Yet a lot lot less water!) I went with a friend who I met at my Guesthouse, She was a guest and booked for 2 days and stayed for well off and on for 6 weeks! The off weeks we went to Bangkok and then went to Siam Reap to see just one of the wonders of the world (almost carrying a martini in a water bottle each day) It was amazing! I have never seen so many Temples or Wats in My life! Cambodia is an interesting country. Pour even F___ in so many ways. Thou 5 Star hotels here is like paying 10 USD a night (sort of) Sandy and I had a ball. I love to laugh, I love a good argument, I also love to cry, Yet I have not Laughed so much for so long. From ordering food, to tuk tuks ( or rik sures ) It was a ball. A the bundle of crap you had to unravel, yell, or scream to get any thing resolved, thou it was a great experience. Ankor Wat was amazing - yet huge, hot and with lots of heavy walking.

The King and I Soundtrack is playing in the background. Thai people are the most amazing people. So pretty, So calm, So happy, Yet can turn on a dime, 5 Cent or 5 Baht coin in 3 seconds! Yesterday was The Thai New Year. I tell you when Thai's Drink - THEY DRINK!!!! Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year celebrations, take place during April. Across the country, it is a time for family reunion that all members entertain and make merit together. And of course for splashing water--lots of it, to cool down and have fun! (it is the hottest time of the year) This traditional Thai custom of merry-making is the Kingdom's most fun-filled festival, celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm, nation-wide, once a year. ( with a sh__t load of water) In most part of the country, Songkran extends over a period of 3 days. Songkran was known for its characteristic tradition of water-throwing ranging from a courteous sprinkle or a polite splash, to harmless water pistols and showers from garden hoses to the well-aimed bucket or water-cannon delivered in a festive spirit. Without a doubt, on the practical side, it is a refreshing solution to "beating the heat" in the hottest season of the year. However, there is a much deeper significance to "Songkran" Apart form marking a new beginning, Songkran is also a time for thanksgiving. It is an important time for individuals to reflect upon the many acts of kindness and thoughtfulness each has personally experienced and to remember how such acts of generosity and compassion bring peace, happiness and well-being. Songkran is also the time for reunions and family ties are renewed.

It has been one Year now since I have been in Koh Samui, it has been 6 weeks since I have been in cuffs and in a Thai Jail. Thou I have been in business on this island for one year, and I am still here. All my Cats are with me, they love me, regardless of what has happened to me. All my staff too try very hard. I loved today when one guest complained in jest that my maid "does and amazing and wonderful and far too thorough job" I said "Well she has been taught by the master!" Thou he said, " I have been here for 3 weeks, and every time I leave the room - and then return - it is as thou I checked into a new room! I move the clock - i rearrange the bedside table - and yet, it is all the way it is meant to be "in your eyes" - alas a good point. Time to try harder!

I am often quite Mad!, Some Call it Crazy, Some call it Insane, I think really i am just plain silly or different! Not Mad in the angry sense, or even Crazy. Just silly I guess. Who will know. I try hard. (Yet with the correct injection of Vodka in multiple sessions i can get Angry ) I think we all try hard even when we think we dont even know when we try hard. Dont we all try hard to get out of bed, out of the shower early, rushing to catch the bus, car, train, subway in time so we dont get in trouble from the boss, a client, customer or other staff. We all we have a job to do.

"A" , "MM" , "HUM" , "AUM" , "MAXXY" How many (first) or (Christian) names do you have? Well yes I have 2 surnames "Condon" and my own chosen "Schwan" Yet i know i lived in western world, and changed my surname legally, It always sounded good, there was never any one called 'Timothy Schwan" in the white pages. Yet in Thailand so many people have so many names, or nick names i do not even think I can keep up. I will, could, may have, and should fall in love with a wonderful 23 year old, amazing, honest wonderful "AUM" = yet also known as "A" , "MM" , "HUM" - but love is rare, and I think he is rare. Time will tell. E-mails will follow. Hearts I hope will not be broken.

This month sees occupancy falling, I am not sure why, I can guess that it is the travel warnings form England, Australia, and Europe, as Thailand does not have a stable government. Time to discount and get the rooms full. We do do a great job and the rooms are amazing when you get some one in them. That is the trick, to get someone in them.

A short email this time, as many complain that the others are far too long.

Love
Tim
xo

GUEST SAY'S "Love the AKWA guesthouse!"

I loved this little guesthouse. For the most reasonable of prices (especially in Ko Samui), it provided amenities that are difficult to find in Asia for the same price. Tim was so helpful! As a woman traveling alone, he took such good care of me. The rooms were adorable, immaculate and had everything from a blowdryer to a duvet. Totally will recommend it to anyone I know traveling there. The only negative was how far it was from Central Chaweng Beach in terms of eating and drinking, but its distance was a plus when it came time to sleep! -----------http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293918-d620300-r7702561-Akwa_Guesthouse-Ko_Samui.html

I only wanted to ask do you like Dire Straits?

I know it has been a while since i have been able to send a email! One of the issues has been that the Thai Jail I checked into did not have WiFi or a dial up internet Connection!. So let me ask. Have you ever been detained, had your wrists cabled tied and placed in a Thai Jail? I can now say I have! What a life, Corruption is of course rife here. Bribes are all the way and the only way to get things done! In early February Thai Immigration did a raid of every western owned establishment. Basically looking for any one working illegally. I was not working illegally but like almost 100 other owners they found something which was not in order! I apparently was not taking the correct names in the correct format, in the correct way, with the correct Bic Pen Colour, for people staying in the guest house. So to cut a very very, VERY long story short, I was dragged off to the police station where i stood in the tiniest room with 55 others mostly Laos, or Burmese, cable tied and all, Think of the scene from Bridget Jones Diary 2. That was me, except i was not dancing to Madonna in a red bra! After 8 hours, my Lawyer eventually found the correct dude within the Police to bribe in order to get me out. $5,000 Aussie dollars later and it was as if it never happened! Money talks and Bribes work!

"What Peak Season?" it was like some one had told you about an amazing movie that was just the most amazing thing they had ever seen! Then you went along and even pre booked your tickets to make sure - "as it was a sure bet" you had a prime seat! Well that is exactly what it felt like here in Samui for Peak Season! Yeah sure there were more people, many many more, and yes my little hotel was fully booked! But wow - I was waiting for a mud slide of Burger orders and Breakfasts each and every day! We did well, thou the chocolate river of mud never arrived!

So we are now what is called High Season! - Have no idea whether that means every one else around here relaxes and maybe gets right up there with the alps (not that they have had snow this year) so who knows! i am still 100% full - actually 109% full if that helps any one. I always dread when a Mini Bus or a Taxi turns up at the front door (not that there is a front door - thou it does sound good!) the other day i died inside! Literally! A double booking! Nice to be popular but a nightmare to explain! yet if it is the clients stuff up it is easier yet they need a bed! HELP! This time was totally mine! Me Mine, Son Of Brian, Brother of Stephen, and Father of 4 Aussie Cats! ..... I completely !@#$%^&*&^%$#$%^ up! How embarrassing! I never do this! I pride myself in being PC/Mac/IT together! I Screwed it all up! And just to rub it in like Tiger Balm or Deep Heat - they were the most beautiful couple!!!! They had read every thing on the Internet about AKWA and me - and yes they were mortified that I had no room in the Inn. I know know what Jesus and Mary felt like. I saw it! The Body language said it all! I died inside. Even my staff said to me that they felt my internal anger with myself about what i had done! Yet I was honest. I told them it was Me, Only Me! and no one else than Me! but that did not help! I found them another hotel - even thou i have been told it is nice and have seen it - they dont think it is any thing on my place! ("$%* #$& $()(%(*!@#$%^*()%^&!@#$%") I have done my utmost to make them happy. God love them they still come back for cocktails, Dinner and a afternoon drink! I keep asking myself why? My brain has been working overdrive in what I can do in order to make amens. Time will tell.

Rack Rates, Bulk Rates, Discount Rates, Corporate Rates and then you have to "Up The Rates". I have increased my room rates 8 times in the past 9 months, not in one month or each month, yet in the past 6 months, most of my rates have gone up by almost 100% - People like AKWA that much, we are popular. The reviews have been astonishing even to me. I am constantly embarrassed by what people write about our itty little tiny place. I personally get a mention more often that not, thou I it is the other staff that really do all the work ( i am good at design and organising ) My night manager Lee White gets some great grabs as well, which is great for his ego and style! He does a great job. So AKWA is now a touch exclusive, and a little expensive. Yet AKWA is worth it, as they say the Bed has 11 Pillows! Ho Hum!

Many people all over the world have no and or little water. Here on an Island we have water! I have no idea how! There is no Dam, They say we have a Lake - but I have seen Chaffey Dam out side of Tamworth (Australia) and the lake here in Samui is a Pin Prick compared to a real dam! Very little houses are designed for rain fall collection. Some places like my new home has a bore! (Bore Water = Yuk) Thou when it rains here it $%^&* RAINS! it is sad all that natural water goes to waste. Yet I know in Sydney and many many parts of Australia, that is exactly what happens. The other month the local council, government, or province fixed a long term leak in the main street (leaking for 22 months) and when I say a leak A #*&*^%$% HUMUNGOUS @$%$(* LEAK. So when they finally fixed it, all the pressure in the entire main chewang road lifted! AKWA's main feed could not cope - so at 4-am it said @#$%^&* IT! and burst! Not that i had a clue as i was in a deep sleep from nothing else than pure cotton sheets, 100% feather down pillows with a 100% feather quilt cover, perhaps maybe too much Vodka (only the cheap stuff - as I am in Thailand) and I know someone else cuddling next to me. My wonderful staff decided to do another thing right and solve it all before I even decided to look in the mirror and yet again decide not to shave for another day! ( I hate shaving - and I hate a beard - again mixed up - not sure which way to go sometimes) I arrived to find at 10-am the floor tiles still wet???? Fon was quick to inform me of what happened before i flew off the handle - not that my handle flying is what it used to be in the good old days! All was good! But then there was the hotel water pump! And this pump does not warrant boring you all with yet another Thai disaster story!

I moved house in December! I again had a huge cleansing process, I threw more and more things out, Gave things away. The interesting thing in Thailand yet the same in any other country, yet maybe not as transparent. One mans trash is another mans treasure. Almost all of the items which do not fit me, or I dont need, are out of fashion or decor, my staff are very happy to take off my hands. When I replaced all the Air Conditioners in my little tower you have no idea how many people would have been in line to collect the rejects. A good thing i think. I do know being from Sydney, one would place these things on the street for the local council to collect and take to the rubbish dump, to find even a hour, or 2 after i had placed it out the front of my home it had been taken by some one else - and yet they would think that I was crazy in getting rid of it! I know i am a cleanser and I like to dispose of what i dont need or like to keep. Being in a country where these things mean so much is a huge eye opener. It keeps you human, or less than a human, so you understand what you throw is to someone else gold.

Moving house again for the 10th time in 3 years was full of throwing out fun. I have moved from Balmain (Sydney) to Woollahra (Sydney) to Balgowlah Heights (North Shore, Sydney) to Waukivory (Hunter Country - New South Wales ) to Detroit - Michigan Lake (USA) to New York (USA) to Randwick (Sydney) to Bangkok (Thailand) to Chon Mon (Koh Samui - Thailand) to Chewang (Koh Samui - Thailand) ........... Moving house is a great cleansing, cleaning and exfoliating clarins facial experience. You have no idea how much crap i have got rid of. You all would die - I find it very interesting to reflect on what you have collected, and then decide what you want and if you want it and then to decide to get rid of it. Yet moving house this time was great! I now have a small one bed room house, and like any home it has assets and liabilities! I soon learnt what these were! The assets are it is nice and close yet far enough away from my guest-house, I negotiated a nice large enough garden that i paid to be landscaped and enclosed for my cats, the interior is all wood (makes my sound system and 30 speakers rock!!!) is nice and large. includes water at no cost. And i have 3 year lease unless I get screwed over! The liabilities are I live right smack next door to a C O C K Fighting Training School, ( not sure how i seem to find this place something attracted me! ) as in these Roasters are all looked after in order to fight each other! Training each and every day just like Thai Boxing! They do not fight next door, just training! - but I tell you there is an automatic wake up call every morning! Which is good as i work days, thou it is amazing that you get used to it so quickly - I dont even hear it any more. Thou one of my Cats "Rexxy" Loves to sit on the brick wall each and ever morning preening himself and looking and scouting the training sessions next door! Speaking of my Cats "Patrick", 'Ginger", "Rexxy" and "Spike" all coped very well moving again. My Cats are my god send in this world apart from my Mum, Dad and Brothers and Sisters and close friends. Yet you do not get to travel with your Mum, Dad or Siblings. All my Cats have jumped right on my bed just like normal. They love the Garden I created for them, they sleep with me every night. Patrick being some 17,19 or 20 human years (i forget hoe old - yet it was his birthday on St Patricks Day) has pride of place every night night next to me - we look and talk to each other during the night. He is my joy, He is my love. He has gone through hell at his age with me. Yet he accepts. He is still happy pawing my cheek with love each and every evening no matter what state i am in when I arrive home. I Love him too much.

I travelled back to Sydney almost 4 months ago for 2 days to attend a funeral - My Grandmother "Alma Condon" passed away. WoW she lived a long life! I was always so young when she and her husband worked. In our way she and I were very close, she was the first person i ever told I was Gay - there was always a connection. I saw so many musicals from her base in Ashfield. I was not the perfect grandson. I was me. I can still spot the Parramatta Road Terrace Shop House she and her Husband Maurice lived. I remember very few memories of my Grandfather Maurice (her husband) - a "Barber" just like my Dad, My Father trained under my Grandfather as a barber apprenticeship and then did a Female Hairdressing apprenticeship in Double Bay ( in those days ) - where he met my Mother Eunice Thompson ( getting her hair "DONE" for of any electrical firm that she worked at for a while attending Sydney University). I always got confused by my Nan telling me how to get to the city by bus, or train. Yet I can remember the Parramatta road shop layout. I can even sketch it out for you. The glass fronted stainless steel fridges to store food in order make sandwiches. The Ice cream flat freezes. The clients from the local car yards coming up for their "normal regular" lunch, Just like my clients now. I could never forget my Grandfather and his walking stick. That walking stick scared the crap out of me. Yet there were many idol threats. I loved my Nan, The funeral was a challenge for me, no crying for me there, not sure why, yet there was much before and far too much after, I guess i grief in different way; I miss her telephone answering "Well" to greet you on the phone. I miss sending her roses on her birthday. I inherited her love for evening talk back radio. I love and will miss her dearly. I love you Alma.

The other day I came home sleepy as I had just had a massage, I stopped a 7/11 and grabbed some Gummy Bears (jelly teddy bears) drove home and sat nibbling the bears while lying in bed watching the movie "Little Mary Sunshine" bliss, happy and a great movie. I guess it is the Same Same But Different! I think we all know i love music, my taste is not always the main steam, Musicals and Classical is usually the drill for me. But i do have over 76,000 songs on my computer. And I think it is interesting how music brings up so many memories. I am never able to write these huge monologs unless i have ear phones in, a song playing in my ear and a vodka close by. I was never able to do any work at my desk unless i had music playing in the background. I have never liked Dire Straits, I really had no idea who they were to be frank. But the other day a song came on the speakers in my hotel playing from my 76,000 song list, and it sent some shivers down my spine, It was "Romeo and Juliet" from Dire Straits, this song my brother Stephen played over and over and over again when I guess it was first released. Steve would play it over for the weeks he was back from boarding school. The song then drove me crazy (as i was a Lloyd Webber fan at he time) But when it played recently - I could see my past, my history, the room we shared, how he would migrate to his room and play Dire Straits, the wonderful house my Mother and Father designed and built, My first cat "Moses" who i trained to jump in my window and then open the fly screen in order to jump on my bed and sleep with me. The Family Labrador "Duke". The in ground pool we (kids) all said we would use if it was built, but we never did. My Vegetable Patch. The monkey bars. The garage, My Brother Phillips's Dark room under the house - he loved taking and developing pictures. I am now addicted to "Romeo and Juliet" just like growing and loving a good wine, It has played on repeat while i have written and re written this email, Just like my brothers addiction.

What happens in my life now! Many people think that my life is just perfect. That it is! Yet my life has always been perfect! And yet it has never been perfect. I think we are all like every one else, no money, no one person, no one country, no one job makes our life perfect. I have not found any thing yet that makes me 100% complete ( Patrick the cat is close thou ) yet life is hard as i have found and I love and hate the challenges it delivers. I can not wait for the next one, whenever it arrives.

Even when there are cable ties around the wrists, and I may be in Dire Straits, I love my life when it is delivered with a challenge.

love
tim
xo

GUEST SAY'S "Little things make the difference"

We're nearing the end of a 9 month round the world trip and we couldn't have wished for a better hotel in which to spend our last week or so. We'd read the reviews & seen the photos of the guesthouse on the website but having travelled for a while we have come to realise that some places are not quite what they seem. With AKWA, however, we were not disappointed - it did exactly what it said on the tin & more! We were so impressed we decided to extend our stay. From the moment we arrived Tim, Lee & the staff made us feel so very welcome & nothing was too much trouble. Infact they went out of their way to help us.
Our room was well designed & decorated, full of the comforts of home. Like we said, it's the little things that make all the difference - the free DVD & music library, the feather quilt & pillows, the fresh orchids, the comedy toilet brush holder and other quirky furnishings - it all served to make our stay more enjoyable. AKWA is up there with the very best of accommodation we've experienced on our travels & if we return to Thailand & Samui we'll be back for sure.
Thank you to the staff that cleaned our room and kept us amused on a daily basis hiding Rexxy the cuddly toy dog in the most imaginative of places!
Thank you Tim & Lee for sorting out our laptop, for advice on trips & travel & for just being genuine honest friendly people.
-----------http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293918-d620300-r7702561-Akwa_Guesthouse-Ko_Samui.html

A real smile means 9.5/10

AKWA Guesthouse offers two room types, the Deluxe Room and the Penthouse. In general, the rooms are where AKWA Guesthouse shines above everything I've ever seen in all my travels. The level of care and attention to detail are unmatched by any whatever-star hotel I've ever seen. It's even better than some of the five star places I've stayed at, but what separates AKWA from everything else is the personality. It's described as a "funky pop art guesthouse" and that it is; from the Disney-esque but still-funky artwork adorning each wall to the colour to the little helpful doo-dads you'll find all over your room, AKWA Guesthouse may be the most well considered guesthouse in Thailand.

You'll adore the little kitsch accessories. The lamp goes on and off by switching a little, well, dong! The big red chairs are shaped like a hand (very Dalí-esque). The lists of little tidbits that exist solely to impress you are astounding. It's a genuinely welcoming place. From the first moment you walk into the room to the last morning you check out, AKWA Guesthouse makes you smile (and not in that pseudo-fake Thai way). The TV carries all the channels you'll need, there's a nice DVD selection (plus more in the hall way, 100 I think!), a mp3 player, TWO alarm clocks, well placed lighting, great views over the Seascape to the sea, and the bed... did I mention the bed? The beds at AKWA Guesthouse are all wonderful king sized beds equipped with a total of 11 (yes, ELEVEN) pillows of which 6 are massive, down-filled sleepers, and 5 are of varying shapes for propping yourself up for reading or watching DVDs or playing online games on your laptop. The sheets are 400 count Egyptian cotton and the down-filled duvet would be a wedding gift worthy of your best friend. There's a stuffed-dog for those of you who miss your special friend from home. If I have one minor quibble it would be that the beds seemed a touch springy. God I loved staying here. I hate to say it, but it made my trip (at least the Koh Samui part of it)

There's only one penthouse room available and I had the opportunity to spend one night in it as all other rooms were taken. The penthouse truly shines (maybe because it's brand new? ) with a huge deck hosting two beautiful wooden sun chairs and a full dining table for four for those lucky enough to be invited along for the views up and down Chaweng Beach Road (it's one of if not the highest building around) and out to the Gulf of Thailand. The bed offers top quality cushioned comfort from where you can watch a DVD (from the even bigger DVD selection) on the LCD TV and sound system. It's received the same level of attention to detail as the rest of the Deluxe Rooms at AKWA of course, if not more so. Actually it much more so. Stay at the penthouse, it's an awesome experience. Note that there are 3 flights of stairs to get there (but with all the lounging around on the deck you'll do you'll need the exercise). The Deluxe rooms won't disappoint you however. In fact for the price, they're one of the best deals going in Chaweng. The bathrooms at AKWA Guesthouse are nearly perfect (nothing is perfect in this world). Tim's meticulousness and obsession with clean and care shine through here. No cheap skin peeling bar soap and dandruff-inducing bottles of cheap shampoo here. Instead you'll appreciate the ex-foliating glycerin soap's fruity aromas and refresh yourself with quality shampoo from the conveniently placed, tastefully AKWA branded dispenser. Water pressure is adequate and temperature control seems to be set at three levels on the water heater (in the Deluxe rooms). Two toilet paper rolls and holders mean you won't have to change the TP roll yourself. The polished glass bathroom counter and sink make you wonder why you installed that horrid laminate back home and they support a reliable, quality faucet. A notable shaving mirror on swivels and extensions round and out This is one of my favourite bathrooms in Thailand. In the penthouse bathrooms at AKWA everything is there for you and set out perfectly including four bars of soap (different colours, different flavours?) and all the little accessories you get in a 5 star hotel. Relax and take a bath while looking out over the deck, through the typically Thai Buddhist shrine, towards the sea. There are two showerheads, one soaker and one manual. Everything is pristine. Most of all (certainly most important to me), the bathrooms at AKWA Guesthouse are clean and well taken care of. I can't tell you how many times I've been disappointed by the state of mildew culture in the bathrooms of much more expensive hotels in Thailand (I know, I know, the humidity makes the battle so much more difficult).

The rooms are well cleaned each morning by the maid service. The halls and stairs are regularly washed down so you don't have to worry about trekking sand around as you come home from the beach. There isn't many staff at AKWA Guesthouse, but of particular note is that Tim and/or one of his farang employees are there all the time. Problems explaining yourself in pigin English? Sick of being misunderstood and afraid of making cultural faux-pauxs when you aren't happy with something? No problem. Talk to Tim, or his wonderful staff of well-informed farangs (westerners). You get to relax and feel comfortable while asking any questions you might have about Thailand, Koh Samui or Chaweng are sure to be answered honestly, informatively and from a western perspective. They're also willing and ready to help you organize any aspect of your trip.

I was witness to Tim's generosity of time and sympathy to his guests more than once during my stay at AKWA. The Thai staff running the restaurant should be noted for their friendliness and charm. It was nice getting to know them, knowing that they aren't the typical underpaid, unhappy, secretly-resentful-of-the-owner Thais. All their efforts were much appreciated as were the smiles. To quote from the AKWA Guesthouse website, it's located at the quiet end of Chaweng Beach. It's true, it's really nice actually. Chaweng Beach can be a pretty crazy place and all that craziness is about a 5-10 minute walk up Chaweng Beach Road (the main road in front). If you're renting a motorbike on Koh Samui then the whole town is within a 10 minute bike ride (and I do highly recommend renting a motorbike, it's totally worth the expense and you can get a pretty decent deal (150 baht/day) if you book for a week or more). Within only two minutes walking distance you can find some great restaurants (once you've eaten everything on the menu at the AKWA Restaurant) like Poppies and the Indian place up the street and on the left (I can't remember the name of it). As for beach action, AKWA is well setup. To get to the beach you walk out the front door, cross the street and stroll 39 seconds along through the gardens opposite. AKWA also provides beach towels!! Chaweng Beach itself is pretty good as beaches go. I've seen cleaner beaches, although some have said it's just because it's the rainy season. On a good choppy day you can get in some decent body surfing and of course Koh Samui has all kinds of great snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Internet Access at the Guesthouse: The websites state that AKWA Guesthouse offers a wireless (WIFI) Internet connection for its guests, but it should be noted that the signal from the restaurant doesn't quite reach the 3rd floor. Tim has informed me that he's installed an Internet connection in the penthouse at the top of the guesthouse and that its signal should reach the rest of the building soon. I stayed on the second floor and had little trouble connecting. The Internet can be slow at times (perhaps due to the relay connection or ISP), but having had to work from my room and the restaurant for a week on my laptop I can't complain too much. It worked out fine for me and I even downloaded a couple episodes of Brothers and Sisters at night. AKWA Guesthouse is not a resort, but it doesn't try to be. AKWA Guesthouse is just a great guesthouse. After one and a half months of traveling through Thailand and Cambodia it's easily my favourite guesthouse/hotel/resort that I've stayed at. If you're looking for a beach bungalow at a shi-shi resort then look elsewhere (although you might want to ask yourself why that's what you're looking for). But with surprisingly easy beach and resort access across the street, an ideal location, a fantastic restaurant open till late, like 2am! (did I mention they serve illy coffee? Do you know how difficult it is to find good coffee in Thailand?), wireless (WiFi) Internet access, great big impeccably clean and comfortably furnished rooms and personalised service by Tim and Company, you won't find a more satisfying stay on Koh Samui, if not in all of Thailand. I booked on Sawadee for 2 nights and stayed a week! Show the Thai people what a real smile means. 9.5/10 overall review for AKWA Guesthouse. Tyler Canada

“Officially the Best Place in Thailand!”

“Officially the Best Place in Thailand!” The first place that does exactly what its says on the Tin!! The room was exactly as it was portrayed on the net (a first for us!) The comfiest bed, pillows to die for and to prove it the only lie-in we have had in 7 Months of travelling (we usually rush to get out of our hotels!!) We have had the worst luck ever with other places but every problem we came across, Tim the owner was there to sort it out, I don’t know what we would have done without his patience, friendliness and valuable advice!! The AKWA Guesthouse is small enough for the personal touch, all the staff knowing and greeting you – (even if you’re a mile away from the hotel they recognise you!) Only bad point I have to make is a big one – MY DIET IS RUINED!! The breakfast, which is included, is the Best, we are British and we know our breakfasts!! The great thing is the variety, freshness and being able to be flexible and what you eat (no alarm at 6am to get it while you can!) We would stroll down when we were ready to eat not when we were told to! The location is fantastic, far enough away from the noise but close enough to have a night out and only 30 baht to get home. That is if you can drag yourself out of AKWA. The hotels DVD library takes some getting through – ideal if it rains or you just want to relax, lie in bed, order some food and watch a great film. We WILL be back and WE WILL be telling everybody we know about this place. If you’re reading this and your not going to book – more fool you – it’s the biggest mistake you’ll ever make!! Thank you Tim and the Staff for such a wonderful time in Samui!! You have 2 friends for life…… Hasta la vista mi amigo!!! Emma and Marcus …. England Well where do I start. What a Place!! The Rooms are very classy with great artwork, with nice canvasses. Also in the room you have a manual which covers every thing you which to know about Koh Samui and I mean “EVERYTHING” Tim is fantastic, he is so helpful, our time in Samui would have been ruined without Tim’s help, advice and general friendliness. The breakfast included kept me going all day. The Orange Juice is to die for. I believe that Tim knows exactly what holidaymakers want with the 8 feather pillows on the bed, Radio, MP3 Player, and DVD Player. We have been travelling 7 Months and I’ve also been to a lot of countries, and AKWA is up there with the best! I will be letting every body know about AKWA Guesthouse. The worst thing about it is we have to leave. “This is definitely my home away from home” Great Place, Great Staff, Thanks a lot Tim 9the best Aussie we have met) Marcus Jones and Emma England

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

"When are you gonna come down
When are you going to land
I should have stayed on the farm
I should have listened to my old man

You know you can't hold me forever
I didn't sign up with you
I'm not a present for your friends to open
This boy's too young to be singing the blues

So goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
You can't plant me in your penthouse
I'm going back to my plough

Back to the howling old owl in the woods
Hunting the horny back toad
Oh I've finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road"

Hi,

Funny how some lyrics of a song can stick with you! You can listen and listen to them!

Maybe I should have stayed at the farm - yet there was no job offering differing challenges there.
I definitely know no one can hold on to me forever. I signed up with no one, and if i did i guess the cats are the winner!
I am over penthouses, marketing, selling or living in them!
I guess i have decided that maybe my future lies beyond any and all gold or yellow brick roads.

WOW how my daily life has changed!
Today i have lost close to 30 Kilos.
I now weight myself every day.
I jump all over the place, up down yet the monitoring helps me adjust what i eat and drink each day!

Koh Samui is an amazing place.
It attracts so many different people - from all places. I was always a very extroverted social person when I worked at the Regent (now Four Seasons)
I use to get invitations to Guests homes all over the world, to stay and enjoy their country. Christmas Time was always a challenge - I would get Xmas cards from guests I could not even remember, Who would send me photos and what they had been up to for the past year!
I think it is all about to happen again!
In the past week I have meet a great Dutch Couple, a Couple from Georgia in the USA, 2 Lariken Wogs from Sydney, A very cute Swiss couple on a budget around the world! If i give myself permission ( which sometimes is hard) to converse friendly, honestly yet graphically about their travels and what i am doing - I hit it off! Some many addresses, emails, and numbers have been exchanged! Maybe back to the future!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some past goals I will not hit again.
Loosing weight is hard.
I get frustrated if i have not lost each day.
The body is funny too - almost like a yo yo. I totally understand what those gainers on the Biggest Looser go through when they gain!
But over all I keep on going down!
I am now 20 Kilos from my goal weight.
when I reach it - I should have lost 50 Kilos or a touch more!

My Cats are a god send! I love them!
They have all settled in so well, and all are happy.
Sleeping each night with one or all of them is bliss.

I never thought I would have a back pack!
Yet I now have my bike, and i need to carry items home, like food, stuff, and my Apple Mac Laptop!
Sits comfy on my back!
I so look like a teenager!
Riding the motor bike is fun, challenging, scary, careful and a precarious task each day.
You have to judge the pot holes, gaps, taxis, people etc.
even slow is hard.
Yet nothing like the previous yellow brick road.
I would never have thought I would be bringing linen and napkins home hanging on each handle bar (so i could do a bleach wash-!!)
You get used to it!

I guess it is clear my future is beyond A yellow brick road.

regards
Tim

A Birthday, A Bike & A Break

I can remember when i was growing up in Tamworth in Country NSW Australia my birthday was approaching. I think it was my 10th or 12th year in a tiny town on this tiny planet. It was the height of the BMX Bike Craze, and I being me! Wanted a BMX! I of course new exactly what one I wanted! I dont think i had been in the "Peel Street Bike Shop" ever in my short 10 years. Yet there was something which just attracted me to this BMX Bike! It was Red, It was New, and It was Expensive! Far more superior than the other bikes that my older brothers had been given at the same age! I had to have it! My parents were always very very generous to me, not sure if it was that I was the youngest, my valuable set of lungs, or the fact i just could "nag and negociate better". But on this birthday I got the Red BMX Bike and I thought I was "the man" Every thing was perfect in my life!

Like all kids (i think) I got what i wanted and played (rode) with it for a while - and then the novelty soon wore off! I was lucky during my limited BMXing around Trealor Park I did not sustain any injures! I was quite envious of the kids at school who had broken their Arms, Legs and so forth and were in plaster casts. They always seemed to have special treatment, along with all the colour and movement on their casts! Yet I never broke a bone in my childhood.... burns and stitches yes, Bones No!

When you land in Asia, one thing you notice is the people are very in-genius in the way they use and approach things with very creative lateral thinking. From street stalls selling every type of food you could imagine, cooked to perfection to every type of vehicle and mode of transport in order to get from A to B and then to C as quickly as possible! I was always amazed by The Motor Bikes in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Samui and just about any where there is a need for a short distance run from A to B. Their little Orange, Red, Pink, or Green waist coats with their designated numbers stiched on their backs! They were allways ready to take you where ever you wanted (almost) and for a price of course!

I landed in Koh Samui, Thailand in Late February. I hired a car, yet I quickly realised a car was NOT going to be the best means of transport. So I decided to hire a Manual Motor Bike. Then after a week i decided to try a automatic Motor Bike. The Automatic won! Much easier, less concentration! Maybe that was a mistake? I would jump on my Honda Wave and zoom to work, to dinner, to shop! One of my Goals was to train one of my cats to sit in the front basket as I cruised around! The Thai people here have this amazing ability to carry, hang, poke, stick and juggle almost anything from a motor bike. My favourite is the Middle Aged Thai guy with almost no teeth, who delivers the newspapers to the Guest-house, He has his little White Silky Terrier Dog riding with him on the front of the Bike too and from his clients delivering papers, Happy as, with the biggest tongue wagging slippery with slop dripping as the bike gathers speed, he almost begs for his master to go faster and Faster!

I was very very proud of my "Bike Tan" along my Arms, Legs, Face and Neck. I was finally crisping to a warm Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Light Brown, something i had wanted all my life. A nice golden brown tan! Yet if you lifted the shirt sleeves or shorts too far up you would see I could be from Denmark!

I had mastered my bike! Parking, hanging shopping, doubling people, reversing and stalling! I had the hang of it all! I loved mornings! I just loved getting up, with no one on the road, and being able to have a nice leisurely ride to work, the wind rushing through my hair! There is no need for a Hair Dryer on this Island! What ever style you are able to masterfully achieve which of course resembles the models from the runways in New York or Paris created by those talented souls from Goldwell, Redken or Schwarzkopf, YOUR Style will END UP 100% better by the time you get to work via the Honda Wave! The Wind at 45-km hour has a way a Sunbeam (despite the name) could never achieve.

Yet Confidence can be a challenge to handle sometimes. Last Sunday "Mothers Day" was my Birthday! Every 4 years I think May 14 falls on Mothers day! I decided to get up at 7am and go and have a yummy breakfast on the beach. Whilst travelling down my usual road, I could not stop looking at the Crystal blue water and view and thinking about all the changes I had made in my life and where i was now today on my 36th Birthday - I then missed a sharp corner! Woops! I guess a lack of concentration and too much confidence! Guess what! My Right leg now has a cast, Ankle to Groin! Adrenaline is an interesting hormone, it all happened in slow motion. I was lucky i was not going fast. The bike was not damaged at all. I was!

Most Thai people are so nice, a Chef on the way to his shift stopped and picked me up (bloody and all), I quickly fell again (due to my right leg) then another wonderful Thai Girl stopped, and they both promptly positioned me on the back of her bike ( like a young FAT calf on the way to slaughter ) she took me to the ER of Samui Hospital........ then a further 2 ER's, 2 Hospitals and 4 X-rays later, I discovered I had no broken bones, thou I had tore completely all 4 ligaments left and right and through my knee - hence why i have a cast and now walk on crutches! I have to say in some silly weird wired wonderful way i was excited when the Dr told me I was going to have a cast for 4 weeks! I had never experienced that, and really wanted too! I have no regrets, thou it is slightly inconvenient, sore, and a consistent challenge.

Yet I move (well limp) on! I now have a very interesting Taxi driver that picks me up at 9.30am from my house and delivers me to the lounge in the guest house where I have mastered delegation from a distance. (pointing crutches can help!) Every now and then I get a urge to stumble up the stairs to check on the maid and the rooms to make sure all is 110% perfect. Coffee is my best friend.

Patrick (my cat of 16 human years) is a god send, funny how they seem to know when you are not well. He follows me every where I go in the house, and has slept with me for every night since my "accident" We talk often during the night whilst we roll and change sleeping positions.

The cast comes off "so they say" in 3 weeks! (which i doubt) so who knows! But I know you can picture me on my BMX bike back then in 1982 in my thinner days ..........

Bye!

Schwan went MaD

Cat = English!
Katze = German!
Gato = Spanish!
Chat = French!
Gatto = Italian!
Kот = Russian!
Maa-oh = Thai!

Hey Hey Hey

(interesting stuff above for some) The Thai word for cat is just like the cat sounds "Meow" - but not so much eeeeee more mooooooew or OHHHHHHH! Maaooohhhhhhh.

Its a different and interesting place I am living now. Totally different to the world I was once part of in Bangkok. I have a very small living. Small amount of money each day to survive. I have a good business, my Guest House and Restaurant. It does ok. Not amazing money but i make a little bit more than ends meet. I eat well, I sleep well. I have now lost 27 Kilos. I dont know how I ever got to 126-kilos in weight. I must have been so big. Yet I made some pretty radical decisions in the past 24 months. I did sloth for a while in NYC, and Bangkok. Its hard when you get to a heavy size.

I now wake at 9-am each day from an amazing deep sleep, I go to work, start at 10-am - no hassle, not busy, do my check ins and check outs (with my little computer program) supervise lunch service then go to the top Hotel in Samui and go to the Gym! I do about 90 mins of gym over looking the beach and sea till 5pm. I always stop on my way home at the local Thai Tiny Restaurant for Dinner. My Friend the Cook "Nat" knows all my likes and dislikes. I ride on my Honda "Wave" Motor bike to and from work! Its an interesting change to my Mercedes C320. Yet I have some scares on my Knees, Calfs, Hands and Elbows. I have had some run in's with Dirt, Concrete, Sand and a too many sharp corners containing confidence!

I ironically walked across Cheweng beach Samui alone for a bloody long time today. I ended up at the head with large rocks....... I saw all these German Tourists stumbling over them.......... I giggled so much, I dont think I will ever forget walking the Bay of Fires in Tasmania with Sophie & Debbie. I was Such a Porky thing at 124 kilos! I made it thou! It was an amazing experience! I also finished a book on the bay of fires trip ( im not a great reader - I finished Kitchen Confidential ) I was very proud i did that too - apart from those fu..cke.n heavy back packs. geeezzes......

I have moved into this little 2 bedroom house within a tiny compound of several houses, in the coconut flat area off Bo-Put, not too far from Cheweng - Koh Samui (I know all the directions are Greek - but settle ....... ). My house is Brand New. The owner is just beautiful. He is Thai and inherited the land from his dad. He goes above and beyond what he needs or has to do. He has no issues with the cats joining me, or my music.... I of course push the Envelope in the volume dial......I am not sure he knows what a ampliphier is......... Touch Wood.

"Patrick, Rexxy, Ginger & Spike" (the Cats) arrive from Sydney next Saturday. A Long way for them, and that will be the final closure for them and for me in my 24 to 36 month exit extravaganza. They will have a little culture shock with the heat and so forth, but once adjusted they will be ok and happy. I am sure they are all looking forward to sleeping on my bed just like old times. ( with the air conditioner going in the back ground )

Life is different, always different, just the way i seem to always arrange and create it. I dont think I will ever settle down. My brain says yes, My actions differ. I am not sure why. I do become very frustrated when others are affected by my actions as my family, my cats, my previous staff. But alas I am me and my path seems to continue although with out a "UBD" or "SYD WORLD-WAYS" page number. I have no idea where my next stop is after this precariousness, Though i feel i will be on an island for some time.


love

Timothy
x

thanks again for the fantastic time

Hey Tim!

Just a quick note to say thanks again for the fantastic time we had with you and everyone at Akwa. We've not long arrived home and we're feeling ok considering the flight, but we would do anything to be back with you all on Koh Samui!!!
The weather is shit and cold..... no surprises there.

Please tell Matt that Claudine is crazy about him and she hasn't stopped thinking about him since they said goodbye. Could you also pass on many kisses to Go from Sophie. Of course we both send lots of kisses to you!!

Take care, lots of love
Claudine and Sophie

Island life is Idyllic.

Hi Hi,

Island life is Idyllic.

Dictionary

idyllic |īˈdilik| |aɪˌdɪlɪk| |ɪˌdɪlɪk|
adjective
(esp. of a time or place) like an idyll; extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque : an attractive hotel in an idyllic setting.
DERIVATIVES
idyllically |-ik(ə)lē| |aɪˌdɪlək(ə)li| adverb

Thesaurus

idyllic
adjective
the once idyllic islands are now subjected to martial law perfect, wonderful, blissful, halcyon, happy; ideal, idealized; heavenly, paradisal, Utopian, Elysian; peaceful, picturesque, bucolic, unspoiled; literary Arcadian.

I would not say that the island is perfect! The roads are far from it.
My life thou is blissful, happy, peaceful and picturesque.
I dont know if i am pleased with my new lifestyle, I certainly love it. I do miss busy times, certain work pressures, the environment and ability to succeed. You dont get much of any of that here! Near, just close or i missed is acceptable!
I do miss some parts of Bangkok, Sydney and New York, thou it is totally different. Here you can not ( really ) turn things on and off when you want - like New York or Bangkok. You do not get the beautiful and clean Sydney.
Yet for every positive there are negatives. I dont have to suffer fools, rude people, I get smiles every where.

I went to Bangkok last Saturday to collect "Patrick" "Rexxy" "Ginger" and "Spike"
It was a huge effort. I do not think i have filled out so much paper work or had to go through so much crap and bureaucracy in my life!
One sheet and a passport for a human to enter. I have almost 136 A4 pages of "stuff" that i had to file to get them.
My "Mates" arrived on a flight from Sydney via Melbourne at 6:30am. I arrived at 7am.
They were installed and delivered in a Thai Air Cargo area of the Airport.
I did not get to see, water, and clean their little airport flight creates till 10am.
My little "reunion" was well very exciting, Meows and Tears flowed.
We then all jumped on a flight to Samui at 2pm.
They are all happy as little monkeys up a coconut tree!
The staff of the owner of the houses absolutely adores them all.
Sleeping arrangements have been messy, yet Patrick (13 years old) has sorted out the pecking order and where we are all to sleep on the King size bed ( im in the middle!!!)

Nush my maid did not come over to Samui, and boy do I miss her! It was very big change for her and I. As you know she has a little girl 18 months old. It would have been difficult for her. I did not have the room for her to live with me, let alone wanted to have a young child around at this point in my life. Saying good-bye was very difficult, many tears from her. I think once I am settled I will ask her to come and look after me again. I Just need to sew some seeds here first.

I have started to prepare my Vegetable garden next to my house, "Moo" (female) who is in charge of all entire land that the owner lives on and we live on has been helping me. She speaks almost no English, yet i today discovered that she is a lesbian, and has girl friend in Bangkok. She loves the cats! And loves that i am "very different" to all the other people that she "supports and helps" Good to see that my landlord is an "Open" person - not that i have any one to "display"!

I think it is now time, that i have a routine in place to apply myself and write a book about life! My life I guess! I am not sure how it will go, or how good it will be to read.

It is Thursday night here. I am sitting doing my Emails, Listening to Elton John songs (very loudly) on shuffle with "Rexxy" at my back on the lounge, "Patrick" at my feet (purring very loudly) "Ginger" on my left Knee, and "Spike" fast fast asleep in his allocated position on my bed.

Life is Idyllic.