Epic Adventure on Railay and Ton Sai Islands

A last minute decision led to a rather interesting experience on Railay and Ton Sai Islands to say the least. It all started off with a short and sweet 10 minute boat ride from Ao Nang to Railay Island where I was set to rock climb with Hot Rock Climbing School. I was super excited as I had planned on rock climbing for some time; I just was not sure where. But a teacher mentioned her friend worked at this school and not only that but one of the parents has a hostel on Ton Sai known as Chill Out Bar, which is only a short 20 minute walk from Railay West Beach...what more could I ask for. It was going to be an epic adventure weekend!

We started our climbing lesson on Railay East Beach around 09h00. There was a fair amount of people in the climbing area with their guides, but it didnt bother me. I could not wait to start...the closest I have ever come to rock climbing was a few years ago when I climbed in a gym my brother worked at. He was and still is very passionate about climbing, which makes me wonder why we never did the real thing together when I was living back home. But never the less, here I was giving it my best shot. The limestone cliffs are absolutely beautiful and surround the island in various areas. They are sky high and prime climbing spots with various routes.

Our first route was super mild simply to get us comfortable climbing...it was probably a few meters high. But then we were moved onto a 25 meter high route, which was somewhat challenging in two areas where I had to stretch over from one point to the next, nearly reaching the split position, hoping my grip would hold. The feeling I experienced climbing, searching for the next best grip point and placement for my foot was positively overwhelming but even more empowering when I got it right. I was in such a focused state where nothing else crossed my mind whilst I was climbing besides the present movements. I loved all of it! The view from the top was breath taking and worth every drop of sweat. It was the perfect moment.

We continued to do several routes with different levels of intensity and I completed 4/6. They were all incredibly fun but my body reached a point where I could no longer hold my grip, with as much chalk as I dug into...it just was not happening. The guide, Kung, was fantastic and such a cheerleader pushing me to keep on. His patience was admirable and the other girls and I really enjoyed the experience. I would high recommend it! The routes range from absolute beginner to pro...

After the climb I made way through to Railay West Beach which was a short walk past several little vendors, shops and restaurants. The beach is so beautiful with limestone cliffs on either side and colourful boats all along the shore. I could not believe my eyes...It really is an exotic island with an abundance of palm trees, soft white sand, lush vegetation all around and the water is luke warm. The route to Ton Sai is over a limestone cliff and around 20 minutes walk...or so it should have been. But as we all know by now my inner GPS is totally off and dont ask me how but I made way off the path before it had barely started. I soon found myself bashing through and under trees until there was no longer a path...only rocks below me and the ocean.

So I got into the water which was going into high tide but I thought I would make it to the beach before it became too high to walk in. However within 10 minutes and bashing against the rocks due to the current, with one hand above my head holding my backpack trying to protect my camera I realised I still had a fair way to walk / swim and was not going to make it. This was the point where I hit a panic...I had no idea how much higher the water would rise and if I was safe on the rock I sat on and couldn't see any path behind me within the trees. So I called a friend to help me and tried to wave down one of the many boats that passed by, but they clearly couldn't see me jumping like a loon.

I broke down as I had no idea what to do. the sun was scorching down on me and my legs were all cut up. Did I mentioned that I had a leg wound which cost me doctor visits for five days, a 12 day antibiotic prescription and daily dressings it to keep it protected. Well that exact wound had brushed against an incredibly sharp rock where I lost my dressing and resulted in another cut right over it. It was so painful...and the tears streamed down my face. It was what felt like a dire straits scenario and to top it off my phone died. By this point it was up to me to find a way onto the beach.

I pulled myself together and made way over the rocks into the trees and rammed through whatever was in my way hoping to find an actual path. I walked over a few areas covered by leaves that didnt look very secure and with thorn branches poking me in every direction I literally rock climbed back up to a flat point and after what felt like eternity I found the proper path I was suppose to be on. I have never felt so relieved and simply took a deep breathe. I quickly walked on, verging on a jog, until my feet touched the sand of Ton Sai beach....

Note to anyone doing this the path has a rope along it pretty much the entire way to guide you where to walk!

I eventually arrived at Chill Out Bar and met the other girl I am volunteering at the nursery with. I took a few minutes to change into dry clothes, clean my wound and order an ice cold beer... It didnt take long for me to relax and absorb the amazing hostel we ere staying at. It has such a relaxed atmosphere in a stunning bohemian setting. The staff are friendly and the music can take anyone from an unpleasant mood to enjoying the island vibes.

After a tasty late lunch we walked down to the beach and enjoyed a luke warm bath and relaxed on the beach. It was exactly what my body needed and a cat nap after the rock climbing. What made this picture even better was watching the sunset in an array of colours with a refreshing cocktail at a bar right on the sand. I just sat there and had a little giggle at myself for the ridiculous venture I had taken. But in saying that the rest of the evening was wonderful. We met a few other girls and enjoyed the fire show at Chill Out Bar - that man is so talented and brave to say the least. There were quite a few people staying at the hostel and the atmosphere was vibrant. We really had an amazing time there!

Even more so was going over to Railay beach the following morning and lounging in the sunshine the entire day and swimming in water that reached my neckline...I was so excited! I simply enjoyed the moment, the beauty surrounding us and the epic adventure on Railay and Ton Sai Islands. It was purely magical and totally worth my while in "dire straits". 

Life Through a Child`s Eyes at International Kids Sunflower

Each day that I spend at Sunflower Kids International I become even more fond of these beautiful little gems. I wake up every day excited to see their faces knowing that they will bring an abundance of smiles and laughter to the room. They are each so special and it has been such a magical experience up to this point teaching them and being involved as much as possible. I finally found a slight knack of engaging all the pre-toddlers in fun activities that have an educational touch to it...thanks to Google and heaps of available forums on this age group. It really has been a fun few days involving shapes, colours, music, colouring in, stories and being busy with all of them.

Not only that but being a part pf this incredible nursery and learning as I go along each day. It really makes a difference when you get to know the kiddies and how they then respond better to you. I have one little man in my class who is absolutely adorable and the youngest of the bunch. He reminds me of my favourite little man, my nephew, who is a bit older but he always has a smile on his face and brings such a light to the room.

The little man in my class

My little nephew

Today this little man spoke the first word I ever heard or at least understood...`teacher`. I could not believe my ears and looked at him with such joy, although wondering if I heard correctly. But he said it a few times during the day and it was beautiful. To watch the kiddies develop and grow is such a privilege and a wonderful mile stone to watch. From new words to getting the colours or shapes correct and so on in this age group is such an achievement for them and I overflow with excitement. Some activities can be a slight challenge but they just keep trying and when they get it correct their little faces light up with happiness. The other day we were sorting blocks into colours and the kiddies were brilliant. Sometimes they got the colour wrong when I asked for a specific one but that was ok. All round they did so well and I was really proud of them for taking part and trying! It was heaps of fun for all of us.

When I am with all the kiddies in a group setting often in the morning and mid morning (all teachers are involved) I just watch how they interact with one another and the smiles on their faces. To simply observe life through a child`s eyes and how curious they are about everything, how they create scenarios together...Gosh the little girls and sometimes boys create a little picnic or kitchen setting and bring lots of goodies to me to eat and drink. It is so sweet. One of the little girls was really into it and even prepared something in the mortar involving a lot of different ingredients! I loved it. The imagination of kids just blows me away sometimes and I just wonder what happens to that along the way for some of us. Being so engrossed in this world they create where anything is possible...that sounds pretty good to me...to just believe and go with it.

My journey here has been so amazing that have requested to stay on another week...A huge highlight for the South!

Explore, Imagine and Believe at International Kids Sunflower

I have always enjoyed engaging with kiddies, playing games, colouring in, hearing their imaginations run wild, giggles and just the beauty of them. People have asked me before why I didn`t enter a career path involving kiddies like teaching for example, which I did briefly consider during high school, but writing and other passions took priority. In saying that I continue to seek opportunities with kids and have been privileged to volunteer at Nkoaranga Orphanage in Tanzania, a school in Malawi (help2kids.org/) and now International Kids Sunflower kindergarten in Thailand.

In my OCD state of planning my trip to Thailand when I was in England, I made sure I had two Work Away placements and practically planned the first 6 weeks of my trip to the day. I have now taken a deep breath and left room for spontaneity for the last two weeks of my trip in Thailand!

I arrived in Ao Nang, Krabi a few days ago and was collected by the Head Teacher who brought me to the school. She was so warm and friendly and ensured that I was comfortable at the school and gave me a short brief on the area before she left. I was blown away by the school at first glance and the excitement to meet the little dumplings was overwhelming. The school is a converted house with areas assigned for each class, play area, sleeping area, kitchen, bathrooms, upstairs area for volunteers, eating hall and so on. The play area explodes with vibrant colours and learning materials, books, toys, costumes and more. It is absolutely perfect and the garden / outside area has a soft play area and jungle gym.

I met all the teachers the following morning and they were all so lovely, and even more so were all the kiddies ranging from 18 months to four years or so. I was assigned to help the teacher with the pre-toddler group...they are all so cute! The day started off with singing and learning in English and Thai with all age groups...just imagine the enthusiasm of these little ones singing their hearts out, followed by breakfast and then class. I was more than happy to help with the pre-toddlers and had an absolute blast on my first day. Although I was a bit stumped on how to engage all the dumplings in one activity at the same time...

Soon enough after a day or two I became more confident with the dumplings and not to mention recalling back on all I learnt whilst I was in the UK with my darling sister and nephew (she is a nursery school teacher and psychologist). I went to heaps of play groups, play dates and so on that had kiddies around the same age. And obviously the kiddies became a bit more comfortable with me every day which definitely helps. The kids I help with are just gems and adorable. We have explored colours, words, colouring in (love this), heaps of playtime, stories, playing with tambourines and rattles and generally going a bit mental in a good way!

My favourite part of the day is after nap time when an external teacher comes in to do arts and crafts. I figured this may be a big reason why I love kiddies because in times like these the kid in you comes out and you just go with it. I love painting (like a kid and not the prodigy type), arts, getting messy, creative and having fun. The kids are in their element during arts and crafts and love taking part in the activities ranging from painting to playing instruments to making crafts to dress up in costumes to story time to singing and just being a silly kid. The kids here are amazing and have so much powerful energy, unconditional love and are so amusing. Most of them are mixed between Thai and another nationality and are so unique and beautiful. It has been so interesting to get to know their personality and what makes each of them light up with joy.

I have thankfully learnt most of the kiddies names (there are around 18+) which definitely helps, although not all of them can speak English but they do understand it. There is even a youngen who doesn`t speak English or Thai as he has recently moved here from his native country. He is so brave and amazes me because there is no way he can communicate with any of us and unfortunately hand gestures don`t always get the message across. But he continues to try every day to interact with the other kiddies and has become good friends with another youngen. These two are inseparable and it is so sweet to watch. I was also told that the youngen has improved dramatically since he first arrived a few months ago and will slowly but surely pick up both languages. I have definitely noticed how the teachers here try to intertact with him and help him along the way. Above that they all show incredible compassion and when a little one gets hurt or is having a meltdown, a teacher will shower him/her with love and kindness. It really is such a graceful sight!

I am so grateful for this opportunity here and engaging with these kiddies. Since I arrived here I have just felt completely in the moment, watching these little ones, spending time with them and their imagination, laughing from my tummy and seeing their smiles from every direction. These kids are such a breath of fresh air and remind me to have fun and go with it...life is not that serious, to explore everything, ask questions, imagine and believe!

It is going to be a noteworthy experience!