Rainy Tonsai

I am currently curled up with a light blanket, sitting under a giant mosquito net waiting for either the electricity to cut out for the day or for it to stop raining. Tonsai has the ability to oscillate between tourist trap and rugged beach spot. I should have checked the weather before heading down because rain or overcast is predicted for the rest of my time here. So much for a tan! I didn't need the extra freckles anyways.

On the boat ride over from Krabi City to Railay, three Brits were kind enough to invite me to hang with them for the forsee able future. That future turns out to be about 24 hours long. After hanging around the tattoo parlor all afternoon and evening, I was ready to switch locations when it looked like another day of loitering. I did the short hike through the jungle and found a bungalow on the other side of the peninsula. I am scared that I will start a fire anytime I plug something into the outlet and walk gingerly on the plank floor because I worry about falling through (saw a BASE jumper fall through the main deck last night), but it's a good home for the next few days!

Walked up to a girl scanning the Partners Wanted on the climbing info board yesterday and asked if she was in need of one. Traded email addresses and I talked to one of the gear shops about renting a rope and draws. So hopefully that plays out when I find some Internet to set a time with her. In the meantime, yoga! (There's a studio just up the hill from me.) Reading! (Devoured Tina Fey's book Bossypants in a day. Recommended.) And maybe some beach time. (You can get massages on the beach here. And a pedicure. Which the Thai woman who kept grabbing my feet as I was trying to read kept pointing out. Apparently my feet look a bit rough.)

Had a decent case of the homesick when I woke up this morning. To be expected when I start thinking about everyone back home and the holidays. Can be tough to see all the young couples, friends, and families traveling together and celebrating with a new experience. While it's easy to be outgoing and open back home, I am sensitive to how Americans are portrayed when they travel and tend to retreat into silence and questions about others. You learn more when you listen, but man, I could use a hug or a belly laugh some days. Glad that there will be familiar faces in New Zealand to share a beer with.

Oh. And the electricity turns off at 7:30. For the record.