arrival in a special place

I left you last in India, at the end of the Level 2 Training with Sharath.  It took us 5 hours to get to Bangalore, where I had a strange very Indian experience checking in.  First I have to go to Thai Airways ticket counter, which is handled by Air India.  They are the most unhelpful airline staff ever.  They ignore you then frown when you try to get help.  Finally they called someone from Thai Airways, who proceeded to take my passport and ticket and told me he’d meet me at the airport entrance.  Sounds dodgy, right?  We aren’t allowed to enter the airport unless holding proof of an upcoming flight.  He comes out to get my credit card, then returns to the check in counter, while I wait outside.  Then finally he brings me in, directs me to a check in counter, where they do everything quickly, I barely have time to think.  Then they tell me I need to pay an outgoing airport tax.  Of course I don’t have enough rupees, and they won’t take credit cards.  So I end up borrowing money from a friend.  Finally I’m checked in.  Next comes immigration, then security….then finally the departure gates.

All this to give you an idea of how nice it is to arrive in Thailand.  First I stop in Bangkok which is noisy and chaotic.  Then arriving in Koh Samui is already special.  The view of the island and water from the plane is incredible.  The airport is open air, like something out of fantasy island.  It is quiet, no beeping horns.

I arrive at Yoga Thailand, and I get the feeling that things are steadily improving.  Familiar smiling thai faces are everywhere.  The place is quiet, beautiful and tranquil.  There are sounds of birds, that’s about it.  I can see the sea from my window.  The gardens are growing in beautifully from the last time that I was here.  My limited thai vocabulary has even come back.  The weather is humid but breezy.  Its great to have the windows and doors open, no AC and no pollution coming in.

Today I start to train their Thai staff in Ayurvedic Treatments.  This should be a true test of my communication and teaching abilities.