#iSmashed

I left the hostel and ventured into the rain to find food. I found a place where the food didn’t look like it had food poisoning in it so I acquired a table.
“For one? Follow me.”
I was led into a shopping mall (much less glamorous than it sounds) and finally into a different room where I was shown to the most tragic table in the restaurant. In the middle of the room and facing a wall. Only space for one human to inhabit at a time, sandwiched between two big tables for people who have somebody in the world.

I sat alone, staring at the wall and drinking tea I didn’t really like but had a feeling I would still be expected to pay for. Hong Kong had been amazing! Wet, but amazing! I fear Chiang Mai won’t be much better weather wise but my new umbrella and waterproof bag cover will at least have not been for nothing.

Three days, a smashed phone screen and $200 down. I was feeling ready to move on to Thailand. The day before had been fun too but again, very wet! I went with Paloma to Lamma island by ferry. As we crossed the harbour I looked out at the buildings that were once there, now covered in fog. The sun

peeked out for us as the boat arrived on the island. Dozens of tiny fishing boats bobbed on the water surrounded by dilapidated buildings and tropical foliage.

I took a photo of the map so that I could say I contributed to navigating and then Paloma actually studied the map and led the way to the family trail. We walked along the winding path that showed us the highlights of the island’s nature and rustic architecture.
We stopped first at a small beach and found a spot on the rocks. The sun came out so I nestled down and made myself comfortable. Almost instantly, it began to rain again. Never fear I thought! I popped my brolly open and rested it above my head as the rain drizzled down. A few drops splashed my face and I wiped them away in annoyance. Heavier drops, really big fat drops now! Okay! I’m up! I ran for shelter as the rain pelted down violently.
We waited for it to sooth before heading out again.

At one point we reached a look out that looked over the ocean and grand heads.
“Hey!” I said. “Let’s take a selfie using my selfie stick.” How fun!
I loaded the phone whilst struggling with my umbrella ...smash!
“Sh*t!” I shouted. I picked up my trusty friend from the floor and examined the damage. The cracks ran across the screen like a tiny earthquake had split it into a million pieces, obscuring my view of the mklop keys.
“Damn it!” I cussed again.

(My breakfast has arrived, vegetarian deep fried spring rolls with steamed rice! Nom! Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a chopstick as much as the next person, it’s fun to try, it’s fun to watch others struggle too. But nothing compares to the practicality of the knife and fork. They cut, they stab, they scoop! You can’t scoop with a chopstick, I’ve tried!
Rant over, back to Lamma island.)

I took the selfie anyway, feeling sad at the loss of my broken buddy but also feeling slightly pleased that no one would be keen to steal my phone now. Perhaps this was the protection of big Buddha. Guiding me on my journey to peace and tranquillity by breaking my phone (that I may or may not have a mild addiction to- dopamine, am I right?!). Maybe now I will appreciate the nature and wonder of my journey without the fear of my phone being stolen or my adventure being stolen by my phone! (Hells yeah that was profound!) ...Anyway!

We finished the trail and got back to the city where we caught a tram

to nowhere and back just for the fun of it...because we are coool gals! I tried to take a selfie with the grumpy looking people in the tram behind us but it didn’t come out well. Or maybe it did and I just can’t tell because of the broken screen?

In the evening I headed out alone to see the light show. I wiggled into a space at the front #prosofbeingonly1human and waited for the grand show to begin.
I watched the big light up clock count down. 3...2...1...queue dramatic music. The lights flashed up across the buildings in rainbow colours, climbing up and flashing across along to the music. I tried to take a photo but the lights blur and merge together. Or maybe it’s just because of my screen, did I mention that it broke? #sadfaceemoji

My last stop was temple street markets. I had to remind myself that:
1. I didn’t need any crap
2. The crap won’t fit in my bag
3. Shiny crap is still crap
I was good and I didn’t buy anything except for a cookie Mc Flurry because I am cuulltttuurreeed!!
And on that note, I’m gonna go watch some more Crazy Ex girlfriend on Netflix while I wait for my airport bus.