Sitting at the restaurant in Don Det I was able to overhear the owner, an Australian expat who has been living here for 10 years and another European expat (Belgian I think) living in the community discuss the local issues. The conversation went something like this...
You know xx, he invested in a lot of money in this place nearby and has these monkeys that were going to be involved in the business. He was going to take them there, but something happened and it fell apart. Now he's got 6 adult monkeys. Yea, nobday wants 6 adult monkeys, that really didnt work out for him.
I was not able to clearly hear the whole story, but from what I could make out, it sounded like an interesting problem to have. There are at least 2 foreign expats that have set up shop on the island, I believe there are a few more. It is hard to put myself in their shoes and try and see the place how they do. I can not imagine here as being the place could choose to disappear to. But then maybe thats the idea. Its a very interesting place.
The rate of construction seems to suggest its only going to grow. A hotel owner said in a few weeks every room on the island wil be full. Now it feels like 25-50%. The change would be rather dramatic. Our kayak guide yesterday said there are 900 locals on the island and during the high season (or dry season), there would be more tourists than locals. One thing I can not understand is how they will feed everyone. Restaurants are slow, 45min to an hour somtimes, and they only have like 2-3 tables. If they are full, how would they serve? 3 hours for dinner? with a curfew at 12 I think people would be going home hungry.
I am thinking about a final cycling run from here into Cambodia. I wan to get off the bike, but I also realy want to hit 1000k first. At least I need to take a little bragging rights with me and 1000k sounds like a nice round number to go with. Plus the trail in northern Cambodia sounds fun and may make having a bike with me finally worth some of the hastles and extra costs. After I think I can get it to Koh Lanta and store it at the boxing camp till I return after the race. I think it would be nice to have my own transport if I stay for a month of boxing and diving. But then I have decided when and where to go next? Christmas in Australia? 3 months teaching in Cambodia? Volunteer in an animal shelter? Farm hand? The closer I get to school, the more thoughts of disappearing to easy South-Asian life keep popping up.
You know xx, he invested in a lot of money in this place nearby and has these monkeys that were going to be involved in the business. He was going to take them there, but something happened and it fell apart. Now he's got 6 adult monkeys. Yea, nobday wants 6 adult monkeys, that really didnt work out for him.
I was not able to clearly hear the whole story, but from what I could make out, it sounded like an interesting problem to have. There are at least 2 foreign expats that have set up shop on the island, I believe there are a few more. It is hard to put myself in their shoes and try and see the place how they do. I can not imagine here as being the place could choose to disappear to. But then maybe thats the idea. Its a very interesting place.
The rate of construction seems to suggest its only going to grow. A hotel owner said in a few weeks every room on the island wil be full. Now it feels like 25-50%. The change would be rather dramatic. Our kayak guide yesterday said there are 900 locals on the island and during the high season (or dry season), there would be more tourists than locals. One thing I can not understand is how they will feed everyone. Restaurants are slow, 45min to an hour somtimes, and they only have like 2-3 tables. If they are full, how would they serve? 3 hours for dinner? with a curfew at 12 I think people would be going home hungry.
I am thinking about a final cycling run from here into Cambodia. I wan to get off the bike, but I also realy want to hit 1000k first. At least I need to take a little bragging rights with me and 1000k sounds like a nice round number to go with. Plus the trail in northern Cambodia sounds fun and may make having a bike with me finally worth some of the hastles and extra costs. After I think I can get it to Koh Lanta and store it at the boxing camp till I return after the race. I think it would be nice to have my own transport if I stay for a month of boxing and diving. But then I have decided when and where to go next? Christmas in Australia? 3 months teaching in Cambodia? Volunteer in an animal shelter? Farm hand? The closer I get to school, the more thoughts of disappearing to easy South-Asian life keep popping up.
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