Thailand: Day 2 (Part 1)

August 9, 2012

Dream big.  It is a statement with only two words, but it is incredibly powerful nonetheless and it has been the guiding principle in my life since I can remember.  People who dare to dream big accomplish some extraordinary things, however when they fail they risk losing pride, money, and even family and friends.  The latter is why most people never leave their mark on the world.  Personally, I am more scared of living a life of regret than failure, which is exactly why my husband, Lucas, and I found ourselves on the remote Thai island of Koh Mak — we had decided to dream big!  This island is much more exotic than I ever anticipated.  Accommodations on this island were not like the Bangkok hotels I would have expected.  Here, our windows were open to the sound of crashing waves and you could smell the salty scent of the water in the air.  There was so much beauty that surrounded us it was hard to believe we were actually standing in paradise.  Visiting Koh Mak, Thailand has to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Koh Mak, Thailand

To get to Koh Mak, you must take a ferry from Laem Ngop Pier in Trat.  I recommend buying a ticket for the speedboat (450 Bath), rather than for the wooden boat, which departs at 12:30 and 16:00 and is around a forty-five minute commute.  Our ride was spent mostly in silence, as we were both overcome with the enormity of the moment and the breathtaking beauty that surrounded us.

Koh Mak, Thailand

Koh Mak, Thailand

The inhabitants of Koh Mak have dedicated their lives to ensuring that the island does not lose its treasured Thai values and simple way of life and pride themselves on not having succumbed to the hedonism that has corrupted so many of the other neighboring islands.

Koh Mak, Thailand

Upon arrival, we decided that before doing anything else, we would have a lunch of pad see ew and a watermelon smoothie on the beach.

Koh Mak, Thailand

Then we were off to the reason that had brought us here in the first place: Good Time Resort.  You see, the dreaming big had started almost a year ago, all because of a message I had read in a Facebook forum.  I saw that a fellow travel blogger was looking on behalf of a hotel in a remote island in Thailand for a couple to manage the place while the owners explored the world for at least a year.  At first, I dismissed the message, however as the day went on I found myself thinking about it more and more.  I texted Lucas with the idea thinking he would also dismiss it, but his response shocked me: “Let’s do it!”  I immediately signed back into Facebook, responded to the message, and the next thing I know the owner and I started exchanging emails.

 

Over the following months, Lucas and I discussed the pros and cons of accepting this offer and told very few people in our life about it.  I would have to sell my Wellness Center and say goodbye to all of my beloved patients that I have been treating for five years and he would have to take a leave of absence from school.  We would both be thousands of miles away from our family and friends.  Except, our hearts were telling us we needed to take this chance — this was just too good to pass up.  Our dream is to one day own a pousada in Brasil, by managing Good Time Resort we would gain invaluable experience for our future.  Although before we gave the owner a final yes, we felt it necessary to see the property in person.

 

As we pulled up to the driveway, our hearts pounding with anticipation, the owner told us that he first wanted to show us his favorite view of Koh Mak.  It was directly across the street from Good Time Resort.  We had no idea whether or not this island would indeed become our new home, but we did know for certain that it was an incredibly special place. . .

Koh Mak, Thailand

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Andi Perullo de Ledesma

I am Andi Perullo de Ledesma, a Chinese Medicine Doctor and Travel Photojournalist in Charlotte, NC. I am also wife to Lucas and mother to Joaquín. Follow us as we explore life and the world one beautiful adventure at a time.

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86 thoughts on “Thailand: Day 2 (Part 1)”

  1. Bess

    When I read this post, I couldn’t help feeling so excited for you! What an amazing adventure–and it fits into your life plan. I agree it’s better to always go after your dreams, even if you hit setback after setback as you try to realize them. It’s something I have to remind myself often.

    Reply ↓
  16. Gillian @OneGiantStep

    OMG! Seriously? That is so exciting Andi. I hope, I hope, I hope, I hope that in part 3 you tell us that you’re doing it! And, if you’re not….send me the details…I would be seriously interested. Wow!

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  17. Manda

    Oh Thailand how I love it. I was blessed to be able to travel the mainland for a month last year with work. I sooo need to get to the islands!!
    And I NEED to know the rest of this story!! EEKKK how exciting for you both!! Cant wait to read what the outcome is.

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  24. Traveling Ted

    I remember seeing the bottom photo on your facebook page. It is even more remarkable seeing it here. I can only imagine what it looks like in person. This is great. My favorite travel blogger in my favorite country. Look forward to future Thailand posts.

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      It really was the most amazing view I’ve ever seen!!! Can you imagine if you could build a home there and wake up every day to that view? I’m your favorite travel blogger??? That is the BIGGEST compliment. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

      Reply ↓
  27. Andi

    That looks amazing! Thanks for stopping by my blog! It’s always fun to find another Andi. It seems there aren’t very many of us. 🙂

    Reply ↓
  28. Tat

    Your photos are amazing, I can certainly envision myself spending a year there but then there are always so many things to be considered. I’d love to know the rest of the story, too…

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  32. Krista

    Oh Andi, I can’t stop smiling!!! You are such an inspiration!!! I love that you’re doing this, LOVE that you’re attempting something so big and crazy and wonderful. 🙂 Big hug to you on this new venture. 🙂

    Reply ↓
  33. Bohemian Kate

    How inspiring! I agree, dream big and sometimes dreams do come true! I just started my dream job as a blogger/social media specialist at a health retreat near by and I’m so happy. Good luck and have fun!

    Reply ↓
  36. Caroline L.

    Even taking that first step must have taken a lot of courage, but good things will always come to those who are brave enough to do so! I can’t wait to hear what you guys decided… these pictures are gorgeous!

    Reply ↓
  37. Alex

    Andi these are some stunning photos, and what an amazing opportunity! I hope you said YES…. but that’s selfishly because I want to come visit you in Thailand 🙂

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Thank you darling, I’m touched that you liked them so much, because I love your photography as well! And I know how deeply connected you are with Thailand!!!

      Reply ↓
  39. Miss K

    I think it’s amazing that you and your husband thought about taking such a big step. But as you say, it’s always so much worse to regret the things you didn’t do than to regret the things you didn’t do.

    I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      It’s sooo true!!! We would have regretted not taking the chance the rest of our lives! Also, it was much easier to dream big with my husband by my side than alone. 🙂

      Reply ↓

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