Paradise.
Finding paradise in Koh Lanta, Thailand.
Again came just five days later. Gabriel and I arranged to meet in Koh Lanta, a nearby Thai island, where we rented a bungalow for three nights on a quiet beach. It rained. A lot. But there was just enough sun for swimming, for lying in the sand, for watching half a sunset. And the storms were just an excuse for enjoying nights on our porch, drinking whiskey and soda, listening to music, dancing. Our own little paradise.
Saying goodbye was harder this time. There’s the vagueness of possibility that we could meet again. Maybe in Cambodia or Vietnam or India. Maybe in Barcelona or Venezuela or Chicago. Maybe, maybe, maybe.
And, while I hope that we do, I guess I can’t hold my breath. I know I have to keep traveling, keep moving. We both have our destinations. And we both have our own stories to finish. And whether those stories will include each other, I guess, is now up to fate.
Or, at least, that is what I keep having to tell myself.
I did cry, a little, after he kissed me good bye, after boarding my bus, as it drove away and I watched everything get smaller in the distance. But this little gringa is trying not to be sad to have left him, but to be happy for the time we had together. And trying to just be hopeful. Because, no matter what may come, we had three amazing days in our own little paradise.
Amber, theAmberShow
November 27, 2011at10:14 pmThe photos of him make it clear you like him a lot. *sigh* so romantic.
Val
November 28, 2011at6:31 amOh I did like him a lot! Sigh.
Adventurous Kate
November 28, 2011at4:46 amNew reader here. And just wanted to say…wow, that is one handsome man!! Nice job.
Lanta is one of my favorite places in the world. I was there around this time last year.
I hope you two are able to find each other somewhere around the world. <3
Val
November 28, 2011at6:34 amThanks Kate! I know right?? He was so handsome!
Lanta was amazing. It was a nice breather from some of the more active islands.
Jaime
November 28, 2011at10:00 amAwww love it. I’m proud of you for writing what you wrote… not about the story but the ending about finishing your story and letting fate handle the rest. I know it’s hard, but you are doing the right thing. Love ya Val.
Val
November 28, 2011at12:32 pmThanks Jaime. 🙁 It is hard, but it’s true. I just have to keep on going and see what comes.
Chris
November 28, 2011at2:07 pmAwwww. This reminded me of my travel romance in Cambodia and Vietnam. We rented a bungalow for a few nights on Koh Tunsay off Kep in Cambodia, it felt like a honeymoon. Awesome memories though; you’ll remember them forever.
Val
December 6, 2011at4:16 amIt is. And yeah, it did feel like a honeymoon.
Judie
November 28, 2011at7:29 pmLove this post, Val. Travel romances are so fantastic … heck, I keep a couple of my own in my memory bank, and oh, the fondness it brings back sometimes. But maybe, just maybe … and hopefully … you’ll be with your Gabriel again someday soon. Btw, you look absolutely radiant, peaceful, and content in your photos. Thanks for sharing. Always wishing you safe travels too.
Val
December 6, 2011at4:17 amAw, thank you! 🙂