Sweet sweet Pinterest worthy paradise

Yes please!! Krabi, Thailand brings the total number of cities I have fallen in love with after one day to a grand total of three. The other two being San Francisco & London, England. Don't get me wrong I love many of the places I have been, but these three cities hold something magical for me. I would happily return again and again without question to any of them. But right now let's chat about the magic of Krabi.

1. The scenery

- everywhere you go on Krabi is GORGEOUS! Especially when you head over to Tonsai bay and the surrounding areas. The waters change from a lovely light blue bordering a white sand beach to a more mint color and finally a deep sea blue. Upon arrival the beaches have a handful of sunbathers on the beach, but close behind them is a lush green jungle with all kind of lush vegetation. As your eye glances over the jungle, the most stark image catches your eye, that of the cliffs of Krabi. Straight up, with stalagmite like jagged edges. As you peer closer you see a few hardcore climbers along these jagged edges, some even free climbing above the waters edge. This place is known amoung climbers to be one of the best ares for a thrilling climb.

2. The atmosphere 

- In order to get to Tonsai you must take a "long tail" boat. These don't pull up to a dock. Instead you wade out to the boat and hope on board. Upon disembarking you jump down into the water and head up to the beach. That experience sets the whole tone of the place, no posh or pretenses. Take it or leave it, it doesn't matter to them. It is set in the jungle, which has its fair share of cats, and monkeys. Herds of monkeys, jumping mischievous little guys, stealing anything that isn't watched over. They are clever to, so don't underestimate them..

3. The locals  

- They are so welcoming, the moment we walked on the beach we were treated to a warm welcome. And always warmly welcomed back to the beach again and again. They also are quick with a smile and to do what they can to help you out, including warning you of imminent downpour.

4. The food

- Spectacular, some of the best I have had. Anything from pineapple rice(high recommendation) to mango or watermelon shakes (new favorite!) another surprisingly good meal was the margarita pizza.. Who would have thought?

5. The water 

- besides the beautiful contrasts of the water, it is also deliciously warm. The perfect temperature in fact, any warmer and it might be considered to warm to stay in for very long.

6. The feel of the place

- it really does feel like paradise. No filter is needed for pictures, this place is vibrant in colors and culture. It feels like home and dream all in one.

7. The tourists 

- All these climbers bring a culture all of their own to the island. One of relaxation and tomorrow will be soon enough. So just sit back and enjoy the moment. 

Others are there for a simple couples retreat. Either way everyone is here to relax, and enjoy the day complete with friendly attitude.

So why wouldn't I fall in love? Some say I need a man, which may be true, but why wait around when I can enjoy a little bit of life in paradise? Watch out world, I'm ready to have an adventure and discover all the beauty you hold!! 

Can't always sleep before a new adventure

I remember the days well. My first flight ever and we were going to Disney world! I was in 2nd grade and everything was magical. 

I remember mom staying up into the wee hours of the morning to finish packing. I recall dresses and clothes hanging on doorknobs ready to be oh so carefully placed into the suitcase to prevent wrinkles. 

As morning approaches I get giddier and giddier. Finally we take our ride to the airport, parking at a 'park n fly' type place and from there we hope abord a shuttle to the new and unknown.

Everything was dark at this point. This was back in the days of more relaxed security. When loved ones could meet you at the gate. 

I remember standing at the airport window and watching the sunrise and thinking this place was so magical. It has been that way ever since, early morning flights are secretly my favorite. When traveling alone I like to time my departure so I can watch the sunrise at the airport, slowly lighting the horizon. Starting with the Tarmac slowly beginning to glisten, followed by a sheen of light on the planes and the reflection off the control tower windows. Soon you start to hear the world come alive as breakfast begins to cook. The smell of coffee and pastry's fills the air, while people start moving about, shops are opening and workers are lifting their grates. Before you realize it, the sun has fully risen, burning off that early morning mist that comes with the dawn. When I think of a happy childhood memory it starts like this. 

Life Lessons & Motto

As one of my roommates pointed out, I live a cultured life. Sometimes it feels like the life of a Fairytales or a Dream. I mean who is Crazy enough (as well as so blessed to have time and opportunity) to leave  their own country, take time and money to go learn and experience various lifestyles and cultures around the world.

One word.. Me. Call me a dreamer, eccentric, unrealistic, childish, spoiled or whatever else you like.  It doesn't change who I am, and how I follow my heart. In life all that I am passionate about comes down to two things 1. Helping others feel their true value. Everyone has something to offer. Every. Single. Person. On. This. Earth! *Yes, that without a doubt certainly means YOU!!!

2. I LOVE loving everyone, and helping others to come to a greater understanding of what the power of open minds and hearts can yield.
I once read a quote via Pinterest or Instagram (follow me @shleyw)

'nough said.

In school, I always struggled knowing what to study, and gain a degree in. I enjoyed so many things, but not one thing did I love enough to stick with it for 4 years, much less a lifetime. Then as I took time off after completing my Associates Degree, I began to discover who I am, and what I want to do with my life. It started making sense this path I was on. Sure it's hard going against the norm, but for me it is worth every second. 

In the area I live most everyone is either finishing their undergrad, going on and getting a Masters or PhD, getting married and starting families, or beginning their career. I felt so isolated at times because I wasn't continuing traditional education, and I wasn't working a job in my 'career' path. 

I continued to choose life experience, and travel, its the only thing that continually felt right. Every time I stopped to consider school, it never felt like the right path for me, even though I longed to be at school, learning from others and their experiences in new and exciting subjects. 

It has only been the last few months that I have come to terms with doing things 'my way', and realizing its for a purpose. I have been exposed to so many cultures, and people. I have witnessed many joyful and tragic events. My heart has been left in so many places that it will never be at comfortably in one piece again. 

I have realized, thanks to my roommates, that the knowledge I have is in fact a usable knowledge. I am striving to make this knowledge available to many throughout the world. It seems like an impossible task to spread love and understanding to all the world, but if I can make a difference to one person, my life is worthwhile and complete. 

In the bible it says men's hearts shall wax cold and they shall love things more then people. I see so much of this happening in the world around. But I also see so much good as well. We see what we choose to see. If we focus on the negative, that is what we will find in life even amidst the good. If you choose to see the beauty and positivity in life, you will find that, even amidst the bad. 

Why do we see, or even meet, one person and judge a whole group based off that one person?? Most people are searching for good and try to live their lives the best they know how. Who are we to judge them? The biggest lesson I have learned is to 'live the life you were born to lead.'

Follow your heart. Your inner voice. Your Jimminy cricket. Your gut feeling. Your conscious. The Spirit. However you want to recognize "that" feeling, it's there for a reason.