I guess all those rumours about Thailand are really true

My European world was slowly disappearing and getting lost between the clouds when my plane took off. Curios about new places, people and adventures. It was going to be my first time in Asia, and it was going to be my first time in Asia alone.

I didn’t know what to expect but I promised myself when I land, I’ll take one step at a time. Left and right and left and right.

The second I stepped outside the Bangkok heat wrapped around me. I was still in my winter clothes and I was struggling to get past too many people, but yet I felt alive. Besides that, I was happy to finally be in the land of friendly people and magical sunsets. My final destination was Ko Phangan. I chose the fastest way and took a plane from Bangkok to Koh Samui, which is an island next to Koh Phangan.

Impressed by this place before my feet even touched the ground. I could see a big Buddha on the top of the little hill and a tiny airport which reminded me of Hawaii, due to its unique architecture. Immediately I felt like home. Every new step I made was a step closer to a great adventure. Bringing something new; tropical nature, kind people always smiling at me, Thai food...The beaches are stunning, the sand soft and white, crystal clear, blue or jade water and restaurants with fresh barbecued seafood.

I continued my way to a place called Lom Phraya Pier, where I caught a boat to Koh Phangan. It took no longer than 30 minutes to hit the land again and next 10 minutes with a taxi ride to drop me off at Phanganist hostel.

Soon I realized that this island is not just nice places and good food. It’s extraordinary conversations with ordinary people. It’s waiters and housekeepers becoming the most interesting people in the world. It is a smile that leads to a conversation in broken English. It’s a street full of motor bikes and backpackers. It is wishing for one more bite of whatever that just was. It’s falling asleep on a sandy beach and waking up sunburnt, it’s hanging out with people you just met. It's a party all night and relaxing all day. The realization that I may have been born in the wrong country.  And it’s so much more.

I guess all those rumours about Thailand are really true. It is a place that welcomes everyone.

And finally, after a long day, I lay down on a beach and get carried away by the glorious sunset, wishing this moment would last forever. I think for myself; how wonderful it feels to just be simply alive.

By guest writer Klara Lotric.