I wanted my last day in Phi Phi island to be simple yet special and I had a little bit of luck on my side. I met a man named Koko almost two years ago when I was there that gave me two tattoos on my chest. One saying GOOD LIFE, and the other saying LOVE, both written in Thai writing. I’ve felt this strange indescribable connection to some of these island people ever since coming to Thailand in 2005. One of Koko’s good pals gave a me a steal of a deal and charged me no more than what it costs to fill up his very old long tail boat with gas. Long tail boats are these old style boats that have belted these necks of the woods for many years. I didn’t feel the need to rent some big speed boat. I just wanted to experience the feel of being on one of these old boats in the midst of the Andaman Sea. My wish came true and the weather was just perfect. The man who took us on the adventure was named Bow. He was a very peaceful man that wanted our day to be just perfect. He took us to some amazing spots which seemed almost surreal, I had to pinch myself to realize I wasn’t in a dream, or maybe I was…that’s the kind of feeling you get when you meet some of these amazing people in this part of the world.
He had an ear to ear smile on his face the whole time. And introduced us to an old friend of his that was just as interesting. It’s as if these people on the islands have no sense of time. They don’t really ever have to grow up. They are just so satisfied with their family, small possessions and of course good friendship. The island of Phi Phi has changed a lot since my first visit close to 7 years ago. There’s a lot more tourists that come to see the beauty and party the night away. It’s a popular spot for sure but I don’t recommend more than a few days as there’s so much more to see in Thailand. I end up designing a new tattoo for my back and ended the day off with a some new bamboo art on my back. I got the sign for infinity with my parents initials, brother and daughter in Thai writing another memory for my time there. Koko presented me with an old buddah necklace when I left and a warm hug to boot.
Next stop Khoa Lak to visit an orphanage…
Much Love – Ryan
The contrast of life and the unexpected is what makes my life so exciting. I try and practice positive expectation in every moment and when I do I find myself in a much finer tuned high vibration where I attract very special things that I embrace with all my soul. After a short roller coaster ride testing my health physically and mentally in Phuket I left on such a high note. I was up early as usual, I love my mornings! I was just about to check out of the hotel when I was walking on the barren street when I looked ahead to the other side. I made piercing eye contact with an old monk in his 80s. I could feel his energy as we exchanged very warm smiles. We were drawn to meet each other and shake hands. As I shook his old small hand he squeezed mine with a lot of force and looked up at me with an intense look in his eyes. He said “oh happy happy, just be happy!” my body was invigorated with chills as if he knew the mission I’ve been on to spread more LOVE and HAPPINESS in the world. I was positive he has the wisdom that spreading your love and happiness is a source to ones own inner reflection to what pure happiness means.
After a horrendous battle with food poisoning I’m back Thank GOD!!! It just goes to show that you never really do know the circumstances life can throw at you in any given moment. And me being an energy junky that is constantly on the go got tested in my first few days on this amazing journey. All I wanted to do was get filming and exploring the amazing landscapes Thailand has to offer, but this little test just goes to show that I just need to slow things down sometimes. I’m only human and when our bodies get poisoned or run down we really need to listen. 
After a grueling 10 hour layover in Hong Kong I finally boarded my plane to Bangkok. The second I arrived in the land of smiles I felt a piece of me was at home again as the country of Thailand has touched me in such a profound way in the many times I’ve been so blessed to come here. I walked out of the airport to grab a cab and I was bombarded with offers for cabs and limos, everyone just trying with all their might to make a buck. Whenever your traveling abroad I find it so very important to have your whits about you. Having a clear mind and letting your intuition guide you is such an important thing. A man from Israel in his 50’s approached me and instantly started telling me “the way” things are here in Thailand. He was persistent in wanting to share a cab with me. Not knowing this man from a hole in the wall I proceeded to tell him I had everything handled and it be best if he went his way and I went mine. He wouldn’t let up on informing me about the various places I should be visiting for sex. 
I had a conversation with a very special man today. His name is Christian Knill. Chris and and I have known each other for some time now although we don’t see a lot of each other. I’m off to Thailand in a few days, “the land of smiles” and I had to see Chris before I left because he has some very strong ties over there that intrigue me and warm my heart in a big way. Chris had a family tragedy happen in 2004 when he lost both his parents in the tsunami disaster that killed a mass of people. Since the tragedy Chris and his brothers have shown such strength to overcome the adversities of losing two special people that meant the entire world to them. A year to the day I found myself walking on the beach in Patong where many people lost their lives. I walked in a flood of strong emotions as I saw family members morn and honor the deceased , throwing flowers into the sea and releasing doves and numerous other traditions.
With enough persistence in anything you will win! It’s a known fact that all the biggest successes in the world had drive and focus backed by persistence in whatever they accomplished. It’s like the old saying goes “if at first you fail, try and try again”. In my mind there is no such word as failure. Failure is just a word that represents a fallen plan. But whatever name you may call it. I call failure a test! And at the end of every test are not only lessons but realizations of goals that were finally met through persistent effort. In order to win, you must first pass the persistence test. People that don’t succeed always seem to give up at the first sign of failure. If the plan is not sound, change it! Everyday take time to refocus on your definite purpose with passion and faith.