Realising in her early fifties that she needed to do life differently for a while, Mel Pike seized the opportunity of a few months with no responsibilities in her happy place, Thailand.
Among the sun-soaked streets of Phuket’s Kata Beach, Mel discovers the joys of solo travel and embracing new experiences. From the aromatic flavours of Thai food to the restorative power of the ocean to learning more of the language and the fun of immersing herself in the vibrant culture, in her recently published memoir, Mel takes you with her on a journey of self-discovery.
We interviewed Mel about her journey of discovery in Thailand, and her journey of self-discovery.
Why Thailand? Why did you choose Thailand to embrace solo travel?
My love for Thailand started in 1989 when I was an exchange there for 12 months. I lived with a Thai family and attended high school. I’ve been going back ever since. I refer to Thailand as my ‘happy place’ as when I’m there I’m able to live simply and leave behind the daily grind of life at home. It’s also a very easy and safe country for solo women to live comfortably and travel in.
Was your Thailand experience anything like you expected?
My experience was way beyond my expectations. I planned to stay for three months, and it turned into five months. I was nowhere near ready to leave when my trip was over. Four months into my stay I wrote this ‘I can honestly say that in all my wildest dreams I could never has imagined the people I’ve been lucky to meet, the places I’ve seen, the food I’ve eaten and the kindest hearts that have made me feel so welcome and helped me live so happily here’.
What aspect of Thailand do you love the most?
Without a doubt the Thai people! Their generosity of spirt, their warm hospitality and curious nature, their ability to live with so little and still maintain a level of contentment, their willingness to share their culture and traditions and their wonderful sense of humour are all very endearing. Oh and of course their smiles are just the best!
The fragrant mouth-watering Thai food and fascinating culture also keeps me returning to Thailand.
What is your most enduring memory?
To be honest, when I was writing my book it was just for me. I wanted to be able to capture all the incredible memories my five months gave me. There were so many micro-moments I wanted to be able to reflect upon once I was home. The sense of calm I felt as I sat on the beach alone, feet buried in the warm sand and staring at a golden sunset, or the taste of a ripe mango paired with sticky rice and smothered in coconut cream, or the feeling of the weightlessness of my body and the worries of the world around me evaporating as I floated in the warm, jade-coloured waters of the Andaman Sea. These memories are now part of who I am.
Were there any moments you were truly outside your comfort zone?
Learning the Thai language always makes me feel like I’m outside my comfort zone. I went to a language school in Phuket to consolidate and brush-up my rusty Thai language skills. Not only does reading, writing and speaking Thai push me into a very foreign space but on the flip side it also allows me to further my understanding of the Thai culture and customs on a much deeper level.
Generally, I feel very comfortable when I am in Thailand. My Thai friends will often say I am 80% Thai and 20% Australian and that maybe I was born in the wrong country!
What is it about Thai culture that you find the most endearing?
So many aspects of the Thai culture that I love. With over 95% of the Thai people practicing Buddhists, it’s no surprise that this is central to their daily lives. I always ensure I participate in the early morning giving of food to the local monks as they walk barefoot through the streets. ‘Dtuk bart’ is a very simple understated way of making merit-making and providing for others.
I also like how the Thai people highly value respect, particularly towards elders, teachers, monks, and the royal family. The “wai,” a traditional Thai greeting involving a slight bow with the hands pressed together in a prayer-like gesture, is a common sign of respect.
The importance of family and community also shines through. I experienced this daily as I interacted with those I lived near in my street. Offers to eat together, help with learning the language and the kindness shown towards me was at times overwhelming.
What could we learn from the Thai way of life that would enhance our way of life here in Australia?
When I return to Thailand, I’m reminded of all that I easily take for granted at home. I rarely question our opportunities, lifestyle and high expectations of what life will deliver. The accumulation of ‘stuff’ can easily take over. This country provides me with a reminder of what I need to live and what I want. There’s a big difference.
Over the years I’ve had countless experiences when those with less give so freely. They will quite literally do anything for you, happily sharing what little they have freely without expectations. It’s who they are, how they live and it’s very humbling to be around.
What is the greatest lesson Thailand has taught you?
Lessons are everywhere for me in Thailand. It is a place that constantly humbles me. This trip reinforced that a sense of belonging and community has a huge positive benefit on the wellbeing of humans the world over. Often while chatting with my Thai friends, I was reminded of how similar we all are in the emotions and struggles that we face in life. The human condition has no real language barriers. We have more that binds us than divides us.
What inspired you to return?
My time in Kata provided me with the opportunity to live my best life and gave me time and space to do something so incredibly necessary and special for myself. Doing more of what brings you joy and giving yourself permission to do this one precious life differently can never be underestimated and it’s never too late to start.
It was incredibly hard to leave my life in Kata and my friends. The deep yearning to return once I arrived home lasted far longer than I ever expected.
The love and commitment I have for my Thai friends, my happy place and for doing life differently has only intensified since my return home. The decision to make this place a regular and important part of my life going forward was easy.
You can read a 30-page extract of Mel’s wonderful book here, and find out where to purchase a copy here.
