The Boy Behind the Gate by Larry Jacobson

Author:Larry Jacobson
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780982878798
Publisher: Buoy Press

CHAPTER 12

Thai One On for Midlife and Disaster

“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”

HELEN KELLER

Email / October 7, 2004

While on the island of Pulau Dayang Bunting, we wanted to bring one of the tiny Gibbon monkeys onboard as crew—they were so animated and lively. The momma sits with her two babies and they all stretch out their tiny human-like hands, looking up at us with round brown eyes as if to say, “Please, a few nuts, a banana, or that Snickers bar in your hand? We might be monkeys, but we still need to eat lunch!”

It’s a short walk from the sea over a rise to Tasik Dayang Bunting, the fresh water “Lake of the Pregnant Maiden” in the middle of the island. We make it a quick visit, as it’s over-run with tourists. Quite the contrast to the desolate anchorages of Koh Lipe, Koh Rak Nai, and Ko Ha Yai, all stunningly beautiful places where we stopped along our route.

We have made it to Ao Chalong Bay in Phuket, Thailand. We measure the trip in goals, and since leaving Mooloolaba, Thailand has been our biggest. It’s been well over 4,500 miles of sailing and we’re glad to be here. Man, are we tired though. An early dinner and a long sleep—not a marching band and fireworks—marked our arrival.

Personal Journal / October 12, 2004

I’m 50. The thing I value most in my life is love and friendship, and here at the villa, I’m surrounded by both. Bob, Andre and David flew in to help with the celebration. I’m lucky to have such loving friends in my life!

Personal Journal / November 1, 2004

Didn’t email the group how bad off I was, but a few days into the second week of my birthday celebration, I came down with a terrible flu. While sitting on the deck, all of a sudden, it hit me like a wave and I nearly passed out. My temperature shot up to 104° and the air temperature was so damn hot and humid the fever was almost intolerable. I was miserable. We stayed anchored at Phi Phi Island while Ken, Bob and David patiently cared for me day and night, as my fever slowly subsided. Ken placed a phone call to Mom and she said, “Sponge bathe him in rubbing alcohol!” The fever dropped immediately by two points. Good ol’ Mom. We’re learning from her while halfway around the world.

Still worried, we went to the hospital while on Phi Phi Island where the doctor tested me for, and ruled out, both malaria and dengue fever. “No mararia, only fru,” he said tenderly with a Thai spin to his words. At 5 foot 4 inches, slightly built, the doctor had shiny black hair that contrasted with his white smock. His face was soft, tender, and carried a sweet, sympathetic smile that made me feel better just by looking at him.

“Excuse me?” I asked.

“Only fru,” he echoed the reply. As I must have still looked perplexed, he put his hand to his forehead as if checking for a fever and repeated, “Fru, fru, only fru.

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