2016 – Srithanu Hub

Beachub in Srithanu

Posted on November 26, 2016November 26, 2016 by Srithanu Blog

Question: what is more than a table in a cafe but less than an office? Answer: a beachub or co-working space. Despite the cool but incorrect spelling the notion of a ‘beachub’ appears to arrived in Srithanu. It is the brain child of Matthew Schotz from San Diego in America. He set up Koh Phangan’s first co-working space in February this year (2016). The ethos of the project is very much in line with the idea of Srithanu nurturing a conscious community.

The Beachub is located on the beach, down the road from the 7/11 in Srithanu Village (see map below). It consists of a beach front building. There are tables and chairs on an open front decking overlooking the sea. You can choose between a ‘drop in’ fee (1 day for 400 THB), weekly fee (1,800 THB) and monthly fee (5,400 THB). For this you get a ‘beachfront shared desk’, fiber optic wifi internet, access to a shower and access to Karma Beach Kafe.

That is a lot less than an office where you can keep files, office equipment and furniture. That level of security and facility is not offered. Moreover, giving people access to a cafe is hardly a privilege since the cafe is open to the general public anyway.

The issue of the restaurant is cleverly used to promote the hub. In true Srithanu style Karma Kafe has veggie treats and gourmet touches and of course fancy coffee to fuel the keyboard tapping and screen touching.

In line with the philosophy of a conscious community, the team at the Beachub are there to help people fulfill their business dreams; to mentor; to facilitate ideas. I think this is what is offered by the ‘accelerator’ option on the website. In the Forbes article about Scholtz and Beachub the focus was on the not-so-new digital nomad generation who just need decent latte and wifi connection to make their money blogging and doing affiliate marketing. It is interesting to note that the founder is not a digital nomad – rather he has leased land and is pursuing the traditional model of setting up tangible ‘reality-based’ businesses. Is this a case of in times of gold rush selling buckets and spades?

Beachub is apparently open 24/7 and 365 days a year.

Contact

Email: info@beachub.org

Location

Koh Phangan Hospital

Posted on November 17, 2016November 17, 2016 by Srithanu Blog

A lot of people visit Koh Phangan and not discover that there is a government hospital on the island. This is because the hospital is located just north of Thongsala down a road most won’t go down. The other reason is that there are several medical centres in Thongsala and Haad Rin that are more visible and who attract the majority of burn victims and road accident victims.

These medical centres have competent general practitioners. For a narrow range of medical concerns they have plenty of experience and can make sound judgements regarding treatment. They also have access to speed boats who can take people with more serious injuries to the bigger and better equipped hospitals in Koh Samui.

The main issue with the medical centres and the main advantage of Koh Phangan hospital is the price. Here we see the dual pricing system in action. At the private medical centres they greet you with forms for you to claim your money back from your medical insurance, and you are going to want to do so because it is expensive. Look around in the waiting room: you see only farang busted up and burnt waiting to be seen.

I had an infection on my left foot that started out as an innocuous mosquito bite. I scratched too much and it bled and before I knew it my foot was going black and green. I got a lift on the back of a motorbike to Koh Phangan Hospital. They saw me almost immediately. A doctor examined the foot and then a nurse cleaned and dressed the wound. The bill was about 100 Thai Baht.

In contrast, my wife and I fell sick on the beach. We were delirious with fever and covered in small, hard red dots. We went to a medical centre in Thongsala. The doctor we saw told us we had a reaction caused by herpes. He sold us expensive medicine to accompany his handsome fee. When we returned to the beach we discovered a couple of locals had the same medical condition. They recognised it immediately as dengue fever!

Koh Phangan Hospital has a large corrugated metal awning at the entrance. It is a basic rectangular concrete building in a functional 1970s style. As you enter on the left is a treatment and consultation room, on the right is a small ward with 10 or so beds. The hospital is usually staffed with at least one doctor and one nurse. The hospital is clean and well stocked with the basics of medicine: bandages, swabs, antibiotics, aspirin. It doesn’t have much equipment. I am not sure if they have an x-ray machine. I doubt they could perform major surgery.

The doctors working at Koh Phangan are usually young and bright and capable of holding a conversation in English. They are starting out on their medical career. It is customary for newly qualified doctors to be given rural posts. Unlike the white Sadhus in Srithanu, they don’t view Koh Phangan as the centre of the universe, rather a back water to be suffered for a short time.

So if you don’t have medical insurance and have something wrong with you then your options are to use a pharmacy and try and self medicate or you can get a doctor’s opinion at Koh Phangan Hospital for a few dollars. This is easily done if you are staying on the west coast anyway.

Koh Phangan Hospital Location

You can take the road heading east from Wok Tum that goes past Wat Ampawan and Wat Phu Khao Noi. From Thongsala take the road heading north by Tesco Lotus. When you get to the petrol station (PTT) turn left and the hospital is on your right.

Koh Phangan Museum

Posted on October 23, 2016October 23, 2016 by Srithanu Blog

Koh Phangan got its closest thing to a museum in January 2011 when His Majesty’s Ship Koh Phangan was moored in a port berth in Thongsala next to the pier. It is an interesting reminder of Thailand’s previous military involvement as well as an attempt to provide some culture in Koh Phangan not based on hearsay, dance beats and nebulous spiritual pursuits.

The Koh Phangan Royal Ship was given to Thailand in 1957 under the Military Assistance Program. The USA was keen to develop a strong friendship with Thailand which was seen as a bulwark against the spread of communism in South East Asia. The warship was used in operations connected to the American military action in Vietnam.

The war ship was decommissioned in 2009. The ship was donated to the municipal government of Koh Phangan along with a grant to build a permanent dock for the boat. The boat was moored on 2011 at Thongsala

It wasn’t until 2014 that the warship was in place and the museum set up. The museum opened its doors in October 2014 to the general public.

The museum on the boat offers visitors the chance to stand on a Thai navy warship. There are displays explaining the history of the boat. There are also exhibits relating to Koh Phangan.

The ship museum is a great thing in itself but it is also the first real museum on the island. It is a great opportunity for guests to learn more about Thailand. It is also a great starting point in trying to promote a more formal and academic approach to presenting historical information about Koh Phangan.

To find HMS Koh Phangan Museum use the map below or simply go to the main pier in Thongsala and look north. It might be the perfect way to kill a couple of hours before your ferry arrives.

Location

Review of Shambhala Bungalow Village

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Srithanu Blog

Shambhala Bungalow Village is located on the beach at Plaay Laem. It is a small bungalow resort that is not available for online booking. We are expecting this to change in the future, and meanwhile it is worth taking a closer look at this resort as it is a good mid-range option for visitors to the beautiful beach of Plaay Laem.

‘Shambhala’ is a Tibetan word that means ‘place of peace, tranquillity and happiness’. The exact connection with Tibet is unclear. The management is Swiss and Thai and on their website they describe their hospitality as ‘Thai-Swiss style family run’. You have to presume that the name is a marketing ploy to appeal to hippy and New Age sensibilities, very much in keeping with the spirit of the area.

The resort is at the southern end of the beach. It has 14 bungalows for rent. They all have sea views. There are a couple of beachfront bungalows on the sand. All the bungalows are made in the traditional style with stilts, woven walls and hardwood floors. They are only 3 years old and have been well maintained.

Accommodation at Shambhala Bungalow Village

Beachfront bungalows cost between 1,100 and 3,000 Thai Baht a night. They feature fan, locker and mosquito net. They have en-suite bathrooms with hot water. There is also a veranda with hammock and cushions.

Sea view Superior Bungalows are 20 to 30 metres from the beach in a pleasant garden setting. These bungalows have a fan with hot water shower. These bungalows cost between 850 and 2,300 Thai Baht a night.

There is only one Shambhala Deluxe Suite Bungalow. It is the only air-con accommodation on offer. It is a large bungalow situated on rising land about 50 metres from the beach. The bungalow has 2 rooms – one with a king size bed and another with 2 twin beds and a sofa bed. The bungalow can accommodate up to 6 people. There is one bathroom with hot water shower. The Shambhala Deluxe Suite Bungalow costs between 1,400 to 3,200 Thai Baht a night.

The final accommodation option is the Standard Sea view Bungalow. Interesting that they have kept the adjective ‘standard’ where other resorts have started using more attractive descriptions for room options. The standard bungalow has double bed, fan, locker, mosquito net and hot water shower. The main reason for the cheaper price is the smaller room size and distance from the beach.

Facilities

The resort has only one air-con bungalow. It also doesn’t provide free internet throughout the resort. There is, however, a restaurant on the beach front. It is a pleasant spot with great views of the beach. They serve Thai curries, noodle dishes, sandwiches and French fries, fruit, shakes and grilled food. The menu is similar to other places in the area. The food is well presented and the portion sizes are good. The prices are reasonable for Koh Phangan.

There is also a bar and roof top terrace. At the back of the restaurant is a small library and internet cafe with public computers for rent.

Staff at Shambhala Bungalow Village can do laundry. They can advise about travel tickets, tours and water sports. The resort has one 3-man kayak for rent. They also have a few mopeds for hire.

Reviews

The overwhelming response from Tripadvisor reviewers is that Shambhala Bungalow Village is a great place and that the staff are doing a great job. Mention is made of the clean rooms, great location, peaceful atmosphere and the friendly and helpful staff.

There are a couple of reviews that mention being unfairly treated and the mosquito nets having holes. Indeed for the same price as Shambhala Bungalow Village you can get bungalow accommodation with sealed windows and air-con.

As is often the case in Koh Phangan – part foreign management often means a better attention to detail but also a tendency to over-price. Take your pick about which you value more.

Conclusion

Shambhala Bungalow Village is a good mid-range option for Plaay Laem. It is a great beach with good water sports opportunities that is also free from the hoards that gather at Haad Rin.

While we commend their independent spirit we are not sure their business plan of not being on any booking website is really doing them any favours. If you are looking for value for money Sea Sunset Resort, Pimmada Hut and Sea Scene Resort are all on the same beach and have cheaper fan bungalows for rent that can be booked online.

Happy Beach in Srithanu

Posted on September 11, 2016September 11, 2016 by Srithanu Blog

Srithanu covers two peninsulas, a forested area next to Laem Son Lake as well as Srithanu village inland. This small village used to consist of a couple of fruit and veg stalls, a noodle shop and a karaoke bar. The village is now much more happening with several businesses moving in and offering a lot more than fruit, noodles, petrol and karaoke.

As people have moved into the area it is noticeable how people have started using new place names. Two examples of this are Secret Beach (also known as Haad Son) and Happy Beach. This beach is the main beach of Srithanu set in the bay. There are beaches to the north (next to Laem Son Lake also called Zen Beach) and to the south on the peninsula where you can find Loyfa Natural Resort.

So how happy is Happy Beach? Well it has fine white sand and stretches for about 200 metres from the fishing port up to the rocks to the north. Behind the beach is a long stream that flushes into the port which is mostly used for squid fishing. The beach is picturesque with plenty of jungle scenery behind. When the tide comes in it is a pleasant place for a splash around. You can swim in the sea but sometimes that will mean a walk out to the ocean. The coral reef is more than 100 metres off the coast so few go snorkelling off this beach.

There are a few resorts and a bar on the beach. This is The Three Monkeys Bar at the southern end of the beach. It is a funky bar on the beach made of drift wood and assorted bits and pieces in that hippy style. The bar sells beer, wine, spirits and cocktails. They also sometimes have a free BBQ. Very much a reggae, old skool feel to the bar.

Happy Beach Bungalows has both fan and air bungalows. Some of the bungalows are on the beachfront and have excellent views of the sea. The resort has a restaurant and small bar. They serve the usual assortment of Thai and Western dishes as well as BBQ food. The 500 Thai Baht a night bungalows are good value.

The main criticism on Tripadvisor about Happy Beach Bungalows is one young, male member of the owner’s family who hits on the women and cheats on the bills.

I wonder if Happy Beach Bungalows was one of the first resorts on the beach, and whether it has given its name to the beach (at least in some people’s minds).

Shanti Boutique Hotel in on the northern headland of Happy Beach. It is a small guesthouse with 8 air-con rooms. It is a laid back place often used by people studying yoga in the area just looking for a comfortable air-con room near the facilities of Srithanu village. Room prices start at 1,250 Thai Baht a night.

Seaview Rainbow Bungalow is a small family-run traditional bungalow resort. It has beach front bungalows as well as cheaper bungalows behind. They have fan and cold water showers. The resort also has a restaurant. It is next to a bridge leading to Laem Son Lake. Bungalow prices start at 700 Thai Baht.

There are a number of 7-11 shops on Koh Phangan. If you visit enough you will notice the slight price differences. The one at Thong Nai Pan Yai is probably the most expensive and the one at the Lomprayah pier in Thongsala is probably the cheapest. The one at Srithanu near Happy Beach is average value for money. They have water, beer, soft drinks, snacks, tobacco and a host of other useful items. For the budget conscious the proximity of a 7-11 can be very important.

The Honey Pot is a small bar on the main road that runs parallel to Happy Beach and on the other side of the estuary. This bar has no facebook page or website. It is one of those ‘notorious’ beer bars where girls play pool, have lady drinks and can be released via a ‘bar fine’. The Honey Pot may test recently made vows of celibacy.

Perhaps the well-being created by many people at any time studying and practising yoga, healthy living and mindfulness has generated a higher than usual happiness quotient in Srithanu. This has found expression in the adoption of a second name for Srithanu beach, namely Happy Beach.

Srithanu Low Tide

Posted on August 23, 2016August 23, 2016 by Srithanu Blog

Science and me have a tenuous relationship. The relationship between the Earth, the Moon and the water bodies of Earth mostly illudes me. Nevertheless, there is a question about when and how much when looking at the tidal movements. I have found 2 websites displaying the tides in Koh Phangan. The one I like best is http://phangantide.info/. You can find out when the low and high tides are going to happen as well as the depth. It seems that today high tide is at 15.03. At this point something is going to be 44% and something else is 1.8 metres.

If you are in Srithanu or one of the other west coast beaches then this website might be useful for you. If you are staying on the east coast than the state of the tide is purely academic as anytime (outside of storms) is a good time for a dip.

When I went down to Srithanu beach to take these photos there was a group of lads playing football. They would be interested for future games perhaps when the next low tide was due, which seems to be much of the time in Srithanu.

In the pictures below you can see Srithanu beach in all its low-tide glory. Acres of sand. In the distance you can just make out Ang Thong Marine Park.

It isn’t exactly the beach you see on travel brochures and hotel websites, but, nevertheless, it is beautiful. The expanse of space, the domination of nature; and in this circumstance it really is unspoiled.

Secret Beach

Posted on August 22, 2016August 22, 2016 by Srithanu Blog

Haad Son used to be a relatively obscure beach with just the one place to stay called Haad Son Resort. Now there is another accommodation options at Haad Son – it is called Secret Beach Bungalows. The re-branding, it seems, has caught on, and ironically when Haad Son beach was simply called ‘Haad Son’ it was a secret to which most visitors to Koh Phangan were not privy. Now it is called ‘Secret Beach’, the beach has had more internet exposure and is definitely not a secret anymore for tourists.

The entrance to Haad Son Resort is located up a steep hill. It is not a convenient location for those who prefer not to rent a moped. The resort has had a major make-over in the last few years and the rooms and facilities are much improved. The reception is at the top of the hill. As you walk down the hill you encounter the swimming pool, accommodation and finally the restaurant and bar on the beach.

There are a few beach bungalows but most of the accommodation is up the hill. Until recently Haad Son Resort claimed the beach as their own. That is no longer the case as there is now Secret Beach Bungalows on Haad Son Beach.

There are 2 ways to get to Secret Beach. You can either walk through Haad Son Resort from the main road. There is also a small track to the south. It is signposted on the road between Haad Yao (to the north) and Haad Chao Phao (to the south).

The beach has fine white sand. Like the other beaches on the west coast the sea seems to disappear during low tide. The best months for swimming are September to March. While the shallow water is good for children and paddling, those looking for a decent swim might be disappointed.

The beach is fringed by palms. Haad Son Resort on the hill is the defining landmark. Despite the new popularity of Haad Son now that it has become ‘Secret Beach’ it is not a particularly crowded beach. There is the occasional wedding on the beach, normally organised by Haad Son Resort.

If you are staying on the west coast of Koh Phangan and looking for a new beach to check out, then Haad Son is a good bet.

Haad Son Resort

Haad Son Resort is a medium sized resort occupying a hill overlooking Haad Son Beach. It has 57 rooms for rent. All the rooms have air-con and hot water bathroom. All rooms also have a mini bar. More expensive rooms also feature flat screen TV, extra living space and colourful interior design. The Executive Penthouse Suite includes a private pool. The Deluxe Beachfront Villa is on the sand.

Prices for the Standard Garden Villa start at 1,140 Thai Bahti n the low season. The Executive Penthouse Suite starts at 4,320 Thai Baht a night

The resort features a swimming pool with impressive sea views. On the beach is a restaurant and bar. They serve a range of Thai and Western dishes. The restaurant prices are a bit higher than usual, as the resort banks on having a ‘captive audience’.

The restaurant features a larger thatched area, a decking walk out to a viewing promontory and a diving spot. The restaurant is called Koh Raham. Why? I know not.

Wifi is available for free in public areas. The accommodation is spread over a hill and out of wifi range.

Secret Beach Bungalows

Secret Beach Bungalows is located at the southern end of Haad Son beach. It is a beachfront resort and guests don’t have to make it up and down a big hill. The track out from the beach here is just 400 metres from the northern Haad Chao Phao Resorts. The feeling is of much less isolation; not stuck up a hill, but tucked away in a hidden corner, not far from the action.

There is a collection of beach bungalows. They are fairly big and lovingly maintained.

The Beachfront Bungalow has fan and cold water shower. Prices start at 800 Thai Baht. The Superior Beachfront Bungalow has air-con and fridge. Prices start at 1,000 Thai Baht a night. The Beach House features fully equipped kitchen, air-con, private outdoor dining area, hot water shower and safety box. Prices for the Beach House start at 1,600 Thai Baht.

Secret Beach Bungalows has a beachfront restaurant that serves Italian food. They also do burgers. The prices are average for the area. It is a funky little restaurant, and the notion that it is on a secret beach clearly creates a sense of occasion when wining and dining.

Conclusion

Secret Beach is Haad Son. It is a beach that has opened up now another resort other than Haad Son Resort has started using the beach. Both Haad Son Resort and Secret Beach Bungalows are good places to stay. The former is for those who like a big resort with swimming pool and large menu. The latter is for backpackers looking for a cool new destination.

Exciting Phangan

Posted on August 15, 2016August 15, 2016 by Srithanu Blog

Exciting Phangan is a tour company in Thongsala that offers tailored tours and Koh Phangan experiences. It is a new start up that brings together many of the highlights of the island. Whether the company can flourish is very much open to debate.

Exciting Phangan – Tours that Matter. That is the strapline. The website also uses the tagged phrase ‘Off the Beaten Track and Exclusive Excursions in Koh Phangan’. This means the company will organise a private tour or experience with a knowledgeable local. The tour needs to be booked at least 7 days in advance to allow for preparations. Customers can choose from a range of tours and experiences or discuss with the team who will tailor-make their experience.

To give you an idea of the range of tours on offer here is the activity list given on the website:

Hike with a Real Jungle Man
Discover Jungle Medicine Plants
Culture of Koh Phangan
The Culture of Thai Cuisine
Craft your own Silver Jewellery
Dance like a Thai
Reiki – Master the Energies
Fascinating Fire spinning
A Better Me
Reenergize Yourself
Relax and Indulge
Private Dinner on the Beach

Some of these are self-explanatory such as fire spinning. Anyone who has been to a beach party in Koh Phangan has seen a young Thai lad fire dancing with a burning rope. Learning Thai cooking is also another typical holiday learning experience.

Less common are the dance lessons. A female Thai dancer teaches the student at her home. Thai dancing is for women; although in this enlightened age that we live in, men are also welcome. The lesson is 90 Euros.

No one has so far given tours and lectures on medicinal plants. Recreational plants has been more the Koh Phangan thing for the last 2 decades! The tour is lead by a local man with an extensive knowledge of the jungle and the uses of the plants found there. Whereas tours of the National Parks in Koh Phangan is not new, the emphasis on how to use jungle plants is. This experience costs 100 Euros and needs groups of 3 or more people.

‘Culture of Koh Phangan’ is such a general term. This tour essentially involves being driven around by a local man who goes to lesser known places and who tells stories about the island. It is as much about making friends with a local as it is about getting a deeper understanding about an island that had something of a ‘Wild West’ feel to it prior to tourism. This tour costs 120 Euros.

Other tours seem to be re-packaging yoga, meditation, spa services, reiki lessons etc. Srithanu has a range of gurus who while being highly realized realise that they still need to make a few bucks. The New Age and spa services is essentially outsourced and you are paying for the recommendations that the third party can bring. Better Me costs 150 Euros. Reenergize Yourself costs 120 Euros and Relax and Indulge will set you back 150 Euros. So if you think the prices are high you are paying for recommended service and for the livelihood of the middle person.

Is this great value? That is subjective. What is noticeable is that their Facebook page has no entries for 2016, and just as tellingly, the blog part of their website still has the ‘Loren ipsum’ Latin blurb that template websites have when they are first uploaded to a domain. From a webmaster’s point of view, it is very poor, and so easily rectified with one short blog post.

No doubt Koh Phangan is exciting and offers much for those interested in nature, water sports, yoga, cooking and Thai culture but it is doubtful that this company will align itself as the main provider of tailor made tours and experiences on the island. Backpackers might be going out of fashion, but the information available on the net means even the greenest of greenhorns can organise activities independently.

Location

Website: www.exciting-phangan.com

Hut Sun Bungalow Review

Posted on August 11, 2016August 11, 2016 by Srithanu Blog

Hut Sun Bungalow is a beachfront bungalow operation on Haad Chao Phao. This resort has an affiliation to Agoda but firstly Agoda locates the resort on the wrong beach, and secondly, the resort owners frequently turn their calendar to ‘fully booked’ so that they can have a flow of more lucrative walk-in trade. Nevertheless Hut Sun Bungalow is a long-standing backpacker favourite and worthy of a review. We have also included a booking button on the off-chance that online booking is available.

Hut Sun Bungalow is located on Haad Chao Phao beach between Sunset Cove Resort (to the north) and Jungle Hut Bungalows (to the south). See the map below for the exact location and address of Hut Sun Bungalow.

There are 15 rooms available for rent at Hut Sun. The bungalows are typical Koh Phangan style, on stilts with small balcony. There is a choice of fan bungalow and air-con sea view bungalow. The fan bungalows are in a garden next to the beach. They feature a balcony, mosquito net and attached cold water shower. The more expensive air-con bungalows have hot water shower, air-con and flat screen TV. They are also closer to the sand and have a ‘sea view’.

The staff at the resort are pleasant and friendly. The resort has been running for a number of years. They have learnt to do the basics well – clean rooms, friendly staff and restaurant serving reasonably priced Thai and Western food. The staff can also organise laundry, travel tickets and moped hire. They also have a safe at reception where guests can store their valuables.

Bungalows prices start at 450 Thai Baht a night. This is a good price for a bungalow with direct access to Haad Chao Phao beach.

The resort is set out in 2 rows of bungalows, The expensive air-con, sea view bungalows are at the front, right next to the beach (and if it is high tide, right next to the sea. At the back is the restaurant and the reception area. This is an impressive three-storey building.

Minimum Stay & Child Policy

The minimum stay for the full moon is 3 nights. Christmas and New Year’s Eve is 5 nights. Children can stay for free if they are under 12 and don’t require any extra bedding.

Reviews

Hut Sun Bungalow has mostly good reviews. People appreciate the great location and good value bungalows. However, some people mention that the bungalows are old and some describe them as ‘dilapidated’. Mention is made more than once about the rip off motorbike rental both at Hut Sun Bungalow and the hire place just down the road.

Location

Address: 48 Moo 8 Had Chaopao Beach, Ko Phangan, Suratthani 84280
Telephone: +66 0()77 349097

Song about Srithanu

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Srithanu Blog

Well you make a little lotus with a twist in your hip
Preach about your wisdom ??? tantrics ???

You’re dying to be it
In your holy house with 6 walls
School me because I’m doing it wrong

You’re so boo ???
Could you be my muse?

Cause it’s easy to figure out
Why you boil while I twist and shout
Because without me you can’t look so good.
No it ain’t hard to figure out

You don’t smoke and you don’t drink
And you don’t want to know what I think about you.

Oh your conscious community
Is like a television show to me
But I still love you
I’m talking to you, Srithanu

With your special attitude
And all the special things you do
I’ll still love you
I’m talking to you, Srithanu

Well you run a burning stick from your head to your arm you said somebody told him it will keep him from harm but he goes so careless in his world.

So ??? and all his words but his mirror says mother earth and I’m lighted
cause I should learn to fly.

Well could you lighten up your E.G.O
And leave your people rings at home
I’m just living, living too

Cause it’s easy to figure out
Why you boil when I twist and shout
Because without me you can’t look so good

No it ain’t hard to figure out
Why you boil when I twist and shout
Because without me you can’t look so good

No it ain’t hard to figure out while your rowing your roundabout
Because without me you can’t look so good
Cause you don’t smoke, you don’t drink
But you don’t want to know what I think about you
No, you don’t smoke, you don’t drink
But you don’t want to know what I think about you and me

Oh your conscious community
Is like a television show to me
Well I still love you
I’m talking to you, Srithanu

The singer is called Melody. She is a beautiful, shy woman with a lovely voice. The production values are really high despite the island equipment and the copious amounts of vodka.

I’m sorry I can’t catch all the words and I’m sure I’ve not transcribed some of them correctly. However, the gist of the words are clear. It is a girlfriend talking to her boyfriend. He has clearly embraced the Srithanu ‘conscious community’: he doesn’t drink or smoke; he studies tantric yoga and believes himself to be living in a ‘special’ way.

The song builds slowly and drips with irony. He doesn’t ask her about what she thinks. He tolerates her ‘twist and shout’ sessions because she makes him look good, hanging from his arm. I doubt the boyfriend is called ‘Srithanu’ but when she says in the chorus “I am talking to you, Srithanu” she is addressing the boyfriend whom she foolishly loves and to a place that she loves despite its excesses of self-righteousness.

And indeed, there is a tendency with swamis, gurus and their novices to pay no heed to ‘lesser’ beings riddled with vices and desires. How much listening does the Agama swami do to ‘normal’ people other than his accountant? Does he search for wisdom from his students or is he compelled to tell people all day how it really is?

The song is great and grows on you with every listen. It is a definable something that has been produced. It is harder to quantify higher states of consciousness and being. This on the other hand is 1 good video. It could be collected with the Bottle Beach Song as a tiny sub-niche entitled ‘Songs about places in Koh Phangan’.

For a place to be honoured with a memorable song is rare. There is ‘New York, New York’, ‘Georgia on My Mind’, ‘Angel of Harlem’ and ‘Budapest’. There are many songs with place names in them, but not so many are really memorable; will stand the test of time.

At the time of writing this song had only 8 more views than a video I did of my 5 year old daughter riding her bike without stabilisers for just the second time. This is another lesson in humbleness. Perhaps this is what the singer is really getting at – don’t let your E.G.O get in the way of love.