Your story lands hard. So much of my own journey parallels yours; by the end of this piece, I was rooting so hard for you to get out of there that my stomach hurt. I want to write a longer comment about kids, belonging, fit, loneliness, but I’ll spare everyone. Thanks for sharing.
Funny how a place can seem ‘perfect’ on paper but at the end of the day it comes down to bow a place feels. And, different places feel different at different phases in your life too.
Kaila! First off, you’re a fantastic writer. I felt like I was in Koh Phangan with you from the time you were a party-going 20-something year old all the way to when you became a mom, raising your son on the island, and having tough conversations with your husband about moving to Valencia. I was in for the whole ride.
Secondly, I find your perspective so interesting as people usually move to islands like Koh Phangan to escape life but after being there for so long, you started to see it more like a jail than a paradise. It makes me think about all the times city life grinds me down and makes me fantasise about moving to Bali haha this definitely gives me a whole different perspective.
Your story lands hard. So much of my own journey parallels yours; by the end of this piece, I was rooting so hard for you to get out of there that my stomach hurt. I want to write a longer comment about kids, belonging, fit, loneliness, but I’ll spare everyone. Thanks for sharing.
Oh I would be so interested to read more! Thanks for your encouragement. ❤️✨
Funny how a place can seem ‘perfect’ on paper but at the end of the day it comes down to bow a place feels. And, different places feel different at different phases in your life too.
Yes, experience is key. Also can’t judge on what you’re told because personal experience differ so much.
Yes. Totally.
Kaila! First off, you’re a fantastic writer. I felt like I was in Koh Phangan with you from the time you were a party-going 20-something year old all the way to when you became a mom, raising your son on the island, and having tough conversations with your husband about moving to Valencia. I was in for the whole ride.
Secondly, I find your perspective so interesting as people usually move to islands like Koh Phangan to escape life but after being there for so long, you started to see it more like a jail than a paradise. It makes me think about all the times city life grinds me down and makes me fantasise about moving to Bali haha this definitely gives me a whole different perspective.
Thank you so much for your kind words Juviand! So glad you felt like you were there with me, that's the ultimate compliments for a storyteller.
Yes, it's definitely a paradox. But one that I am living proof exists!
Jazzy jail😅, I like that! Such a great part 1, but what’s to come in Valencia😨 insane yo!
Haha thanks! My first impressions of Valencia will be in part 2 next week! Stay tuned xx
Have a told you today what a phenomenal writer you are? Oh - and I love you to bits and pieces! I am absolutely thrilled for you 🥰
N'awww thanks Mama!! Right back atcha Xx