The local families here are either fisherman, rubber tree farmers or cashew “nut” farmers (a quick Wikipedia search and apparently the correct term, botanically, is seed and not nut). The resort is surrounded by cashew trees and throughout the day, cashew apples drop from the giant trees. Each apple has one cashew “nut” attached to it.
Throughout the island, you can spot cashew nut farmers from the road, usually from the foot-operated rustic machines that are set up outside someone’s home.
After laying the nuts out to dry, the cashew farmers use these machines to crack open each nut, one by one, to access the seed. They use a screwdriver to finish prying open the shell and wear gloves to keep their hands from getting extremely sticky.
Once the shell is pried open and the seeds are removed, they are roasted, often by hand (which is more strenuous but tastes better) rather than an oven.
After the skin is peeled…voila! Creamy, delicious cashews. Cashews can be bought everywhere on this island; I’ve also found them mixed in salads, fried rice and even ice cream.
Pictured also: coconut oil for sale! (yes, I bought some)
My boss, Jay, took me to the mainland today because I was feeling sick and wanted to see a doctor. It was the first time I left the island in almost a month.
Some of you know that I once got dengue fever while traveling in Costa Rica and with dengue cases on this island (Koh Phayam), it’s safe to say I’ve been slightly more paranoid about contracting the disease. I’ve been vigilant about using mosquito repellent or wearing long sleeves, so the thought of having dengue a second time pissed me off.
I realized I was only causing myself more agony by resisting the idea that I might have dengue. So, on the boat ride to the mainland, I stared out at the wide open sea, and just accepted it. Accepted that I’m not immune to diseases …that traveling indeed has its ups and downs ..that I can’t change what might already be.
Acceptance has been a huge theme and ongoing practice of mine, especially throughout my travels. Accepting something doesn’t mean you have to agree with it or like it. I have found that relinquishing control and accepting the moment has made my heart lighter, my soul calmer.
Fortunately, the doctor assured me today that no fever = no stress. But even if he had said otherwise, I was calmly prepared. I’ll have another check up later this week if I’m still feeling sick.
It was a long day of travel and waiting, but as we glided back across the ocean towards my temporary island home, I soaked up every second of the beaming sunset and thought how could I be upset about accepting something anyways when there so much darn beauty in the world.
I couldn’t be more pleased to have found a perfect little island home for the greater part of two months. In exchange for free accommodation and food, I’m working at Himmapan Resort located in the middle of Koh Phayam, a small (but not too small) island off the coast of Southwest Thailand.
I found this opportunity through WorkAway, a website that promotes fair exchange between hosts and travelers. Hosts could be families, individuals or organizations looking for help with teaching English, an art project, building, gardening, farming, etc. In my case, the resort wanted someone who spoke fluent English to greet guests and check them in, help cook breakfast, assist guests with motorbike rentals or buying speedboat tickets, and overall, general maintenance.
Himmapan means “cashew” in Thai and the name for the resort was inspired by the abundance of cashew trees on the property. In fact, there are cashew trees all over the island providing plenty of creamy cashews to savor. The owner goes by “Jay” and is a Thai businessman from Bangkok. He’s new to WorkAway and in his second season running this resort. He’s excited to be learning about different cultures and told me that opening this resort has made his “small world become big” and has inspired him to travel to other countries.
I have a private bungalow, a pool, a motorbike and the beach just 5 minutes away. In the mornings, I go for a run through the jungle which leads me to Buffalo Bay, my favorite beach thus far on the island. There a few more beaches yet to be explored by my own eyes and feet.
I fall asleep to the crickets and wake up to the cicadas buzzing. The resort- with its comfortable garden hammocks, ambient music playing at reception all day (where you can usually find me), and slightly cooler temperatures thanks to the shade from the cashew trees- is incredibly peaceful and relaxing. With my bag completely unpacked and a departure date more than just a few days away, it’s the first place in the last several months that I can truly call home.
More to come as I explore this idyllic island!
