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.

Captain Jay to the rescue

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. 

Summer 2014: My water, coffee and fruit snack for the day at Quepos Hospital, Costa Rica. Shot on b&w film.

Summer 2014: Me, in my robe, in the room in which I was quarantined for 5 loonnng days. Shot on b&w film.

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.

View from the Ranong Pier. Waiting for the boat to take us back to the Koh Phayam

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.