02 Mar task #8 in Krabi

What a perfect task for my last day in southern Thailand before heading back to Bangkok for several days of traveling back home. I knew right away that there was one place I had to visit where I could experience such a “zen” moment.

Wat Tham Sua is located not too far from Krabi town and is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the area. To reach the summit one has to climb a staircase of 1237 steps.. But once at the top you’ll be rewarded with an amazing panoramic view.

While such a location itself already is inspiring enough, my experience was then made complete by a three hour long conversation with Wilfred “Fred”. A 77-year old world traveller (born German, living in Canada) he not only shared his life story with me (which, dated back to before the start of WW II, boat races in Berlin in 57, emigrating to Malaya in 64, raising a family in Canada together with his Indonesian wife, and – for years – traveling through Asia on his bicycle!!!) but we also had a great conversation about Western politics, Thai economics, world religions, and cultural differences as well what effect he has witnessed that tourism and tourists have had on the local Thai population.

So, imagine an elderly man, with a grey beard, blue sparkling eyes, white loose clothing and hat and a witty sense of humor.

“I am naturally silly.”

He had just climbed up 1237 steps in 33C with high humidity. And not just that – he had been biking in Asia for the past 2 months already!

I am definitely not exaggerating when I say this was one of the most inspiring conversations I have had – and in such an incredible location as well! Wow.