Question: Why did the Chicken Blogger cross the road?
Answer: Because she wanted to be a Travel Writer!
Hello, hello how are you doing? Greetings from Koh Samui, my favourite Thailand Island. It was first discovered by me in 1980 and last month I returned in search of the tranquil Thailand of my youth. At least that what I thought I was doing when I packed and set off for another Thailand staycation.
When we are not flying we're driving to Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin ...
WHY DO YOU STAYCATION?
Why? Because we can. We are eternally grateful to be able to safely get out and about in Thailand.
We got a sense very early on how tough this situation was going to be for those in the tourist industry here in Thailand. The Tourism Authority of Thailand had been hoping for 40 million tourists this year before Thailand ceased international flight arrivals in March.
It remains extremely difficult to enter Thailand and all those who are approved to return need a costly 14-day hotel quarantine. We know many, many families who are separated in this way.
Those early staycations in March and April connected us with the hoteliers of Bangkok and we saw how appreciative they were for our stays. I wrote an article for Expat Life in Thailand:
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE?
I recognise I am only a little wren in all this, but I want to play my part and encourage those of us within Thailand to travel to help the beleaguered Thai tourism industry. Who knows when borders will fully open and International visitors will return.
An important element of our staycations was to help shine a spotlight on wonderful hotels and help them to attract attention. This industry is hurting bad, I have many, many examples of businesses that have closed, perhaps never to reopen.
I want the best of Thailand that I love and enjoy to survive and to be there for future enjoyment.
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| Avani+ Koh Samui |
In May 2020 I'm attracted to a Zoom course I find on Instagram "Finding your Feminine Maturity" which connects me with Michelle Irving and some amazing women in Australia. Through this course, I establish my longing to be a Travel Writer amongst other things. You have to know what you want before you can seek it, right?
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| Who do you think you are? |
When I get the unexpected call-up, 'can you change your holiday plans and I hope you have got some smart clothes with you?!' I am unprepared for what has been offered.
What me? The Wren blogger that has been with you since 2012, just chatting to my blogging friends around the globe?
This was a dream come true thanks to Anantara Hotels and Minor Group and Kamalaya Wellness.
Just to put this into context, I know I have very little competition - all the pro bloggers and influencers can't get into Thailand! At least I'm good value, I am an unpaid writer, my blog is deliberately not monetised. This is a fun hobby, as I am unable to work here in Thailand.
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| Kamalaya Wellness and Holistic Spa Koh Samui |
WREN: THE TRAVEL WRITER!
Most of the articles have yet to be published but you can get a taste of how lucky I was here:
- Anantara Bophut Koh Samui
- Two Island Bliss - Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan
- Avani+ Samui A peaceful getaway
The Big Chilli Bangkok published :
It has been an amazing few months for me, I am so grateful to my Little Wandering Wren blog (s) which have led to so much. I'm not as regular here as I would like to be, I'm pretty flat out with various deadlines but I will never forget where this started. Thank you all for always being so encouraging along the way and cheering me on.
MEET LITTLE WANDERING HEN
When I was first published in Thailand, my name was changed in the editorial office. It seems no-one in Thailand has ever heard of a Wren. I was launched as drumroll, please ...
Little Wandering Hen!
So don't worry I'm going to ensure I never take any of this for granted and I promise never to become too cocky! Thank you for reading along with me.
Comments
All the best Jan
The photos are lovely as well and we get to see more of the country there too.
Take care.
You are lucky to be able to travel to so many different and beautiful places. What a lovely and exotic place. Beautiful photos.
Have a great day and a happy new week ahead.
Congratulations on your dream come true! You're a great writer; I've enjoyed reading your blog over the years. Too bad I didn't get to meet you back in Jan!
A friend of mine also spent her some of her youth years in Thailand. Perhaps your articles will entice her husband to visit!
I posted on food in Bangkok last month.
Have Food, Will Travel: Bangkok, Thailand
I look forward to reading your travel articles. Enjoy your staycations, and stay safe!
It is sad to think about :(