Goodbye

It started out as a trip to a deserted island to camp on a beach. We talked about the state of the world, what we would miss if we never went back, and whether we could make a go, or more accurately, a stay of it here. We've decided to stay. We thanked the tour operator for the sleeping bags, tents, cookware, and utensils and sent him packing with a warning not to bring others.

There are 19 of us, four men and 15 women. We have enough kindling to produce a new generation. The island is self-sufficient. We can grow anything. Plenty of fresh water. Ample wood for structures. We can fish and hunt wild boar.

The decision to drop out was an easy one, what with the random killings, mothers throwing newborns into dumpsters, the lack of political will to end at least extreme world poverty for less than the cost of a bailout to Citibank, the nonstop bickering, war, and corruption, the perversion of religion to justify horrific acts and the threat of nuclear annihilation and pestilence. You can keep it.

I've donned body paint and now sport a tattoo expressing my new tribal identity. We have drums, guitars and bandannas. I'm taking archery lessons. I've got some seeds to plant Chondrodendron tomentosum from which I can extract curare to poison the tips of my arrows for hunting and warding off trespassers.

If this island seems familiar, it may be that you've seen the movie The Beach which was filmed here. In the movie, the tribe fared miserably. But that's them. We have a better organizational plan.

We'll be just fine. Don't worry about us.

Dave

P.S. I need someone to go to my old place to get my dog, Parker. Bring him to Phuket. He needs a first class seat since he likes to spread out. In Phuket, take the boat over to Phi Phi Don Island and deliver him to Phil at the Lemongrass Restaurant (next to the post office). Phil will take it from there. Thanks.