Such is the cultural diversity here at Railay, there are so many different nationalities and so many personalities, each with their own interesting stories to tell.
The same day I booked in for my multi-pitch climbing course I met a Norwegian at the climbing guide shop. He was here with his daughter and due to be leaving the next day. Nice guy and we struck up a conversation about what to do/see in his hometown (Oslo) which will be part of my return journey.
That night and with my head feeling like it was under-water (ear still badly blocked - refer post on researching the Thai health system), I hunkered down for dinner at one of my favourite eating places on East Railay (The Friendship restaurant). While I didn't feel too sociable, a guy eating alone at the next table struck up a conversation. It was the beginning of a good and fun evening. Jonas was also Norwegian (a different guy to the one I had met earlier). When I mentioned that he was one of at least 2 "Vikings" here, he asked if the other one was a dark headed girl ("no"), OK, so there's probably at least 5 of us given the guy you met earlier is here with his daughter, as is the other lady also here with her daughter." Jonas spoken English is impeccable. Hardly surprising given he lived in Sydney for 6 years and went to university there. He works for a large systems integration company in Norway where he specialises in user interface design. Jonas is passionate about his job and the company he works for. He loves Norway and has travelled extensively including a year in Spain. We had a great discussion about Norway, the lifestyle there and the economy and social and cultural aspects.
Midway through the conversation, a lady walked past. Jonas broke into Norwegian and bid hello to the lady - turns out she is one of the other Norwegians here in Railay. She had to go back to her bungalow to see her daughter - and returned to join us later. "Well," says I,"if you had asked me her nationality I would not have guessed on Norwegian.". "Aha," replies Jonas, "Not all woman in Norway are tall, blonde and blue eyed. He smiles, "We have many types, colours and shapes." A friend of his had ventured a theory that the Vikings had gone far afield and brought a variety of the "best" back to Norway.
Angelina joined us later and we had a few drinks at the restaurant. I was (unashamedly) asking for ideas and places to visit in Norway. "Where else are you going?"questioned Angelina. I rattled off my (known) itinerary. Ah, so, here's where you need to go to in Croatia. Turns out Angelina is Croation, raised in Norway, lived in Croatia as a (very young) mother and has also lived in Spain. Later Jonas, Angelina and I retired" to one of the "local" bars - where there are locals - mainly castaways (refer separate post). Angelina apologised for her poor English (it was anything but poor) and she spent the evening effortlessly switching between English, Spanish and Norwegian depending who she was speaking with. So the only language we didn't hear from her that night was Croatian. Four languages fluently and now travelling with her 14 yo and 4 1/2 yo daughters and her mother so she can show her daughters some different cultures. At 32 yo, Angelina is an impressive young woman. Jonas and Angelina were great to be around and we had a blast with some of the locals.
One such "local" is "T". The guy with dreadlocks behind the bar who greeted us with a big smile and drink as we arrived... and a broad kiwi accent. A Maori boy who came here for 2 weeks a year ago and forgot to leave. A great night. I now have some new friends and some great insights into where to visit in Croatia and Norway.
Given I couldn't find an experienced climber to buddy with the next day, I offered to teach Jonas and Angelina and her older daughter how to climb. The state we all poured out of the bar in after midnight, it was highly unlikely that was going to happen (either that anyone would remember the offer, let alone have a head capable of heights or coordination the next day).
9.00 am Saturday and Jonas did meet up with me at the allotted place (Tex climbing to rent some gear). Jonas has climbed - last time about 10 years ago and has agreed with his brother to take this up again soon. We didn't see Angelina til later that day - turns out her daughter had hurt her elbow and she was trying to find a local doctor.
Jonas and I spent the morning on the Diamond wall. Miraculously we had it all to ourselves (unusual as it's usually a favourite for the climbing guides taking beginner classes). Jonas climbed brilliantly and quickly went from 5 to 6 to 6a (15-17 in Aus grades). He did so well, we moved on to him learning and doing leading. Again, took to it like a duck to water. Hopefully, Jonas, this will set you up well for when you and your brother team up again for a climb in Norway. Stay in touch and maybe we'll catch up in Norway (Oslo) in November/December.
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| Jonas tops out after a successful lead climb at Diamond Cave |
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