All,       A 38 year old alcoholic, who has taken every drug known to man—then taken them all again, has led me to the promise land.       I met Chris on an overnight bus from Bangkok to Ko Samui, Thailand. After some deliberation, i was talked into coming to Had Yuan beach on the next island over. I haven't left in 9 days and i may spent another couple weeks here. I will forever be in debt to him for bringing me to a place like this.       I'm living in a bungalow cut into the jungle overlooking a perfect little beach that is only accessible by water taxi. Lovely sand, green water, nicest people and comfortable bungalows gently woven amongst the receding palm trees back into the jungle. I haven't worn a shirt or shoes in 6 days. I'm brown. My day is filled with hammock time, swimming in the ocean or taking a short jungle trek to the next beach over, almost as nice.         The only decisions that I have to make on a daily basis is when to eat and where and what mouth-watering thai dish to order. I never have any idea what time it is and I lost track of days a while back.        I've been so surprised at how many people are similar to me on this beach. It's a small community and I've met some amazingly good friends in such a short amount of time. The evenings are spent mingling and chatting with the people you met on the beach earlier that day, It's the most relaxing place I've ever been to and I never knew places like this existed in the world.      A few restaurants, a couples of bars and one store are what makes up this beach. I haven't been further than 20 yards from the water in 11 days. The only time the silence is interrupted on this perfect beach is when the locals light off firecrackers at dusk to keep away evil spirits, it seems to be working.        For a weeks accommodations and three meals a day plus a couple of beers at night it's costing me between $150-200 per week so I'm trying to stretch it out, before reality seeps in again. After what's been a rocky start to my new year, this is exactly what i needed to clear my head and meet new people.        Well, I hear the ocean calling my name. I wish I could describe this place better than I have. Just imagine my ideal setting, and that's where I am. I've talked to two guys who have each been to over 90 countries each, and they say it's the best spot in the world. I couldn't argue. If you need me, I'll be here for the next few weeks. I'm so incredibly happy here.       Good fortune, good health and good life to you all. I'll respond more when i return to Australia, I promise. Internet is the only thing expensive on this island. Be well.   Easy does it, dooz

    I received this email from my good friend Doozie Martin two months ago. It has since shaken the foundations of my ethos — namely what is important in my life and what I aim to accomplish. The freedom and independence my friend recounts (though admittedly just a snapshot of his self-described work-a-day lifestyle) sits in sharp, unobtainable contrast to my cubicle, mortgaged life.