An encounter that turns out to be sobering...

At the Phangan Bungalows:

when I introduce myself with "I‘m Ilka, Udo’s daughter," excitement arises. Thai women rush towards me, I am warmly welcomed, and I am invited to sit down...

I am told that Udo was a family friend, and that everyone is very sad about his death. I am shown what appears to be a relatively recent photo of Udo on a motorcycle.

The conversation quickly shifts: smiling, I am told that Udo still owed Mama Pim money for accommodation and meals. And for his daughter, from whom he had rented a motorcycle, with which he then had an accident... I am mentioned sums that I promptly forget, and I emphasize that I am neither able nor willing to pay these amounts (especially since I have no proof of the legitimacy of these claims). Shocked, I say goodbye and have to promise that I will return as older guests enter the restaurant. I am told they knew Udo. And even though that was exactly my plan, to talk to people who had spent time with him, I can only manage a friendly "Hello" and flee...

Seeking comfort, I drive to the beach from the night before, but I am far too late for the sunset and miss David & Chris. Instead, I encounter plenty of mosquitoes, which give me several bites in just a few minutes... That’s it - back home, I am exhausted and frustrated, and I only enjoy the sea breeze in "my" pavilion...