Where it begins

If you arrive in Phuket by road, you will cross the Sarasin Bridge. It opened in 1967 as the very first bridge to connect the island to the Thai mainland. 660 meters of concrete across the water to Phang Nga province, replacing the ferries that people had relied on until then, and named after Pote Sarasin, a former Thai prime minister. Today the traffic runs on newer bridges alongside, and the old Sarasin has become a quiet walkway, where people come to fish and watch the Andaman Sea. Most cross it without a second glance, on their way to somewhere else. In a few days, I'm going to stand on it on purpose. Because this bridge is where this project begins, and, 233 kilometers later, where it ends.

My name is Paco. I've lived in Phuket for two years. I work as a school counselor, supporting children's wellbeing at school, I am a runner, and I love to walk. A couple of months ago I started to think about an idea: to walk the entire coastline of the island. Not in one shot but in stages, one stage per weekend, following the coast as closely as the land allows, all the way around and back to where I started.

At first, honestly, it was just a personal challenge for this school year. Something to test myself against and, at the same time, to learn more about the place I live. But later I thought that I could use this challenge for different purposes. Two things, it turned out. The first is people, building community. I didn't want to do this alone, so anyone who'd like to walk alongside me for a morning is welcome to. The second is the reason this blog exists at all: the children of this island who have far less than most.

Phuket is internationally known for its beautiful beaches; this is what visitors can see the most. Far less visible are the children here who go without the education, safety, and care that others take for granted. There are local organizations working to change that. In this project, I am partnering with five of them, and I will help them make visible the amazing work they are doing (click here to learn more about them). Through the walk, I will raise attention and encourage people to donate to support their projects.

I will start on Saturday, August 15 at 7 AM at Sarasin Bridge. One island. 233 kilometres. 21 stages. One step at a time.

If you'd like to walk alongside me on this or any future stage, as an independent walker at your own pace, you'll find everything here on the site. And if you just want to follow along, welcome. I'm glad you're here.

See you on the bridge.