She was always meant to be there. Always meant to write that book of hers, so I could be filled in on the times between our first meeting in Artasia’s Phuket office in 2004, and our last phone call when I was in London months ago... I’ll remember the laughs over wine at Tamarind Bar, Chalong; that wild night on Krabi during Phang Nga Bay Regatta; our island ‘research’ trip to Koh Yao Noi. Someone said they would love to know what she was like pre-TB... On Koh Yao Noi; we explored the island by bicycle. We spent hours canoeing to a deserted island, fuelled by curiosity. We chatted to the locals until the early hours of the morning and then cut hour feet clambering across the reef to reach the open waters, where we could swim – fully clothed – giggling like small children. Our first interviewee became her husband and that island; her home. “Unstoppable” is the word, Bert... She was the type that found a heart in a hardened sailor – staying on board, tugging on ropes and serving lunch on command, they formed a special bond and she taught him to smile – long after the rest of us abandoned ship... This strong essence never left her, just the physical capabilities. She lived life 100%, allowing for massive highs and lows along the way. She always told it as it was, and though some of the lows were terribly low, her relentless positivity, acceptance of life’s rollercoaster and insistence that ‘all of this will be great for my book’ allowed no one to feel sorry for her. Thanks for sharing everyone, and contributing to the chapters that I’d missed. From my few brief meetings with Ziyo, I’ve no doubt that Seonai’s inquisitiveness, frankness and inner strength will live on. The memories of a truly unique and spirited woman will remain with all that knew her, loved her and learnt from her. May you rest in Peace, Seonai