Sand, sun, fire, and banana pancakes

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I've discovered there is a reason why people flock to Thailand. Wow, what a wonderful country! I arrived in Bangkok after two months of being on the go, and some much needed rest was in order. So, I dropped my passport off at the embassy, and zoom, on a night bus/boat to a little island called Koh Tao (Koh just means island in Thai, so you see that before any actual name of a place). This island is a divers dream. You can get your PADI (which is a certificate to go diving anywhere in the world on your own) for ridiculously cheap in some of the most beautiful underwater corrals. Even spoke with an instructer who saw a great white shark while I was there.. haha lets hope it was the day I went snorkling 😊 And no, I didn't go diving, which seems like a shame, but me and water are not friends and I have no desire to get a paper certificate that says we are.

This entry isn't full of hype and adventure, because I just became a person on a holiday. Its funny meeting people and one of the typical questions is "Are you on holiday or traveling?". At first I was like, "umm sorry dumb dumb, thats the same thing", but really, it is completely different.

So while on this island, apparently it only takes a year for me to forget my last snorkling nightmare in Indonesia, so smart me was like, HEY Darc, lets go for a snorkling tour...that lasts ALL DAY! Lucky for me, the operator didn't leave me in the middle of the ocean this time, but it was pretty choppy waves, so for about the first four hours, I was so sea sick. Despite all of that, I did see some incredible corrals, sting rays, and sea urchins that were the size of a watermelon and crazy vibrant colors.

Another observation about Thailand is how they entertain tourists with fire shows on the beach. At first it starts out with a couple guys twirling sticks and little cans lit on fire.... then as the buckets keep getting drank, they start getting volunteers to join in this fire show. Another observation, they serve alcoholic drinks in a bucket...for some reason, this seems like a really cool idea and how clever! Not really, because excessive alcohol and fire are not typically a good mix. I will say, highly entertaining though!! Call me really mean, but probably one of my highlights was watching these people try to jump through burning hoops and jump rope, etc. So funny, because the odds of failure and someone running into a burning rope are extremely high.

So, after 5 days on this island, I was getting restless and unsure of where to go. It was either go to an island called Koh Phangan for the full moon party, or keep on traveling. That island is known for a hugggggge party on every full moon (youtube it). As much as I enjoy fire shows and neon paint, the thought of being surrounded by thousands of 20 yr old extremely intoxicated kids is basically at the bottom on my list of a good time. Anyhow, before I had left on my trip, a friend had told me about a couple that lives near Krabi (southern Thailand), who instructs Muay Thai fighting and is also missionaries. So...it was God or full moon party. I didn't have to debate very long on which path to follow.

And what a great choice! This couple had an empty apartment that I was able to stay at and my oh my, how nice was it to have my own place for a week! I had forgotten how having my own bathroom and kitchen is such a luxury! Not to mention, this place is located in paradise! No kidding, it is some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery I've seen. There was hot springs that I went to (which might be in the wrong climate), but the water had formed natural rock pools, so I sat in 100 degree water in the middle of jungle. HOW COOL (well, actually it was so frickin hot, but still, really neat).

I went to a Muay Thai fight also. I wish I could have taken a video of all of these places and events, because as I write this, I am realizing it doesn't do Thailand justice. I will say, Thailand has some incredible food though. Apparently, a lot of apartments in Thailand dont have kitchens because it is cheaper to eat out. Which makes sense why there are so many street food carts and why the quality of their food is so high. I think a person is safer to eat on the street here than in a restaurant because they are always busy, and you can actually see the food.

Anyhow, I just arrived in Bangkok for one more day and lucky me, it is the Kings birthday in two days. Yes, Thailand has a king...who knew?! Not me, but this birthday celebrations start 3 days in advance and is a really huge deal! So, I will hit up his birthday party outside the palace, and.....go to India. phew, even typing that makes me experience a minor anxiety attack. I fly into Delhi December 4th and have a 6 month visa, so let the adventure begin!

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Photos

Fire hoop!
People would jump through fine, it was the landing that got em

Comments

[Sharon Fraess]

Your travels
I am so enjoying your blog! I have been waiting for you to visit Thailand to hear our thoughts on this amazing country. I am writing this from the sun deck of our condo in Dolphin Bay in Thailand. Glad you love it here as much as we do! Safe travels!