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Published: November 25th 2006
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Okay, so the heat's not so bad when you are island hopping in a speed boat, with the wind in your hair and a beer in your hand. It's even quite lovely!
We got into Krabi yesterday afternoon, for a free afternoon to explore the town. I didn't see much, though, as by this time my upset belly had turned into some really nasty runs. I didn't dare venture too far from the bathroom in the hotel lobby. Lucky for me, there is an eyeglass store literally right next door, and I was able to pick out a pair of glasses without feeling the need to shit my pants. (Nice, huh?) The good news is I got a really nice pair of glasses with high quality lenses for only about $150cdn. Normally it would have cost me at least twice that amount. They are so cheap here I am tempted to get myself a pair of prescription sunglasses, but am exercising my new shopping restraint policy and will wait until I come back from Cambodia to see if I have enough money.
Last night we went to a homestay nearby in a muslim village where they tap rubber trees
for a living. I sat back and watched all the others eat the amazing looking food, but found the people really interesting and learned a bit more about the muslim religion. Saying I learned a bit more sounds like I actually knew something about it in the first place! It's actually not too bad I couldn't eat, because we were in a traditional muslim style 'dining room', which means sitting on the floor with your plates on the floor in front of you. After five minutes I was quite uncomfortable. After fifteen minutes and a hundred position changes, I used my ailing stomach as an excuse to leave to a much more comfortable matress on the floor and red my book for an hour. I did learn how to 'cut' the rubber tree to collect the sap, which was kinda cool. Rubber trees are one of the quickest growing trees, and after just seven years are viable for cutting. They can be cut until they are about 20, and then are chopped down and sold for their wood. A pretty viable industry, if you ask me. Being in a muslim village we were to dress conservatively, with long pants/skirts and
shoulders covered. I wore my best conservative skirt, being very respectful to the locals. It rather backfired at dinner time though, when a bug flew up my skirt. Of course I went snaky and practically lifted the entire thing over my head before I realized what I was doing. It didn't stop there. At night when we were getting changed for bed, I unwittingly stripped naked right in front of the open window, with the light on in the shack. Poor muslims. I don't think they knew what they were getting into when I arrived.
This morning it was early to rise as we had a big day of island hopping ahead of us. We started off at Ao Nang in a speedboat, and speedboated our way to the first island. I specifically wrote the name of it down so I could tell it on my blog, but of course the paper is up in the room, so I don't know what it was. I do know it was stunning. Just like the pictures. Limestone karsts jutting out of the turquoise ocean. Ocean as warm as bathwater. Soft white sand burning under my feet. Marvelous. Short stay here, as
there is much more to see and do. After a few stops in some amazing coves in the area, it's time to snorkel and hang out on Maya Beach, where the movie "The Beach" was filmed. You know what that means, don't you? Yup, I snorkelled and sat and hung in the exact same places Leonardo DiCapprio did! Truth be told I was rather underwhelmed by the beach. The boat traffic was just stupid, there was so much of it. The beach itself was quite small, although recognizable from the film. And the snorkelling was basically shit. Especially after Sipidan in Borneo. It's unfair to compare I know, but I just can't help it. It was bloody amazing there. Next we are off to Koh Phi Phi for a well deserved lunch. For the first time in three days I actually don't feel nauseous when I thought of food, and was actually able to eat something. And boy was that something good. Man I love Thai food. I didn't even regret it later when I went to the toilet. Next stop is another snorkel spot, followed by chicken island. We happened to be here at the exact right time of
year that you could walk from chicken island to two smaller neighbouring islands. I did not do that, however, as by this time I am completely sunned out and opted to sit in the shade and talk with gorgeous foreign gay men.
Today was really amazing. It's the first time since I started my trip that I felt it was all surreal. The water and beaches were so typically Thailand, and I just couldn't believe I was actually here. I never felt this way in Northern Thailand, and I think it's because I didn't know as much about it before I went. Southern Thailand is where I have dreamed to come for so long, and now I am actually here, witnessing the picture postcard scenes for my very own self. It almost seems bizarre.
Tomorrow it's off to Koh Muk, and then we start our three day ocean safari, which I can't even wait for. I can't believe I have only one week left in Thailand before it's off to Cambodia! The time is flying by super fast. I will be back at home getting puppy loves from my little man before I know it.
I have
Andaman Sea
The Jewel of the South! to add that travelling with all these people from other countries has made my vocabulary blossom. For instance, "I have been wearing my togs and jandals in the wopwops alot." Or "I thought all Kiwis were die hards, but some of them are just a bunch of softcocks". "That guy in the white togs is fit!" I never go to the bathroom anymore. Just the toilet. I also use my torch, and not my flashlight. I'm sure there's more, but can't think off hand what they are.
Jeannie, I must say I am thinking of you and Jess and Keira alot here, as I see young families all over the place. You should really think about coming. Super safe for the wee lass.
And Haley, you will be glad to know I have cleaned up all my very own shitty accidents, and only got someone to get my kleenex once!
Cathy
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Whoooaaa!!!
And Laura thought I was bad when I mentioned one little weenie teenie word that had to do with bodily functions of the smelly variety! Here you have a whole damg blog that basically is all about your smelly bodily functions! I can't believe you!! Well, actually I can so never mind. What I can't believe and am so excited about is there were two blogs in as many days! Now that is exciting for us poor souls left here at home in the WINTER , yes I said WINTER, weather of cold and snow!!!!!!! Like Sue says, it is suppose to get really really really cold here in the next few days and I certainly am not looking forward to it. I am wishing I was there right now so I wouldn't have to do this wintery cold thing. No wonder Laurie and Dave go south every year now! Oh if only...wishful thinking....man I still have to work for a living. I wonder if you will find yourself a nice good looking RICH gay foreigner that you could bring home with you??? And while you're at it pick one up for me too ok? HAHA and Haley probalby wouldn't mind one as well.... I am so glad you're having a good time. Quit losing things OK? Love you lots - oh ya I have to go and pick up a parcel at the post office now - I wondeer if it's from you?? Yippeeeeeeee... I'm going to go get it right now. Bye......