The Reflection

---

Confirm, confirm, confirm

Tim and Sue have arrived in Thailand, which is the last country to visit in the round-the-world trip. After a pretty easy and short flight from Singapore they opted for a fairly swish airport transfer to Koh Lanta via speedboat - they have, after all, become accustomed to 'flashpacking' from time to time at this point.

It was all going well with both of them really looking forward to staying at the Narima, a secluded spot owned by a couple of Thai doctors and reputed to have excellent food. However, due to a technology failure their reservation hadn't been confirmed. Oops.

As it happens the owner was mortified and drove us around looking for somewhere else to stay - they went for the Amantra a couple of mins north on Ao Khlong Nin beach for a few nights until there was space at Narima. Settled down just in time on the beach to take in the sunset. Phew! They'd arrived, at last. Cheers!

The owner at the Narmia was very accommodating, though - they went there for dinner that evening and she picked them up, gave them a free meal and a very decent rate on the room they decided to go for. So all's well.

South End

Now that they have arrived at the Amantra there's a great feeling of being 'on holiday' at last. A lot of time in the last six months or so has been spent on the go and doing things, whereas Thailand has been specifically set aside to unwind - this is effectively a transition, trying to make the mental shift from 'travelling' to 'taking a break' so that the return to real life wont feel like such a shock.

The Amantra is at the quiet southern end of Ao Khlong Nin - the view out to sea is very beautiful and it's fairly uncrowded. It's all really what you'd hope for in the place - nice beach to run along, warm water to swim in.

There's a lot more happening further up the beach at night, though it's bit of an adventure in the dark to get there. They end up having an accidental night out having intended to just go out for dinner.

Scene Two

After three nights at the Amantra they say goodbye to the place (and some dodgy grunge bar music) to relocate to the Narima. It feels like a complete change of scene, winding down even further.

The Narima is located in a secluded bay with an almost exclusive beach. It is a bit rocky - Tim nearly breaks his toe at one point - but it's just a few guests here and very idyllic. The best bit apart from the staff really is the restaurant, though - it's been mentioned in a few travel magazines and it's easy to see why. And all for the cost of a McDonalds back home!

Navel Gazing

They've extended their stay at the Narima - they've plans to go to the far more remote Koh Yao Yai later (which is supposed to be how Lanta was 5-6 years ago before Krabi airport opened, although Kho Lanta can hadly be described as being over-developed to Costa del Sol levels). Then maybe somewhere more lively before Bangkok - so that they've more time do a bit of thinking and reading. It's really chilled here and they're both taking time to reflect on and put in order (a netbook has been purchased) the experiences they've had on their trip so far and how they feel about it all. It's been a great feeling to reminsce, look through photos and some time will definitely be spent backfilling all those blog entries.

Koh Lanta is pretty popular with the Germans and Scandinavians (and their kids!), who have clearly found a cheaper alternative to Spain!

---

Photos

Sunset View
It really is as idyllic as it looks

Cheeky Sue
How happy are we that we're here?

And That's Holding My Belly In!
Better get some running and swimming in...

Beach Night View
You can just about make out the excitement in the distance...

At Last Some Rest
Peace and quiet

That's More Like It
Cats have got the right idea

Check Out The Style
Thai bride