Last Hurrah in Thailand
Trip Start
Jun 15, 2003
1
34
57
Trip End
Jun 07, 2004
Ko PhiPhi, Thailand
Thursday, November 13, 2003
The shock of Thailand, consumerism and the haven of 7-11. It was off to Ko Lanta to see my buddies Darren and Helena. Darren just secured himself a Divemasters job, so whilst he worked, I lazed by the pool and waited for him to come home so that we could whizz about on the moped - still not taking to the driving bit again! So this is the Ko Lanta secret: Blue Andaman Resort has bungalows for 150 baht, with swimming pool and a beach. Nice.
Unfortunately, Ko Lanta is far removed from the Samet or Ko PhanNgang scene, instead lots of older European couples. Luckily Helene arrived for some serious swimming, sunbathing and cups of tea to alleviate the resort boredom, sorry, serenity.
Then it was off to Ko PhiPhi for two days of pampering and sunshine thanks to a great friend from Oz, Alex. There were the last-minute nerves as I waited at the jetty, "Will I recognise him? What if his flights are messed up again!" But there he was.
We stayed at an amazing place on the hill above Long Beach, just a little removed from the noisy backpacker bustle of the main town. The deck had a sweeping view of the bay - how could anyone get tired of such a beautiful place? Perfect for vodka & sodas of an evening, awaiting the pink sunsets.
Seafood, sunshine and sunbathing were just what the doctor ordered. The highlight was my first intorduction to snorkelling. With great trepidation and clinging to Al's hand like a limpet, we went off the beach out towards the rocks. I was enchanted.
So many varieties of fish, so many colours, so many things to see! A huge shoal of fish were feeding off the rocks and then around the other side we found ourselves swimming alongside reef sharks. I think my heart nearly stopped when I saw that distinctive, lazy movement of a shark swimming. But they were nowhere near as interested in us as we were in them. One crazy European guy was trying to chase them, but he had no hope.
It was a wonderful end to my South East Asia time - a million thank you's, Al! Now it's off home to Australia, to get girt by sea and all that.
