I'm beginning to feel like 'Triggers Broom'!!

Day 22 25^th February – The 'Koh Lanta' Experience

I can’t believe how many casualties there’s been thus far. I’ve lost so much stuff already….. I left my laundry consisting 30% my clothes in Chiang Mai, a book (I borrowed and was really enjoying) which was the only one I brought with me and my favourite hair retainer whilst snorkeling. I’ve lost the soles of my feet on several occasions now….they now look more like the coral reef I’ve been exploring today than feet, three layers of skin off my forehead, two off my back, 4 nail tips and my hair is falling out faster than it can regrow…I’m definitely not going home the same person that left …..in fact I’m beginning to feel like I've had more replacements than triggers broom!!

On my last post I was on the east coast of Phuket. After a noisy night at the hotel (I think it might have been a ‘working hotel’ with rooms rented by the hour and all that ha ha) I caught a ferry the following day bound for Koh Lanta. This is an island to the south of Thailand. It took about 4 hours in unbearable heat, the conditions were challenging to say the least. I arrive at my guest house and instantly I love it. It’s a collection of little bungalows run by a really friendly couple who have owned the business for 6  months. I immediately extend my stay to three nights…..because sometimes you just know! The beach is 200M away and after a quick wander I know I’m where I want to be.

Having had such a disappointing visit to Phuket I feel I need to really get out and see the south to understand what its about. During the two full days I have, I visit the famous ‘four islands’ to the south and Koh Phi Phi (or party island) as its better known!

I’d read about the four island tour which took you off the south coast and visited the following islands:

• ·      Koh Cheok
• ·      Koh Mook (the green emerald cave)
• ·      Koh Kradan
• ·      Koh Ma

Collected and on the road in an open back pick up truck.....

The second day visited the Koh Phi Phi Islands consisting

• ·      Phi Phi Don
• ·      Maya beach (famous for the Leonardo DiCaprio ‘the beach’ movie)
• ·      Shark Island
• ·      Bamboo Island
• ·      Monkey Island

Both trips were a full day on a speed boat, ripping between the islands, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, sunbathing and exploring the islands etc.

I’ve never snorkeled and in truth I have a bit of a phobia of the sea (following a scary incident in the sea in France many years ago) however I decide to ‘man up’ and give it a go. There wasn’t any lesson….just jump off the side and ‘crack on’!. I soon got the hang of it and later in the day I plucked up the courage to put on the fins (or flippers) and was soon diving down to explore the sites beneath the sea. 

It’s bizarre really, there were a few people on the boat, but it was nice as it wasn’t overly crowded. Again though there was no English on board, oddly however I just didn’t have the inclination to talk to anyone, I was absolutely captivated and mesmerised by my surroundings…sucking it all in like a sponge. I know I want to remember every little detail.. Each island is a unique rock formation, its texture and colours changing as we float alongside are like nothing I’ve ever seen before…. it’s almost like they speak to you…so weird. The extent of the flora and fauna that has amazingly manifested and carved a life for itself it unimaginable…. the density and shades of greenery lead you to know its beyond comprehension. No two plants or trees appear the same.

The water is crystal clear, sparkling like a glitter in the morning sun. As I dive below the water the colourful varieties of fish swarm around and the world beneath the ocean comes to life. It’s a magical glimpse truly of what lies beneath. The life forms and history seep out of the rocks, sea bed and ledges as far as the eyes can see.

It’s so peaceful, just a kind of buzzing in the ears beneath the sea, it did hurt my ears a little when I dived a little too deep but the view was worth every moment. Fish swim gracefully not phased at all by my presence, stopping briefly to gnaw at the corals beneath. I observe them, realising their short existence and vulnerability in the life cycle food chain. I feel suddenly feel very small in this amazing and gigantic world.

     Look who made a special guest and cheeky appearance ladies ....the infamous stripy dress!!!

The pictures truly don't do the spectacular views justice, but hopefully they give a little glimpse of their beauty.

    The perfect end to a perfect couple of days ....cheers!!!

One of my favourites elements beside the ocean was a trip though the emerald cave. Its about 100m swim in pitch black which was really quite scary but once on the other side opened up to a small beach area with towering rock formations on all sides…it was like the ‘lost land’.

These are sights and experiences as a young ‘estate kid’ I never thought my eyes would have the fortuity to see. I immerse in the spontaneous and magical emotions that arise…un-compromised by a companion’s viewpoint and opinion. I was the only soul in these very personal and unforgettable moments, completely aware and conscious of their significance. My only wish in the moment…..’”please make this last”........now I completely understand the south!

Apologies for the short blog, I am currently moving fast through the south islands with poor WI-FI coverage and limited time. But in a few days I’ll be slowing down and will make a strong comeback (hopefully with more facilitating accommodation) with the next instalment!!

Take care and fondest regards

Clair x