(Saturday, January 22nd)
Sitting here I can’t figure out how I can log an entry without bragging about today’s majesty.
But you know what? This is my life changing experience. So “suck it up and read on!”
Wake-up call was at 6:15 this morning for our day’s adventure. We were taken to a Pier where we were given snorkeling gear and piled into a speedboat.
Today was our first “Cultural Day” and we were travelling to the Similan Islands – or as I like to call them, the “Oh My God I think I died and went to Heaven Islands” I think I might write to the Thai Government and recommend the name change.
The boat trip across choppy waters took about an hour and 15 minutes without a lot to see other than Blue Ocean and sky.
We were taken to four Islands in total and snorkeled amongst the rainbow coloured fish and coral.
The experience was breath taking (not literally as it would have made it difficult to snorkel)
The only issue that I had with the trip is that our group had been extended to a cast of German, Russian and French tourist. Most of the “outsiders” seemed to be intolerant of our Thai hosts, and of us for that matter.
Now, a piece of advice for my photography friend; for all of my French friends please skip over this next section.
Here is the advice…avoid travelling with French tourists at every cost! You will spend time setting up the perfect shot and every time a French tourist will run in front of your shot so that they can pose on a rock and “look sexy”.
“Regard-moi maman! Que je suis belle!”
ARRRRRRRRRGH says I!!!!
Nevertheless, I did manage to get a few good shots but the photography issue was shadowed by the myriad of European men in there tight speed-o swim where.
You know… tan lines are one thing but there are some outlines I just don’t need to see. Needless to say, I wasn’t very hungry at lunch.
OH! Keeping on topic…there was one very funny experience that combined the photography issue and the speed-o. On the way back home across the choppy water a French man who was sitting across from me (still wearing his little speed-o) kept getting up to stand on the bench to take pictures.
He was sitting beside one of our team member, Charlotte, who is lovely and a little shy. On her other side was here common-law husband Tristan.
The French man didn’t realize, that with the motion of the boat his hips were thrusting, forcing his speed-o to gyrate in front of poor Charlotte’s face. The look of disgust on her face was priceless.
Despite the fact that she was obviously uncomfortable it supplied a great deal of entertainment for me.
Highlight of the trip was Meang Island, or Island number 4.
We walked on beach sand that I have never experienced before. If you want to experience the texture go to your cupboard and grab a bag of flour; get a foot tub and pour the flour in. Then saturate the flour beyond the consistency of a flour paste and put your feet in. So soft and luxurious.
Now if you try this experience, please do not be offended if I don’t except freshly baked muffins from you but I will be happy that you shared.
Once back to the hotel the evening was pretty quiet with some light shopping and a few cocktails.
All in all other great day.
Thanks for reading.
