Krabi

Krabi was our time to complete a bunch of activities. While speaking to my 'sudo' travel mentor, Christina, she informed me a couple of things Krabi was known for. So going off her suggestions we booked the next couple days to follow suit, and end with getting Whit's third rabies jab before moving on.

Checking in to our room for a couple of days we met Hong. She helped us considerably- checking in, drawing maps, organizing our tours, and answering any questions we tossed her way. I'm slightly panicking at this moment that I might have lost her email she gave us to keep in touch. Hmmm...

The room wasn't terrible and we decided on giving no AC a go this time since we have been spoiled the whole trip so far. At first it wasn't too bad, but after a long day of trying to get comfortable without even a window, I remembered it being harder than I recalled.

Our first full day spent in Krabi we went on a caveman kayaking tour. All of us wanted to be independent so we decided to jump into our own kayak, little did we know they were two person kayaks you just paddled solo. We cruised along the 'ma nam' (river) and ventured into many different caves the first of which was covered with over 100 drawings from anywhere between 3000 and 5000 yrs old. We also explored through the anaconda cave, named for its shape, and from there emerged into a green wonderland named 'The garden of Eden.' Named appropriately, this spot was my favorite and made me feel like I was in 'Jurassic Park' or 'Fern Gully.' Did I mention by this time Whitney and I had combined forces into one kayak? Oh and that we tied up to the back of Mike's kayak for a relaxing tow...

Rock climbing is one of Krabi's main attractions and who would we be if we said no to trying it out? The next day we suited up, chalked up and harnessed up. We were taught the basics and sent out into the wolves. I'm not going to lie I didn't have much confidence in myself, considering I could be seen as the weak link in the group, Mike being a man and all and Whitney who is constantly in the gym or participating in some type of sport. I was pleasantly surprised though when I reached both summits I attempted. It's a great feeling accomplishing something and being proud of yourself afterwards.

From there we explored around Railey Bay and kept ourselves busy until the next ferry. We occupied ourselves with taking a dip in the ocean and leaping off rocks in a no jumping zone. While swimming back we stumbled upon what we thought was another spirit house Buddhism shrine, but little did we know it was actually a fertility cave/temple covered with thousands of penises. I'm not ready for babies so I was sure to keep a good distance!

That  night we took our first Tuk Tuk into Krabi Town for a night market. Our ride there was an experience complete with sound system, black lights, and even bracing poles(but we like to think of them as dancing poles) to make the ride interesting. The market was a blast with all of us trying new things we have never ate before and also witnessing a young Thai kid break dancing show.

Interactive statue man, never see that before!

Next stop is a day of traveling and hitting up three islands off the east coast of Thailand- Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. I've been running a bit behind so i'll try to keep up but you know this unreliable internet, took me almost an hour to upload all these dang pictures!

Peace, love and pad thai

KT

Playtime at Phi Phi

Here I am laying at the KL House in Krabi, Thailand. We're all sitting here trying to prepare for our upcoming day tomorrow but I have absolutely no desire to pack any of my belongings. I also believe I have contracted a stomach ache from our dinner, so what better to do than put off everything and instead update you guys!

Our first stop was Koh Phi Phi. The first I had ever heard or seen anything about this island was when I watched the 2000 Leonardo Dicaprio movie, 'The Beach.' If you haven't seen the movie it was good, but the scenery was amazing. We only had one night enjoying the island so we had to fit everything we could in.

The two of the six Phi Phi islands we visited were Phi Phi Don (big) and Phi Phi Lee (small.) From Don we hired a long tail boat to ferry us over to explore. Our first stop was an inlet that we took a dip in. It was just like a swimming pool, completely crystal clear with huge limestone rock cliffs encasing three sides.

From there we stopped to snorkel. Rin, our captain, had bread and once we held it out we were surrounded. There was a thick wall of colorful fish in between myself, Mike and Whitney. Thank goodness they didn't have teeth because they were definitely nipping at me. After we just drove through Maya Beach to grab a quick photo of where the movie was shot because there was a fee to actually dock.

Now we keep pushing our luck with this monkey business because our last stop was monkey beach. All around the beach are dozens of monkeys of all ages. There are also dozens of silly tourists taking photos and gawking at the cute little monkeys (us included.) Now there was one woman in particular who decided to cross the boundary and have no fear when it came to these primates. The pack of monkeys didn't like her invading their bubble, especially the big daddy leader. They started advancing on her quickly and she tripped over her feet while fleeing them. The leader latched on and she walked away with blood dripping down her leg. I hope she takes my advice I was screaming as she limped away, "rabies shot!!" This put Whitney's tiny scratch to shame, and now we can say we truly witnessed a monkey attack.

Retreating to our rooms we decided to grab a quick massage before nightfall. If you haven't had a true Thai massage before I suggest everyone get one at least once. It' s definitely an experience.

Once night fell the beach came alive with young westerners, alcohol and fire dancing parties. Each bar had their own show going on with thai fire poi, sticks, and even fire jump rope. Mike and Whitney both had a go at the jumprope but since I have already burned myself I though it would be wise of me to skip.

Phi Phi proved to show us a good time, and our mark was made especially when Whitney was the only one to win the limbo contest. Her winnings are still sitting nicely tucked inside Mike's side backpack pocket, which is i'm sure a very cheap Thai vodka.

Laa kawn

Kt

End of the road Phuket

I want to start off saying that I officially got two Thailand tattoos a couple days ago. Yes they hurt. And i'm sure your all wondering what they are, wait for it... Wait for it... They are the infamous motorbike tats on the back of each of my calves. Might I add not my smartest day considering both happened on the same day at varying occasions. Refer below for photos.

Our time in Phuket came to an end on the 28th, but not before headed back to the hospital to get the second dose of Whitney's non-foam at the mouth shot. Which is good considering I told her if she started I was going I take her out 'Outbreak' style.

Before leaving we visited monkey hill to test out whit's rabies shot, just kidding. But there were swarms of monkeys right next to us sexing and playing. Pretty neat.

Also we met up with two of Mike's friends who are both originally from Orlando and came to teach english. Megan and Bryan are a newly engaged couple that have been living in Thailand for two years now and planning on a possible third. Super cute couple who we are going to meet up with in Bangkok and Chang Mai as well. I lucked out with only bike burns. They were unfortunate enough to have the scary stuff happen, a successful robbery and crash. Megan had her bag freely nestled in-between them and a man grabbed it while they were driving. She struggled with the man that led to them wiping out. Lucky nothing more than some road rash and stolen property, but walked away not being a true horror story that are found all over the Thai newspapers.

Bikes are the primary form of transportation found due to mainly not being able to afford any better. Having a vehicle is normally a sign of status, but really they are just a nuisance in the streets to everyone else.

Anywho, that day we visited Kathu waterfall, which was a considerable amount smaller due to it being dry season. After, we visited Freedom beach, enjoying basking in the sun and eating fresh coconut.

Phuket showed us an amazing time, but it's time to move on and get the traveling part started. Excited for whats to come. Over and out.

Phi Phi here we come.

Kt