We are still recovering from sickness over here but for the most part we're managing fine and not letting it get the best of us. Our last full day on Ko Phi Phi we spent on the tour around Ko Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley (the smaller island where The Beach was set)...We almost didnt go because I was feeling really horrible that morning, but when we found out they wouldnt refund our money I decided to tough it out and go anyway.

The tour was really great. There were only about 20 of us onboard. We stopped at Maya Beach (The Beach) and got to snorkel there for awhile. LOVED it! So many Dorie fish (Finding Nemo) and other fish I didnt know the names of. They all swim right infront of you and surround you. It was so cool! I really hope our underwater camera ends up developing the film ok...we couldnt tell if some of the shots were taking.

After Maya Beach we went around Phi Phi Ley and passed by Viking Cave. Apparently these ppl live up inside the rocks and eat bird nest soup. lovely. After that we went to Monkey Beach where we saw no monkeys but saw tons of cool fish, spiney black sea enenmie thingies and sea cucumbers. We then headed out to Bamboo Island which was a bit north of Phi Phi Don. Bamboo Island was really beautiful. A place where I could totally imagine camping out under the stars (with loads of misquito repellent of course.) The colour of the water here was so gorgeous. And the sand was totally white. We got to snorkel more here. We got pretty tired because the boat was so big that it had to anchor far away from the island, which meant more swimming for us. We didnt mind so much until we got back to the boat and we were so exhausted. After Bamboo Island we headed back to Phi Phi Don and thought the tour was over but just as we were nearing the main bay where the pier was, we anchored at the tip by a bunch of rocks. Here we got to snorkel for another 45 minutes but everyone was so tired. We went anyway and found out that this area is where the Black Tip Shark can be seen (a few hundred meters away from where our boat was) I had jumped into the water before Mike and started following our tour guy to where we'd see sharks...but it was so far away from the boat that I started to worry about getting back. The current was so strong, the water was choppy and the wake was coming in from all the passing boats. Mike caught up to me and he too was really tired from all the swimming (even with our flippers). At that point, I wished I had put on a life-jacket like some of the other people. So, just as we are deciding we cant follow our tour guy out any further, another couple from our group started to turn back as well. The guy had seen one of the sharks and totally freaked out. So he and his gf started to come back in with us. I was really sad to have not been able to swim out further to see the sharks, but it was at least another 50 meters away and we knew it was going to be a rough swim back. And it was tough.

We got back to our bungalow so drained from the day. But we were so glad to have gone. I would have been kicking myself all day if Id decided I couldnt make it.

For our last night on Phi Phi we had dinner on the deck of a boat built into the rocks inland. Let me tell you, super not sure what to eat these days, feeling sick and all.

A few things we wont miss about Ko Phi Phi:

1. the smell & the rubbish

2. the crab-apples banging loudly on the tin roofs and freaking the crap out of us! Or hearing one falling and not knowing if its gonna hit you in the head. hehe.

3. The large lizard that would do his business on Mike's side of the bed.

We left Ko Phi Phi early this morning for what we initially planned to go to Phuket, but we found out a few days ago when we booked our boat/bus combo to Khao Lak that no one books through to Phuket, they only book through Krabi. So...back to Krabi we went this morning. Our mini-bus was waiting for us when we arrived at the pier and we arrived at Khao Lak around 2pm. Must add that the roads we experienced on the way here were insane! Anyone who has ever driven the rough winding narrow parts on the way to Tofino...think of that but 10 times worse.

When we told our driver that we were staying at Nang Thong Bay at Khao Lak, I dont think he believed us. When we got dropped at the reception area Mike and I werent even sure if we were at the right place because it was so nice. Our driver waited for Mike to confirm that this was the place and Mike gave the thumbs up. Walking up to the front desk, we felt really out of place almost because the resort is so super nice. Like super duper nice. Times 4 nice. I think people were even looking at us, wondering if we were maybe lost. So our driver probably took one look at our rugged beach attire, misquito scarred legs, dirty packs and unwashed hair and thought we werent good enough for this place. (At least thats what I think)

So...Nang Thong Bay Resort...a pool with swim up bar...lounging beach chairs...two really nice areas to sit for dinner (one right off the beach)...amazing view of the ocean...long long sandy beach...beautiful gardens with little pathways weaving around. And our room - holy smokes, get this, is almost the size of our place in Kitsilano. Its at least wider than our place back at home. It is so freaking nice that I cant even believe we are staying here. lol. Its something like 30$CND a night each, which is a lot for us compared to what weve stayed in before so far, but we dont care because its awesome! Our room has everything. King size bed, orchids all over the place scattered about, patio, tv, mini-fridge, fresh fruit, a fan AND air-con, a glass enclosed stand-up shower AND a flipping bath-tub with french windows that open up into the main area...the shower has HOT water!!!! We get nice super clean towels...and towels for the pool too! And hand towels! And shampoo and condtioner! And I even got to flipping well blow-dry my hair tonight! Bah - it really feels like pure holiday here. (Thanks Paige & Roberta!!)

So, because we like it here so much we asked the front desk if we were able to extend our 4 nights to 6 nights. "You may stay as long as you want" Hows that!? So were staying longer and missing Phuket all together. After that, we found out they had internet here as well...I asked how much. "50 baht" I was startled at first thinking that was 50 bht a minute (as opposed to 1 -3) So I asked for how long..."50 baht for as long as you want". Man I love this place. :)

After drinking in the luxury of the place and (in our heads) saying goodbye to the lizard/spider/bug filled bungalows that we stayed in before, we took a walk down the beach. From the pictures of Khao Lak that Mike's family has shared, we already felt like we'd been here because we recognized little landmarks, and the way the rocks came out in the water. We visited John & Jackie's tree and left some sea-shells there. Seeing the area around it was unreal.

We walked up to the main street where Roberta had told us to visit D-Time travel. Here they will help us get up to the school (possibly this Thursday) and we will also book some tours with them as well. Elephant trekking and a possible snorkel trip (addicted) to the Similan Islands.

Well, we've been hogging the computer for awhile now (at 50bht for however long we want - cant blame us!) Off to go eat a late dinner.

Bye for now! :)