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Paradise Islands
Having spent what seemed like weeks in big sprawling cities, Paul and Carolyn were looking forward to spending some time chilling in tropical paradise. First stop Pulau Penang, Malaysia. They checked in to 'Annie's Guesthouse'; a massive semi detached 5 bedroom house in the posh suburbs of a beach resort called Batu Ferringhi. It was fun living in an actual house for a few days rather than being in a hotel room. Breakfasts were eaten around a big dining table with the other guests and Carolyn had the luxury of having the clothes washed in a machine rather than washing them in the sink with her nail brush scrubber!
Days were spent exploring colonial Georgetown, relaxing on a near deserted local beach and trekking in the rainforests to discover totally deserted beaches where you could strip off and cool down in the refreshing sea.
Carolyn very bravely walked 250m of a tree top canopy walk, swaying on high rope bridges at the rainforest roof. Really brave considering she doesn't like heights or bridges! Every night they would chow down on delicious and cheap local food in the hawker markets; every day they'd wiz about on their scooter exploring the island.
After 5 days, they moved to an even more tropical paradise. A 4am start, 3 mini busses, one border crossing in to Thailand, one coach, one ferry and a taxi ride got them 14.5 hours later to a luxury resort on the island of Koh Samui. Their week's accommodation would comprise of a chalet containing lounge, kitchen, big bathroom and big bedroom, overlooking the sea with their own infinity pool…. It's a hard life being a backpacker!! This was a very generous present from Carolyn's oldest friend Mary who had donated her free week in her paradise time-share to the road weary travelers.
Paul and Carolyn hired a scooter for the week and nipped about exploring the tropical island; Carolyn having to get off when the winding mountainous roads got too much for the poor little engine! They trekked through waterfalls (one of which they enjoyed bathing in the rock pool below the crashing water, cooling down from the sweaty climb.
They visited all of the tourist spots including the phallic Hin Ta - Hin Yai rocks. They visited Big Buddha and a mummified monk, who's gouged out eyes were hidden by wearing a pair of Ray Bans!
By far the best day was a trip to a deserted island off Koh Tao where they swam in bath tub warm, still, crystal clear waters snorkeling and enjoying swimming with the 100's of tropical fish around the coral beds. On this trip they met a couple of Great Britons! A day of fun and banter all together resulted in a night out on the town for dinner and drinks.
The drinks were interesting. Their new found friends took them to a strip of pole dancing shack bars - neon crazy and "girls" on poles everywhere! We pulled up at their local shack bar and were introduced to the girls. Soon they were getting stuck in to the main attraction….. Quick-fire connect 4! Boy those pole dancing bar girls can play a mean game - they win every time! Usually for drinks or money, but only for fun fortunately with the Brit gang!
As the night progressed, so did Carolyn's talents. Having been invited up to dance on the pole, it was hard to peel her off! At one point Paul joined her when 'Crazy In Love' (their first dance) came on and they put on their best performance! What an experience - doing a turn at a Thai pole dancing bar!
The week flew by and they were soon packing their bags again and heading to Bangkok.
Sadly I'll be leaving Paul and Carolyn behind and staying on Koh Samui, so I hope you enjoy the rest of their trip. I'm sure they'll find another mascot on their travels.
Wish you were here
Judith Chalmers, the traveling flamingo, signing off xx
- comments
Rosemary What lap of luxury after the various rough resting spots you have experienced! It is a hard life to be sure! What meories you will have to share in your dorage! When do you go to the orphanage? That will be a very interesting experience for sure. Looking forward to the next episode, as always.
Mike How can you leave Judith? I need to know more about her fate than Caroilyn and Pauls travels lol. All Sounds amazing chaps.
Kate jealous, jealous, jealous!!! I am SO envious of your adventures - every bit of it sounds amazing!! Wish i was with there with you right now. But what happened to Judith??! The blogs wont be the same without her! Missing you bucket loads - promise to email v.soon. lots of love to both of you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
laughing boy judith was stolen - what is the third world coming to eh? xx
Jayne Wow! you sound like you are having a fantastic adventure. Enjoy every minute!
Sam Wow what an adventure you are having...... I bet Judith is lying on a beach lapping up the sun somewhere in Koh samui! glad to hear you are still having a great time. I got your voice message Carolyn would have loved to have spoke to you. Take care xx