The luckiest girl on the planet.....

So, you know those places where you see a picture and think, 'there is no way it can be that beautiful.' Well, I thought that when I saw postcards and guide book photos of the Andaman coast in Thailand. However, it is even more beautiful than the pictures.

First, Erin and I visited Ao Nang in Krabi province. We spent four days swimming, kayaking, and bumming on the beach. Our best day was when we kayaked for a couple hours to a small stretch of beach. We were surrounded on three sides by high limestone cliffs covered in vegetation that drop directly into the blue-green sea and white sand of the beach.

After a few restless hours, we decided to move on to Phi Phi Island, which was devastated during the Tsunami last year. Phi Phi Don is divided by a sandy isthmus where its main village, Ton Sai, is flanked by two bays with long sandy beaches. When the Tsunami hit, waves 4-6 meters hit from both sides. 70% of the buildings were destroyed and 20% of the population (including many tourists) died.

Upon arriving, much of the destruction caused by the tsunami was evident. But also evident was how absolutely beautiful it is here - the closest I've ever been to paradise.
Erin and I are hoping to get involved in Tsunami relief during our short time here.

A photo of Phi Phi Island, post Tsunami (C http://www.waveofdestruction.org/tsunami-photos/phiphiisland)


I'll keep everyone posted!

Chiang Mai what???

So.... here I am in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Chiang Mai is not as "colorful" as Bangkok (meaning not as many transvestites, go-go bars and hookers). However, it is still quite beautiful (here I'm making reference to the mountains and temples).
My friend and I spent the first day walking around the temples and doing are best to meditate while hangin with Buddha images.

Yesterday we rented bicycles, hired a lift to the top of a local mountain (Doi Suthep) and rode our bikes down stopping at temples, waterfalls, and other good stuff.

I really think I could spend weeks here just enjoying the architecture, the people, the weather, and of course the FOOD! The food is amazing! Pad Thai and curry.....mmmmmmmmm. We are doing well on around $10 per day, and are contemplating dropping a little cash on a Thai Massage ($5 per hour). We'll see.....

Ok, just wanted to let everyone know I was alive and well.

Cheers! (or ChokDee in Thai)