Outtakes from Tonsai Beach, Krabi, Thailand

12:09:00 AM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

The phone i used in Thailand, the phone that was washed away by the sea, died on me. But miracles do happen because that very same phone resurrected. Working A-Okay now! Awyeeeah!

Anyway, i have some pictures from Tonsai Beach in Krabi. Remember how i forgot to bring the charger for the Olympus camera in Southern Thailand? Now, i have a few more pictures to show.

Above is the picture outside our little room in the foot of the mountain. Dirt cheap room - spartan. It takes quite a while to go the beach, but trust me the trek grows on you. I miss the little islands along the bumpy unpaved road, the little sounds the frogs make, the friendly Thais greeting you as you pass by, and then i say Sawadeee Kap.

How most tourists prefer to stay in Railay Beach? Many. I don't know why. Tonsai is for the adventurous while Railay Bay is for the luxurious. As i said, i did a lot of firsts here in this island. And i will never forget all of them.

I took this picture, while still buying some more Chang beer. I love that beer! I guess, the most perfect beer for me so far. Even better than San Miguel, i must say. I sent this picture back at home via MMS. It cost me a lot but everyone in Manila saw through this picture how magnificent my time is here in my so-called paradise!

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Outtakes from the Full Moon Party, Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

12:17:00 AM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

Last week, i saw the post of my American friend, Stephanie, whom i met in Koh Pha Ngan. She's currently in India now. Last i heard was that she was trying to learn how to cook Indian food. Anyway, i saw she posted her pics in Thailand with this photo included in her album. If you haven't heard yet, the Olympus camera i brought with me to the trip got super drained battery. I had no fuckin' camera in Koh Phangan. My Sony Cybershot was washed away also in Tonsai Beach, Krabi. So, i'm left with useless disposable camera. Cost me quite my 1 week stay in Thailand for three disposable cameras that don't function well as expected.

Anyway, this is one of the shots in Koh Phangan. We were having dinner at this great American restaurant near the beach in Haad Rin. This is my other friend Melanie. She's from Germany, and she's gonna be a doctor soon. I was eating my burger. Yes. One day, i got tired of eating Pad Thai. We saw the other table, a group of backpackers, painting the town red, literally. There were paints all over their faces of different colors. The tradition here in Koh Phangan is to paint yourself before the party at the beach starts. These paint glows in the dark.

My two friends painted each other - one with an Indian inspired figure with matching bindi, the other, a third eye. I, on the other hand, left the painting to girls. They painted my face orange, that would clearly appear in my dark brown sunburned face.

It was fun. I missed it a lot. Later on, i got a happy face on each knee by a new Thai friend i met. I forgot the name. Why are Thai names so hard to remember? I think i got a kiss mark on the neck, and some other weird stuff from an Australian girl on my forehead.

Wild. But super happy. Would love to go back to the Full Moon Party again. I don't make promises. But i have a strong feeling, i will be back again very, very soon.

P.S. I miss the two girls. I met them at the central station in Surrathani. Their train got delayed. So, we ended up taking the same boat ride to Koh Phangan. We started hanging out, and even stayed in the same hotel. They left the next day for a quieter beach. I stayed because i was there to party. After i was tagged along for shopping, we went to the British bar that serves warm beer and shows Knocked Up on screen.

I saw one side of the wall covered with yellow paper. There were messages from backpackers around the world. So, we decided we should write as well. We drew a map of the world- there's the US, Germany and of course the huge archipelago of the Philippines. We wrote,"Backpacking bridges the World. Friendship starts with backpacking".

The world is really so small, and you're bound to meet people along your journey. We didn't want to make our message sound to dramatic and cheesy. Although it ended up being cheesy anyway, but very memorable indeed. I promise to come back and paint myself with Pinoy Boy Rocks in the chest next time.

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Travel Notes from Sinat Guest house, Bangkok, Thailand

3:28:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

On my last night in Bangkok, i went out for some last minute shopping. I bought a couple of skirts for my sisters and mom, some tees for myself and my brother, Thai silk boxers for my dad and souvenirs like the frog with the stick you scratch on its back. Pretty trippy stuff! It may sound a little annoying at first but believe me it grows on you! And i have no idea what its for. It worked out fine because my little nephew actually liked it.

I went out with Adam for one last time along Khao San Road, bought a couple of pints at a stall near 7-11 and then met up with a group of backpackers who just got back from a 6 month journey from India - Spanish and Aussies. I downed a couple of big bottles of Chang that night so i was pretty loaded. Had a discussion with the Spaniards as to where did San Miguel Beer originate. To cut the long story short, i lost the debate as the brewed beer came from Spain not in Manila. But that was okay, we both loved the beer anyway.

I went back to Sinat to fix some stuff, waited for my bus transport to the airport. It was around 9PM that time. I went outside for a smoke, i was in front of the guesthouse trying to remember the first day i arrived. After almost two weeks, I'm saying goodbye to go back home. It was sad. I was so bummed out. Said goodbye to Adam, and the rest of the folks at Sinat. Telling them I'll be back in January and that i most definitely will stay there again. I know i will. This part is killing me big time!

The bus arrived loaded with two backpackers, a Korean who's been in Bangkok for just three days, all in all four days of vacation. What? There was also an Argentinian dude who's now based in London. And we spent the trip talking about Pingpong (haha!) and how it sucks big time when you're leaving and your friends staying. All of us felt the same way, so it was pretty nice knowing the feeling is mutual and you're definitely not alone.

I arrived at the airport. Suvarnabhumi is so beautiful. Wait a minute. The bus left, and i just asked the guys if they paid anything. Because i didn't! I wanted to run back to the driver but he left already. So that's how i will remember Bangkok, giving something to me without asking anything in return.

The next few hours was spent waiting for my plane to depart. I was listening to some tunes on my iPod. Looking at all the amazing photos i have on my camera. And then i left with a heavy heart. For the first time, in all of my travels, tears were falling from my eyes. This is not cheesy. Some random thing, i guess. When you've fallen in love with a country, things like this happen when least expected. Heck, i didn't even mind if the flight back to Manila was so turbulent. For the first time, i was able to nap on the flight. I was just so depressed to be going home. I really wanted to stay for more days or maybe weeks. But i knew, my home is in Manila.

It was a memorable experience for me; a trip of a lifetime, a journey i can talk about forever to my friends back home. The story of my journey is ground breaking. I am not just talking about a beautiful scenery but memories that will live with me forever. The good thing though, is that i have more years ahead of me to go back whenever i can. Filipinos don't need a visa. With enough savings, i will last for another month in the country of smiles.

NOTE:

I left Bangkok a few days earlier when the massive rally around Suvarnabhumi airport started taking place. I wanted to stay for one more week, head to Chiang Mai and then come back after four days to Bangkok and fly to Manila from there. Good thing though, i left for Manila already, coz if not, shit would happen. And i'd be stuck in BKK, not that its not a good thing. It's quite an adventure actually.

Next thing to do is to plan for my next trip this 2009. To continue my broken route across South East Asia. I have to draft the plans already. But i have no clue where to start. I'll get there after the holidays. Merry Christmas!

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Travel Notes from Surat Thani, Thailand

7:23:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

http://www.kohsamui.org/

I left Koh Phangan with a sad, sad goodbye. I was in tears. Oh, dang! I wasn't trying too much to remember everything so that when i get to the city, i will still have enough memories with me. There are no words to describe how beautiful the beaches are in Thailand. I lied down on the beach north of Haadrin and found a spot where bartenders where fixing their streamers and bucket signs. It was depressing for me, because after more than a week of beach it's time for me to go back to the city. I've arranged for a taxi to the ferry port of Koh Phangan, ferry going back to Surrathani, bus to the train station and finally, a long sleeper train to Bangkok. I'm excited to go to Bangkok but i'm depressed that I'm leaving South of Thailand. I'm just so stoked to finally ride a train. You know, we have MRT'S in Manila, but I've never ridden a long sleeper train. What's even better is it's a sleeper train with amazing views of the mountains. That is one of the things i'm looking forward to be doing in every trip i have.

There are so many more islands i still want to visit like Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Phi Phi Don and Lei but due to budget constraints i needed to go back to Bangkok already. I left Phangan with just enough dollars to last me for a week in Bangkok, i guess it's time for me to move again. It's sad knowing, again, i will be asked by the new friends I've met at the bar where i hang out for a nightcap, to stay for a few more days where they will have a private party. Believe me, i wanted to stay but i am not yet ready to be stuck in the islands with no money, maybe next time i will bring enough dollars, or maybe i will find some work.

I guess, later on you will realize... everything happens for a reason.

I rode the taxi van going to the ferry port. From there, i needed to show my ferry ticket to Surrathani and train ticket onwards Bangkok. The minute i got to the desk, i said "Surrathani", just as the same time a beautiful lady next to me said, 'Surrathani'. It was funny, like a scene from a movie. I do this shit all the time for my work in television, but it's different when it's happening to you in real life. I guess there's something here. But i was still a little nauseous from all the winding roads.

I got to the ferry, i was alone and sad. Bought a go-to meal: Pepsi Max, Thai instant noodles, and then a pack of ciggies. I was able to sleep, a few minutes after my meal. Thank goodness. The next thing i knew i got up for a smoke, and in less than ten minutes, it was announced that we're docking. It's faster leaving Phangan than going there. I got out of the ferry and rode the bus going to Surrathani. I saw the girl again, she was seated in front of the same bus i was riding. She's going to the train station also, i guess. The trunk was full of oversize backpacks so i carried my duffel inside. It's really a backpacker's route as all foreigners were there. I'm the only brown skinned dude there. They must have been curious. Who is this guy? I wasn't feeling comfortable, like what i said about Thai buses. It was so packed, worse is that my cellphone that i borrowed from my mom is dying on me already and my iPod needs some long time charging. I'm left with nothing to do but sleep. They closed the lights and all i can see outside were a handful of local Thais in their houses chatting. Thai version of malls, hawkers stall and of course Thai girls waving at the tourist bus. This is the city.

We were dropped off at a food hawker stall a few walks away from the train station. Lesson learned: In Thailand, they don't follow the schedules. Expect your ride to get delayed over and over again till it annoys you. I walked around to look for a convenience store. There was a 7-11 nearby. I bought a a huge bottled water, chocolates, gums, chips so i can eat something in the train. It's suppose to be a long ride. I was already expecting the worst. Lesson learned again: You don't have to buy so many stuff, you can buy them in the morning. The train somehow stops at different places where local Thai ladies sell delicacies like sweet bread, potatoes, dried fish, etc.

And then i saw her...

The same beauty i had a chance encounter at the ferry port and a slight gaze at the bus. Later on, i will find out her name is Loan. I came up to her to ask, if she can recommend any hostel in Bangkok (yeah right) and then she answered, "I don't know! Snob right? But it didn't bother me. She asked if i have a lonely planet book. I said i have a travel guide book, but it wasn't a big help as it skips most of the important facts. She eventually gave me a clearer idea of where to go when i get to Bangkok using my guide book. But none of that matters to me at that time. I was just looking at how gorgeous her face is and how she drinks her shake so classy. I ordered my Thai fried rice for take out.

Her name is Loan. She's French-Vietnamese. Yes, another French girl that would break my heart. She's on her way to Bangkok to do some test shots for a TV commercial she's doing for Johnson's and Johnson's baby powder. That's specific! I could remember everything, and i can never forget the moment how i just met the most beautiful woman on earth.

She's reserved and calm. She's practicing yoga in Koh Phangan. She didn't go to the full moon party as she wanted a good place to relax, with not too much loud music, and not a lot of drunk people. She stayed on the other side of the island. She drinks red wine a lot, she quit smoking a few years ago, and she's from Bordeux. That's the only thing i know about her hometown. If i have more information, that would be nice. We met another Frenchie who's carrying with him his surfboard. He's asking how to get to Malaysia from Thailand. As i have been to Malaysia before Thailand, i told him a few tips on how to cross the border.

Anyway, it was almost 11PM, and only a few minutes before our departure. I walked with her to the train station. I found out her bunk is right next to mine. Again, what are the odds that we'll be sleeping next to each other> While waiting for our train, we talked and talked about life, career, our views of Thailand. I was just fuckin' mesmerized. It didn't even bother me that our departure got delayed for close to two hours, passing by where different trains that smell pee. I could still remember how she was stroking her dark brown hair. I dress pretty sharp in Manila, and when i'm in Thailand, i dress like a hobo. I lost my sandals in Haad Rin so i bought the first pair of slippers i saw at the market. We then met up with a Spanish lady. A pretty classy lady who is a good friend of Loan.

When our train finally arrived, I accompanied her. The guard from the train station went up to us. He asked where Loan is from and she said she's from France. He also asked where i am from, i said Philippines. And then he got his radio and talked to someone in Thai. He was smiling. We were just smiling as well just to be friendly. The guard said to Loan she's really beautiful. I just shook my head. I already noticed how everyone was looking at us. I assume they were wondering what's this Thai boy doing with a beautiful French girl. I'm not Thai, but we're together!!! =)

We got to the sleeper train. I carried her trolley which was pretty heavy. We then started looking for our beds. Our beds were actually situated next to each other. Going to the upper bed was hard. A lot of people were already sleeping.

We said goodnight to each other. We slept a few minutes after. Honestly, i was expecting the most uncomfortable trip of my life. I was wrong. I don't know if its the lack of sleep or i was just so in love that i found the sleeper train pretty comfortable. I would love to get the lower bed next time though. There was little space in between beds across each other. There was a switch so you can turn on the lights. It would be nice if there was also a window on the upper bed. It's a little claustrophobic but the air conditioning was superb. I even got my jacket to cover my upper body as it was getting cold already.

I woke up at around 9AM. Washed my face and brushed my teeth. I carried with me my backpack while i left my duffel just where it was. Nothing to steal in my duffel anyway, just soiled clothes and a couple of brochures. When i returned, the Thai man was already fixing my bed. He's turning our sleeper beds into actual seats. I was suppose to sleep for a few more hours. The Thai lady across me offered me a seat, and i sat. I was just smiling. The rest of the trip, i was sitting waiting for Loan to wake up and then smoking in the small space in between two trains. I was smoking with a Thai old man who was pretty friendly. He offered me a seat which i wouldn't take anyway because it was too close to the open door. I might fall anytime, you see.

But i could still remember the the sound of the train. It was unforgettable. The experience was just great! I would love to ride a train again, maybe from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Back to her...

And then, Loan woke up with such grace. She was seated with someone so i couldn't grab a seat next to her. I was just looking at her. She started taking some herbal medicine, eating a local snack, listening to her iPod, and eventually smiling at me. I actually fell asleep looking at her. I know by heart she knew i was looking at her in a different way. The next thing i knew, i woke up with a stiff neck but a few kilometers away from Bangkok .

It was close to 1PM when we arrived at the train station in Bangkok after more than twelve hours of train ride. I'm in the city. It's hot! A lot of people were there; people waiting for trains to arrive, people falling in line to buy tickets. We went outside together. She took her jacket off. No words. Silence.

We shared a taxi going to the city. When we arrived, we were dropped off nearby as the taxi couldn't enter Khao San. There was a massive gathering going on. Later, i found out the sister of the King died so there was a procession going on. Halfway while walking, she said she would ride a motorbike instead and she's carrying her trolley. How could she possibly do that? Anyway, she asked for a lower price. She got the price she wanted and rode the motorbike like a pro.

She said goodbye and left. I wanted to give her a hug to thank her for accompanying me even for a short time. And that i found an angel in her and how nice she was at me and i could lobby in all my romantic poems and sweet nothings.

But i guess, it wouldn't be the last time we would see each other. Indeed, there are signs everywhere!

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Travel Notes from the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, Thailand

8:58:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 6 Comments

WARNING: MATURE CONTENT

I left Krabi and Ao Nang beach. Bummer! The day before i left, i talked to the same lady who's managing the internet shop, and she gave me a so-so deal which includes bus, ferry, taxi going to Haadrin Beach in Koh Phangan for about 700 baht. I first rode a taxi jeep going to the bus station for Surrathani. It was a pretty good view from where I'm seated. Europeans were looking at me like crazy. I was listening to Carl Cox on my iPod. The sights we saw were breathtaking. We were passing by huge cliffs, the streets were pretty clean, it wasn't a bumpy ride, but it was winding. I was wondering, why the hell construct highway that zig-zags when it's possible to create a straight one?

Anyway, the taxi jeep was packed. There were three French girls who i think were going on the same route. They prefer to ride standing up. I wanted to say... "God Bless You! May you don't burn yourself and get Skin Cancer!" But they managed like true champs. After less than an hour, we arrived at the bus station. We were dropped off and waited for less than fifteen minutes before the bus left. That gave me enough time to buy some stuff for the 5 hour bus trip. I bought mineral water, Pepsi, coconut crackers which will come in handy later, and a gum. I seated right behind the French girls thinking i could get a score. But there was one girl who... let's just say, made me realize an awful mistake was to seat beside her. The next thing i knew, i was already using a Chinese oil to keep me sane.

Halfway the bus ride, I woke up and felt a little bad. It was already hard for me to breathe. When i looked outside, we're passing by mountains and rice paddies. It was a very long ride. Maybe it's altitude sickness. I would dread the day when i finally try to climb a mountain. Oh yeah, good luck to me. And then finally, we were dropped off in a tourist center where i showed my ticket and told the lady waiting for us that i'm going to Koh Phangan, and that i need to ride a ferry. We waited for a less than an hour. I wasn't bummed out because i needed to relax for a bit, stretch some muscles and smoke for a bit. When i came back, everyone's going to Koh Samui. Then, i met two girls who seemed like they're waiting for a long time too. Apparently they were, Malanie is from Germany and Stephani is from Alaska. They rode the train from Bangkok. Got delayed. Got delayed again. Missed the first ferry going to Koh Phangan. That's why they're still there.

We then finally rode a bus going to the ferry port of Surrathani. It was another hour or so before we arrived. It was getting pretty cloudy. I've heard news that Koh Phangan now is really rainy. Everyday, it's been pouring. Monsoon must have hit the island pretty bad. I was preparing for the worse. We then arrived at the ferry port. There were two different ports - one for Koh Samui and one for Koh Phangan. Originally, i wanted to go to Koh Samui and stay there, just charter a ferry going to Koh Phangan just in time for the full moon party. But it would be a hassle, and i just want to relax now. And of course, it's Nov. 12 already the day and night of the Famous Full Moon party.

The ferry ride was long and the waves were big. The boat was moving left and right. And the wind was pretty strong too. Picture this -- you're walking to buy something from the food stall, you could literally see yourself moving from side to side. Good thing, i made new friends - Melanie and Stephanie. We were chatting the whole time. Melanie is on vacation. She's gonna be a doctor soon in Germany. Stephanie is a fisherman in Alaska. After a while, i ate my coconut crackers plus the Thai instant noodles i bought at the store. There was a friendly Thai girl who asked me if i could watch over her laptop as she needed to go to the toilet. I did. From there, we started talking about stuff and Koh Phangan and how excited i was to finally get to the party island. It's been her fourth or fifth time. But she's Thai. Koh Phangan is like their version of Boracay, a party island. She recommended some bars depending on what kind of music i like. Oh yeah! I like dance music a lot. Give me house. Techno. Drum n' bass and jungle and i'm good to go.

I was getting pretty restless as i the ride was taking a long time. Worse, you couldn't see where the hell you're going. It was so cloudy, you couldn't see an island nearby. Thankfully, after an hour, we saw a huge island... But i knew from research, it is Koh Samui. And then after would be Koh Phangan. The picture above is the shot of the two islands. I got off from my seat and was smiling as i finally saw the island. We're almost there.Everyone's standing up - hippies, American highschool students, old farangs, cool local Thai yuppies and the only Pinoy again after two weeks of backpacking... ME!

When I got off from the ferry, together with the German and Americal girl, we looked for a taxi. We then went straight to a jeep stand where we waited for a few more minutes till it was filled up. The next hour, we were driving on a really scary road. Imagine cliff on your left and right. There was one moment, when the taxi jeep was trying its best but ain't working. It was crazy. Total madness! But i just wanted to get to Haaadrin and party!

I reached Haadrin at around 6PM. The bars were already lit up, preparing for the amazing party later! There were numerous streamers, buckets were placed with Samsong signs with "fuck" and "amazing" everywhere. What a night i will have later? First things first, i need to find a room to sleep in for the night. I couldn't find any. It's really a bad idea to scout for a room the same night as the full moon party. Chances are, you won't find any. I was walking for close to two hours looking for a cheap fan room. I even had to search via the internet again for any recommended guesthouses. I lost Melanie and Stephanie while searching. Now, i'm fuckin' troubled. But i managed to find the only room available for the night which is consistently, a fair price at 500 baht which i got down to 450 baht. I don't know the manager, she must have liked me as she convinced me to stay already.

The next few days, i would usually start my day hanging out in front of the guesthouse and relaxing after a night of partying. I even talked to some American tweens who were asking me if i can help them out because they had problems with their toilet. Nice try eh? I would see them later on some instances where they would just smile at me. On my last day, i overheard them talking about me. They wanted to say goodbye to me. One said... "I want to say goodbye to the Filipino Guy... he seems pretty nice!" But i was so wasted, it's not cool. My bad, i should have gone out and met up with them the last time. They're like the girls from Laguna Beach. Pretty interesting.

I lost Melanie and Stephanie, but somewhere across the universe, what are the odds that they were staying in the same guesthouse. I was walking after freshening up for a while to grab something to eat and then i found them. I ordered for burger and fries as i have been eating Thai fried rice everyday. I got tired of it. The next few hours, we started painting ourselves again. This is a tradition in Koh Phangan wherein everyone paints themselves in different colors. I've seen paints of nipples in faces, Indian tribe signs, and even cheesy names drawn in their chest near the heart that says Love and of course for a more nationalistic approach, their flags!

We ordered for a bucket. The bucket is good for sharing as several straws are placed in a bucket full of Samsong whisky - the cheapest, others use vodka, Jack Daniels, or rhum and then mixed with coke, Redbull and something-something. I don't want to give details. It's good. Just give it a try. I know you will like it also! I started partying at 8PM and left Haadrin beach at 10AM, More than 12 hours of non-stop bucket drinking, smoking, flirting and dancing. This is life. So what happened?

We were walking trying to find the best spot. Every bar we passed by has different music. North of Haadrin, there's the chill out bar, so chill made me want to sleep. Passed by another bar playing some western cowboy anthems, surprisingly a lot of young people were there. Onward, there was a bar playing hip-hop and pop tunes, next to it plays some sexy house and then there was this bar that plays a lot of jungle and drum n' bass. Really good place there. But we continued to walk till i found my kind of bar - deep tech house music with a little mix of some pop tunes. I was downing my bucket and tried to dance. The two girls i was with left after a few minutes. They went to the toilet. I was seated and almost falling asleep when a smiling Thai girl painted a happy face on my knees and eventually on my face. She's so funny and charming. She then asked me to dance. She introduced me to her European friends. Later on, i was already dancing with them, making conversations, and eventually flirting. The beach started to get packed. From my rough estimate close to ten thousand people went that night. It rained for 30 mins, but it stopped soon after. That's why everyone was screaming as the full glory of moon is now visible to ten thousand drunk party animals. Many people came.I like them Australians because somehow, they are the closest to Filipinos. I actually saw George, from Singapore, he was with his brother who's wearing a speedo bikini briefs, and got stares from everyone. I introduced them to my friends. And then the brother was already dancing to the smiling Thai girl. We were so happy dancing, downing buckets and buckets of Samsong. I lost count already. My bag was placed in between. I've heard about the horror stories of numerous incidents of getting mobbed. I've had my share, later on that. Good thing is you can bring your own padlock as there is a safety deposit box in my guesthouse where i put important stuff like passports, dollars, cellphone, and digital camera.

I can never forget Outkast's Hey Ya! I loved that song, because it was so popular. Close to hundreds of people dancing and singing... "Hey... heya, Hey... yah!"

I can never forget dancing to Where's your head at? because it's the national anthem of Koh Phangan! I love every single minute of it. I was dancing non-stop! Good times.

And then, after getting hallucinated and sweating big time, i wanted to hit the beach... I was so hot literally and figuratively.

I said... "You know, they say in Koh Phangan, you have to do something wiiiild!" Yeah right, great pick up line. Next thing i knew, i asked someone to hold my bag which happen to end up with the bartender in the morning. I took of my shirt off and sandals and went to the beach. Enough said. It was fun, wild, passionate and romantic. And then the sun came up, everyone's seeing us already. We headed back to my room. It was good times. I loved it. I can never forget that moment.

The next day, i was pretty exhausted. Like i worked out for three hours in the gym. I wanted to get some sleep but a part of me was saying get my ass up I've been a very naughty boy. So, i got up and went to explore the beach. I saw some people i hung out with the next day. They just smiled. I smiled and waved at them too. Thank you for the lovely night. Somehow, it's how things work in Koh Phangan. You don't talk about what you did the last night. I used the day to relax, walk around the beach some more. I found a good spot where i sat and listened to The Beach soundtrack. It was painful for me thinking in a few days, i will be off to Bangkok. I wanted to stay some more, and probably head to Koh Samui or Koh Tao, but i don't have enough funds to last me. I was almost crying in vain.

Night came, i thought it was gonna be an early night. I actually slept and decided it's time for me to go the next day at the last ferry out of koh Phangan. Someone knocked on my door, my landlord was asking for my payment. He's a really nice guy. I woke up on my tired feet and aching body. I heard some pumping beat. I freshened up a bit, and walked to the beach.

My, my what do we have here... Another party!!! Parties never stop in Koh Phangan. It's like they create parties for the sake of making money, gathering farangs to dance and drink buckets, order some thing. I went to the bar next to the spot where i went to the night before. I ordered some Chang. It was pretty cold then. Really cold, i was hugging myself. Beers actually worked. I saw some Austrian girls. I danced with them beautiful ladies four inches taller than me. We're dancing and seeing eye to eye till a hippie Thai boy stole her from me. What a prick? So, he got my girl. Damn. Then, i saw the Thai girl i met at the ferry going to Phangan. We danced. She introduced me to her date, a cool English guy. We were all dancing in the beach were the waters were filling up our feet. It was good music. Good vibes. I couldn't believe it's morning already. There was some brawl near the bar. But with an armful of policemen, it's bound to stop. It did. I invited everyone for a quick dip. Took of my shirt, shorts and sandals. Went to the beach in my underwear. It was pretty cool! I got stares. What can i say, i'm a little exhibitionist. Just kiddin'.

While i was happily coursing my way to the currents of Koh Phangan beaches, a Swedish guy and American girl talked to me. Chatted for a while. Asked where I from and stuff like that. The next thing i knew the American girl was showing me her new friend... a snake she found in her bathroom. My eyes became wide open. I was shocked to see. She's pretty nice girl but i'm so freaked out. And then she asked me if i wanted to come with her as she needs some help looking for her stuff. Believe me i wanted to go with her. I really do. I wouldn't refuse an offer. But it was too freaky to hear her story. I just said " i'll wait for you here!". What if i go with her, and i discover snakes of different sizes in her room? I'm in Planet Anaconda. I couldn't die like that. That was the last time i saw her.

When i tried to find my shirts, i found out my sandals were missing. I tried looking for it. It's gone! I went to a friend's bar, the English guy with the Thai girl i met, for some nightcap at 10AM. Yeah! And then i said goodbye... walking in the streets barefoot. Shit! I lost my cardigan shirt and newly bought sandals in Koh Phangan. So yeah! Take care of your stuff because you will lose everything in Koh Phangan: money, sanity, clothes, shoes, what have you. But i guess, it was all worth it!

It was fun remembering how i eat a lot of Thai chicken fried rice in the far end of Haadrin, and the really good grilled chicken pita both under 80 baht. Always remember to book your accommodation in advance so you can get the best deal for the best guesthouse. Fill in your mornings meeting up with friends and just go alone at night so you can get laid. But please, stay safe. You know what i mean. Don't drink too much too early. Learn to pace yourself so you can last till sunrise. Thankfully, i did! Oh, and if you're a druggie, just be careful. I saw someone smoking weed... and he's the police.

The best souvenir you can get from the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan is an authentic tee which prints Home of the Original Full Moon Party. The next day after the party, you can find numerous stores selling the DVD video of last night's wickedness. I spent an hour watching it from the store, and when i saw myself as i was walking with no shirt on, looking for my sandals at around 9AM, i knew i had to buy it.

I will never forget Nov. 12 - the night that rocked my world. I can never forget Koh Phangan because i did a lot of firsts here, the beach, the room, the snakes, the girls, the dancing and of course the full moon. Nice!

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Travel Notes from Tonsai Beach and Railay Bay, Krabi Thailand

1:57:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

I flew from Kuala Lumpur KLCCT to Thailand via Krabi. I chose Krabi over Phuket, i could fly directly to Phuket but i know it's so touristy. Why choose a place where i'm sharing an island with a million people, when i can have some peace and quality time in Krabi? I took the Air Asia flight to Krabi. Don't be confused with the time. Thailand is an hour late than KL. I was asking the ticket agency man so i'm flying for just 15 mins. Apparently, it's 1 hour and 15 mins. On the plane, i ordered a Malaysian chicken rice with salted fish. I was seated where a lot of solo backpackers were seating. I met up with an Austrian dude who was on vacation for three weeks. He's going to Krabi and then he's gonna dive in Koh Tao. A few minutes later, i met a Canadian Chinese guy who's doing the same route only that after Thailand he has huge plans for India. (Which didn't push through because of the bombing incidents in Mumbai). We then decided to go together since we're going on the same route anyway.

We all went to Krabi town, rode the cheapest bus possible out of the airport. Krabi international airport is a really outstanding airport. But it was sleepy. Not a lot of people are there. I exchanged my US dollars and left with my friends.

I arrived in Krabi town, thankfully we pushed thru going to the beach already. We were headed for Ao Nang Beach - the tourist magnate of Krabi. There were a lot of travel agencies, lots of expensive accommodations and whole lot lot of restaurants and food stalls. While walking, we stopped by a restaurant and at around 1PM, they ordered Pad Thai. I ordered for a big bottle of Chang Beer. I was full with the hearty meal i ate in the plane. We then proceeded to ride a short long tail boat going to Tonsai Beach. Luckily we chose Tonsai.

It's a backpacker's island paradise. All the young people are there. I saw people climbing the cliff. There's a small beach, with a small community of Thais manning the island. They're either working at the bar, selling food on free standing food stalls, or simply smoking dope on the side.

On my way to the island, i knew already why everyone's going to Thailand. It's so mesmerizing and beautiful. The white sandy beach, the amazing cliff, and the smiling people all make this island top notch.

You'll say you're definitely in South East Asia. We walked further to get the cheapest deal on accommodations As you know, the cheaper your room, the longer you can stay. We managed to get a room for three nights and i just paid 166 Baht. It was a double room. Situated at the foot of the mountain. You need a good walk, passing by craters in the road. There were a lot of frogs too. Anyway, one of my friends slept on the floor. I got one bed for myself. They came prepared with all the necessary backpacking essentials suited for camping. I didn't, so i had the bed.

We went to the beach. I took my first swim after weeks already of beating the heat out of myself in Singapore and Malaysia. The water was calm. And for the first time i was swimming with my sandals on as some parts of the beach are a little rocky.

After a few hours i went to Freedom Bar just across.

I went for happy hour cocktails and watch the gorgeous sunset. Everyone's there. Look at them like all hippies from around the world - drinking cocktails, smoking cigarettes and weed, talking non-stop, and listening to Bob Sinclair. The amazing cliff right smack where the sunset is - just great!

Some more big bottles of Chang later, I was already talking to an English couple. We talked about music really. How they love Prodigy and Chemical Brothers. How i started partying at 15. They were really impressed because i told them i still listen to those stuff but i'm beginning to be more mature with my interest turning from the loud and annoying sounds to the calming tones of Moby and the trippy music of Underworld. It was a good talk, i was downing another big bottle of Chang. I'm such an alcoholic.

The next few days, we were still hanging out. I asked them if they have the time, do fly to Manila. They were looking forward to it. But you can never get lost in Manila. Everyone speaks good English. They were staying in the same guesthouse as we are. Apparently, everyone i know wanted to go to the Philippines. Soon. Not now, everyone's going to Thailand then either Australia or New Zealand, and yes India for 6 months.

You know me, i'm quite moody. One minute i party, the next i just want to chill with my iPod on and lie in the sand thinking absolutely nothing. So there were moments where i was doing my own thing while my new found friends were trekking. That's just my thing. But we always end up drinking a couple of beers at night. They usually head home earlier while i stay for some more.

If you're in Tonsai Beach, head to Freedom Bar and look for Chang who sells Chang. He's a really good guy. I would talk to him about stuff. Mostly how i look like him. I was asking if they've met my brother? His name is Chang. Everyone would just laugh. I even got his lighter. I forgot to give it back to him. What's funnier is that when the crowd in Freedom is pretty boring, he would walk up to look for us in Small bar a few walks away from my guesthouse, deeper in the jungle. This is the place where all the naughty stuff happens.

I could have taken a picture but i was respecting the privacy of everyone. And we keep it light that way. I don't know if i can blog about this. But you can just order whatever, they'll give it to you. But you have to be responsible, you're not in high school anymore when you're stoned you're gonna trash the place later. I think they got impressed because i was one of the few last standing men still drinking at 5am. I want to drink more, but i need to head home. I couldn't wake up at 12nn. This is not Manila.

In Small Bar, the bartenders are so amazingly friendly. They were all looking at me, because i don't think they've met anyone who looks like them but is not Thai. I would notice how they would look at me, thinking what's the difference between them and me. Everyone in Tonsai thinks i'm Thai. 10 out of 10 people think i'm Thai. And close to 90% couldn't believe i speak English really well. I was hanging out in the bar when i met Jessica, she's American. She's a really funny girl. She's with her Thai boyfriend. She's so funny and cool. She was telling how she's so bummed out and stressed because she hasn't had a pedicure and spa for the week. She's nice. She even told me the story of some freak guy who has pictures with them in the well even if he's not with them. How did he do that? Really similar to the Ring movie of Japan only it's in Thailand.

That gave me a good scare. But i went home that night so wasted. I was suppose to meet up with them the next day to ride the boat going to the town onwards Koh Pha Ngan. I wasn't able to wake up at 8AM. I slept some more. There were also some Germans who had dreadlocks and all that shit. They gave me a hit, i gladly accepted. They were saying "no shit you're not Filipino. You must be american!" We were just laughing and listening to Bob Marley. I am now a convert of reggae music. Thank you.

The next day, Martin, Peter and I trekked on the other side of the island going to another beach. The picture above is the cliff i trekked. No shit! And i must say I've never been more proud of myself. The trek was hard as hell. Imagine walking horizontally so you can fit in the tiny little hole from the cave. And from there, was going up and down, left and right, steeped. I was holding on to the branches of the tree, my feet was swollen because of the hard edge sole of my sandals. My hands were dirty. And after 45 mins, I went down to the steepest cliff ever. I just jumped. Fuck whatever. When i arrived...

It was so beautiful. Hello Railay beach! I took off my shirt. Threw my bag in the sand, and lied down for 10 minutes. And then i went for a swim. When i came back. I said to them "That was fuckin' amazing guys!" I ate my lunch and smoked. We were relaxing. This is Life!

Scary but this is the experience I've been day dreaming. Later that day, they went on a hike for more to the west side of Railey to follow the German Girls. Oh yes! Germans and Swedish girls are quite popular! =) There are two sides, west and east. I didn't go with them. And told them i just want to relax in the beach as I've been stressing the past few days. That's too much trekking for me. It rained so hard later that day. They got stranded in the mountains. I got stranded in the beach as well. I want to go to Tonsai already so i can relax and have a drink. For close to two hours i was stranded in an island. I was so wet, my spare clothes are wet, my bag is wet.

After contemplating, i just paid to rent the long tail boat going back to Tonsai for 200 Baht. When i came back, i was so wet. Everyone's looking and wanting to ask me, "what did you do?" What an experience eh? I was walking towards my room. The bartenders from the Small bar told me, he saw me walking in the beach. And without my shirt on, i look like from here. That's thailand! I like it already!!!

In the Philippines, i think most of us speak with a twang. It's because most of the shows we watch and how we were taught is American influenced. And i really talk fast, so most of the time i need to make some allowance for them so they could understand. But i'm really proud i had a good education. Most of the people i met while backpacking weren't able to study. Some just finished highschool so i'm quite privileged. Thank You.

In Tonsai beach, you pay for really expensive internet, but the charging of the phone is free, the exchange rate of US dollars to Thai Baht is bad, the cigarette's almost hundred baht, a big bottle of beer is around 100 Baht but the food is ridiculously cheap yet amazing. It's awesome. And the best part is, its' only 20 Baht.

All my meals from this food stall were great; sweet and sour chicken, shrimp rice, hotdog with rice on stick (beat that), crab claws, and the lovely Banana pancakes with Nuttela.

Yes. I closed my eyes while eating this. It's that good!

My bag was washed away. Good thing, i was able to grab it right away but everything inside is wet. I grabbed my digital camera and cellphone. After a few minutes, it got to working again. Thank God! I left Tonsai beach looking like this, it's now the monsoon season, supposedly this side is free from the storm. We were wrong, it's time to leave.

So there, that's it for now. I 'll write when i remember some other things i did, whatevs. But this is really the one place i'm looking forward to going back again and again. What i liked the most is that it's compact and not so much tourists are here. There's so many amazing and friendly people you can easily talk to when you travel alone. The next time i will go here, I'll stay for a month. I am glad i started my route this way. The minute i was riding the long tail boat to Tonsai. I instantly fell in love already! And yes, no bed bugs at my hotel. I even saw a hippie mom and dad, the mom breastfeeding her baby and the dad...well smoking weed. Good gracious! Whatttahippie!

Thais are friendliest down south. Only in Tonsai, i smoked weed, drink buckets, got drunk because of Chang, and ate with locals. I tried to converse with the people. I met local Thais who seem more friendly to me than the whites. They were always asking me if i want to stay longer. I think they want to get to know me better. We're in the same continent anyway. We're both Asians. They're just curious. I was both bad and good in Thailand.

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Travel Notes from Krabi Town and Ao Nang Beach, Thailand

10:55:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

Loneliness is a pain in the ass. it's time to continue writing on my blog again about my adventures in Thailand. You know what's even sadder is that I'm deliberately postponing writing about my trip in Thailand because it just means that what I'm remembering now is officially part of the past and i don't want that. It's shit and sad, and i don't want to be anymore. More on that later. The picture above is the photo i took of Ao Nang beach in Krabi, Thailand.

So after Tonsai beach, it's time to hit the road or i should say the waters of Thailand to another destination. I woke up after the heavy drinking and high "high" at Small Bar the next day feeling so wasted. I couldn't move a muscle. Every muscle i have is aching. I just needed to doze off some more. I will be up up again for the next 20 hours or so. I wasn't able to meet up with my new friends from US. We were suppose to meet up at 8AM so we can ride the long boat together. I woke up at 10AM. Wonder if i will see them again in Koh Phangan. Apparently, everyone's going to Koh Pha Ngan. The Canadian guy i met, was already leaving for Koh Pha Ngan, i could go with him but he wants to do everything on his own. Besides, i just couldn't leave yet Krabi. It's too beautiful to leave. After an hour, the Austrian guy i met had arranged a pick-up for his diving trip to Koh Tao. The next hour, i had the room to myself. My two friends left already. It was a little sad because it was only a short time hanging out with them but we're going on different directions. I owned the room for the next 3 hours. And did what i had to do. I left my mark in Tonsai!

I hit the shower. Smoked some cigarette and packed my duffel. The next thing i knew i left the room and said goodbye to the beautiful smiling Thai girls manning the resort at the foot of the mountain, i was walking carrying my duffel again. I passed by Small Bar and saw the friendly bartenders who were asking me if i was leaving. I wanted to stay more, hit some smokes and down some buckets. But a part of me was saying i couldn't be too sentimental wherever i go, it's not how it works. I just said... "Maybe I'll stay for one more day, i will just have my breakfast!" I thanked them and left. They wanted me to stay. I've never felt more special, more at home than in Tonsai.

I went to the same food stall I've been going ever since i got to Tonsai and ate my banana pancakes and Pepsi Max, all at around 12NN. I'm officially acidic. I waited for a few minutes and managed to squeeze in to a boat with a couple of Europeans who were leaving Tonsai as well. I plugged my iPod and listened to Moby's Porcelain. I wanted to talk to those who were at the boat, but i needed some time alone so i can say my final goodbye to Tonsai beach. The boat ride leaving the beach was a happy goodbye. I mean, it's sad but I've had my share of Tonsai, it's time i explore the rest of Krabi.

I arrived in Ao Nang beach in Krabi. Yet again, i need to start from scratch as i don't know anyone. I have no clue where to stay, what's the cheapest room and stuff like that. And yes, i have to have everything arranged for me: bus, ferry, taxi... fuck how do i get to Koh Pha Ngan later??? I went to the tourism office. I asked the beautiful Thai ladies where to stay. They were speaking to me in Thai. Ok. Ok. "No Thai!" i said.They laughed and called someone over the phone... They gave me a price of 700 baht for a single fan room. I couldn't say "No fuckin' way you're ripping me off!" I'm kinda cordial and rudeness is not really my nature. I just said okay, I'm taking my lunch first so I'll walk around and come back after. The truth is I'm scouting for a cheaper room.

As i walk the busy street with numerous 60 sumthing farangs, i got turned off by the 2 is to 1 ratio of foreigners to local Thais here. I went to the internet shop to find some recommendations. Updated my Facebook and looked over some porn. Just kiddin' And then, the kind lady from the internet shop said... "i have a room for you, cheap"... I asked how much it is? And she said 500 baht. Whattt? I am officially being ripped off by the Tourism Office of Ao Nang beach. Yet, it's still too expensive for me. After paying less than 200 baht for four days in Tonsai, i have to pay 500 baht for one night. It's quite a splurge for me. I checked the room anyway.

Finally, my little taste of luxury. Still a fan room but a huge huge room with two double beds, refrigerator, cable television, bathroom, a nice view of the other room good for peeping toms. Just kiddin'. The room is pretty big for one person who stays out all day and goes back to the room drunk. I went down and talked to the manager again. After a few minutes of good conversation, charming smiles, a little bit of this and that convincing, I got the price down to 400 baht. But i knew i was just staying overnight. I couldn't afford it to stay in Ao Nang a little longer.

So after relaxing a bit, and trying to understand Thai news which was being broadcasted on TV. I left again to walk around. Busy. Busy. Busy. Pad Thai. Art galleries. American hot dogs. Groceries. Beer junks. Everything's here. And overpriced shirts, too. I've not been to Bangkok yet, but welcome to little Bangkok down south. Now, if Krabi is touristy, what do you expect of Phuket?

My camera officially died on me. My Sony Cybershot model from the jurassic era i got from my brother was all wet and didn't turn on anymore. The Olympus camera i borrowed from my sister is fuckin' low low bat. It's either i buy a charger for the Olympus or buy another camera, a cheap one. Not another disposable camera. I bought three disposable cameras because the charger for the Olympus would cost me 3500 baht.

I walked around, bought some chips and soft drinks. Went to the beach wearing my new Hawaiian floral shirt. I looked weird because i look like the locals yet i was preparing to hit the beach, to tan. I was lying in the sand, while all the locals were trying to sell to get a little Thai baht out of the rich farangs. It was a pretty weird moment. Everyone was just staring. It was cloudy then as seen in the picture. I couldn't see the sun. It was drizzling a little bit so i used my umbrella to cover my backpack.

I plugged my iPod to my portable speaker, smoked my 80 baht marlboro lights, ate my kornets and enjoyed, probably the most unsexed beach of Thailand. Seriously, the only tourist i've seen in Ao Nang are either boring couples, moms and dads, or big big families. But i must say, listening to Dido and Sarah Mclachlan while trying to get some sleep is as close as to having a Thai massage on the ears.

I swear that the next time i travel again, i will buy a Lonely Planet guide book. I bought this Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore guide. It wasn't as helpful as Lonely Planet because it didn't cover much of the southern islands of Thailand. I was trying to look for a way out of Krabi going to Koh Phangan. That part/page is either torn out of a brand new book or i need to buy myself some reading glasses and pay close attention. Truth is, it has no Koh Phangan guide on it. Just a brief description as a party island if you want to go out and dance. The Full Moon Party. I spent two hours figuring out at least how to get to Surrathani. Luckily, i found my way going there.

I left 30 mins. after sunset. Took a shower. And then i went out for food somewhere i forgot. It's funny i couldn't remember it now. I was feeling a little lonely when i got to my room. There was no one to talk to. Everyone was pretty busy doing their stuff. The only engaging tourists i saw were two 50 sumthing American women who were smiling at me. I got depressed. After the breakthrough trekking and spelunking, i needed to chill. But not too chill, i thought i was meditating. I slept for a few hours, and left the room at around 10PM. It was pretty sad outside. A handful tourists were inside the Irish pub situated next to my hotel. I tried to walk around looking for the party place. Walked up north and then down south. Till i heard a familiar song...

Madonna's Give it to Me. If you've been reading my travel entries, you must have read that the song is Bohol's National Anthem. The bar i go to every night in Panglao Island plays the same play list while the waitresses shake the mixed drinks, and the foreigners staring at their brown beauty. I walked inside the strip just before the corner near the convenience store. There it was. Krabi's mini red light district. I just wanted to drink a couple of beers so i could sleep better. No hanky panky this time. I was dead set about going to Koh Phangan, it's there where i will party hard!!!

I ordered for Chang beer at KR Bar. This is highly recommended by me. So if you're going to Ao Nang, drop by this bar, it's the first bar you see when you enter. Four small bottles later, i was talking to the friendly bartender. And he was asking me where I'm from. I said Philippines. It took him 15 minutes to finally realize it's three hours by plane from Bangkok to Manila. It's in Asia. He said a Filipino couple was here last year. Ok, that's a bit delayed i said. He said they left early at 9pm and didn't talk much. No wonder Pinoys have a bad impression as boring snob people outside. Who leaves at 9pm? In Manila, we leave at 4AM. We start partying at 12mn. He said i was different because after downing a couple of beers i was still thinking, walking, talking straight. I'm a cool guy. It's 2AM and i was downing my last beer when the bartenders invited me to go with them to the 24 hour bar. Am i up for this? What if they're plotting to kidnap me? Yeah, yeah... a 25 year old brown skinned dude in shorts is a good catch for some money. Of course not. So off we go. Oh yes, 24 hour bar again. I hopped on the back seat of the old beat up motorcycle. We were three in one motorcyle with another Thai girl on my back. She's with the driver though. The other Thai bartender was riding his bicycle. So of course we arrived earlier unless he's Lance Armstrong. It was a 30 minute cruise around the sleepy quiet streets of Krabi town. When we arrived i wanted to order a rice meal but at almost 3AM, that's gluttony. So i just ordered some chicken pad thai and big bottle of Chang. It was absolutely delicious. And the talk was great. I asked if i could totally to live here and how much it would cost me. He said around 4000 baht for one month in a fan room with TV, water, electricity included. That's real cheap! Oh yeah, that gave me an idea.

After eating, i thought i was gonna pay for everyone but we paid for our own meal. we went inside stall because my new bartender friends were going inside to watch a TV show. It's 3AM, everyone's glued watching......... Kung Fu. Yes. Chinese Kung Fu. Yes. Chinese Kung Fu dubbed in Thai. Oh No! I'm officially lost for words. But, i stayed and tried to understand what the fuck was happening. It was really culture immersion. All the local night owls stay up till 3AM to watch Kung Fu. After the show ended, everyone was going back to their chores. It's how they do it in Krabi. Just small talks. Not really a party district.

I actually enjoyed the night. Too bad i had no photos of how my local Thai friends look like. The picture above is taken via Fuji disposable underwater camera. In the morning it's artsy fartsy, when you take pictures at night expect to see everything in black. Well, they look like me a lot. They were the same age as mine. The Thai guy has a girlfriend, the Thai girl who was seated behind me in the motorcycle. The other Thai guy is working and studying. They are really really nice people. Now, i fully understand the concept why Thailand is the land of Smiling People. It's so welcoming here, i feel so loved, taken care of, looked after. It was a brief goodbye. As they again tried to convince me to stay for one more night so we could go near the mountains to drink and stay overnight. I said I'll try. I couldn't say goodbye. I hopped on again in the motorcycle and in a few minutes i was right in front of my hotel. I actually imagined myself scooting for two more hours, going to the cliffs, mountains and plains but it was pretty late already.

I left the next day waking up to the best morning ever, no hang-over, the sun was just right, it wasn't hot, it was breezy with farangs jugging, locals opening their shops and the beach just divine. It's time to move on... to the Party Island of Koh Pha Ngan.

I'll write about it maybe tomorrow.