Our bungalow
I’m so hot I can’t think about anything but ways to keep cool. Beads of sweat are rolling off my face and onto my journal. I’m now going to have to write around the wet parts on the pages. It’s even a struggle to sit and write. Our bungalow is nice – quite possibly the nicest we’ve stayed in although it’s a little further form the beach. We are on a small but farrang* infested island called Koh Phi Phi just off the west coast of Thailand. We stayed overnight in Krabi and then took the boat across this afternoon. I’ve just showered. I don’t know why because I’m already drenched from perspiration again. Our bungalow is sort of French-Colonial looking and made entirely from wood. It has a wrap around balcony, double doors, polished dark wood floor, bamboo furniture, an antique style standing gold fan and one of those great mosquito nets that suspend from a ring on the ceiling and wrap around the entire bed. The bathroom is quite cool too with an outdoor shower. While I was showering I looked up to see the unusual sight of palm trees shooting skyward and exploding with branches above me. It’s really nice, but the heat…urghh, the heat!
I’m anxious to see what this island has in store for us because I wasn’t entirely thrilled with what we experienced on our arrival. Tons of young travelers and party-goers seem to dominate the area and I still haven’t seen a beach worth bathing on. There’s definitely no shortage of bars here but that’s not really what we’re looking for. I’m hoping that we are in a good location not too far from the fun if we want it but closer to a more serene and relaxing environment. The island boasts some of the most spectacular scenery which includes limestone cliffs and beautiful beaches lined with palm trees. As we walked through the main street it was quite obvious that this was an island still rebuilding itself after total destruction from the recent tsunami devastation. There was an eerie feeling about the place that was quite strange. All these holiday makers were getting drunk, spending money and having fun whilst the aftermath of the disaster was still so clearly evident. I understand that this money is needed to help rebuild the island and keep locals in business but it just didn’t seem right. Not really sure where I’m going with this. I suppose it’s difficult to describe. I just remembered, I forgot to take my pills. I feel like such an old man. I have five different pills to take either before or after meals to help reduce my ear infection. Apparently I caught something from the not so clean water. The pain is unbearable at times. Well, I’ve cooled off now so it’s time to explore!
*Apparently, this local term is used to describe foreigners (cocasians to be specific.) The word ‘farrang’ is actually the Thai name for mango. No. I don’t see the connection either.
