The reality of going home and the end of travelling has become a more immediate concern, but I’ll be damned if I’m not going to squeeze out every last drop of entertainment I can before being shackled once again to chains of university (a lot lighter than some I’ll admit and not all bad)
Since leaving Koh Samui, I spent a few days at Khao Sok National park (thanks for the tip Loz) and ended up boating about on a huge lake past massive Karst limestone formations, trekking through jungle, delving deep into bat filled submerged caves and swimming at remote untouched waterfalls. Add to this the compulsory end of day massage, a few quiet beers and card games with fellow travelers, and the insansely cheap and delicious Thai food, it becomes an easy life to grow accustomed to.
Heading off to the islands of the south-west, I fell in with a German couple I’d met and on their recommendation travelled to the island of Koh Jam (or Jum). A sleepy little fishing island, with no electricity, breezy beachside bungalows for less than 5 bucks a night and best of all only a smattering of tourists, it was in stark contrast to the overcrowded, overcommercialised tourist traps that sadly many other islands have become. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time for Koh Jam, but for now I was happy to sit back and relax in this island paradise.Dilla, the owner of the bungalows is the friendliest person you’ll ever meet, and along with her sister will burst into constant bouts of uncontrolled laughter.
Serving up huge expertly cooked meals for around a dollar and staying in the simple but comfortable bungalows for less $4 a night, it was no wonder that my plan to stay for a couple nights dragged into a week. Why keep searching when you’ve already reached paradise? Although I’d planned to visit some other islands, I opted instead to take a day trip to Bamboo island near Koh Phi Phi for some snorkelling in clear emerald waters with abundant fish life, but not so spectacular coral. (The tsunami had something to do with this, but you can’t top the Great Barrier Reef anyway)
Reluctantly deciding there was more to see before leaving Thailand, I headed up to Chiang Mai in the North and headed out for a three day trek with all the usual tourist gimickry. Elephant riding, staying in local villages high in the mountains, caves, waterfalls and some decent hills to climb, it was definitely a full-on experience. With a group consisting of English, Spanish, French, Dutch and Japanese, I was quick to warn them they could expect a visit from me somewhere down the road. The highlight of it all though was our last night in a remote village where their 8 day new year celebrations were well under way, consisting of constant fireworks, mass dancing and sitting around drinking homemade rice wine in the hut of some locals. Trekking the next day with a sore head was not ideal, thankfully the ice cold river where we went whitewater rafting and bamboo rafting eased the pain.
With less than a week left I’m now in Chiang Rai visiting some people for a few days before taking some Thai cooking lessons in Chiang Mai (a paltry substitute for the withdrawals I’ll get once home) and finally heading back to Bangkok. Typically the airline has chosen my departure date as a good time to strike, so that throws a spanner in the works but I’m sure I’ll get back to good old Oz eventually. Happy Australia Day for yesterday and can’t wait to down a few schooies of aussie beer with those still in the homeland.
Till then, adios