A&C, Feeling "Amasian"

Sawatdee!

Here we are, back in Bangkok! Which means we have a lot to update everyone on. Sitting in the Elefin Cafe, sipping on a latte, what better time then now to fill you in.

Our first stop after Bangkok was an island called Koh Tao. We had heard many good things about the diving there, so after a couple weeks since our last dive we were pretty excited to gear up and swim with the fish! We spent two nights there and fit in 4 dives (and one Thai massage!). The diving was great, although there were tons of other divers in the same areas underwater. I think we may have been spoiled in the Philippines, as some of the areas were quite remote in comparison. Still, no complaints! We had a great dive master, and seen loads of cool fish and sea-life, including a Sting Ray-Andy thinks we should amp our story up a little bit "We were chased by s Sting Ray, and Chelsie shot it with her spear gun!" Better?!

After Koh Tao we took a quick boat ride over to Koh Phangan. We had the best 4 nights, although our livers were paying for it afterwards. We stayed at a hostel called The Lazy House, where, on arrival, we were shown around Haad Rin, and introduced to some dorm-mates. Already we could tell it was going to be a great hostel to spend the Full Moon Party at. Koh Phangan is the island of the legendary Half Moon and Full Moon parties. People come from all over the world to deck themselves out in neon paint, neon shorts and Full Moon tank tops, and drink buckets on the beach! A bucket is literally a sand bucket filled with your choice of alcohol (vodka, rum, whiskey, etc.) and your choice of mix (sprite and red bull is a popular one). Throw a few straws in there, and you are good to go! Now, it may seem like a good idea at the time, but after about 2 or 3 of those the idea doesn't seem so intelligent the next day!
Our first night in Koh Phangan we met with a group from the hostel at the Lazy House restaurant, The Outback. This was the first time we had met so many other Canadians! After eating, we decided to start a game of Flip Cup! Team Canada Vs. The World! Can you guess who came out on top?? Team Canada baby!! We ruled the Flip Cup table, and soon had people from other tables coming to join in on the fun. After many games of that, we decided to head off to a popular hostel, Coral Bungalows, for one of their famous pool parties. It was crazy. We have never seen so many people in/around a pool. There were people, buckets, and clothes flying everywhere! It was great fun, even if the pool was a tad warmer then is should have been...
The next day we got moving around 11am and re-grouped with Team Canada. We walked down to the beach where we met another group of Canadian girls. We decided to hire a boat to drive us over to another part of the island where we could hike into a waterfall. We all hopped on the long-tail boat, and after about 30 minutes we arrived. We spent the day hiking into what was more of a swimming hole then waterfall. It was a beautiful day out, so we just relaxed on the rocks, and swam around. It was an awesome day getting to know our friends from all over Canada. That night we played some Sociables, more Flip Cup, and headed to a pre-Full Moon beach party. The beach was packed, and that was just an intro as to what the next night would hold! We didn't stay out long, as we knew the next night would be a long one!
The next day a bunch of us rented motorbikes and drove to a small lake nearby. We had heard there was a swing rope, so we thought we would check it out. Conveniently situated alongside the lake was a bar/restaurant promising free use of the swing rope to customers. We decided to stop for some lunch and a drink. After eating we all took our turns at the rope and swam around the lake. There was also a floating dock, floating "mountain", and a couple of small water tramps. We played around for the day, then rode our bikes back to get ready for the Full Moon Party! After showering,we got our battle gear on and made our way over to another hostel where everyone was getting painted up! Buckets in hand, neon shorts and tanks on, we painted stripes, Canadian flags, even a moose head for Andy! Satisfied with our creations, we headed into the sea of neon. It wasn't hard to spot Andrew out of the crowd, as he had a huge Canadian flag on his back! Although, we did see one guy with the flag painted on his face..
We danced, watched the fire shows, and drank our buckets. We were determined to watch the sunrise! At one point it was absolutely pouring, but the music pumped on, and we danced like crazy. It was one of the greatest moments of the trip, both of us just having the time of our lives!! By 6am we were spent! But, like I said we were still determined, and at 7am when that sun poked out, there were still loads of people fist-pumping along the beach(not to mention many passed out along the beach..). We all sat on a picnic table and watched the sun come up, putting an end to an unforgettable night. Bellies full from the chicken sandwiches we enjoyed earlier that morning, we made our way back to the hostel, showered off whatever paint was left over and crashed into bed. That day we slept, ate, slept again, and watched Avatar with our dorm-mates. Pretty low key after our crazy Full Moon night. The next day we left our island of fun and made our way to the chill town of Railay.

We got to Railay and realized it was the perfect post-party place to spend a few days. Laid back and relaxed is exactly what we needed. We found a nice little bungalow to stay in and made our way to the beach to watch the sunset. Our first full day in Railay was spent hanging out in the infinity pool. The sun was out, and we were happy to lay around and do nothing! We treated ourselves to a traditional Thai massage, where Andy left feeling like he got "shit-kicked". Alright, so the Thai woman are a little rough... At least he only had to pay $6 to get a little beating right?!
That night we experienced the best fire show of Thailand! Held at the Last Bar, these Thai men are talented!! One was swinging the fire ropes from his mouth! There were fire sticks being tossed in the air, to each other, and even synchronized routines. It was unbelievable! We talked to one guy, and he said that he had to practice for 6 months without fire before be was aloud to light the sticks. Many of the Thai men working the fire shows are also DJ's, rock climbing instructors, bartenders, etc. Very busy, but talented young men.
The next day we decided to try out some rock climbing! Im not a huge fan of heights, so I was a little nervous at first. In the end, we both loved it!! Railay is known for it's amazing rock climbing. We started at 9am and with only a short lunch break, climbed until 6pm! It was a long and tiring day, but so much fun! We both loved the challenge, and the feeling you get when you reach the top. Totally exhilarating! Not to mention, the breathtaking view. We definitely want to do it again.
That night we met a couple from Germany, and a girl from Norway. We watched another fire show, then went for a late night swim and snack! Time flew by us, because by the time we said goodnight, it was 430am! We now have another European country to visit friends in!
We were sad to leave Railay the next day. We so enjoyed our days by the pool, evenings sitting eating pizza and drinking Mojito's at Joy Bar, listening to Bob Marley, and watching the sunsets. Mornings lounging on pillows, eating Muesli, and sipping on a coffee. So much to be thankful for in those 3 days on Railay.

One evening in Railay, we met a guy who had just come from a cstch and release fishing resort just outside of Krabi(about a 10 min boat ride from Railay, and 35 min drive from there). After Andrew and him chatted, looked at pictures, it didnt take me long to see that this was going to be our next stop! So, we packed out bags, sent a few emails, and booked a night at Gilhams Fishing Resort. We arrived to a beautiful lake with bungalows surrounding it. The resort is owned by a family from England,and they were so friendly and helpful we didn't want to leave! The rooms were gorgeous,and you could see the sun rise from the mountains right from bed! It was quite a luxury in a backpackers world.
The day we got there, I set up by the infinity pool with my book, while Andy got ready to fight with some fish! From 1pm until 8pm he fished, with one of the staff Joel, there to coach him on. These fish are no easy catch. It takes up to an hour sometimes to bring one in.
The lake is stocked with over 1000 fish, of 50 different species. In the last 6 years since the resort opened, only 25 species have been caught! Joel told us there are fish over 500lbs in there. Andrew said "there are grizzly bears in that water!" The first day Andrew caught a 90lb Mekong Catfish, and right before ending the night, a 260lb Arapaima. That was a good fight.
The next morning we woke up bright and early. Andy headed out to the lake and was fishing by 7am. I decided to go for a run around the lake a few times. When I got back, one of the staff had asked Andrew who was chasing me.. By noon, Andrew had brought in 7 fish! Three Siamese Carp varying from 30-50lbs, four Amazon Red Tails varying from 20-40 lbs. At the end of the day, a 130lb Mekong fought with Andrew for at least 45 minutes! A good way to end the trip. I don't think I've ever seen a guy sweat so much! Joel had asked "You ready for some pain?!" He meant it. Regardless, Andy would go back in a second!

After leaving Gilhams, we spent one night in Ao-Nang before heading back to Bangkok. I spent the morning doing a Yoga Detox, while Andy toured around the city (and walked onto a private beach full of seniors..he got kicked off within 5 minutes).

Well, we are all caught up! After a night bus here, we dropped our bags off at Soi 1 and sat down for some fruit and muesli, and a coffee. Now we are going to leave you at that, and head off to the infamous weekend market!!

Cheers!

A&C