Day 35 - Saturday, March 19 - Ko Lipe

Woke at 7:30A and needed to do some laundry. Took the 4 articles of clothing I've been wearing for the past 5 days and swished them about on the bathroom floor with some detergent I had left over from Miami and hung them to dry out on the porch. Not really sure why I have a whole pack of clothing when in reality, I've only worn 6 articles of clothing over the past 2 weeks. I'll have to lighten my load again next time I get to a civilized land.

Sat in the hammock. Looked at the water. Swam. Sat in the hammock. Slept. Read a page of my book and slept again. Two Sweedish families who were at Miami showed up and moved into the bungalows beside me. It seemed a bit basic for them but they can always change if they need some more comforts for the kids. I think at this point, I sat in the hammock for a while longer and then went for a swim. There was so much commotion and stress today so I can't remember exactly what order I did all these things. At one point, Logan came over and we chatted on the porch. I then did the unthinkable - I got out of the hammock and let him try it out.

We decided to go to Pattaya for a swim and we did just that. I love being able to do such crazy ridiculous things at a moments notice. We stayed at Pattaya and had dinner at Varin. Logan and I split fresh Marlin and a great coconut curry with Pork. Both were pretty great. On the way back to Andaman, we stopped at Pooh's, a bar / restaurant / internet place that is pretty cool. Not really sure when Winnie the Pooh came to live in Thailand but if anyone is looking, he's right here on Ko Lipe.

Back at my bungalow, I sat in the hammock and did some reflecting. I can't remember the last time I really stopped and let this all sink in. When traveling, whether alone or even with someone, so much of your experinces are heightened by the people you meet along the way. I've been very fortunate to meet some great people and have the opportunity to share my travels with them. Tuci and Nadine were great as were Dave and Katie. The Esau's are an incredible family and seeing them travel together, sharing a bungalow, and adopting me, certainly puts them at the top of the heap. Recently retired, they finally took Logan up on his offer to travel a little with him and they now understand why he has put off getting a job and settling down at this point. Once again, it's two worlds coliding and I feel as if I've known them forever. I would love to take them up on their offer to visit them in Canada and see what it's like to live in the bush hunting and kayaking on the river. Although a little younger and from different worlds, Logan and I talk about traveling, music, and life as he's certainly lived a full one at the young age of 24 (or is he 26?). These past few days have been pretty amazing.

At this point, I did enough reflecting and went to bed. Tomorrow is another day.