a little bit of paradise

Up and checked out by 9am. We used the scooter to find the nearby local bus station. Our hostel was charging 500 baht to Krabi, while the Lonely Planet mentioned it was closer to 100. The bus terminal is easy to find and near the centre of the city. We booked two tickets for 110 baht each to leave at 11.30am. I used the scooter to bring our bags over in two runs. A lot easier than carrying them over in the 30 degrees temperature. The whole back and forward took half and hour. We grabbed some food at one of the local restaurants in the time we had to spare.

The minibus left on time and had a/c. One of the most bizarre things you might notice if you visit Thailand is the quantity of new vehicles on the road. Its quite hard to believe how many there are. 90% of all vehicles are no more than 3 years old. Its quite strange to see this every where you turn. It doesn't fit in with the roads, homes and general state of the place. We got to meet some German and American backpackers who were also on their way to Krabi. After 3 hours we were dropped in Krabi bus station. The usual array of taxi men approached offering to bring us to our next destination. We agreed with one of them to take us on to Ao Nang for 50 baht each. From here we grabbed a long boat for 80 baht each to Hat Ton Soi. A beach than can be only accessed by boat unless you are into abseiling down a cliff face.

The journey there was spectacular. Other long boats were racing in different all directions, filled with backpackers and the sort. Large outcrops of rock stood tall, undercut by the sea, dominated the surrounding landscape. We dropped an older couple off at another paradise resort beach along the way. We came around the headland to see two golden beaches set amongst large dominant cliffs and lush green foliage. As we neared Hat Ton Soi you could see the water was out very far from the shore, leaving a rather ugly sight of muck and rock strewn across the bay. The long boat brought us as near as it could. We then trudged with bags through the sludge to the shore. Not quite the Carlsberg of landings. The two Germans we travelled with went off in search of accommodation. Mysaelf and Jojo resigned to sitting back and having a beer. What else do you expect us to do when we arrive in paradise. After an hour or so we headed to find and internet connection, to check where Peter and Shane were staying. Shane had left a message to tell us he had moved on and to meet up with Peter and we'd see him a few days, all going well. We headed in search of the Mountain View resort.

Before long we stood in front of a rather upmarket looking resort of brick built rooms. We checked with reception for availability and to find which room Peter was in. We decided to treat ourselves for a couple of nights. 700 baht per night for an ensuite room with fan. Bizarrely the electricity only ran from 6pm to 7am each day. We awoke Peter from his mid-day nap. It was good to see him again after so long. As we moved our bags in, we caught up on each others activities for the past few months. Jojo was delighted with the bathroom. Not too dissimilar to myself. Easily pleased with simple pleasure. Jojo is incredibly partial to a shower. Whether cold or hot. If I rate places on the cleanliness of their public toilets, Jojo does it on the quality of their shower. We agreed to head to dinner after cleaning up and getting changed.

Hat Ton Sai is truly a little bit of paradise. The beach front is lined with a wide selection of chill-out bars. Each with its own unique offering of the ultimate chillax zone. Hammocks, Thai cushions and cosy chairs arranged overlooking the paradise bay. As you move further back along the pedestrian only walkways, you come across an array of cool hip bars and multicultural restaurants. Designed from bamboo and different woods the surroundings are reminiscent of movies like The Beach. Peter's choices sat among these and came highly recommended, after devouring numerous meals there. A collection of kittens collected at our feet as we ordered our food. After ten minutes of being an for the mosquitoes, I headed back to our room to make up an Australian learnt solution. During one evening we met Leigh and Fi from Melbourne that told us a mixture of body cream/lotion and Dethol kept the critters at bay. We had purchased the ingredients in New Zealand although had never got around to using them. With an empty washed beer bottle, I made up the hospital smelling solution and began to cover my feet and arms.

The food as Peter suggested was just right and we all ate a healthy meal that would keep our tummies happy for some hours. We headed down to one of the many bars along the beach front. Actually the same one we had our first beer on. We had arrived one day too late for the full moon party. Not that we missed much from Peters description. The bar was banging out electronic music to Jojo's delight. The rest of the night was made up of some beers, chat and Jojo spinning fire poi. I realised sitting there, we were living a lot of people dreams. Sometimes as you move around the world, you tend to forget just how lucky you really are. Its human nature for many to take what we have for granted. After a few hours, with Peter feeling a little worse for wear after his numerous nights of buckets we headed back in the direction of our rooms, only to find a buzz of activity in a nearby bar. A large group of climbers come to Hat Ton Sai for its excellent cliff faces. They all appeared to be having a party at this bar.

The night took another direction as we watched this collection of muscle bound ladies and gents performing tricks and games infront of us. It was a good vibe and everyone was in high spirits. Three activities where at play. The stretch out and place the bottle game, the walk or do a dance on a wire and the hold a partner by one leg and arm as they placed a bottle out. Each activity looked a thousand times easier than if you tried. Trust me. We tried. After the majority of the experts had had their fun, myself and Jojo tried to walk or even stand on the wire. The first thing that happens when you put your foot down on the wire is your foot to knee shakes like crazy. Jojo was determined and pulled in the aid of an acrobatics teacher. This same guy had shown his walk the wire talents, with rolls and sitting in lotus position for a bit of fun. After an hour he was able to begin to walk the wire. Also during this time, he ran off to do some fire poi at a nearby bar. He was like a kid in a playground. It was just what he had being looking for. Like three good Irishmen. Jojo gets an adopted title. We were of course, the last to leave. Some buckets and many beers into the morning. It only took five minutes and I had lost Jojo. Five minutes later we were back together. Five minutes after that we were collapsed on our beds.