Moving on

Today is my last full day on Ko Phangan; tomorrow I will spend the day traveling to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Although it took me a few days to ease into it, my time here has been well spent. With all the planning and stress of the last two months, I don't think I could have let go and enjoyed this trip as well if I had just jumped into traveling. (For those of you who don't get the distinction, to me a vacation is staying put in one place for the purpose of relaxing and having fun; travel is moving, exploring, seeing, doing.) I now feel very relaxed and at ease (and tan!).

In the last few days I've made an effort to check out more of Haad Rin to make sure there wasn't anything major I missed. There wasn't, but I did get some good photos in the process.

Of course, I've also met more animals since I last blogged. There are a couple puppies up at the Same-Same Lodge that are just too adorable, and a wild kitten and mother cat that have taken to hanging out on my porch. They absolutely will not let me near them (which is a form of torture to me, since the kitten is so cute), but they are quite happy to eat any food I leave out for them.

So what have I seen and done on Ko Phangan that will leave a lasting impression? There are thankfully few negatives, but the image of a guy standing in the ocean smoking a cigarette still makes me shake my head. Of the many positives, I will remember the two times of day (early morning and late evening) when the temperature and breeze are so blissfully perfect that you wish the moment would last forever. I'll also remember the amazing variety of colors of the ocean and the sky here. I took a ridiculous number of photos, but here a just a selection to show you what I mean.

Thanks to everyone who has been following my blog and especially those who have been commenting. I feel a lot more connected to home when I get those little notes from you.

Comments

[Jan]

That picture of the long boats looks oddly familiar. I love the ocean views.

[Laura]

Barbara,

How's my lady? I miss you very much. It sounds like you are having mainly a wonderful time-interspersed with a few dubious moments. The perfect ingredients for a truly memorable adventure! I love the pics, too! You look ravishing, as usual-but just a bit more radiant, if that's possible. I hope this trip is everything you wanted and more. Although it has taken me a while to get online, I've been thinking of you a lot. Do me a favor, pick up some of them there endangered animals-our cats are recruiting playmates!

I hope you are enjoying your Thai "christmas tree" - wish I could be there to celebrate with you. Miss you loads!

Love,
Laura and Nick