All Good Things Must Come to an End

The blogs have been non existent recently as the internet has been slow at best and non existant at worst. Visiting small islands can have it's draw backs such as limited ferry service, no availability of ATMs, electricity at only certain hours of the day and fans instead of AC but it can also have the most rewarding of experiences. A few of the islands we visited included:

Kho Lanta (see http://youtu.be/yCcjZCbYhnI) Originally we were going to stay for three nights but ended up spending a week there. One of the days we rented a scooter. I was the driver and Jennifer was the cinematographer ( see http://youtu.be/Z9-owm1f0Bo ) It's a small world as we met a girl from Havelock (a small town near home) who went to school with our youngest son Tyler and her boyfriend who is best buddies with Jennifer's nephew from Pointe Claire.

Ko Mook (see http://youtu.be/p5fWRFj80NE ) We stayed four nights and walked across the island at least three times. It was our first experience with a rubber tree gathering plantation on this island which is inhabitated primarily by Muslims with little to no english being spoken. Much time was spent watching the sunsets with our new drink of choice, Mo Jitos MMMMmmmm. We felt a little out of our comfort zone but made the best of it

Kho Lipe (see http://youtu.be/zZYzujEynlg) Well worth the trip as this island is the last in the Thai chain in the Adaman Sea and about 20 km. north of  the Malaysia border. Feeling far away from home as we were at least half way around the globe. The beaches and snorkling were the best we have ever experienced when we hired a longtail for the day to do a regional tour. The live coral was amazing as was the island we visited with the unique black rock. No souvenirs here if you believe in the curse and superstitions.

Kho Hai (see http://youtu.be/kjdig0_UbFE ) We saved the best for last. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at this reclusive island hideaway. Great jungle trekking to find an abandoned beach which was just wonderful. I took advantage of the "au naturel" setting, however I did keep a lookout for the cast and crew of Survivor. Eyes always in the back of my head, never knowing when a Boa might strike.

It was a long way home but we made the best of it as we were upgraded to Business Class for our return trip. From sleeping on thin to non existent train matresses or in a firetrap hotel in Hanoi to sipping champagne and full reclining beds on a Boeing 777, we experienced feast to famine.

Next journey you ask? Don't know yet but South Africa sounds pretty enticing. We'll keep you posted. Great to be back home!!!!

THANKS FOR READING AND ALL THE ENCOURAGING EMAILS!!!

Ian and Jennifer