never underestimate the sun

So the weekend arrived and we are free to enjoy the surroundings to our hearts’ content. Today we were hoping to go to the legendary Ko Phi Phi island but missed the ferry this morning (not for lack of waking up early!) and so we had to “settle” for this cute little island beach, about a half hour motorized boat ride from the resort. Got some swimming in. The water was completely see-through! These little jellyfish or fish thingies kept nibbling on me though, so I had to get out before it got overly annoying.

I had my first experience hanging out with the locals, though. I was walking down the beach and a family from Srat Thani, north of Krabi, were doing some BBQ there, waiting for the farangs (Thai for gringo or gaijin) that they were looking after to be ready to leave. They offered me some food and a beer so what could I do? I sat down and chatted them up! It was really fun, they were so much nicer and more genuine than some of the stuffy rich people at this resort: asked me what I was doing, where I’m from, where I am going next after Krabi, etc. I had some squid, some pineapple, some chicken Indian-style… it was probably the funnest experience so far, and made me look forward to after the conference even more. Well, then we had to go so I said bye to my new friends and we were off.

We got back to the resort and I realized that ouch! I got the SWEETEST sunburn on my back. It should be ok… but I’m going out again tomorrow so hopefully it won’t feel worse. I’m gonna go now to slap some after-burn lotion on my back. Thankfully I almost always sleep on my side.

Otherwise, the conference is going well and meeting lots of people. Talk is on Tuesday, and should go okay. I hope. Right now, I have to concentrate on curing this damned sunburn soon so I can get one of those Thai massages… only 250 bhat (like 10 bucks) for an hour! A steal! Also, I have to get out of earshot of the cheesy lounge music next to here. Which means I have to leave the wireless area. So ciao for now!