Welcome to the Andaman Sea

Moon and I left Bangkok for now but we’ll return by the end of the trip. We are in an Island named Koh Jum (also called Koh Pu) on the Andaman Sea.  The Andaman Sea touches Myanmar (the old Burma), Thailand and the Malay Penninsula. The island is remote, the water warm, the atmosphere quiet and the exciting sights and night life...non existent. A perfect balance for the craziness and hustle and bustle of Hong Kong and Bangkok. Our decision was to try something a little more relaxing.  I’m so relaxed I could fall over most of the time.  Here’s the agenda: walk the beach, swim a little, read, take a nap...repeat.  There have been torrential thunderstorms here in the afternoons, particularly yesterday and today.  We were on the lanai yesterday, relaxing, watching the rain.  We happened to look out when a lightening bolt struck a couple hundred yards away.  There was an instantaneous thunder clap that just about blew out our eardrums.  We sat in shock as the thunder rolled away, but it took a while for my sphincter level to draw down into normal limits.  I’ve never been that close to a lightening bolt before this trip.  Hope to never get closer than that. 

Koh Phi Phi and the long tail boats.

We took a snorkeling day trip to some of the other islands. Clear, warm water, massive fish, and some of the prettiest scenery we’ve experienced.  A self guided scooter tour around the island which didn’t take long because the island is not very big. In the southern parts of Thailand, where we are now, the population is predominately Muslim.  The guys wear the normal tropical garb, shorts and T-shirt. Elder men seem to wear more traditional robe, turbin or cap.  The women, on the other hand, wear head scarf, long sleeves, and some sort of pants so they are generally covered head to toe.  Observed several women wearing black burqas.  I’m thinking to myself...that’s got to be hot.  Off to Koh Lanata tomorrow, an island probably 10 times bigger than Koh Jum.  A little more excitement. A little more to explore. We’re easing our way back into a livelier experience.  More later.  

Bamboo Island

Sunset over the Andaman Sea. It was beaut!