We have been keeping ourselves busy on Phi Phi Island as of late. The other day we rented kayaks and paddled to two different beaches. As most of the cove beaches can only be reached by boat they tend to be much less crowded. The first beach we arrived at was called monkey beach, and had the most beautiful white sand I have ever seen. After a rest and a quick dip to cool off, we all got cooked by the sun in our kayaks, we made our way to a private beach a little ways up the coast. This place was truly amazing! White sand, crystal blue water, rock islands, live reefs, loads of tropical fish, and best of all only a handful of other people to share it with. That brings me to the snorkeling, my father has always been a big proponent of the snorkeling while I never paid much attention. I picked up a cheap snorkel back in Ao Nang to see if I liked it or not. The mask leaked like a sieve and didn’t inspire confidence but being in that cove you could see the reef just waiting to be explored. That evening I picked up some proper gear, and plan to head back to that place in the next few days. All I have to say is that Mr. Paul was right all along… first for everything.
For those avid kayakers out there, the paddling was really awesome. The water was always some beautiful shade of blue and we were paddling beside these huge lime stone cliffs. The cliffs look like walls of rock that just climb into the sky. At the water level there were all kinds of over hanging sections and cave/inlets which were cool to see. Although the setting was perfect, the boats did leave a little to be desired. They were the open seated and would get quite heavy as the water splashed in with our inexperienced paddling skills. All in all, a great day out on the water.
Everyone we talked to has mentioned that Maya Beach was a must see. Not only is it amazingly beautiful, it is the bay where the movie “the beach” was filmed. Although crowded, you could tell this place was special. A small opening between massif lime stone cliffs leads into a big crystal clear bay with cliffs on 3 sides and a white sand beach on the other. Although still considered to be part of Phi Phi Island, it is a satellite island just south of where we are staying that is a national park and is uninhabited. It was also the first time I got to try out my new snorkeling gear. A five minute walk away took you to another much smaller cove that was filled with reef and all kinds of fish. If felt surreal, Marilyn and I floated within schools of fish, just like watching blue planet.
Back home a “chicken-man” would refer to chicken burger. We I think I have found the “Thailand chicken-man”. Although the open pit BBQ chicken satays are to die for! The true hero of our story is the specific street vender himself. The first time I went to his stand I didn’t even get anything because he ignored me. On another visit, which was successful I might add, while he was grilling my meat these two ladies were enquiring about his corn on the cob. “Do you heat these up on the grill,” she asked. He looks right at her, looks back at me and hands me my chicken-man. He then proceeds to take my 20 baht and walks across the street and buys a beer, still without responding this woman’s question. I have to say, I like this guys style, he’s not rude per say, he just lets you know your on his time and lets his Q’in do the talking. Once you try it, you will be back(usually has a big line up). I would get a picture of his stand but he is way to intimidating. Long live delicious street meat!
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The last few nights have been late ones, but not for the usual reasons. A buddy of ours from Turo, Drew Bezanson was competing in a BMX competition, Simpel Sessions, in Estonia. It’s an international competition and is streamed live over the internet. As it is the first major pro contest every season, riders from all over the world go to show what they learned in the off season. Drew won this comp last year so Rob and I weren’t about to miss out on the live action. We managed to watch the first few finals heats at a cafĂ© but because of the time zones the place was closed before the last two heats. We managed to pick up a internet connection in some allay and watched the finals in the entryway of a random guest house. The riding was amazing just check out the highlight footage below. Just wanted to congratulate Drew for the repeat win, you are truly an animal!
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