The next day we boarded another boat to Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta was by far my favorite island. On the boat over, we met a very nice couple from eastern Europe who accompanied us to a bungalow we had reserved. We arrived on Koh Lanta, not to find a tourist trap, but a relaxed, peaceful island. We would stay here for almost 2 whole weeks, and every minute of it was sublime.
We changed places from our original bungalow to one that was across the street and directly on the beach. The sand was at our door step and our window opened to the clean blue water. The place we stayed was called "Aecha Hut" and was owned and operated by a large family who was always coming and going. We never knew exactly who worked there or did what, but everyone was super friendly and welcoming.
The bungalow was mostly made from dark wood and had a bamboo ceiling. The bathroom was attached and had an open air ceiling to the palm trees that hung over it. Lets just say, hearing the ocean while doing your business was an experience everyone should have! We had a small porch, with a hammock that looked directly at the uninterrupted ocean. The beach was clean, clear, and hardly had anyone on it. Jared and I both agreed that we could stay at this place for a very long time.
The next order of business was to get a motor bike and tour the island. So, we rented a bike and went on our way. Jared, a seasoned driver, calmed my motor bike fears after the first 2 days of being his passenger. I always wore my helmet, and after a couple days released the death grip I had on him when we first boarded.
Walking along the small road near our bungalow, we came upon Joy and Nee's cafe. This place was an open air kitchen with a bamboo roof. They served the most wonderful EVERYTHING for the cheapest prices we had paid yet. We ended up eating there at least once a day, every day. My favorite was their green curry, and their spring rolls were divine! We didn't have one bad meal there and the little ladies that cooked were really fun to talk to. Jared even found a new love for Massaman Curry and ate it almost every day.
After being on Koh Lanta for a couple days, our buddy Jason came to meet us. He had just been touring around the main land, and strolled up one day while we were sitting on our porch. So, then there were 3, and we had a blast! We got him settled, and walked down to Joy and Nee's for some food.
The next couple days we explored the island. We went on jungle hikes, saw some elephants, Jared went scuba diving, we got some reading done, and just enjoyed being peaceful. If I got up early enough I could run on the beach and then take a swim. After, I would walk up to the store, grab some granola and some fresh yogurt and have a simple breakfast. This was the life I could get used to.
After being there for a while, Jared and Jason purchased a fishing rod and spent the evenings fishing in front of our place. The first time Jared sunk his bate he caught a good sized Jack fish. Everyone in ear shot ended up coming down to the shore to see what he had caught. They were very impressed that the tourist caught his own fish. That night, we barbecued the fish and played cards. It was great. A couple nights later he caught another one and we did the same thing, only I got to run to the market, get some garlic and prepare it for the grill. Delicious!
While the boys were fishing, I bought myself some paints and sat on the beach sketching and painting. It was so relaxing taking in the sunset and seeing the shadows form in the dusk. We were completely at peace.
We changed places from our original bungalow to one that was across the street and directly on the beach. The sand was at our door step and our window opened to the clean blue water. The place we stayed was called "Aecha Hut" and was owned and operated by a large family who was always coming and going. We never knew exactly who worked there or did what, but everyone was super friendly and welcoming.
The bungalow was mostly made from dark wood and had a bamboo ceiling. The bathroom was attached and had an open air ceiling to the palm trees that hung over it. Lets just say, hearing the ocean while doing your business was an experience everyone should have! We had a small porch, with a hammock that looked directly at the uninterrupted ocean. The beach was clean, clear, and hardly had anyone on it. Jared and I both agreed that we could stay at this place for a very long time.
The next order of business was to get a motor bike and tour the island. So, we rented a bike and went on our way. Jared, a seasoned driver, calmed my motor bike fears after the first 2 days of being his passenger. I always wore my helmet, and after a couple days released the death grip I had on him when we first boarded.
Walking along the small road near our bungalow, we came upon Joy and Nee's cafe. This place was an open air kitchen with a bamboo roof. They served the most wonderful EVERYTHING for the cheapest prices we had paid yet. We ended up eating there at least once a day, every day. My favorite was their green curry, and their spring rolls were divine! We didn't have one bad meal there and the little ladies that cooked were really fun to talk to. Jared even found a new love for Massaman Curry and ate it almost every day.
After being on Koh Lanta for a couple days, our buddy Jason came to meet us. He had just been touring around the main land, and strolled up one day while we were sitting on our porch. So, then there were 3, and we had a blast! We got him settled, and walked down to Joy and Nee's for some food.
The next couple days we explored the island. We went on jungle hikes, saw some elephants, Jared went scuba diving, we got some reading done, and just enjoyed being peaceful. If I got up early enough I could run on the beach and then take a swim. After, I would walk up to the store, grab some granola and some fresh yogurt and have a simple breakfast. This was the life I could get used to.
After being there for a while, Jared and Jason purchased a fishing rod and spent the evenings fishing in front of our place. The first time Jared sunk his bate he caught a good sized Jack fish. Everyone in ear shot ended up coming down to the shore to see what he had caught. They were very impressed that the tourist caught his own fish. That night, we barbecued the fish and played cards. It was great. A couple nights later he caught another one and we did the same thing, only I got to run to the market, get some garlic and prepare it for the grill. Delicious!
While the boys were fishing, I bought myself some paints and sat on the beach sketching and painting. It was so relaxing taking in the sunset and seeing the shadows form in the dusk. We were completely at peace.
1 comment:
Jen, I love reading your posts b/c they're so different from what Jared writes. Nice to see your perspective. Hope all is well.
Happy Easter!
Barbara
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