11 May 2006 10:15 pm K Guesthouse, Karbi town

Time in Thailand seems to slow down. Its probably the time zone difference that I still can't get used to. After leaving Hat Yai early this morning, I meet one English couple whom I chatted up in the van. Friendly Couple. They left at Trang to go to Ko Lanta. the passenger experience in the minivan is hair raising. Sometimes I wonder whether the drivers cherish their own lives. After reaching in Krabi 5 hours later, as usual, when the passenger alights, touting begins. As of today, I have learned that never to give in under pressure even when you have not decided on what to do or seems lost. 99.99 % of the time you give in, a bad experience follows.

After some "Go Figure" by myself, I decided to walk and shortly found a place to stay. Within an hour, after checking in and a quick shower, I went off to explore the town and make my travel reservation. In midway got hungry and brought some food at a nearby market and went off to eat at the pier.

The most unexpected thing happens. an old Thai man came and approached me. He can't speak English but very friendly, only till the end, I got to know that he is a boatman. He offer his service to me for 200 baht by taking me around the island. I was reluctant as I'm not sure what I could see around the pier and whether he is genuine. Coincidentally 3 Thais from Bangkok wanted to tour the islands and ask for his service. Decision made. I was on waters where tsunami once swept through here. Wind and sunshine was the elements of the day with my three new found friends. The long tail boat cut through the calm waters like scissors. The beauty of the surrounding is wonderfully new to me and the caves are amazing, tried to climb one of them but with a lack of skills and experience, I have no luck climbing over. I also went to see the sea gypsies live, donated some money and return back to the pier.

Oat, Su and Won was the three Thais name. Bung on was the boatman name.