Tuk-Tuk, chug-chug

To get around in the near vicinity, one negotiates a rate with a motor scooter-powered taxi…think side car for four.  

 

Our driver did a great job getting us to the far side of the island to Old Town Lanta with numerous sightings of monkeys, egret, and livestock by the side of the road.    We were, understandably, quite a load to take both up and down the hills the island, and on our return trip, our young driver politely inquired whether we preferred to take a longer, flatter road home, or the same road….in which case he would need to take only two of us at a time up the steep central road!   We opted for the longer ride and were treated to more of the beautiful groves of palms and bananas and many monkey sightings.  No photos...you'll just have to take my word for it.

The tourist industry seems to be the main source of support for the local economy, and the difference between the two is stark as our trip on local roads reinforced.  Many things are super inexpensive for the western traveler, and we had plenty of opportunity to practice our bargaining skills.  Thai massage for example, was $10-12 for an hour long massage.  I had one nearly every day, including a few down by the beach.  They can be more "pricey" at the resorts and in big cities, and they can even be as low as $5 an hour in street shops here and in the bigger cities.  Sophie bought a pair of nice flip flops for $3 and I found a gorgeous pair of Thai wrap pants for $8...I suspect my Thai-savvy friends will tell me I paid too much!  

Heaven is only 36 hours away...

...and three flights across one very large ocean and several seas, not to mention the International Date line, one minivan ride and two ferries.  Ko Lanta Yai's southern most edge is truly a slice of laid back rural Thai charm.   Kantiang Bay's Baan Laanta Resort perches atop a cliff, while down below stretches a kilometer-long arc of beach.  

After moving into our cottages, Sophie and I opted to go for a Thai massage straight away before lunch.  A first for us both, Thai massage is combo of shiatsu and stretching and some other cool techniques thrown in for decidedly good measure.  More about that later...

 

Down the long stretch of beach we sauntered into a spot called “Same Same, But Different", which we would later learn is a common expression here.  At this point, we had eaten only what the plane and airport could offer, and were aching for "real" food.  In keeping with the laid back style of the island culture, we waited what seemed an eternity for a table, then sipped our Singha for a delightfully refreshing eternity until the menus came our way.   

The food, while leisurely in its preparation and arrival at the table, was beautifully presented and so fresh…we could smell the garlic, chilies and spices wafting from the kitchen.   Papaya salad with chicken was my first official Thai dish…as spicy as it is cool and refreshing!

 

 The few days before Christmas on the beach is a time for the restaurants and resorts to "decorate" Thai style. Each locale created a bamboo, grass and light structure...or two, and decorated them with various improvised lamps. The beach looked magical at night.