So this is Paradise
I have been on Ko Phi-Phi for a couple days now. It is an island that is currently characterized by some very stark contrasts. On the one hand it is probably the most physically beautiful place I have ever seen. On the hand, it was probably the area in Thailand that was hit hardest by the Tsunami, the damage from which is still quite evident.
I spent the first morning taking a tour that an NGO was having to show how the island had been affected by the tsunami. We visited many sites of destroyed areas. Part of the tour was led by a young Thai fellow who was present on the island during the Tsunami. He gave us a very moving personal account of the event. The whole thing just showed how devasted the people are.
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Date: 06/19/2005Views: 543
In the afternoon I volunteered for an organization called Hi Phi Phi which is coordinating the relief efforts here. I did a little replanting and also helped with the installation of a septic system. Unfortunately it did not feel as productive as I had hoped. Part of this was due to disorganization on the part of the projects we were working on, part of it was that everything is done on Thai time and part of it lies in the difficulty of casually jumping in as a volunteer. I get the feeling that those who stay here for an extended time do make a big difference but those here for a day or two find it hard to get involved. In any case, they make a big point of saying that every bit helps and that even just being here and spending money is very important. They say that tourism is currently down about 90% on this island, and I can believe it.
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Date: 06/20/2005Views: 573
Today we went and visited Phi-Phi Ley, which is where “The Beach” was filmed. We had to swim out the specific beach from the movie, Maya Bay, so I couldn’t bring my camera. So sorry, no photos of me doing my Leonardo DiCaprio impression. The beach did not disappoint, the sand was white and fine, the water a beautiful pale blue and we were encircled by impressive limestone cliffs. We also got the chance to go snorkelling where I saw even more fish than scuba diving on Koh Tao. All in all it was a fantastic day.
I have put up more photos, so you can see the two faces of this remarkable place.
June 20th, 2005 at 4:09 pm
Looks like paradise, plain and simple. Though I can’t begin to imagine the horror stories that are a result of the tsunami. Good on you for volunteering.
June 20th, 2005 at 5:50 pm
What is “the beach”? I saw you mention it before, but all you said was that it’s a movie. Is it a good movie? Or like, a total flop that was so terrible you had to see this? I’m getting through my exams ok, two down and two to go. Well, have fun! ~Gary
June 20th, 2005 at 6:41 pm
Paradise
Wow! I didn’t know about Phi-Phi Ley….
June 22nd, 2005 at 12:22 pm
Hey guys,
Finally got really set up here in Panama and read all your blogage. Sounds like you two are having a great time. Funny enough, a lot of the pictures of Bangkok and even the islands you’ve been to resemble the stuff around here. I guess we’re both in busy places in the tropics.
Right now Im in my office on an island nearby Panama City (I have a great view of the skyline from my desk). I bike about 10 km from my house in the outskirts of the city to work everyday (the island has a 5km causeway that connects it to the mainland) and its a beautiful ride. The beach I work on is pretty neat too, there are sloths and iguanas in the trees and huge pelicans and crabs all over the beach. My crabs are pretty neat; watching them is like watching a soap opera with all sorts of fighting and courting going on right at my feet if i keep still. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how motivated I am) the crabs don’t do much when its raining and its the wet season here so that is quite often. It just stopped pouring so it looks like I might be going back out right now… keep me updated on your adventures.
June 28th, 2005 at 1:10 pm
How does one set up a blog? Melissa suggested I do one when I go to Churchill. I don’t have a laptop. Is it necessary to have one?
I had Lola’s son Armour and his family over on Sunday. They are moving to Thunder Bay in a few days.
Your experiences with different standards in accomodation sound like our trip across Europe. One does survive, and get more knowledgeable. Love Baba