Ko Phi Phi and Bangkok (again!)

I remember being on the boat to Ko Phi Phi a week ago. I wasn't quite sure why I was there. I wondered why I was even bothering to go to an island which would hold no interest to me.

It's now a week later, and I can safely say that Ko Phi Phi will stay in my memory for a very long time! Being in a dorm is so much fun, and I met so many great people. I had a really lazy and relaxed time on Ko Phi Phi - I did hardly any sight seeing at all. This is why it was so fun. I felt like I was living there rather than just visiting. As I hung in limbo waiting to finalise my plans with Axel, all I could do was relax and enjoy myself. Days and evenings were spent hanging out with Jen, Nick, Judith, Nina, AJ, Martin and many more. The only vague activity I did was a couple of strolls up to the viewpoint above the two main beaches - although on the second visit me, Jen and Nick got lost and had to be guided down in the dark by a local with a flashlight!

As always with travelling, people soon moved on, and I too had plans. Me and Axel are going to Burma - and soon. On Tuesday me and Jen caught the boat back to Krabi - and despite almost being blown off the boat by a strong gust of wind and a flighty guitar, the next step of my journey had begun. On Wednesday I met Axel on a bus to Bangkok, and on Thursday we went to the Burmese Embassy to book our visas.

Upon arrival at the desk, we were given some bad news. We were hoping to get our visas that same day, but we were told we would have to wait until Tuesday. This would severely shorten our Burmese trip. We asked if there was any way to get it within one day, but we were told there wasn't. We enquired about an express option for a higher price, but again the response was negative. Puppy eyed and solemnly voiced, me and Axel began to discuss our options at the counter. None of these options seemed desirable. I enquired yet again if we could get our visa within the day - unsure as to why I even bothered - and in a complete flat and emotionless voice, the visa man suddenly accepted. Totally baffled, me and Axel handed over our money. By the afternoon we had our visas. By the evening, we had a flight booked for Saturday.

Today we make our last minute preparations. Our visit to Burma (or Myanmar as it is now officially known) will last two and a half weeks. During this time I expect my blog to be out of bounds; the internet in Myanmar is heavily restricted. Nevertheless, I expect it to be a visit of a lifetime.