The World Amazes Me

Kelvin joined us, on break from his job in Perth at Curtin University, and we set plans in motion for a trip to the legendary beaches of southern Thailand. Jaa made the arrangements for our flight to Krabi, with transfer by bus and boat to a resort at Railay West Beach. The beaches of Railay are on a peninsula of the mainland, but can’t be reached by road.

Our modern bungalows were just steps away from one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. We spent four relaxing days there (three nights), starting with a tour by boat of some of the nearby beaches and snorkeling areas. While on the tour we learned an interesting legend about how the many islands were created. See the videos if you’d like to hear it.

The following day —my birthday— we were all enjoying breakfast on the beach and overheard another group celebrating a birthday. A few minutes later a hotel guest came over to our table with half of a beautifully decorated chocolate cake. We can’t eat another bite, and it’s just going to get tossed, she said. Would we like it?

How do these little miracles happen? No one had mentioned my birthday yet, and the restaurant was full of other people. Why did she pick us? The world amazes me.

Later that day we rented a pair of two-person kayaks and set off upon the calm, green waters to explore the fantastic rock formations dotting the coast. Wow! The limestone has been shaped by rain and waves into otherworldly sculptures, caves, and overhangs that must be seen to be believed. How can rock do that?

We took frequent breaks wherever we could find a place to beach the boats. As we were swimming in a secluded cove, we watched a monkey climbing a long vine up a cliff face. What an acrobat! This time it was Kelvin who exclaimed, “Who would imagine that you’d ever see such a thing!” He took the words right out of my mouth.

When we finally paddled back to our home beach, we were astonished to find that the tide was going way, WAY out, and fast—a spring tide. It was a challenge to find a spot where the water was still deep enough to get within reach of the beach without a long slog through tidal pools, dragging the kayak. In the nick of time; minutes after our feet touched dry sand, the bay was nearly empty.

At dinner that evening, Karel, Jaa, and Kelvin surprised me with a special birthday concoction — a pineapple canoe loaded with ice cream and fruit. The breeze kept blowing out the candles, but that was OK, the breeze was very welcome.

Best birthday ever!