We have escaped all the farangs on Ko Tao and are now relaxing on the remote island of Ko Phangan. Our resort is situated on a very remote part of the island as the only way out is up a dirt road that only leads to more dirt roads. The beach seemed a good place to escape but as you climb over the huge boulders you realize that all you hit is more beach. Despite its isolation it really is a charming place. The owners cook us dinner and breakfast everyday as we sit in the open air resturant adn watch DVD after DVD. They are all fresh bootlegs from Bangkok so we really are way ahead in some respects. Their is an internet conenction which I am trying really hard not to abuse. The place is lined with hammocks, encouraging one to lie around and read they day away. Needless to say I have finished two books and its only day three. Our bungalow is at the edge of the beach and the rolling waves lull us to sleep... but first we ahve to cover our beds wtih mosquito nets. I told you we were roughing it! I watched a storm develp over the ocean today from my bedroom window. The roof is a thatched one which the geckos like to take shelter in at nightfall. The first night I was scared out of my wits as I had no idea they made noise. The best part is the shower and toilet are outside and the shower overlooks the ocean. We aren't sure if people can look in but being that we are the only ones here, it doesn't really matter. There was a guy from San Diego there but he left this morning. The people who run it are amazing and treat us like we are their children. There is such a sense of honesty that you can just go up and take what you need and tell them later. the Tai people are truy amazing and I am realizgin it more and more wiht my interactions wth tme. The owner is going to teach us how to cook Thai food and in exchange I told her I would show her how to use the internet. We also have our own beach though it is full of coral so its not the best for swimming. It is so undevelped and gorgeous here, I fear what it will look like in the years to come as more and more tourists take over.

Last night we hiked over the rocks and literally through the woods to get to town with the guy from San Diego, Jason. The town is really a long strip of beach lined with some bars and resturants on the beach. We ate fresh seafood and watched the sunset.. amazlingly gorgeous. We spend the evening talking and met an actor who just finished filming a Lifetime Original called Human Trafficking. Look for it in October.. its about a little girl who gets kidnapped and put in the sex trade. The guy we hung out with is the father. We drank too many Mai Tais on the beach and eventually had to navigate our way back in the pitch dark over unpaved roads.. don't worry.. I didn't fall this time.

We have about 9 more days at the beach and then we head off to Cambodia. We plan to go kayaking around this amazing Marine Park and then hopefully do a few more dives. Our time on Ko Tao was amazing as we were there for enough time to get to know the people and a feel for the island. It was beautiful and had lots to do but there were far too many rich white kids on their gap year or just hanging out. There didn't seem to be any desire to get to know the Thai culture as everyone was busy drinking, partying and diving. The Thai's of the island were amazingly nice people but we didn't get to know them like we had in places like Chang Mai. We did get our scuba certificates which was a great feeling. I didn't see any sharks but Courtney and Clare did on a deep dive. I wasn't able to go because once again I fell and hurt myself.. no water for three days. Oh well.. that is life.

I am sad that our time at the beach is ending but looking forward to future adventures. I will keep you posted.