August 9
Krabi (pronounced krah – BEE). We are in a little piece of heaven.
Thank goodness we made the flight. We started off the day on schedule – taking an early morning walk
followed by breakfast and coffee in the apartment. I even had time to sit on the balcony overlooking the city. Then we went to the hospital to see Katie and Magen who are both doing well. After a short visit Tom, Tommy, and Brooke took us
to Asok to catch the express train to the airport. The problem was the Bangkok traffic. It doesn’t matter how short the distance is because there is ALWAYS heavy traffic. Then we went into the wrong terminal. So we had to redirect ourselves.
We made it to the right place only to be told that the next express train wouldn’t be there until 1:23 (not 1:30 or even 1:25, but 1:23). Our plane was leaving at 2:45. Luckily we got to the airport around 1:50, found the AirAsia counter
and lucked out! No one was in line. We got our boarding passes and headed toward security. We lucked out again – no one was in line. Then we power walked through the terminal and found our gate. Phew! We made it.
Lucky, because from there we had to push our way onto a bus (with no seats) that was packed like a circus car filled with clowns. There had to be at least 150 people standing up on the bus that took us to the airplane on the tarmac.
But, it was all worth it, because when we got off the plane our driver (from the resort) was right there to meet us. He put us in the van (we were the only 2) that had bottled water waiting for us and started the journey to Railay Bay Resort.
Let me stop here and warn you that if you are ever a passenger in a car or other vehicle in Thailand close your eyes and don’t look. If you dare to look you are sure to have chest pains. Both Steve and I know that for a fact.
After 15 minutes or so, our driver dropped us off at small beach where we were guided into a longboat to make the journey to the resort. Once again Steve and I were the only 2 on the boat. The ride was spectacular. Then the boat dropped
us off at a moving dock pulled by a tractor that carried us all of 50 feet so we didn’t have to get our feet wet. A golf cart was waiting to take us to the reception desk. I felt like I was on Gilligan’s Island (although there were
more people).
We checked in and were escorted to our suite. We quickly unpacked and made our way to the bar and restaurant overlooking the beach and water. I’m not usually a pina colada kind of gal, but I felt I needed
a tropical drink to go along with my Phat Thai Gai. I know I am in Thailand (not Hawaiian or Malaysia where the movie South Pacific was filmed), but all I wanted to do was start singing “Bali Ha’i” or “Some Enchanted Evening”.
The pace is slow and no one rushes you. So Steve and I lingered over our drinks and dinner and then, after sunset, we strolled back to the room so I could take a pain pill for my aching back (power walking and getting into and out of
a longboat do not come pain free)! A romantic walk on the beach will have to wait until tomorrow.
This morning as my day started and I looked out over the city of Bangkok from Katie’s apartment balcony, I couldn’t help
but think that travel to Asia was never part of my life plan. But life has different twists and turns and thanks to Patricia and Katie’s own life plans Steve and I have gotten to experience two wonderful Asian countries – last year South
Korea and now Thailand. And just as we did last year, we are enjoying every moment.