Thailand

(I’m almost tempted not to write this post, as going to Thailand has permanently changed me.  As a warning, I’ll tell you that if you go – what seemed amazing in the states just wont measure up the way it used to after seeing the islands in the south of Thailand)

Even before we arrived on the beach in Thailand, I knew we were in for an awesome time.  As we were approaching the beach from our boat, the sun had set over the hills of the jungle & filled the sky with a hue of blue, pink, and purple – all seeming to mesh into one.

Our hut that we stayed in was about 100 yards from shore, and we were greeted with complimentary tropical drinks once we walked up from the beach.  Like I said, what an arrival!

We signed over for our room, threw our bags on the bed, and headed right back out to the water to take in the sunset.

While going out at night, we hired our own private longtail boat to take us to & from the “party beaches” where you could drink on the beach, listen to house music, all while enjoying a good fire-dancing show.  There were people from all over the world – all there to celebrate and have a great time.  (As I’m writing this, I know I’m describing the scene the way I remember it, but the feeling of being there was just unreal.)  There was a lack of responsibility, connection to the working life, and all issues you dealt with on a daily basis back at home.  The best way to describe it would be to say that it felt completely free.

While it was some of the most amazing scenery I’ve come across in my travels, it’s ironic I hardly got any photos on my pro camera.  The majority of the time on the island, I was in my board shorts with only 1 pocket.  Either my iPhone or GoPro the only cameras at my side, if any at all!  If I could go back, I wouldn’t do anything differently – as it was a hell of a time.

Here are some of my favorite photos from when I had a camera on me:

The route in to the island, view from the back of the boat:  (5D ii)

Views on the way in towards the beach (shot & edited on my iPhone)

Our room – so welcoming!  (5D ii)

Fire dancers on the beach at night (iPhone)

I like this next shot because it’s out of focus.  Have you ever tried to get a shot out of focus on your iphone on purpose?  It’s TOUGH!  I like this shot because it conveys the vibe – blurry night - after a few drinks…