Paradise Found... Kinda.

As of Christina's last post, we have traveled from Cambodia to Bangkok. The Cambodian government got us for $50 at the airport.  They called it a "departure tax".  I have mixed feelings about Cambodia.  I cannot judge an entire country on visiting one city (Siem Reap) but I felt like everyone was trying to rip me off even though everything was relatively cheap and the people poor. It also didn't help that I was very sick with a strong head cold, an ear infection and bronchitis. I was in no mood for the constant barrage of children selling postcards and and ladies selling blankets and t-shirts. We did manage to get a great tour guide and the temples of Angkor are simply amazing. It is hard to explain in words how massive and awe inspiring these religious structures are, some more than 1,000 years old.
Once we left Cambodia, it was time to start celebrating Christina's Birthday. We stated at the Lebua at State Tower in Bangkok (Definitely Kelly Fischer Approved).  We were trying to think of a nicer hotel we have stayed in but were unable to come up with one.  It was luxurious. We were on the 52 floor with two balconies that overlooked downtown Bangkok. The view at night was unreal. Our suite had a living room and a kitchen. They delivered roses and chocolate cake for Christina's Birthday and we shared cocktails on the 64th floor open air bar that overlooked the city. When we returned to our room for the evening, they had turned down the bed and placed slippers on each side for use in the morning. It was five star.  All that being said, the most impressive thing at the hotel may have been the breakfast buffet. It was massive, with great food from all cultures.  Omelet bar, fresh pastries, Indian food, pancakes, a meat cooking station, fresh fruit, cheese platter, oatmeal station, six types of fresh juices, and several things I would not eat (like sushi).  We both agreed it was the best we have ever had. That being said, I was still sick.  Christina bought me some antibiotics in Cambodia, but I was concerned they were not working because I had not yet begun to feel better. So... we went to a doctor. It was a relativity painless experience. It cost roughly $100 and he confirmed that I was on the proper antibiotics (go Christina!) and would be feeling better in a couple of days.  He prescribed some cough medicine, antihistamine, and some rest.  Rest is hard when you are on a serious vacation. There are things to do and places to go. So with little delay we hopped into a plan and flew to Hadyai in the southern most region of Thailand. We had it on good authority (new German friends, Matt, Ushi, Mario, and Tobi) that Paradise was to be found on a small island called Koh Lipe. After arriving in Hadyai we noticed a different side of Thailand. Although Thailand is 90%+ Buddhist, this area is 80% Muslim. More mosques, woman with their head covered, but still laid back Thailand. After a throw away night in a crappy Hadyai hotel, we took a minibus to Pakbara and hopped on a speed boat to Koh Lipe. 
The speed boat made two stops on the way, one of which to a small island with no town or permanent residents. Appeartly some travelers like to rent a tent and camp there for a night or two. It was picturesque. White sand, turquoise water, and a swing hanging in a grove of trees. Perfect.
We finally arived at Koh Lipe and found our own version of Paradise.
There is no harbor or dock.  All larger boats must stop at a mooring station 200 yards off shore and longtail water taxis ferry in the people and supplies. Also, there are no proper roads or cars in Koh Lipe.  Only running land vehicles are motor bikes and there are maybe 100 on the island.  You don't need them because the island is 1 mile long (mostly forest) by 1/2 mile wide (at most) and the three perfect beaches are connected with walkways. A 1 mile loop will let you see all the nooks and crannies that the island possess. We are staying in a bamboo hut roughly 35 yards to the ocean from our front door (This shack would not be Kelly Fischer Approved as it has 1/2 a toilet, no proper sink, and the mattress is on the floor, but it is $15 and location, location, location...) The sand on our beach is like nothing I have seen. It is bleached white and had the consistency of processed flour. I am not exaggerating, go to your cupboard and grab the bag of all purpose flower, then stick your foot in it. That is what is feels like.
Once arriving and unpacking, Christina wanted to take a swim so we wading into the ocean where little fish swam at our feet.  The tempeture was about perfect degrees, and there is never much swell here.  As we both remarked at how perfect this place is and how happy we were to be here, Christina stepped on a Sea Urchin- spikes and all.  She cried in pain and we quickly rushed up to the restaurant in front of our bungalow. As I went to grab the Swiss army knife (best thing to come out of Sweden except Eva) for the tweezers, the owner of the establishment recogonized what was going on and starting administering the local treatment.
Recipe for Sea Urchin Puncture:
1 lime (quartered into four pieces)
1 flip flop sandle
1 Chang Beer
Step 1 Begin by liberally rubbing the infected area (in this case the bottom of Stina's foot) with lime juice for 2 minutes. 
Step 2 Use the bottom of the flip flop to whack her in the affected area 10-20 times while she grimaces.
Step 3 Get Stina a Chang beer to drink while the local repeats step 1 followed by step 2 for 15 minutes or until the intense burring stops whichever comes first. 

Today she is feeling much better and the local pharmacist and dive shop say she should be healed by tomorrow and cleared for more ocean adventure like snorkeling. We are hoping to dive as well here in Koh Lipe, but we are waiting for my ear infection to have completely gone away before we try any underwater activities. It really is great here and I have a feeling that all other beaches we visit on this trip may be a disappointment when compared to this place.
I have to go now. I have spent far too much time writing this blog and it is only because Christina is shopping for a new bathing suit (or something) that I have the time. The only moments of your day in Koh Lipe spent with a roof over your head is when you are sleeping or eating (and I could argue neither of these activities require shelter here).   I have been slowly feeling better and am hoping tomorrow is the day both of us are healthy again. Hope all is well back in civilization.
-James