Adventures in Phi Phi

Phi Phi (pronounced p p) is a series of island of the southern tip of Phuket. That's right, an island, a two hour boat ride! For those of you that don't know, I haven't been on a boat in years beacuse I get horribly sea sick and no pill, braclet or satanic ritual has ever helped. I couldn't not go or I would have been left alone all weekend so I stopped by the pharmacy up the street to get sea sickness medicine. Thai pharmacies are verrrrry different from American pharmacies, you don't need a perscription for anything- and I mean ANYTHING. You want it, they got it, no questions asked. I told the lady what I needed and she gave me this pill I'd never heard of, but I took it and it was a miracle! No nausea, no dizziness. I think I'm in love!
All 32 of us went to the island, with no prearranged place to stay. We decided to split up since no one hotel seemed to have room for all of us. Kelsey, Bree, me and several others found the Harmony House. Ya. Me and Kelsey had a 10x10 room with two twin beds and a lightbulb hanging from the celing on the bathroom that fell into the threshold. This meant either don't shut the door or move the bulb. That worked a few times, until Kels go out of the shower and tried to move it and electrocuted herself! The place was grimy, to say the least, but it was 150 baht a piece for the night and the whole island was fairly grimy. They got hit hard by the Tsunami and I think the infastructure is still iffy. Most of the streets reek like sewage and but greatfully there were no cars or motorbikes, feet and bicycles only. Short of the smell and the hotel room, this was the most breathtakingly beautiful place I had ever seen. The water was ridiculously warm, probably warmer than the air ever gets on Cape Cod, and it was a color that I don't even have a name for. It was almost saphire, but deeper. Or torquoise but greener. I have pictures, but they do it no justice. Some of the smaller islands that we saw on our way in were accessible only by rock climbing. One is the island where they filmed "The Beach" which I hce never seen but will now.
Once we got settled, we came across this tour that took you to the "Beach" island, snorkling, kayaking, to watch the sunset and eat dinner- all for 480 baht, about 16 dollars! It was one of the best things I've ever done. We got to jump off the top deck of the boat, which was far but fun. And the snorkling was incredible! I saw all the fish you see in the pet store, but bigger and free, as well as the most colorful fish I've ever seen and a baraccuda! after snorkling we went to Maya beach ("The Beach" beach) which was sick. We swam for a little while and while we were in, two baby sharks were swimming with us. Aside from being a little concerned about where their mother was, it was super cool. And the sunset, oh my God, amazing! The pictures do nothing for it, this is a must see!
After the boat, we went and got ready to get out. Wait, I'll back up. In Phuket and Phi Phi (maybe other places in Thailand, I don't know yet) there is this phemomenon they call "buckets." A bucket is litteraly like a little kid's sand bucket, filled with a drink. On the streets people push flyers at you that call for 2 for 1 or 3 for 1 buckets or 100 baht buckets at happy hour, etc. Sweet, but a little dangerous- maybe thats why they have signs all over the island that remind you "Alcohol impairs your judgement"! they also sell make it yourself buckets at the stores. I bought a vodka, redbull(much stronger than American redbull) and pineapple juice. A very tasty combo! Vodka is the most expensive liquor to buy here, btw, might be time to switch to whiskey...Anyhoo, so I made my bucket and Kelsey and I went down to the beach to check out the fire show. These people light rope and sticks and whatever on fire and start whipping it around. Pretty cool- except when they let the drunk Americans do it. Also cool, but some of the crew returned singed to say the least! Then we went and found the rest of the crew at the Reggae Bar. This is where things went a little downhill for me. At the Reggae Bar there is a full on boxing ring in the middle of the bar. If you fight your friend, you get a free bucket. Not wrestling or playing around but shin guards, head gear and gloves fight. After my second bucket, I decided this was a fantastic idea. I asked every girl in the group to fight me (they wouldn't let me fight a guy) and they all said no! apparently I'm intimidating. Eventually a girl who was visiting some of our group agreed and Rhia declared himself my manager. 3 rounds, 3 minutes, 2 buckets, much, much harder than I was expecting. And I lost of all things! I was comfortated by my very helpful manager who said "Don't worry, It was just a beauty contest." The comforting words of my drunkin manager! anyhoo, I was so winded and dizzy that I completley destroyed my buzz and felt rather beat up. I didn't speak for over an hour, went back to the beach bar and collapsed in a chair for a bit, then went back to the hotel. A bit of a bummer, but now I know.
If you can't tell, I'm having a great time! This blog thing is time consuming tho, so it may just be relegated to sundays. facebooks easier, and I have trouble putting pics on my blog, so check in!
*Love*