Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure

Een avontuur met open einde van Fifi flipflop Meer informatie

Volgen Overzicht Kalender Foto’s Delen

Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
The long way round
16 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ 🌙 24 °C
So after picking up the last essentials and breakfast we set of on our journey to Mr Charts house. We put the address in Google maps and half an hour in we are directed into the national park. The guard tells us we're unable to go through that way with the vehicle so we call Mr Chart and after much deliberation we are told we need to drive to chiang dao which is about 2 hours away and Mr Chart will meet us at the 7/11 by the petrol station. To be fair we ring him and he's there waiting for us. We stock up on goodies and then Aaron and I jump in with him and within a few minutes he's stopped to get a beer and Aaron buys the biggest bunch of banana . Mr Chart explains that when we go through the checkpoint we are doing a homestay not a trek otherwise we'll have to pay. As we drive the windiest roads yet he swings round them randomly beeping as if that's going to help. As we scale the mountain the sun is setting and its one of the beeest sunsets yet. When we arrive at the end of the evening we are greeted by the family and dinner is served tom kei like a chicken broth with vegetables and rice served with whisky which is white and has some kind of plant in it. All the same it goes down well. The place is lit by fairy lights and after dinner he lights the fires and discusses our plans for tomorrow bur he talks about eating frogs on the bbq and sleeping in a cave with bats. I try not to think about it too much or I'll be having nightmares. Our beds for tonight are on the floor of a wooden shack covered by a mosquito net and as I lay my head to rest Mr Charts departing words are "follow my butt open your mind and empty your stomach..... I'm so looking forward to tomorrow 🤣🤣🤣Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
In the jungle
17 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
I get woken up by a buffalo passing my bungalow that I slept on the floor of last night at 6am in the morning and to be honest I slept pretty well considering. I wake and find that people are still sleeping so nod off again for another hour. We go to the Market because there are still a few things that we need to get so he offers to take us to the market. He suggests we buy we shoes bu mine are waterproof so I guess I'll be OK with them. About 10 am after a breakfast of last night's dinner with rice and a couple of omelette we are on our way. We are carrying everything we need including rice water and clothing and I must admit its very heavy. Within 15 minutes of walking we get to a point where there is a river and here's me thinking there's an easy way round but no we are literally going acmross the river, I don't really want to get my waterproof trainers that wet so I say I'll go in flip-flops but Mr Chart says this isn't possible and swaps shoes with me. I am so grateful when I put my foot in the water because its thick mud and how he's managed to keep my flip-flops on is a bloody miracle. We continue trekking with the wet shoes on as there are quite a few rivers to cross and even though they're giving me blisters I persist because he knows the better option. We trek through the jungle and at on point trek upto a cave which is mind blowing its not small but once inside you can stand up and the walk through to the inside. The trek to here has nearly broken me and when I reach the cave I need to take a break. I'm sweating like hell and the boys offer to take little bits of my rucksack each to make my load lighter but I insist on still carrying some of it . We eat a small lunch of snacks we've brought with us and continue on to reach camp. The whether has threatened Thunderstorms so at one point there is talk about a cave but it stays clear so onwards we go. We have walked over 10 miles when we arrive and just as we think we're going to get a rest we couldn't be more mistaken. We need to cook food build a shelter out of bamboo and banana leaves. It really is intense but I'm loving it. I'm amazed at how the bamboo is so versatile even cups and dishes are made from it as we are here. I trek back into the jungle to help carry more bamboo back and fall into the spikiest Bush there is here. I literally have to pull myself out of it but out of nowhere Mr Chart comes to my rescue. We build the shelter and eat a late lunch of chicken barbecued over the fire on a bamboo stick that I'm in charge of and a pan of water with lemongrass garlic salt and herbs that more chicken is added to like a broth its bloody delicious even if I say so myself. We drink the whisky with the herbs that have been put in it along the trek and Mr Chart appears saying he's made a shower its actually a funnel of bamboo in a natural stream but I take my clothes wash my t shirt the wash myself with the t shirt it actually works. I feel a million dollars and then set about setting our hammocks up. Once all the hammocks are set up the boys go off frog hunting and I'm quite shocked then they come back with one each. Dinner tonight is frog and god knows what but I'm hungry so anything goes. Our hammocks are set up by Mr Chart and after numerous whisky s and chats around the fire we settle I'm for the night.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Stormy weather
18 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
At midnight I'm woken in my hammock by thunder. I'm a little concerned as my tarpaulin doesn't drape over my hammock and I'm sure if it rains its not going to shelter my hammock. Luckily enough there's only a little rain and I manage to stay dry. It thunders throughout the night but at 3am I hear the loudest thunder I've ever heard in my life and I'm sure that's just not because I'm outside. I stay in my hammock as long as I can but eventually I have to join the boys in the banana leaf shelter. It pours and pours but with a bit of patching up I manage to curl up in my sleeping bag and get a half decent night sleep. We eat at camp the remaining frogs and rice served on a banana leaf and additional a packet of ritz biscuits then take myself to a private place for a number 2. All the water has to be brought from the stream to be boiled as once again we have a four hour trek. I'm suffering with blisters from Mr Charts shoes yesterday but thankfully the trekking isn't half as intense as yesterday. When we reach the summit of one of the hills we all receive a signal so i manage to receive a few messages which lifts my spirits. As I sit here Ryan decides to kick a tree and because its dead it crashes down less than a metre away from me. Another hours trek brings us to the cave and just as were about to enter the xave Josh let's out an almighty scream and is jumping around like he has ants in his pants , the fact is hes been bitten by one ant we all laugh hysterically as all the way through the trip Josh has yelped everytime an Insect has landed on him. Mr Chart isnt coming through the cave he'll meet us at the exit with the dogs. We arrive to a cave and it's a 1 1\2 hour trek through but what I think is an easy walk along the dry river bed is a full on rock climbing exercise abseiling downwards with pieces of rope I honestly fear for my life. I fall at one point and its only the adrenaline that keeps me going . Eventually after what seems like hours we reach a 30 ft ladder which brings us out of the cave to a sign that says do not enter dangerous thank god I didn't see that before going in. We offer our prayers to the bhudda as we leave the cave and as we turn the corner there is Mr Chart with the camp fire burning. Once again there's things to do like collect firewood, prepare dinner collect water and eventually I get the opportunity for a wash in the stream. Its so refreshing I see past how dirty the water is and just enjoy the moment. When we get back Mr Chart says he can arrange for a beer or anything to be brought and strangely I opt for a coca cola and the boys a beer. So he sends our other guide Ham out of the jungle to meet his son on a motorbike and true to his world nearly 2 hours later Ham walks in with beers and cola not coca cola but after drinking water boiled in bamboo I really don't care. He's also brought more Thai whisky which Mr Chart wastes no time in putting his special herbs in and we all sit round the camp fire enjoying the food and goodies. Ive even brought a pack of coca cola haribos and it enough for one each . Banana leaves are laid at the entrance to the cave and we're literally roughing it on the floor and tge only person with a hammock hung up is Ham and that's only because he's spent nearly an hour building a platform of bamboo to hang It from. With the heat of the fire we all eventually fall asleep.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Things that go bump in the night
19 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
At 3am I hear a terrible noise and when I sit up I see Hams hammock has collapsed and he's lay on the floor. Mr Chart is laughing his head off and I don't know whether that's the amount of whisky he's drunk or because he teased Ham earlier in the night it wouldn't stay up for 5 mins. Its the most uncomfortable nights sleep I've had yet and it takes me another hour to drift back off. We all wake at about 8am an the guides are nowhere to be seen and have left a pot of leaf tea on the fire but I wake up and have the worst stomach and have to find somewhere very near by to take a number 2 I climb an embankment and crouch down but struggle to keep my stance very nearly falling in my own runny mess. Trust me jungle trekking is not for the faint hearted. Back to camp and Mr Chart and Ham are back carrying the essentials for this morning including fresh water. We sit and chat with Mr Chart about his life and he explains how in his generation people dont get to have sex unless their married. I also ask him how he feels about the different areas in Thailand and he says he wouldn't want to be anywhere but his village. I love the fact he appreciates everything that he has and how he is so In touch with nature. The boys have made porridge in the pot of water that's been boiling away and we put the oats in and make porridge and to be honest it sorts me right out. We enjoy things like cutting bamboo and having a go with the slingshot but I'm in absolutely in awe when both Mr Chart and Ham both hit the bottle first time. They are definitely jungle boys. Brunch is cooked which is barbecued pork, noodles and rice and after the porridge I'm still quite hungry so have a full belly by the time we come to leave. Aron once again helps with a little of my weight and its only a short trek back to Mr Charts and his wife has cooked lunch for us although im still full from breakfast. I enjoy my first shower in 3 days and feel like a new woman before Josh and Ryan pack up and it was my plan to go with them to Chang Dau but Aron is staying on a night and it's so beautiful I decide to do the same. We sit all afternoon and reminisce over the past few days each remembering different aspects of the incredible time we've had. I'm grateful to Aron for inviting me on this journey that his cousin did with the same guide 6 yrs ago because I'm sure it wouldn't have been as good if I'd taken myself to Chaing Mai. Mr Chart takes himself to bed and I'm in need of cigarettes and a coca cola. We set off for the shop but they have no cigarettes so the coke will do for now. Later in the afternoon Ham returns and offers to take me to the shop on his bike and i have a little chuckle to myself when i get on and he hot wires it. In the evening we enjoy dinner with the family and after some chatting hit the sack. I am so grateful to be in a comfy ish bed.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Time to say goodbye
20 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
I wake at 7 and there is a misty damp fog surrounding the whole area. Coffee is already on the boil and it's Coffee Mr Chart has grown himself. It is definitely the best coffee I've had here and is delicious. Mr Charts wife asks if i want to take a walk with her and shows me around our lovely village. are heading back to Pai today and Mr Chart is kindly going to drive us to the National Park Entrance where Golf had agreed to pick us up from, but they were out partying with my friends last night and has messaged me in the early hours that he's unable to do this but can arrange for someone else to pick us up for a fee. When j calls he wants to charge us 1500 bhat for a 45 min journey but Mr Chart comes to the rescue and offers to take us there just for the fuel money. The journey through the National Park is only 30km but the road is treacherous after the rains we've had so he arranges to bring bamboo(his son) and his 2 friends and his wife koy in case we need to chop any trees down. As we leave the home the two dogs follow us running as fast as the truck until they can keep up no more. well all I can say about the journey is wow wtf we climb dirt tracks cross rivers and scale up and down the most amazing scenery with my heart in my mouth winding around these tracks that are controlled by the amount of rain that has fallen. The road is slowly being concreted but we get to one point and we literally have to get out and build a track so we can pass. Eventually we arrive back in Pai and as we bid our farewells to Mr Chart outside the 7/11 I'm sad to say goodbye. I can't praise this man enough he is truly a hero in my eyes. After a walk down walking street greeting people along the way I check back in to Villa de Pai and take myself for a leg massage. Even with the lack of language the girls in the massage parlour are shocked and laughing at the fact I've been to the jungle and eaten frog, and tell me its more expensive than beef or pork here. In the evening I head out to walking street which is really quiet due to most of the youngsters being In koh phagnan for the full moon party but to be honest it's quite nice. I spend most of the evening at Phatos tiny bar and after a little wander come back as its the busiest bar in town. We finish off with a couple of games of pool In Humble when we've finished and I don't even remember walking home.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Home from home
21 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C
I head to my favourite coffee shop, I have really missed a good coffee but when I arrive its closed. I find another place but the coffee is nowhere near as good. I am in agony because I've been bitten by something in the jungle on my butt cheek. I can't actually see it myself and spend 20 minutes trying to take a photo of it. Eventually I take myself to the chemist and by some antiseptic cream but I don't feel ill so I'm guessing it was nothing poisonous but I can barely sit down. After dropping my washing off I return to my bungalow to take a rest and catch up with phone calls home. I've been without signal for 5 days and I haven't really missed it if I'm honest but it's nice to catch up and hear a friendly voice. Late afternoon I take a stroll down walking street and a woman from Birmingham asks if I can help her. She explains they had hotel booked but it was not what they expected it had no air conditioning and no TV and could I tell them somewhere that would have it. I ask one of the locals who says they have an air conditioning room and when I go back to tell her she says " don't worry I know what those types of places are I won't bother. I chuckle to myself as I don't think they'll find the kind of luxury they're after here but with attitudes like they've got they don't deserve to. In the evening I catch up with Pathu at tiny bar and tell him all about my jungle expedition. While im at the bar Pathu tells a young guy that im a Liverpool supporter and hes more excited than me. I have a few drinks in my little local bars almost famous and when I'm chatting with Noon we realise we both know Dave with from Phi phi. It's such a small world. I once again return home worse for wearMeer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Going to hell
22 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
It's a sad day today as I say goodbye to my little brother Aaron. He's such a nice guy with a great outlook and having spent the time in the Jungle with him has made me appreciate his being so much more. Our paths have crossed a few times on this trip but I do believe this will be our last goodbye. As I'm walking back to my bungalow I bump into Mimi and she asks if I want to join her for a coffee which is really unusual as its normally a beer. Her and Claire are going up to chill at Valhalla this afternoon and have offered me to head out with them so I rent a bike and follow them up even if it is at a slower pace. DIts a really cool place and the pool table has a new cloth on, and I really enjoy my afternoon game, even with a loss. Claire has been wanting to shave her head for over a year and when fish starts shaving his it triggers a knock on effect. She really suits it but I know that feeling of initial shock before the feeling of liberation especially with the humidity out here. It looks like its going to be a good sunset, so a little further down the road is two huts which is another place i havent been yet. Its beautiful even if theres no sunset to be had.My bite is really giving me grief so I don't drink this afternoon and get an early night to get up early for the clinic in the morning.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
1 like
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Pain in the arse
23 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
23/3/22I wake early this morning and im excited about getting a coffee at OM garden and grateful for the fact of my scooter as when I arrive its still closed so I head back to town a grab a cappuccino and sit watching the monks enjoying the peace and tranquility of the crazy walking street without the scooter crazy youngsters wizzing through these narrow streets. I sit and watch the array of vehicles from bikes with cut out oil barrels on wheels to 4x4 shopping trolleys. I really have loved spending my time in Pai its been a nice gentle chilled welcome back as party people are still making their way from Koh Phagnan. I get to the clinic at 9am and when I arrive there's a sign saying its closed till the 28th March and the other clinic doesn't open till 5pm. Jib a wonderful Thai lady who has the biggest heart has invited me for dinner with her friends at her home and is picking me up at 1245 . Her house is amazing, about 15 minutes out of pai on a bike its a beautiful wooden chalet that backs on to the most beautiful temple. Her table and chairs are made out of the most beautiful woods and touches of fabrics soften the raw materials to make them comfy. I eat delicious food and spend time with really wonderful people. At just before 5 I bid my goodbyes as I need to get to the clinic to get this pain in the arse bite sorted. When I arrive I haven't got a clue what I'm doing but I just follow the person in front of me and when I get to register I goole translate "I've been bitten by an Insect " and I'm in and out with antibiotics within 10 minutes and 10 Thai people were in front of me.Im not drinking again today as I really need to let the antibiotics work. They're like bloody horse pills but only 2 a day. So hopefully I'll be right as rain by the time I get to Phi Phi. Once again its an early night but I'm feeling so much better for it.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Last full day
24 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
When I wake up I don't feel 100% so even though its my last full day I'm just going to chill. I put my last load of washing in and start organising my stuff ready for my long journey back to the Islands. I book my bus to Chaing mai tomorrow at 1pm so at least if I have a couple of drinks tonight I've got a few hours in the morning to sort myself out. I download a netflix series to watch on the 12hr train then 12 hour bus journey tomorrow. I have the best voicemail when I check my Instagram this morning. James a guy who had a motorbike accident here 2 weeks ago has left me a voice message saying he's doing a lot better and is obviously out of the coma now after 2 weeks. I'm so relieved because things looked really bad and just to hear his voice has filled me with so much happiness. Its the most beautiful sunset tonight and as I sit outside cheese madness I regret not walking up to the White Buddha for it. I have a lot of goodbyes to say tonight si I start early by heading to see pooee at the wedges stand. Her boyfriend is at the bar and she insisted that I play him at pool. Surprisingly I won. Then it's Phatu's bar I have to say he's the nicest Thai guy I've met and so kind. We share an infamous passion fruit mojito at his bar before I make my way to see Jib at Art@pai. This little hidden secret is really cool and tonight they have open mic so a whole host of travellers get up on stage and show off their talent. My final stop is boom bar and pretty much everybody else is here. It's nearly midnight when I roll into bed and I set my alarm for 730 so I can get to immigration early.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
La gon
25 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
I'm at the passport office for bang on 830 and there are already a couple of English girls there already and they've brought a Thai guide with them to give them a hand. It's not needed in this office as they speak really good English and have forms filled in to give you an example of what and how to fill it in. Eventually 10 minutes later someone opens the gates and were allowed in Luckily enough I've already done that and I'm just here to get my 15day stamp.The lady calls me to the counter and explains the officer needed to sign my paperwork isn't in and I'll need to wait. At this point I'm glad I booked the 1pm bus to Chaing mai. Eventually 30 minutes later i'm all done and head for a coffee before going to pack ive pretty much got the packing off to a t now and it literally takes 10 minutes . I check out and go and get some breakfast I get a final farewell with Mimi and Aron which im happy about. On the bus I get chatting to a guy called Ben who's been I Thailand for 10 + years and I was shocked to learn Americans are exempt from the 51/49 business split set up here. We exchange stories and it really helps the 2 1/2 hour journey of winding roads back to Chiang Mai pass really quickly. We arrive at 4 pm and out of the station I hail a tuc tuc to take me to the train station. I just about Have time for a decent coffee at the station again before grabbing a few snacks for the 12hr train journey. I've caught the early train as I've decided to travel 2nd class this time. Chaing Mai Station is really quaint and as I show my ticket the guard points me in the direction of my bus. As I approach I can see the train just has half open windows and I have visions of being eaten alive but as I board I'm guided to the front carriages and maneuvering through them proves a little bit difficult with this chunk of a rucksack. When I read my ticket I think I'm in bed 25 but a German girl insists it's her bed, back through the carriage I go to find the guard who points to a number 14 on my ticket which I find to be empty. When I first get on the train it's 2 seats opposite each other and I can't see how this is going to turn into two beds and begin thinking I should have booked first class but a short while later the guard comes along with an Allen key and opens the locker above to reveal a bed. I'm so relieved that I get straight in it at 7pm. An hour into the journey and at the 3rd station women board the train with huge food baskets selling their wares and although a little hungry I give it a miss. I settle myself in with the blanket they have provided and have a very broken night's sleep.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Back to Bangkok
26 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C
I get woken at 530 by a phone because everyone else is sleeping there are no seats so I just sit half up in my bed. We are due to arrive in Bangkok at 615 but when I look at my maps we are miles away. I get up and brush my teeth in the smallest bathroom then get back in my bed climbing a vertical ladder and rolling through the straps set up to keep me in. It's like being on a warship all over again. There are a grouped of German people on the train and at 6am the guard asks them to get out the bed so he can get the beds put away. At 630 they eventually get up and aren't wearing face masks and are videoing the different people on the train, so in true phi souw style I ask if they are special and explains everyone else has a mask on and it's rude to take pictures without asking permission. I get a backlash from the girl but I say be a good girl and behave now put your mask on I won't ask again. I've had another nice surprise this morning, Damon(the jazz singer)has messaged this morning that he's playing a gig in Bangkok and if I want to go and use his apartment to get a shower and get my head down for a few hours I'm more than welcome. I Bite his hand off and get straight in a taxi to his. When I arrive im overjoyed to see him and even more overjoyed to see he's got a bath. He has a few things to do this morning but tells me to make myself at home and he'll be back at 1230 to take me for lunch. I do manage to get a couple of hours sleep. Damon takes me to a little Korean restaurant and I enjoy spending a few hours catching up on the way back we stop at a junction and as a car is turning in a motorbike comes on his inside the guy is lying on the floor and we help lift the bike off him . We're unsure whether we should stay as we witnessed it but the guy sees ok before leaving to catch my bus at 4. I arrive at the Southern Station which is quite a way from the centre do the buses don't have to make their way through the city and when I arrive there are 50+ ticket booths. I find one that says Krabi and enquire about a ticket but she points me in the direction of another booth and here I ask what time the bus leaves she says 1930 but I was expecting 1745. I guess the other one must be full so purchase my vip ticket. I have 2 hours to kill so ask if I can leave my bag behind the counter which she kindly obliges to. I grab a coffee and smoke myself to death before heading back in to have my temperature taken and boarding my overnight bus. Chris has messaged to say my old place is Still available and I manage to get a cheaper rate because I've booked direct.Were only on the bus 10 minutes before we're transferred to another bus and 2 hours in just as im nodding off the lights come on. Weve stopped at a roadside cafe and a woman has got a megaphone directing people in from the multiple buses on the way to the South.I can't wait to get to the Islands.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Back to the Islands
27 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Back on board the bus the older guy in the seat next to me chair isn't reclining so I offer him mine. He refuses but thanks me profusely. I manage to grab a few bits of sleep and wake around 530. The old boy is still asleep so I creep round him to go to the toilet. We finally arrive in Krabi and as I get off the bus the old boy is asking me where I'm going. I say ao nang to phi phi ferry but and points to his sons pick up truck. I've been chatting to a couple of people from Argentina and he also offers to drop them. We jump in the flatbed of the pickup with all our luggage. They've only been in Thailand a few days. Talk about the introduction of fire. About 20 mins into the journey I look at Google maps and realise we're heading in the wrong direction and I knock on the window the guys son pulls over and when I show him the map I tell him no problems I will catch a cab back. They have a young baby with them but the old man insists and back we go. Safely at the ferry port the guys get a long boat and I wait for the ferry. The terminal has an old navy ship and a jet but ive been unable to find why but would assumme its part of the old military base. I have no ticket so go and purchase that, then sit and wait for the ferry to arrive. I get off the ferry and make the trek to the other side of the island to drop off my bags . It is so much hotter here. As I walk through I catch up with a few of the crew here on my wander through. I drop my bags and dig a bikini out, it's been a while since I've needed one but within 10 minutes I'm on the beach. I meet a guy called Jon here and we just have a general chat. A little later a familiar face comes down the beach. It's so good to see Chris, but he's been diving this morning so literally just meets and greets me and heads for a shower. In the evening I have been looking forward to the fish in Garlic and it certainly doesn't dissapoint. I spend the evening having one or two drinks catching up with various people finishing up in the beach bar at the end of the beach watching the youngsters try and climb the dancing pole in here. I have a little chuckle before the short walk home.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Paradise
28 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
I wake in the morning and head straight for the beach. I need a few days of recuperation after the North and the journey. I'm so glad when as I'm sat on the chair covin the young boy who i built sandcastles with months ago recognises me and wants to play football. I entertain him for a good hour and then comes and sits next to me. On the pole next to me are stickers of various animals and he learns the English for a crocodile monkey lion and pumpkin. Kids are so receptive and learn so easily. It's mad how things have changed in even a couple of months as the little road where I stay the houses have been knocked down and I also found out today that motorbikes and bicycles have been banned from the island.Its a really great thing as the sandy streets here are so narrow, although I must admit I have seen a few people breaking the rules but that's no new thing in Thailand. I have a wonderful meal in Anna's and enjoy a few drinks along my usual trail. A couple of drinks in the Irish bar where i befriend a parrot I stay on at one of the first beach bars called slinkys and am a little boozier than usual and don't see a dog on the beach which I then stand on and ger bitten by. Totally my fault. Thank God I got all my jabs done. As I work my way down the beach every single toilet is blocked. There are signs everywhere saying don't flush toilet paper down the toilet there's a reason for it it's because it blocks all the f@@king toilet systems up. Its funny because in Pai I loved the toilets in one of the bars just sheerly for how blatantly they had it on the walls. Whilst sat at the back of the bar watching everything i see 3 young guys come over to 2 girls like a tag team, one lay over the table and they said something which made the 2 girls leave then were high fiving each other and laughing . Then hit on 2 really drunk girls on the beach ..... boys if you think this is what women want that why you're having to try so hard. I know its time to head home and grab a slice of pizza off the guy on the corner who's still open at 02.30 bargain.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Men at work
29 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
As I make my usual way to the bakery this morning flatbed truck with massive lengths if steel is trying to manoeuvre its way around the tight streets with the weight of the metal bending the steel rods over the front and trailing a good 3ft off the back, but there's one thing for sure is that they get the job done. The ideas of health and safety are way out the window here. On the beach I'm joined by covin who I'm totally surprised has remembered the words I taught him. yesterday. I entertain him for an hour but he finds a family with a young girl and off he goes and introduces himself. I'm so happy to see his confidence grow even in the short time back, but realise the words I've taught him aren't going to be very useful unless he goes to work in a zoo. Before I left the island there was a row of houses with the mayor's big house in the centre but since being back they've all been knocked down and new ones are being built. They pile thin rods of steel into the ground then put wooden frames around it which they pour the concrete into to set, then knock the forms off once the concrete has set. There are no concrete mixers here, it's just done in a big rubber bath. It really is quite incredible how basically they do things here but I sometimes have to remind myself I'm on an island. In the afternoon I meet a couple of scoucers who are here for a 40th but one of them is in bed with alcohol poisoning, we all have a little chuckle but its easily done hereDavid joins us and as im sat at the beach the biggest grasshopper lands on our table. Its so big no wonder they make so much noise at night. Apparently its a sign of good luck so I'll take that. Strangely enough a few minutes later my marriage certificate comes through. I've been waiting over 3 yrs to get a copy and even though its in Sinhala it's progress. This situation has been controlling my plans massively as I believed I would need to fly to Sri Lanka so with The Malaysian border opening on the 1st of April it looks like that will be my next destination. A girl called Tilly is on the beach and within minutes I know she's going to be my new partner in crime. In the evening we take it easy and I eventually make it to bed at 2am buying pizza on the way homeMeer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Boys will be boys
30 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
I feel fresh as a daisy today as I barely drank last night and have no hangover to speak of for the first time in a while. I share my usual coffee with Chris in the local coffee shop before heading to my little hideaway at the end of the beach to sit in my peaceful spot but within half an hour everything changes as a speedboat from Phuket pulls up with its hoard of passengers all disembark on my beach but luckily they stray to the opposite side rather than where I am. I get chatting to a young lady on the beach called Tilly. I really like it when I meet free spirits like her as she reminds me of my youth transporting me back to my youthful years. We spend the Early afternoon together before a bunch of boys invade the beach with there buckets of vodka and the sum beating down me and tilly giggle as they get drunker and redder. By the late afternoon as we leave the beach, they are cartwheeling rock lobsters. I treat myself to my nails being done and Tilly has a facial. We both grab a quick shower and then make our way to the hippie bar . Ray is playing live music and they have a fire show. When they ask for volunteers me and Tilly jump up and before we know it we're on the stage taking part . We meander our way down the beach taking a few bars and a few beers and reach the freedom bar where we stay for a while chilling on the beabags people watching. Next stop is the cottage bar where I dance for hours like noone is watching. I spot a guy on the beach pull a crab out of a hole and ask him to put it back but he continues down the beach holding the little crab by his pincer so I go down on the beach and ask him again when he refuses I knock it out of his hand and as it scuttles off he grabs my beer and shakes it all over me like he's won the grand prix. As I walk back to the bar the Thai people nod there head that I've done the right thing. The guy is still kicking off on the beach and I go back to dancing because I'm not willing for my mood to be destroyed. The night ends with me dancing in the sea like no one is watching.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
From the horses mouth
31 maart 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Wow I had such a good night last night probably one of my best nights here. And although I have slept I don't feel I have the energy for anything so after my coffee I head to my beach spot to chill. Its a day for no alcohol today as we're off out on the boat with Seafrog diving school tomorrow and I certainly don't want a repeat of my last experience. I love my little beach spot and I'm joined by Tilly who is such good company. A couple of regular people are on the beach and we all enjoy a good chit chat. In the evening I go to a posh restaurant Tilly has read good reviews on. I'm excited when I see mussels on the menu but after eating the first one something isn't right so I turn the shells over pretending that I've eaten them all and just eat the sauce with the bread. I actually think its more the fact that they're frozen than off but I don't want to make a fuss. With the islands being so quiet the restaurants turnover of food is a lot slower than somewhere like the market where the Thai people eat because the food is always fresh. After I head to the room and grab a shower and for the first time since I've had my head shaved I apply hair products. It's so good. Me and Tilly enjoy a posh dinner before one cocktail and bed. As I wander home I hear the frogs and it takes me back to the jungle, when out of nowhere Mr Ed the horse comes to meet me. I've never seen him being ridden and do wonder what he's doing here but he's always a surprise when I walk up this dark alley alone at night. When I get back to my ace I sit on the balcony eventually catching the mosquito that's been eating me alive for the past week, I feel quite accomplishedMeer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Seafrog snorkeling
1 april 2022, Thailand ⋅ 🌧 29 °C
It's an early start and I'm glad I was alcohol free last night apart from the one cocktail I had. I reach the dive shop at just after 7 and I'm ecstatic because I've managed to get a coffee on route. Flo has kindly said he will try and sneak me and Tilly in without paying the park fee pretending we are staff which saves us 500 baht each. Chris has also kindly volunteered to accompany us snorkeling which is a massive bonus as he knows where to go and what to look out for. At the first dive site the fish are spectacular really and although we don't see any sharks or turtles we do see barracudas and blowfish. We take dinner just off Maya bay and as the guys jump off the side of the boat I use the slow motion on my camera to get the action shot. We take the boat around to the other bay and within a few minutes of being in the water I see a shark and a turtle. It's magical and I sometimes think that you see more snorkeling than diving because you are concentrating so hard on the breathing that you can't look around with ease and a lot of the sealife will stay closer to the surface. We arrive back at 130 and it's definitely beer o clock. We get on the beers so early when out of nowhere I hear my name being called. I can't believe my eyes when I see my son James on the beach. I love these boys so much and he tells me Henry is in the room. We spend a short time catching up and I suggest I should meet them at the viewpoint to surprise him. Later in the afternoon the weather turns and the storm blows in. The viewpoint is definitely out of the question but I take myself to the slinkys to enjoy watching it with a beer. I meet Tilly in atom and enjoy the most amazing gnocchi before doing our usual bar crawl. As I'm sat in freedom bar Henry and James join me and we have a proper catch up about all we've been up to. We arrive at cottage bar and I love the music here, a little more old school than techno and a bit of an older crowd. A bunch of Irish people and as im playing beer pong the one guy is literally barging people out of the way to get to the table. When he does he looks like he's doing muay Thai rather than beer pong so I leave him to it. I dance the night away ending up in stones bar. I can't believe it when I ask the time and it's 5am , I honestly only think it's 1am. Time for bed I think.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Maya Bay revisited
4 april 2022, Thailand ⋅ 🌧 26 °C
I take my coffee at pacharoo bakery, it really is one of the best cappuccino in Thailand. I do love my coffee early in the morning to start my day. I'm meeting Millie at the other coffee shop on the pier at 1230 to say goodbye before she grabs her ferry as I'm with her I get a message from Golf to say he can pick me up at 130 and I'm chuffed I have a distraction this afternoon. I see Tilly off on the speedboat and sit at dockside as by the time the boat leaves its nearly time for Golf and lp to pick me up. He sends a message to say he's on his way but the location he sends me is on the beach on the other side rather than the pier. It's not an issue as it's literally a 5 minute walk to the other side. Golf messages me to pick up a few cans of beer and within minutes the longboat pulls in and I am reunited with Golf and Ipand it's strange because it's kind of expected to meet up with travellers but I didn't expect to see Thai friends again unless I went back to their island. The guys are staying on the other side of the island that is only really accessible by boat so its kind of them to come and get me. The weather isn't so great today and the crossing starts to get so rough I actually put my life jacket on. We arrive in Phi Lei bay which is like the blue lagoon of the PhiPhi Isles and we swim in the water. Golf has brought his bose speaker so when we get back on board we have tunes and a beer and stay for a good amount of time. I've kind of forgotten the sea state as we sit in the little bay but as we come to leave I really do think I'm going to die. The boat is being bounced around like a Cork and it feels like the motor doesn't have enough power to move us through the current I really start to panic but after a lot of persistence and what feels like forever we eventually reach the floating pontoon of Maya Bay. It's quite late in the afternoon but there are still quite a lot of people here. On the pontoon I realise I've left my flip-flops on the boat but it doesn't matter as there is a boardwalk and the sand here is so soft. We spend time taking the compulsory photos and as I leave the beach there are a host of flip flops I can choose from but I leave them there. We take the boat to the other side of Maya bay and its a site to behold as there is literally no one on the beach all the tourists have left and are now in the bay snorkeling. Thankfully the journey home isn't too bad until we arrive on my beach and the tide is out. The boat drops me as far as it can and I have to walk the rest. I'm shocked at how many sea urchins there are and it takes me a good 20 minutes to get back. I jump in the shower and grab a bite to eat before going home to bed. My liver needs a rest.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Monkey business
5 april 2022, Thailand ⋅ 🌧 28 °C
I wake this morning in yet another hangover state. The only bonus is I've woken up in my own bed. My legs are also killing me from all the dancing I did. I honestly don't know what time I get in but it was after 3 in the morning. I search everywhere for my bag and when I go on the balcony I see a monkey and have a terrible feeling that the monkey has made off with my bag. They will literally take anything and everything. I check over my balcony but no sign and when I go to make my bed I find my bag under my pillow. I take myself for my morning coffee and then head to cottage bar where John coerces me into adding rum to my pineapple and strawberry shake and then we catch Pom adding a shot of tequila this isn't going to end well, it's 10am and I'm drinking cocktails. At lunchtime Naikari , a girl i met in Pai walks along the beach she joins us and I suggest we go to the Market for food. In the evening we literally grab a shower and head back to a few of the regular haunts but as we come past Slinkys I've remembered it's Kai's birthday and after dropping her a little present in we walk along the beach and once again I'm led astray onto the bucking bronco and I'm gobsmacked when I last more than 50 seconds, trust me it's a lot harder than it looks. The rest of the evening is spent dancing my socks off in tge cottage bar. Whe I ask the time it's 5am and I only think it's 1am. Definitely time to go home and rest my drunken headMeer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Hair today gone tomorrow
6 april 2022, Thailand ⋅ 🌧 26 °C
One of these days I'm going to wake up with no hangover. I'm sure I'm going to leave Phi Phi an alcoholic. Once again I spend the day recovering on the beach but I'd rather do this than spend it in my bed. Later in the afternoon I head to my room to chill for a few hours but I'm so hungry I get up and showered and head to acqua I'm craving a burger for some crazy reason. I love Thai food so much but every now and again its nice to eat something western. Acqua is fully booked but I sit in May's bar and have my food delivered to there and enjoy it with a Thai mojito. I then go and have a few games of pool In the Irish bar. The reggae bar is opening tonight and as I walk through there is a young guy practicing his moves. The reggae bar on the island isn't actually famous for its music or smoking pot in a little corner in there, it's renowned for having a boxing ring where muay Thai challenges with the locals and the tourists take place. Basically they pay for the privilege of taking a beating. While im in Irish bar I get a text from John to say he's in cottage and make my way down there. I spend pretty much the whole evening in here and for a change there are a lot of Thai people here. There is also 2 police guys here and later in the evening I'm on a video call with meme and one of the lady boys at the bar comes over and puts her hair piece on my head and me and mimi are both laughing hysterically. Later on Joy gives us a show in her thong but I go home wondering where she put it.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Another day in paradise
7 april 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Every morning I wake the more I feel like I'll never leave this island and after my morning coffee I take my position outside of the cottage bar and literally stay all day spending time with little Covin building sandcastles and learning words. There is a school on the island but only for the older kids which again for me is hard to accept. This young boy of 4 is on the beach day in day out helping his 'cousin ' with the kayaks and using his stick with fluorescent tape on each end to practice his fire show skill although i will say hes always well dressed and always has sunscreen on and in his own way is really happy. I go for lunch with Chris to the little place opposite the market and take a seat at my singer sewing machine table. There are only Thai people here and im quite shocked when i see a rifle on the wall . Back to cottage i sit here till the sun goes down and its such a lovely sunset tonight. The reggae bar is open and I decide to go this evening to see what it's like. I'm actually impressed with the set up. Someone volunteers and then they get walked around the ring until they find someone willing to fight them. The reward is a free bucket of alcohol. I head for my few games of pool I the Irish bar then to the beach where I meet Jon Malik and Naikari. The evening ends up a little messy with Malik taking a skinny dip. Once again I'm glad to fall into bedMeer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Frog chorus
8 april 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
My morning coffee is disrupted by John asking for his charger we agree to meet in the bakery. The news is bad John is leaving the island and after sorting his boat we go and sit in the cafe on the beach just by the pier. As we sit here we're joined by Salim. And after fond goodbyes till I see you again I see John off then spend the afternoon on the beach. It's great over the past few days because its slightly cloudy but the tide stays high all day and at sunset Chris plays a set. Its great to have a change in music and I sit watching the loveliest sunset. I get a quick shower and change before heading to Garlic for a fish supper. I pick a sea bass and opt for the garlic and pepper topping. As always its delicious and I eat every bit. As I'm sat eating Naikari walks past and joins me Mikal also left on the later ferry today and I'm so glad I met him as he is one of the freeest souls I've met with the greatest personality. and I've decided not to drink today but after a couple of cokes I decide to have 1 beer. It must give me Dutch courage because when we go into the reggae bar I decide to get in the ring with some young girl. In my head I think I'm still 18. I get dressed into my protective gear of head shield and shin pads. I want to experience as many things as I can on this trip but I also learn a hard lesson as the young girl goes in for the kill and starts pummelling me. At the end we get rewarded with a medal and a bucket. I'm still hungover from yesterday so decide to take a walk home via the cottage bar. There is another really big storm here but the rain tonight is horrendous which is no good for the bars on the beach. I have one beer and on the way home enjoy a chorus of the frogs who have come to life with the rain. I'm actually home for 11pm and still feel hungover so take myself to bedMeer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
The day after the night before
9 april 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
So even though I didn't drink yesterday I wake this morning and my whole body is aching. Getting in the ring yesterday was not one of my wiser decisions but I did enjoy it so that's the important thing. On this trip I want to be a collector of experiences and I'm certainly doing that. I spend the day on the beach and get chatting to a lady cxcalled nicky who's out here with her husband and they've met up with their daughter whose travelling. Dad and daughter have gone up to the viewpoint and as we sit and watch the beautiful sunset we somehow end up drinking Sambuca. Why do I get myself into these predicaments. As it goes dark I'm still sat at the beach and somewhere at sea they have fireworks. I eat with Naikari and we agree a quick shower and change because I'm feeling like I could go to bed already. We meet back up at the Irish bar and I have a few games of pool but decide to give the Reggae bar a miss tonight. I make my way down to the cottage bar and have a few beers before heading to bed. I want to save myself for the game tomorrow.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Last day on PhiPhi
10 april 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
So as I wake for my final full day on Phi phi I need to start making plans for my onwards journey, but there is a slight problem. The lady who I usually book my tours and buses with cannot guarantee my bus to Hat Yai and can only book me to get to Krabi then I need to go to the bus station and sit and wait for the bus to leave when it's full, the other problem is liverpool are playing tonight and the game won't finish until after midnight and I'll need to get up at 630 am to catch the early ferry. I decide to sit it out and will just buy my ticket in the morning if I manage to get up. I spend most of my day just topping up my tan and trying to get a few questions answered. As you've seen in earlier blogs I regularly meet a horse on my way home but I want to know how did it get here and what is its use , I mean they only have long boats and ferries to the island and its a 2 hr crossing and I've never seen it being ridden. The only thing I've seen it do is stand in the reception at the local hotel and I don't think he's capable of booking anyone in. The other crazy thing is a bit further along in a place called the lighthouse they have a tuc tuc on the first floor balcony, this is again crazy as no vehicles apart from construction ones are allowed on the island so the madness of shipping one over then dismantling it and reassembling it on a balcony really baffles me but I suppose it's this quirky crazy stuff that makes me love the island so much. I'm not feeling too good today and at about 3pm I take myself to bed for a few hours and wake up feeling a bit better but still with a terrible pain in my chest. I venture to May's bar so at least I can have a comfy seat to watch the game its quite funny as she is streaming it on two tellys and one is ahead of the other so I get to watch the goals then watch them again. A little dissapointed but relieved we never lost I head to cottage bar to say goodbye to the crew. They are all a little messy and I need to get up I'm the morning so I do a discreet exit.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes
Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure Fifi flipflop
Moving on
11 april 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
I've set my alarm for 0630 as I still need to pack, and having been here so long I'm a bit out of practice. I'm also a very emotional to be leaving. This little island is so special and I know it very unlikely I'll ever see it like this again. I meet Naikari at the ferry and when I board there's a girl from Manchester shouting her mouth off and being really crude still carrying a can of chang beer. Even a Thai man speaks to her but she has no care and respect so I go and sit on the upper deck. Its a 2hr journey to Krabi harbour and I've booked a transfer to the bus station. I buy my ticket and it's just a case of waiting until there's enough people to justify the journey. I'm pleasantly surprised when at 1pm the guy calls Hat Yai but dissapointed when I realise we're full. It's a 6hr journey and all the baggage is in the aisles so I literally can't move. We stop a couple of times for food and toilet breaks . I need to get a pcr test but when I looked online there is literally nowhere advertised doing them in Hat Yai I send a few emails to companies but they all come back saying they can't provide them, and just to finish the day off the bus station is closed when I arrive. I've booked into a half decent hotel so I can recuperate a little. I'm so glad to have white bedding and a nice bathroom, it's the little things in life. I take a nice hot shower and get dressed to go out for dinner. As I walk the streets there doesn't seem to be any food stalls open but eventually I come to a shopping mall. When I try to enter the security guard asks me to scan in. I try and blag it but he's having none of it but after a lot of persistence he gives up and let's me in. I go to a pizza parlour and order the medium pizza after a few minutes the lady comes back and says the medium pizza is buy one get one free and I say no need I'll just have one she says I can't do that? So I change my order to a small one which is crazy. I finish up and go back to my room where I take another shower and get into my beautiful comfy white bed.Meer informatie
Zie vertaling
0 likes