- April 18, 2014
- 7:58 am
- Mary Ann McGrath
- no comments
Last Day in Thailand
Our final farewell to Thailand was a memorable full-day on an eco-tour aboard a large boat and ocean kayaks near Phuket. The guides took us through caves into beautiful lagoons surrounded by monoliths of sandstone where mangrove trees thrive and the inhabitant were tropical birds and ocean life. (We were told the monkeys must be on holiday.)
Our first cave set the tone for the trust we would place in our guides. We laid flat in our kayaks while the guides inched us through small spaces, often deflating the kayaks to fit our American frames. This sometimes involved instructions to turn our heads to the side so that our noses did not rub on the ceiling of the cave. Upon emerging, I discovered that my sunglasses were covered with the calcium deposits from the shallow roof. Their expertise with tide levels was evident when this same cave and lagoon became awash with noisy tourists a short time after we exited. We explored another cave covered with coral and shells and still another with mother and baby bats.
We were aware of over-population and the dangers of over-fishing. These explorations drove home the threats associated with over-tourism. We extracted litter from areas once pristine before being touched by man. Our knowledgeable guides from Sea Canoe Co., Ltd (http://www.seacanoe.net) pointed out wildlife and fauna, instructed us on proper viewing etiquette and shuttled us to from one scenic spot to another. One beautiful lagoon, which we reached by portage, had been a scene in the James Bond film “The Man With the Golden Gun.” This film was made before our students were born, but it is sure to be on everyone’s rental list when we return to the U.S.
Between kayaking and cave, lagoon and wildlife explorations, we returned to the Mother Ship for deliciously prepared and artistically presented Thai meals. The whole baked fish were a favorite, along with spicy beef and curried chicken. Local ingredients and spices give Thai foods unexpected combinations of sweet, savory and spicy. Every dish is a taste surprise. We also swam around the boat and could dive from the upper level. Some of the young crew members joined in the fun and the students learned more about them on a personal level.
We returned to the dock and then to our hotel tired and salty, but with smiles that could not be extinguished. As we nursed damp phones back to life in bags of rice, all of us shared thoughts of returning to this place and reliving this experience with those dear to us. Yes, it is a long trip, but descriptions fail to capture and adventure and beauty. We hope that thoughtful care and preservation will keep these areas pristine for these future visits.
Mary Ann