Alright here it is Part 2…enjoy!
The next day Philip was ready to burn the rest of his body, so we decide to head out on the “4 island snorkeling tour”. We rode out about forty-five minutes through the bluest greenest sparkling waters I have ever seen.
Silas, Philip and Zeb jumped right in. Arlo and I were a little more timid. I love the ocean but it’s kind of scary..there is so much unknown, it’s takes a leap of faith to just glide uninvited into “their” world. When we slid into the warm green water it took a minute for Lolo to figure out how to breath through the snorkel but once he got a hang of it we swam off-hand in hand mesmerized by the coral, the fish, the strange purple things that gave the impression of a Colorado wild flower blowing gently in a spring breeze. I don’t know how to express this perfect moment with Arlo so I will just say it was a supercalifragilisticexpialidociously -peacefully-spiritually awesome experience!. I will never forget his pure unadulterated excitement squeaking over and over as each new creature would greet us. I remember a similar amazing experience snorkeling with Zeb in St. John when he was about 4. We went on to 3 more places and had lunch on a beautiful beach. It was an amazing day. Many times motherhood has more downs than ups but that day was a great day to be a mom.
The next morning Philip and Silas were off to dive. The first time for both and they went down 12 metres!! Zeb was too young but they said he could come along and snorkel so they all left early. Arlo and I had the day to ourselves. We walked the beach, played in the waves and drank banana smoothies while Jack Johnson played over and over at the bar. The boys came back that evening with a sparkle in their eye’s- they were hooked. Silas and Philip loved every minute under the sea and Zeb befriended one of the boat crew who took him around to the best snorkel spots. They even saw some black tip sharks and a sea snake. The highlight for Zeb I think. Another great day topped off with another amazing sunset…is this place for real?
We had a couple more days of unbelievable snorkeling, even swimming 80 meters through a dark cave to the inside of a hidden volcano, a tuk tuk ride to a Muslim fishing village, great conversations with some beautiful Thai people. Even some bittersweet stories of the Tsunami. I was so paranoid might happen while we were there that I checked the earthquake map daily and stayed up each night going over my “plan” (and yes I realize I am a freak and probably need to be medicated or at least self medicated with a drink or two each night)..Here’s a glimpse into my thoughts…. To rescue my family from a tsunami first grab a life jacket , next Philip’s computer ( losing all that Astral info. would be a nightmare) , passport’s check, hmm, should I put shoes on the kids because there could be sharp rocks…no that would take to long okay barefoot is fine. Then I spend about 15 minutes figuring out how to get to the “safety zone” 700 metres away they say we have about ten minutes to get there this is usually when I fade out because trying to convert metres into miles is more than my sun soaked brain can handle. As I drift off to sleep…. my body becomes a little fishing boat gently bobbing among the waves floating through the deepest blues and emerald greens. Colors that I’ve never seen in any Crayola box. Colors there are no words to describe … Just me and the sea, the fish and waves rocking me into a deep and peaceful sleep with not a Tsunami in sight.
Saturday comes and it’s time to go. We’re sad to leave. We’ve made some friends and fallen into a relaxed routine. I’ll miss the friendly greeting; a bow and a long happy “Swa dee kahhhh” to me and “Swa dee khrapppp” to the boys, I’ll miss the Pad Thai and the banana pancakes, the sounds of Jack Johnson floating out over our drinks, the sunsets, the bright colors of the muslim girls head scarves passing me in a blur as they ride by on their motorbikes and of course the colors of the Andaman sea although I think I’ve taken those with me. I still fall into the colors of the sea when I close my eyes, floating with the fish under the reflection of the sky.
We hit the airport early which gives us time to treat the boys to Subway. It was actually quite good. Funny how something like Subway can feel like an old friend when you haven’t seen one for 6 months! Next door to the Subway was a Dunkin Donuts tempting us with it’s decadent yumminess sitting so perky in it’s plexi glass case open for little fingers to come up and grab it…I was mesmerized by the coconut smile face one as i saw Arlo’s hand swoop in for a delicious looking chocolate donut with pink frosting…”Keep moving we aren’t giving in to that” I said. So he leaned in and took a nice big sniff. That will have to do. Time to go home…
Snorkelling and diving is amazing in Asia, isn’t it? Z just learnt to dive — well, did his Bubblemaker (which you can do from age 8 with PADI-registered teachers, though some don’t like to teach so young). And corals are on his top list of most amazing things in Asia. If you make it out to the Philippines, seriously check the water here: it’s stunning…
I read your blog about Z’s dive sounded great..and I had no idea Philippines had so much to offer! I wish they would have let our Z (Zeb) do the bubble maker class he is also 9. Where are you off to next?
The pictures are amazing!!!
Thanks Melanie!
ha ha!! i feel about jack johnson in thailand like i feel about scooters in vietnam. over and over and over and over! your moment with arlo sounds sp great, nikki, i’m so happy for you that you guys had that, and underwater….being on a vacation is so therapeutic for a family.
All I can say to all of this is…..WOW!! What an amazing story and a beautiful one to look at as well!!
Love you.. haven’t recieved an email updates from your blog… have you been writing?
I felt like I was there with you …….each adventure sounded more and more exciting and what a wondrous experience for the boys—————-you have made it happen. Experiential living at its finest this entire 6 months…………………..! I was so happy to be a small part of it…………………keep adventuring!!!! Love you and your men!!!! Mam
I just happened on your blog. Wonderful! I think you should write a book about your adventures.
I am an old friend of Margarets from NOC days.
Sukey
Thank you thank you thank you.
Great pictures, boys are growing.
Love,
Rainbow
Thanks for your comment at Gypsea Tree! I have actually considered Vietnam, but don’t know a whole lot about it. A friend of mine has been a few times and always returned with wonderful pictures and stories. It looks like I’ve come to the right place for more info. What an AMAZING experience for your children and family. I look forward to reading more!
Sounds absolutely joyful! Your boys are so fortunate to have these experiences! I’m sure they won’t truly appreciate them until they are older, though. 🙂
Reading the earlier part about Phillip’s sunburn reminded me… do you remember the awful burn I got in Florida when your parents took us there? I think I had sun poisoning if I remember correctly… I believe that was my first trip to Florida! I wish I had pictures…
Keep writing… more often… love reading!!
xo,
tina
The pictures and your words are amazing!!!! I love reading about your adventures! Your family is so lucky!!!!!
Swa dee khrap Nik, great stuff! Just found this, enjoyed “catching up”. You guys look fantastic. Dang fe, no coppertone down at the rite aid in Saigon or pookette? Hope its all healed up now. You should see my neck
Thanks for posting Nikki, wish we could have been there. I look forward to plying those waters one day.
c
Loved it! Pictures and words, all of it.
Now I want to go. 😉