Koh Lipe. The world just doesn't get any prettier than this. Malaysia to Thailand by boat is the most amazing border crossing ever. Pull up on a speed boat, long tail boat takes us to the shore, we jump off into the bluest of blue water, then take a ten second walk to the customs hut. The beach here really is something else. White sand, clear water, a billion tropical fish swimming round your knees. The rest of the islands we have seen are mere pretenders, Lipe is a real life tropical paradise.
Once again we formed a random jam band on the beach; Laureen (vocals, rhythm guitar, and the coolest lady ever), Bassam (improvised percussion), Ben and myself (rhythm and lead guitar), Teresa (backing vocals). Plus there was a magical harmonica getting passed around that everybody seemed to be able to bang out a tune on. What an instrument!
We have been in South East Asia, for four months now, and finally got to enjoy a full moon party. Not the most stomping night of my life, but so very nice all the same. To witness a luna eclipse on our last night in Lanta, at a full moon party was fantastic. Great company, perfect location, music...not my cup of tea.
Like a plonker I went and left my bank cards "safely stashed" in one of the pillow cases in our bungalow. I went to the reception to ask if the cleaner had handed them in (long shot I know), only to be greeted by a 6 foot lady boy wearing freaky blue contact lenses. There are three things in this world that truly scare me; spiders, clowns, and big old lady boys. I know she/he had my cards away, but I wasn't about to argue with it. Cancelled them with the bank, and left with my pride in tack.
We are off to Koh Lanta to catch up with some old friends tomorrow, then on to Bangkok to party with some other travel buddies, before flying home for Christmas.

See you all soon.

Much love.