Planet Amy Jo

Just washed the saltwater off from my four-island tour of the area around Krabi Town. I had a miscommunication with the tour booker and ended up not on the islands I thought I was going to see. But no problem. I thought I was going to Ko Phi Phi, so I will do that on Saturday and be sure I get the correct tour. Am quite interested to see the tsunami area and, admittedly, the island from "The Beach" movie. Gotta see it while I have the chance.

This region would be the perfect place to bring your lover because it's paradise. (I will try to find one for myself!) Beautiful beaches and amazing cliffs, great food, cute hotels, friendly people. I recommend it to any of you other lovers out there who want something different than Hawaii or a cruise.

Today I went snorkeling for the first time. Easy peasy once you get used to being able to breathe under water. The first time I floated into a school of fishes, I was so astonished that they were all around me that I ran away. But then I got more brave and let them swirl around me. Lots of fish kisses on my legs. Maybe they like Coppertone?

Speaking of Coppertone, I don't know what to do about the sun. I put on so much sunblock and I am still fried from today. The rays are so intense here. It's a dilemma. I can't wear pants and a t-shirt in the water, and I'm not not going to do to the beachy things here. I have a rasher from Bali that's SPF 50, but it's miserable to wear it because it's so hot. I might have to put it back on and deal with it.

Ate my first Thai food in Thailand last night. Perfect! I have waited years and years for that meal. I am delighted to finally be here actually in this country. I know I will see and do some great things in the next weeks.

People here are super smiley and friendly. If you pass someone with a toddler or baby, the adult picks him/her up and waves its little hand at you. Many of the people I pass ask me where I'm from. I say "America" and they inevitably start yelling, "USA, USA, USA!" Kind of makes me feel like an Olympian. If I were an Olympian, my event would be playing Uno. Definitely gold medal material, I am.

Personal note to Carmell: No joke, there is a breadfruit shrub/tree next to my hotel patio. I can't smell them at all (because they're still on the branches?), but I've had many unfortuante olfactory encounters with them since you left. Disgusting.

Guys, I will try to get some photos posted to visually enhance these entries. My card reader got broken, my memory card isn't full yet and it takes a really long time to transfer the photos. Patience ...