The overnight bus on Monday night was interesting. Would have preferred a night train, but we had plenty of leg room and chairs that reclined almost flat. Of course, as usual I didn't sleep. We then had to get onto smaller private buses for the transfer into the Rain Forest - Sum Koi National Park. We are in huts in the forest which is interesting to say the least. We had a couple of hours down time and then it was time for lunch and our afternoon activity.
Lunch for the next two days is included and it was rather nice. We all then jumped into the back of a "jeep" to be taken to the elephants. They were magnificent. We had to wait for a previous tour to return, and as we were an odd number I got to ride on my own. We were in seats - a bit like the ones you used to get at the fairground with a safety bar across. I loved it. The elephants roll from side to side and it's really relaxing. PA, our tour leader, arranged with my Masut (elephant trainer) for me to ride back on the actual neck of the elephant - bareback.
Anyway, we strolled through the forest. I found out that my elephant was called Non Pun (Honey) and he was 15 years old - apparently just a baby. He certainly was just like a naughtly little boy, he kept stopping and grabbing food whenever he thought his trainer wasn't watching. In the middle of the forest we got off and stretched our legs at a waterfall and then prepared for the trek back. My man decided that he couldn't do the first part of the bit back without riding Non Pun himself, which meant that once that bit had been done, I had to get out of the seat and slide down the elephant's - reminded me of a poem from childhood, the only bit I can remember is, slid down the elephant's neck and what became of the monkey, monkey, monkey - anyone help?
It's hard work riding an elephant and I'm sure I shall be sore tomorrow.
In the evening we had another delicious meal and I had 4 Singapore Slings and stayed and chatted with our tour guide.
On Wednesday I awoke with another cold, rather nasty this one as it turned out. Anyway I wasn't going on the walk this morning, but the plan of having internet access to myself was knocked on the head when I realised that the lodge we're staying at had broken internet! Anyway I sat in the shade, by the pool with Sofi and read a book. Really not feeling good so decided to skip the canoe ride in the afternoon.
On Thursday we transferred to Ao Nang in Krabi. We appear to be a long way from the main town. Really not feeling too good and Lucy and Lee could do with some downtime so we stayed in the hotel and ate there as well.
By Friday I'm feeling like death warmed up, without the heating! I'm hot and cold, wheezing, sleeping really badly, so I got a tuk tuk into town and he dropped me at a chemist. On the way I saw Lucy and Lee and waved - that confused the driver!
The chemist was lovely. She took my temperature and talked me through the symptoms. I asked for amoxycillan which is what I've had before and she gave me something stronger and plenty of paracetamols. As I came out of the chemist I saw Lucy and Lee again so we went for a drink - there's a surprise. We then got a tuk tuk back and I went to bed and felt sorry for myself.
In the evening we went out for a meal at a place called A-One which was lovely. Today I should be going on a boat to explore the islandsw, but, although I'm feeling better, I really don't think I'm up to it, so I shall just have to rely on other people's photos.
Tomorrow we leave at 7am to go to Penang in Malaysia. Keith has recommended an App for my phone which means I can blog from there, writing off line and then publishing when I have an internet connection, I will have to try it and see how it works. In the meantime, I going to have a relaxing day at the hotel. I've tried to add some photos to this post, but the connection here just isn't having any of it. When I get back I will post loads of photos, maybe on somewhere like Fliker - will let you know.
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