Since I last wrote, we crossed over the Lao border to Nong Khai, Thailand, spending a day or so there and then journeying south through Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi (where we are now). We've hit the finale of our travels and will now spend a few days just hanging out on the beach, etc. We have been hit by a few afternoon rainstorms that have sent us scurrying for cover, with towels and flip flops hastily gathered up from the sand. We're really a bit perplexed over how this weather can exist during the "dry" season! However, we have been able to get in some quality beach time and otherwise are planning a scuba diving excursion tomorrow, and quality time hanging out in beach-side cafes, etc.

I enjoyed seeing Nong Khai, since it was a part of Thailand I had previously not visited. We spent a slightly uncomfortable night on a lumpy matress (really three matresses shoved together) on the floor, with ants and mosquitoes swarming all around, but otherwise enjoyed a bicycle ride out to a giant Buddha sculpture garden and some pleasant hours sitting in the Mut Mee Guesthouse's garden restaurant, talking with fellow travellers and gazing across the river into Laos.

Bangkok was its usual fast-paced, breathless experience. Spent 6 hours at the Chatuchak weekend market on Sunday, introduced Eli to Khao San Road that night, and then made the requisite visit to the Grand Palace on Monday, tried to visit the new aquarium before realizing that there was no way we would ever make it in with a line nearly out the door, so went to MBK instead (Thai shopping mall at its finest). Decided to scrap our backpacker compulsion to take an overnight bus to Krabi and opted for a quick flight to Phuket instead, followed by a short 2 hour boat ride to Krabi the following morning. Didn't see any of Phuket really- just out the window of the van as we drove from the airport to our guesthouse and then to the boat launch the following morning- but the little I saw of the island confirmed that I have no wish to visit Phuket anytime soon. Lots of raunchy bars and too built-up and geared toward resort travellers. We have been passing our time on the much quieter and nicer peninsula known as Haad Railey. Though I have to say that this area also seems quite different from what I remember- I am wondering what might be the result of the Tsunami???