I keep forgetting we’re in Thailand still. The relaxing stint with Matt’s parents, followed by a couple of nights at freakishly Waikiki-like beaches has left me stumbling off the longtail into Southern Thailand. Southern Thailand is different enough from Northern Thailand that after our luxurious interlude and not so luxurious transition back, I feel as though we’re in a new country. Malaysia perhaps? There are many more women wearing headscarves, we haven’t seen any Thai-pop karaoke in a while, and the people look different. But no, it’s still Thailand. Malaysia will come soon enough.

We’re in Krabi town right now. Matt’s taking a practice test, and I am trying to catch up on the blog, which is sadly over a month behind. We’re in our hotel lobby/restaurant, taking advantage of the free internet. It just finished down pouring outside, and cars are breezing by on a wet road beneath a grey and gloomy sky. Rugby is silently being played on the TV, and an eclectic mix of music loudly plays over the speakers—Dixie Chicks, Johnny Cash, Eminem, lots of punk and some weird Irish song about green alligators. It’s an afternoon that feels just right. Just about anyways. Our last couple days until now were a bit restless as we tried to find the right spot to unwind at a beach before heading to Malaysia. Unfortunately our first stop reminded us of Waikiki only there were no spam musubi, Leonard’s malasadas or Hawaiian Suns. After less than a day, we hightailed it out of there for the Railay beaches, hoping for something a little less billabonged-out. The west and south facing beaches were stunning with gem-toned waters and striking limestone outcroppings (karsts) bursting out of the landscape creating sheer vertical cliffs along the shoreline and islands in the sea. Unfortunately the weather was unfavorable, and the food was not that great. After an afternoon and a day, we left for Krabi town where we hoped we’d at least find a food cart selling bbq chicken or something…thankfully, we did. Krabi has a really great night-food market as well as a great regular market. Neither is too big nor too small and many tasty treats can be found in each. The abundance of good food has been a consolidation for our failed attempts at staying closer to the beach. Unlike the other places in Krabi province, Krabi town is so far so good. Thankfully, Krabi is located close enough to make day-trips to neighboring beaches and islands, such as Ko Phi Phi where we plan to go tomorrow. So hopefully that will be ok.