Krabi

And what better place to go for a few days of relaxation and spicy Thai food, than Thailand. Except I don't eat spicy Thai food though, but that's alright. On the south western coast of this favorite country of mine, there is a province called Krabi. It's known for jagged rocky cliffs, thick condensed forests, and tons of small islands off the mainland. There are so many beaches of course, this one called Ao Nang. Fresh after a rainstorm.

An hour from town, and a hike through the forest on a boardwalk, brought us to the middle of a Wildlife Sanctuary wherein lies 2 pools. The Emerald Pool and the Blue Pool. The Emerald pool was far too crowded for pictures, but the swimming restriction made it easier for a photo op at the Blue Pool, filled with clear spring water. Its blue color was formed because the hot spring under the earth's crust is naturally indigo blue.

A little further along the tourist trail and you will find one of the most sacred places in Krabi, a Buddhist Temple called the Tiger Cave Temple, or Wat Tham Suea. This thing was 1, 237 steps high and not to be fooled around with. It took about 45 minutes to get to the top. The steps varied in size, and some were so big that the little girl beside me wasn't tall enough to climb them and needed her Mom to pick her up through most of it.

As I caught my breath again and my legs quit whining at me, I gazed at the view I worked for. There was also a giant Buddha behind me, but I was more interested in the forest to be honest. No disrespect to Buddha.

A nice way to end the day was a bit of live entertainment on the street. A beautiful, spectacular, entertaining, hot, and not dangerous enough, fire show. He hung what looked like lanterns at either end of his two chains, and with sparks leaking out for an even more visual effect, he twirled and twisted his arms and the flailing fire show began. And I wondered just like everyone, how the hell does he not burn himself? The sparks are engulfing his body like little fireflies going straight for his flesh. He only had a sweater on. I could feel the heat from where I was sitting, right in front of him. I guess we'll never know the secrets of the Thai people. Or the mentally amiss, whichever category he fits.

Well, another short vacation, marvelously executed. And, with slight pain in the bathroom after all that Thai food I probably shouldn't have eaten.

Bailey Sue