Beauty Everywhere

Today we hired a longtail boat for the morning and visited Hong Island, a tiny island about 40 minutes northwest of Railay Beach in the Andaman Sea. At first I couldn't help but think - Why would we want to leave this beautiful place? What could we possibly be looking for? Where we are staying is already so beautiful.

But this trip is about sisterhood, embracing adventure and exploring the unknown. So there was no doubt we wanted to go exploring today and see more of Southern Thailand.

Once out on the water, we were awestruck by the views of the mainland and islands with the dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. But truthfully we were also awestruck by the number of jellyfish in the water!! Sometimes it looked like the water had polka dots. I didn't think my description would be convincing so I took a video.

But they are indeed beautiful creatures, so soft and peaceful looking floating in the water - that is until you get too close while swimming! Once the boat slowed down we were able to get a better look at them. Everywhere we looked today we saw beauty, yes, even the jellyfish.

Hong Island is uninhabited except for birds, white-faced gibbons and lizards. High cliffs surround a large lagoon at its interior – the “chamber” to which its Thai name, “Hong”, refers. Entering the lagoon was like slowly opening a gift you know you'll cherish.

We slowly circled the lagoon in the longtail boat, appreciating the way the sunlight was coming over the cliff and making the water look almost electric. We opted not to swim inside the lagoon as many many jellyfish had found their way in there. Other people were swimming but we're just not that crazy (or brave)!

We eventually made our way out of the lagoon to see more of the island.

We cruised all the way around the island, taking in all the details of the high cliffs, many caves, and the odd beautiful beach.

Our driver pulled into a tiny secluded beach that dreams are made of - there was only one other boat when we arrived, so we had it almost entirely to ourselves at first.

We hopped out of the boat onto the white sand and went for a dip to cool off and enjoy this new slice of paradise (while remaining on the lookout for jellyfish!). We ate our fruit we brought with us and laid on the beach for a little while. Then we got back into the boat and our driver took us back to Railay Beach.

After arriving back we noted that we hadn't walked down to the other end of the beach so we took a stroll. We were under the impression the only things on this beach were resorts, including ours, and watercraft rentals. However, to our surprise we discovered a market tucked away, running perpendicular to the beach with goods and “street food” - the quotation marks are a nod to the authentic street food you find in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. This was street food for tourists, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit we were loving it!

First we shared a Thai style roti with mango.

And we each got smoothies - passionfruit mango for me and banana mango for Jennifer.

Then we headed back to our resort. Jennifer took a rest in our room and I took a walk through the property, eventually settled into some lounge chairs at Phra Nang Beach with a refreshment and a late lunch.

Lonely without my sidekick, I sat and "watched the world go by” with the tourists walking up and down the popular beach from our shameless private lounging area overlooking the beach and Happy Island (which it turns out is much safer from here!).

I went for a swim to cool off and enjoy the view of the stunning rock face and caves Phra Nang Beach is known for. Jennifer caught up with me and we walked back the pool for a quick dip before we got showered and dressed for dinner. Tonight was our last real night in Thailand, as tomorrow night we'll be at the airport hotel in Bangkok.

Before dinner we walked down to Railay Beach to watch the sunset.

And we finished the evening with a lovely dinner back at Phra Nang Beach with an amazing view.

Today we saw and experienced incredible beauty. It was a reminder of just how beautiful this world is, and how beautiful and blessed life is.

Today we also started slowing down, in anticipation of our departure, and taking in the simple pleasures of every precious moment.

Laura & Jennifer ❤❤