| Location: Koh Phanak, Phang Nga Bay, Thailand |
Sawasdee and Happy New Year John, Sonny and Bao
First of all we want to thank you all for the absolutely wonderful kayak expedition we did 23-25 Nov. It was one of the greatest experiences of our lives. We were thrilled by the unique and spectacular scenery of Phang Nga
Bay. To paddle through the narrow and dark caves and finally reaching the secluded hongs was like being in a fairy-tale. I had to pinch myself now and then to make sure it was all real! I felt truly privileged to be admitted
into these very special plant and animal habitats.
Of course the experience was enhanced by the feeling of exclusiveness, since it was just Ulf, me and the crew. Sonny and Bao really knew how to avoid the "crowds" and at most of the islands we had the feeling of being the "first
and only" ones there! The only exception was at the bat cave on Koh Phanak where we met with you John and a crowd of other tourists. For the rest of the expedition we felt like we were the only tourists in Phang Nga Bay - and
we really appreciated that feeling.
Sonny and Bao are both great guides with a lot of knowledge, a true respect for the wildlife and a genuine fiendliness. They have a great sense of humour and we remember laughing a lot. Sonny was really great when he
dressed up in bikini top that had been given to him by a mermaid (se photos enclosed). And there could not be a more romantic man in Thailand than Bao! Tell him that I still remember how to say "I love you forever" in Thai (chan
rakun tuk tuk oan). Together they made absolutely everything (and a little more) to make us feel comfortable and at ease. We are not at all used to being attended on like that so we felt somewhat embarrassed in the
beginning. The tranquil evenings and nights at the isolated beaches were extremely relaxing. Now when I am back in Sweden, bustling about at the office, I sometimes try to recall the feeling of lying in the soft white
sand looking at the tropical starry sky and talking to our thai friends.
We also want to praise our cook, I think his name is Rahot. He created the most beautiful and delicious meals. Real pieces of art. Breathtaking! His dishes were filled with lots of love (and a lot of other ingredients too).
To be honest, the food we were served during those three days was the best food we ate during 3½ weeks in Thailand! Please forward our prise to Rahot. He really deserves it!
Enclosed you will find some photos from our expedition. Please feel free to use them if you want to. If you are interested in more photos, please let us know and we will send some more to you.
I also want to let you know that I have written an article about our Thailand holiday for a Swedish travel magazine ("Allt om resor"). In the article I have lyrically described our kayak expedition, mentioned John Gray
Sea Canoe and given the address to your website. If the article gets published I will let you know and send you a copy (it will be in Swedish though!!).
By the way, when we talked on the phone John, you mentioned that you would like to advertise in Swedish travel magazines. Are you still interested? If you have a designed advertisement you can send it to me and I will do what I
can to help you have it published in the Swedish magazines (there are about 4-5 different). I suppose it is not free to advertise but I will find out the cost and let you know. I am not sure whether they accept an ad in
English, but if they don't I can probably translate it for you.
Khob khun kha/krub
Love to you all from your friends
Anita and Ulf in Sweden |
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