Shark Swims and Cliff Jumps

We have spent the past few days on Phi Phi island, a place I have been to before but nevertheless came back to, drawn by its emerald clear sea's and sweeping white bays. Have been out of action for the past few days, 'tummy troubles' had me bedridden most of yesterday, but I think secretly Will was happy to have a day in bed curled up reading. This morning we climbed up to one of the highest points on the island to take in the view of the magnificent bay- a climb that I swore I would not do again. Hundreds of steps, afternoon sun- not a pretty picture. But the end result was worth it (just).

We went out on an excursion this afternoon, first stopping at monkey bay to cavort with some alarmingly tame apes for a few minutes- feeding them bits of fruit etc. Then we went cliff jumping...

Those who know me well might know that jumping off high stuff isn't something I relish. Nevertheless, I donned a pair of rubber shoes and haphazardly climbed the side of the cliff. That was bloody hard work, but when we got to the top I got a bit panicked (think tears and shaking...). The sad thing is, and I am sure you will laugh, it was only 8 metres high. Anyway, Will was first off, and after much deliberation I climbed down to two metres and daintily launched myself off the tiny drop, feeling more than a bit pathetic.

Next we went for a snorkel, and swam above some breathtaking coral reef, bright almost fluorescent colours that were clear as anything in the sea. We swam with some black tip reef sharks (only babies, a few feet long at the most), but still it was humbling to see them snaking through the ocean, tiny predators.

Late in the afternoon we stopped at Maya Bay, the setting for the Beach. When I came here previously the tide was out and it was packed- not even postcard worthy. Yet today, framed with clear blue skies, it was stunning. We stayed for an hour or so, taking it all in, and we had a chang beer and a quick game of footie with the locals before coming back.

Tonight we are heading out for our last big night before we go to Malaysia, we went out for a few drinks last night and watched some Thai boxing. Will was adamant that after a few drinks, he could 'have a go'. We will see how that goes tonight...