Chillin on the boat and at the beach

We are making the most of our time at the sea! Today 13 of us took a 20 minute tuk tuk ride north to a boat dock where a 3 story junk looking boat awaited us.  It took us out to a couple of islands quite a ways off shore to first snorkel and then swim and chill at a deserted white sand beach.  It was one of the most beautiful beaches Dave and I have ever been on.  The water is also the warmest we have ever felt! On the way out there was a lot of side to side motion that caused a couple of us to feel queasy! Ron was especially brave since he often gets sea sick when on a big boat but chose to join us.  Dave had a nap on the beach and many walked either direction to explore the shore. After a swim, Jan said her knee felt much better and she and Peter went for a long walk in both direction.  A few locals live out there and on the way back a mother and three little children hitched a ride to town. They also brought a tree along as well(???).  Several walked a long way to a pier where a family was building a large teak boat. We passed a tiny island completely covered by a resort where rooms cost $300 to $3000 per night! Tonight some went by tuk tuk and tractor taxi to a resto high above the sea with a great view of the fisherman's village. Others of us had BBQ  dinner sitting right on the beach. It was beautiful and very cheap! Some shared jugs of rum drinks and conversation got quite animated! There are quite a few beggars, mothers with their children approaching us to buy fireworks or simply donate. Tomorrow the bus will take us to the market in the morning and then to a quieter beach called Outras Beach for the afternoon. So don't fear folks, we are having a great time...wish you were here! Posted by Linda