My visit to the island of Ko Lanta is a first glimpse of what a tropical beach holiday is like. I walk the short distance from the hotel to the beach along a passageway bordered by high walls; I emerge onto the sand. The long narrow strip of white sand stretches away each side of me, its length fringed by palm trees. A few people are strolling along, others are swimming in the sea. Taking off my sandals, I paddle in the warm water and pick up shells. It is very relaxing. Later that evening I sit at the front table of a restaurant, see the sun set, experience mango sticky rice for the first time, and watch a fire show. It’s fabulous. Although the walk back to the hotel in absolute darkness with only my i-phone torch for light, is perhaps not so!
I manage two days of relaxing before I get bored! On the third day there I take a taxi to Old Lanta town. It is made up of old fisherman’s houses built on stilts, overhanging the water. As I start to wander down the street, a lady ‘invites’ me to eat at her restaurant. I follow her along the board walk into a room overlooking the sea. Such a lovely place to eat lunch. I walk out on the jetty to take photos. Wandering down the street, I admire the wooden buildings, stopping to have a drink at another veranda with a view over the water. This one even has a swing.
I do enjoy my time on the island. I love the cooler evenings, sitting eating my tea, watching the sun go down; but five days is long enough me.
Journeys with my pencil 