Living it up on an Island

Me about to jump rope
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A world away from the serenity of the Dharma Hermitage, Ko Phangan is known as a backpackers playground - blue water, sandy beaches, western food and movies, and a party reputation.  From the ferry I took a song-thaew with some Aussies to the nearby beach of Hat Rin.  The area is famous for huge full moon parties where 10,000 Farang come to live it up for a night of drinking (and usually other substances) under the moon, then promptly leave.  Besides having tons of bars along the waterfront the hard partying town also seems to have a medical clinic on almost every block - hmm.

The Beach
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I arrived a few days after the party, so the place wasn't too crazy, just a nice - though a bit expensive beach town.  In the evening I ended up running into the 3 Aussies again - Cassie, her BF Matt, and friend Chris.  We went out for dinner, a walk on the beach, then ended up at the "Drop-in" bar, which has a huge sign reading "Around since 1989!"  Ancient I know ;) but I guess this is when the full moon parties started.  The place was fun, as you sip from big buckets of coke, whiskey, and extra-strength red bull an athletic shirtless Thai guy spins a staff ablaze with fire and others dance around twirling balls of flame, like yoyos set on fire.

The Buckets
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The first night we didn't stay out too late, but the next night I met the Aussies again for an evening out.  We started by watching the fire dancing on the beach under the stars, but then the people who work at the bar brought out more toys ... haha, of course set on fire.  The night progressed into us, and many others at the bar, diving thru flaming hoops and jumping a twirling rope of fire.  Let me say - thank god I was wearing jeans!  In the states they probably couldn't get away with letting people, many who have been heavily drinking all night, jump thru (very hot) flaming hoops, but luckily this is Thailand :)  I remained happily free of burns compared to some other unlucky party goers.  It was an amazing and very memorable night and the Aussies got some great pictures of all the fire antics, which once they send I'll upload later.  I spent 4 great days relaxing on the island, but now I'm back on the mainland trying to decide where to go next ...