Koh Phi Phi

For those that don't know, Koh Phi Phi felt a huge brunt of the Tsunami that hit Thailand after the Indonesian earth quake back in December, 2004. When we got to the island, the aftermath was still evident two years later. There was a lot of construction still going on around the beach areas that were leveled. But what was replacing the grass huts were much more substantial structures - that don't look like they would budge in the wake of a tsunami.

There were signs all over the beaches warning the tourists that this was indeed a "Tsunami Zone" and also displayed maps and directions pointing people to "evacuation routes" on higher ground in the event that another one should strike.

Aside from that though, the beaches were gorgeous and the water was warm. On one day, we took the opportunity to book a tour of the two Phi Phi islands which included lunch, and stops at various highlights such as a beach populated by monkeys, and Maya Bay - the bay made famous by the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo Dicaprio.

That night after the adventure, Michelle was feeling the sting - litterally. We couldn't do anything for her that night except cover her in Tiger Balm, but the next day we went to the island hospital where they diagnosed her with having an allergy to the water born insects and jelly fish eggs. Appartently, everyone can feel the stinging, but only a few are actually allergic to them and as a result develop a very itchy rash that doesn't go away with out anti-histamines. She got an injection for them and some oral meds to take home.

That night we decided to get out of our loud, hot guest house and go to a nice resort with A/C and a hot shower just up the road from us. It had a pool as well so Michelle could go in the water.