TO: Everyone
DATE: Nov 26, 2004
Imagine this.............
You are on a snorkel-trip in the Andaman Sea. The boat pulls up to the 3rd island on the tour..... about 2 miles long and 1/2 mile wide. No beaches - just 100-200 ft cliffs topped with tropical foliage.
You don flippers and jump in. The guide points to a dark hole in the cliff at sea level and says "now we go to Emerald Cave." Single file, following 1 guide who has 1 waterproof flashlight, you enter the 10 ft wide opening. Looking down as the last rays of light filter into the cave, you can see schools of fish swimming below us in the 20 ft deep water.
You keep swimming - not knowing what to expect - hoping not to loose the light. Blindly following the guide, you "s" curve your way through the 240 ft tunnel. At times when the guide and his light are too far ahead - you are in the complete DARK. You are convinced that a "darkness monster" is going to bite your legs off.
Just when you're at wits end you see a little light. A few more yards and you finally see the namesake emerald water. RELIEF!
As you come out you are greeted by the most incredible sight - the cave opens up into a small hidden lagoon. On one end - the cave you've just emerged from, the other a narrow beach..... all hemmed in by 150 foot sheer cliffs. The only way out is the way you've come.
It is hard to describe and difficult to believe unless you've seen it. Since we could not swim our camera through the hole (we have no proof!)- you'll have to come see it for yourself.
Regards,
Jeff
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TO: Mike Glista
DATE: Nov 26, 2004
Hi Mike
We spent Loy Kratong in Koh Phi Phi Don........ weren't the floats beautiful and intricate!
What part of southern Thialand are you going to? (I ask now, relizing that you mentioned you are out of e-contact for a while)........but anyways.............
we have been thinking about you. It sems like a long time since we were in Chiang Mai - we hoped you would get chances to see more of the south. We enjoyed the islands immensely! Now we only have 2 more days in Bangkok (for some serious shopping). Then Hong Kong - and we'll be back next week.
Hope you get to enjoy the holidays in a unique way!
Much Love,
Becky & Jeff
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TO: Everyone
DATE: Dec 10, 2004
Greetings from the top of Hong Kong. We are on The Peak and are taking advantage of free (rare) internet at a coffee shop.
Prior to arriving, we had been viewing Hong Kong as an expensive, work intensive stopover.....but as it turns out it is a great city. It is very modern, clean, metropolitan, and easy to navigate. And - they really have the city decked out in Christmas decorations and festivities. It makes us remeber what time of year it is.
We will be home soon (4 days) and look forward to seeing many of you in due time. Hope you are enjoying winter. For the first time in a long time, last night we were CHILLY.
Much Love,
Becky & Jeff
