Same Same but Different

Ko Tao, Thailand

'You know it doesn't feel like i'm in another country with you here' said Andi as we were floating around in the Andaman sea along the shores of Koh Phi Phi island, Thailand. That pretty much summed up my sentiment on having two of my closest friends, Andrea and my cousin Purvi, visiting me. We could have been anywhere in the world and it would have still felt comfortable and familiar because they were with me. It was like being home - same same but different ;)

I can't even begin to express how happy i was to have them visit. To hear about friends and family back home, to have a conversation that didn't start with 'Where are you from/How long are you traveling for'. If only for a few days i could just forget about my trip and just chill/party/veg out with the girls! A little eating (okay so A LOT of eating), drinking, snorkeling and sleeping was our agenda.

The girls flew into Kuala Lumpur and after a day of sightseeing and shopping (no point in dilly daddling we jumped right in) we took a bus/minivan/ferry and finally arrived in Koh Phi Phi. Within the 3 weeks before there arrival i had changed our itinerary 4 times. I wanted the right balance between being able to see a little bit of both cultures with enough days in one spot for them to actually feel like they had a vacation. I also didn't want to veer off too much from my plans. And so I decided that what better place to take a little break and help out the locals then by visiting one of the islands in Thailand most affected by the Tsunami.

The most developed area since the Tsunami was Tonsai Village where the main pier is located. Almost immediately we could see the damage that had been done and the amazing effort that was made to rebuild. Store fronts and bungalows were still sticky from fresh paint and every day we'd walk by a place and it would have a little bit more work done. The locals I think were most amazing of all - they call Thailand The Land of Smiles and although its true often you are weary of their intentions, scams and what not. But here they were real.... genuine in their friendliness and attitude. These people had been through so much - in an instant losing friends, families, their homes , their livelihood. With little help from the Thai government the locals and volunteers from all over the world have started to get this tropical paradise back on its feet again. For some more info check out www.hiphiphi.com

5. ... and stuff (met a guy who used this more than a valley girl uses 'like')

4. Hey Nice shirt (kept bumping into the designer of a t-shirt i bought)

3. You hot I cold water - (thai woman's chant as she tried to sell you water at the pier)

2. Hello sexy How are you tomorrow? - (an actual greeting i received from a thai guy)

and the number 1 T-shirt phrase....

It's okay You can try - (sung by every souvenir, sarong, jewelry, t-shirt, sandals, etc vendor in South East Asia) also known as Its okay You buy one More