Hi I'm Molly & I Don't Understand Beaches

My basic impression of "tropical vacations" was something along the lines of spending the whole day in a bikini on a towel, taking breaks to drink something fruity and alcoholic. So far, my Kho Tao experience has been almost the exact opposite of that, though I have been spending a lot of time in a swim suit, and I have been drinking a lot of fruity drinks (especially these amazing coconut shakes they have everywhere.)

Not a coconut shake, but a ginger juice, served with a fancy flower of course.

Outside of those two things though, I've spending my time not relaxing but being beaten up by this island. For one thing, it's extremely steep. Since we refuse to rent motorcycles (because they're dangerous and we're squares) we have to walk everywhere. Getting anywhere is either straight up or straight down a 90 degree incline (or something like that).

This is a steep-ass island!

For another thing: I forgot how white I am, and how much I don't wear sunscreen. The first day at the beach ended with severe burns all over the dang place. 

Not that I'm complaining. My travel companions are very active, and have gotten me to do things I would have never considered, like kayaking around the whole south side of the island! And swimming out further than I'm  comfortable with (aka 5 feet away from the shore) so that I could see some sharks!

Setting off on our kayak trip!

The shark I saw looked a little like this, maybe 3 feet long or so. It was a pretty chill little shark.   

Even though I feel completely beat up, I'm so glad I came here. Getting to chill here in the sea breeze is so calming, and a wonderful contrast to the past few days. It's been really amazing to experience this new part of Thailand.... I've almost forgotten where I am... But I'm here to try new things, and I'm doing exactly that, even if I'm a little awkward at it.

Me and a giant cuttlebone, after our kayak journey, looking less than excited, but really I am!