This morning saw us heading off at 8am for a guided kayak tour of the lake.
I had never done this before and Clair had limited experience that said we mastered it very quickly to our amazement! It's fair to say it did give me a buzz!!
While on our kayak we saw an eagle and some very miscievious Macau Monkeys. It was amazing watching them but they were so high up it was hard to get good pictures on my camera however Clairs camera allowed her to get some excellent monkey pics!
During my hour in the kayak I did manage to burn my feet and legs because I completely forgot about them...doh!
After we got back we had a well deserved swim. It really isn't like lake swimming in England. The water was beautifully warm and it was clean but because of the minerals it was heavy and hard to stay afloat even for Clair who is an excellent swimmer!
After lunch it was time for us to leave this haven so we got on the longtail boat for the hour long journey back to land.
I can't begin to describe how cheanged I feel by this experience. It's funny when all the trivial things we fill our day with are stripped away how you realise what's important in life. No phone reception and no internet gave me much needed time to think about the way I live my life. The strangely relaxing soundtrack to the lake of the chicadas and gibbon call made me stop and appreciate nature in its bare ruggedness.
After reaching the shore we were then put in our minibus for the hour odd journey to Arts Treehouse Lodge. After such a back to basics break we didn't know what to expect. We were very surprised to find we had mobile reception and there was a plethera of bars, restaurants, massage parlours and shops. Arts lodge was excellent and right on the river!
After checking in and settling in our treehouse lodge we headed back to the restaurant cum bar for a drink and some dinner. At about 5pm dozens of monkeys started gathering on the rocks opposite us. I am not sure why but it seemed to be a bit of a ritual for them. I personally think they were probably amused by us.
After yet another gorgeous but a bit spicy Thai dinner Clair and I headed off to the Funkey Monkey bar. It was strange to find such a party spot in the middle of the jungle. They had an in house DJ and plenty of mental flashing lights in a myriad of colours, there was a fun atmosphere and friendly vibe.
We then headed to Freedom bar which was run by a middle aged Thai/Chinese man who looked a bit like Mr Miagee from Karate Kid. He was dressed in the bright colours of a rasta and the walls were adorned with rasta flags and pictures of Bob Marley.
The owner was very friendly and cheerful and the vibe here was very, very chilled out......yeah man.....would you like some happy leaf....lol
