Island Fever

Just over a week into the trip and our first case of stomach bacteria. I came down suddenly with a variety of symptoms which, according to the texts we brought along, could mean I have a stomach bug, H1N1, syphilis, the early stages of elephantitis, or (gulp) malaria. Stomach problems are common in the tropics, Thailand is an essentially malaria-free country and we're taking our pills...but what's well-reasoned logic in the face of groupthink? Before long we were fairly convinced that I must have malaria, Matt was wondering if it's contagious, and we piled into a taxi headed for the international clinic. The doctor there patted me on the head and gave me some pills. Nothing unusual, son. But Jillian is nonetheless already referring to the whole episode as my "near-brush" with malaria.

But enough of that. Koh Chang, what a beautiful island. Located in Thailand's bottom right near Cambodia, it's the country's second-largest island. One side of Koh Chang is a series of lovely white beaches and moderately developed "neighborhoods" of hotels, hostels, bungalows, and absolute dumps. We spent our first few nights at a secluded spot called Cliff Cottages. On the upside, it was really affordable (like so much of Thailand) and it has one of the most incredible patios I've ever seen facing sunset where drinks and dinner can be ordered. On the other hand, the bungalows appear to have been built by a Cub Scouts troop and the bed was literally a piece of styrofoam on wood.

At Cliff Cottages

Along with relaxing on the beach, partaking in multiple massages (Matt), and crashing a moped into some bushes (me), we took a full-day, four-island snorkeling trip. In addition to the snorkeling there were stops at way secluded beaches on undeveloped islands. The water around Koh Chang is amazingly warm and clear. Combine this with the intensity of the sun here and a day floating around with the local fishes is just what the doctor ordered.

Actually, the doctor ordered antibiotics, but that's a different story.

The Kearney boys check out the view underwater

At one of the stopovers during the snorkeling trip

On the beach in Koh Chang