Chapter 7 - Top 5

One of my favorite films has to be High Fidelity. Throughout the film John Cusack and his misfit employees list their "top five" for every conceivable thing imaginable, from music to relationship make ups and breakups.

To decide on one’s "top five" is a big thing. It’s not just a case of quickly rambling what’s top of mind. It deserves some serious thought, discussion, debate and often requires the overnight test. Just ask a friend what their "top five" all time movies are. Chances are they’ll have to get back to you on that one.

To be in the "top five” it has to be great and then some. Lying in a hammock that’s stretched between two palm trees, watching the sun set over a perfectly still ocean while nurturing a beer is pretty special, but it’s just not capable of being in the "top five”. If however a whale swam past at the same moment the sun sank behind the horizon, then you’re talking.

So after numerous discussions here are our “top five” for Khao Lak (aka month 1)

Number 5: Visiting Home & Life orphanage. This sounds quite worthy, but it’s anything but. These children are the most optimistic, fun-loving kids we’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. It was an incredible experience for us.

Number 4: Eat all you can 99 Bhat Mokataa Barbeque. Ever barbequed bite-size pieces of meat over sizzling hot coals set in the centre of your table with chop sticks? That’s a mokataa. If you don’t know what it is, look it up? You’ll rate it.

Number 3: Drinking Tiger beer at Mo’s bar, The Rusty Pelican. (Yes he does get a heap of Simpsons wise cracks). Mo’s an avid musician, and has toured with some of the greatest bands of all time. If you ever make it to this 4m x 5m, jammed full of character bar, make sure you don’t leave without hearing some of his incredible stories.

Number 2: White Sands Beach. It’s more than just a pure white beach that runs for miles. The water is turquoise and people are scarce. Get there before anyone else discovers it.

And finally, our number 1…

Diving the Similians. We’ve already dedicated a whole post to it. If you haven’t already, check it out.

K&M

PS Check out some Khao Lak photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/43679192@N07/