SHORT AND SWEET- Ko Fruitopia, Andaman Sea

......previously, handling the heat in Penang, Malaysia.........

We considered not writing a post about our recent time on Ko Fruitopia- there have been many such blogs over the years, and we didn't want things to get repetitive. However, considering how long ago our previous post from Penang was, we thought some readers might enjoy a mini update. So, here's a short synopsis of our November, December and January 2022 to 2023.

A special Fruitopia sunset, with campfire on the beach

Having been away from our favourite Thai island for more than three years, we honestly didn't know what to expect when we returned to Ko Fruitopia. The welcome was warm, yet surprised from Queen D- she hadn't been sure which of the regulars visitors would come back again and when. The bungalows and grounds at our place on the beach were neglected and had fallen into disrepair after so long with few guests and little money coming in. We moved into one of our favourite old huts and immediately began cleaning away months of sand and dust, fixing the plumbing, the rotten floor and a hole in the roof. Organizing shelves, extra nails, and clothes lines for drying were next on the list, and lastly hanging the all important hammock. Finally, the bungalow was comfortable for our couple of months stay. 

Our simple little home for a month or two, Ko Fruitopia

On our first night, after a spicy dinner of stir fried squid and fish curry, we slept well under the mosquito net, listening to the exotic sounds of deafening croaking frogs, pouring monsoon rain and the waves of the Andaman Sea.

The restaurant at the "resort" was unfortunately shut. Early in our stay, there were only three guests, and it would have been too much trouble. Instead, we all ate at the house of Queen D, with delicious Thai food appearing every night at sunset. As more regulars arrived at the resort and our group grew in size, more tables were put together and extra food was cooked, but the restaurant mysteriously remained  closed. In a way, this was easy. The food was authentically Thai and we didn't have to think about what we wanted to order. But sometimes we ate elsewhere on the island, to avoid the commitment of eating at the same time every day with the same people. 

We had the use of a motorbike for a day, and explored the one fully paved road which now runs from end to end of  Ko Fruitopia. It was extremely quiet, and we were happy to see what seemed to be improved living conditions for many people further away from the tourist areas. Lovely wooden houses and gardens complete with pretty flowers were common place in many small villages. Fishing has always been the main industry on the island, and it appeared to be thriving. The Fruitopian people are lucky not to have to rely solely on tourism for their income, unlike many other Thai islands. 

Pretty northern beach, Ko Fruitopia

Ko Fruitopia long tail fishing boat

For the first time, we wandered from our "resort" to Ko Fruitopia village on the beach at low tide, surprised at the beauty, and wondered why it had taken us 18 years to get around to the walk! A bay with giant red starfish washed up was curious and the Buddha statue sitting on the beach looking out to sea in front the temple was a unique island take.

Early morning on our beach, Ko Fruitopia

Washed up starfish, Ko Fruitopia

In front of the Buddhist temple, Ko Fruitopia

Ko Fruitopia fishing hut

A fishing village on Ko Fruitopia

Other days we re-acquainted ourselves with favourite haunts and old friends. People seemed happy to see tourists again after such a slow three years, and as we were some of the first of the season, we received many smiles and good vibes. 

Beach bar view, Ko Fruitopia

Inside the Sea Gypsy temple, Ko Fruitopia

Best of all was in late December when familiar faces and some good friends started to arrive, just in time for the dry, sunny weather (up until then it had been humid and damp). Christmas was the usual Sea Gypsy affair, with the locals having a whale of a time dancing and singing traditional songs. People from all over Fruitopia turned up to join in the festivities and masses of food was spread out on tables, including the famous goat curry.

Lovely friend and special guy

Christmas, Sea Gypsy style, Ko Fruitopia

Those ladies love to dance! Ko Fruitopia

We were glad we were able to return, and spend some time on Ko Fruitopia, and in'shallah, the time will come again when we will be able to visit once more. 

One of many many beautiful sunsets, Ko Fruitopia

Us on the quiet beach, Ko Fruitopia

.......next up, a real adventure in Uzbekistan, Central Asia......

THE MAGICAL LANDS OF OZ AND FRUITOPIA

.....previously, our Best/Worst List for 2014.....

It had been a while since we've spent time in Australia, and I realized, unexpectedly, that I really missed it! Being in Asia for so long, we had forgotten the intense beauty of Oz, especially the gorgeous colours and smells of the bush, particularly the outstanding wildflowers, and the vibrancy, diversity and arty nature of the cities. For 6 weeks, we were taken in by generous friends and family in Cairns, Brisbane, Nanango, Sydney and Melbourne and experienced funny and varied little snippets of Oz life and culture- bush walking, a live cricket match, birdwatching, uniquely Aussie BBQs, picnics in parks, op shopping, fantastic markets, garage saleing, vineyards, city cafes, opera, the Archibald Prize, rugged beaches, pubs, Dandenong rainforest, a Melbourne Cup sweep, and even lawn bowls! The highlight, though, was catching up with Sal's fabulous family and our best buddies, and it was difficult each time we had to say goodbye.

Beautiful waratah flower

Sal in the bush

Large insect on large flower

Gorgeous grevillea

Spectacular colours

Australian bushland

Wild parrot in our friend's garden

Dessert delights

Sri Lankan feast thanks to my brother and sister in law

Enjoying a beverage at the cricket, Brisbane

Rich trying his hand at bowls, Melbourne

Catching up on sleep on the plane in between hectic schedules!

Sal's beloved Melbourne

People sometimes scoff when we say we need a rest from all our moving around the place. But as wonderful as traveling is, the fact is sometimes we have a hectic and energetic schedule (as in the last year and a half) and we feel the need for a break. For us, the perfect place for this, is our old favorite, Ko Fruitpoia. Much has been talked about this place on other posts, but this year was particularity fantastic, so much so we decided to stay longer than usual, and ended up there for several months. It was the people, really, that made it for us this year, and from the time we arrived in early November when there were only a handful of guests, right through to the busy, more populous high season, we met so many hugely entertaining and brilliantly unique new friends as well as many from previous years. They were all there in all their glory: The Long Time Travelers, The Inexperienced Newbies, The Drunks, The Potheads, The Aging Lotharios, The Keen Young Pups, The Schedule Keepers, The Time Wasters, The Socially Awkward, The Extroverts, The Yoga Fanatics, The Beachbums, The Chilled Out Families, The Musicians, The Princesses, The Young, The Old and everything in between!

Tai Chi on the beach

In a dream

Great friends

Enjoying the serenity

Queen D getting creative

R's new look

Getting artistic

A lonely beach

By far, this year was the time for music. We were so privileged to have many first class musos amongst the guests, and many an afternoon and countless evenings were spent listening to, and joining in with songs and laughter. A hugely special added bonus was Queen D at her very best, with her happiness manifesting in some amazing sea gypsy song sessions, including some written just for us!

Feeling inspired

Full of energy

Hard working hands

In her element

And, of course, there were the sunsets......I tried to choose just a few, but every day is different and beautiful, so I've been indulgent!

To say these last few months have given us great happiness and inspiration would be an understatement! We've truly been revitalized and rejuvenated by the good energy of so many uplifting people, and ready to take on the world (or at least some of it!)

Happy and healthy

.....next up, back to Malaysia for Chinese remedies and jungle melodies.......