the island pt. 2

night collapsed around us. the sun slept, the beaches rested as the tide overlapped and became a comforting blanket. the wind stilled.

the four of us walked down to the main road behind the beach and asked a pickup truck to take us anywhere he thought was nice for a bite to eat. he drove 10 minutes down rickety roads with speed bumps sending us airborn before turning a corner and watching a soft bay spread out infront of us. restaurants lit by cosy lamps sat quiet in the middle of the ocean on stilts. we were dropped off at a dock/restaurant with a huge sign (ring for boat). the driver rang, a pulley operated boat started moving across the waters to us from the restaurant, we piled in, excited, then drifted the 50 meters or so over to the stilt hotel. the place was unbelievable. tables set out on patios overlooking the sea and the islands on every side. seafood steaming in woks. we rested on the south side where the tables were low, made of glass and had a hole in the floor where out feet could dangle over the sea while lights illuminated fish beneath and our spare rice became a feast for the patient of them. we sat and just chatted. all completely happy, surprised, buzzing. the night passed slowly, between waynes honey baked pepper fish or the numerous changs that appeared at the table and disappeared in feverous conversation.

finally the driver returned. the boat was summoned. we boarded. looked back to make sure of what we had experienced, and then the thick night took us hostage once again, over the hills and through the villages until it delivered us back to our hotel a few minutes later.

beers at a cosy bar down-beach and a few more chats and it was time for a well earned rest.