The intense humidity and hazy sun of Phi Phi was happily accepted by everyone who had their island activities cut short by the rains. The ferry trip to the island was pleasant; and sight of the bustling little harbour and streets set-off by the turquoise waters and large green hills once we landed was welcoming. Becky's parents had booked us into a great resort for the last three nights with them; and for the first time in ages we tasted luxury and relaxed fully. A swimming pool, daily buffet breakfast, and porter to carry our bags - yes please and thank you!

That afternoon we made the little trek to Long Beach (first stopping off at the entirely wrong beach of course). The trek cut through little bays and resorts, giving one glimpses of the surrounding jungle and beautiful waters. long beach held true to its name: a very long stretch of white sandy beach with blue waters lapping at its shoreline. After a lovely swim there, we headed back to the parents resort for a dip in their pool before getting ready for the evening.

Saturday morning we explored the little shops of Phi Phi with Becky's mum (her dad had fallen ill during the night, the poor man) before settling down on Loh Dalum beach for a refreshing swim. Loh Dalum is \textit{the} party beach on the island; but it's also one of the most breathtaking on a clear-skies and bright sunny day. The beach is actually one very large bay, with a narrow opening towrads the sea that is marked by large jungle-covered hills and cliffs. One can walk for almost a kilometre into the waters before it gets too deep.

We had attempted to enjoy another beach (Ao Ton Sai), but after two dead floating fish and a swollen dead rat, Becky had everyone marching back to the resorts for lunch and the clean swimming pools. Only later that afternoon did we join the parents at their resort again; and when Becky's dad felt up to it, we showed him Loh Dalum. It was spectacular in the soft afternoon sun, with its clear blue waters and soft sand. We walked deep into the bay with our beers in our hands, plopping about every now and then. That night we had supper in the parents room, for both William and Becky's dad were feeling quite ill.

Sunday morning was an exciting one: we were on a longtail boat headed for all the best snorkeling and swimming spots of our choice around Phi Phi. What a memorable experience it was! William had selected all the spots, with the first three being around Phi Phi Le (which is a small island off Koh Phi Phi). It was as if we had dived into a travel brochure of what a tropical paradise should look like. Never before had any of us swum in such crystal clear, turquoise waters that were home to exotic fish and colourful coral. It was magical, hopping off the boat into the warm water and swimming around in each bay, discovering interesting (and sometimes very feisty and territorial) fish, before scampering back onto the boat and jetting off to the next bay.

Our next two spots were interesting, the one island being called Mosquito island and the next, Bamboo island. Our final stop was at shark Point, which unfortunately had no sharks on offer. After 6 hours of travelling in the sun by boat and swimming intermittently, we were ready for home and a very late afternoon lunch. That night we strolled through the streets and enjoyed watching Becky's dad haggle for a nice vest promoting a local beer. Sunday was probably one of our most memorable highlights during all our travels.

Monday morning was our last day on Phi Phi; and we decided to make a kayaking trip to Monkey beach, just for one final breathtaking sight of the island. We were not disappointed - the rowing was easy and the coral just off the coastline was beautiful. It was fun, paddling through the calm blue waters and stopping for a swim or two. After cleaning up and packing our things, we had our final lunch date with Becky's parents, before saying good-bye to them and climbing aboard the ferry. It was a wonderful holiday with them, however short it had been.