My friend Lorcan sent me this link on tsunamis. I imagine a few of you reading are interested in how damaged it all was. Ko Pi Pi I believe was quite badly hit, and from talking to one of the climbers here who went out to help on the island – it really was quite bad there. Moreover because the authorities do not want to admit the numbers killed (many Burmese workers etc. just unaccounted for) because of the tourists. Or at least that’s what I was told. However, the vast majority of the area – at least in the parts we were – was almost perfect by the time we got there. It was very (perhaps too) easy to forget that the tragedy had happened at all. They’re a very resiliant people – and perhaps its from the belief that they do go to a happier, better place. Some of the hotels had received damage, but mostly the area we were in was quite sheltered – by islands and a reef – and the damage was minimised.
So if I haven’t talked about it much – it’s not actually because I’m cruel and heartless and am just far more interested in having a good time.. but because they’ve got on with things so well – and want to get back to normality as soon as possible. The longer people stay away the longer it’s going to take them to get back on their feet. So if you really want to help and fancy a holiday…
Don’t forget – you can reverse the page if you want! just click on the reverse page link on the right hand side. Also, two other climbers (Mark and Abby) are doing a trip around asia – their weblog is here.
There’s also a slideshow here of some of the pics. It’s not the prettiest layout – but it’s functional… will change it sometime.
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