When The Night is Falling on The Beach
Today I am beginning the series of short stories lying behind some of my photographs. That is the first one – The Night Falls on Maya Bay.
Many of you know about beautiful Thailand islands: Koh Phi Phi Don, and Koh Phi Phi Leh (Lei, Lee). Their names derived from expression “Pulau Phiphi”, which was implemented by Gypsies who came there from Sri-Lanka. Word “Pulau” means The Sea, word “Phiphi” means a kind of tropical plant. These islands are always giving you the feelings of freedom and relaxation. Bob Marley’s music is still popular here, so I could call “No Woman No Cry” as Phi Phi Don Antheme. I’ve heard it literally from every corner.
Phi Phi Leh Island much smaller, but I came there especially to visit it. This naturally miraculous island was depicted in “The Beach” movie, directed by Danny Boyle and starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Tilda Swinton. I wanted to see this stunning spot by my own eyes, and this was unforgettable adventure!
Taking into account that Maya Beach “hosts” huge amount of tourists at the daytime, I decided to visit it via special overnight trip.
My hopes were came true. Last tourist boats were departing when we reached The Beach. Our company of around 20 people was the last one on the island. I felt myself just as inside the movie. There was a strong feeling that the movie characters will appear on the beach soon. This apparently was because some specific atmosphere of relaxation and pacification. Like the island relaxed after noisy hot day itself. Short tropical twilight turns into a warm starry night, but I had enough time for sunset shooting.
I wish to thank the guys from Maya Bay Tours. They tried their best to make this trip unusual and absolutely magical. The dinner on the bamboo mats, team games and last but not least – knocking down cocktail in the buckets. Rum and Cola in two liters bucket is a super cool. Even for me.
In the night The Beach was overcrowded again by … hermit crabs. They hiding funnily in their “homes” if you light them by mobile phone torch.
Around midnight we went back aboard. The high tide started. Sea waves were crushing against rocks. We were climbing down by the rope ladder to the small plastic boat, which was tossed about by the waves.
Later, when I was falling asleep on the ship, I thought – that was just amazing adventure!
You can buy some of these colorful prints to decorate your walls in my online store, right on RingsFoto.com
