We pushed off from Ko Tao on an overnight passenger ferry to Saratani. The two leveled cabin had shoulder width sleeping pads cramming the passengers like sardines in the berth.
Jonathan did a wonderful job making my birthday special, which I needed! Being away from home on special occasions is really hard for me so it helps to have a wonderful boyfriend. I was so surprised with everything he got me; mainly because it was such a huge surprise! Not only did Jonathan surprise me, but someone else did to. As soon as we got Mr. W and MB to the hotel, MB pulled something out of her bag. I caught a quick glimpse of a pastel green box with a white bow. My jaw dropped to the floor but before she handed it to me she said that it wasn't from her. I was so confused. She handed me the Tiffany's box and I opened the card. "Happy Birthday Jenn!!!! We love you very much and hope you have an amazing 27th birthday!!! We miss you bunches and can't wait to see you in July! Love, Mom, Dad, Bonnie & Emily" Wow - what a surprise! Inside was a beautiful bracelet. My birthday could not have had a better ending. Thanks family :-) I miss you guys so much and I love the bracelet.
We all slept in a generous amount before making our way to the beach where we stayed 'til darkness fell.
During dinner on the beach that night a local Thai man offered a mini hot air balloon, known as a Khom Fai Fire Lantern in Thailand, that is used to carry your prayers as wishes to heaven. It was such a beautiful sight seeing the burning candle light the white paper balloon as it ascended and disappeared into the black night sky. My prayer was one of thanks for being five years cancer free and a wish for a lifetime without this disease. What a memorable celebration with Dale, Jonathan and Jenn with thoughts of my other family back home! I am so very blessed!
Getting up early the next morning, we boarded a boat with about 50 others for a kayaking excursion through Ao Phang Nga National Park. The landscape looked similar to Halong Bay in Vietnam but with warmer water and more sunshine.