November 16 – Havelock Island and Radhanagar Beach

We are both feeling marginally better each day and the coughing is also marginally better.  Finally.  We were up very early today for a drive to the ferry terminal where we caught a ferry ride to nearby Havelock Island.  The ride took about 90 minutes.

Upon arrival we were met by our guide and driver and transferred to our new hotel, the Coral Reef.  This is by far our most luxurious hotel of the trip.  The rooms have beautiful wood walls and floors, stone bathrooms, hot water, a hair dryer (that is a first this trip), bathrobe and slippers, large pool, spa and private beach.  What luxury.

This afternoon we were picked up for our afternoon trip to the beach.  And not just any beach.  Radhanagar Beach was listed by Time Magazine as the most beautiful beach in Asia.  We haven’t seen many beaches in Asia but this one was one of the most beautiful we have seen anywhere.  It was long and very broad and was very shallow a long way out.  The surf was very tame with just enough waves to keep it fun.  The sand was awesome, very very few rocks. We bobbed around for quite a while and just enjoyed the luscious feel of the perfect water.  The water was very clean and a lovely temperature.  The only downside was that today has been rainy off and on and we had fairly heavy clouds most of the day.  So no beautiful blue, cloudless skies to set off the golden sands.

There were a lot of Indians there having a grand time in the surf. We noticed that not a lot of them had swimwear.  They just waded into the surf in their shorts or trousers or even their sari’s. 

We had a lovely chat with a couple from Germany.  We Caucasians tend to stick out and can see each other easily so often stop to chat. 

The sunset was only marginal, too many clouds.  

As we were leaving we noticed this sign to beware of crocodiles. We didn't see any.

We were back at the hotel about 6:00, cleaned up and rested a bit before going down to dinner.  Was a good day (and yes, we are still hacking and coughing but it is gradually getting better).