We were incredibly lucky. We were not inundated, though some water seeped through the locked doors and windows, depositing mud and sand. The patio was 7cm deep in mud and sand. We had no idea that so many others, in other places had lost their lives and livelihoods. In fact, our bar was one of the only ones in the area that didn't receive major damage.
We quickly loaded our truck, all the while watching the sea closely to see if another wave was coming. Suddenly, people began running away from the beach on foot, motorcycle, or by truck. Another wave was on its way. I shouted at the staff to get in the truck and we drove quickly as the third wave chased us out on to the road.
The following few days were crazy. We spent two nights holding wave watches and had 15 people and three children staying out at our house.
Here in Ao Nang the clean-up is almost finished but the aftermath is still being dealt with. Though there is a comparatively lower death toll here, many people have lost their homes and businesses.
Many of the bodies from Koh Phi Phi and Khao Lak are being sent to the Chinese temple in Krabi until they can be identified. We went down there on Dec. 27 to donate clothes and money and to offer help.
There was a smell of death from a block away that I am sure will remain in my mind forever. The scene was horrible. Hundreds of coffins were stacked five or six high, with pictures on the end of them in the hope the bodies would be identified. More bodies are still being found and the government expects the death toll to continue to rise.
Sometimes, it appears as though life in Ao Nang has returned to normal, but beneath the surface there is much apprehension about what is going to happen here. Most of the tourists have left and most business owners don't expect them to be back for at least a year or more. There is a heavy sense of gloom everywhere you go.
People are working together regardless of race, religion or nationality to try to help others. Through all of the grief it is amazing to see everyone working together and pitching in.
It is incredible to find out how much life really means, it's not just about business and making money, it is about helping one another and making sure everyone is safe.
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Jeff Morey contributed this letter in an e-mail from Krabi, Thailand. If you have a travel story or comments that may interest readers, please contact features@taipeitimes.com
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