Hangover Beach

Guess what!? Traci and I found a new beach! And being that we were both a tad hungover, we named it Hangover Beach. Discovered it walking around a rocky area where the locals were fishing. This new beach was exclusive with even a Playboy private home on it, made out of gold. There were couples eating in make shift tee pees on the beach. Was truly beautiful.

Traci took this photo of me driving as we were stopped at a light. She hates being on the back but is dealing with it 🙂

We had lunch on the beach! Traci had a mango cocktail.

Gorgeous Traci , she’s so damn photogenic!

We walked around these rocks. Traci was fascinated by the markings on them. Fun to watch her curiosity.

View of the place where we ate from the rocks we were climbing around.

Check out the mountain we maneuvered around.

The Playboy Estate. I imagine if walls could talk.

It was a nice night out so I convinced Traci to check out the Chilva Market. Being the adventurous eater, I knew she would get a kick out of some of the street food here.

This is what it ended up looking like . It’s so pretty!

JB Sunset Beach (at least that is what Google Maps calls it)

I’ve driven past this area many times on my way to and from other places, but never took the time to stop. The locals line up their food carts at sunset and Thai families lay out their mats and eat while they watch the sunset.

I decided to park and do a little rock climbing. This was a spur of the moment scooter stop on my journey home from my pineapple rice dinner. It really helped put perspective on what I am here for. What brings me peace.

Pano shot. Came out a tad blurry but still felt worth showing.

The sun was starting to set and the clouds were rolling in over the previous blue skies. Watching their transition and movement was my entertainment.

Had to concentrate climbing these. Didn’t want to get my ankle stuck without anyone else on the beach. Would not be fun. Guess I could always scream for help. NOW THAT would be a story to tell!!

I sat for a bit and just watched the waves crash in. At one point even though I was high up, I felt threatened by their power.

Travelling alone allows you to make the choice to randomly stop. To climb onto probably unsafe structures and just live.

A nice capture. You can see how the clouds were rolling in low.

I heard a DJ start up some tunes so I climbed down from my perch and wandered into the Sea Salt Lounge where happy hour was just starting. There were several pits like this. I can’t wait to take over one with friends some day.

I let the waiter pick out whichever drink he wanted for me. He selected a mai tai. Is it just me or does the pineapple look like a heart?

Sun set view before I took off back to my condo. Magnificent way to end my Dora the Explorer Day.

Rayee Beach and Kamala Bay

Just when I thought I had seen them all, I was googling a new restaurant to explore in the Kamala area and when following the roads found a new beach. Not a swim-able one, but still a beautiful spot to sit in nature and kill a few afternoon hours.

Up close and personal with these gorgeous condos on my way. This road was virtually empty which was such a treat for Tia and I.

Rayee Beach. There is so much construction in this area. But for now secluded.

Just have to make my way around this rock to get to the bay.

Love the hidden crevices that the crabs scamper from when they see me coming.

Love this perspective. Takes on a new beauty.

Nature at its finest. Rocks, sand, water, mountains, clouds and sun. Rugged and smooth. Hot and cool. I am so happy I got out today to appreciate this island again!

Seriously no color filter, the sky was so blue today.

Was appreciating the feathery leaves against the sketchy clouds.

The greenery added is surreal to me. All the different textures. And no I wasn’t stoned.

Decided the original restaurant I set out to eat at was going to have to wait. I wanted to keep touring down this road to see where it would lead It took me around million dollar gated villas and up mountains with views like this.

One of the many construction projects . I ended up stopping at a restaurant across the street from this.

Walked up this path to reach the restaurant which I was the only person at. Made sense. The roads were empty and the area looks up and coming. Not sure how they stay in business.

View from my seat. Lots of construction. This will be a beautiful dinner location one day.

So happy. I swear exploring new areas is what I love most! Going down roads unknown. Talking Tia up hills and trying to convince her she is lucky I purchased her so she did not have to retire.

Lime soda. My favorite drink here.
Fried rice in a pineapple. Classic Thai cuisine. Was delicious!!
My adventure did not end here. But feel like I should save that for another blog post.

Beach Break

Another beautiful day at Tri Trang Beach. I decided to head there so I could actually swim. The waves along the main coastline of Phuket are fierce today and I didn’t want to just go and sweat my ass off in the sand. I wanted to enjoy the whole shabang. Tia and I know our way around that area easily and I am thinking I need to look up some new neighborhoods to explore. Keep me appreciating and seeing”.

While on the beach I decided in attempts to keep my head appreciating Thailand, and not finding myself absorbed back into work world, I am going to write a poem everyday of what I see. Fun right? Maybe. Something new to try- to explore. A new form of creativity.

When I arrived the tide was so high, there was hardly any beach to sit on. I ended up in the grass and the waves still occasionally hit my feet. Must be something with the moon today.

Even the volleyball court was starting to be threatened by the tide.

Definitely could not walk the length of the beach today.

Selfie shot. Still alive and well, rosy cheeks and all. Beach hair, don’t care.

Overcast which kept it pretty cool. Perfect view of the mountains.

This was a beautiful resort along my walk on the beach. Looked quite exclusive. There were bungalows that had their own gate from the beach to walk into. Guards everywhere making sure scooter riding schmucks like me don’t get in.

Layan Beach

My quest to see all the Phuket beaches is soon to be over right?! Today was another one conquered that was somewhat difficult to get into. The road that leads to this little beach is closed off to a resort, but Tia and I breezed right through. Drove up a gravel road and parked under a palm tree beside the local workers. They were digging up wires which I was not quite sure what that was about, but was hoping Tia was not in the way.

No tourists were there. Maybe that’s why they let me in. I probably could have used their beach chairs and pool too and nobody care.

This is the beach that I previously blogged a google satellite photo of. Virlane took me to its neighbor, Laguna Beach, but we couldn’t walk over since the tide was so high. Today I suspected it may be low tide since it was yesterday at Yamu. I was right. It was awesome to wander around to all the different areas. I later sat on the rocks and thought about life for awhile. Still don’t have the answers 🙂

The locals came in with their families equipped with a flat spoon, (similar to a spade but not pointed) a plastic bucket, and a stick. They would dig up a fist sized hole from the sand, then stab the stick down and pull up a slimy thin like fish. I tried to watch closely and take photos, but they gave me the stare down so I walked off. Really couldn’t tell what the heck they were pulling out of the holes. I’m so curious now! I’m on a mission to figure it out because now I know its not crabs they are going after.

Just walking around wherever there was land to see how far I could go.

Most of the water areas were shallow, clear water and rippled sand like this.

The weather here is literally unbeatable. The blue skies and cloud coverage that continually reshape and transform. Mystical.

Rocks I sat on for quite some time. Then I wandered around the perimeter and found another grouping of rocks at the edge of the sea.

Forest view that separates Layan with Laguna Beach.

I followed a dirt trail and then I decided to go through this beautiful opening and sit again for a bit. I cannot even tell you how fortunate I feel to have this time to just be with nature here.

The island across the way you could walk to since the water was so shallow.

This tree is all alone on the sand bar. I was able to walk up to the tree but when I tried to cross over to the island the sand sunk too deep beneath my feet and I started to get nervous. Not knowing how deep it would go, then my imagination started getting the best of me wondering what was below all that muck.

Stopped for dinner on my way home and took a selfie with this big eyed painting. I ordered a zucchini flat bread that had black olives and goat cheese on it. They cracked a sunny side up barely cooked egg and placed it in the center. I was horrified but managed to eat around it.

Yamu Beach and Brunch

Today I had a brunch date with Barbara who wanted to show me one of her favorite spots near her house. The restaurant is named TASTE. It had a set menu for Sunday brunch which I was leary of being the picky eater that I am. The 12 course meal was so worth the money and the view from the venue unbelievable! Between courses you could dip into the pool, take your cocktail and appreciate the harbor view of Yamu.

Pool view from our table. Another gorgeous day here.

Totally understand why she loves it here.

This would be an awesome evening party venue with a group of friends.

Dessert was to die for! Home made icecream and some sort of nut pie. I honestly never tasted anything this good before. And not too sweet. All portions were perfectly sized and left us satisfied. Included grilled fish tacos, goat cheese salad, shrimp in garlic sauce, crispy pork meatballs—-I should’ve take a photo of the menu, it seemed endless.

Art everywhere in sculpture and mural formats. More Instagram ammunition.

After swimming and lunch we walked into a gated community with huge private homes and walked down this pathway to Yamu Beach.

Only locals on the beach digging for crabs.

We sat for a bit and enjoyed the sun, shade, and colors.

Not a swimming beach, but still beautiful with zero trash ashore. Barbara knew I loved discovering new beaches and was excited to show me this one. Was a fantastic Sunday!

Bang Tao Beach

I really wanted to head to a beach today and get some sun time in between student appointments. Bang Tao was the closest one that I hadn’t yet been to. Actually I lied, I was there with Tiffani at the very beginning of our trip when we went paddle boarding, but otherwise I hadn’t been back. Bang Tao is one of the longest beaches on Phuket and as you walk north it turns into Laguna Beach. When Tiff and I were there I was so focused on making it there alive being our first day on the scooter and surviving the jelly fish, which were everywhere, on the paddle board adventure. Today I decided to walk the length of the beach and see what it was all about. Exercise and exploration.

This is the Dusit Thani Resort which is funny because I learned about it on one of my Pimsler’s Thai language learning cds. They used it as an example of a hotel when teaching us that word. I had no idea it was on Phuket. Maybe it’s a chain?

The resort in the background of this official sign is The Catch Beach Club which specializes in children, as you can see from the slide in the background. They have a little mini resort for kids.

I love the way palm trees are never all straight,

On parts of the beach the only way to continue is to cross through the water.

I took off my shoes and got a great leg workout walking for about an hour. Of course I dropped a flip flop from my bag as I was trekking along. I was dreading the thought of driving Tia home in rush hour traffic barefoot. Pretty sure that would be illegal too.

Lots of fun places on the beach that I bet are hopping during high season, but now are completely deserted.

Where the beach ends furthest south. Colorized effect. Thought you may be sick of all the blue and green 🙂

Stopped here for a drink and some rice. Both terrible. But I needed a break.

My view. No complaints. Watched kids learn how to surf. They find such joy when they actually make it and catch a ride in.

A lot of wood and logs washing ashore. It was interesting to watch the waves literally roll this large piece. And also to see how the sand moved and built up around it from the first time I walked past to the second. Nature is quick to adapt.

Hey don’t worry guys, I found it on my walk back!!! All good.

No Name Beach Bar

My day started out with an AMAZING gift from my love. A four hour spa treatment! At a very luxurious facility! I’m so excited! And for no reason. Not my birthday. No special occasion. God this man is good to me!

Please understand I flip out when I pay 1000 BHT for lunch or dinner. Justin went overboard. I would never do this for myself!
Such a lavish gesture. (heart emogi if i could)

Today I planned to hit a 4.7 Tripadvisor rated beach bar for lunch which is not that far from my condo. Sounded like an easy road trip and something new to try. This is why I enjoy and sometimes prefer travelling by myself. My ideas and trips don’t always go as planned and I sort of love that. The adventure of it. I got yelled at repeatedly by a security guard for parking in a spot that apparently wasn’t meant for me. To the point where I told him to “chill out!” I walked down a roped off road, which to normal people would have been the first indication that it wasn’t looking great.

The sign was still pointing down that road. I logically think they would’ve removed it if the bar no longer existed right?!

Welp this was it. I didn’t dare go in. It looked like it was still recovering from the tsunami. I guess I need to start checking the dates on those reviews!

I decided since I was here, I may as well walk the beach and see what this section is all about. As you can see from this photo, the entire strip of beach where the tide went to was covered in trash. Like a trash line that the waves kindly said “no thank you” to. I may need to just pack a garbage bag everywhere I go.

Beautiful water colors and lots of sailboats out today.

There were occasional swings hanging out every once in awhile.

Deserted really. Quiet and peaceful during low season here.

Climbed some steps to a resort and planted myself here for some chicken satay and a mocktail. No complaints. Always a happy ending in Thailand. 555.

A Beautiful Saturday at The Deck and Kamala Beach

Today Barbara and I planned a beach day. She invited a friend of hers to join us, Jira. Jira is a Thai independent woman who supports herself as a realtor. She is proud that she is hard working and does not rely on anyone. She is a fantastic go getter. She said most Thai men don’t like her since she is so strong. She seems to only attract European men. I loved meeting her. I think we will be good friends and are planning to go to beaches together when Barbara goes to Bangkok.

Barbara met a chef when she lived in Samui who now works at a restaurant in Kamala so we all headed there for lunch. Was mediterranean and fabulous! Haven’t had humus or greek yogurt sauce since I left The States.

My meal. Was so flipping flavorful! Cosmo could have been stronger 🙂

Another view from the restaurant. I love the mountains and beaches together!

Selfie of the day. Anyone that saw the photo Barbara tagged me in on FB noticed my beautiful helmet hair 🙂
We all swam at my condo prior to taking off to the beach. I was no beauty queen 🙂

Walked the full length of the beach with Juri. Took this photo along the way. There were tons of surfers here. I asked her if today was considered big waves and she said YES! (they weren’t really in my opinion but now I know this is as big as they get)

This bridge went over a channel to a place called Cafe de Mar. It was rocking! Music blaring, people partying. Packed. I told Juri we should go back and get Barbara. Thinking Traci and I will hit this place in August.

Sun started going down so we headed out. They kicked us off the beach chairs at 6pm.

Barbara in her new outfit she purchased from a women selling stuff off the beach.

LOVE this photo. Took it from the parking lot when I was leaving. Just captures it all so naturally.

Stopped on my drive home to snap this one. I just couldn’t resist. It was so gorgeous.

And then this happened! I nearly had a heart attack as I was driving and I saw construction guys using elephants to do work. I drove a little further and saw this one coming down the road so I had to stop and capture the moment. You just don’t see this every day.

Something about the elephant, the palm tree ,the rasta man and signage in the background= priceless. BTW that string you can see down behind the elephant’s ear was tied to his leg. This is how the man was controlling the elephant. It was such a joke to me. Who was really in control?

Another perfect and adventurous day. One of my students from the other night reserved time with me next week! I’m happy to be getting a repeat student already! But shit, now I better prepare a lesson eh?

Familiar Souls and Nature

These last couple of days I spent with my new friends Barbara and Virlane. I couldn’t be happier to have both of them in my life, sharing their experiences and being more than open and real. There is no one up-ing here with stories of whose children are more successful or who has a better house or car. It’s all about helping each other be the best you. And encouraging each other to new thoughts, challenges and less self hate.

Yesterday Tia and I set out to find Barbara’s house, which is in a very local neighborhood over by the Heroine Monument roundabout. I got lost, of course but eventually found it. Even drove the wrong way on the highway. (people do that here when you need to get to a U turn that is closer. Virlane later told me they call those people “angels” because they are soon to die) Barbara’s place is an adorable little house that she pays little more than I do for.

She was giving away a bag of clothes to charity, so I took my pick from them and landed a new dress, Singa beer tank top and some cut off shorts. People that know me know I have NEVER owned a pair of shorts. Now I have two, only because they were free and fit.