Opening up a Thai bank account has been a challenge of mine since I came here. Nobody wants to give you an account unless you have a work visa. They don’t seem to understand that with an O-A retirement visa, you are NOT ALLOWED to work, yet are required by immigration to have an account in Thailand with money in it. It’s a catch 22.
I read that sometimes it helps to wear the proper outfit, look the part. So I put on my best dress and new sandals and hit the mall in hopes of finally checking this off my list.
I started at the Kasikorn bank because that is the bank Min uses and also my landlord. Thought that would be most convenient to transfer money etc. But after waiting for 20 minutes I was told “we cannot”.
I had been to the Bangkok Bank twice before in Phuket Town with my old visa and told no”. The line at this bank looked extremely long, so I opted to skip trying again.
This bank wasn’t so busy and looked promising. I was greeted right away, only to have my passport taken away and much discussion regarding. Then….NO”. When I asked if they knew which bank would open it for me, they did not know.
I was getting hungry. It was 4:30 and I didn’t have lunch. But I wanted to try one more. I told myself to just expect to be told no. I even typed in my google translate “immigration requires me to have an account, what should i do?” I knew immigration would never be of any help. Well I never needed to use it, because the kind women called a hotline and was told it was okay! YEA!!!! My new bank! I wanted to give them the US dollars I pulled out prior to leaving the USA, but they would not take anything except Thai dollars. So I headed to the currency exchange. All of these banks and the exchange booth are all conveniently located in one area on the top floor of the mall.
It was interesting how closely they inspected the bills before exchanging them. I thought, what the heck? They all were given to me by PNC bank….no way they could be counterfeit. But they handed me back the below bills saying they couldn’t accept them. So interesting, but good to know if you are travelling here. You have to have absolutely perfect bills to exchange. Best to just pull Thai BHT out of an ATM once you get here.
This was refused because of the red line on the bill. Poor Ben.
These two were refused because of the writing on them.
And these two refused due to the small tears in the border. Hilarious right?
I am looking into language schools for Zoe to possibly come over for a few months on an education visa and study Thai language as well as advance her German. I told Zoe her payment to me would be to take what she learns of Thai and patiently help me to also learn. I think it would be an awesome international and inexpensive experience for her resume.
I visited two schools, each affordable and one more local than the other. Both offered German private classes for advanced students. It’s fun to think about her coming over for a bit, but more than likely won’t happen until next year.
After visiting the schools, I landed in a lunch spot which offered homemade lemonaide —so flipping good! Tasted like a mojito! Speaking of, I have only had one alcoholic drink since I left The States. 2 weeks dry! 🙂 Pretty proud considering not one day went by in the USA where I didn’t partake in a drink. I was waiting to drink with Kassie, Bobby and Jeff who were expected this week in Phuket, but unfortunately the virus got their flights and they are hunkering down with the rest of the world.
I headed to the beach for bit afterwards to enjoy the sun again.
I couldn’t resist a selfie with the red umbrellas behind me.
They were lined up offering plenty of shade. I have gotten used to the sun and my sunblock seems to be doing an excellent job protecting me. I haven’t ever gotten red here. Just a little browner 🙂
The sun started to settle and reflect on the water and I was mesmerized by the glimmer.
Just such a beautiful place isn’t it? Every day literally perfect.
When I was driving down the private dead end roads in Mai Khao, on every block there appeared a sign with a gorilla’s face on it saying to come to this venue. I wondered what the heck it was. It was offering free shuttle services from the resorts to this place. I decided still being a bit hungry I would try to find this joint and see what they had to offer.
This was the entry.
Cute little surf boards were displayed.
There appeared to be a chicken coup on the premises as well as some tents and huts to rent overnight. I saw a sign to the shower, but it did not look promising.
Did you ever think I would see a turkey in Thailand? He was just chilling on the pathway and gobbling loudly at everyone that walked past him!
Karaoke stage?
The bar was cute and looked like it could be a lot of fun with a group of friends.
Peeping between two boards there was a pool table and dart board.
My view looking out from the table. Not a bad place to end my day. I ordered some overpriced spring rolls and a frozen blue drink.
I enjoyed the decorations which seem to be randomly comical.
I was a little sad that I didn’t stay to watch the sunset. I decided I was going to make that a priority next week. I know such decisions I have to make here… Which beach. When to watch the sunset. If I should swim today or not. Which bathing suit should I wear. Do I need to stop for filtered water.
Virlane told me about this place and we wanted to go there together before she moved but never found a break in our schedules. I ‘what’s apped’ her at one of my beach pit stops on the way up and asked for the name of the restaurant. Even though it was midnight her time, she linked me to it.
Before getting into the back of the truck, which was your only option this time, I went to the bathroom and rinsed my feet off using the convenient butt cleaning hose. Yep, I went there. Then I washed my hands 🙂 and splashed luke warm water from the facet on my face to try to cool off a bit. They took everyone’s temperature before getting onto the truck. I was starving at this point and was looking forward to lunch with a view.
I felt only a little guilty taking a photo of someone else’s children, isn’t it the cutest!?
There was nothing I wanted on the menu, so I decided on coffee and dessert instead. It did not disappoint! That is peanut butter ice cream beside a delicious, not too sweet, chocolate cake! The ice cream flavor was made with bits of chopped peanuts.
Sunday I made it to the bridge and crossed over from Phuket to Phang-Nga. Traffic wasn’t too bad. There was a checkpoint when you left the island but it seemed they were just randomly pulling people over or perhaps looking for certain people that may be wanted. There was one truck I saw that got pulled over, the man driving was wearing an orange jumpsuit. I thought…..really? Is that the prison uniform here too or just a fashion statement.
I pulled over to snap this photo. Just to remember that I have been there.
When crossing over the bridge, there were a lot of small houses along the water and a burnt out ferry boat.
The Sarasin Bridge seemed to be a tourist attraction but I am not sure why exactly. There wasn’t much of a view.
After a couple of U-turns to find the right road, I started my ride through the jungle to find the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint. There was an official bicycle race going on and I am happy to say none of them passed me this time. The temperatures dropped as I drove for about 45 minutes through lush greenery and the occasional small town.
I took a wrong turn and pulled over to recheck my Google Maps. As I did, an adorable Islamic woman pulled over to ask where I was going. She helped get me back on track and I was so appreciative of her stopping. People here are just so kind. They are helpful in so many regards and always patient, never in a rush. I adore their lifestyle and giving nature.
I snapped this photo from the place I pulled over.
I finally pulled into the viewpoint area, which I had driven right past previously. They charged for you to take a truck to the top, so I opted to climb the mountain and make an adventure out of it. I was driving Mean Mia on and off now for 3 hours and could use a little exercise.
When I got to this point, I thought maybe I would die of a heart attack before making it to the top. I wondered how much further it would be. I decided to just take my time, try to stay in the shade (the mid-afternoon sun was not helpful) and take as many breaks as I felt I needed. This allowed me many appreciative views.
This bench I didn’t dare sit on as I felt it could collapse with me on top down the steep incline.
I loved this view peering through the palms. At this point I was happy I didn’t take the truck up.
I tried to capture the steep inclines I endured. It hasn’t rained here in months and the pathway is very dry. The dirt is powdery like a desert. At one point I had to scale a little bit up to the next level and every branch I went to grab in hopes of stabilizing, immediately just lifted out of the ground. Every rock crumbled under my hand.
I mean seriously, it’s such an amazing view. It’s a fascinating landscape of limestone rocks that surfaced out of the ocean during a shift in the earth’s plates. Some would say science created this masterpiece. I can’t imagine science could be so creative.
These love shacks were about 21$ a night and had a view out over the bay. I will be renting one someday. I really want to experience waking up on top of this mountain and overlooking that scene during the sunrise.
There were very few tourists.
I truly believe there is nothing more creative than nature.
I sat here for a bit and videoed a few friends to share the view. Can you see the small town on the left? (the white spot amongst the trees) To try to show you the perspective.
My new Tevas definitely did their share of walking! My feet were filthy when I finished the hike and I was a sweaty mess. Everyone thinks I am going to die because my face always turns bright red. But I can honestly say I am so glad I hiked up here and felt completely part of nature.
The red dot is where I went. My place of residence is a little bit below where the PHUKET is typed. So I covered a lot of ground on this road trip breaking Mean Mia in!
As I continued my drive north up the highway, the road curved sharply to the west and next thing you know I was driving parallel to a new beach. Of course I know you all won’t believe that, yes, there are still beaches I haven’t yet explored. This one in particular was completely secluded with literally nobody in sight.
I parked Mia in the sand and walked through a wooded area to find this beautifully long beach.
The colors were magnificent.
No humans and no garbage in sight. Just pure beach beauty for miles.
“Every time I stand before a beautiful beach, its waves seem to whisper to me: If you choose the simple things and find joy in nature’s simple treasures, life and living need not be so hard.”
The water itself was a bit sandy and not clear like at other beaches on Phuket. The waves were a tad rough, but nothing that would keep anyone from swimming. I sat on the beach for a bit, just soaking it in. Then headed back onto the highway and within 5 minutes pulled over at another stop I couldn’t resist.
I mean doesn’t this look like a postcard?
A huge tree just laying in the sand.
I decided to sit down at one of their outdoor bamboo picnic areas to again admire the view.
Nobody here. So sad to see what the virus has done to the tourism industry. I know many of these places will not survive without customers for this long of a period.
I was literally feeling like the luckiest person alive. I was soaking in the sun and flying by the seat of my pants exploring. I ordered up a couple of fried eggs since it was still morning and a soda water, my new go-to to quench my thirst. Total price 50 BHT- aka $1.50
Later in the late afternoon, on my way back from the viewpoints, I decided to settle here on my beach mat for an hour and take in the sun. I did a U turn and went down a one way road past many high end resorts. I parked my scooter by where the taxi guys were napping and found my way to the beach again.
There were some people walking along the beach this time, which I imagine you could do for literally hours. (I googled and this beach is 11km long) Was thinking next time maybe I will do that and check out what is along these empty shores. This beach goes all the way up to the bridge and down to the airport. I later saw a sign that said there was no swimming at this beach, which is probably why there are so few people here.
On Sunday I decided, now that I have Mean Mia, to travel over the bridge and off Phuket island. A road trip I would have never dared with Tia. I have been to Phang Nga by boat, but there are supposed to be a few viewpoints on land worth visiting.
On my way up Hwy 402, there was an older Thai main with a cute button up plaid shirt that kept beside me on his scooter. When I passed him, he would stay near me. Then he would pass me and I would eventually catch up to him. It was sort of fun. We travelled like this for about 40 minutes. I wondered where we would go our separate ways.
Well I said goodbye as I abruptly turned into this temple that caught my eye. You all know I love seeing how different these places are from each other. I enjoy the architecture, colors and observing the different monk quarters and gods.
I parked Mean Mia by the lily pads.
I loved seeing the sculpture of the ladies that saved Phuket! And on a pink stand no less. Girl power.
Later I noticed pink was a theme here. Loving the little pink houses! Reminds me of John Mellencamp.
I do my best to wander quietly, shoulders covered and hope not to disrespect their culture or beliefs in any way. I figure it’s like the foreigners that take photos of the cathedrals in Europe. It is a simply pure admiration of what we as humans build for our religious beliefs.
This was the building facing the road that enticed me in.
Always having snakes.
Again the pink color just makes this Buddhist temple unique!
Notice all the elephant heads with trunks lifted as if to support the upper level. Inside I believe was a market. People kept going inside and appeared to be buying something.
I loved the gold bird guard.
When I peered inside this is what I saw. I’m not sure if I will ever get used to the decor. Its beautiful to me. The colors and gold detailing.
These row houses were also on the property.
I couldn’t resist taking a photo of this water tower complete with a statue holding a hose.
“This time I would choose to err on the side of illogic. I had to trust intuition, and plunge as I had never plunged before, with blind faith.” ― Dean Koontz, Forever Odd
This is a great quote I found and pretty much describes what moved me to Thailand and how the remainder of this Sunday was going. A loose destination /goal with a lot of side “gut reaction” stops!
I needed food and was debating my options. I decided to see if the Simplism Cafe was open. Last time I took my daughters there in December it was closed for renovations.
There is also a herb sauna on the premises. Last sauna my daughters and I endured was hilariously torturous. It was a challenge to remain in the heat, like a game of mind over matter. Eventually, just when we were about to crack and break our way out thinking we were forgotten about, we were greeted to exit 🙂
Entry to the cafe.
I planted myself at a counter looking out with this view.
Just a cute little place with great coffee and dessert options.
After lunch, without thinking, I wandered over to the spa and inquired how much a massage was. My back has been hurting since I returned to Thailand. I don’t know why I put off getting them. They are super affordable at 20$ max including tip! I always feel so much better afterwards!
The massage tables were on the second floor and this was the view looking out. It was awesome laying there and feeling the cool breeze coming in from what I predicted was rain on its way.
Everything here is lush and natural.
Snapped this photo just walking by in the hallway.
Gorgeous porch you can sit out on afterwards and enjoy the complementary hot detox tea.
I’m trying my best to keep my eyes open to newness. Every time I go out on the scooter, I am instantly happy. I swear I could just ride aimlessly for hours. And I may just try that one day. Unfortunately I know my way around pretty well at this point, so it’s difficult to find those new areas to explore. There is an area about 1.5 hours away over the bridge off the island that I may adventure to tomorrow now that I have Mean Mia. I wouldn’t think of taking Tia that far. So will see 🙂 I am determined to make certain the adventures will not end.
Driving home from lunch with only 45 minutes until my first Cambly class, I decided to finally stop into this temple that I consistently drive past. It’s the Kathu Temple. I always hesitated going in because it seems exclusive in a way, off the road a bit. As I pulled in, I felt a little bit like I was walking through a neighborhood where I had no residence.
The monks were out sweeping the leaves. There were tons of dogs, as there usually are in temple living quarters, but these particular dogs were sprayed with a red mark on their backs. It reminded me of years ago when I was in Turkey and noticed the sheep along the mountainsides were spray painted. The locals explained to me that they did this to keep track of their flock. Sometimes I saw a blue sprayed sheep in the midst of the red, so that explanation made total sense. An easy visual. I wondered if the dogs often ran away and then the locals knew where they belonged.
The sign when you entered.
I parked Mean Mia in a spot under this money tree and gorgeous blooming flower plant.
Each temple has its own interpretations of the gods.
Bell towers are always present. Notice the dog laying on the table under it?
I noticed the cemetery in the background of this next building. I also saw a lot of burned areas in the yard around it. Wasn’t sure if they were burning leaves or…? I do know there is often a lot of smoke coming from the temples for various rituals.
Curiosity made me take a photo of this sign and google translate it
It’s not often you see that needing to be said. They should’ve posted a sign like this at the Cleveland Indians stadium where we made sure dad experienced one last game with us.
I was surprised how big it was inside. Many different structures.
And always tribute to the King.
A huge spirit tree with lots of elephants surrounding it.
I can only assume this is one of the monk’s places of residence.
Tons of roosters and chickens running around.
While I was walking around they rang the bell and all the dogs started howling in unison. I wanted so badly to record it. I thought maybe it was their dinnertime/feeding bell or something, but none of them ran anywhere. They just all cried out as if they agreed with whatever that bell was rung for.
Why do monks ring bells?
In Buddhism bells have many important meanings. They are often used as a call to prayer as they can be heard even at great distances. The ring of the bell can represent the heavenly enlightened voice of the Buddha teaching the dharma and can also be used as a call for protection and as a way to ward off evil spirits
I am hoping I was not interpreted as one of the evil spirits 🙂
I was determined to see if the dirt path down to Tri Trang was still open after my months of being away. They were working on a lot of construction before I left in that area and I predicted they would close that walkway off to the public.
I am happy to report, I was incorrect. The path is now fenced with the resort on the other side. It appears as if the resort never opened but is now fully constructed.
There is plenty of shade here. I planted myself in the sun until it was too hot. The water at this beach is always very shallow with a coral/shell bottom. Probably why it’s not as popular as some of the other beach options.
This is a newly constructed sign with a concrete walkway area. You cannot get to the beach from here without walking through the water. There is a resort that cuts you off from crossing over.
I love how deserted it is here. Very few people ever make it to this location.
It remains to me the best view of the mountains and ocean.
The sun was starting to settle so I decided to wander up the hill a bit and try out one of the local restaurants for an early dinner.
All of these restaurants had incredible views. All were completely empty. There are hardly any tourists here at this point. Traffic is empty. No buses. I literally whizzed right through Patong which is usually the most trafficy area.
This is the view from the place I selected. I could see Patong across the sea. I heard some excitement and laughter coming from the waters below so I looked over the balcony to see what was going on.
Discovered elephants bathing with a few tourists who were taking rides and playing with them in the water.
I don’t like seeing humans riding elephants. Many of these elephant experiences are not always what is particularly best for the elephants. But when watching them in the water, the elephants seemed to have fun splashing around. There were two baby elephants too. I watched one of them go under water for quite a long time. I didn’t realize they did that.
View looking back toward the beach I was at earlier. It still seems surreal that I get to live here.
Tonya Takes Thailand 