As I laid on the beach last week, I spent an hour just watching the clouds. Every few minutes, they changed. Transformed. Moved. Parted ways. Regrouped. I watched in awe of the symbolism as occasionally they allowed a glimpse of the clear blue hidden above.
They went from thin grey to fluffy white. And soon became heavy grey low hanging threatening the day we were enjoying.
The wind out of nowhere picked up and started easily bending the top of the palms. Yet I felt nothing. It was as if I was in a protective bubble where everything was happening around me, but not to me.
The workers on the beach started telling people to take cover and pointed to the protective areas where there was indoor seating. I was confused. It hadn’t started raining yet, and although the wind was strong above us, it was not affecting the beach. Most of the tourists vacated the property and decided their day was done. I waited it out. Wanting to see what would happen next.
I laid there in the shade ready to go, but enjoying the storm view. I refused to leave when they warned me of the rain. I mean, I was already wet. Did it matter?
I watched the palms straighten back up and the clouds move off over the mountain out to the sea. Their idle threat vanished. The sun reappeared just as quickly as it had gone. I wondered yet again what life lessons I was witnessing in nature. If we only took the time. I am lucky to have the time. To observe, witness, and think.
“A great storm is like a sunny day to a person of great faith. A gentle wind is like a great storm to a person of great fear.“
I decided to go back to Banana Beach today. The last time I visited I was the only one on the beach, it was raining and the waves were wicked fierce. I wondered if this coast was always turbulent, so after eating brunch with the expat crew at the Gallery Cafe, I headed to this remote beach which left me in awe.
When I pulled my scooter over to park, a local gal pulled up behind me and asked if we could park here. I said yes and then pointed to the beach. She parked and I showed her the way to climb down the hill using the roots of the trees which created a natural staircase. She was so excited and kept stopping to take photos on the way down.
She later came and sat beside me on the beach and we chatted a bit. She had never been here before and never knew about it. She spoke broken English, but I learned that she sells food at a stand in Phuket Town and had the afternoon off. She decided to jump on her scooter and ride up the coast to see the beaches. It took her an hour to get here. She had on black jeans and said next time she will dress appropriately and be ready to go into the water! (too bad there weren’t any bathing suits for sale here)
I told her about Freedom Beach near Patong which is another beach you have to climb down to. She said she worked 4 years in Patong selling souvenirs and had never heard of it. She was excited that it was free, because she is upset that all the hotels are taking over and now charging or not allowing locals to use the beaches. She then told me a new beach to look for called Rock Beach. She told me they charge 250 BHT to get in. But I was happy to hear of this new one and will definitely google map my way there soon!
The walk down with the beach through the trees.
A lot of people, mostly Russian here.
I planted myself by these rocks. The sand is super smooth, almost unreal. Not a pebble in site. I remember last time I was here it was all pebbles. I wish I understood the tides and how it changes.
Sky couldn’t be bluer.
I wanted to stay until the sun went down. Unfortunately once it was behind the hill, there wasn’t much of a sunset to see.
Selfie shot.
I loved how the locals walked out to this rock and all went swimming out there. The Thai flag on top proudly placed.
I headed out after the sun hid behind the mountain. I couldn’t help looking back at the view.
I decided I wanted to stop for tacos and then go to the grocery on my way home. Gotta say, was a long day! But I enjoyed it thoroughly. The water was crystal clear, barely any waves and the sand under the water smooth as powder. I went in four times during my beach stay. Was a perfect Sunday!
On my drive back I glanced at a clearing and saw this view. I did a U turn and pulled up to capture this shot!
I proudly drove back by heart, no google map needed, even though at several points I thought I was lost but was not. It’s a good feeling to know your way around and have a grip on the island terrain. I mean, a local followed me to the beach!!
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountain is going home; that wildness is necessity; that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.” ~ John Muir
Speaking of Phuket Town, I popped in to say hi to Min and Mimi at the Art C earlier this week. I brought them some electronics I wasn’t using. (figured they could use or sell them) I am being diligent about if I am not using something, I am not keeping it! It was so good to see them, they are so sweet!!! They ordered a pizza for us for lunch, and even got chicken on it since they know I prefer that over any other meat.
As if that wasn’t generous enough! Mimi ran upstairs to her room and told me she had something custom made for me in Burma. Mimi is originally from Burma and has quite the story about how she landed in Thailand as a young girl due to war times. Terrifying to hear and yet inspiring seeing how she survived. (she was 7 with no passport or parents)
Her cousin was back in Burma and was coming to Phuket, so she told him exactly where to go and what to have made. I can never outgive her.
My new Burmese dress and purse! I love! They are so me!
I was deeply touched. She is seriously the kindest person and I am so lucky to have met her! She’s heading to Burma after the Art C closes and invited me to go with her. It’s a 12 hour car ride. I would love to, but I need to find out timing wise if it works! Would be an awesome adventure to do it with her.
Virlane and I planned our Saturday night starting with an Italian restaurant neither of us had tried and then bar hop our way home. We started off with what my friend Stephanie labels “a road pop” and started walking from her condo toward Old Town. I asked her what this beautiful house was, and neither of us knew, so we wandered up for a closer look.
It was a Michelin star winning Thai restaurant. Was a gorgeous setting but nothing on the menu looked appetizing to either of us. In typical Virlane style, she took off her shoes and walked barefoot in the grass to get grounded. She is such a hoot! We also stopped to talked and touch a tree later in route. They built the sidewalk around it and it had quite a presence. I wish I could’ve captured a photo of its magnitude.
Beautifully restored Sino architecture.
Our Italian spot was very close to the Corner Bar so we stopped in to say hi to Sonia. It was two for one every day here so that was enough incentive to stay a bit.
Next stop was Mixology. And it did not disappoint! I had a cucumber, tequila, green apple, frothy cocktail which also had a hint of cinnamon. Was seriously worth every bit of the 10$ I paid!
Then the craft brew joint. The special of the day was 2 for one Space Craft stout from Cambodia. Was delicious! And we got to take the glasses home!! So cool right?
After closing this joint, we wandered to the Timber Hut, a local nightclub with live music. Remember they had the 29th Anniversary sign out front and I wondered if they really changed it every year? Well, they do! It’s now 30. But I didn’t get a photo. At this point we were dancing and joining in with the Sabai Sabai attitude of the Thais. Was a wonderfully fun evening, a Saturday night to remember!
Today my lunch date cancelled due to some new training. 😦 Since I already arranged my schedule to have this afternoon student free, I felt the need to get out. (truth- I haven’t left the condo in two days working from 7 am until evening. You all know I don’t want that to take over my life again!)
Deciding which beach to go to can be difficult but never a stressful decision. For some reason I have been wanting to go back to Paradise Beach to explore again. I was only there once during the day (back in May) and then once with Traci at night for the Half Moon Party.
Rented a lounge chair and embraced the shade. Ordered a fruit smoothie and some fried rice for lunch.
It was a gorgeous day. I was admiring these new chairs where the shade is provided by a cover that extends directly over your head. Look to the right and left of this photo to see two extended.
I decided to get up and take a walk on this new floating blue bridge I saw in the distance. I don’t recall these dead tree branches in the sand, but they certainly must have been there in May?
Odd that I wouldn’t remember them.
A great view of Paradise Beach as I climbed up the steps to the bridge.
The walkway took you past a rocky area where a lot of tourists had stepped out for picture taking.
View looking back on the floating bridge. A lot of snorkelers were in the water by this area.
Walking back toward the beach. Water was so green today. I love how it changes colors.
Thanks to an obnoxious group of guys (guessing from Dubai) that caused me to want to move, I took another pathway and found Chill Beach”. Upon arrival there was a topless bronze woman lying face up proud of her implants! I was sad that she wasn’t respectful of the Thai conservative culture.
View of Chill Beach. The sand was super soft and a totally different texture than Paradise which was more coral covered.
Water crystal clear. I wandered around these rocks and watched the crabs jump away. When I turned and looked toward the beach, I noticed a staircase. So I decided to head up to see what was there.
As I barefoot walked up a dirt trail, I saw this in the distance on a rock and decided to get a closer look.
From the rock where the sign was placed, this was the view.
Stunning. I didn’t realize I was on such a narrow peninsula and that water with such a different landscape was so near to the beach.
I was fascinated watching the whirlpools created from the crashing waves. Wondering if it would suck me down and if so, how deep it would be.
Selfie in my Girl Power hat I stole from Sedona in Korea. I was damn happy to have found this new spot.
I wandered up a steep incline to find this small temple.
This was a glimpse of the beach as I wandered back down the temple’s hill .
Instead of going back the way I came, I wandered the opposite direction on the path to find this swing set with a view. Sometimes I seriously am so damn happy with myself. The solo wanderer.
This was the view from the swing set. I called a few friends from here to take it in with me.
Was appropriately named Rock View Point.
As I kept wandering I found this beautiful wood sculpture. I also walked past some dorm rooms where it looked like backpackers could stay.
This is the transportation to get from the parking lot down to the beach. It’s such a steep incline. You’d be crazy to drive it but there were tons of scooters parked down by the beach. But I love my Tia too much to risk it.
Today Virlane and I had a lunch date. Instead of going to one of our regular spots, I told her we needed to start checking things off her bucket list. She only has a few more months on this beautiful island, and there are so many places she has yet to see.
“Perhaps the biggest tragedy of our lives is that freedom is possible, yet we can pass our years trapped in the same old patterns.” ~ Tara Brach
Without any expectations or knowledge, she picked me up and we drove to the Blue Tree Resort. I had been here before while it was under construction, but never been back. She has always wanted to pull in to see what it was about, but never had. So another fun adventure for V & T!!!!
Photo from my past blog- remember this brightly colored establishment?
We predicted (wrongly) that these building were more than likely filled with restaurants and shops by now.
Upon parking, I proudly said in Thai that we were looking for the restaurant. (Rahn ahan) This gentleman in his crazy patchwork printed shirt waved us into his tuktuk and took us in an unexpected direction. Away from the colored buildings.
We were escorted up to this natural entryway.
And led up the staircase to the second floor which revealed the most amazing view of a gigantic pool.
Restaurant was eclectically decorated.
Virtually empty.
We were seated under a mesh umbrella with a view.
Comfortably in the shade.
I guess we were eating in the “Tree House.” Food was reasonably priced and filled with interesting choices. Outside of this place there were also many international food trucks offering Indian, Greek, Italian and Mexican food choices.
Of course I had to try the Tree House Passion cocktail. Let’s just say they need some better mixologists over here in Phuket. Presentation is A+ but taste is challenging and alcohol content weak. (or maybe my tolerance is rising with my age :))
The view was calming and entertaining. We watched people zip line, go down water slides, paddle board, play pool volleyball, and rock climb/jump. Many belly smackers which made us cringe with eyes wide open continuing to watch to see who was going to be the next victim of a painful entry.
I wandered to the top of the treehouse to find a secluded roundabout with cushion seating and mountain views.
What a retreat! A great place for an afternoon nap. You can see the water slide in the distant background of this photo. The four white vertical lines. Check out how high up it is!
I wondered why they didn’t have more business. But then again, we didn’t really know what this was all about before we randomly decided to stop by. Marketing seems to be a missing skill set here. Even when I googled it later the Orlando resort pulled up instead.
Wandered to the second floor to find another lounge venue complete with a bar.
This place is totally worth the 35$ entry fee. What a great way to spend a day. We didn’t have to pay since we were just eating, but I will be back to take full advantage of that pool and fun in December once my kiddos arrive!!
In true scooter travelling style, I glimpsed a hint of the beauty inside this Buddhist Temple as I rounded a corner and decided to stop by for a visit. This temple was unique with it’s beautifully landscaped garden area. There was plant life I haven’t seen elsewhere and as always unique statues throughout.
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.”
It’s weird because the pink reminds me of Miami, but then it’s surrounded by Thai gold sculpture.
A beautiful combination.
That’s a cat sleeping in the middle of the sidewalk. There were a lot of cats here. Many followed me at times possibly hoping I would scoop them up and give them a less wild life.
Love the idea that the monks that live here attend to the garden to maintain nature’s beauty.
This statue was of an old man. I haven’t seen that before. And when I took this photo, his eyes were literally looking at me.
The famous roundabout monument of the ladies that saved Phuket , also being honored here. I truly love the gender roles here. So different than what I am used to.
Has anyone seen a plant like this before? I thought it was a cactus but no clue. Unique for sure.
Nature’s beauty.
I really do not understand all of these gods, and don’t really want to. So I am able to just admire them for what they are artistically which I enjoy.
The baby, mama and dad stacked Buddhas. I am progably sounding ignorant here to anyone who understands this religion.
Had to capture the gate that caught my eye on the way in.
Another day in Phuket, another new beach explored. I was told there are 37 beaches on this island. I may go back and count how many I have been to! This particular beach has been last on my list but never seen because it’s a 47 minute drive away from my condo. Not that it’s impossible with Tia, but with the unpredictable storms, I was hesitant to risk it.
Rebecca, who is originally from Singapore, has been living in Phuket for 10 years and knows all the ins and outs of this island. She’s a part owner of a wakeboard company here which I need to try out one day. She wanted to meet for lunch up here and I jumped at the chance to not only do lunch with her, but have a legitimate excuse to see this location.
This beach is located right by the Phuket International Airport. It is known for all the photographs, which are now illegal to take, with people on the beaches literally reaching up and appearing to be touching a plane flying overhead.
Beach umbrellas lined up and ready to be rented.
I , being frugal, brought my beach mat and laid it out in the sunshine.
This was our view from lunch. Not bad eh?
I am starting to love the hammock afternoon nap idea.
Rebecca being sassy in her shades.
Rebecca knows I like peanut butter so she ordered this peanut butter banana pancake which I loved!
A lot of shade provided here with the trees.
Really? Look at this view. I totally appreciate every moment I am here.
This beach is on the edge of a national forest.
My reminder of where I was.
Rebecca told me to drive through the forest on the trail til it dead ends. This is Tia parked at the dead end.
As I walked out of the forest this is what I saw.
It was like a desert. Can you see the couple out there in the distance? It was a really cool ! I walked pretty far out also.
This is me looking back. Low tide definitely has a new meaning here.
Another view as I was driving out of the forest.
I wish I had time to sit and watch the sunset.
Caught this glimpse before I hit the road.
“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” – Jennifer Lee
Monday was a fun day here in Asia I wish I would’ve known sooner but there are two events that were happening on this 11-11 date.
Singles Day. This is the Asian version of Cyber Monday. There are huge sales going on and the internet starts accepting orders at 1 am on 11-11.. I heard about it from my Chinese students who could not attend Cambly due to this :0 She and her friends were already busy pre- shopping and preparing their carts with excitement for the big day.
I ended up booking a trip to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand using my booking.com Singles Day discount. Happy to get this plan on my 2020 calendar! I messaged Nom, who just returned from a visit there, to ask for any “must sees”.
He replied “Happy Loy Krathong Day”. I then immediately googled to see what the heck he was talking about.
2. Loy Krathong. Is a celebration in the evening, where people release a lotus shaped raft decorated with flowers, candles and incense into a body of water making a wish as they do. The floating away symbolizes letting go of hatred or any anger. It is rumored to have started in ancient times as a ritual that was paying respect to the water goddess but now seems more of a Buddhist tradition.
The celebration takes place annually on the night of a full moon during the 12th month of the lunar calendar.
Found this info online
I stole this photo from Nom’s FB. Trek taught him how to make these!
Thought these fun facts found were worth sharing.
I stole this photo from Trek’s FB post showing the release at Laguna Beach.
Today when walking on Coconut Island, we saw several of these washed ashore.
Virlane and I planned a trip to Coconut Island today in between our Cambly students. Neither of us had been there before and wanted to check it out.
It’s one of the most underdeveloped islands in Phuket off the east coast. It still does not have electricity and is powered by privately owned generators. Close by this island are some well known floating restaurants. Getting to the island only takes 5 minutes on a longtail boat which costs 100 BHT. Seems only locals take this route. All other tourists take the speed boat which drops you off at a pier directly outside the one functioning resort.
This island is rumored to be the location inspiring and used as the backdrop for Giligan’s Island. (my favorite tv show growing up!)
I think you can see why with this image. The Giligan’s Island theme song keeps running through my head.
Virlane and I walked from the pier (behind us) down this deserted road with no clue where or how long it would be before we hit civilization. The road was lined with awesome jungle vegetation and occasional local housing.
Took a photo of this hanging out to dry. Virlane thought it was too perfect to be animal hides. Any educational guesses welcomed.
Hot and sweaty, we found this sign and walked into the resort as if we were staying there. The advantage of being a white tourist.
The rooms were individual houses with small private swimming pools out the back.
Beautiful walkways and landscaping throughout.
The wonderful elephant topiaries, classic in Thailand.
Check out that tree in the middle background! Fantastic! Stood out like it didn’t belong but yet was king.
The coconuts covered up some of the wiring at the resort. Seemed appropriate. 🙂
The view of the beach. There wasn’t any chair unoccupied. The resort was quite crowded. The beach is not swimmable and the coctails, at least the ones we sampled, were not worth staying around for.
Always love the palm tree swings!
This is the pier where the tourists arrive. I know it’s snowing back home right now, so breathe it in!
Some of the local housing captured as we walked along the beach.
We decided to follow this couple on our way out to see what else we could find. It took us along big resort homes and eventually a tennis court. I will say this resort offered tennis rackets, sailboats, paddle boards, bicycles, etc. A large offering of outdoor free activities.
Tons of flowers.
As we were walking back along the local road a sidecar taxi driver picked us up. Neither of us have ever experienced riding in one of these before! Virlane struggled to get in, and my calf started cramping as I stepped over the metal railing. We are quite the pair!!
View of our longboat motor.
These are the floating restaurants. Was tough to get a clear photo since we were quite a distance away.
Notice the yacht is parked next to the shack. Sort of puts life into perspective.
The view from the resort.
When we were eating lunch I caught a glimpse of a water slide and I was determined to find its entry point before I left. Virlane offered to hold my bag and shoes and off I went! Loved it.
The slide was actually made up of several continuing slides that each landed into a small swimming pool. Then you swam to the next slide. There was not a soul in sight and each slide was surrounded by that gorgeous landscaping! I didn’t want to get out. I was giddy like a kid when I met back up with Virlane who was waiting with some paper towels from the bathroom for me to dry off with. 🙂
She’s such an adorable, good humored, fun loving, beer drinking, midwestern, card reading, easy going, life coaching, supportive friend. I will definitely miss her when she moves!
I decided to trek to a special expat grocery today so I could get a decent bottle of Italian wine and some humus. (yes, the little things that make me happy) I took a wrong turn and decided to just keep driving to see where the road led.
To my pleasant surprise I ended up at a very beautiful resort area with a marina. This area was complete with yachts and gorgeous condos that left me thinking my simplistic life may not be all it’s cracked up to be.
I was supposed to turn into the Boat Lagoon part. I ended up driving down the wrong side of the road like a local to get back to that entrance.
Pulled into this beautiful landscaping.
Got to witness the rich and the famous lifestyle.
A local guy on the docks told me “only foreigners own the big ones. ” Sad reality. Wasn’t sure if he was only talking about the yachts ?
Water was a strange green tone.
Decided to slip into the speakeasy, I mean I did brush my teeth and put on a bra today. 🙂
Interior was decked out in Restoration Hardware style.
Love the mix of the British and American flags.
I should have taken a look at the menu.
Walking out there were office buildings, mostly vacant.
Have to admire the year round greenery.
This plater caught my eye.
This was the drive in. Palm tree lined street. It’s why I didn’t want to turn around , was curious where it ended.
“Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a yacht big enough to pull up right alongside it.” ― David Lee Roth
Tonya Takes Thailand 