Saturday night I invited myself to crash with Virlane who was dog sitting in the Laguna Beach area. I needed the company and wanted to check out what a luxury house was like in Phuket. Wasn’t sure when I would get the opportunity again.
The house belonged to a couple who spent the last 17 years living in Dubai. An Australian woman and Scottish man, whose son just moved to Singapore. Global family defined. They have two of the most adorable pups!! Made me crave a pet.
There’s actually a business of pet sitting overseas which Virlane got introduced to. She has a friend who travels around the world pet sitting and is booked solid for months at a time. It allows her to have a free place to stay and enjoy the nomad life. Something to think about. Another way to make the travel life affordable.
I woke up on the couch with the 5 year old snuggling with me and the puppy on the floor chewing playfully on my fingers and rings with his needle like teeth.
Virlane outside the house. It was a 3 bedroom place secluded through perfectly manicured jungle pathways.
Right outside the house was this private pool which I bet never gets used.
There were 8 houses total on the property. It’s good to dream. But the amount of items in the house overwhelmed both Virlane and I in our drunken stupor now that we have both downsized to studio apartments- simplistic living. It also had an odd aura about it decorated with eclectic heavy statues and tapestries.
As we headed out for the evening, this was the view over the pool.
There was a jasmine smell in the air. Seriously made you stop in your tracks and just breathe it in. I tried to convince Virlane to head to the beach to catch this gorgeous sunset but it was too far of a walk.
Love this adorable taxi outside of the place we ended up eating. Virlane bravely ate frog legs which were still on the bone. I think 40 small frogs sacrificed their life for her dinner š
We of course stopped at the local store on the walk back to stock up on more beer to complete our night. We are not good for each other- we both never want to stop once we get started. It was comical trying to figure out how much we would need. I got my cards read again and we both solved our life long problems. š Was a much needed visit and perfect Saturday night.
Yesterday I headed to Kata Beach to meet up again with Reeki and his family. It was raining for half the day, so it was nice to escape, even though it was still cloud covered. I forgot how much I loved swimming in the ocean. Diving into the waves, floating in between and getting plowed over by the big ones that unexpectedly creep up on you in the middle of conversation. It was fun to be out there again in nature. Not just listening and gazing out into it, but literally being in the midst of it’s power, strength, and beauty. A reminder of how little we are and lucky to be existing as part of this natural world.
At Kata, there were a ton of surfers out enjoying the low season. I am still tempted to give it a try and just might head back next week to see how difficult it really is.
The locals were having a blast and had total control of their boards.I loved this shot seeing them all just waiting. The guy on the right was literally napping.Cutie pie family!! Had such a blast just being with them.
After the beach we went to the pool which was a calming transition. Eyana is a little mermaid who would spend her days in water if given the chance.
Low season at the resorts– empty and half the price!
View of one of the pool and the city below.
One of my Cambly students today rightfully reminded me to not work too hard and remember what I came here for. She’s right- so much to explore and so little time on Earth to do it in. I’m continually in awe of the conversations I have with my students who teach me much more than I do them! (don’ t tell Camby š because the paycheck does help in my explorations!)
There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than with friends who are on vacation. I had such a beautiful day with Reeki and his family. I want them to adopt me. Invited over for lunch, I politely explained the one thing about me that everyone knows, I am a terrible eater. As much as I love to travel and see new things, tasting new foods is never something I have enjoyed. Until now. Pallavi cooked the most delicious Indian food I have ever had. It was delicious!
Culturally I realize how rude it can be to not eat someone’s cooking. Also to not being open to trying different authentic entrees when in another country. I have always struggled with that. I hate trying to explain myself as most people will eat just about anything. One of my students from Brazil said he went to Japan and didn’t even ask what he was eating. He only goes into restaurants when travelling that don’t have English menus and he asks them to serve him whatever they suggest. I can’t imagine. But must be so cool to be this open to food and the variety it can offer.
Eyana, Reeki and Pallavi’s daughter took this photo of me being me. I love it.Reeki mastered the selfie stick and was able to capture the beautiful view from their balcony.
Their view. They had a huge apartment in the best location in Karon. You could see the beach from their balcony.
View of their pool. One of 6 on the property.
Reeki gave me a lift back to the beach to fetch Tia. Don’t you love this shot Eyana. She is beautiful like her mom. I saw a video of her giving a women’s right speech in English for a class…..age 8! She was amazing! Can’t wait to see where she ends up in the future.
A natural on the bike!
Using the equipment provided in their rental apartment, she was able to whip up the most tasty vegetarian dishes!
Lunch was amazing! I cleaned my plate as you can see. Reeki went out to make sure we could share a few beers together. Was so kind. They made me feel like I was the one on vacation! (Have to admit life on Phuket is sort of a permanent one of sorts :))
Happy Monday to Me! I did not have any morning classes so I slept in and later was able to spend such a great day chit chatting with friends. It started off with Sara, my new hairdresser at Vayo, who made me beautiful again by reworking my hair color for 3 hours. It’s an art form how people can spread joy through simple conversations and an exchange of energy.
I was also thrilled to start my day off delivering a scooter to Reeki who is visiting Phuket with his beautiful wife and daughter! I’ve worked with Reeki over 10 years and remember seeing the baby photos of this now 8 year old young lady! I used to meet up with him every year in Germany.
They met me at my beauty salon appointment which I scheduled last month. I loved meeting his family and am looking forward to seeing them this week in between my student’s schedule.
Dinner plans with Min and Mimi were on the calendar. They are never able to get out together since they are the only two employees at the Art C Hotel. But Min got permission to close down the hostel for a couple hours tonight since it’s low season. I was so excited to have dinner out with them! They were the first friends I met in Phuket and have helped me with so much over here!
This is Min. She rents her scooter to me at a great price whenever I have a need. She and I split a beer and she ate more bacon that I thought humanly possible.
These two took me to an outdoor BBQ buffet. I have driven past these restaurants several times, but never had the guts to go in. You fill up your bowls, plates, etc with food and sauces and then take it back to your table to cook it over a BBQ pit stove.
I wanted to treat Min and Mimi, it was my idea to go out to dinner together and I told them I would treat them. But they insisted on paying and to the point of grabbing me and telling me lies about payment methods. They told me that nobody spoke English so there was no way I could pay. I got up and walked over to some of them and asked š Then Min told me they were watching her and every time she went for more bacon they were charging her 20 bht. I told her I knew there was a set price per person. In the end they won the argument and I had to get back home to teach. They pinky promised me that they would escape again and pick the most expensive restaurant to go to and let me buy. I had a blast trying new things and visiting with them.
Mimi loved the shrimp and had quite a plate full.
Mimi’s dinner.
These were the sauces. Those pieces of paper over the saran wrap are fly paper. The flies stick to it and die instead of making it into the bowls. I kid you not.
These are the cute charcoal guys who go into that fire pit behind them to gather coals.
They set this hot coal pit on your table. You cook on top of it like a grill and they also put water around the outside of it to boil.
The buffet was quite large and the place got crowded. A true Thai hot spot.
I tried the green noodles. But as you can see my stash was quite boring—rice, chicken, veggies and pineapple.
I always see these beautiful leaf packaged items at street markets but never knew what they were or what was inside.
It’s a traditional Thai dessert/sweet. I tried it. Was coconut milk – putty. I couldn’t get past the texture. I also tried tea ice cream and many sauces that stung my lips for minutes after.
The crew! Mimi made her half and half dress. I asked her to make me one! I think she buys old tee shirts and takes them apart and then pieces them back together. I think we could sell these and make a business out of them. Such an enjoyable night with even better company!
On my calendar for Saturday was a beach clean up at Panwa Cape Beach and an evening at an Art on Helmet exhibit in Patong. Neither of which happened. A lesson for me on rolling with life’s curve balls and embracing what shows up instead. Change of plans are not always a negative if you learn to let go.
The longer I am alone, the more I find it difficult to be spontaneous. I am in total control of my schedule and find sometimes I can be too content in that control. Jason and I had plans to go to the Art on Helmets exhibit but he instead asked if I wanted to do lunch. I was thinking this was odd….since we were supposed to meet up for dinner. I told him I was going to a beach clean up. He asked where that was located and I told him. He said he would wander down there and meet me for lunch. (?)
I made it to the tip of the island where the Phuket Aquarium was. It was a beautiful location and I contemplated whether to actually pay to go in and tour or walk the area a bit. As I parked, Jason texted me and said he was at The Cove. I thought…..okay…..guess I best meet him. So I googled mapped my way there.
This photo was taken by the Aquarium. There is a huge navel base down here and private resorts.
As suspected Jason was cancelling on me for that evening and wanted to tell me in person rather than text. I learned he is a bit of a hermit himself and wasn’t in the mood to join a bunch of expats that he didn’t want to mingle with. He had to work the next morning and was also heading to Melbourne Sunday night, so a lot going on. I was graceful about it, and appreciated the opportunity to sit with him and get to know him better over a cocktail by the beach.
We talked about how we both like to wander roads not knowing where they lead. He told me about a viewpoint that I had never heard of before. I decided to check it out on my way home. Would never have wandered up this road. No signs, no civilization and my gas tank was touching on the red. But totally worth the adventure.
Clouds were starting to roll in.
After scootering up the mountain there were many more steps to the top.
At the top was a covered gazebo with views for miles.
Looking down from where I started from.
Those tiny specs are boats.I wondered if the beaches on these islands were worth going to. Islands everywhere!As I was driving back to Kathu the storm clouds were turning black in my rear view mirror. I was so thankful to be driving in the direction with blue skies ahead. I stopped for gas and turned left only to see black clouds directly in front of me now. Let’s just say, another drenched arrival for me.
Selfie showing the climb.
Jason and Sterling invited me to lunch Sunday and as much as I wanted to nap instead, I forced myself out and glad I did. Such a great international group- from Singapore, USA, Malaysia and England. Very kind all of them.
As I was scootering my way to the lunch, nearly getting my helmet blown off by the strong winds which are NO joke, I was reminded of when I first moved to Cincinnati. I was friends with Jeff Stechschulte and Jeff Denman (both from Findlay, Ohio) and there was a party next door with the all girl’s house. I was quite nervous about going. Not knowing anyone, just moving there from NYC, and realizing they all knew each other for years. I was the odd man out.
That uncomfortable party eventually landed me the very best group of friends that anyone could ever ask for! My Michigan Ave gals to this day are by my side supporting me through all of life’s roller coasters. My love to Kathy, Stephanie, Julie, Elizabeth, Kristin and Vinni. I gathered the guts to go out and do it all again, meeting new faces and finding my way toward new friendships and experiences.
I remember playing that game as a kid in our neighborhood. Honestly can’t remember the rules but we played it a lot. We were so lucky to live in a safe neighborhood growing up where we were constantly playing outside, even at night, running amok with kids our same age. Our Westmoor gang still remains friends after all these years (some I have known since birth- others since kindergarten) and many of them haunt my subconscious daily when I look at the stars or drive through graveyards.
(shout out to Joe, Bobby, Kassie, Debbie, Sarah, Brian & Dennis)
I wonder sometimes if that is why nature speaks to me or why I am happier when exploring. As a kid I was always outside, in the woods, building forts or riding my bike to the swim club. How do childhood joys effect/trigger our current level of content?
Today I explored with Tia up another road and stumbled across a graveyard. I haven’t seen many of these on my journeys in Phuket. So I thought it would be an interesting blog to share.
This was seen from the main road. I stopped to take a photo. I wanted to go in through the golden entrance but hesitated not knowing if that would be considered disrespectful.
These are the monuments that mark the graves. I have always found graveyards peaceful. In high school Joe and I would drive through them while sipping on beer and discussing life. Seemed like a safe place to be, can’t cause too much harm. When I worked at SKL I would drive over to the graveyard across the street to meditate. It was a comfort to me. As strange as that may sound.
Some monuments had photos of the loved one buried there. Others had offerings for their spirits. As you can see often they also had spirit ties at the top.
There didn’t appear to be any plan to how they were aligned. I also noticed the grounds were not well maintained and wondered whose job it is to take care of such things.
There were multiple colored flags like these along the road. I tried to google translate but couldn’t figure out what language it was. It’s not Thai .
As I was driving up the mountain I saw this sign. But since I couldn’t read it, I kept going. Figured I could always turn around if the road got dangerous.
View from the top was beautiful.
I translated this when I got back to the condo. It read “Kwan Liman Viewpoint”.
I hadn’t been out in a few days so it was nice to be wandering the streets again. Last time I escaped the condo walls I got stuck in a storm and the roads were flooding. Luckily I turned into my condo drive before the water got too high. Traffic was lined up for miles. (which I can weave in and out of…) Further up from my condo the scooter rider’s legs were getting drenched as the water covered the entire road.
My drowned rat selfie.
This wasn’t where it was bad. But this was the shot I was able to take outside of my condo.
One thing that has kept my eyes open as I explore Phuket, Thailand is my Instagram about street art. (tonyatakesthailand) I am constantly on the lookout for any street art or art publicly displayed. I have come to recognize the hand of locals Amann #amann_inkspiration and Kilombu. #island_of_kilombu
Seeking new art stopped me yesterday in Patong to take a photo. I knew these murals existed since Tiffani was out visiting, but I hadn’t taken the opportunity to wander over to take the shot. When I did, I also stumbled across this amazing restaurant that was FILLED with art. Was a fantastic venue! The woman working there turned on the lights to the other private rooms so I could take a look. Place was wrongfully empty. I hope in high season this place gets more appreciation.
āArt washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.ā ā Pablo Picasso
Ceiling fully painted with art displayed along all the walls.
The detail of these murals will keep you staring and discovering for hours. And even then I bet you would not see it all.
I would love to know what inspired these.
Attempt to capture a close up look at some details.
The abstract pictures along the wall are completely embroidered. The appreciation for art in Phuket is a wonderful surprise!
Check out the detail of this close up shot!
āArt and love are the same thing: Itās the process of seeing yourself in things that are not you.ā āĀ Chuck Klosterman
Such character!
I wonder if anyone has ever covered the art here in Phuket. I feel this is something that I would never have known about had I not opened my eyes to it. Sharing it will hopefully help get the word out about the creative Thai culture which deserves appreciation from the world.
I set up a meeting in Patong with an expat resource I found on Facebook. I felt it was worth a try to see if they could take the pain of immigration off my back. I questioned the legitimacy of it all, but nonetheless went to discuss the possibility with them. I met Rabia, a high fashion, tattooed, cross wearing young lady and her coworker named Ya.
Rabia claimed I would not have to get a bank account or health insurance to renew my visa. That if I hired her, she only needed my photo documents to get a renewal . She said if I try to do all of it myself, I will never get past Thai immigration. She agreed I could go back to NYC but would still need all the paperwork including health form, background check etc. She needed….nothing. She even asked me why I don’t just get a work visa. I told her because I don’t have a job. She said if I changed my mind, she could get me one next year and that visa type would last longer. All seems very…….suspicious. But I honestly don’t care if she can actually do it. Now I just need her price.
I asked her about the TM30 and TM28 forms. She didn’t seem concerned. I honestly am not sure how much she really knows about all the regulation changes. I guess all I should care about is if she has connections and how much those connections will cost.
I decided since Tia and I were already on that side of the island, I may as well make the best of it and rent a beach chair and soak in some sun. I am getting too cocky with the past cloud coverage and today got burnt big time. I need a hat and sunscreen now permanently in my bag at all times!
My view. Blue skies, not a cloud in sight today. Guess the rainy season may be behind us?
I watched the waves shimmering in the sunlight for quite some time, wondering if I would ever take it for granted and not appreciate the absolute beauty of it all.
Red flags as far as you can see. I read in their newspaper that one Chinese tourist, 36 drowned when swept off a rock by a wave. Another Philippino tourist was pulled from this beach yesterday. Definitely not just a fake warning.
Artistic O.
They are doing a lot of construction on this part of the beach and roads. Should be beautiful come high season.
This is the furthest north part of Patong Beach, it starts to get rocky.
Soaking in the solitude as the sun started to fade.
Patong during the day is not half as crazy as at night. I shopped a bit and purchased a pair of converse shoes for 10$ which I was happy with. I love how the Thai people always joke about things. Price said 300 bht and then when I went to pay him he said 500 bht. I tilted my head and he started laughing. They honestly never take their jobs or life too seriously. Such a refreshing approach.
Well we know where we’re going But we don’t know where we’ve been And we know what we’re knowing But we can’t say what we’ve seen And we’re not little children And we know what we want And the future is certain Give us time to work it outYeahWe’re on a road to nowhere Come on inside Taking that ride to nowhere We’ll take that ride I’m feeling okay this morning And you know We’re on the road to paradise Here we go, here we goWe’re on a ride to nowhere Come on inside Taking that ride to nowhere We’ll take that ride Maybe you wonder where you are I don’t care Here is where time is on our side Take you there, take you thereWe’re on a road to nowhere We’re on a road to nowhere We’re on a road to nowhereThere’s a city in my mind Come along and take that ride And it’sā¦
This song was streaming through my head as I decided to explore a road by my condo that I’ve always wondered where it went. As usual, I loved my adventure. Curiosity led me down an unused paved road with very few homes and a lot of natural beauty.
I don’t know. It never occurred to me that this road would be paved and yet not lead anywhere.
I stopped to take a photo of this house and the dogs thought I was there to see them. They got up and started coming toward me. They looked friendly enough, but I didn’t chance it and took off.
My dream home. Minus the bugs and snakes which I am sure are a common occurrence.
Yellow sign translates to “field of view, slow down”
The end of my trip. Can’t wait to see if they ever get back to it and continue the road through the mountains. The road was about 15 minutes long. I actually worried that I may run out of gas, but I didn’t want to stop until I saw where it came out. Well, it didn’t. It just ended.
This is new to me on the streets! The biggest one put his head down and started charging at me š I also watched her/him chase a dog away.
True Thai living. Loving it! I decided this road would be where I take any future visitors to train on the scooter š
Been working with regular students only, thinking that would cut back on my Cambly Conversational English time, but it has not. I am booked and having a blast! Today one of my students set the camera up and cooked for me. Showing me traditional Chinese cooking, looking up all the terminology to translate to me along the way. Bitter Gourd was a new vegetable for me. She explained the philosophy of how meat used to be a symbol of wealth in China, but now eating healthier is, so the price of vegetables has gone up. Oh the things I learn doing this very fun job.
I also now own my own TPG fans!! Working my weekends on a towel project with Paul who has been with me my entire SKL career. More importantly he was my dinner date annually in Germany and introduced me to Weisbaden! So I am back in my color world and having fun pairing up with Courtney, a cad operator out of NYC who is my right hand helping my ideas come to life.
I saw these cutie pie ceramics when Traci and I were in Phuket Town, but they were ….not 10$ so I had to think about it. Well I couldn’t get them out of my mind. I don’t know why but they needed to live with me. So I went back and took them home š
By chance I stumbled into a new- to -me cafe called Gallery Cafe. Rightfully named. David (Virlane’s son) and I were going to meet at Amore (my favorite margarita place) but they were closed. So then I picked another place and it was closed. The Universe was not with me. But found this joint which was not new to David. I’ll be hitting this spot again- amazing pineapple-basil-honey-lime smoothie. Why does the US stick bananas in everything and ruin it?
Artistic decor.
Games on the table and couches to settle in. Reminded me a little of Yellow Springs Ohio, Art for sale on every wall.
I didn’t leave the condo today until 9 pm and only managed to because one of my students had the flu and cancelled. I took the opportunity to take Tia on a beer run. Promising myself an adventure tomorrow in between reservations.
Tonya Takes Thailand 