I decided that if I’m going to live here, I need to learn how to surf. I headed to the south part of Kata Beach where all the surf shops are. I stopped at a couple different ones to get information about price and the likelihood of me being able to learn. They acted like it would be no problem. I liked the Quicksilver School best. Jimmy seemed pretty confident he could work with me. (Little does he know)
This low season he agreed is starting off very slowly and he felt maybe next month the waves would be bigger. I will say the past two days have been amazingly mild and swimmable even though the red flags are still raised. I asked if we really needed the waves to learn 🙂 I guess that was a dumb question.
Surf lessons getting started. Later saw them all in the water just floating as there were no waves. A waste of a lesson.
You can see this part of the beach is nothing but surf shops. Very close together. They had paddle boards to rent also.
Since I wasn’t testing the waters today I stopped here for a couple drinks
Was called the Rasta Bar.
Sun was glistening on the water as I watched the two surfers out there. Maybe you can’t even see them, but you can see how calm the water was.
I was entertained by these twin boys who were having a blast running around the beach together. I never did find who they belonged” to. Here they were chasing a crab and they kept digging him up and giggling.
I always feel better when I get out and explore. Justin suggested I find some hiking trails for something different. I couldn’t imagine myself hiking through the jungles without a machete, but when I googled it there were a few options. Some I need to explore next month when I am relocated further North. From where I am now many would take me about an hour to get there.
Kathu Waterfall was one that was only a 35 minute drive, so I decided Tia and I were up for the challenge. I memorized the route and only took one wrong turn up a dirt path. I was thinking, weeelllll—-0oookay, this seems a tad rugged but …..then a guard stopped me and asked where I was headed. Guess I took my left a little too soon.
On my way there a huge storm was brewing and I knew to pull over. I drove into the Phuket Wake Park and got under some shelter for about 1/2 hour as it passed. You all may be familiar with parks like this, but I had never seen one. Was fun to watch. The rain didn’t stop these dudes for their mission.
Photo taken after the storm passed. The clouds in this shot are nothing’ compared to what I was seeing previously.
Was fun to watch. Some guys were doing flips and all. One wiped out. He ended up swimming in the right of this photo you can see him.
Just love the street art and always a scooter!
When I arrived at the dead end which I assumed was where the waterfall is, there were these stairs. Nobody else was around, so nobody for me to follow. I figured this must be it and started climbing to see where it would take me.
It was looking quite civilized. I was of course thankful for the storm which cooled things down a tad.
Then the trail turned a little rugged. I kept feeling bugs on my arms, only to look and find sweat literally just dripping down causing the sensation.
These cork screw trees were fascinating to me.
The dirt trail dead ended at this natural rock pile complete with cave. I didn’t much want to find out what lived there. I need to study up on what to do if I come across a snake of some kind. That was the thought that crossed my mind.
I had to marco polo Linda and Beth, my two nature loving friends, to share in some of this while I was walking. Reminded me so much of our trips together.
The size and beauty of this palm leaf caught my attention.
Just loving these twisty branches.
Selfie by the waterfall. I did chat with another fellow American single girl walking the trail. I do love how we are “out there” exploring.
I sat on a rock and just listened to this. Wasn’t that beautiful of a waterfall in itself, but the landscaping and sounds surrounding it were so peaceful. I am happy to be able to explore during low season when very little tourists are out and about.
Another awe-inspiring day based on the simple things.
One last snap shot. On my way out I heard kids so I followed another trail to find this swimming hole where a few families were enjoying their Sunday with a picnic.
My only goal today was to get Tia up over the hills to Patong to meet up with Carla’s daughter Katie and her bo’ Alex. It was such a relaxing scooter ride along the coast with very little traffic. I had to stop and snap a few sunset photos along the way.
Bow to Mother Nature.
Karon Beach view
A later shot from Patong.
I loved hanging with these two! So easy to talk with and such fellow adventurers! They hung out with elephants this morning. I want to do that when Zoe and Sedona come in December.
Thanks to Carla for picking up the tab!! Was an excellent thai meal!
The local singer in the background entertained us and one tambourine playing local who I couldn’t figure out if he was high or just happy. Difficult sometime to tell the difference 🙂
Then I headed back over the mountain back to Kata. First time I’m driving Tia at night. I’m such a lady driving in a skirt eh?
I read about this Buddhist temple as a suggested thing to do on a rainy day. I decided since I was trying to avoid the sun exposure this was a good thing to check out today. It was beautiful, peaceful, inspiring, artistic, and colorful. I need to learn more about this religion to truly appreciate all I am taking in.
Entrance into the compound. Wanted to also capture this policeman. I love how they wear helmets and have cameras on top. I think it shows integrity even though they have a reputation of being corrupt.
The landscaping was beautiful as well as the architecture.
The worshipers purchased pieces of gold foil and there was a spray bottle that they then spray the sculpture with and adhere the gold.
Selfie to let you know I am alive and well. Unshowered (Kassie am I making up this word ?) and dripping sweat down my back….but alive.
This was the main attraction. You could walk up inside of its three levels.
The first two levels were filled with gold statues.
Murals of his stories/teachings filled the walls of the staircases on the way up.
Every shutter had gold ornamentation.
Fu dogs. I never really knew what they were until Vern Yip told me about them. Now I understand and see them everywhere.
A lot of bell towers and if you look at the one in the distance it had a drum hanging. There was also a brick bee hive structure that fireworks regularly were set off in. No clue why.
I wandered off campus a bit to discover this bay with huge houses lining it. Interesting to me how colorful they are.
Yesterday I spent too much money on a great meal and fixing my scooter, so I decided Wednesday was to be a day of rest, reflection, and reading. I finished the book “Girl, wash your face” that was recommended to me by Rebecca and Joan. I had never heard of this author before, (anyone that knows me knows I rarely read ) but being that two very close friends of mine thought I would benefit and enjoy it, I was in! Sedona ordered the book for me on Amazon before I left and here I am 1.5 months later, cracking it open.
I read the entire book cover to cover and underlined things I personally needed as reminders. I reached out last night to several of my friends with insights I read that I wanted to share. (you know who you are) One of the many instructions from the book was to write down your dreams in detail. I honestly have never done that before. I’m not much of a planner or dreamer. Sometimes I actually feel I am not passionate when it comes to my future, I’m more of a fly by the moment seat of my pants kind of girl.
At the coffee shop this morning I set out to give my dream writing a shot and I could not believe what spilled out of me. It was actually fun. I laughed at myself for the extravagance of my thoughts but also found it enlightening to dream. As this is part of my journey here in Thailand, I just wanted to share.
Started my day off optimistically heading to Phuket Immigration, again, with what I thought were proper documents in hand. I was turned away because I was wearing a sleeveless shirt. So I jumped on my scooter and found a local screen printing shop and purchased what I felt was an appropriate Japanese fighter tee.
I came back feeling overly confident. Back in line sporting my new tee. I was told I did not have the documents needed and was given another new form with a list of five NEW very difficult things to obtain, including a copy of the owner’s ID and their registration for the place I am staying AND asking that the owner of the property come with me to immigration or offer a letter of power of attorney. I keep reading on the expat blogs that the Thai govt changes their rules constantly and are making it tougher for O visa holders. (Lucky me)
Needless to say I broke down in tears, not in front of the immigration asshole who when I told him I did not understand he said “I JUST TOLD YOU” and then said its about THAI LOVE. I was so insulted and shaken by my frustration.
My new tee. I think it’s Japanese ?
After dabbing up my tears by some 7/11 air conditioning, a rational conversation with Justin, and a soda water- I headed to meet Min and check on my Tia. (scooter repair)
I got my Tia back and my deposit on the rental so I decided I was not going to let this ruin my day and Tia and I headed back home, only to detour at an amazing restaurant overlooking Chalong Bay. I had read about it, and when I saw it, I just turned in and as a sweaty mess, ate an amazing dinner- the best I have had in Phuket.
This is same artist whose summer home was turned into a resort at Kata Noi
My view from the restaurant.
Chalong Bay.
Vodka lemonaide. Yes please!
No worries, I counterbalanced it with coffee ice cream and espresso. Treat yourself!
The restaurant has a lot of her sculptures. I love the arts here.
They were featuring this artist in the gallery.
His work with her sculpture. I was told today by Min that she thinks Phuket is too small for me. That I will be bored in 6 months. I wonder if there is an end to the beauty I see. Sometimes we are blind to where we are from. I am seeing places she has never seen in her 28 years here. I feel fortunate to have tourist eyes.
Another beautiful day so I decided to hit a nearby beach, one I had been to at sunset but never swam at. I headed to Kata Noi and remembered that last time I climbed down the thousand steps to the beach, other locals had turned the corner and I later saw them on the rocks fishing. I wanted to see where they had gone, to see what I could see. I was wearing flip flops and worried about their stability, but I took my time carefully planning each step. (knowing if I fell or if my leg got stuck in between the rocks with the crabs, I may not be found for hours :))
It was so beautiful on the rocks, I sat there for an hour. Meditated. Prayed. And just soaked in the view. I feel so lucky to not be in the weekly bustle of life anymore. My days are so simple, but yet more meaningful .
The first view when I got onto the rocks. Then I kept climbing around.
The beach was practically deserted.
The colors were unreal. I love how my orange contrasts.
Selfie of the day vintage style. Yes my freckles have returned!
This was a hotel above the rocks which I later read about. It was a famous architect and artist’s summer home that they turned into a hotel. Mom Tri’s Villa.
Today I woke up with a tad of a hangover. Drank one too many Changs last night. I really do miss US beer. I need to find my new poison. I haven’t found the IPAs over here like I had in Phuket Town. I decided Mexican food was on the agenda and googled my way to Chalong to locate what was rated a decent restaurant.
After eating another tasteless Thai version of Mexican, I decided to find the Orchid Farm for something to do on Mother’s Day. Know Yvonne loves orchids, and visiting flowers seemed appropriate.
When you walk in it looked more like a chicken farm. The constant crowing of the roosters ended up on my nerves later. I don’t think I could get used to it if I lived on a farm. When I was walking in the farm-greenhouse area there seemed to be a small but significant chicken coop also.
Thought this was a very sweet write up regarding the orchids. I also never knew they didn’t grow in the ground. I later saw that in the farm area where most were hanging with roots below.
I was greeted with a bouquet of orchids when I paid to go in. A nice Mother’s Day surprise.
These were some of the few in pots.He turned off the overhead sprinkler system when I went in. Considerate as that would have been a shocker and I didn’t bring my rain poncho.The baby ones were put into these pipes which had water constantly draining out of them.
Check out the roots.
Purple my mom’s favorite color.
I wonder if I will have to tell customs I was at a farm’ when I go back into The States 🙂 or if that only pertains to livestock.
I mean three beaches in one day, why not?! I was escaping storms and promising discovery to myself along the trek. I drove 45 +minutes to see Surin Beach. It was worth the drive and I got a lot of practice” on the downhill curvy roadways. The hardest part for me is to not get distracted by all there is to see along the way, because you are literally driving along the mountains where the beaches are. So many photo opps!
Note that you can always smell an elephant sanctuary way before you see them. I have yet to get a photo of the elephant crossing signs, but one of these days! I have to have one. I mean where else are you going to see that?
Selfie of the day. Pulled off at a viewpoint.
Better photo of the viewpoint. Beach deserted. I want to find a way down!
Surin Beach. If you walked far enough down, you could find shade under trees. Bonus as the sun was HOT today.
Surin palm.
They lined the pathway of the beach. Tons of vendors on the other side.
Lifeguard, but nobody on duty, since you shouldn’t be swimming anyways. Assume we are at our own risk when the red flag is up.
Opposite view of Surin. Storm coming so I headed south.
Took a U turn on the 4 lane highway to see what Kamala Beach was all about. It was trashy, literally. You can see they are trying to grow more palms, and I walked the entire beach and it was quite sad. There is a lot of construction going on, so assuming they are still recovering.
Rocks outside of Patong Beach. Patong area will take me several days to explore, so saving that for when I have time. It’s by far the most popular beach and area of Phuket.
Naked baby on the beach. Uncircumcised and I kept thinking that’s not going to be fun to clean. The mother was busy on her phone and made me nervous as he would just run around.
This dog came right up and laid down on the beach with me at Kata. I thought maybe he was hungry so I tossed him my leftover peanut butter sandwich. Can you see it in the photo? He wouldn’t touch it. I talked to the dog for a bit, feeling reassured that no tsunami was coming or he would be in higher hills. But another storm was brewing so I asked him if I should head out. We agreed I should, and it started raining on my drive back. Luckily I was only 2 minutes away because dang those raindrops hurt on a scooter!
Truth be known, I am getting a little too cocky on the scooter and today, it definitely showed me who was boss. I want my Tia back!! She’s much easier to handle and not half as heavy! This beast I am now driving climbed the steep hill that google maps took me on to check out the new Roof Top Yoga nearby. As soon as I peaked at the top, it literally went about 50 degree angle straight downhill. I panicked! It had just down-poured, and the roads were slick, I could see this ending in death ….or at least a broken leg.
I stopped and tried to turn around, only to end up off the road which had a drop off. The scooter was too heavy for me to lift to get back onto the road and when I tried, it tipped over and crashed to the ground. I managed to lift it back up. Then prayed as I turned it off and walked it down, with me on the pavement and it in the jungle grass. I was pleading please, please do not get away from me and fall in the ditch that was close by the grass. I knew there was no way of me getting it out of there.
I managed about 10 minutes of break and then a slight movement, then break, as we climbed down the incline. There was finally a flattening in the depth of the pavement and I was able to get it back up on the road. I seriously need to figure out how to make google maps understand incline limitations!
View from the yoga studio.
Well after gathering the pricing, I really wasn’t sure if I want to adventure back up to ever go again. I exited out a different direction but it was still very steep. I’m now thinking I should invest in a pair of shorts and just start running early every morning. Yes, I know, I’m not a runner but I have to get my ass out and do something!
After the 5 minute down pour, the skies opened up and since I had spent 15 minutes applying sunscreen this morning, I decided to hit a new beach! One Tiff and I had seen from a distance when we were watching the sunset at Panwa Cape. I googled mapped my way to Nai Harn Beach. (by the way I figured out if I just shove my iphone up inside my helmet by my ear, I can hear the directions -clever right?!)
Was good to know I entered a tsunami hazard zone. Very reassuring.
Not busy and the waves were calmer than the other beaches, so I actually was able to swim a bit. I witnessed a Russian couple going out in the water, and I don’t think the girl had EVER been in the ocean before. It was so cute to watch him convince her and show her how to handle the crashing waves.
Overcast day which was nice.
I think I will be back over here for sure.
Shops lining the way to the beach. Colorful!
Just-in” case you all didn’t know 🙂
I wanted to take the bird home- so creative!!!
A pleasant surprise. When I parked my scooter this Buddhist temple was nearby so after the sun, I strolled in and admired their campus. I don’t actually know if it’s respectful to take photos, but I did.
Entrance.
These sculptures seem oddly out of place to me.
Someone needs to help explain these amazing trees and the ribbons, ornaments etc that are placed in them. I literally stood back and breathed her in, because she was quite a sight and it made me wonder the stories she could tell. (and yes I know it’s female because of her complexity)
Tonya Takes Thailand 