I have been very neglectful of late in writing my blog but I am slowly getting back on track after my three-week trip to Thailand.   I have so many memorable moments starting with the beautiful islands and beaches, the intricate designs of the temples and golden buddhas to the Thai people themselves (a very kind and gentle race)   My cousin and I based ourselves in a resort in a small bay in Southern Phuket.  This may not be to everyone’s taste especially if you want entertainment and night life, but for us it was just perfect.  Every morning we woke up to the beautiful view of Cape Panwa.

Even though it was a little out of the way, we had no problem arranging a taxi or taking a shuttle bus into Phuket city centre.  Of course, I must not forget the exotic flowers; the only ones I really recognized was the bougainvillea and hibiscus plus the delicious Thai food.  The night markets were certainly an experience too and I finally got the hang of bartering.  

During our stay we managed to go on several excursions including Krabi and Phi Phi island as well as James Bond Island (Thai name Khao Phing Kan) which became famous when it was used as a location for the Bond movie “the Man with the Golden Gun”.    The movie “The Beach” was also filmed on one of Phi Phi islands.  What struck me the most though was my first look at the outcrops of large rocks sticking out of the ocean. We later explored caves where you could see close up the many layers of limestone in different formations.

I found the islands quite fascinating along with the exercise my cousin and I had kayaking to different beaches and caves.  

During one of our excursions we ended up at a typical Thai village on stilts and we had the most delicious lunch with a variety of Thai dishes including pad Thai, stir fried vegetables and seafood.  I thought they would be a little too spicy but they were just right.  

We also visited a number of temples including the Big Buddha on the hill which we could see from our room in the distance.  I did not know too much about Buddhism but since my visit I now have a better understanding and can relate to some of the Thai beliefs.  The one celebration we participated in was Loy Krathong (In Thai Loy means to float and Krathong means a circular floating object with decoration of banana leaves, flowers, a candle and incense sticks.  This event which does not occur on the same date every year; instead it counts on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month).  The concept of this tradition is you float your worries away and bring in new hopes and dreams something like new year resolutions.  

Without waffling on further, all that is left to be said, is if you have an opportunity to visit this country, I certainly recommend it.  You will cherish the memories you bring back with you.  

Sunsets and Turquoise Crystal Waters