I arrived home at 1:30 am and the alarm went off way too soon at 6 am. Note to self: Don't book the last flight out from somewhere when you have to work the next day!
I start my new job today but still have no office and/ or job description. Sounds like I could be working from the beach. When I find out what I am supposed to be doing, I will let you know.
TTYL,
Jim
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Beach Briefs - Day 7 - Phuket and Homeward Bound
I slept in a bit and headed off to Starbucks at 9 am. I had the usual latte and blueberry muffin. Last night I went for a walk about 11 pm and found a Hard Rock Cafe and sat and listened to the last 2 sets of hard rock and roll. The music was quite good and I was entertained for the price of a beer. Today I think I will splurge and have a beer and lunch there.
I have also found a very nice air conditioned mall that I will tour and window shop for a while this afternoon to kill some time until I take a taxi for the airport at 6 pm. Of course I will finish off my Phuket experience with a Starbucks latte before heading out.
This will be my last post on my island hopping. It has been a lot of fun and I highly recommend the trip with perhaps the change of venue from Phuket to Langkawi for the return flight home.
The trip was not expensive and the ferries for the most part are a great method of travel in Thailand.
TTYL,
Jim
I have also found a very nice air conditioned mall that I will tour and window shop for a while this afternoon to kill some time until I take a taxi for the airport at 6 pm. Of course I will finish off my Phuket experience with a Starbucks latte before heading out.
This will be my last post on my island hopping. It has been a lot of fun and I highly recommend the trip with perhaps the change of venue from Phuket to Langkawi for the return flight home.
The trip was not expensive and the ferries for the most part are a great method of travel in Thailand.
TTYL,
Jim
Monday, February 7, 2011
Beach Briefs - Day 6 - Phuket
I had a great dinner last night and splurged on a fresh barbecued Sea Bass at one of the many seafood resturants in the Patong area. After dinner I walked the night club area and found things had not changed much since I was there last time. Lots of lady boy shows and go-go girls. They seem to be stuck in the 70's for some reason. Before long I headed back to my hotel and the sports bar to watch some sports and called it a night about midnight.
The next morning I was awake by 7, showered and headed out to a Starbucks I had spotted last night. The latte and blueberry muffin were great and the only thing I was missing was an English language newspaper. Later today I plan to catch a taxi to the Premium Outlet Mall just outside of Patong as I need a new pair of shorts and would also like to pick up some dry-fit Nike t-shirts to workout in.
I discovered that not all Premium Outlet Malls are created equal. The Patong outlet looks great from the road, just like the ones in North America, but the stores are much smaaller and have mostly junk and seconds. I did, however, manage to find another pair of Khaki shorts so the trip was not completely worthless. However, be warned and avoid the outlet.
Actually now that I have had lunch and I am sitting around reflecting on my last day of beach hopping in Thailand, I would probably skip Phuket altogether. A nicer trip would be to stay a night or two in Phi Phi, and then catch the ferry down to Langkawi and spend two nights in the AB Motel which would have fit better into my budget and been more relaxing. The best thing about Patong Beach is the Starbucks which says a lot. The actual beach area is way too busy and not relaxing at all. The night life is also tacky. I would rate the restaurants, especially the seafood restaurants quite highly.
I have another day in Patong Beach tomorrow and I will start the journey out to the airport about 6 pm. My flight is 9:15 pm and puts me into Kl about 11:30 pm. I start work the next morning :-(
I plan on having some more fresh fish tonight and will probably forgo the nightlife for hopefully an NBA game in the sports bar and an early night.
TTYL,
Jim
The next morning I was awake by 7, showered and headed out to a Starbucks I had spotted last night. The latte and blueberry muffin were great and the only thing I was missing was an English language newspaper. Later today I plan to catch a taxi to the Premium Outlet Mall just outside of Patong as I need a new pair of shorts and would also like to pick up some dry-fit Nike t-shirts to workout in.
I discovered that not all Premium Outlet Malls are created equal. The Patong outlet looks great from the road, just like the ones in North America, but the stores are much smaaller and have mostly junk and seconds. I did, however, manage to find another pair of Khaki shorts so the trip was not completely worthless. However, be warned and avoid the outlet.
Actually now that I have had lunch and I am sitting around reflecting on my last day of beach hopping in Thailand, I would probably skip Phuket altogether. A nicer trip would be to stay a night or two in Phi Phi, and then catch the ferry down to Langkawi and spend two nights in the AB Motel which would have fit better into my budget and been more relaxing. The best thing about Patong Beach is the Starbucks which says a lot. The actual beach area is way too busy and not relaxing at all. The night life is also tacky. I would rate the restaurants, especially the seafood restaurants quite highly.
I have another day in Patong Beach tomorrow and I will start the journey out to the airport about 6 pm. My flight is 9:15 pm and puts me into Kl about 11:30 pm. I start work the next morning :-(
I plan on having some more fresh fish tonight and will probably forgo the nightlife for hopefully an NBA game in the sports bar and an early night.
TTYL,
Jim
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Beach Briefs - Day 5 - Enroute to Phi Phi
I was awake for breakfast at 8 am and had the usual fried egg, sausage, juice, toast and coffee. I showered and awaited the transportation to the pier where the boat departs at 10:30 for Phi Phi. I arrived about 9:30 and had about an hour wait and found a nearby restaurant that had decent coffee. The boat finally showed up and I discovered that not all ferries are the same. This boat was filthy and the seats in disrepair. Unfortunately I was still a little sunburned and had to make use of the seats. Oh well, the ride was only 90 minutes so it was not too bad.
I eventually arrived at Phi Phi island and finally remembered that I had been there previously. Phi Phi is very clean and beautiful. The island officials collect 20 Bhat from everyone entering the island and use those funds for maintenance and keeping the island clean. It works, more islands should adopt this pracice.
I still do not have a place to stay so I decide to look around and have some lunch. I find a harbour restaurant and order some spaghetti and a beer for lunch. The restaurant overlooks the harbour and the view is spectacular. When I pay for the bill I ask the cashier if she had a place to store my rollie for a couple of hours and she said yes.
Devoid of my rollie, I wind my way through the throngs of tourists looking for hotels in town. I don't have much luck as most of the accommodation is of the resort type and is located outside of town accessible by long boat. I decide at that time that I will continue on to Phuket later in the day by ferry and spend my remaining time there. Lesson learned ... if you want to stay in Phi Phi during Chinese New Year, book ahead and book early.
I decide my best plan is to purchase my ferry ticket and find an internet cafe and start surfing for inexpensive hotels in Phuket. I get a wifi connection and search for hotels in Phuket for tonight.
I have purchased a ticket to Phuket on the 2:30 ferry and board at 2:15. I soon discover where all the Chinese families went on Chinese New Year. They all went to Phi Phi Island and are returning home via Phuket airport on the same ferry I am on. I scramble for a seat and sit back and have a nap for the next 2 hours. On arrival, the company running the ferry annouces they a bus that I can take for 150 Bhat that will drop me in the middle of the Patong area. I purchase a ticket as a taxis is 500 Bhat.
I have found that hotels in Patong were also in short supply and I had to spend $75 a night to get a room. I booked for 2 nights and that still leaves me within my budget because of the 2 nights I did not use a hotel in Krabi. The bus drops me off and I ask directions to the hotel and it turns out to be a 10 minute walk. I check in and I am pleasantly surprised with a bright airy modern room with free internet and a sports bar with a large video displays for ESPN sports channels and even get to watch some NBA basketball although most folks are watching the Steelers and Packers in football.
I think I will now go for a walk in the infamous night district of Patong :-)
TTYL,
Jim
I eventually arrived at Phi Phi island and finally remembered that I had been there previously. Phi Phi is very clean and beautiful. The island officials collect 20 Bhat from everyone entering the island and use those funds for maintenance and keeping the island clean. It works, more islands should adopt this pracice.
I still do not have a place to stay so I decide to look around and have some lunch. I find a harbour restaurant and order some spaghetti and a beer for lunch. The restaurant overlooks the harbour and the view is spectacular. When I pay for the bill I ask the cashier if she had a place to store my rollie for a couple of hours and she said yes.
Devoid of my rollie, I wind my way through the throngs of tourists looking for hotels in town. I don't have much luck as most of the accommodation is of the resort type and is located outside of town accessible by long boat. I decide at that time that I will continue on to Phuket later in the day by ferry and spend my remaining time there. Lesson learned ... if you want to stay in Phi Phi during Chinese New Year, book ahead and book early.
I decide my best plan is to purchase my ferry ticket and find an internet cafe and start surfing for inexpensive hotels in Phuket. I get a wifi connection and search for hotels in Phuket for tonight.
I have purchased a ticket to Phuket on the 2:30 ferry and board at 2:15. I soon discover where all the Chinese families went on Chinese New Year. They all went to Phi Phi Island and are returning home via Phuket airport on the same ferry I am on. I scramble for a seat and sit back and have a nap for the next 2 hours. On arrival, the company running the ferry annouces they a bus that I can take for 150 Bhat that will drop me in the middle of the Patong area. I purchase a ticket as a taxis is 500 Bhat.
I have found that hotels in Patong were also in short supply and I had to spend $75 a night to get a room. I booked for 2 nights and that still leaves me within my budget because of the 2 nights I did not use a hotel in Krabi. The bus drops me off and I ask directions to the hotel and it turns out to be a 10 minute walk. I check in and I am pleasantly surprised with a bright airy modern room with free internet and a sports bar with a large video displays for ESPN sports channels and even get to watch some NBA basketball although most folks are watching the Steelers and Packers in football.
I think I will now go for a walk in the infamous night district of Patong :-)
TTYL,
Jim
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Beach Briefs - Day 4 - 2nd Day in Ko Lanta
I decided to spend a second day in Ko Lanta because it is quite laid back and the resort at $35 a night fits nicely into my budget and I can eat very nicely on the remaining $15. The in house restaurant has an eclectic mix of food on its menu and the beer is cold and cheap. They also have sit on top kayaks to rent and I always wanted to give that a try so I think I will.
The electrical power problems seems to have sorted themselves out as well.
The beach is endless and I have trekked one way but today I will trek the other way to see if there is any break in the resorts. There is an amazing amount of resorts available at just about any price range.
On Day five, I plan to head to Phi Phi island, and at this point I do not have a place to stay as the whole island seems to be booked. My plan is to catch the 10:30 ferry and then try some of the smaller hotels to see if they have a room available. If not the ferries run at least 4 times a day and I can continue on to Phuket. I can always pull an all nighter again, but I admit that is getting a little boring.
I do seem to remember that Phi Phi had quite a few restaurants and bars so I will have to wait and see what to do. The ferry ride will put me into Phi Phi at noon so that gives me lots of time to decide on a plan for the rest of the day.
TTYL,
Jim
The electrical power problems seems to have sorted themselves out as well.
The beach is endless and I have trekked one way but today I will trek the other way to see if there is any break in the resorts. There is an amazing amount of resorts available at just about any price range.
On Day five, I plan to head to Phi Phi island, and at this point I do not have a place to stay as the whole island seems to be booked. My plan is to catch the 10:30 ferry and then try some of the smaller hotels to see if they have a room available. If not the ferries run at least 4 times a day and I can continue on to Phuket. I can always pull an all nighter again, but I admit that is getting a little boring.
I do seem to remember that Phi Phi had quite a few restaurants and bars so I will have to wait and see what to do. The ferry ride will put me into Phi Phi at noon so that gives me lots of time to decide on a plan for the rest of the day.
TTYL,
Jim
Friday, February 4, 2011
Beach Briefs - Day 3 Enroute to Ko Lanta
I catch the van to the ferry and get onboard about 10 am. I move forward to the prow of the ferry and find a great place to sit overlooking the front of the boat. Seems like everyone else likes this spot and I am soon surrounded with lots of people looking for a great view, breeze and some sunshine. 90 minutes into the voyage and I am starting to feel sun and wind burn so it is time to retreat inside for the remaining hour. Too late, I realize that I am just a little sun burned. I should have put the sun block on! Be warned, when on the ocean, make use of sun block!!!
I arrive at the terminal on Ko Lanta and I lucked in and noticed someone standing with a sign for the hotel where I had booked for the night. This quite surprises me as the room was only $35 for the night and I anticipated having to shell out cash for a taxi. I jump in the back of a truck with about 8 germans and off we go on a 20 minute drive. I asked one of the men where he was from and he mentioned Germany and asked about me. When I mentioned Canada he stated that he loved Canada and had visited Vancouver with his family and had hunted in the interior on another trip.
I arrived at the hotel and it reminds me very much of the AB Motel at Langkawi, except the rooms are individual mini chalets and quite decent for $35 a night.This is definitely in my budget and there is an inexpensive restaurant and bar on the premises as well. I checked in and explored the beach area. The beach area goes on forever and is make up of similar levels of resorts/hotels, each with its own bar on the beach. The downtown area where the ferry checks in also ha many inexepensive seafood resturants and there is also a 7/11 just outside our hotel on the road.
I think I will spend 2 days here, get some rest and enjoy the ambiance. They have a nice beach as well as a swimming pool, and this place fits my budget nicely. A large Singha beer is only 120 Bhat :-)
Oh joy, the power keeps going on and off. The front desk assures me it is not their problem and the whole island is affected. Apparently this is not all that uncommon in Ko lanta
I just have to remember the sun block :-)
TTYL,
Jim
I arrive at the terminal on Ko Lanta and I lucked in and noticed someone standing with a sign for the hotel where I had booked for the night. This quite surprises me as the room was only $35 for the night and I anticipated having to shell out cash for a taxi. I jump in the back of a truck with about 8 germans and off we go on a 20 minute drive. I asked one of the men where he was from and he mentioned Germany and asked about me. When I mentioned Canada he stated that he loved Canada and had visited Vancouver with his family and had hunted in the interior on another trip.
I arrived at the hotel and it reminds me very much of the AB Motel at Langkawi, except the rooms are individual mini chalets and quite decent for $35 a night.This is definitely in my budget and there is an inexpensive restaurant and bar on the premises as well. I checked in and explored the beach area. The beach area goes on forever and is make up of similar levels of resorts/hotels, each with its own bar on the beach. The downtown area where the ferry checks in also ha many inexepensive seafood resturants and there is also a 7/11 just outside our hotel on the road.
I think I will spend 2 days here, get some rest and enjoy the ambiance. They have a nice beach as well as a swimming pool, and this place fits my budget nicely. A large Singha beer is only 120 Bhat :-)
Oh joy, the power keeps going on and off. The front desk assures me it is not their problem and the whole island is affected. Apparently this is not all that uncommon in Ko lanta
I just have to remember the sun block :-)
TTYL,
Jim
Beach Briefs, Day 2 - Morning
I watched the sun rise at about 6 am and I decided to grab some sleep on the beach. The long boat operators are awake and preparing for the day and the mosquitos have gone to sleep for the night. I think 3-4 hours would be good and then I will grab a Starbucks and explore my options for Phi Phi and Ko Lanta ... I have woken up and feel very relaxed but I desparately need my cafeine fix so off to Satrbucks I went for a latte and a blueberry muffin. It is now about noonish and time to explore my options. Oops, you snooze you lose! I have decided to go to Ko Lanta first and yesterday when I read the signs they indicated the ferry left at 10:30 and 3:30. When I enquired about the 3:30 ferry I was informed that they do not run the 3:30 ferry any longer. I guess I will spend another day in Krabi and take the 10:30 fery to Ko lanta tomorrow morning which will be day 3. I will add to this post as the day goes on.
Late afternoon - I took a long boat to Realey Beach, a short 10 minute ride and had an inexpensive lunch at one of the local restaurants. I also took advantage of the relaxed atmosphere at the beach to go for a swim, wash up, and have another 2 hour nap in the shade. I then caught the longboat back to Ao Nang and I decided to splurge and have dinner and watch the sunset at one of the beach seafood restaurants.
Evening - It is now about 6:30 pm and and I have ordered a couple of strawberry dacqueries and a grilled sea bass on rice. Both are excellent and I watch another superb sunset at about 7:30. I decide another dacquerie is in order and I pay the bill and finish up at about 9 pm. Time for another latte and then I need to find a bar with some live music where I can while away a few hours. After my latte I decide to walk the beach and people walk for a while. A commom practice on Ao Nang beach is mini hot air balloon launching. You apporach the vendor, write a bunch of wishes on the outside of the squarish balloon, and light the burner at the bottom. You end up holding the balloon for about 5 minutes and the air inside becomes hot enough and the balloon lifts off over the ocean with your wishes. It takes about 15-20 minutes for the balloon to diasappear and there are usually about 10 of them visible at a time. It is a beautiful clear, starlit night just like last night.
It is about 10:30 now and I find a bar with live music and a patio and proceed to people watch. Most of the clientelle is European with some Aussies thrown in for good measure. Despite it being Chinese New Year there are not many Chinese in Ao Nang. I chat with some Aussies for a while and decide to try another bar after a couple of hours. Before long it is about 2:30 and all the bars are closing and it is time for an early breakfast at the 24 hour McD's. I am lucky enough to find another newspaper and also type up this entry and manage to stretch my time out to 5 am. Time to head down to the beach area and watch another sunrise and then catch another couple of hours sleep on the beach.
I also need to purchase my 10:30 ticket to Ao Nang and find a wifi connection and start hunting for an inexpensive place to stay in Ko Lanta. I have never been there and have no idea what it is like. It should be exciting. I thnk the ferry takes about 2.5 hours to get there and I am looking forward to some time on the ocean. Oh, and yes, I have to retrieve my rollie and find some place to get cleaned up.
My next update, hopefully will be from Ko lanta.
TTYL,
Jim
Late afternoon - I took a long boat to Realey Beach, a short 10 minute ride and had an inexpensive lunch at one of the local restaurants. I also took advantage of the relaxed atmosphere at the beach to go for a swim, wash up, and have another 2 hour nap in the shade. I then caught the longboat back to Ao Nang and I decided to splurge and have dinner and watch the sunset at one of the beach seafood restaurants.
Evening - It is now about 6:30 pm and and I have ordered a couple of strawberry dacqueries and a grilled sea bass on rice. Both are excellent and I watch another superb sunset at about 7:30. I decide another dacquerie is in order and I pay the bill and finish up at about 9 pm. Time for another latte and then I need to find a bar with some live music where I can while away a few hours. After my latte I decide to walk the beach and people walk for a while. A commom practice on Ao Nang beach is mini hot air balloon launching. You apporach the vendor, write a bunch of wishes on the outside of the squarish balloon, and light the burner at the bottom. You end up holding the balloon for about 5 minutes and the air inside becomes hot enough and the balloon lifts off over the ocean with your wishes. It takes about 15-20 minutes for the balloon to diasappear and there are usually about 10 of them visible at a time. It is a beautiful clear, starlit night just like last night.
It is about 10:30 now and I find a bar with live music and a patio and proceed to people watch. Most of the clientelle is European with some Aussies thrown in for good measure. Despite it being Chinese New Year there are not many Chinese in Ao Nang. I chat with some Aussies for a while and decide to try another bar after a couple of hours. Before long it is about 2:30 and all the bars are closing and it is time for an early breakfast at the 24 hour McD's. I am lucky enough to find another newspaper and also type up this entry and manage to stretch my time out to 5 am. Time to head down to the beach area and watch another sunrise and then catch another couple of hours sleep on the beach.
I also need to purchase my 10:30 ticket to Ao Nang and find a wifi connection and start hunting for an inexpensive place to stay in Ko Lanta. I have never been there and have no idea what it is like. It should be exciting. I thnk the ferry takes about 2.5 hours to get there and I am looking forward to some time on the ocean. Oh, and yes, I have to retrieve my rollie and find some place to get cleaned up.
My next update, hopefully will be from Ko lanta.
TTYL,
Jim
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Beach Briefs - Day 1
I arrived in Krabi about 3 pm Krabi time.The last thing I wanted to do was trundle around Ao Namg with my rollie so I decided to check it with a hotel. The Best Western was on the main drag and I decided to make use of its luggage check. Two minutes later I was footloose and fancy free with nothing but my packsack and what I was wearning. I had transfered everything I thought I would need into my backpack but it was still pretty light.
I decided to reacquaint myself with Ao Nang and toured the U shape main drag. The bottom of the U sits along the beach and the 2 arms extend into the business portion of Ao Nang. I searched out the usual suspects and sure enough Starbucks was there (wifi not working) and the McD's was indeed 24 hours. I visited Starbucks and had my usual double shot tall latte. It was now about 5 pm so I was getting a little hungry and being on a budget I decided a quarter pounder meal was in order. It was about 6 pm so I decided to go for a walk on the beach and when I reached the end I decided a nap was in order and grabbed a quick hour.
I was still undecided if I was indeed going to pull an all nighter or whimp out and grab a room. I decided to be adventuresome and check out a bar and grab a beer or two. I decided on Tanda Bar on the main drag as it enabled me to sit and watch the steady stream of people walking by. They were mostly Europeans of scandanavian type. After 2 very inexpensive beers (100 bhats) I joined the stream of traffic and walked along the strip. A bar was playing jazz and featured live entertainment as well so I decided to settle in for the night. The bar closed up about 2 am and I had the munchies so it was time to walk over to the 24 hour McD's and I ordered a chicken dinner and a coke, ate dinner and read the newspaper someone had left behind. It is now just after 3 pm and I am typing this blog entry.
I figure there is not much point in grabbing a room as the sun comes up in less than 3 hours and the coffee is hot. Unfortunately McD's does not have wifi here in Thailand so I will have to post this later today when I find an access point. I plan to walk along the beach and watch a sunrise and then I will explore my boat options to the local islands. I may spend another day in Ao Nang as there are some really good seafood restaurants that I would like to sample. I also need to grab 4 or 5 hours of sleep this morning on the beach while it is cool.
I also need to find some wifi, post this entry and book a place to stay in whatever island I hit first, I am leaning towards Ko Lanta or Phi, Phi but room availability and price will determine my eventual destination.There are lots of rooms here in Ao Nang as well and it is not a bad place to spend an extra day. The good news is I saved $50 on room and have more cash to play with over the next few nights. Now if I pull another all nighter ..
TTYL,
Jim
I decided to reacquaint myself with Ao Nang and toured the U shape main drag. The bottom of the U sits along the beach and the 2 arms extend into the business portion of Ao Nang. I searched out the usual suspects and sure enough Starbucks was there (wifi not working) and the McD's was indeed 24 hours. I visited Starbucks and had my usual double shot tall latte. It was now about 5 pm so I was getting a little hungry and being on a budget I decided a quarter pounder meal was in order. It was about 6 pm so I decided to go for a walk on the beach and when I reached the end I decided a nap was in order and grabbed a quick hour.
I was still undecided if I was indeed going to pull an all nighter or whimp out and grab a room. I decided to be adventuresome and check out a bar and grab a beer or two. I decided on Tanda Bar on the main drag as it enabled me to sit and watch the steady stream of people walking by. They were mostly Europeans of scandanavian type. After 2 very inexpensive beers (100 bhats) I joined the stream of traffic and walked along the strip. A bar was playing jazz and featured live entertainment as well so I decided to settle in for the night. The bar closed up about 2 am and I had the munchies so it was time to walk over to the 24 hour McD's and I ordered a chicken dinner and a coke, ate dinner and read the newspaper someone had left behind. It is now just after 3 pm and I am typing this blog entry.
I figure there is not much point in grabbing a room as the sun comes up in less than 3 hours and the coffee is hot. Unfortunately McD's does not have wifi here in Thailand so I will have to post this later today when I find an access point. I plan to walk along the beach and watch a sunrise and then I will explore my boat options to the local islands. I may spend another day in Ao Nang as there are some really good seafood restaurants that I would like to sample. I also need to grab 4 or 5 hours of sleep this morning on the beach while it is cool.
I also need to find some wifi, post this entry and book a place to stay in whatever island I hit first, I am leaning towards Ko Lanta or Phi, Phi but room availability and price will determine my eventual destination.There are lots of rooms here in Ao Nang as well and it is not a bad place to spend an extra day. The good news is I saved $50 on room and have more cash to play with over the next few nights. Now if I pull another all nighter ..
TTYL,
Jim
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
On my Way
The airport limo picks me up at 10:30 and I am on my way. I am travelling with my carry on rollie and a small packsack for my electronics, toiletries and valuables. I plan to check my rollie at some hotel as soon as I hit Oa Nang as I do not want to trundle it around after me. Everything I need until sunrise of the next day will be in my packsack.
I have a plan, now time to execute it! How does that saying go ... the best laid plans ...
I will be off the grid (including cell phone to conserve battery) for lengthy periods, but I hope to post daily :-)
TTYL,
Jim
I have a plan, now time to execute it! How does that saying go ... the best laid plans ...
I will be off the grid (including cell phone to conserve battery) for lengthy periods, but I hope to post daily :-)
TTYL,
Jim
Island Hopping at Under $50 a day :-)
I am off to Thailand tomorrow for 8 days including the 2 travel days. Excluding transportation costs, I am attempting to complete the trip spending under $50 CDN for food and accommodation. This should be a challenge for me as I usually like to stay at the best of places and book everything ahead of time. So first challenge is to go in without a booked hotel, and shop around to find something decent but inexpensive.
This should prove to be entertaining for you my readers as I progress throughout the week. I fly into Krabi where I have visited previously and hope to hit Phi Phi island, Ko Lanta, a couple of other islands, and end up in Phuket where I will fly back to KL. My mode of travel will be Thai longboats where feasible.
I may cheat in Krabi and not book a hotel my first night. I know they have lots of bars where I can sit and people watch until 2 ish and then they also have a McD's that I am pretty sure is open 24 hrs. Not only that, they have a Starbucks that is open early for coffee in the am. So, stay up all night and catch 4 hours of sleep on the beach when the sun comes up. Then I have $100 for day number two. Hey, this may be just doable :-) Stay tuned for how my island hopping turns out :-)
I will try to update the blog daily if I can find wifi daily. This should be fun and a challenge for an old guy like me. I am in need of challenges at this moment in my life. Must be my ADDH :-)
TTYL,
Beachcomber Jim
This should prove to be entertaining for you my readers as I progress throughout the week. I fly into Krabi where I have visited previously and hope to hit Phi Phi island, Ko Lanta, a couple of other islands, and end up in Phuket where I will fly back to KL. My mode of travel will be Thai longboats where feasible.
I may cheat in Krabi and not book a hotel my first night. I know they have lots of bars where I can sit and people watch until 2 ish and then they also have a McD's that I am pretty sure is open 24 hrs. Not only that, they have a Starbucks that is open early for coffee in the am. So, stay up all night and catch 4 hours of sleep on the beach when the sun comes up. Then I have $100 for day number two. Hey, this may be just doable :-) Stay tuned for how my island hopping turns out :-)
I will try to update the blog daily if I can find wifi daily. This should be fun and a challenge for an old guy like me. I am in need of challenges at this moment in my life. Must be my ADDH :-)
TTYL,
Beachcomber Jim
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