In case anyone is wondering, I am alive and well and hope to start blogging again, sometime soon.
Lots of stuff happening in my life.
TTYL,
Jim
Monday, March 7, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Home at Last
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)