105 days… and counting!

OK, we realize it’s been a while.

Not having had much of an internet connection for a while, along with being in paradise and not wanting to be on the computer has made for not too many updates while in Thailand. We have now passed our 100 day mark and it seems like the updates are getting more sparse… as is the photo taking. We’re going to work on that!

We last wrote on New Years Day from Bangkok. Since then we have done some travel in Central Thailand and made our way down to the South Western Island of Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.

Thailand has been a mix of emotions for us. Although it is beautiful, it’s sure not what I remembered. Our stay in the Central part of the country was a nice getaway from Bangkok. It’s still fairly cheap to travel there and you see more Thai people than westerners. We were able to enjoy the wilderness a bit (We hiked a beautiful 7 tier waterfall, rode an elephant and floated down the river Kwai on a bamboo raft), we ate authentic Thai food for a buck or two (and it was the best food we’ve eaten) and stayed at a great little hotel for $13/night.

Here are some photo’s of our trip

Since landing in Phuket it’s been quite the opposite. Phuket and the surrounding islands are overpriced and overcrowded, which makes for a bit of an overhyped experience. Don’t get me wrong, it is still one of the most beautiful places I have been, but it’s really much harder to enjoy the scenery when you are surrounded by hundreds of people at all times. But let me tell you, if you’re looking for a party this is the place to be!

We took these photos when we went on a canoe trip (with 100 other people) through some of the surrounding islands. In my mind it was peaceful and romantic. In reality…crowded and funny. If you can see through the people you can imagine it’s beauty, but it takes some concentration.

Patong beach on Phuket

There is a lagoon... somewhere

We decided to leave Phuket hit up Koh Phi Phi, the gem of the islands. In order to get away from the “scene” made up of hundreds of 18-25 year old party goers, Chris and I decided to spend most of our stay on the North “quiet” part of the island. It sure is beautiful up here and apart from the speed boats filled with 30 people that stop on the beach all day long, it is paradise! unfortunately, paradise seems to come at a high price these days, so we have blown through a chunk of our budget enjoying it!

This was our view every day!

We spent one of our afternoons here on a long-tailed boat touring around some of the close islands and snorkeling. Well, Chris snorkelled. One little mostly unknown fact about me is that I hate fish. Ok, normally snorkeling is fine as the fish are more scared of you than you are of them and when you get in the water they tend to swim away from you. Well around these islands the fish have been fed/conditioned by snorkelers. The boat stops over a reef surrounded by crystal clear water and the sound of the motor stopping must be a sign to the fish that it’s dinner time. Within minutes the boat is surrounded by fish and as you get in the water they just get closer and follow you around. OK, not my idea of a good time. I got in twice, and out just as fast. I know they can’t hurt me! I know! I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I asked the boat driver if he could bring us somewhere to swim where there were  no fish… I don’t think he gets that question very often. I didn’t really get much of an answer, but I think it was a No. Anyways, I got to enjoy the scenery (really is the most beautiful place) while Chris enjoyed the fish!

1 of the 60 seconds I was in the water

Chris and all the fish

SICK!!

Handsome Husband post fish attack

Tomorrow we leave this beautiful Island and fly to Singapore where we will be visiting my friends Owen and Melissa! we are really looking forward to more adventure and a change of pace!

Love and miss everyone!

Ashlyn and Chris