P h u k e t

This trip came after Bangkok, where we stayed for 2 nights earlier. We were encouraged by our friends to attend a time-sharing talk by Marriott Vacation Club. The non-obligated one hour talk include a 3D2N stay at their villa suite in Phuket. What a deal! We signed on without much consideration, booked the air tickets, and found ourselves in the world famous Marriott's Phuket Beach Club. 

 The weather was not good, but at least it did not rain. The resort is simply luxurious. Without the freebies, it would have cost both our arms and legs just to spend a few nights here.

 We were put up in a villa suite that come with 2 bedrooms, living and dining area. So we get to share the suite with our friends, who recommended us this deal.

 A bountiful garden with lots of flora...

 .....and fauna.

And not forgetting the home grown. Strangely, cows roamed freely outside the resort. Were they kept there purposely to graze the field? Free labour I guess.

 Infinity pool it is not. Just a pond in front of the check-in area. We enjoyed the meals there and this is because our super friends have special discount on the menu. We paid half-price for every meal. Thanks guys.

 Phuket is popular for its beaches, but not the one in front of Marriott. The waves are choppy, and the under current too strong.

 So nobody swims in the sea. Who would, when there are several nice pools in the hotel.

 Tele-lens in good used here.

 Caught our chef taking a break by the beach. Is he thinking what to cook for the special today? Or is he waiting for the catch to come in?

 Watching over smallie while his parents and the wife are at the beach having their massage done.

 Dusk brought another look to this beautiful place.

 And when the night fall, the whole place is adequately lit, enhancing a mysterious feel to it.

 Though I must say it is more romantic than anything else, when you get to share the atmosphere with the one you love.

 Don't you just love the mood?

 Let me go! 

 All travel trips must be accompanied by some shopping, as always.

 And this is where we got our retail therapy treated.

We rented a car and visited several places of interest in Phuket. We made many stops along the way, and with one particularly longer when smallie vomited his lunch on me. Poor kid. The motion sickness got to him too. Thanks to our dear friends, we did not spend a lot on this trip. 

And another travel trip awaiting....

B a n g k o k

We took a short break in June to Bangkok and Phuket. While the girls were out shopping, friend and I decided to venture beyond our comfort zone by taking a cruise to the floating market. Yes, the rocking can get pretty bad when you have vertigo. Good thing is, we had the longboat to ourselves and since it has passed the morning peak, nobody could see us puke. : )

The cruise took us along the Chao Phraya River, passing several iconic buildings, palaces and temples. This Chinese temple came up first on the list, and even with my steady hands, the motion blur still surfaced.

 Passing a Buddhist Wat (temple), but I do not know what (pun unintended) it is called.

Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn is the most striking riverside landmark on the river. Citizen gets to visit it for free, while tourist pays a small fee.

The Grand Palace at the background.

Houses built on stilts. I wonder if there is an exit from the front of the house to the road surface, or the boat is the only way of commuting?

I am impressed with this particular dwelling. It has a balcony on the upper deck, and a veranda below. It even has space to dry the laundry.

A friendly local peddling her goods to us. Most are handmade crafts that do not cost a lot. But what do you do with it after you bought it?

Guess smallie succumbed to her beauty, and decided to pick one item. And guess who paid for it?

By this time (noon), the buying & selling activities of fresh produce have died down. What is left are vendors selling cooked food to patrons seeking lunch.

 The empty 'street' where most selling activities would have taken place in the morning.

 Housewives and tourists seeking for bargains?

 The busy selling has moved to the shore, where stalls lined the street.

Our adventure found us on a rail track that is just next to the market. I wonder if this rail is linked to the infamous Death Railway?

 Going home, but always watch your back, son.

Floating restaurant. Better eat fast before the food roll down into the river.

 Family in red waiting for the food to 'float' by.

And here come the vendors in their boats of instant-made, prepare-on-the-spot food.

Talking about food, these lads were having a feast fight when we stopped to observe. I think they were jostling for a good position near us.

And let the feeding frenzy begins. Understand from the boatman that the Chao Phraya catfish can grow to gigantic breaking weight & size. It is also known as the dog-eating fish. Hmmm, that scares me.

 You shoot him, and I shoot you.

 Our friendly boatman, a man with few words.

We spent 2 nights in Bangkok and moved on to Phuket for another 2 nights. What made this visit unusual from my other Bangkok trips is the amount of time spent on shopping. It is almost nought for me, less the craft bought for smallie. I have never felt so deprived and yet happy inside, a kind of achievement you may say.

And another travel trip awaiting....