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Thailand and WA
  • Jan and Andrew

Thailand and WA

Heading for the wedding of Joe and Bronwyn in Freo via a stop in Thailand Read more
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  • Trip start
    December 29, 2018
    Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Heathrow departure

    December 29, 2018 in England ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    The Piccadilly line transported us in leisurely fashion to T2 the Queens Terminal where we breakfasted on scrambled eggs with cherry tomatoes and avocado on focaccia. The plane boarded on time, though we were slightly disappointed to find our Thai Airways A380 had been replaced by a 777 and our seats on an aisle of a pretty full flight. G&T helped, then after settling down for a post lunch snooze we were awoken by the chap in the window seat. Extraordinarily two women in the seats behind talked nonstop until breakfast, so more films were watched than usual and less kip.Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Bangkok

    December 30, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Our flight arrived just before 06.00. Immigration was a slow process. Our bags were getting lonely on carousel 22! We then found the checkin for our Bangkok Airways where queues were awesome. Fortunately we found a machine to check in so only had to queue for bag drop. Once through the flight was good in an old A320 and the staff excellent.Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Chiang Mai

    December 30, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 22 °C

    We landed just before 11.30 in much more sedate conditions. We quickly found our bags and taxi for the short drive into the old city. Our hotel the Tamarind named after a 200 year old specimen in the garden.
    We received a lovely welcome, iced drink and towel together with a free 10 minute massage and invitation to a guided walk in the morning.
    After a short recovery Kano we discovered we are in the Sunday walking night market route. The streets were buzzing with all manner of stalls and street food. We walked to one end at Tha Phae gate. Then back for a short break, bananas delivered to our room, massage and Singha beer by the pool before joining the throng again for some delicious street kebabs and Gac juice. Janet even managed to find some jewellery she liked. An excellent start to our trip and what a super location to be staying.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Wat walking tour

    December 31, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    A pretty good night’s sleep, despite the jungle fowl cockerel who didn’t know when dawn was, and excellent breakfast by the pool side. We met our guide, Kandi and a family of four from Michigan for a walking tour. We left by the rear entrance and had a quick lesson in Thai before finding the first of three temples (there are more than thirty in total). It being New Year’s Eve preparations were underway for celebrating tonight, with many lanterns, flags and prayer cards hung. Our guide was very illuminating and gave each of us a Bhudist character description based on birth day, much to the amusement of the family we were with.
    For lunch we found a northern Thai cafe and had Khai Soy, vegetables or mushrooms which was delicious. Some more temples or ‘Wat’ followed before returning for a recuperative cup of tea and fruit which had been delivered.
    While we were out the tables had been set for the banquet this evening and the band set up by the pool. All looks very special!    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    New Year's Eve

    December 31, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    An afternoon rest set us up nicely for the evening festivities. I went to paint the Tamarind courtyard as the sun was setting and the celebration oil lamps were lit at the base of the tree and the atmosphere began to buzz (along with the mozzies).
    We descended at the appointed hour for Cosmapolitan cocktails and cashews in banana leaves. Many of the other people were in a group from Denmark. The hotel sales manager came to speak with us for a while. He is hoping to travel one day.
    The banquet began towards 8pm round the pool and we were seated next to a couple from Japan, who come to Chiang Mai each new year. Their English was very good and they explained they had been to Scotland in the summer via Manchester. There were dancers to entertain us till the band started.
    The menu was extensive with soups, prawns in various guises with Krabi lobster and Aussie lamb cutlets among the mains choices. Then French cheeses and too many desert options to count.
    The band were a bit patchy and Jan made a concerted effort to get the Danes to dance. By 11 we decided we’d head to the main city celebration by the three kings. It was busy but not heaving and a Thai singer took us up to midnight ( and the countdown to a little after). Then there were a few fireworks and continued lanterns in the sky.
    Back to the hotel and the band had got to YMCA! The staff joined in. They had put such a lot of effort into making the evening a special place to bring in 2019.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    New Year's Day

    January 1, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Fortunately we woke after a solid night sleep in time to catch breakfast by the pool, with no hint of the previous celebration, amazing clear up!
    We thought we would try and visit the temple on the hill, but found the red taxi disinclined, as the traffic was bad and he quoted 3x the reasonable fare. So we decided to visit the museums instead, which provided a fascinating look at the cultural history of Chiang Mai. We found a honey based cafe, the Golden Bee and had tea with lemon and honey and delicious Thai Green Curry with Roti. After the cultural museum we sat on the library veranda enjoying the pleasant afternoon sunshine.
    Jan then headed back while I went to the Wat Chedi Luang which had numerous spectacular Bhudda in the compound along with the city pillar.
    Later we chose to eat opposite at Poppy ‘s. Excellent food complete with coconut ice cream and mango from the tree.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler
    11

    To Koh Samui

    January 2, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    A little fresher this morning but bright and sunny for our final breakfast by the pool. It’s a shame to be leaving such a lovely spot. We just had time for Janet to visit the big temple complex opposite Poppy’s and see the Buddha that has been covered with gold leaf and the reclining Buddha.
    Our taxi driver was pessimistic about the traffic, but it only took us ten minutes to get to the airport. Bag drop etc were easy and the flight left on time. Once again Bangkok Airways service was excellent.
    Landing over the beach the airport was reminiscent of Maui. A short transfer and we were installed in our very well equipped chalet room. I write this reclining on the balcony listening to the birdsongs with Shanghi beer in hand while the sun sets.
    Our attempts to book a boat trip tomorrow scuppered by poor weather forecast as a storm is due.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Preparing for Pabuk

    January 3, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    Unable to do anything water based, after breakfast by the beach we took an uninspiring walk down the road to Chaweng Beach, had coffee and walked back.
    The infinity pool was a better option, cooling us down, then a lazy afternoon on the beach, painting and reading. This evening our meal at the Larder, was a little more upmarket, and delicious, 50m across the street.
    Returning we are advised breakfast tomorrow has been moved from the beach due to impending tropical storm Pabuk the first at this time of year fir 68 years. If the Daily Mirror is to be believed, the Island is evacuating. We will see.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Pabuk

    January 4, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 25 °C

    Relocated breakfast was very good in the conference room with dressed tables. Although it had rained in the night it didn’t seem too heavy nor windy for those of us used to Portland Bill! There wasn’t much to be done though and during the morning the storm intensified with water getting in from all round. I managed a session in the gym-not normal holiday activity and we had fortunately laid in some supplies for lunch. After we ventured to the lobby to reply to emails and took a short walk towards the beach until we were warned to turn back as the waves could be seen crashing in and a storm surge possible. Fortunately we are quite high up.
    The worst of the weather is forecast for three hours time and the hotel has organised a special buffet in the hotel conference room this evening.
    No flights or ferries have run today and the storm is featuring on BBC World News.
    We nipped across the road for a Thai curry amid the downpours-very good it was too.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    On to Bangkok

    January 5, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    The night was very wet and windy by all accounts and John Simpson had been drafted in to give a war zone feel to the storm reporting. I guess he’s had his holiday spoiled too.
    Fortunately the rain stopped in time to get to breakfast. And the sun has come out. The sea is still crashing onto the beach though. Our flight out is delayed but we still have to travel to the airport at the same time.
    We left in a tropical downpour with streets running water and the airport was hugely busy as expected. Our travel agent found us somewhere relatively quiet to wait with our bags, though we were almost inundated by the rain and wind while airport staff battled with squeegeeing.
    There was courtesy cakes and drinks and the flight eventually left at 14.15. In 55 minutes flight time the crew served a hot chicken and rice meal with chocolate cake. Once again remarkable service from Bangkok Air.
    Our hotel is a modern, high rise contrast of the same chain. Our room is on the 18th floor and the first thing we did was visit the infinity pool on floor 26 with fabulous views over the river. Cool at 24 degrees!
    We took the shuttle ferry across to Saphan Taksin where we found a little bar/ restaurant for a Chang (happy beer hour) and green curry. On the way back they treated us to a spectacular fireworks display on the river.
    So far so good.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Ho ho ho

    January 6, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    It’s orthodox Christmas tomorrow, Jimmy’s birthday too! We made it to the cathedral in time for the sermon which was all about embracing the joys of the season and promoting universal peace.
    From there we were a little perplexed at the pier as there were no obvious signs. However we boarded a busy commuter boat and headed up river eventually reaching the grand Palace.
    It was very busy particularly with the emerald Buddha and the Chinese tours very pushy. The buildings though are amazing especially the wall painting and ornate construction. We hopped on the tourist boat coming back which was much less manic. The river is very choppy in places it is surprising there are no collisions.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler
    Reclining Buddha
    Wat Arun

    Last day in Bangkok

    January 7, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    We are getting to grip with our surroundings now. Had an excellent Thai meal last evening down in Basil (no Fawlty happenings) with a tablet to order and very efficient, followed by an ice cream in Svensons next door.
    After another fine breakfast and excellent view we caught the shuttle then the hoho boat to Wat Arun transferring to the ferry taking is across the river to Wat Pho and the reclining Buddha. It was all much calmer today and peaceful in most parts of the temples. The reclining Buddha is truly enormous and serene at the same time.
    We returned to the hotel for some impromptu lunch as we must pack and fly on to Perth this evening.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Thailand Birds and mammals

    January 7, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Cattle Egret
    Eurasian tree Sparrow
    Swift
    Dove
    Pigeon
    Common Mynah
    Red Jungle Fowl (heard) and seen
    Oriental magpie robin

    Common Tailorbird
    Marsh Sandpiper

    Grey Heron
    Purple Heron
    Pond Heron
    Little Egret
    Cormorant

    Variable Squirrel-Bushy white tail and red brown    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    On to Perth

    January 8, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    We had a good drive to the airport, queue to get through border control (hoped they would let us leave) then boarded the A330 in seats 50A&B leaving on time just after midnight. The food was not great but the g&t assisted sleep of which we each managed 4 hours.
    Perth airport was quiet, the next international flight some 4 hours later. Taxi took us smoothly to 71 where we were met by the gardener watering his plants in his newly refurbished estate. Beautiful sunny day and clear air. Great to be back to see Crispy in fine form.
    We managed a short walk before it got too hot, a snooze in the afternoon and indiboms later, C’s visit 208(we had guessed 209, so close) and it transpires our first visit was no.16.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Wedding Day

    January 9, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    The day dawned bright and sunny. We were up to fit in a full walk to Burns Beach, where we had our first Aussie flat whites. I went for a dip in the pool, a respectable 26 c.
    Then we loaded the car as per instructions and headed south on Marmion Ave through Scarborough to Freo, picking up 6 bags of ice along the way, and to Be apartment overlooking the boat marina.
    The wedding venue in Kidigo Artspace was but a short drive to drop off the fizz and water and ice. The building was formerly a Kerosene store and dates from 1884.
    We had time to suit up and stroll down ready for the off at 16.15, beginning with a welcome from a representative of the indigenous people who sang a song accompanied by tapping two boomerang together.
    The ceremony was beautiful and the bride looked gorgeous in a very sparkly dress. Amanda and a cousin, Justin read and uncle Crispy played Bach at the conclusion.
    Photos followed then reception in nearby Bathers Beach House. All very magical and delicious food and wine with loads of opportunities to catch up and make new acquaintances among the speeches and an amazingly colourful sunset.
    A perfect wedding day.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Prep for the road trip

    January 10, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Breakfast on the terrace of apartment 15 then time to say farewell to Amanda and Benji who are staying a few days longer. In to town for coffee with Lindsey and John who fly on to Brisbane later.
    Then back to Ocean Reef for shopping and packing ahead of tomorrow’s road trip south. Very pleasant weather, not too hot.
    Out for a walk and pool before dinner.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Karri Valley

    January 11, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Another beautiful sunny day. I set off around nine to drop Charlie at Edgwater to catch the train into Perth to collect our Kia Carnival for our trip south. He returned with the bus, we loaded and set off around eleven, pausing to add me to the hire.
    The roads were quiet and we made good time until the road was closed and a diversion in place and fire trucks wizzing about. Fortunately it didn’t take long to regain our intended route arriving at Karri Valley chalets just before four.
    What an idyllic spot. Kookaburras Kangaroos and a veranda to enjoy our sundown drinks.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler
    Karri Valley Resort Beedlup Lake
    '28' parrot

    Stay with wildlife

    January 12, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    We awoke to find the Roos up and a little Joey out front. Having our first cuppa, two Emu strode past the back. We are truly staying in the wild.
    After scrumptious breakfast we headed to Pemberton, where after a coffee stop we boarded tram 1 for a ride along the tramway stopping at the Cascades falls and turning back after stopping on Warren Bridge. At the Cascades we were allowed off and spotted a Marron (crayfish) in the brown water. Wayne, our driver, gave a first class commentary much of it based on personal experience in the timber mill or family.
    On the way back we made a small detour along Cherry bearup rd.
    After lunch in the chalet we decided on a walk round Beedlup Falls and lake, a short drive away. The falls had a small amount of water trickling down among old Karri and Marri trees. Christopher however was intent on walking back to the chalet armed with a plan map from the property. He left us halfway round the lake heading up the Beedlinum track. We continued round the lake past Karri Valley Resort, where we had ice creams.
    When we got back there was no sign of Christopher so I set off up the track getting practically all the way back with no sign. Charlie and Jan meanwhile got the property owner , Roger, out in his 4-wheel drive while Sue waited at the chalet.
    I was picked up and we drove the last section of the path, then turned and scoured the fire break tracks to no avail. Returning to the chalet we found him exchanging shouts with Sue. He had missed the junction and chalet and walked much further on to the next road before turning back. It was a huge relief for all and Roger could get back to his 60th birthday party. Celebration all round.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Drive to Albany

    January 13, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Departing our idyllic chalet we headed east towards Walpole, driving through all manner of Karri and Marri trees. Coffee stop on the Top Deck then on to Denmark where we had an excellent lunch. We reached Albany shortly after 2pm and found our accommodation to be spacious and extremely well equipped.
    A short stroll brings us to Middleton Beach where we ate in the Three Anchors, whilst being entertained by a three piece band and some super whale photos.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Albany

    January 14, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    In the morning after a hearty breakfast we visited the ANZAC museum just along the scenic drive. It was very well presented, with each of us being given a card with which we were identified with a character from WW1 and were able to follow their story through various battles. At 10.39 we joined Tony for an entertaining tour of the fort, which dates from a similar period to the Verne on Portland. After coffee we shopped at IGA, fuelled the car and bought stamps for cards.
    An afternoon walk along the boardwalk was very enjoyable topped off with Tasmanian bubbles to complete the day.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler

    Orca watching

    January 15, 2019, Indian Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Up with the sun to drive 175km for a Whale watching trip from Bremer Bay. The boat is operated by a family and there were some 25 on board when we set out at 8am. Unfortunately it was quite rough with a swell producing a corkscrew motion that led to several passengers feeling the worse for wear. About an hour out we reached the canyon where the sea bed drops away to 1000m and almost immediately we caught site of a couple of Orca with Albatross and Shearwater flying round. The on board commentary was excellent and many of the Orca were known by name.
    Over several hours we saw three pods in all and a wandering Albatross, the largest flying bird. We followed one pod for some time, which had a nine month old called Stormy staying very close to its grandmother. Several came under the boat giving us up close views.
    The crew were really attentive throughout and served snacks and excellent lunch, topping off with beer or champagne.
    We got back around 17.30 and after dinner went out to see Field of Light, a light installation by Bruce Munroe, up by the Anzac museum.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler
    Mt Romance Sandalwood Factory
    Natural BridgeUncle Crispy

    A Tour of Albany

    January 16, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    After another gourmet breakfast and visit to the recycling point we headed out on a tour of Albany. First we went to the Sandalwood Factory which processes WA Sandalwood, manufacturing cosmetics and sending quantities to pharmaceutical companies. We had a very interesting tour , purchased some products and stopped for coffee.
    Next we headed south and found a beautiful spot at Rushy Pt where we spotted birds from the beach.
    Next the Gap and Natural Bridge with beautiful views of the Southern Ocean and rock formations. The Blowholes were not blowing so we went on to the Whaling Station for a spot of lunch and view of the Plein air painting group. Lunch accompanied by blue tail lizard.
    Returning via Quarantine Point and the IGA we had to visit Emu Pt at the other end of Middleton Beach- a lovely spot.
    Cocktails were scuppered by the bar being closed on Wednesday so we resorted to g&t in our apartment before heading out to Hooked for the best f&c in WA. They were brilliant - a selection of hake from SE Atlantic and local Nannygai (red snapper) and Denmark Cobbler - all very excellent.    Read more

  • Jan and AndrewThailand and WATraveler
    1

    Return to Ocean Reef

    January 17, 2019 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Another fine start to a day. We had another good breakfast and packed and cleaned ready to leave for Perth by ten.
    Heading up the Albany Highway past the Sandalwood Factory through mainly agricultural landscape. We stopped for coffee at a lovely Black Cockatoo cafe in Kojonup with a great souvenir shop attached.
    We took a picnic lunch at Williams and returned just after four having completed some 1700 km.
    We later rustled up a pasta and sauce and unwound watching the sunset and tennis.    Read more

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