• Heather Randolph

Thailand Island Hopping

Ein 22-Tage Abenteuer von Heather Weiterlesen
  • Beginn der Reise
    17. Dezember 2021

    Leaving Boston

    17. Dezember 2021 in Südkorea ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    I was happy to have passed the Thai Pass inspection and my actual flight to Thailand was likely. I went to the Air France Lounge and the young woman who checked me in was surprised I was on the same flight as the ostensibly Korean students who appeared to be heading home for the holidays. It was about a 21 hour flight. I can say one thing. I was very well fed, for free. The Air France lounge, I have the Priority Pass, which I received from my AMEX Platinum. Nice benefit! Not sure it’s worth it to get the card just for this. It is great when there is a layover.
    When I checked in the clerk said I had a middle seat on the first flight, but a window on the Seoul to Bangkok leg. She said the clerk at Korean Air could put me on a list to get a different seat if someone doesn’t show up.
    I checked in with the clerk there, who said I did actually already have a window seat and the boarding pass was incorrect. Good thing I found out about this before boarding the flight!
    Shortly after takeoff, we had dinner, Bibimbap. Came with a separate bowl of rice and desert. We were offered red or white wine. I think you could have unlimited alcohol but it was never actually offered. After about six hours a snack was offered. I chose the pizza pocket and it was just that. I wished I’d chosen the banana.
    Later on we had another nice meal. I chose the beef stew (chicken stew the other choice) and it was a very nice meal as well. No offer of wine but had some soft drink.
    After we landed (five movies later) I went to the Matins lounge using Priority Pass, and they had a very nice spread. As full as I already was I couldn’t help but try a delicious stir fry from the buffet. They also had a nice beer on tap. I noticed later there were lockers near the wash room which would have been useful.
    Next flight was only six hours. Ginger beef was my choice, could have had the chicken stew. I imagine the chicken stew was like the beef stew except with chicken. Ginger beef was my least favorite, though I liked it and the side dishes were nice. We also were served ice cream cups, raspberry cheesecake. It was a nice thought.
    Finally!! Bangkok!
    We were given chairs to sit on whole another inspection of Thai Pass, some other papers out of my little stack. Then I went to a passport line.
    After getting my bags I found the Marriott person and in no time I was in a private van going through Bangkok.
    We stopped at a hospital and I had a drive through Covid test. The Doctor or Nurse was very pleasant. Then to my hotel room which was very nice. I took a bath in the large bath tub. Since I like baths! I figure very few people use it. Just a little awkward to get in and out of it.
    I woke up early the next morning. I made some of the Copper Cow pour over coffee I brought. I decided to call the lobby to find the results of my Covid test. I wasn’t worried. I’ve had so many Covid tests lately. It was negative. I can leave my room!
    Weiterlesen

  • First Day Bangkok

    19. Dezember 2021 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    Found out my test was negative! Breakfast at the Marriott. Kind of chaotic there but lot of choices. The concierge who was lovely suggested I go to the weekend market by taxi. It was quite an experience!Weiterlesen

  • Arrival in Phuket

    19. Dezember 2021 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    Arrived after taking Thai Smile airlines. Was tired after a long day. Nice place! Air B&B. Walked up the hill, found a restaurant called “Rock?” There was a group sitting at a long table, and some young men playing pool. I was shown a seat near the pool table which was on an open air deck. There we’re only two items on the menu, the Pork and the beef? Chose the beef & was a lovely mussaman curry served with French fries. Wonderful! The waiter/owner even serenaded us later accompanied by a young man on the “drums” to songs including John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads”Weiterlesen

  • Phuket! Tigers, Elephants and Monkeys

    22. Dezember 2021 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Visited Elephants (took an Elephant Ride) visited Monkey performance and tossed a ball back & forth with a monkey. Visited another Tiger park, they had a one month old tiger available!

  • On to Ko Phi Phi!

    23. Dezember 2021 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Left Phuket! Took 2 hour fairy to Ko Phi Phi.
    I immediately liked Phi Phi. The woman who sold me a ticket on the Speedboat to Ko Lipe helped me bring my bags to my hotel JJ Residence which is very close to the port. It was difficult finding a good place to stay on Ko Phi Phi! JJ Residence is closer to town than the beach. I did really like it and the proprietor. I was taking some selfies the first day and three cats came into my balcony and kept me company!Weiterlesen

  • Cats of Thailand

    26. Dezember 2021 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    My first night in Phuket there was a little grey cat waiting for me. I let it spend the night with me and it fell asleep on a pile of my clothing. The next day it let out a tremendous yowl and I let it out. I could not figure out what the cat wanted and I eventually came to realize the cats are well fed. There are feeding programs for the cats. What they lack is affection. Someone to notice them.
    My next adventure with cats was Ko Phi Phi. I notice some of the cats had short tails and I guessed the tails were injured at some point. Then I realized they all have short tails! So it must be genetic! Same with cats on Ko Lipe. Ko Lipe seems to have mainly cats owned by someone. Although they are outdoor, Thai life on the islands is primarily outdoors.
    Weiterlesen

  • On to Ko Lipe!

    26. Dezember 2021 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Leaving for Ko Lipe! Before going to the ferry dock took a few final photos of Ko Phi Phi!
    One of the drawbacks of “Island Hopping” is that I feel like I loose a day on every transition! Packing in the morning (I wake up early so it makes no sense to pack the night before) then go to the ATM to make sure I have ample funds just in case. Lugging my bags around to some degree. Traveling, even if it’s a short trip is tiring.
    Going from Ko Phi Phi to Ko Lipe took about four hours. I waited at the dock in the hot Sun. A couple and there bags had all the shade underneath the awning of the 711. I was one of the last in because I had to carry my bags along this green surface that bags don’t roll well over.
    It is tricky getting into the speedboat! It is slippery though there is help. Two of my bags are waterproof I kept thinking!
    This man I was next to I had the feeling didn’t’t like me. He’s not the first I’ve met from a country where people are rude. Not sure which country it is! So Americans are not so bad! Americans are a little more friendly, a little more open and polite. Shocking, I know!
    People were starting to get off. “Should you be getting off?” He said. I was confused since we were all getting off there. I got up but it didn’t make a difference since it was awhile before I was going to get out since I was in the back.
    At least they just threw the bags into the next boat so I didn’t have to carry them! What a relief!
    Next time I’m getting a larger wheeled bag!!!
    On the next leg there was a woman next to me trying her best to sit as far away from me as possible. Am I paranoid? Another impossibly thin white housewife with kids.
    Finally out of what seemed an impossibly long trip, just went on and on. I was told by my host I could pick up a motorcycle taxi. As I carried my bags to shore (which looked lovely by the way) I saw people being picked up by motorcycle taxi. I saw one then another man stepped in front of me! I am not imagining things! I know he saw me. The cab driver said he’d take both of us. So there! He was even rude when he got out, at a not fantastic hotel attached to a coffee shop (I guessed) not so great as the Lipe Beach Resort! Ha!
    He said “you’ll need to move for me to get out” not “pardon me” or “excuse me” just wondering which is the rude country? Australia?
    Not that it ruined my day. What I find is there are many tourists from other countries. So most people do not speak English.
    When I arrived at Ko Lipe check in was smooth. Love my room! Surprised to find no microwave. Not a big deal just that I had purchased food at a 7/11 that I had thought I could eat while I was there since I hadn’t got around to eating it. So I brought it with me to Ko Samui.
    Had dinner at the resort and a reviewer had said “bad food” but my Larb was very tasty & hit the spot. Right on the beach!
    Travel seems to take most of the day unless it’s a really short trip. And it is tiring!
    Weiterlesen

  • Ko Lipe

    27. Dezember 2021 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Arrived at Lipe Beach Resort. Had a nice Pork Larb at a table on the beach. What a journey! Took on Speedboat to Ko Lanta then a second one to Ko Lipe that seemed endless. It is like being a sardine. The one drawback to Island Hopping is spending a day in transit.Weiterlesen

  • Longboat Trip

    28. Dezember 2021 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    A black lab has been following me around the hotel grounds. Sitting on a platform on the beach, went to order a drink and noticed the dog settled under my platform! He/she was on the doormat to my room when I awoke the first morning.
    Took a boat trip to visit various islands. Saw some beautiful fish. Some in bright pink, blue and iridescent colors. There were some flat fish yellow with diagonal stripes! We went to Tarturo National Park to have our boxed lunches. I ordered a delicious papaya salad and a coconut.
    Weiterlesen

  • A very Special Restaurant!

    28. Dezember 2021 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Found my way to Walking Street. I enjoyed the walk for the most part! Sometimes the humidity builds up and the heat! On a dirt road with the heat of the day it can be rather uncomfortable. The good part was seeing interesting things. Like the little restaurant where a very pleasant woman said “hello” in Thai. I decided to make the sacrifice of coming for dinner to help the local economy not expecting much. The restaurant closes at 6:00pm butt my bedtime is 7 or 8 pm so this was not too problematic. When I arrived she asked me if I would like to sit outside on the beach? I didn’t know she had outdoor seating!
    It was wonderful. A deck with a small bar with four what looked to be beer bottles. Wanting to try a Thai beer that looked exotic no English on the bottle I was surprised it was sold warm. I wondered if this type beer is sold warm?
    Upon tasting it I realized it is not beer! It was Whiskey! I was disappointed.
    My dish came. I ordered the chicken with basil and she got the spice level right. It is difficult to say how spicy, I like spicy but not too spicy!
    I went back two more times, I got the fried chicken (not coated, more like stir fry) which came with a fried egg and a sauce which was like a vinaigrette with large pieces of garlic or shallot in it. The last time I went a woman was happily peeling a large metal bowl of shrimp. She said the fresh shrimp just came in and would I like Pad Thai with fresh shrimp?
    They had saved the whiskey for me. She told me it is better with green tea. It was much better with the bottled green tea she brought out!
    When I told her this was my last evening on Ko Lipe she said “see you next time” and was gracious and smiling and pleasant as always.
    Weiterlesen

  • Last full Day Ko Lipe

    29. Dezember 2021 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Woke up at 5:30am, later than usual! Used my free breakfast coupon for pancakes this morning with mixed fruit, pineapple and mango. Delicious. Ordered a Cappuccino.
    My game plan was to do my laundry, arrange my trip from Ko Lipe to Ko Samui, and see the rest of Walking Street. I knew I really needed to finalize that trip first and foremost, since it is a six to ten hour trip.
    I stopped at the travel agency where the man told me to come the day before my trip. I hated waiting this long. When I stopped there a woman told me he was not there yet and to come back before lunch. I stopped on my way back from shopping and she said she could make the arrangements. I decided on a taxi ride from Pak Bara to the port where I would pick up a ferry to Ko Samui. I also had to take a ferry to Pak Bara from Ko Lipe. She had a young golden cat, which she said his name means golden in Thai. She said he had no parents and she had adopted him. The cat sat contentedly on the counter. Although I paid 5,500 BT that was about $168.00 so I think a pretty good price!
    Next fetched my laundry from the washer, put it out to dry. Walked into town for last minute shopping.. Mainly for myself! I like it that in Ko I Lipe the store owners said I can do a try on. At Phi Phi no one had a dressing room. Sometimes they allow trying on over clothes but not as good.
    I actually took an iPad cord and knotted it at several places so I could make a rough measurement when I saw a bathing suit cover up I liked! Thank goodness the store owner offered to let me try it on. The washroom was wet that he offered to me but it was really worth it to do a try on. I decided on the white version. But maybe I should have got the black? I just thought the white was less shop worn.
    That was my first day. This day I had realized I did not see all of Walking Street. When I took the long boat trip I had realized when people were dropped of near their hotel that there is a part of walking street that goes down to Sunset Beach.
    I saw one shop with some amazing goods. A dark skinned man with lose dreadlocks told me again, I can try on!
    I ended out with a handmade black dress, so nice. I think it will serve some use in the Spring or Summer, possibly fall. I also purchased a bag that was around $50.00. Seems so expensive at $1,200 BT! I was looking at another two bags. He’s so suspicious. He moved the bags I noticed, to a place he could see them from his counter. Kept asking me how I was doing with try ons (in his bedroom) and it was a hot day so try on went slower than usual. But, there could be theft from tourists or even non tourists. When I decided to purchase the bag he took some photos for his website of me wearing the bag!
    I also found some pants, perfect for this weather! In another shop that even had a changing room.
    I was looking for a sushi 🍣 restaurant. I thought I saw an ad on the shore. Could not find it. The fish they have would make great sushi, and some restaurants serve it, but it is unusual.
    I settled on a mango passion fruit drink and figured I’d skip lunch since I am never really hungry in the day in Thailand. I decided on an early dinner at my Very Special Restaurant.
    Weiterlesen

  • From Ko Lipe to Ko Samuie

    30. Dezember 2021 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Had my last breakfast fruit over muesli with yogurt at the Lipe Beach Resort! Ordered a Cappuccino and left a $200 Baht tip.
    Met my cab driver walking back to my room. Comforting to know he knows who I am & will be picking me up.
    Then went to pack and walk to the lobby area. There is a bench where guests typically wait with their baggage. My cab driver came along and we had a bouncy ride in the motorcycle taxi. In general I prefer walking!
    Actually got on the earlier boat which was running late as usual. The boat bounced and slammed down for the first 3/4 of the trip.
    The person had the sign for the agency which I saw right away. I was concerned about my iPad Pro and the bouncing. Actually I found my backpack was damp. I regretted not bringing it onto the ship. What was I thinking? It was well protected in the case (a) so it was good to go! Thankfully.
    The woman who waited for me & took me to the cab was not so helpful. She took my wheeled bag but I was left with two backpacks and a handbag! It was a long walk. We arrived at the taxi stand. Now I am in car and I guess I can relax!
    Not much to see on this 6.5 hour trip! Highway and vegetation, a large double decker McDonalds.
    Weiterlesen

  • New Years Most Relaxing Day!

    1. Januar 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Heard a large crash in the middle of the night. It was New Years Eve fireworks! I just saw flashes of light since I couldn’t find my glasses in time.

    Beautiful gentle breeze! Surf!
    Made a delicious muesli with passion fruit and a very sweet pineapple I bought at the market I went to last night.
    Stopped at a unique coffee shop called Monkey Bar. Not politically correct but I’m sure they don’t know that!
    My host has been very involved! Great that she tried to arrange a trip to Elephant Sanctuary for me today. Sometimes it is a little frustrating arranging activities! Sometimes I’d rather just lay on the beach. I know I may have a great time on these outings and see more of Ko Samui and have some good photos and some memories.
    I already booked a Pig Island trip tomorrow at 9:00am. She said the Elephant Sanctuary is booked today and you know I don’t mind. Hoping to take a dip in the ocean. Also I have a lot of food left over from the market last night.
    My host suggested I visit the market at the port where I came from. I was thinking handicrafts?
    It was almost 100% food. Some foods looked kind of scary & most did not speak English. One person told me to microwave the chicken leg for two minutes so she was a rare one who did. That seemed to make it more fun 🤩. I was glad I brought my tote bag since I had a heavy bag of food by then! I think I will eat lunch soon!
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  • Boat Trip to National Park Ko Samui

    2. Januar 2022, Gulf of Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Waiting for the boat to get going. They give you a life jacket but don’t appear to enforce it’s use.
    More than an hour in an angry 🌊 but enjoying the tossing.
    We arrived at a location, then got into two longboats, then went to a dock. They helped s from the boat to the dock saying “up,up,up” to encourage me to step on the slats used for seats. Then we were on an undulating dock.
    Arrived at the park. Had to climb up stairs made of large rocks and then down. Seemed like a lot. Some people had sandals and some women in sundresses.
    At the park I bought a cap for Joe with a military look. They said I can leave my backpack there but where would I put my water and iPhone?
    I started the clime upwards like 100 stone stairs. What a struggle. I didn’t realize this was optional!!!
    This one German man, prob sixties - reminded me of Dennis! He says “you should take breaks”
    I was kind of offended! But he was right. Resting at the view points did help.
    Going down wasn’t as bad. I knew I would make it.
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  • Hui Lard Waterfall Magic Garden & Tradit

    3. Januar 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Danny my host’s friend took me to visit the tranquil Hin Lard waterfall. Monks live there in little detached houses with the windows boarded up. There are also some shrines.
    Then we went to his mom’s house to enjoy banana wrapped in banana leaf and steamed.
    Then we went to the Magic Garden.
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  • Elephant Sanctuary

    4. Januar 2022 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Pick up at 8:10. Very loud family with three kids got in the van. Arrived at check in. I wasn’t on the list. Showed my QR code. Was shown to a room offering coffee, tea and snacks but no milk or cream. Took a black tea and tried a bun. Tasted exactly like a Twinkie!
    At least some other people arrived. I can see elephants roaming around in enclosures and can smell them. Not in an offensive way.
    After feeding the elephants the balls we made from rice, coconut, tamarind, palm sugar, we broke into two groups. I went with the group with no screaming children. I was disappointed so many were not wearing masks. It was probably not too dangerous for me but showed an attitude.
    We went to other elephants and he told their story and explained how they had lost precious time during Covid when there were no tourists.
    They still had to feed the elephants. The elephants are fed premium products.
    Then we saw an elephant take a bath. Then two elephants covered themselves in mud.
    Last we had a light lunch of fruit, French fries and a green desert with a gel like consistency.
    Next I laid on the beach for about two hours. Then I went for my 2:00pm scheduled massage.
    She found tender places I knew and didn’t know about. If only massages were this inexpensive in the States!
    After that I decided to jump into the ocean. Such a warm & beautiful day here. And it would be my last time in the ocean for another six months!
    Then I decided I would go out for dinner. I hate to admit, I don’t really crave Thai food every day. I haven’t found any new loves. Perhaps masselman curry - but would it taste that good the next time as my first night in Phuket? I may try making it at home.
    Now I am at Armando’s. A reviewer said the cordon blue was good. I imagined it was chicken, but on the menu it’s pork. I was wondering if it would be on the menu tonight? I saw a billboard outside the restaurant and it was on it. This made me go inside because it sounded good, and not Thai food. I will eat Thai food again for sure.
    Thinking back, I did not get to a restaurant my first night here and I regret it. I started to walk down the beach but the tide was in so I had to go to the street, and didn’t want to make my way to the restaurants. I will miss the beachside restaurant!
    Tomorrow - onto Bangkok!
    Weiterlesen

    Ende der Reise
    7. Januar 2022