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Thai Moon
  • Angela Lynn
  • Mike Lynn
  • Angela Lynn
  • Mike Lynn

Thai Moon

M&A’s first adventure as husband and wife. 🤍 Läs mer
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  • Resans start
    26 december 2023
  • Thai Moon
    2

    Katong, Singapore

    28 december 2023, Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Spent the day exploring this small, colorful town of Katong! Known for their colorful shophouses and rich history, we snagged some breakfast at a small, local go-to place Chin Mee Chin Confectionary, then walked the streets to see the Koon Seng Road Houses (most colorful street of houses in Singapore, we were told), and topped off the afternoon with a bite at a local place and gelatos at Bird of Paradise next to the famous Red House.

    P.S. Stopped for first massage and Mike endured a special scaling experience. Lol. #oneanddone.

    That’s a wrap for Singapore. ✌🏼Next stop Bangkok!    Läs mer

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    Bangkok Day 1 - Tuk Tuk Tour

    29 december 2023, Thailand ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Nighttime Tuk Tuk tour; there were four topics “Kevin” (our tour guide) covered = markets (flower and food) - history (SO many temples) - nightlife + food. Tour approved!!!

    P.S. Lots of Tuk Tuk videos we wish we could share here… only space for 2. “Jack” was our Tuk Tuk driver and Mike really hit it off. Look @ Mike making friends whenever he goes!Läs mer

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    Bangkok Day 2 - Daytime

    30 december 2023, Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Wat arun “Temple of the Dawn”… how breath-taking this temples is! Spent the day exploring Wat arun, lunch at a Michelin rated restaurant along the Chao Phraya river (Rongros - which was only $50 for SO much food) and had live entertainment) and then a massage. Met a new furry friend along the way too. 🐕

    Soooo many people here for the New Year so didn’t get to tour a few other sites on our list but maybe Day 3!    Läs mer

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    Bangkok Day 2 - Nightime Shenanigans

    30 december 2023, Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Muay Thai fight? YES please. Give me a beer, popcorn and competition and I’m one happy lass. Went to see Muay Thai at the oldest Muay Thai stadium. Very entertaining, and highly recommend!

    From there we traveled outskirts of Bangkok to what is called the Train Market. Food, shops and vintage cars for what seemed like forever long! Snagged some high quality shirts, shorts and skort (yes you read that right) for $14 total.

    Then by the grace of God… we made it safely back to the hotel. This safety officer was not pleased with our Grab’s (Thailand’s version of an Uber) driving on the way home. SO many safety violations, including a 1/5th of Vodka that she very proudly showed us in route. Mike said it wasn’t opened but I think she had a few pulls before we entered. But she offered Mike some bananas as good luck for the New Year, so we wish her well! 😂    Läs mer

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    Bangkok Day 3 - New Years Eve

    31 december 2023, Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    NYE in Bangkok started off with a long-boat canal tour. The tour was an hour and a half of cruising the canals where many locals live. No building code requirements to say the least. Snagged a cool Chang mid-tour to quench my thirst from a floating merchant and then it was wait for their canal lock system to release us back to the river.

    These long boats can really scoot along the water! Boats are equipped with diesel truck engines (yes, they roll coal) on the back of these hogs and the way the “captain” navigates these boats demands respect.

    Lunch at a small place across from Wat Pho, the “reclining” Buddha followed, then it was time to go check out this big “lounge lizard”. Super packed with people, so you can imagine our enjoyment of that piece but super worth it. Have SO many questions about these temples…
    And still haven’t gotten the guts to give a monk a nuggie… yet. 😉 Jk (a little). Made sure to place our 💛 for 2024 on the wishing tree before departing.

    Tried to visit the Grand Palace but crowds were TOO much. This is definitely on my list to visit next time in Bangkok.

    It was then time to head back to hotel, which equals tuk-tuk time! 🙌🏼

    Best. Tuk Tuk. Yet. This guy drove like he stole it and we felt like it was like an amusement ride. This guy cut our time back to hotel by like 30 mins! A few close calls but he was a “tuk tuk ninja”!

    Rang in the New Year with dinner by the river, then rooftop bar and a foot massage before heading back to hotel in time to watch fireworks at midnight. 🎆

    What a way to wrap up one of the most treasured years! #blessed

    🤍 M&A 🤍    Läs mer

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    Chiang Mai Day 1 - Exploring

    1 januari 2024, Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Spent the remainder of our first day in Chiang Mai exploring a bit and making plans for the next few days.

    Hotel (Na Nirand) is peaceful and SO beautiful. Tucked away off the street and on the river… with surreal grounds. 10 out of 10!

    The hotel recommended The Fern Forest for lunch and that was equally pleasing in atmosphere, food and drinks.

    Finished at the Night Market for a little snack and some shopping and… probably the best massage yet! On the hunt for P&P’s artist that drew their Thai woman picture… SO hoping we find her! 🙏🏼 Wish us luck!    Läs mer

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    Bugs... hard pass...

    Chiang Mai Day 2 - Scoot Gang

    2 januari 2024, Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Slept in a bit this morning… Then it was time for breakfast before Mike rented us a “red rocket” for the day. Seemed like a fun idea until I was faced with jumping aboard. 😬

    SIDE NOTE: If you have been following the tuk tuk adventures, you can imagine my excitement to have my knee caps exposed to cars inches away during our travels.

    But off we went…. scooting through Chiang Mai like the ol’ Wood-town Scoot Gang (Zs old “gang”) and into the mountains to visit Phra That Doi Suthep temple. Beautiful drive but I was too chicken to video while we were making our way. Missed opportunity for sure!

    Doi Suthep is a beautiful temple up in the mountains, with lush green everywhere. It is undergoing a restoration (rightfully so) as this pup was built back in the 1300’s!

    Very peaceful place with a built-in stair-master. The bonus was the pups everywhere just living their best life! Very different physiques vs the dogs in Guatemala. Promise you that!

    Happy to report that we made it safe and sound back down the mountain and back to the hotel (not the one in V-town) to clean up for our evening festivities. 🤍    Läs mer

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  • Thai Moon
    11Finished product #11Finished product #2

    Chiang Mai Day 2 - Lynn’s Can Cook!

    2 januari 2024, Thailand ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    BIG l-o-v-e for Thai food we have so Mike booked us a cooking class. Talk about risky! 50/50 chance I’d burn down the joint but Mike lives life on the edge so bring on the burners!

    Wasn’t sure what to expect but fully embraced the experience and that the light at the end of the tunnel was a delicious, fresh Thai meal!

    Even volunteered as a Master Chef (well… no one else volunteered so it was more by default volunteer deal).

    Sue (our teacher) was amazing! Toured their garden, took a trip to the local market where many of these ingredients can be found and then back to the school to get to cooking!

    Made 5 different dishes, including a curry paste that we could use for our curry-based dishes. Spring rolls, a soup (forgot the name but coconut milk based) and Pad See Ew.

    Their motto is to cook with emotion! You can imagine my emotion as Sue turned Chiang Mai into a Master Chef episode. 😂

    I’ll admit… this was a very fun experience! And no inextinguishable fires!

    Stayed tuned for the next episode of Lynn’s Can Cook!    Läs mer

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    Chiang Mai Day 3 - Chai Lai Orchid

    3 januari 2024, Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    The title of our day is a bit misleading… there wasn’t a delicate orchid to be found. Instead the day was filled with gentle giants, i.e., elephants, and what seemed to be a living-breathing episode of Survivor.

    Chai Lai Orchid is an elephant camp where you can feed, bathe and walk with the elephants. Riding these majestic animals is no longer an option… bummer!🙁👎🏼

    Day began with being picked up in a truck, where we rode in the back (no seatbelts 😬) for 1+ hours to the camp. Not quite the cattle trucks we rode in Guatemala but close! Upon arrival it was check-in and go-time.

    Our guide, Jackie Chan (his guide name, not Thai name but we 100% appreciated it) swooped us up and off we went.

    Started with a raft trip along the river on bamboo rafts… followed by 5 miles of hiking beautiful mountain sides, stopping to take-in one of God’s waterfalls.

    During our travels, Jackie Chan stopped along the way showing us different leaves and plants that are used for things like medicine, shampoo and cooking. Jackie Chan’s tribe is called the Karin tribe. Don’t quote me on that spelling. His grandmother of 106 years young still lives high in the mountains in his village. Her secret… all natural. Never been to a doctor or even to Chiang Mai! The simple life, with little stress probably has a role in her longevity.

    We definitely worked up an appetite. Lunch time = time to cook in the jungle. Jackie Chan built a fire from pine sap shavings, and led the way on how to make veggie soup and “chicken bbq” using bamboo. Plates were made from leaves, spoons from bamboo and sling-shots (also from bamboo) for hunting. We could go on and on about Jackie Chan’s survival skills but we won’t… let’s say… I’d want him on my Survivor team!

    SIDE NOTE: I think everyone would agree, I’d be first to be voted off the island. Nobody needs their checkbook balanced when forging for food, hunting for squirrels or cooking roots. “If you can’t be an athlete, be an athletic supporter” so I provided lots of encouragement along the way.

    Then the big finale…. Elephants!! WOW x million! Mike was in his element… loving every step with these gals. Pics of his smile and joy tell his story! 😍 Man can these ladies pack in the food!!!!!

    The time at camp concluded with bath time! One 5 year old elephant (teenager) was “naughty” per Jackie Chan. So as you may have guessed, we named her Naughty by Nature (another rap reference - you are welcome). She was so fun to watch and loved, loved, loved the water. Her Mahout had his hands full as he was responsible for her and her mama.

    FUN FACT: Mahout’s spend their days with one elephant (or two when have a young one + mama). I was shocked to learn that an elephant will only listen to their mahout. Wonder if I could be Payton’s mahout as my new career? #opentonetworking

    Before we departed back to Chiang Mai, Mike was also able to reconnect with Charlie (guide from his 2018 trip) and share pics of their kiddos (past and present). 💚 Cherry on top to our day!!!

    P.S. I didn’t get voted off the “island” so I will be back to Chai Lai Orchid!    Läs mer

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  • Thai Moon

    Chiang Mai Day 4 - Monk Chat 💛

    4 januari 2024, Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Buddhism… so many questions. Do they believe in a god? Is it a religion? Why all the temples? Can Monk’s even talk to me being a woman? Reincarnation vs rebirth? Why can’t I give them a nuggie?

    Mike had to endure the million questions I fired his way this last week so in true Mike fashion, he set up a Monk Chat! Who knew this was a thing? Well… Mike did! And his buddy, Canadian Chris “CC” (who is retired working for you).

    Link to CC’s YouTube: https://youtu.be/FY44TBIluq0

    Phra KK is his name and Buddhism is his game. Crazy how things work out, as Phra KK was the same monk CC interviewed. 😳 He traveled 1 1/2 hours from his temple just to meet with us, given it was Buddhist holiday and no one else was available.

    The teachings were wonderful! Almost like he knew I was a note taker, as he provided me pen and paper, and then went to town starting from Buddha’s birth to his death, then to old vs present day practices and the differences between South East Asia Buddhism vs North East Asia Buddhism.

    Goal of a Buddhist? To achieve Nirvana… not the Kurt Cobain kind but mind/body balance, the “middle road”. Enlightenment.

    Buddhism is not a religion either! No god… What I witnessed and classified as worship as people bowed down and provided offerings of flowers and food, Phra KK said it was their people’s way of showing respect to Buddha’s teachings. Bowing down is also a physical way to keep one’s ego in check. The statues and practices were all reminders for Buddhist people to live right, with respect and be humble. Ego should not be their amigo, ya know?

    As for women and monks, it’s a myth that monk’s can’t talk to women. They can most definitely talk with the ladies but no touching. Thats a big no-no. And there are woman monks! Just very few… the path for women to become a monk has more challenges. One example, women monks have 311 “rules” vs 227 for men.

    There is SO much more info to digest. In fact; 3 pages of notes to review. And, Phra KK gifted us with a book that may answer more questions. We gifted Phra KK with knowledge that “R is for Rad” so I’m sure he got as much out of this chat as we did. 😉

    Next trip to Chiang Mai, Phra KK invited us to do an overnight mediation retreat in the mountains. Mike got his WhatsApp so I’m sure Phra KK will reach out to us. Maybe we can teach him about God and Jesus Christ, and how I see God’s hands working in their Buddhist practices. Who knows? 🙏🏼 Stay tuned!

    After we digested Monk Chat, it was time to digest some more food. Not our best meal… but probably best so we didn’t have full bellies for our massage time. Decided to do it big on the massages for our last night in Chiang Mai and the Thai didn’t disappoint.

    After massages… one more meal at a small restaurant, and another night market trip before turning in for the night.

    Another full day and so much to be grateful for. God is good.

    Tomorrow off to Khao Sok National Park! ✈️    Läs mer

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  • Thai Moon
    1Mike challenging a play... lol2

    Khao Sok Day 1 - R&R

    5 januari 2024, Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Once all settled in at the Montania… we snagged a bite at a peaceful, sit-on-pillow Thai restaurant down the way. Food was delicious and made me want to seek out a place back home where I can dine in this fashion!

    From there… poolside where one could lay in quiet, except for the many jungle birds singing their tunes. Mike educated me on the “karst” mountains that surrounded us with their beauty and I pondered the news that this jungle was older than the Amazon (not Besos) . And that there were a reported 200 wild elephants still roaming this park. Jurassic Park anyone? Raptors? Hope I recognize them (😉, inside joke).

    The sun set so we ventured back to our bungalow where we barely cleaned up and headed back to the small town for dinner.

    The restaurant was full of young backpacking travelers, just taking in life. For Mike and I, we were “mature” travelers, taking in life. Same same but different. No backpacking for us. Would be a shame for us to climb those mountains in half the time they do… so we will sit that out.

    Mike challenged me to a game of Jenga instead and in my true competitive nature, I accepted. I’ll let you guess who won. 😉

    Off to lake tomorrow! Know that we love you all!

    🤍 M&A 🤍    Läs mer

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    Khao Sok Day 2 - Float your Boat

    6 januari 2024, Thailand ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    Ever heard of the saying… “Whatever floats your boat?” What about “whatever floats your hotel”? Yes to the first, no the second, right?

    Well… our Day 2 in Khao Sok National Park had bolth (yes, it is spelled wrong but Mike will laugh so I’m going with it) we had a floating boat and a floating hotel!

    Our journey today began aboard a long-tail boat (see Bangkok Day 3 post for more details on these rolling coal machines). A 40-minute scenic filled ride on Cheow Larn Lake brought us to Panvaree the Greenery Resort, a floating hotel nestled in the lake’s cove. No smoking allowed here so clearly “Greenery” excluded the wacky tabacky and was 100% due to the lush green that covered these limestone mountains (aka karsts). Pics do not do this place justice!

    Once settled, we delighted in some lunch and a float. The water was so refreshing and clean!

    At 5pm, we gathered back to the long-tail for a sunset cruise for a karst tour and watch the sun fade to wrap-up another beautiful day God has made. ☀️ Monkeys (not Phra KK - totally different monk) were rampant along the mountainsides. Not a care in the world, swinging from branch to branch, and scaling the cliffs. Zero fear. Almost envious of their care-free approach moving about knowing full well of the possible zillion mile drop.

    Sunset = 💛. Hard to find the words to express the emotion and thoughts behind these pictures. God’s hands all over this! Mama said there would be days like this but holy moly…. God sure brought his A game.

    Told Mike how in the world will we ever beat this trip???? He said… challenge accepted.

    Big hugs!
    M&A    Läs mer

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    Khao Sok Day 3 - Until Next Time…

    7 januari 2024, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    If I had to paint a picture as to what heaven looks like in the morning… this may just be it. My puffy eyes and lack of caffeine couldn’t deter taking in the morning beauty.

    “Ship” departed promptly at 6:30am for sunrise on the lake. Spotted some more monkey business in the trees and two hornbills (an endangered bird species) flying about! Guide told us once a hornbill finds a mate, that’s it. It’s their mate por vida. 🤍 We tried to get a good shot of these birds but no luck. Pic provided courtesy of Google.

    P.S. Mike corrected me that this is not the bird of Fruit Loops. Who knew?!?!

    Off to Railay Beach this morning but not before a coffee and a swim (bath) for Mike!

    This isn’t “goodbye” Khao Sok… this is just “See you again soon!”    Läs mer

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    Arrived in Railay Beach + Day 1 - Recap

    7 januari 2024, Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Khao Sok —> Ao Nang —> Railay Beach.

    I feel like I’m running out of material for these posts but Thailand keeps delivering so I’m going to keep posting! Lucky you!

    When Mike started planning this trip and spoke of the beaches we would see, I would day dream of the day these toes of mine would hit the sand. Today was the day!

    Van ride from Khao Sok was almost two hours and it wasn’t short of excitement. I mean… it’s not everyday you see bulls with crocheted horn “mits” riding in the back of trucks, right? We almost followed them to see if there is a Thailand version of running with the bulls but then figured probably should pass. Don’t need to pull a hammy! Not this late in the game.

    Let’s also not forget to appreciate the Dunkin’ Dog-nuts that seemed like a good idea at a toilet stop.

    FUN FACT. Thai use “toilet” vs restroom.

    Arrived in Ao Nang and then after a quick long-tail boat trip from Ao Nang to Railay, it was time to grab our gear and hop out. No pier… just a few small steps out the boat, splash into the warm water and my daydream became a reality!

    I’m sure my “landing” experience was different than Mike’s. As the true gentleman he is… he had his bag on his back and my rolling suitcase on his shoulder, as he off-loaded the boat. Navigating the waves, the ebb and flows of the boat and the weight of all my clothes/shoe choices on his back, he made it! No thanks to me but he said it was a blue job, so I didn’t want that to be our first fight. 😉

    The smallest little crabs scurried back into their tiny homes in the sand, as my 8.5’s scurried along with excitement to see what my next “home” may be for the next two days.

    Mike nailed it again! Quaint place with beautiful scenery to enjoy the moment you walk out the door. Room is walking distance to beach and all the action. Mucho pleasing!

    Checked in and ready to give Fred and Barney a rest (that’s my feet), we changed and headed to the pool/beachside. Snagged a perfect pair of loungers right along the beach and was ready to crack open the book I brought on the trip for the first time, while Mike took a dip. My RBF must have left the scene because apparently I had a face that told the nearby couple I wanted to chat. Our snow-bird (from Canada, eh) couple chatted away, so my book will need to wait another day.

    All I can say is… life’s a beach and I love every bit of it. ☀️

    Evening concluded with dinner along the walking street (no cars on Railay) and a foot massage (kitties looked relaxed so we said why not).

    More beaching tomorrow!
    🤍M&A🤍    Läs mer

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    1Zoom in on middle rock... the erosion. 😳 Looks like its sitting on the water.2

    Railay Beach Day 2 - “Tanland”

    8 januari 2024, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Thailand should be renamed as Tanland, in my professional opinion. When we arrived in Thailand, I asked Mike if you can get a tan in Thailand. (You can insert your version of his answer here). Man do I know what a d-u-m question that was now!

    Railay Beach reminds me a bit of Mexico. How? Not because of any tacos, not because of inappropriate beach vendors trying to sell head bands to Spring breakers and it isn’t the language but… because of the tans!

    Just like in Mexico, you can tell the tourist that have just arrived (zero tan), the tourists that have been here a day or two (lobsters) and the one’s that have been baking for a few days now (golden brown). I can say that Mike and I are officially Day 2 Railay Beach tourist. 😬

    First stop for the day was a beach around the bend from Railay called Prah Nang Cave Beach. A short 10-minute walk (monkey included) brought us to a quieter beach, with soft sand and crystal clear water. A-maz-ing! The pics may look familiar since this beach/rocks (I.e., karsts) are the “poster-child” for when one searches for Thai beaches.

    Excited (and hot), we set up camp with our towels and beverages, and off I went to take a dip. I’m not usually a dipper but it was hot, the water was temp perfect so without thought, I went for it. Well… apparently there are tiny jellyfish where I went in and took me a min to realize the stinging I was feeling wasn’t the sand blasting my legs as the waves came in. Trying not to throw a sweet temper-tantrum and make a scene, I made my way back to our “camp” and waited for the welts to form. I’m exaggerating the pain and welts, but let’s say it was most displeasing. Thank goodness I had some Benadryl in our med kit! #likeaboyscout

    TRAVEL TIP: If no one is swimming in one particular area, probably a reason.

    After a few hours, it was time for a coffee and a bit of shade. So we snagged a couple joe’s from a coffee shop on the route back and then posted up back at our hotel by the pool/beach to finish our day.

    BOOK UPDATE: My RBF had returned, so when Mike went to fly his drone, no one wanted to chat with me and so I was able to read my book! Hallelujah!

    Evening included lightweight clothing for lobster-status, dinner along the walking street (we didn’t order the Patato 😉) and an oil massage for me and Thai massage for Mike. Lose as gooses now… (opposite of the goose is loose - those days have sailed for us).

    Off to our last stop of this adventure tomorrow… the island of Koh Yao Noi.

    P.S. Sunscreen will be in use.    Läs mer

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    Arrived to KoYao Island

    9 januari 2024, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Railay Beach —> KoYao Island

    Success! Speed boat transport today from Railay to KoYao Island. Felt mature in age as I told Mike I think I suffered some hearing loss sitting so close to the motors…

    Quiet, untouched island, and beautiful hotel! A perfect place to wind up our adventure. 🧘🏽‍♀️

    P.S. Threw in a monkey video for fun! You’re welcome!    Läs mer

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    KoYao Island Day 1 - ✌🏼& 🤫

    9 januari 2024, Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Spent the remainder of our day doing absolutely nothing… and we were 100% ok with that.

    I’m losing track of what day of the week it is and was informed by Mike that’s when you know you are totally relaxed. Maybe like nirvana but not quite the Phra KK status kind?

    Our villa for the remainder of our trip is amazing… luxurious and also open-air and rustic. Outdoor shower, tub and sink. Total my jam. 🙌🏼 With that comes the Nat Geo experience… We have a resident frog that hangs out behind the towel “hanger” dealio. And mosquitoes are a thing so we have repellent burning and a bug net to surround us while we sleep. They also fog for mosquitoes every day so am A+ for effort to keep these pests anywhere but here.

    Beach was/is delightful and I made friends with a few sand crabs during my stay at their place. They showed off for me as I observed them packing sand out, little by little. (Kind of reminded me of cleaning Zs room - jk Z). Who wouldn’t be impressed with their sand-decorations and want to see how these came to be? (Mike is the answer to that question - Lol).

    Encountered a hornbill on my way to pool. Snagged my own pic this time - no Google needed. Gorgeous (or handsome) bird!

    Mike did snag a paddle board so we took that out a bit to “ride the waves”. NOTE: Life jacket was required to use the paddle board, I didn’t make Mike wear it. 😉

    Ended the evening with dinner at the hotel and just taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the Phang Nga Bay.

    P.S. My sand crab friends’ work gets washed away by the tide each night… and they start again when the tide goes back out. At what point do they just throw their claws up and wave’em like they just don’t care and relocate? 🦀 God definitely granted them patience and boy am I envious!

    Chon (Thai for cheers)!
    🤍M&A🤍    Läs mer

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