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PHUKET & KOH PHI PHI: A birthday to remember

Okay it’s official: I am a lousy blogger. The last month has been busy to say the least. I have developed a nice routine consisting of school, dinner, the gym, and some various social activities. The highlight of the last month was when my routine was interrupted by my birthday trip to Phuket and Koh Phi Phi over a long weekend.

July 15th marked the start of Buddhist lent so all the schools were closed Friday and Monday.  I, however, decided to leave a day earlier to save 3000 baht.  A choice I have no regrets about making.  I took the bus to Udon Thani, a town about an hour and a half north of Khon Kaen, and took a plane directly from there to Phuket. I was on edge the whole time expecting a mishap to happen like the last time I traveled but it never came. The flight was smooth as was the transportation to and from the airport. 
I was lucky enough to have a friend from home let me and the girls use her parents’ condo for the first three nights. The condo was amazing. It was located right on Kata beach with an incredible view. The first day we were lucky enough to have no rain in the rainy season. We took full advantage of the sun by lying out on our private roof next to the infinity pool. Once the rain started at about 1:00 we decided to go indoors and get pedicures.  That night we enjoyed some nice cocktails out of a hot pink VW bus parked on the side of the road.  It felt a lot more unique before we saw at least five others scattered around Phuket all claiming to be the original since 1999.  It was still a fun night and Kerianne even made a friend. 

Our rooftop view complete with infinity pool.  Thank you Erica!! 

Kerianne's friend.  She wanted to take her home.
The next day we opted to go on a rafting tour. Unfortunately the weather was not as nice. However, it is still Thailand, so despite the rain it was still warm weather and an incredible day. We started the day by going to a monkey temple where I made a friend. After we left the temple we rafted 5 km and then took a rocky ride in the back of a pickup truck up to a beautiful waterfall. 

My new monkey friend.  I did not want to take him home.

On the windy road up to the waterfall.

Although it was warm outside, the water was not. 
Climbing along the side of the waterfall.
That night we went in search for Mexican food. We found a place about a 15-minute walk from the condo. While I’m sure it was not the best Mexican food in the world, and maybe even close to the worst, after not having Mexican for close to three months it tasted extraordinary. 

A terrible picture of some mediocre Nachos that tasted amazing.
The third day we took a ferry to Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi is unlike any place I have ever seen. There are no roads, and no cars, however it is not for lack of development or funds. There were souvenir shops covering every street and foreign food restaurants everywhere. It was the perfect break from Thailand-in Thailand. I also got to add to my slowly growing replacement jewelry collection. 

Relaxing on the Ferry to Koh Phi Phi
A sign in the bathroom.  Any clue as to what the bottom one is?
Even with overcast it was a beautiful place!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S in Koh Phi Phi
The last day was by far my favorite. A few of us took advantage of a 200 baht (yes, that is only $6.50) tour in a rickety long boat around Koh Phi Phi. The day included snorkeling, seeing monkeys, and swimming in the clearest blue water I have ever seen. To top it off, it was sunny the entire day. 

Maya Beach: The beach from the movie The Beach
Maya Beach.
Jumping into the blue, blue water.
Viking Cave on Koh Phi Phi Leh.  This is where they get birds nest to make Birds Nests Soup. 

We took the Ferry back to Phuket that afternoon and ventured to our hotel in Patong.  Later that night we ate Indian food to celebrate my birthday.  The girls gave the waiter some candles which he melted on a plate around some delicious Indian pudding desert. 


My final day in the south marked my 23rd birthday. I saw everyone off at the airport early in the morning and headed off to a nearby beach to enjoy the last couple hours of my vacation. I enjoyed a nice birthday Thai massage from a lady boy and enjoyed relaxing on the beach the rest of the time. Then, at 4:00 in the afternoon, it was time to head back to my new home in Thailand. The flight home was harmless and I got some cool Air Asia magnets for a birthday gift on the plane. 

awesome birthday gift!!
The best part about this vacation was that when I left, I still got to go back to an alternate reality of living in Thailand. It was an incredible weekend and a great way to start year 23!!

Comments

  1. DebbieJuly 27, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    Michelle, this sounds like an absolutely wonderful birthday. I'm glad you had such a good time at incredible places.

    ReplyDelete
  2. wils9231August 10, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    finally read the whole thing cause i had forgotten since i already looked at the picture! i am so jealous of your adventures and i miss you sooooo much! hope to talk soon i love you!

    ReplyDelete

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