Flying into Singapore Changi airport was like arriving at Disney World! Our overnight here at the airport before our next day flight to Thailand was a breeze compared to a few of the airports that we’ve stayed in the past (like Christchurch!). At the last minute before going through arrivals customs Kari remembered Brennan’s advice about staying within the ‘in-transit’ terminal to experience all that the airport has to offer. Apparently if you go through customs then you’re not able to re-enter until three hours before your flight again.
The ‘in-transit’ terminal had snooze lounges, movie theatres, rooftop pools, flower gardens, koi ponds and huge screens showing live FIFA soccer games and PS4 FIFA soccer games at the same time (you can imagine how much time we spent there with Kai!)
When we arrived in Krabi Thailand it reminded us of arriving in Prague when we were backpacking around Europe 20 years ago. As we left the terminal area in Krabi we were swarmed by people trying to sell us the best rate of travel into town. We quickly realized the zen of Japan was far behind us now and we’d have to have a little bit more of a defence shield around us. It’s the wet season in Southwestern Thailand now – but we arrived into full-on hot sun and humidity! Our three nights in Krabi Town were spent getting ourselves acclimated and rested up after 3 days of long travel. We quickly got into the habits of not drinking the water and taking high deet mosquito repellant with us everywhere.
While in Krabi we visited the Tiger Temple – where there is an incredible steep climb of 1256 stairs to the summit. At the top, a giant golden Buddha sits overlooking a beautiful view of the entire surrounding area. Before setting off on the ascent we stocked up on water and treats for Kai and Vea – which we promised them every 500 stairs climbed! Kai of course led the way, with Vea continuing strong behind and Norrie and Kari trying to catch their breath! We were so impressed with the kids endurance and stamina! Some people who only made it halfway couldn’t believe that Kai and Vea were still going strong in the sweltering heat. While going up the stairs we encountered an abundance of monkeys in the trees – which were quite a sight. They seemed to have no fear of humans and Norrie seemed to have no fear of getting close for that perfect picture!
After Krabi we took a Songthaew (local Thai style bus) to a coastal town called Ao Nang – only about 20 minutes from Krabi Town. We had a fantastic recommendation from the Rogers on a place that they had stayed only a few weeks ago when they were travelling in Thailand called Ban Sanai Resort. Lucky for us – since it’s the ‘green season’ all the prices were at least half-price. This was the perfect spot to celebrate Norrie’s birthday. The people and the surroundings were absolutely beautiful!
June 28 was a double celebration for Norrie’s birthday and the date which marked 6 months into our travels. We started the day with an early morning run on the beach followed by a fantastic breakfast and morning lounging by the pool. The views from the pool quickly became our favourite spot as we stared up onto the high limestone cliffs directly in front of the resort. This area is known to be a mecca for rock climbing, and we could see why!
Our first ‘long-tail’ boat ride in Thailand was to Railay beach through a very choppy ocean which gave everyone a giggle of fun and fear all at the same time! Vea thought it was nothing but fun – and was smooth as silk compared to the crazy ferry ride we endured in the Galapagos! Our afternoon at Railay was filled with swimming, cold beverages by the water and massages on the beach (we have been hooked on the $8 Thai Massages lasting at least an hour) Norrie opted for evening swims and dinner at the resort for his birthday. The food is incredible here and we love chatting with the people (Norrie had already received a macchiato and birthday cake – that I think a little birdie told the hotel about his special day)
The second celebration we had here was our halfway point through our travels. We left home 6 months ago to experience the world and find our ‘nows’! We have learned so much already and yet still so much to experience. One of the reasons why we did this trip was to ‘worldschool’ Kai and Vea. Recently we had to submit their mid year progress report to homeschooling NS. We found it quite amazing to recount all the learning we have done!
Next we travelled across Southern Thailand to the island of Koh Samui. It was a long day with strange buses with connections that had us waiting patiently in people’s front yards, tuk tuk’s and ferries – but all worth it to meet up and reconnect with the Rogers! Everyone was super excited to see each other again and share some good laughs, a few beverages and lots of stories! It was nice to get some travel advice for Northern Thailand as the Rogers just came from there. Thanks Beth for all the maps and books!
All 4 now!
Wow,that was a lot of fun stories to read this morning,nice to see all the Rogers again too,such happy smiles on everybodys face,i will keep it in my zen place when i meditate.hugs to all from mamor
It was great to reconnect with the Rogers again! Enjoy your walk in the Zen garden! Smell some of the beautiful flowers for me and say hello to the Three Brooks Star! xo
Wow! Wow! Wow! Luck you!
Thailand is an incredible place … but you wouldn’t do well here as they don’t drink wine! Imagine my surprise! xo
You have convinced me to take the girls to Thailand very soon. Perhaps Christmas. (Keep it a secret.)
SMILE
That would be fantastic Shawn! What a great surprise! Definitely not as zen-like as Japan but we loved it! Give the girls a hug from us. xo
Excellent post! I read it outloud to the office and we all agreed that you are delivering quite the world school to all of us with your share. Keep the stories coming and beautiful pictures. Love to everyone!
Thanks Nicole! You know all the pictures are completely Norrie! It is fun to share the stories but it will also be a fantastic journal for us when we return home again. xo
Hi vea it’s Jilli I love your blog. I hope your having a great time .
I miss you have fun!
Hi Jillian how are you. I miss you. I am having a great time. I miss you so much to. I can not wait to see you again when i get back.
FROM VEA!!!!!
Hi vea it’s Jilli I love your blog. I hope your having a great time .
I miss you have fun!