It has been a while since we returned to Thailand on December 10 th . Where has the time gone? We have had a nice break from planning, packing and moving on - but we've been BUSY none the less.
We enjoyed a quiet Christmas in Bangkok then my brother and his wife (Don and Sharon) came to visit us for the month of January. It was their first trip to Thailand and we wanted to show them EVERYTHING……..We started with a New Year's Eve party at our condominium in Hua Hin. Lots of friends and relatives welcomed Don and Sharon and the party welcomed the New Year in style.
Don and Sharon settled in quickly…….
After New Year's Day we were off to Phuket in the south of Thailand - flying our M20J – HSNDL. Doing the usual “tourist” things We stayed at one of my former dealers hotels in Kata Beach on Phuket island - Kata Beach Resort Hotel – it was superb. We were really active; boat to the out islands, visit local shows, eat, shop and then more shopping.
Lec’s sister – Danced All Night…….
Arrival in Phuket……
“Snow Bird” Sharon……you deserve a break!
Fanta Sea –Phuket’s famous attraction…
The area has truly rebounded from the Tsunami. Most areas are rebuilt, Phi Phi island is brand new after being wiped out and the tourists where back in full force.
After Phuket it was back in the airplane and up to Mae Sot via Bangkok and Phitsanulok. We arranged a wonderful tour from Mae Sot to see the Thee Lor Su waterfall in the middle of the jungle. After driving to Umphang area - a fabulous three hour raft ride gets you to the waterfalls. Overnight camping, at the waterfalls, then 3 more hours trekking to a remote refugee Karen village.
Don the “Cliff Diver”…….not bad for 63!!!!!
River rafting to Thee Lor Su waterfall…..
Our village Hotel….not exactly the Royal York is it Don??
Returning from the village was interesting. A long ride (2 ½ hrs) by elephant back to the main camp. It was marvelous to see how sure footed those elephants are – down steep slopes, across rivers, up slippery river banks, over logs and rocks – never missing a step. It was quite an experience and a little bit sore on the rear end when we go off.
Next Stop – Mae Hong Son in the extreme North West corner of Thailand . Here we visited the rural areas some more. An old Chinese/Taiwanese refugee village called Rak Thai then the village of the Burmese “Long Neck” tribe.
Hang On……….
Homes in Rak Thai village…….
A local lady with her grandson……
When you visit villages like those on this trip it is hard to believe that people actually live like this. It is not Disney World but real life for them!!! I guess that is one of the beauties of travel; you get to see the world as it really is. We found the people in each village to be wonderful, honest, happy and appreciative of everything they have. As one of the “long neck” ladies said to us about her very humble village – “it is much better than we had in Burma ”.
Our last stop was Chaing Mai before heading back to Bangkok . We happened to arrive right in the middle of a global Flora festival and the town was alive with visitors and exhibits of beautiful flowers and trees. Chaing Mai is famous for handicrafts and we visited a number of factories making silverware, furniture, umbrella's, wooden products etc. One of the highlights of Chaing Mai was a trip to the Elephant Village where we enjoyed feeding them, bathing and then a wonderful show of elephants skill and intelligence. They are remarkable animals!!!!
Chang Mai Flora Exhibit….
The Elephant did this painting ….
Sharo “adjusting” to Elephant hugs……
Sadly, it was soon time to say goodbye to Don and Sharon. We had a great visit and experiences throughout Thailand during the month. Looking forward to seeing you guys soon back in Toronto as we continue the World Tour later this year.
Update Thailand February 2007 
Lec’s sister – Danced All Night…….
