Beach Time

December 30

We are now at the beach after flying south to Krabi and taking a boat to get to the Rayavadee hotel. This resort is huge, covering 26 acres. We are staying in a 2 story bungalow. It figures that beach flip-flops are provided in all the rooms after our shopping expedition in Bangkok to buy some for Ryan.

December 31

Excitement at our breakfast table. A monkey snuck in to the restaurant and hopped up on our table and snatched a piece of ham from Chris's plate. A waiter scared it off after pulling a sling shot out of his pocket. That was one fast monkey.

After resting by the pool yesterday, we were ready for a day trip. We kayaked through a peaceful mangrove forest and picturesque lagoons. We saw "grand canyon" cliffs, caves, and an ancient painting on a cliff wall of a fish. We also saw 2 monkeys sitting in the trees eating a package of cookies. We were told to be careful of the monkeys who like to steal things like cameras and food.

Then we took a speed boat to the Hong Islands. Along the way we saw the hotel where a scene from the movie "Hangover 2" was filmed. We had a picnic lunch on a small secluded beach. Our tour guide spread out mats on the sand for us and a small table where we enjoyed our packed lunch from the hotel right in front of the lapping waves. Loved it.

 

Finally, we snorkeled among tropical fish before returning to the hotel to get ready to ring in the new year. We attended the New Year's Eve party at the hotel next to ours with a buffet dinner on the beach and fireworks over the water. So ended another day in paradise and an exotic year abroad.