Entry #9 Thailand: May 20 - June 4, 2019

Hello from Thailand! 

Since our last blog entry we have celebrated the 100 day mark!  It has now been over 100 days of feeding our wanderlust; over 100 days of flying, driving, strolling, hiking, swimming, exploring, tasting, discovering, and delighting in the adventure of it all.  There has been a constant whirlwind of movement and activity.  However, upon arriving in Thailand we had a complete change of pace.

In fact, our time in Thailand has been like an experiment in leisure.  Seriously.  In contrast to the fast pace of travel these past few months - giving in to a life of complete indulgence could be considered as much a form of culture shock as any foreign experience could be.

It all began when we were welcomed to the island of Phuket by our dear friends from Toronto,Yosi and Anya, and their adorable son, Tye.  This awesome family moved to Thailand a year ago.  We spent the past two weeks merging our lives into theirs, and being overwhelmed by the generosity of their friendship and hospitality.

Not only did we move in with them, but they arranged for our kids to join Tye at his school!  For a whole week Jamie and Jessie went to school in a fantastic learning program that was a bit like a one room schoolhouse.  With personalised instruction, and an emphasis on learning through play, the kids were part of a small group of 9 students ranging from ages 4 to 13.  We have never seen our kids more eager about going to school than when they were heading off to school in Thailand. 

Jamie’s personal highlights included the fact that his teacher embraced the popularity of Muay Thai.  The kids were able to use pads and gloves and spend their free time boxing!  Jessie was thrilled to have independent use of a hot glue gun for crafts and free reign of a music room for costumed and choreographed karaoke recitals.  The absolute best part of the experience was making new friends, being in the company of children all day long, and spending quality time with their buddy Tye.  This awesome week culminated with a class trip to the pool!

While the kids were off enjoying their time at school, Lee and I were drunk with freedom!  It was like winning a lottery that pays its prize in leisure and joy!

We would piggyback on Yosi and Anya’s routine:
1) Drop the kids at school;
2) Head to the gym’s rooftop patio and sip iced coffee while looking out at the curves of tropical
    islands poking out of the sea;
3) Soak and swim in the rooftop infinity pool, (while our friends actually worked out at the gym);
4) Find a funky vegan cafe for lunch;
5) Go check out a slice of shoreline and take a dip in the ocean;
6) Rest and refresh at home before picking up the kids;

7) Go (back) to the beach or head to a sea side resort for sunset;
8) Hit up a lively night market for the most delicious array of Thai street food delicacies;
9) Home for bedtime;
10) Rinse - Repeat

After a week in Phuket we wanted to stretch our legs and see a bit more of the country, so we said a temporary goodbye to our friends as we took a head start on route to Koh Phangan.

Other than the one beach that hosts the famous full moon party on the island each month, Koh Phangan has so many other beautiful sides to explore.   We showed up during low season, and it felt like the island was practically deserted… but in a good way!

We were able to snag beach front property @ Dolphin Bay Resort, for a fraction of it’s usual price and we stayed at a gorgeous resort that we basically had all to ourselves!   We got to know the wonderful South African owners, Byron and Bianca, who did everything to make our stay extra special.

Getting around the island required the balancing act of getting our whole family onto a motorbike.  Since these small scooters are Asia’s version of the minivan, it was obvious that all four of us would be expected to fit… and we did!

It was so fun cruising from beach to beach while squished together on the bike.

For Jamie’s 9th birthday we surprised him with a visit to a cool attraction on the island called Slip ‘n Fly.  There was only one water slide safe for kids, but Jamie loved that he could whip down the run over and over again.  It was a bit intense for Jessie, but she had fun surfing and dancing on floaties.

Lee was brave enough to try out the terrifying Slip ‘n Fly slide - which is basically a slick, watery, ski jump that launches riders into the air before they free fall and plunge into the pool.  The most nerve wracking part was the fact that riders are advised to go down backwards, (for safety) but that means being unable to see, or anticipate, when they’d be flung into the air.  Thankfully, Lee nailed the landing :)

Another wonderful birthday treat was being reunited with our friends, who had travelled to join us on the island, and made it just in time for cake by the pool ( sourced by the wonderful owners, Byron and Bianca, of Dolphin Bay Resort)

Jamie’s best birthday gift came from Yosi, who organized the most brilliant surprise ever!  For 3 mornings Jamie and Tye reported to the beach where they were got private lessons in Kali - a Filipino stick fighting martial art!  What could be better?!?!  Jamie is obsessed with sticks, and has one in his hand wherever we go.  It is a tool that awakens his imagination.  His Kali lessons would officially transform him from a boy with a piece of bamboo, into a ninja with a fearsome weapon!  Thank you Sensei Martin Williams!

While the boys were learning to kick butt, Jessie and Mommy had some quality time getting a manicure and pedicure.  Jessie got to pick the colours and we now have sparkly blue toe nails, because according to Jessie, it makes us look like mermaids :)

We couldn’t have had better quality time with our friends.

We spent another week together checking out all of their favourite beaches, restaurants, and look outs.

It is useless trying to describe the sights - and flavours - here in Thailand.  It would just mean using up all the superlatives in my vocabulary.  But it will suffice to say that never before have we experienced such complete and utter relaxation in such a beautiful place for such a sustained amount of time.  It is truly heavenly.

Sadly, our time with our friends had to come to an end.  We have said our goodbyes, but we have made some incredible and unforgettable memories!

We now continue our tour of Thailand on our own.  It’ll be a new phase in our time here, but we know there is only more beauty coming our way.

Until next time!

Sending lots of love ~ The Zwaigens