Thursday, September 22, 2011

Thailand: Railay and Phi Phi

We were able to fit in one last holiday a couple weeks before we moved.  We really wanted to see Bangkok and the family had never been to my favorite place so we opted for twofer--Bangkok and Krabi.
We stayed two nights on Railay Island.

That little cave, in right of the photo, is a fertility cave with some pretty interesting carvings.  I'm pretty sure visiting the cave, when I went climbing, helped Lizzie get here.  :)

Unfortunately, it rained most of the time we were there.  Fortunately, Samara loved playing at the beach in the rain and even in the rain Krabi is lovely.

On our first trip to Thailand, with my Sister-in-law, we learned about Phi-phi islands but didn't make it out to see them.   This time, we took a snorkeling-island tour on our one full-day there.  The boat ride was crazy bumpy and made me nervous with the kids.  Because of the weather we couldn't stop at Maya Bay, which was the place I wanted to see most.  


One of our stops was a beautiful lagoon.  The local boys who were working on the boats started climbing up a ~12-foot rope and hopping off a branch.  This is the kind of thing that Ben takes as a challenge.  So, he hopped out of the boat and joined the young local boys, showing them that (really) white guys can do it, too.  And he had to do it twice, because I didn't have my camera ready the first time.  See white guys really can do it, two. Ha ha!


Long boats really are so fabulous.  Someday I hope to make one my main mode of transportation. :)

 This is as funny as it looks.  We spotted this fellow wearing white-pink slinky speedo.  Yes--he is trying very hard to strike a sexy pose.  And you can see the camera in the other guy's right hand.  I got some great ideas for photographing Ben in his these.  Just scored a pair at Target for his upcoming birthday.  Smokin'!

Oh Lizzie Bean--We love you!!  But when will you understand the sand is not for eating?!

We took advantage of the sunny moments.

We finished our trip to Railay with a floating or spirit lantern.  Samara had been dreaming of sending up a glowing lantern after she saw "Tangled."  Thailand is so beautiful.  When days are tough, I start singing (to the tune of James Taylor), "In my mind I'm going to Krabi, Thailand..."  Can it be my second home, please?

7 comments:

  1. So many new posts. AAAAahh, I can't keep up! I love these pictures though! What a talented photographer you are. You have a knack for making cute children too! :) I know you miss it but I'm glad you're back stateside. And sorry, my vote is for Greenville to be your second home.

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  2. Gorgeous photos Cheryl! Phi Phi is one of my favs!

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  3. Beautiful, as always. ;) I still haven't made it to Krabi, but now I feel it is a MUST!

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  4. Love the photos. Thailand misses you too I'm sure!

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  5. Gosh I wrote a comment but forgot to put in the code letters!!! So lets see what did I say: I love those night photos, the flying lantern, simply magical.
    So happy you had the opportunity to see Thailand..someday we will, but for now I will enjoy your photos and Sarahs. Hmmm slinky pink swim togs...too funny....love your humor.

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  6. Cheryl, found your blog from Emily's. We are booked to go to Krabi over Christmas break and this post makes me really excited!
    Hope all is well on the home front...you won't be awaiting winter much longer, but I will :)

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