Thailand; Our plan was simple, get there in time to photograph a destination wedding. What we did after that was to be decided over the next 2 months. Martina wanted to get to the climbing, and I just wanted to explore as much as I could of this part of the world.
Enjoy!
After 4 flights and 26hrs, we were on a boat heading to the wedding...
What a magical place for a destination wedding!
Afterward we were off to see the sites around Koh Yao Noi.
We saw the locals producing natural rubber products.
Then went kayaking through caves and lagoons,
and took a boat to Phang-Nga - floating village.
Downtown Phang-Nga.
After 4 days around Koh Yao Noi, it was time to head to the Krabi district (Tonsai/Railay Beach) for some rock climbing.
...and tree house accommodations.
The sun sets were okay as well...
I don't think she can wait any longer for the bouldering...
Steep overhangs,
...tube climbing,
and awkwardly fun moves.
Rappelling down to the climbing area, after spelunking right through a mountain.
What to do between climbs? Visit a primeval lagoon!
Where are the Dinosaurs?
Definitely NOT a Fernie cedar tree...
Touring the caves around Railay and Tonsai
The bluest water I ever did see.
Some local Thai kids enjoying their natural environment.
Only 1500 steps to the top,
for the rewarding views.
Through the eyes of an elephant.
Some coffee with the locals...
Last day in Tonsai, and time for some casual kayak relaxation.
On to Ko Tao for more tropical sunsets, and world class scuba diving with elusive Whale Sharks!
A long tail boat parked for the night.
With our 1 month visa expiring, it was time to leave Thailand.
A budget flight to Bali was found,
where rice harvesting is going strong,
and rice terraces are everywhere.
They also produce amazing coffee, roasted the old fashioned way!
Farming the rich soil from the volcano of Mt.Batur,
... and weaving.
The local culture in the remote parts of Bali is still going strong.
With entertainment...
religion,
and happy kids all over.
A short hike onto the outer rim of Mount Batur,
offers some great views
One town in the area still believes in open burial sites.
With plenty of cigarettes and coins left for the afterlife.
After the volcano, it was time to head to Amed for world class snorkeling and budget luxury accommodations..
Had to sneak this one in...
The snorkeling truly was amazing!
Checking out the Coral.
1 fish, 2 fish, red fish, blue fish.
After Amed beach time, it was time to head to another beach. With bigger waves...
and groups of locals that send offerings to the sea,
to bring good fortune to the tide harvesting,
and night fishing.
With one week left, it was time to return to Thailand to see some friends... and temples.
A school girl waits for the rain to stop.
North East Thailand. Very different from the South.
With amazing caves...
full of bats that come out every evening to hunt
Delicious food is easy to find in Thailand!
After the remote Isaan region, it was back to Bangkok for the sights and smells...
.. and culture.
The end.
O ya, there were some critters too.
I hope you enjoyed this. If you would like to see more photos from Thailand or Bali, please GO HERE!.