Bang Tao Beach

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A few of you brought to my attention that I didn't include any information or, more importantly, any pictures of where we're staying in Phuket. We are in a condo on the south end of Bang Tao Beach a few hundred meters from the beach. The complex was newly built a couple of years ago. It's quite comfortable with a very large pool in the center and a good little restaurant right on the property. It has about 40 units in 5 buiildings.

Bang Tao was originally a Muslim village and is still significantly so. There does not seem to be any unrest....except my getting woken at 5AM by the call to morning prayers. Fortunately, this is usually drowned out by the aircon.

There is a lot of building going on. It seems that the Tsunami just brought more focus and development to Phuket. This area was very quiet a few years ago but is rapidly getting built up. But things are still very simple. There are several very small restaurants in the area, a small bakery, a table where they put the freshly caught fish out every morning and the small cadre of dive shops, tailors, bars, etc.

Bea mentioned the other day how much she enjoys seeing simple people in their everyday life as opposed to being shielded from it as you are in most resort areas. Yesterday's treat was watching a man using his pet monkey to retrieve coconuts from the top of the tree...a creative way to harvest the coconuts without having to climb the tree.

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Photos

Bang Tao Beach
Here's a shot looking north on Bang Tao Beach. The beach stretches about 10KM. About midway is the Laguna Development with 5 high-end resorts and country club.

Club Lersuang Condo
Club Lersuang is a comfortable home for us during these 3 months. We're on the top floor so we have a 3 floor walkup but a good beach view.

Condo Pool
It's getting hot, so our pool is the favorite meeting spot in the afternoon. Could only get the end of pool as it goes the full length of the resort.

Coconut Monkey
We were fascinated watching this trained monkey harvest the coconuts from the tree for his owner.

Comments

[Bob Pierce]

Paradise?
Rory and Bea, Your place looks like paradise. The view down the beach was incredible, mostly because it was almost deserted! I am afraid that the job has me for two more years, but after that Thailand is on our short list. We will miss you at the hike this year but are happy that you are having such a great experience. I guess you know that Kim had her baby boy, James D. Rolph Moore; he is well and parents are happy. The D stands for her mother's maiden name that I have, unfortunately, forgotten. All the best, Bob and Frannie

[Ali and Allan Hartman]

BEAUTIFUL!
Hi Guys! Just finished reading your travelblog and what an adventure you are having! The pictures are beautiful and you both look great! Sad to hear you are moving, but your new place looks really neat and it sounds as if you both really like it there. Looking forward to your next posting! Can you make it back for the spring hike?;-)

[skibare]

ahhh, the LIFE
Mucho THANKS for the updates, I LIVE ""VICARIOUSLY"" through your travels Great to hear from ya, 70 degrees in boulder today, NOT as NICE as that beach you on!!! Skibare

[diane tilley]

[e-mail]
looks like a lovely spot - what is the common language and where do people come from who have moved there? Please keep me in the loop as I can live vicariously. Diane

[Rose & Chris]

Our contact
Our acquintance in Phuket is Sharon Bennet and her husband - Mr. Bennet. Can't remember his name. We only met him once. They have a lovely home. We did see pictures. We are trying to get contact info for you. Chris thinks that he saw her here last week. She waved to him while driving. You're place looks great. Thanks for the pics.

[Linda Reed]

Vicarious Living
Hi, Rory and Bea. I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying living vicariously through you. I love reading about your adventures--it's all so beautiful! The only negative appears to be the heat, but perhaps that moderates during the fall and winter months. Keep having fun and telling us all about it! Linda

[Nancy Joy]

Wow - What a wondrous experience!
3/16 Dear Bea and Rory, I can "feel" the experience you're having and enjoyed reading your info and seeing the photos. :) I'd love to see Thailand - so let's hope I can make it while you're still there. Just ret'd from 9 days in Tahoe - skiing, etc. w/ family and friends. Grandbaby, Malia, came, too! Today I'm babysitting her while Kev and Megan work. My favorite job now. ha. Yesterday was a special Tea Party/birthday celebration for Fern. We're having fun here, too. LOVE, Nancy

[Chuck]

call to worship
Hey BEa @ Rory, Ever thought of becoming Muslins. You could pray five times a day and give all your worldly positions away. And then the five am wake up calls won't be a problem. Afterwards you could go to the pool for Gin @tonics. Chuck