We get a taste of "Monsoon" weather

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It's easy to get up near dawn, thanks to the time change, and that's what we did, just to soak up those magical moments of first light and be even closer to the sound of the never-ending sea. I am determined to make it at least as far as the lobby, as we are meeting our new friend and driver, "Pooh" today for a tour. So far, we made it to the large central pool and managed to get part way around before sinking into plush chaise lounges overlooking a portion of the pool with a "vanishing edge", so that it looks as though the water spills over into the turquoise sea beyond. These pools are of endless fascination to me.
Although it's early, it is probably in the high 70s, where it will stay most of the day, maybe getting a few degrees warmer. Man, I love that!
We are watching the pool guy fastidiously remove every twig or leaf that might have blown in last night, and noticing that his royal blue uniform exactly matches the rows of umbrellas in this section. The gardeners wear forest green pajamas, safari hats and rubber boots; the deck and maintenance wear an earth color. It takes 700 people to run this resort, and most of them are nearly invisible, as they are all camouflaged! All of the people here are sweet, gentle and if you make eye contact with them, they break into a charming smile, touch their fingertips together, bow courteously and say, "Sawadee, Ka" if addressing a woman, or "Krap" if you are a man. The gatekeepers simply salute. Makes you feel very royal.

A drop or two of rain brings our attention to the sky which has suddenly turned dark with clouds! Where did THAT come from? ...and we run for cover. Ten minutes later it's over. That was fun!
So we finally meet up with our wonderful Pooh, and he drives us to many wonderful sights in the southern part of the island and we even have time for a pedicure for me, a reflexology foot massage for Dane, some massage for Pooh followed by a vegetarian dinner near the Chinese Temple in Phuket City, as it is the beginning of the "Vegetarian Festival", a period of fasting from meat of any kind for the next ten days.

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Photos

In the beginning...
I wonder if God rested in a place like this after He was finished making everything?

Sandstone fountain
Any way that water can possibly be enjoyed will be found here. Cobalt blue glasses of it mysteriously appear on a tray with fruit whenver you sit down!

It just gets better
We also find that part of the pool is dedicated to hydrotherapy beds to help one relax and turn into a limp noodle. No, this isn't one of them.

Giant Leatherback Sea Turtles
This is sort of the hotel mascot, sea turtles, as a dedicated wetlands lies just to the south of the hotel on Mai Khao beach.

Single lotus blossum
Every type of water plant displayed in elegant pottery.

Bouganvilla bouquet
More lovely planters set randomly on some steps for us to enjoy.

A dragon chicken?
Lots of mystical creatures that are sometimes fountains and sometimes torches in the evening.

We run for shelter!
Whew, that was close. I sure don't want to get wet! That's a joke. It's humid and we are kind of moist all the time.

We fell asleep waiting
Can you blame us? They make it way too easy to NEVER want to leave the resort!

The "Land of Smiles"
A true gift from God for his friendship, enthusiasm in showing us around, and finally getting us OUT of the hotel! That's Pooh.

Kata Bay
I'm making that up. But maybe that was the name. They are all so splendid and breathtaking anyway.

Big Buddha, that's what they call him
Do you see that speck on the left shoulder on the scaffold? That's a man! This Buddhas is gi-normously, oppressively hugemongous and can be seen from everywhere in the south of the island. Way bigger than just big.

Wake up time!
I think they use this to wake up Buddha, as most of the time he sleeps.

Chalong Wat
Wat means "temple" and there are hundreds of them. You can't really tell which wat is which after a while, but they are very nice places.

Chalong Wat garden
Looks so peaceful, but every fifteen minutes, they set off firecrackers which last for a deafening minute or so. Why, we don't know.

Ferocious temple guards
There are dozens of these fearsome beasts guarding the temple, although they are allowed an occasional nap.

Gone to the dogs
We did not see any monks here as we expected and I have a strong suspicion that doggies are running this place. However, they do a GREAT job.

Karon , Kata & Kata Noi Bay
Phuket is smaller than Maui, but I bet it has a lot more coastline. Just look at those beautiful curves! No shortage of white sandy beaches.

Lunchtime!
We had a wonderful picnic lunch up here and found that Pooh can also take great photos, just one of his many talents.

City of Seashell
This is a port near Seashell where we went to a very charming seashell museum. Very enjoyable and fascinating to us.

Chinese temple
A canopied open market next door provided the perfect bowl of noodles after a wonderful day of sightseeing. We also picked up Thai supplies to use back at the hotel.

Comments

[Michelle Seddiqi]

I love it!!!!!
I love your blog and your pictures are just wonderful! My favorite is the one you took with your feet up! Keep those pictures coming, my dear. I want to visit Thailand now! ;)~ I love seeing you the other day. Michelle