4.0 Bye bye South East Asia

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We left Bangkok in a tropical storm and flew the 1 hr south west to Krabi. As Bangkok, warm and humid on arrival. The only way to get to our hotel the Centara Grand is by 15 minute ferry (no charge for residents). This does of course mean you are a bit cut off. There is a steep up and down 10 minute walk ‘The Monkey Trail’ to the next bay Ao Nang, to escape, snorkeling trips to Phi Phi and other places can be organized and you can summon a long tail to take you to next beach at Rail Key. But what does Ao Nang have to offer; not much. Lots of bars, restaurants and massage parlours (all quite respectable I hasten to add). Some will be delighted to hear that Frin persuaded me to have a pedicure. The practioner did not seem that keen but fully masked up she completed the task With little humor! We went on a 1hr evening sunset cruise and what a sunset we had. The cruise has not been out since because of the weather so We were a bit lucky. We even went canoeing, but it killed my hips. Frin vowed to go out on her own again, but still waiting for that! Tonight involves a huge New Years party and no doubt lots of fireworks etc. We are off on 9.00 am ferry tomorrow, then back to Bangkok airport for evening Quantas flight to Sydney On A330.

Our impression of this Hotel would be it could so easily be better. It has a great beach, the food is good and varied, the staff are ever smiling (but many times do not understand), but little things like a few nibbles with your evening G & T would not go amiss and no tissues in the rooms irritate and could very easily be rectified at little of no cost. The other annoyance is the manners of the other guest (this is for Kevin). You hold a door open, they never say thank you, you offer your seat, they never say thank you and how some lord it over the staff is extraordinary.

Ah grumpy you say so must be happy!! ???.

We have had a lovely time in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, we have never felt worried for our safety and only a couple of times have we been irritated by persistent locals pushing wares at you, but generally everyone smiles. We have not seen much sun, but it is the rainy season. Frin passed a snake and had a chat the other night, so she is looking forward to Funnel Webs and Red Backs in Sydney!

Next. Blog gday from Aussie

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Photos

Last view from Peninsula in Bangkok
Rain

Our A320 awaits
Bangkok Airways call themselves the ‘Boutique airline of Asia’ Only 28 rows, nice food and a dedicated lounge for all passengers!!

Feeling confident in long tail.
Long tails here appear more robust than on river in Bangkok, but only appear to run on 1600cc car engines.

Out for an evening sunset cruise
I feel that we have been lucky enough to be out on a boat as dusk approaches before and then some kind person plies us with canopies, gin and wine!!

Tuk Tuk into Ao Nang
Mum drove, daughter (pictured0 played on iPhone

Spot the climber!
He is there at about 10 o’clock from canoe. His female climbing buddy is out of shot three quarters of the way up. It is same rock as seen from my bar stool in next pick