We're Not Tourists Anymore

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If you've read any of our previous travel blogs you will know we love Phi Phi and have been here many times. Each time we visit the stays seem to get longer and all of a sudden we found ourselves living and working here.

So now we're living in Thailand, on a island, in bamboo hut with walls that don't quite meet the ceiling. Our room at Chunut House comes equipped with a fan, mosquito net, cool water shower and many little "extra" things we will find out about as time goes on. We quickly make friends with the six cats, a monkey, a really large gecko, snakes, frogs, bats, rats and you name it...we saw it at least once while we were there. We've got free wi-fi, a tv with three Thai channels and one in French, a fridge to keep our beer cold and a view of the hillside and the sea too, if you look just right. But it's really cute, has lots of character and is perfectly located in the back of the resort which is just a short walk to the beach and town.

During our previous stays here we became friends with the owner of the resort and from this came a great business opportunity for Ruthie. In the past, Ruthie had taken time to get to know the staff at Chunut, exchanging English for Thai lessons, and helping at the front desk if someone has questions the staff couldn't answer. She's happy to do this type of work for a coffee in the morning, a staff meal for lunch and a bottle of beer in the afternoon. Well, this time around it's helping with internet reservations, working the front desk, booking tours and cooking in their restaurant every morning til afternoon in exchange for living in this paradise.

So with hospitality and diving skills between us, we found that we can make a pretty good life for ourselves on the island. Here are a few pictures of where we called home from September 2009 until August 2011. Stay tuned for more as we catch you up on holidays, festivals, visa runs, and just everyday life for people living the dream.

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Photos

Only Noodle Pad Thai
Song and Only Noodles absolutely amazing!

Room 6
Chunut House

Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday song in Thai and English this year.

Gordon
We saw this guy so often we named him.

Just step over me please
That was on the steps one day

On the job
With Jim and Wut at Chunut House

No stress in her job
Jackee at work and always smiling

Tonsai Bay
Sunset stroll with Sarah

E-San dinner with friends
Many meals had here with Keira, Ryan, Lisa, Nicole, Cliff and Alexia

Trekking with friends
Stephan, Cliff and Nicki

Kit tee
I miss you...

Chunut House
Home for a long time

Comments

[Gary Mintier]

Way to Go
What a great way to live out what you want to do. Love the pictures

[Karin]

*sigh* :)
That looks so amazing. I need to have a serious sit-down with Bill so we can start planning and saving to come see you! I miss you, but are so proud of you following your dream and so glad you are happy where you are. <3 Karin

[D MJ Binkley]

What an adventure
Looks like you've a great life adventure going. Eager to read more.