Phuket Town Sunday Night Market

Obviously it is great having your friends visit as well you get to see your friends but it is also wonderful as it makes you go out and explore new things.  We have forever been saying we should go to the Phuket Town Sunday Market and for whatever reason have not made it there yet.  So thank you Cody Rook for giving us the push to seeing another brilliant Thai market.  

 It is a lot like the one we love near us, lots of food, clothes, trinkets and tourists.

 Phuket town is famous for its wonderful street art.

 Stopping for a little beer

 The architecture is Portuguese although no one seems to be able to agree on the origin, either way beautiful

We enjoyed the markets, lots of street performers and stalls we had not seen before.  I still love our one best, but that might be because of the ten minute drive rather than 45!

And Now There is one...

After almost two wonderful weeks with Des and Jimmy and four nights with the rest of the visiting crew we are now down to one Ecua fam member.  It was great having so many here together for a few days and a couple more for longer.  I am so lucky to have such great friends who would come all this way to spend some time with us.  I am even more lucky that Cody is sticking around a bit longer, as it gives us more time to discuss world issues and decide what should be done.  We finished the last few days with Des, Kristi, Mark, Jimmy and Nick with another island day, loads of food and a mass amount of laughter and fun.  It went far too fast and I cannot wait till we all meet again.

 Kristi and Des last day and dinner with us, I was ridiculously sad to see them go.

 Another day at the island, but this time with high tide and waves.

 Mark, Jimmy and Nick's final dinner here, a new spot for us, very close, veggie friendly with winning food.

And now we are down to one..  One of the greats though and so happy he is still here!

Beach MiniEcuaFam Olympics

I was so excited for the MiniEcuaFam Beach Olympics, mainly as it meant that there was so many of us together in Phuket but also I love planning these events.  It is great having everyone here, it is like we have never been apart. 

These were the gift packs to kick off the event

 We started with two events in the pool, a floaty relay and then a little tennis

Off to the beach where a sand storm prevented all my plans!  Luckily I had a scavenger hunt planned so that kept the Olympic dream alive.

 Dinner before the big night out in the infamous Patong.

 A little singing

 A little games in Patong.  I have a strange relationship with this place, sometimes love it and sometimes hate it.  I defo think it is a place I can probably go once a year or when visitors here (the images in the background should give you some ideas as to why!).  So wonderful to have them!! 

Beach Days Ecua Style

I warned all that were coming that they would be arriving in mid rainy season so expect only one or two days of sunshine.  Having lived through it last year, I can only remember a couple in the four months I was here for it.  Well the Ecua's have been here a week and I do not think it has rained once.  In fact, it has been nicer than most days in the 'dry' season.  Saturday and Sunday we had two amazing days, one on a near by island called Koh Rang Yi and yesterday at our favourite brunch spot.  The only thing I feel badly about is the other half arrive tonight and I am not so convinced that this weather will hold out much longer!

 I was undecided about this destination but certainly made the best decision.  It is 45 minutes door to door, including the boat ride, almost always deserted and a tropical paradise.

Always a winner, Sunday brunch at Panwa.  Another great few days completed and now today I am prepping for all the fun that starts tonight.

Ecua Family Eating

We came back from our little road trip and have spent the last two days showing the Ecuas our favourite eating spots.  Thursday night we had a great Mexican at our favourite spot Mamacita.  Friday we had a relaxing home day before heading to the Friday night market.

 The eating commenced on the way home from Khao Sok, a little beach break.

Mexican, all enjoyed.

 Love these faces.

The Friday market was a hit.  It really is the best place.

Ecua Fam Road Trip

Almost one year on and we know so much more!  We went to Khao Sok (a National Park North of Phuket) back in December when Craig visited us but we just went to the lake entrance.  This time I did a little more research and decided to go to the lake entrance and then enter by foot as well, to be fair it was very rainy when we went before so foot was not a great option.  Back then we stayed in a lovely lodge but it was not in the 'town' where most people stay, this time we did.  What a beautiful place Khao Sok is, me and Luis did not even get to hike in the park because of Lola and we still had a a beautiful walk.  The boat trip on the lake was again amazing, even more so as the sun was shining and we were able to swim.

 We will have to return and enter on foot.  What a lovely road trip, love my family!