Phuket Progress

It has been nice to see Phuket make some progress from when we first arrived.  As I have probably mentioned a few times there is a huge rubbish issue here, not as noticeable now but in the rainy season it is very depressing.  The beaches are covered in trash, washed in by the rough seas (to be fair it is not all Thai rubbish but it is a massive issue).  And what doesn't help is the huge consumption of plastic in Thailand, for example 500 000 000 plastic bags are used and discarded every day here, that is a ridiculous amount.  Recently, there have been some efforts made, more reusable and paper straws, the 7/11 promising big reductions and yesterday I was so thrilled to see that the supermarket has stopped using them and you must bring your own (this may seem small and behind but it is huge in a country so reliant on plastic). 

I then left the supermarket and noticed a sign for a new small 'bowl' restaurant opening. I spoke to the owner who said it would be largely vegan/veggie based, this was wonderful news and just more of what we need.  There have been many more places like this open since we arrived which is fantastic and now one on our doorstep.

Baby steps, but all in the right direction!

Back to the Grind

We tried to squeeze as much holiday time as we could before heading back.  Having some breakfast, beach time, lunch and then starting the journey home.  Not that it is a long journey, 4 hours, which should have been less but the ferry traffic was fairly bad.  I was actually surprisingly happy to be back in our house, felt a bit like home, but nothing compared to Lolas excitement who seemed thrilled to be back.

 Lola taking in the last views.

 Until I broke the news that I would be starting work again the next day.

 The last lunch before hitting the road.

My gang of dogs were all waiting for their walk this morning, as usual, they were super excited to see me and Lola come out of the house.  Extra treats and love for all of them.  Had the best vacation and super happy to be home to the same blue skies and sunshine.  Not as thrilled to be at my desk right now!

Last Lanta Day Feb 2019

We took full advantage of every day of this holiday but in particular yesterday.  Up super early, with a full day planned (basically eating, paddling and resting),  so to be fair much like all the other days.

 Lola took to the boarding amazingly well.  We had put her on before but nothing like the longer journeys we did this holiday.  She was quite the hit with all the tourists and locals and will feature in many holiday snaps.  I must remember to wipe the lens before taking pictures, some are a little blurry here!

Also had a day full of wonderful meals, our usual breakfast spot and then lunch and dinner at a new favourite the Drunken Sailors.  One more morning left and then headed home :(  What a great time we have had!

All the Food

A great thing about holiday is the food.  Eating things you may never have, indulging a bit.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the food on this trip, especially breakfast, a meal usually boring and on the run.  I guess eating is one of the only three or four activities we do everyday (read, paddle, relax are the others).  Every morning we wake up with intentions of going to the old town or exploring new paces and every day we end up just sitting on our beach (with the odd close adventure out for some food!).

 Lola, having the best time of her life, is also enjoying the food.  Veggie pizza high on her list of yummy holiday treats.

 Delicious smoothie bowls.

 With beautiful views.

(the bacon on this plate was brought by mistake, I think Lola ordered it and was very happy to get it!)

Tuesday morning cafe, are new favourtie food spot (well mine anyways!). 

.For sure breakfast has been my favourit meal of the day.  Super delicious, how will we go back to toast!

Paddling Adventures

I do love where we are staying but the slow internet is making it hard for my blog!  And I have so much beautiful pictures to share.  Most of those will have to wait as to get these few through was difficult enough.  We had another beautiful day of reading, chilling out and paddling around.  Today Lola captained us to another bay for a nice swim and walk around before returning back to our own.  She was so good, it was quite amazing, I think she enjoys leading the pack.

 I had some of me actually properly paddlig but taking too long to download!

 She just sat and took it all in.

 This paddling adventure was last month but I just learnt how to get the pictures off the go-pro and I thought this one was especially lovely (and to be fair still a paddling adventure!
Tomorrow there will be many more pictures to come, but right nwo I am in need of some dinner and my L's are waiting for me!

Loving Lanta

It was nice to stop in Krabi but I am not sure why we didn't come straight here really.  We just love Koh Lanta, especially our little bay on the South of the island.  We even didn't mind when we arrived at our usual laid back beach bungalows to find that they had over booked and we could not have a room for two nights.  They sorted us out at a totally empty hotel down the road, not on the beach but a nice view and we are the only guests there (which was slightly worrying being the height of the high season).  But nothing can deter us from having a fabulous time, it is just so beautiful and laid back and well we just love it.

 What made our first day even better, as the minute we got off the ferry we ran into these two clowns in Happy Veggie.  

 Had lunch, sunset and dinner together before they sped off to their next destination this morning.

 Lola is loving life, she was so happy to arrive back here.

First days here have been stunning, looking to a few more and a relaxing sunny week.

Paddle Board Lola

We had another great day in Krabi before we head off tomorrow to our favourite island,  Koh Lanta.  I love taking Lola on holiday and anyone who says that animals cannot express emotions should spend one with her.  She is so super duper happy to be spending all day and night with us, and loves her new little home and it is just such a joy to watch.  Today she was Queen of the paddle boards, at the front navigating our path.   She certainly impressed some Thai children who were rolling around with laughter watching her.

 She loves her life jacket, she actually gets excited when I pick it up.

 Leading the way.

Finished with a well deserved relaxing time on the beach.

 After a few hours rest we were out again to try and have a better dinner than last night.  Yesterday evening, due to panic hunger, we had the worst meal I have had since I have been in Thailand  It was by far the worst Indian I have ever had.

So tonight we had it all planned out, to avoid any hungry restaurant choosing I was back on the Trip Advisor.  Never again will I not trip advise before eating and what a find.  It was probably one of the best Indian meals we have ever had (Krabi has dozens of Indian restaurants here, not sure why but suits me just fine).