Blogging Abroad

Among the many places we visited during our trip in Phuket, Rang Yai Island stood apart for its subdued beauty and tranquility. Also known as Pearl Island, Rang Yai is only 15 minutes speed boat ride away from the main island. Unlike other activity packed day trips, we decided to pick a tour with the most relaxed schedule, which means plenty of time to relax, swim, snorkel and just explore the island on our own. Unbelievably, we were the only visitors on the island that day, possible due to the fact it was near the tail end of the low tourism season. After a quick tour of the pearl farm, our guide led us to the beach basically just to roam around and do whatever we desired.As Nick snorkeled, I found this huge squid washed up on the beach. I have never seen a squid […]

Original post by Jas and plugin by Elliott Back

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We had many choices when choosing our lodging arrangement for the Thailand trip for it was during the tail end of the low tourist season. October doesn’t offer the ideal weather condition, but as we found out, except for some sudden but short lasting rain storms, it was actually pretty much hot and sunny.
We decided to stay at Karon beach seen above, the second largest beach on Phuket island. It’s a more couple oriented setting than a night life oriented at Patong beach. And in case if you really want to get some action from the hustling and busting, it’s only 20 min away. This photo was taken from a nearby hill top hotel, outlining the whole beach.
We found Karona Resort & Spa from one of the Phuket tourism board web sites on a last minute deal. The hotel driver picked us up from the airport in a caravan, after […]

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Elephants are a huge part of South East Asian societies. They are loved and respected by everyone. It’s easy to understand why, especially after the type of close encounters we had with the elephants during our trip. Our meeting with the 4 year old elephant shown in this picture was particularly unforgettable. We were treated to a fantastic show by this adorable elephant on our way to a white water rafting trip. After the show, while waiting for the other guests to return from their elephant ride in the jungle, we happened to see the elephant trainer giving our little star performer a much deserved shower. When the trainer saw us snapping pictures, he signaled us to come over and take over the shower hose from him. Obviously this is something we have never done before, and neither me or Nick knew what to expect. But to our surprise, […]

Original post by Jas and software by Elliott Back

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I’m not very good at people shots because I think it’s the hardest thing to do. It’s difficult to capture people in their most natural and unpretentious state. However, I thought this one did a decent job of presenting a moment of two people in love and mostly unaware of the photographer. Right before the sunset, most tourists have gone back to their lodges. Nick spotted this cute Thai couple on the beach. Based on their body language, we could tell love was the air. I immediately took out the camera and snapped away from the distance.

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Original post by Jas and software by Elliott Back

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Just another day of sun tanning at Karon Beach, Phuket. I couldn’t help taking a few shots while Nick was in the water. It was taken from the distance with an interchangeable Zuiko Digital 40-150mm f3.5-4.5 lens. I used sports mode, which allowed me to shoot at a fast shutter speed without blur. This is one of my favorite.

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Original post by Jas and a wordpress plugin by Elliott

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Phuket is home to a wide range of wild lives both on shore and in the surrounding oceans. One group of animals we did not anticipate on seeing was monkeys. We stopped by these monkeys sanctuary on our way to a day of white water rafting in the mountains of Phang Nga.
The monkeys were visible as soon as we stepped out of the caravan, just outside the entrance to Suwankuha Temple (Monkey Cave). Upon closer look, there must be over two hundreds of these furry guys mingling about.
For those who want to get up close and personal with the monkeys, you can purchase a handful of bananas for some feeding fun. It’s not everyday you get a chance to feed a herd of wild monkeys in their own habitat without any cages or fences, and this proved to be too much temptation for Nick. With the bananas in hand, Nick […]

Original post by Jas and plugin by Elliott Back

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We didn’t know about the Racha resort when we first researched our honeymoon destination earlier this year. In fact, if it wasn’t for a lack of availability at our original selection, Coral Island, off the coast of Phuket, Thailand, we would probably never have discovered this jewel hidden on the idyllic Racha Island, also just a short speed boat cruise away from Phuket.
Having been to Phuket before the Tsunami, and fallen in love with the island and its very hospitable people, it was an easy decision for us to go there for our honeymoon. Most of our 3-week trip was to be spent on Phuket Island, but we wanted to experience a romantic getaway to one of the many surrounding islands of Phuket. When a stay to Coral Island was not possible, we researched and found a little known resort called the Racha. By looking at the pictures posted […]

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We are huge fans of Thai food. We took full advantage of the best Thailand has to offer during our stay.
There is a huge variety of cuisines to choose from across the various beaches on Phuket Island and inland at Phuket Town. We found that the best place to taste real authentic Thai food are some of the open air street side restaurants that congregate near most hotels and shopping centers. You can find bargain price seafood meals daily that features fresh catch from local fishermen. We tried a number of fish dishes, and none of them disappointed. Our favourite dish was steamed white or red snapper with lemon grass, which is served hot and spicy on a heated metal dish. There are also plenty of appetizers to keep you busy while you wait for the main course. As you could probably guess, most appetizers also feature seafood. Most […]

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If you have time to bargain and has some basic knowledge about jewllery, do explore the dazzling selection of gold, silver, pearls and precious stones. They are readily available at all shopping centers and night markets. Be sure to ask for a certificate if the jeweller didn’t provide one. Personally, we found that pearls are great bargains, especially sea pearls, which are considerable more expensive in North America. For people who are looking for an engagement ring or wedding bands, you’re at the right place. Also for precious stone lovers, you’re in heaven.
If you are looking for clothing and silk, there are plenty to choose from. What we discovered was that their fashion sense is very well up to date, and the price is incredablly affordable. We bought everything from T shirts, jackets, caps, footwear to silk scarves (Ladies, get lots of silk […]

Original post by Jas and software by Elliott Back

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Beaches are nice, but Phuket Town is a very exciting place to explore. It’s about 30 minutes by car from the beach. You can get there by local bus, tuk tuk(taxi), scooter, motorcycle, or private car.
We rode the bus once. It was an interesting experience, and we enjoyed it. It’s very economic to travel by bus there. It costs less than 1 dollar(25 bhat) per person to Phuket Town from the beach and you can sightsee along the way. Its downside is slow and you have to wait for it by the street. It comes every half an hour. If you miss it, gotta hang around the beach for another half an hour. Image standing in the heat of 30 celsius plus humidity, hum..not very fun, or running for the bus in that kind of heat, which is what we did…huh..wishing […]

Original post by Jas and plugin by Elliott Back

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