Bike Wrecks, Buddhas, and Beaches... Oh My!

As always what you plan to do, does not always coincide with what you actually do. While Michelle and I had planned to go to Ko Phangan we checked the weather report and we were not liking what we saw... RAIN :( I thought we left Oregon behind us). To our delight, we saw that Krabi was warm and sunny so we took the ferry and set sail, but 1st...

Welcome to 7/11

Whether you are looking for  cheap drinking water, a phone card, or a small snack, you will always find a 7/11 at every corner :) 

 

Just when you think your lost in a different world, a small piece of Americana comes into your life and comforts you like a warm blanket! Buy 2 get 1 FREE...

These pseudo french fires are only 19 BAHT and come with their own chili ketchup dipping sauce

I would buy anything Jackie Chan endorses even anti - balding shampoo

Now back to your regularly scheduled blogging.

We had to say goodbye to this beautiful beach house in Ko Samui. We would eat breakfast every morning on the porch and the best part about it was that it was FREE!!!

View from the Balcony

We both enjoyed the island of Ko Samui but on the last day before getting on the ferry I (Michelle was comfortably drinking coffee across the street) was returning the bike when tragically I was T-Boned by a local Grandma. I had just popped a tire and was carefully balancing my backpack and WHAM!!! I suffered light bruising and a few scrapes. Michelle kissed the boo-boos and they magically felt better! On a serious note, wear your helmets. The whole escapade could have been worse. It cost me 800 BAHT to repair the bike, and the ol' Grandma was trying to squeeze out a few BAHTS as well even thought it was her fault.

After a tip from Lonely Planet we took a bus to Krabi town and made a reservation at the KR Mansion, the 1st of three hotels. It was cute but a little too confined for our liking. (350 BAHT/ night)

 

View from KR Mansion rooftop

The following day we rented a motor bike and made our way to the Wat Tham Seua which is more commonly referred as the "Tiger Cave Temple."  The temple was founded by Jamnien Sillasettho who was a monk and meditation teacher.

After a donation, Michelle lit candles for some prayers and placed them in front of Buddhas. It was supposed to bring her good luck all year!

Tiger Cave Temple and Buddhas

Here is Michelle posing in front of the Tiger. Story goes that it was actually a leopard that was in the caves, but I guess the tiger sounded more commercial so they decided to name it after the later. Anyways the "tiger" was come to the cave every morning before the monks decided that its location was ideal. The tiger left the caves and the monks began worship in 1975. It is full of stalactites and stalagmites.

Props to the gardener!

 

Adjacent Prayer area

  

Here comes the fun part at the rear of the temple there is a 1,272 step staircase leading up a Buddha shrine and in the imprint of Buddha's foot among the vegetation in the rock face.

  

Michelle is looking perky having not taking any steps... HERE goes!

 

View from 258 steps

Someone is lookin' a tired

What is prettier the view or my lady?!?

BUT WAIT.... Michelle and I catch a second wind at 506 steps

She has had enough (832 steps) Lets finish this...

Buddha footprint

We MADE IT, WE MADE IT!!!

HOORAY!!!!

The monkeys at the temple were some skilled thieves! 

While everyone was eating Thanksgiving dinner with their families, I decided to follow in suit as best as possible and eat an KFC! hahaha

We embarked the second day to the Hot Springs Waterfall about an hours drive from Krabi Town

Nitrogen 9%, Copper .01 %, But 100% Sexy

40 - 42 degrees Celsius

 

 

Chicken Leg Soup

 

Relaxing just above the waterall

We share our anniversary with Thanksgiving Day! We decided to have night on the town to celebrate. I can't believe it has been 3 years. XOXO

Strong Drink?!?

Delicious

Tamarind Bar and Restaurant

The letter U is brought you by Michelle

I hate when people plank but when you are tipsy and walking through a children's Thai alphabet park and you see a Zebra, YOU WOULD PLANK TOO!!!

Bar #2 - Reggae Bar- 2 shots from the local rum distillery

 

Our 1st glimpse at a Lady Boy, He/She must work out!

 

Our new friends we met at the Night Market: "Egg, Big, and O were there names!

Cool Stop Lights in the middle of Krabi Town

Wat Kaewkorawaram

The third day we headed to Hat Noppharat Thara...

Blue Sky, Hot Weather... Paradise

Michelle resting with Buddha statue

The I Talay Hotel, we strongly recommend this place to everyone! Only 250 BAHT, free internet and breakfast!

Krabi Town Walking Street has several food vendors, artisans, performers, and even hustlers. Michelle saw a group of boy breakdancers and couldn't resist a photo. Bust A Move!

We both finished the night with Mango Sticky Rice. A very popular dessert!

Till next TIME....