Phuket, Thailand

 

Each year, China celebrates two “Golden Weeks.” The first being the Lunar New Year festival in January or February. The second is the National Day of the People’s Republic of China which is celebrated during the week of October 1st. For centuries, China’s political system was based on hereditary monarchies, known as dynasties. In 1911, the Republic of China overthrew the last dynasty and ruled until 1949. On October 1st 1949, the communist party, led by Mao Zedong, defeated the nationalist ROC party and established the current political system called the People’s Republic of China.

What does this mean to us…a week-long vacation in October!

This year, we headed to Thailand. It was beyond beautiful and full of new adventure.

 

The amazing sunset that greeted us in Phuket.

We were greeted with this gorgeous sunset along the Andaman Sea : Mai Khao Beach, Phuket.                                                                                      Jack wouldn’t leave until the sun had completely set.

 

 

 

The kids enjoyed the endless hours at the pool,

 

circus training,

 

 

and scuba diving lessons.

Jack and Kate learned the basics of scuba diving.

 

 

 

We were so fortunate to share our Thailand excursions with the Bruff family; our good friends from Shanghai. Together, we chartered a deep sea fishing trip to Racha Island. It was an unforgettable day full of:

 

Sailing the open sea,

 

Nothing but blue.

Nothing but blue.

 

Snorkeling,

Snorkeling in these waters were amazing....and exhausting with Luke.

 

 

So excited to find a purple starfish! (yes, we put it back)

This purple starfish was just one of many beautiful encounters. (which was quickly returned it to it’s home)

 

Fishing,

And we did catch some tuna!

We caught some tuna!

 

Which made for a delicious sashimi lunch!

Which made for a delicious sashimi lunch!

 

And dear friends!

Kate enjoying the ride with Reilly and Keelin.

Kate enjoying the ride with Reilly and Keelin.

 

We are so blessed with amazing friends.

So blessed to have the Bruff’s be a part of our “Shanghai family”

 

 

 

Thailand and Luke have one very special thing in common; a deep love and respect for elephants.  So, of course, visiting the elephant sanctuary was a must.

One of Luke's proudest moments.

One of Luke’s proudest moments.

 

At the elephant sanctuary, we learned about the history of Thailand culture including elephants, farming, and cuisine.

 

Kanom Krok & Kafe Boran (Coconut pancakes & traditional Thailand coffee.

Kanom Krok & Kafe Boran                                                                                                                                                                                 (Coconut pancakes & traditional Thailand coffee)

 

And then we took an elephant ride:

 

 

 

 

 

 

One day on a boat while in Thailand is not enough. So, we chartered a speed boat for another day with the Bruff family. This time, we visited Phi Phi Islands :

 

 

Swimming to our own private beach. The sand was as soft as flour.

 

Cannonball!

 

 

 

Each new destination seemed to get more incredibly beautiful.

Each new destination proved to be even more beautiful.

 

That was one big clam!

That was one big clam!

 

A cave where "birds nest soup" is collected. The farming of this product is a key part of traditional Phi Phi life and it's economy.

A cave where “birds nest soup” is collected.                                                                                                                                                                   The farming of this product from a swallow’s nest is a key part of traditional Phi Phi life and it’s economy.

 

 

Until next time, Thailand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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