Sawadee!!

Since our return from the winter break, everyone keeps asking, "So, how was Thailand?" It was AWESOME. We really had a fun time and the weather couldn't have been better.

For our first trip to Thailand, we decided to do a group tour through Camp Zama. Because we had never been anywhere in mainland Asia on our own, it gave us a sense of security along with being able to see all of the sites easily. Camp Zama did an excellent job getting us booked. Any of our readers stationed here who want to go on vacation, I highly recommend calling them first! Both resorts that we stayed at were 5 star resorts and they were some of the most amazing resorts we have ever had the pleasure of seeing, much less staying at. Our first stop was in Pattaya a bustling beach getaway town located about 2 hours from Bangkok. This first resort that we stayed at was the Dusit. Located right next to the ocean with a semi private beach and many many pools. As our bus drove up the gate, the gaurds greeted us with a salute and our first of many exuberant "Sawadee!"s. It was evening and the front garden of our hotel was lit up with thousands of Christmas lights and snowmen (Fake of course. With 90 degree weather, I don't think the real Frosty would have stood a chance!). We were very tired from the 7 hour plane ride and 2 hour bus ride but were still very amazed at the beautiful facility. When we entered the lobby we were again greeted with a bow and a "Sawadee!". The lobby itself was filled with the smell of lemon grass. Our tour guide, Mr. James took care of getting our room keys and luggage sent up. (We didn't even have to take our luggage up to our room!!) Our first evening was uneventful. We ordered deli sandwiches for dinner and plopped down on our beds for a well deserved night's rest.

The next day, bright and early, we started off on our tour. Our buffet breakfast was out of this world. One type of fruit I really enjoyed while in Thailand was the Dragon Fruit. We met our tour after breakfast. Even though it was a long plane ride, the time difference was only 2 hours behind so it wasn't too tough to get adjusted. Although Josh enjoyed the Aquarium, I'd have to say this is something that can be skipped if one doesn't have children. We also stopped at a market strip that we sped-walked through because the place smelled of hot spoiled fish. I'd have to say though, my favorite part of the first day was feeding the monkeys. For only about 100 baht, we bought a small basket of food and fed the monkeys. For the most part they stuck their noses up at all of the bananas and cucumbers. What they really were holding out for were the raw eggs. The monkeys would gently roll them on the ground to crack them then wait for the yolks to come out and lick the goo off of the cement. After visiting the monkeys, we went on to eat a seafood lunch of fried rice and steamed shrimp. Tummies full, we then took a ride to the Chinese Temple which was beautiful and such a contrast from most of the Shinto and Buddhist temples of Japan. We were lucky enough to make it back to the hotel for some much needed pool time for all of the children on the tour. We had dinner at a small place right outside of our hotel called Kiss. For 90 baht (about $3.00), Mike got his favorite Thai dish, Panang Chicken Curry. It's served in a bowl with small slices of chicken and spicy mix of coconut milk, lemon grass and lots of chili spice. YUM!

The next day we were able to go to an Elephant sanctuary. Many of the couples without kids skipped out on this day tour. While at the sanctuary, we enjoyed a presentation and talk about elephants and what they are used for in Asia. Some people on our tour took a bath with an elephant and all of us had the opportunity to ride elephants bare back and saddle! We were all also able to feed them bananas.

The 3rd day of our tour, Christmas Day, started off pretty rough. Josh hadn't been sleeping well and we were all a little cranky. After breakfast, we walked down to the beach and got a private boat ride to an island beach. The water was absolutely crystal clear and aquamarine in color. The island was fairly quiet and relaxing. The kids played in the sand and water. This was an all day beach day so for lunch we ate on the island as well. We were served with deep fried fish, curry, rice and fried veggies. So much food! Josh ate just about a whole fish all by himself. Of course while I was lounging, I drank my token coconut milk. In my mind this is the staple of vacation lifestyle! That night the resort had a dinner celebration with an elaborate buffet and free gifts. Unfortunately, we were all so worn out that we couldn't stay for too long. Fortunately, some of our tour mates snagged some of the free gifts for us.

Because of the previous late night, we were all very happy to have a "free day" for our 4th day. We ate again at our new local haunt, Kiss. Then walked the strip and got some shopping done. Thailand is famous for its jewels and silk. Mike was nice enough to let us stop into the trusted and recommended World Gems shop and purchase several things for me. What a lucky wife I am! We also stopped by the Hard Rock Cafe and got Mike's father (an avid collector of Hard Rock pins) 2 pins.

By the 5th day, our tour was moving on to our second Hotel in Bangkok. The brand new Pullman Hotel. This is where I leave my blogging to an end and ask that Mike continue on about Bangkok and all the amazing sites were saw! Pictures are soon to come! For now, click on the links.