Thailand--Bangkok to Krabi (and more....)

Why is it I fall into bed near midnight, only to awaken around 5? Perhaps it’s so I can savor the past few days and anticipate those to come. This morning we’re gearing up for a short flight to Krabi, and from the photos, it looks to be glorious. But we have enjoyed the big city, the hustle-bustle. Several things impressed me…

The first is the cleanliness of the city. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a metropolis so tidied up overnight that, come morning, it’s ready to begin living again. Any garbage left in bags along the curb has been picked up. Street vendors leave no telltale signs they’ve done business there during the day. City employees, dressed in long sleeves and pants, busily and constantly sweep leaves, debris, sand. Feels as if there’s real pride here.

The second thing I noticed (and it seems rather minor, but it stuck out) was the condition of the vehicles in the city. I didn’t see one dirty car or taxi. All were polished and gleaming. No dings, rust, faded areas. Pristine. I found that curious. Does it speak to the pride one has in one’s vehicle, or just to the fact it seems never to rain? And given the crazy traffic, we never saw an accident--heard perhaps only two sirens the entire four days we were here. Speaking of vehicles, we saw many Hondas, Toyotas, BMWs, Mercedes, Nissans, as well as a few Kias and Chevys. The cars aren’t as pint-sized as in other parts of the world--sort of like those I might see in my neighborhood. But motorcycles? Too many to count and too many in need of noise-reduction equipment. Ugh.

I found the traditional greeting of all staff particularly lovely--the prayerful hands and the bow of the head. Basically, as I returned the greeting, I felt positive energy, mutual kindness and goodwill--as if all that is good in me acknowledges and appreciates all that is good in you; the yes in me endorses and supports the yes in you. We are different, yet respectful of that difference. If only humankind had more of that.

The kids in the Hellie-wedding entourage (and I mean those under 40), are marvelous individuals. They’re smart and accomplished and forward-looking. They may go from pub to club and back again (which exhausts us older dudes), but the energy they exude and the positive vibes they emanate, give me a fresh look at things..they give me promise. That, in itself, brings peace of mind. A blessing to be sure.

Back to the events of the day: We left the hotel via two vans completely jammed with our luggage. Tension mounted as it came to light that not everyone was present and accounted for. Party animals were lagging behind! Perhaps because it was Sunday, the roads weren’t terribly busy and we got to the regional airport quickly--just a 30 minute drive. Miraculously by the time we checked in, all were present (though some appeared more pale than others). This smaller regional airport was spacious, clean, and staff answered our questions and assisted graciously. Thus we could proceed to check bags, go through security, and find our way to Gate 55--our first step to the beaches of Krabi.

But wait...a bit of commotion. Hellie? Mrs. Hellie? There appeared to be an issue with Irene’s checked bag. A thorough examination ensued and...well, I’ll be darned! Bullets from her .38 had somehow found their way into her toiletry bag. Seriously, Irene? With nooooooo idea how they got there (and wondering why TSA hadn’t flagged her bag for the bullets), Irene was eventually released from questioning after authorities confiscated the suspect contraband; our felon was freed and could continue onto Krabi. (We think an orange jumpsuit will make a fine gag gift sometime soon). Leave it to the Hellies for excitement--very odd excitement, but excitement nonetheless.

Thankfully the 90 minute flight to Krabi took only 60 minutes--our knees hit the seats in front of us. Air Asia certainly crammed us in there, but I can stand most things for 60 minutes.

When we landed, a Centara Grand Hotel rep was waiting with three vans, and our 30 minute ride to the coast was comfy. We unloaded our luggage and waited for a boat to carry us to the hotel--which is accessible by land, but only if you take the “monkey trail,” and it really is just a trail. For us, two boats for our luggage and one for us was perfect.

The fresh, salty air and spray--10 minute ride from shore to resort

This sprawling resort is tucked into the hill

Floating dock and monkeys awaited us.  The resort is surrounded by a national park. — Floating dock and monkeys awaited us. The resort is surrounded by a national park.

The terrain is the beautiful rock-faced outcroppings I’d seen in photos. The floating dock wasn't much of a problem, but the monkeys? Well, some seemed to be pretty uncivilized and I’m not sure I want to have much to do with them.

Our rooms are lovely--the complex is gigantic, and I feel fortunate to have a suite close the main buildings. One thing that struck me was the heat. Heavy, humid, horrific. Think tomorrow I’ll spend most of the day by the pool assessing my options: rock climbing/massage/kayaking.... But for now, it’s off to bed--just having had a mellow and magnificent bite to eat and bottle of wine at the bar. Oh, did I mention it was on the beach? With the surf rolling in? With the hazy moon above? With the next four days unfolding before me here in this paradise? Yeah, staff just came in and "turned down the bed." They left an orchid on the duvet. sigh

Two doors near the tub close to form a separate "bathroom" complete with a raining shower

An evening Coastal Mojito with the surf welcoming us