two days of 'filler' activities

Last week's trip to Thailand sure was good fun while it lasted. I think enjoyed it so much that I reckon it ranks among the top 5 trips that I've ever had! Quite a lofty accolade that.

Despite the inconvenience of lugging my chunky DSLR around, I persevered and therefore managed to chronicle most of our journies over the 7 days and 6 nights that we were there. It helped that Angie also brought a camera for the trip so that I was able to at least feature in some of the photos! And a BIG PLUS for us were the underwater pictures that we conveniently *ahem* copied off our fellow dive groupie, Kyle the Aussie from Brisbane, after he had paid THB3000 to rent the camera for 3 days. Generous fellow he was ;)


Day 1 - Phuket


[Photo from Angie] Thailand welcomes Team KL (as we came to be known as on our boat later)! All smiles as we touch down...probably smiles of relief because we came SO close to missing the flight!!


Promthep Cape - the southernmost point of Phuket. A really popular location to catch the sunset. Lots of tourists and locals.


We were not disappointed =) It was cute that the crowd actually applauded as the upper curvature of the orange sphere dipped below the horizon.


We had dinner at Patong Beach. It was loud, crowded, commercialised, tacky...I wasn't too fond of the place.


We spent our first night in Phuket Backpackers - a very nice budget place downtown. Clean and pleasantly very comfortable, although a little far from the beaches.


Day 2 - Phuket / Khao Lak / The Andaman Sea and beyond


The common area in Phuket Backpackers. The only time we got to check our email/Facebook in Thailand.


We spent the day walking around Phuket town aimlessly. In doing so, I took some random shots.


[Photo from Angie] Tuk tuk!


Engaging in more 'filler' activities at the local coffee junction. How much longer 'til we jump into the water???


After an hour and a half drive from Phuket town, it is approximately 6.30 in the evening and we are in the quiet coastal town of Khao Lak, standing at the doorstep of Khao Lak Scuba Adventures. Oh, the anticipation!


After settling some preliminaries, we are finally on the boat! Tom, one of the 4 divemasters on board, gives us the opening brief.


Fireworks are let off at the bow and we are off cruising the Andaman Sea headed west. First stop - the Similan Islands!


Tomorrow is a brand new day.

Tomorrow we dive.