Waiting for the Tide

Waiting for the Tide, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Friendship Beach lies on the East coast of Phuket in Chalong Bay (Ao Chalong). The tide goes out a long, long way to reveal a vast expanse of sand. In the background is Koh Lon. The strip of blue water in front of the island is the main channel to Chalong Pier which is where most of the fishing trips go from, along with speedboats to Koh Phi Phi.

Fish are fun!

Fish are fun!, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Klong Toey Market in Bangkok is one of the largest meat, fish and vegetable markets of its kind. It is a bustling place with lots to see from exotic fruits to live frogs (see an earlier post). The market is very busy especially early in the morning which is the best time to visit to catch the real action. This mother and son seem to enjoy their work.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

I have posted a photo of the floating market before but, as it is one of Thailand's biggest tourist attractions, I thought I would add another one.
Sometimes it becomes so busy at the market, that the boats can hardly move as was the case here.

One Night in Bangkok

One NIght in Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

We have a terrific view from our balcony and I have taken many photos. This is one I took recently on a clear evening just after a particularly spectacular sunset. The tall building to the left is the LH bank with the Banyan Tree Hotel to the right. The HSBC bank is the building on the far right.

There are more and more tall buildings appearing in Bangkok, and with each one that is finished there is an addition to the light show.

Fruits of Thailand - Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Pitaya or Dragon fruit as they are commonly known are grown on a cactus like plant. They are readily available in Thailand but are grown mainly in Vietnam. This variety is known as the Coata Rica Pitaya. Other varieties have white flesh inside. The fuit is native to Mexico and South and Central America.

Klong Kids

Klong Kids, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Bangkok is criss crossed by canals and it is fascinating to take a boat trip and witness the daily life around these canals. There are always kids swimming but this group were having great fun and just loved having their picture taken. I just love the happiness in their faces from the cheeky grin of the boy on the left to the pure delight in the little girl bottom right.

Beach Bar, Bang Tao Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Beach Bar, Bang Tao Beach, Phuket, Thailand, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Bars come and go especially in Thailand. This beach bar appeared on Bang Tao Beach on day so we duly encouraged it by buying a couple of beers. However, when we next went to Phuket, it had disappeared without trace but there is always another bar!

Prow of a Long Tailed Boat

Long Tailed Boat, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This picture was taken on a beautiful sunny day at Nai Yang Beach in Phuket. All long tailed boats in Thailand feature this type of ribbon decoration on the prow as it brings good luck.

Fruits of Thailand - Rambutan

Rambutan, Bangkok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Rambutan were first introduced into Surat Thani in the 1920's and it has become a very popular fruit. The red and green fruit is peeled to reveal a succulent, tasty white flesh with a seed in the middle. The fruit is round or oval and 2 - 3 inches long and is in season in July and August. It is part of the same family as lychees and longan and is believed to be a native of South East Asia

Fishing Boat, Patong, Phuket

Fishing Boat, Patong, Phuket, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

At the southern end of Patong Beach there is a fishing community that was totally destroyed by the 2004 tsunami. Most visitors to Patong probably do not know of its existence. Luckily ,most of the inhabitants escaped and the community has been rebuilt. This is just one of the many boats moored in this creek.