Telephone calls and computer work...

and, 15 hours later, we got our travel arrangements changed to get us back home without going through Bangkok. Now, this is Lisa and Janie reporting as Fric and Frac (Jeff and David) were out on a 12 hour adventure enjoying the beautiful Phuket Island. We are sure they will report every detail of their adventure like they have done so far on our trip. Thanks guys for always updating our blog....even though you do get a little long winded at times!!! We will be updating our blog later with the changed travel arrangements. Love to you all and hope you had a great Thanksgiving! We are so thankful to have such a loving family and dear friends.

Bangkok Airport

Hmm. Yes, the airport issue in Bangkok is causing a problem (see your news) with logistics, but no worries, we will figure it out! Everything here in Phuket is great - no problem other than flight logistics. Having a great time but missing all of you! Koby and Katelyn - love and miss you and we will see you in a couple of days!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends and family!!!!

Love,

The Indy and KC Clemow's

Wednesday..snorkling and more - Tai Island hopping

We spent the day on the ocean as we took a trek out on a speed boat (fast and bumpy) from Phuket that took us out about an hour out into the ocean (East) to a group of islands called Phi Phi - Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley (non-populated - where the movie The Beach was filmed). Our boat driver took us to about 4 different beach areas, and we even had lunch on one of the islands.

We swam at a couple of places, stopped for the views at a few different coves, and we went snorkeling at two different reefs off the islands were we saw a ton of coral and fish - a lot of giant clams that would suck in when we swam by. Before heading in we also stopped at a tiny private island called Khai that was half tropical mound and half beach (finest you could think of) with nothing but 360 of ocean. Then we headed back to the Hilton at Phuket where we stayed at the resort for a buffet dinner that included all you can eat shrimp and lobster (Shawn, you would be proud - 3-plater plus 2-dessert platter!) among what seemed like 50 other dishes. Well, no words will describe it better then the pictures so here they are (sand, sun, moutains rising 90 degrees out of water, tropical forest, boat).

Phuket Arrival

Tuesday morning brought an early rise for all to get to the airport. Ming Lee picked up D&L at 6:00 a.m. then J&J and off to the airport. A little hassle at the ticketing stage. Janie's suitcase had grown a bit and slightly over weight. Also, there was a rule regarding presenting the credit card the tickets were purchased under. Long story, but suffice it to say after a supervisor was brought in we got all checked in and off to the plane.

The flight was uneventful and we made it down to Karon Beach to the resort. The drive was an hour of seeing row after row of very poor areas. Then turn left and we are at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia gated resort. We were greeted with a boquet of flowers along with wrist flowers and a nice refreshing drink (flowers also delivered to our room with bed turn down along with a beautiful basket of fruit). The rest of the day has been getting oriented and debating what to do for the remaining days. We enjoyed the beautiful view from the Executive lounge for cocktails and appetizers and booked a few excursions. We are all missing home and family, but the trip has been one you just seem to want to go on and on.

Big Budha, Tai O, Red Door

The last day in HK was spent traveling by train, gondola, bus, ferry and subway to see Lantau Island and its sights. David and Lisa met J&J at the train and then all headed to the gondola ride up to the largest outdoor Budha in the world.

The Gondola ride took an entire half hour from start to finish over a lake and moutains from Tung Chung to the Budha. Also at the base of the Budha we found the Po Ling Monestary, where you could make a million dollars on all the incense being burned. There where 260 steps to the top of the Budha for a wonderful panaramic view. If you were in tip top shape you could have followed the path from bottom to top up and down for a couple of miles. Maybe a return trip. :)

Before heading out from the Budha we sat for a quick chinese fast food stop including noodles and soup. Way different from McDonalds and a whole lot better for you.

Then the gang jumped aboard a bus for a Disney like ride down the moutain to Tai O fishing village. Here we found what you would have seen in a movie where the homes are on stilts and poverty is something of an understatement. Not a place to stop for a bite, but a lot of great pictures, smells and something you just need to experience to appreciate life.

After some scratching our heads on getting change for the bus ride to Mui Wo on the other side of the island, we took another bus ride that made the first seem like the kiddy ride at Disney. David noticed a sign along the way that said watch for cows crossing. Around the next corner there were cows crossing the road. Good thing the bus had good breaks. When we go to the Ferry pier we were amazed by the thousands of bikes parked. It must be everyone riding too the ferry to head into HK for work? Something to see.

The ferry ride took us through the maze of boats (ships) that traverse or park in the harbor. Everything from a big freighter to the battle ships to the crane barges used to unload the cargo ships.

We then wondered past more construction and took a quick break at the Conrad. From there a quick taxi ride to the restaurant where we planned to meet up with Katy and Gary. Too our surprise 3/4 of the way to the restaurant, Lisa spotted Gary (among thousands)walking on the sidewalk. We jumped out of taxi and continued walking with Gary only to arrive at the restaurant at the same time Katy was getting out of her taxi. Small world even in a big city. We had dinner in our own private room which was awesome and then we topped it off with a chocolate desert stop. Hard to believe but we then headed to a very busy party area of HK for a night cap. All departed for another successful day and preparation for the trip to Phuket the next morning.

Picture of the group out on the town was in order (Katy, Gary, Jeff, Janie, Dave, Lisa - Katy took the pic).

Tai Tam & Stanley

Katy and Gary live on the south side of Hong Kong in an area (Tai Tam) just near an area called Stanley where thre is a public beach and another city market. So after a little later start (hour) J&J headed out via Subway and Taxi to Shek O Beach as did the rest of the gang from Tai Tam.

When J&J arrived they found David and Gary in the surf with everyone else enjoying a little shade on the beach. After a bit of relaxing, David, Katy, Gary and Jeff took a hike out to the point of the cove where there was terrific vistas looking back at the coast line on a clear sunny day (of course after lugging the camera everywhere for days we left it at the beach and thus no pictures). After scampering on some rock formations for awhile (boys must be boys) we headed back to the beach. Ah, Katy took a couple of pics!

We gathered at the beach to find Janie had bought Ice Cream for those who did not take the trek. We decided to pack up and crab some lunch. Like last night we did a family style lunch on the beach in an open air restaurant. The food and atmosphere was heaven. Of course we ate too much and decided to head back to Stanley on the winding, narrow mountain roads.

David, Lisa, Katy and Janie headed to the Stanley Market for one of the last shopping trips. Whew says Jeff! Gary stayed home to watch the kids as Jeff got some laundry done and updated the blog. Not too mention a cold beer on the balcony watching the view!!

After chatting for a while J&J headed back to the city and the rest had a bite to eat, with some after dinner chocolate.

Katy and Gary have been the most outstanding hosts - we are so lucky to have them, and 3 month-old Sophie and 2-year old Liam!! We were all tired so we hit the rack pretty early as we had another big day planned. This trip is going way to fast!!