Tag Archive: Asia


Of Island Hops & Boodle Fight

Filed under: Asian Holidays, Food Trip, Musings & Ramblings, Philippine Travels, Travel, travels — 2 Comments
January 11, 2026

Booked this 3 island hopping tour visiting Naked Island, Dako and Guyam Islands. Joined a group of 24 pax, half of which are foreigners and the rest locals. First off was Naked Island, which is actually a sandbar. Welcome, sunshine! No trees, no shelter. Just a sizeable oval shaped sandbar off the southern shore of Siargao, with just the sand and the sea to enjoy. A slather of sunscreen here and there but I get a sense no amount of skin protection would work. Naked Island is NOT a nudist island. The sandbar itself is “naked” as no single tree stands here. One hour here is all you need. Its proximity to Siargao Island makes it a top island hopping destination especially when you have limited time.

Naked Island. A treeless sandbar off the
southern shore of Siargao.

In between the island hops, there was also a chance to jump off the boat, swim and go snorkeling. The current was quite strong though so only those confident with their swimming skills did. I stayed on the boat with the young Filipinos who are here on holiday break from their Qatar jobs. These guys made me laugh so much as they readily entertained us with their funny song and dance numbers that provided comic relief. Whoever you are, thank you guys. The “skit” where one acted like a flight attendant had me in stitches! And all that laughing made us grow really hungry and ready for the boodle fight. This is lunch, Filipino style. The spread was quite abundant — very generous servings of fried tuna, grilled pork belly, noodles, shrimps, spider conch, sea grapes or seaweeds, sautéed vegetables, mangoes and watermelons.

Noodle lunch in Dako Island

The boodle lunch was served in Dako Island where there was also enough time to swim, play volleyball or even to spread a beach towel for a quick nap on the sand. In Guyam Island, there are beach bars and some music and fruit stalls. More swimming or more naps or more volleyball games. By this time, the boat passengers have grown relaxed, friendlier and chattier. We were lucky to join a fun group. (Trivia: I was the OLDEST in the group. That means the boat crew paid more attention to my safety and welfare 🤣 )

Dako Island
Guyam Island
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Sunsets in Siargao

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January 9, 2026

We tried our luck in Cloud 9. But no surfers. No fiery orange nor pink hues across the sky from the Cloud 9 boardwalk. We waited until twilight and that’s when we decided to enjoy our piña colada, pizza and mango smoothie. The sky was woefully unstained by vibrant colors but that’s ok. It’s only our first whole day. The stray dogs and pearl vendors kept us company, relentlessly trying to make us succumb. I’m pretty good resisting this retail therapy but my niece is another matter. She’s a magnet for vendors of any kind!

Cloud Nine Boardwalk
Two lone surfers just before sunset

January must be off season. I was told it rains a lot the first month of the year. It rained when we arrived but soon enough, the sun was out. Late in the afternoon, the surfers must have gone to bars or for some nutrition as we only found a couple with their boards. The boardwalk wasn’t crowded at all. And there were empty chairs facing the waters from Shaka and X Bars where we picked up our aperitif.

Mango Smoothie Cereal Bowl from Shaka
X Bar’s Piña Colada+ Pizza

The following day, we set out for AFAM Bridge. Yes, AFAM as in “A Foreigner Assigned In Manila”. The sunset warriors are all here! Some AFAMs bearing beer bottles which they uncork while watching the sun set. Local vendors plying their wares — pearls, shirts and some handcrafted souvenir items. The local boys offer their services to take photos, amusing foreigners with their “human drone” tactics. We tried looking for dining places nearby but found none interesting. Then we remembered our hotel driver mentioning “Jorene’s Homemade Ice Cream & Halo Halo” so we promptly hailed a tuktuk to get there. Thought we’d end the day on that sweet note but there’s this Italian-Filipino restaurant called “La Carinderia” right across our hotel. Actually, I first tried La Carinderia when they opened a Makati branch. Good food, good service, and the most charming couple owners. So yeah, we ended the day with that famous Mama’s Lasagna plus Siargao Salad which I swear is really good. Chef Stefano and Miss Po also trained their staff very well. Good simple Italian – Pinoy dinner.

Sunset. AFAM Bridge
Jorene’s Maiz con Hielo and Halo Halo topped with homemade ice cream.
Mama’s Lasagna & Siargao Salad from La Carinderia
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It’s A Good Start. No Rush.

Filed under: Asian Holidays, Musings & Ramblings, Philippine Travels, Travel, travels — 6 Comments
January 7, 2026

It’s been 25 years since I retired at 47. Technically, I continued to work though not on a regular 9-5 desk job. Rather,I had 2 meetings a month. Anything more and I’m “overworked”. In between the meetings, I traveled, spent time with my friends, went to church and simply had a wonderful time celebrating life. Through it all, I ticked off destinations from a long list, searched for exotic dishes and adventures and promptly prepped for the 2 monthly meetings that sustained my lifestyle. I’m putting all that behind me now. Absolutely no more work. Nailed the last chapter of my career. No more graphs and financial reports to review. No more special zoom meetings that consumed more thinking hours. No more document deliveries for signature. The simple act of stepping down and out was liberating. Trips now need not go around the scheduled meetings and more importantly, there was no compelling rush to cover as much ground as possible. When I quit my full-time job back in 2001, I appreciated the relaxed pace already. But it is an even more elevated sense of freedom now. As in, no more worries. No more anxieties. No midnight or early morn zoom meetings while I’m abroad on a different time zone. Absolutely no stress now. No rush. Let everything take its natural course.

No rush. Love that. The luxury of time. Hours in a bookstore just browsing around, coffee breaks that are truly “breaks” and not just caffeine nutrition, sweetly poring over restaurant menus without being fussy if the dishes took awhile before being served. Traveling without an agenda, or leaving the task of crafting the itinerary to a younger set who has a long list to tick off. No rush. Every minute celebrated. Off with the travel lists and must-do’s. Just go. Explore or linger. Savour every second. I learned there is actually an art to waiting. It is when one pays more attention to details that a more authentic sense of appreciation blooms. A deeper sense of gratitude. Would you rush through a scrumptious meal, or even a good cup of brew or an excellent book? It parallels being mindful. When every single detail matters. A rushed, busy life takes that away. Where I sit now, I refuse to multi-task. Done that when I was way younger. I’d rather focus on a single item now and preserve the thoughtfulness attached to it.

Bravo Beach Resort in Siargao.

So time rolls by. Whether in the city or in the beach, it is living without the rush. It is life. 🥰

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How has it been this 2025?

Filed under: art, Asian Holidays, Europe, Food Trip, France, Japan, Musings & Ramblings, Seniors, Travel, travels — Leave a comment
December 16, 2025

And just like that, we only have a couple of weeks before the year 2026 sets in. This early, we’ve mapped out some travel plans already for the coming year. Siargao in January. Kerala, India in February. Back to Sydney in March for quite a time, till June. And for the 2nd half of the year 2026, a river cruise along the Rhine. God knows where else we’d find ourselves in in between those planned trips. There’s Hokkaido and Medan, Indonesia in the drawing boards. And of course, that forever plan to watch Messi play — either with Inter Miami or with his national team Argentina for the coveted back to back win in the World Cup. Busy 2026? Perhaps busier than this year 2025. I’ve skipped many trips with my travel mates this year — choosing to spend more time and holidays with the family. All good. 👍

Hiroshima

Started 2025 with a trip to Fukuoka although we stayed in Hiroshima for the most part. Despite the grim reminders of the horrors of war, the white and pink Sakura blooms cheered us up all throughout that spring holiday. For the 3rd time, I visited Miyajima Island to enjoy once more the iconic Torii gate and the succulent oysters and eels the island is famous for. Back in Manila for the necessary preps for a bigger trip to Spain and France. This European holiday is my first trip with a grandnephew based in Sydney, plus a niece whom I wanted to introduce to the camino as well as take to Lourdes, France for some “spiritual experience”. From the Gaudi-inspired city of Barcelona, we took the train to Pamplona and met up with cousins to Saint Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles to Lourdes to Paris. It was time very well spent. The sightseeing, the pilgrimage walk, time with family, the art and culture aspects of a trip and most importantly, the bonding time while experiencing all these lovely adventures and creating happy memories.

Walking out of Saint Jean Pied de Port in France to cross the Pyrenees into Spain.

Soon after this European trip, I only had a few days to pack for another holiday. This time, in Bali, Indonesia where more kin from Sydney flew in to join me for 5 days of sun and sand. We made sure the trip is “senior friendly” as my 81 year old sister and brother-in-law are joining. That is not to say this newly-arrived (from a hectic trip) septuagenarian didn’t need a break. Quite honestly, I actually rested so well in Bali. It was truly a relaxing holiday after a fast-paced holiday with a younger set. Just what I needed!

With family in Bali.

Fukuoka in spring. Fukuoka in end of summer. Yes, I returned to this lovely city in September, this time with my “Apos” to attend my nieta’s art exhibit. But I hardly did anything outside of just being present. The twenty-somethings did all the planning, flight and tour bookings. Including all dining and shopping itineraries. Not bad. I can get used to this. We ate well, even if I thought we had too much coffee and ramen. I sat out the shopping part, but I enjoyed the new spots which the younger sets prefer. Besides, we are actually here for the Art Fair Asia Fukuoka !

Before the year ended, I joined my friends for yet another trip — to Kaohsiung in Taiwan. This is my first time here as I’ve only been to Taipei and nowhere else in Taiwan. Just a quick trip. Aside from shopping and eating, I only managed to visit Pier 2 Art Center. On 2 consecutive days, I visited the area which is just a short walk from the hotel we booked. Just as well. The pier is a massive place dotted with brick warehouses cum shopping and dining areas, and parks with very interesting art installations. I’m sure my young family members would love it here. But next visit, I’d be sure to time it during cooler temps. It’s hard to endure the sun in the open-air art spots. The afternoons by the river are more pleasant though.

Pier 2 Art Center. Kaoshiung, Taiwan.

And so, here ends 2025. How has it been? We look back with gratitude and look forward with hope. In a few, the year 2026 beckons. A third of the coming year is all planned out this early but the remainder is still there, leaving room for exploration. For adventure. For surprises. Oh, don’t we all love surprises? I am ready for the coming year. Are you? 💕🎉🙏🍾🚘💃✈️🚂🛳️⛱️🏕️⛰️🏝️

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Back in Pier 2 Art Center

Filed under: art, Asian Holidays, Musings & Ramblings, Travel, travels — 2 Comments
November 19, 2025

That first visit was simply NOT enough. The stroll from the Kaohsiung Music Center to the Whale Promenade across the bridge gave us a sweat. Feeling a tad out of place with the younger crowd that late Sunday afternoon cheering on a band onstage amidst food kiosks and arts and crafts booths, we headed back to our hotel in time for dinner at a nearby izakaya. On our last full day in Kaohsiung, we leisurely spent the day food shopping in the morning, then checking out this institution of a beef noodle house which has been in business for 65 years. We beat the lunch crowd and promptly got a table without having to line up. Siesta after lunch, why not? It was only wise to wait till late afternoon when it’s not too sunny and humid before giving Pier 2 another stroll with plans to enjoy cocktails in one of the seafood restaurants by the riverbank. Another afternoon, another sunset.

The row of brick warehouses and some art installations happened to be right behind the Kaohsiung Music Center. A wide promenade good for joggers, sightseers as well as some avid shoppers and friends who just want to hang out, perhaps helped along by some alcoholic beverages. We watched as the sun set and thereafter indulged in sundown cocktails in this seafood resto and wine bar by the riverbank called Yonshin Fudopia. For the first time, I’ve tried whelks — a kind of marine snails used for food — which I absolutely enjoyed! Besides, vino by the waters by sundown is one pleasurable moment in my book. A slight breeze on an otherwise humid day with good company clinched the deal.

The art installations by the water’s edge continue beyond the bridge all the way to a park and Art Center. It’s a good walk. I headed back the following morning and simply traced the route of the light rail which weaved thru brick warehouses and a mini park. A robot here, a peeing boy painted on a wall, a giant statue, some more art installations which included a mini train, something that looked like either a phonograph or a megaphone, a suitcase, dragon, swing, etc. Tried to eavesdrop on this bunch of school kids with their teacher spilling details on the sculptures but no deal — can’t break through the Chinese spiel. For sure, those kids were awed by the lessons.

By and large, Kaohsiung is a more quiet, cleaner place than Taipei. We’ve skipped the touristy stuff and simply enjoyed the shopping and strolls by the pier. We could have done better in the dining department though but trip’s short and sweet so that’s alright. I slept real good and I haven’t done that in a long time. Like 8 to 9 hours! Trips with absolutely no agenda do work.

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A Family Affair in Bali (2025)

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June 8, 2025

Rested for only a couple of days before flying out to Bali to join my OZ family. From Gay Paris to the beautiful island of Bali in the Indian Ocean. A midnight arrival along with many tourists at the height of summer. For many Aussies, it’s a welcome break from the winter spell Down Under.

Photo Opps
Out on a boat otw to Turtle Island

Soon after checking in, we took off on a boat to Turtle Island (Tumpak Sari Bali) to see them old and slow island residents. Still groggy, sleep-deprived from our midnight arrival but yes, we hit the ground running…. errrr, boating.

Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple in Bali

Next stop: Uluwatu Temple. Been here twice before but it’s a first visit for my OZ family. Surprised there weren’t many monkeys in the area. Like we probably just met 4-5 monkeys, and not at all aggressive as I remember my previous 2 visits.

Day 1 with fam. Off to a good start. We are enjoying our crib in Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Terraces, just 2 years since opening in 2023. Last time we stayed in Marriott Nusa Dua Gardens, which we loved as well. I’d say either or both are perfect cribs for families. We looked forward each day to coming home for home-cooked dinners here after a whole day visiting temples, lakeview spots and some rice terraces. Day 2 was more temples and some shopping and coffee-tasting adventure. And then, 2 more days just staying in to enjoy this resort club. Maybe hit the beach, go biking or simply taking the shuttle from the club to go shopping or checking out the spa and nearby shopping outlet. Let’s see what comes up next! Here’s the blog summary link to our previous Bali adventure.

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Something New

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January 2, 2024

Since retiring in 2001, I’ve visited a new place annually. Something new. Or rather, someplace new. Except for the pandemic year 2021, I managed to tick off a new destination. I even squeezed in a trip just before the March 2020 lockdown and 3 trips in 2022 when the world slowly eased out of the global tragedy. My ever growing bucket list now includes not just new spots but NEW EXPERIENCES too. Since I retired, my banner year was 2015 when I did my first ever Camino de Santiago de Compostela and visited such exotic spots like Myanmar, Phuket, Morocco, a Scandinavian cruise, Berlin and some areas in Spain under the tourist radar.

Since 2001. Except only 2021 because of the pandemic.
Sahara Desert. 2015.

Were there any favorite sights? The answer is YES. I have since repeated many trips if only to repeat the same experiences. Dining around Spain and Japan goes right up there at the top of the list. Doing the pilgrimage walks is an experience my travel and camino buddies won’t mind doing again and again. France — specifically Provence and Paris evoke warm and nostalgic vibes. Always a brilliant idea I’d never ever grow tired of. African safari I fortunately tried twice, both ranking among my best animal adventures. Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa. After the safaris, I vowed never to visit another zoo. Locally, my whale shark (butanding) experience I shared with my family. Just had to bring them to Sorsogon after my first time 2 months earlier. I also wish I can take them to Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Israel but the present peace situation won’t allow such. A pity.

Myanmar
First Camino. 2015.

This 2024, I will visit Machu Picchu a second time. That Incan citadel is hard to shake off one’s memory. And while there, might as well head south on that long Chilean strip all the way down to Patagonia. This is that one major trip originally scheduled — later cancelled — in 2020 before the pandemic shook the world. Off to that South American adventure via Sydney where I plan to visit family. Towards the end of the year, another trip Down Under for some Kiwi cruise experience.

An African Safari
Machu Picchu. Just once more this 2024.

Way too many in my list. First times and repeats. Earlier, I thought I should scratch off the repeats to compose a list of more visited spots. But why not? Those who gain “favorites” want to repeat, as in food adventures. After all, no 2 trips are ever the same. The experience varies according to season, company and moods. Emphasis on the moods. Visiting some places in the company of first-timers give a new dimension to the travel experience. The enthusiasm, the excitement and the “frenzy” can be quite infectious and that whiff of mirth — priceless!

Train Experience in Sri Lanka
Whale Shark Adventure off Sorsogon

Hopefully, I can tick off many more in my list. Aurora Borealis sightings? Got that listed, along with more countries in South America. I do want to do another camino, and wishing I can do so with younger members of my family. I am lucky to count many travel buddies but family trips are still the best. As for solo trips, my confidence is still there but I know such will burden my family with anxieties. So maybe I can “adjust” that by flying solo but joining an organized tour somewhere. Anything for an adventure. As they say, I don’t need therapy. Just needed to travel. 😘

Bhutan
That trip when my buddies flew home and I opted to stay around solo and extend my stay.
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Making Memories (2023)

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October 24, 2023

This 2023 is a year marked by so many milestones. In a couple more months, we’d prep to welcome a new year and I just can’t wait to give my yearend update! I know, I’m 2 months early but there is just so much to tell. Or write about. Early on, the year started with health travails within the family. Throughout the year, we’ve learned to manage the heartbreaks and inconveniences. To some extent, we even managed to ignore the problems and carried on celebrating life. At this stage, we felt we just can’t skip nor miss, or worse, waste the opportunities. Life will always have its ups and downs. The challenge lies in how we can stay happy. And hopeful.

Half Full or Half Empty? To see or not to see?
Dead of Winter in Early January in Japan

Started the year with a winter trip to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. A visiting niece has long wanted and has never been to Japan so I obliged. After all, Japan is always a good idea. Yeah, I was in this land of the sun just last November 2022 and it hasn’t been 2 months yet! And a few months later around spring, I’d find myself back again in the Kansai region with my 2 other nieces. I can’t believe I made 3 trips to Japan in a span of 5 months. Not that I’m complaining. I love Japan.

Trio in Kansai for Sakura
A 3-week trip to Europe

We planned our trip to Europe in between trips to the hospital’s emergency room. One of us got her visa a day before departure. 😩 We were scheduled to arrive late in Amsterdam without a hotel room on our first night. Managed to book a room only from the airport’s departure lounge. All’s well. And the trip turned out to be truly unforgettable with a few mishaps here and there. I traveled with my 2 grandchildren from Amsterdam to Brussels to Brugges to Provence to Paris. The train connections we arranged as we went along.

Up North in Sapa, Vietnam
An unplanned trip to Phuket, Thailand

The trip to northwestern Vietnam was a welcome break amidst all the stress from life’s uncertainties. Never mind that it took 6 hours going from Hanoi to Sapa. If only for the clouds rolling through the mountains carved by rice field terraces, as well as the coffee scene, this trip to Northern Vietnam is worth it. And the impromptu meet-ups in Phuket, Thailand with our OZ branch of the family turned out to be the perfect stress-buster. As they say, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade! Such a lovely time we had basking under the sun and digging our toes in the sand. The holiday resort we stayed in was perfect for us. The resort activities kept us entertained and there was plenty of time to catch up with one another too.

The Grand Homecoming of MC ’73
Reunion

The year 2023 likewise marked the golden jubilee for my college batch. More than 5 decades of friendship. We did well with a yearbook, a beach weekend, trip to a pottery workshop, many luncheons and cocktails, and a lovely video and collage of all our homecoming events. What a blessing to experience all these — reminiscing our teenage years in college and delighting in how we still manage to enjoy each other’s company as we rolled into our 70’s. With some now living abroad, we have missed each other far too long. But it never took that long to pick up where we left off. An old joke persists. An old story repeated countless times.

Degustacion Treat at Metiz
Birthday Lunch at Beso Beso

And the golden jubilarian turning septuagenarian? It all happened in 2023. What a milestone! In our batch, I was the youngest. The last to turn 70. To my elves, I’m ancient. The same elves who treated me to a degustacion in Metiz Restaurant. Not wanting to go home yet after dinner, we lingered at our favorite hotel lobby just chatting till they closed shop. On the very day I turned 70, we had lunch in Beso Beso which translates to “kisses”. A lovely time for the family as we then proceeded to hear Sunday Mass after lunch and indulged in some shopping later, before another family dinner at Made Nice. It was a Sunday, a birthday truly made nice as we stayed together a good part of that day. Quite rare now as everyone gets busy with new jobs, a career, some projects. An opportunity not to be missed. Nor wasted. Memories. Life is a celebration.

Dinner at Made Nice

Happiness
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Back To Thursdates With Mu

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October 12, 2023

Having “Thursdates with Mu” and apo says Tagaytay gives her Sapa vibes. Sapa in Northern Vietnam was our recent travel together and we still remember that hill town “in the clouds”. Foggy when we arrived in Tagaytay, rainy when we slurped our ramen somewhere in Alfonso, and clear now as we sip our beers. Hello, everyone! Let’s do a field trip / cafe crawl in Tagaytay /Alfonso, Cavite. Apo had a long list of cafes, restos and a brewery to visit, all very neatly plotted on a map. My “trainee” is doing even better than me in the travel research department! On our ride here, we settled on 3 spots in her itinerary. A ramen lunch, a coffee stop and a brewery to check out. Sounds like a good plan?

Dining Al fresco or inside one of these
Edo-inspired wooden houses? This is Surugin Ramen House “deep” in Alfonso, Cavite. Just waze it!
Katsu Curry Ramen & Odori Ramen

Surugin Ramen House reminded me of an Edo town somewhere near Kyoto as we slurped our steaming ramen and devoured the gyoza. It drizzled while we enjoyed our lunch al fresco under a shed. There were just the two of us here on this Thursday though I hear weekends are real busy. As in long queues! Just as well we came on a weekday. Took us all of 2 hours though, driving from Makati. Some portions of the expressways ain’t no express drives. Especially before and soon after the toll exits. Anyway, we “owned” the place so we took the chance to loiter around the gardens and checked out the cottages while waiting for lunch to be served. A pity though that they don’t serve hot tea. The only “flaw” to a good ramen meal. Tsk. Tsk.

Kape’an is some 15 minutes away from Surugin
Kape’an is huge! Perfect for big events.

Post-lunch, we headed to our next stop for some coffee. Frankly, café has been more a dessert for moí lately. The coffee concoctions have been bolder, sweeter and overall more “sinful” unless you settle for a simple, straight-out espresso or good ol’ black coffee. We chose to drink our coffee hot this time, as it started to rain and the temps grew cooler. It even went foggy on our drive here which triggered our Sapa memories. 😍 We were also pleasantly surprised that Kape’an even has a fishpond and a hotel. The sprawling gardens make for perfect spots to enjoy your latté or non-coffee bevs like my “Nut-so-coffee”. We spent more time here than necessary. Drawn to check out the hotel rooms, we walked deep into the estate and passed a pond and several more al fresco coffee spots on our way to the hotel. I can’t believe this hotel existed since 2015! Very well maintained, I must say. We checked out the rooms and found a detached unit that suits a family of 6 or even 8. The unit has a bedroom and a loft (with 4 beds!) plus a sitting room and a kitchenette. I was tempted to book it right away for a family staycation. Staying in shouldn’t be a problem since there’s Kape’an and a restaurant within the hotel compound. The swimming pool looked very inviting too.

The Pond.
Abagatan Ti Manila Hotel

There could have been a couple more stops but we opted to spend more time in this brewery before calling it a day. We’ve heard horror stories about the traffic even on expressways. Papa Bolo Brewery is a revelation. I’ve been to Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam and find that the same experience can be repeated here. The place looks so impressive with all the modern touches. The menu has many offerings and while we’ve tried only 2 kinds of beers, both were good. I can imagine many events taking place here. And seriously? The place looks so inviting with the barrel dining and drinking spots on all 3 floors, each with a view of the glasscased brewery . Then there’s an area where bigger groups can enjoy small parties in comfort with game machines around.

Papa Bolo Brewery in Tagaytay
Beer, anyone? There’s Piña Niña, Cowboy Classic, Fruity Booty and More.

All told, it’s been a good day to discover new places. I’ve always loved Tagaytay. It’s my own “Disneyland” when I was a child. My happy place. Of course, it was way simpler, less busy and not crowded then. I am delighted that there has been many flourishing restos, boutique hotels and shops around here. And the vibrant coffee scene! I only wish the authorities manage this development very well. There have been a lot of blunders in the past administrations but I remain hopeful that local businesses here can be nurtured while made responsible and sustainable. After all, it’s a go-to destination for most tourists as well as locals because of its proximity to Manila. With the traffic even getting worse, I hope for better infrastructure for ease of transport and access for everyone. There’s only one Tagaytay and one Taal Volcano and Lake, the sights of which never fail to mesmerize me. Fell in love with that scene as a child, and still recall a big painting in our living room of the same scene. As a child, I don’t remember a morning that I didn’t look at that painting. Still stuck in my mind. 🥰

For bigger groups
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Family Staycation in Mai Khao

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October 6, 2023

We hit the ground running upon touchdown. Our OZ family and Thai in-laws were waiting to fetch us as soon as we landed in Phuket. Lunch in Nam Yoi in Phuket Town was the best we’ve had, nvm that it’s spicy. Serving local cuisine, sans airconditioning but truly yum even for those who aren’t fans of red chillies. Nothing a pitcher of water can’t remedy. Felt like that meal totally cleared my sinuses. 😝

My Little Boy Blue
Two branches of our OZ family + Thai inlaws

We decided to cancel one day trip and simply settle in at the vacation resort we were staying in for a day and a half. Enjoyed the Mai Khao Beach but spent more time at the resort’s pool starting with aqua aerobics for the adults and enjoying a pizza lunch at one of the cabanas. The Marriott Play Lounge was an excellent spot for both adults and kids to enjoy snooker, mahjong or simply watching soccer games on a wide screen. The afternoon siesta prepped us for the Fire Fest at the poolside by sundown. I enjoyed it from our room balcony while the rest went down for a closer look. Then, we walked towards the adjacent Turtle Village for dinner and some ice cream. Turned out to be an early celebration of my birthday a good 2 weeks away. It was a day well spent at the resort. Much to do within the complex and some really good restaurants and shops a short distance away. There were even buggies to drive us to other Marriott and Anantara hotels and resorts. But no luck swimming at the beach because the red flag is up as the waves and currents were strong.

No need to step out of the resort hotel.
Aqua aerobics to start the day
Pizza lunch at the Cabana

This trip was planned for my OZ family and their Thai family. At the last minute, a niece and her hubby decided to join the trip from Sydney to the shores of Phuket. At an even later minute, my sobrina and I opted to join the beach holiday even for just a few days. I’m glad we did. Some spur-of-the-moment decisions are tops especially when it means spending time with family to create happy memories. Opportunities best not wasted. The only thing firm about this trip was the reservations at the resort. All else were firmed up as we went along. Everything turned out near-perfect. Even when we grew exhausted to step out for dinner and settled for meals from the nearby convenience store. The villa kitchenette went busy as we prepared sandwiches and fruit and salad platters while the washing machine was spinning and the coffee machine dripping.

Fire Dance Performers
Marriott Vacation Club
Someone’s jumping with joy!

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