Thailand & Malaysia with the Girls

I caught up with Venitta and Debbie right before they crossed the border into Malaysia. I flew from Bangkok to Hat Yai, where we stayed for one long night (didn't get to bed until 4:30am), then travelled by shuttle to Penang.

I will never forget the seafood buffet we had on our first night in Penang. Wish I had a photo but my hands were too busy filling my mouth with all the sashimi and sushi I could eat. Yummm! The following day, we took in many of Penang's heritage sites; taking a tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Mansion, hiking up to Kek Lok Si Temple and riding the slowest cable car ever up Penang Hill.

After a jam packed day of culture, we were looking forward to relaxing on the beach. Due to flight availability, it turned out our best bet was to get to Phuket and settle in. So back to my second home, the Movenpick Karon Beach.

We spent 3 nights in Phuket and the weather was the best it has ever been. We managed to find time for all my favorite Phuket pastimes; shopping, sunbathing and eating great Thai food. On our last day, Debbie and I managed to squeeze in a Thai cooking class, while Venitta tried out the spa.

While the trip was short, I had tons of fun. Thanks Venitta and Debbie!

Night out in Hat Yai. Great cover band.

Venitta, woman with crush on Venitta and Gayland (friend of Venitta's from month long travels).

Rose from girl in yellow shirt.

First night in Penang.

One of many temples we saw.

Cheong Fatt Tze's Mansion - often referred to as the 'Rockefeller of the East'.

Love this photo.

Stopped to feed the turtles.

Just walked 30 minutes up to the base of Kek Lok Si Temple, only to find out there was a road.

Goddesses

Missing Kuro and Molly.

Great view of Penang.

Protector

The big statuette was under repair and this is what it will look like, when completed.

Venitta with cute little Asian dogs.

View from Penang Hill. In the distance, you can kind of see the bridge that connects Penang to the mainland.

Monkey

Two hour wait for the cable car to go down. Long story.

Movenpick Karon Beach

Venitta getting a beach massage, after an hour of jumping in the waves.

Debbie getting some sun on Karon Beach.

Last dinner in Phuket.

Thai cooking class. Deb made the best green curry, I have ever tasted.

Look - I can cook!

Venitta trying to fit all of her goodies in her bag.

Why I keep coming back. Can't wait for the next time.

Back to Bangkok

November started off with lots of drama. I was tentatively planned to meet up with Venitta and Debbie in Bangkok on the 5th and travel around Thailand and Malaysia, however, my UAE resident visa was still being processed, so I was unable to leave Dubai.

Come November 5th, Jeff had some work that called him back to Bangkok. So he was off and I was left to continue to wait for my passport. On the afternoon of the 7th, I got word that my passport was ready, so I called Thai Airways and begged to be put on that nights flight. With no idea how to catch up with the girls, I joined Jeff in Bangkok.

He was staying at the Peninsula Hotel, one of his favorite business hotels, so I was very happy to stay the night. We met up with Trevor and Pim for dinner, then the following morning, I flew to Hat Yai, southern Thailand, to meet up with Venitta and Debbie.


Breakfast before I take off to meet up with the girls.