Thailand with Mom

Mom had arranged for a stop in Thailand, on her way back from Dubai, so I decided to join her and introduce her to my second home, Phuket.

We had just under a week, so we spent 5 days in Phuket with a day trip to Koh Phi Phi and the last day, was a whirlwind tour of Bangkok before Mom jetted home to Vancouver.


My second home - Movenpick Karon Beach Resort in Phuket.

Our lovely room in Phuket.

Fueling up for a big day of snorkeling at Koh Phi Phi.

Our snorkeling boat at Koh Phi Phi.

Entering a lagoon to snorkel in.

Mom heading out to sea.

At Maya Bay, where the Beach was filmed.

Back at the hotel, enjoying some cocktails and live entertainment.

A favorite past time, soaking up the sun by the pool.

Last day, breakfast of champions in Bangkok.

Grand Palace.

A new friend for Kuro & Molly.

Mom's new boyfriend.

The largest reclining Buddha in Thailand.

The body is covered in gold leaf and the bottom of her feet are mother of pearl.

Good luck coins.

Chatachuck Market - over 3000 stalls!

We were pleasantly surprised with our room at the Holiday Inn Bangkok.

Saying Goodbye.

Mom's crazy taxi ride to the airport.

Abu Dhabi with Mom

We did a quick day trip to Abu Dhabi, so Mom could say she's been there and done that. We visited the Corniche, Emirates Palace and the Sidiyat Exhibit.


Entrance to Emirates Palace.

A guided tour from my perspective.

Jeff and I next to a hand woven carpet of Emirates Palace during the day.

Mom with the hand woven carpet of Emirates Palace at night.

Jeff looking for a way out.

The beach side of Emirates Palace.

David Gray Concert

David Gray played a great concert at the Media City amphitheatre. It was a fun night with out with the whole gang: Venitta, Deborah (Brad's Mom), Heather, Brad, Mom, Jeff and I.

Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships 2008

I managed to get tickets for Mom and I to the first 3 days of both the women's and men's event. Unfortunately, the quarters, semis and finals were sold out within an hour and I was not on the ball. ;)

In the end, it was a blessing in disguise. As 6 days of watching tennis was enough and with S. Williams and Sharapova dropping out last minute, Henin and Federer losing in the first round, we were able to take the savings and splurge with a relaxing morning at the Madinat with manicures and pedicures.

We enjoyed the tennis we saw.


There were still lots of big names - Amelie Mauresmo.

Justine Henin's only match at this years tournament.

Sania Mirza from India drew big crowds - with the large Indian community, she was a local favorite.


Jelena Jankovic beat Mirza in the first round.

This years winner - Elena Dementieva.

The stadium wasn't very big, so we got great seats every day.

Nadal played doubles with Feliciano Lopez, who made it to the finals in the singles.

Toni Nadal, Nadal's coach, was sitting right in front of us.

Roger Federer in his one and only match this year in Dubai.

Federer lost to Andy Murray.

Mom's favorite, Rafael Nadal.

Mom being the groupy - getting up close for a photo of Nadal.

Roddick in his first match. He went on to win the tournament.

Mom showing off her manicure and pedicure on our last day.

We were at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships 2008.

Mom's Visit to Dubai

Mom arrived in Dubai after spending a few days visiting Cind, Lee, Aisha & Gayle in Tokyo.
We made sure that her trip coincided with the Dubai Tennis Tournament with enough time to see everything that this crazy place has to offer.

Here are a few of the highlights from her visit. More photos to come from her camera.


On Palm Jumeriah with the Burj Al Arb in the distance.

Palm Jumeirah beach with construction in background.

Palm Jumeriah main strip. (on the trunk)

Mom at her favorite spot - Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

Visit to Bur Dubai, the older part of town.

Old textile souk.

Taking an abra across Dubai Creek.

Gold souk.

Day at the Jebel Ali Beach Club.

Enjoying the pool.

Charlie took Mom for quick beach walk.

No visit is complete without breakfast at Shakespeare Cafe.