The Beach

Super late update, but here's the news from last weekend (Feb 10-13):

Because of an all-Thai conference and Dave's super awesome attending, we had a four day weekend. Plus, Dave's Dad Jim came to visit before his business trip to China. Woohoo!
We opted for mainland Krabi, more specifically Ao Nang because of its close proximity to the airport and its slightly less busy atmosphere.

• Centara Resort

• Wow. What a place. Really the surrounding scenery is what makes everything so special. There's fantastic giant outcroppings of rock that beckon to be scaled with beautiful greenery careening off most every side (We needed our Aunt and Uncle to help with the geology). Apparently it's the location of the films James Bond: Man with the Golden Gun and The Beach. Either way, there's a reason Hollywood wants to film here.

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• Just a few tidbits of this idyllic spot
• Kayaking around these huge behemoths

• Amazing recovery from the tragic 2004 tsunami
• Only way to get to Centara was via the monkey trail or via boat (Dave preferred the monkey trail)
• Breakfast buffet: fresh-baked breads, every fruit imaginable, banana crepes, salads, yogurts, lots of meat things, and did we mention fresh-baked breads (of multiple kinds). Eli discovered a new use for tapioca balls (typically found in bubble tea): balls + red beans + puffed millet + fruit + fresh warm soy milk + sprinkle of brown sugar = yum
• Dave's wedding ring was lost/stolen. Sadness maximus.
• Diving
• We were fortunate enough to take a day-long dive trip out to Ko Phi Phi island. Bleaching of the reef about 2 years ago has dulled some of the color, but government regulations (namely shutting down at-risk dive sites) have apparently helped to rejuvenate some of the reef. Despite the bleaching, we still felt the colors here were better than Belize.
• We saw our first sea turtle. S/he was enjoying yummy bubble coral.
• We saw our first shark too!
• It was not hard to find nemo. So beautiful!
• Dad even got a great view of the reef and its wildlife while snorkeling.
• Nakamanda Resort
• On the excellent suggestion of Dave's professor, we ventured to Nakamanda for our third evening.
• A much smaller spot, with an amazing rate on agoda.com. It's a beautiful cross between ancient roman and thai architecture in a super peaceful setting. We'd come back again in a heartbeat.
• Had to say goodbye to Dad...he's off for business in China...Thanks for joining us Dad!!

• Back to work - hospital + cooking classes tomorrow!