Fall Break filled with "firsts"

Last week was our fourth Fall Break in the Philippines. It was our first, however, without Hannah Grace. It was our second trip to Phuket, but the first time with awesome weather. It was also the first time we cut a trip short to return to the Philippines for Halloween. There you have it: Our trip of firsts.

After filtering through 430 photos, here are the ones I highlighted (certainly NOT the first time I have taken tons of photos):

PHUKET, THAILAND

Our Hotel was the Marriott Resort at Merlin Beach. It is an hour or so from the airport, but I highly recommend it!

The morning view of the beach cove at the hotel. 

By sunset, the tide escaped to reveal the reef below. We had beautiful color every night. 

There were many activities to entertain kiddos. Ellis laughed and said, "I am sure Hannah Grace is glad she isn't here. I would be bugging her to play pool and air hockey." 

Of course tossing the Clemson football had to be added to our agenda! We don't leave home without it!

Not many things get me up before the sun rises. I just don’t do mornings. I found this tour, though, and it had all five stars. Two Seas Tour takes you through Phang Nga Bay on a guided kayaking tour. The only hiccup is that we needed to be picked up at our hotel at 4:30…in the freaking morning. I will agree with the trip advisor reviewers, though! It was well worth it! The tour is limited to 10 people (they made an exception on our day and let us tag along to make the group 13). Because the tour started so early, we missed the huge crowds. I couldn’t believe the number of people once we were headed back to the pier. Big Bonus: We were back at our hotel in time for a swim! 

After a 45 minute van ride, we boarded the Two Seas Tour Boat for an hour ride to our first island. The boat is registered to hold 55 passengers, so there was plenty of room to spread out. As you can see, it is still dark outside. My body was so confused. 

I don't see the sun rise often.

First Stop: Panak Island and Mangrove Cave

My very thought, "Wait... you want to pick me up at 4:30 IN THE MORNING to then walk knee deep in water through a dark cave. What. The. Heck?!"

After wading through the water, we entered the lagoon. Here we are with our Kayak guides. 

The lighter color on the bottom of the limestone shows how high the water gets at high tide. This was another "plus" at taking such an early tour. Once the tide rises, you can't get into the lagoons. 

I was happy to see this view as we exited the cave!

After leaving the cave, we boarded the kayaks for a tour around the island. These tours led to many of my 430 photos!

After Panak Island, we traveled by boat to Hong Island.

Usually I look for images in clouds. This rock looks like a Piranha!

Ellis tried to take a shortcut! Oh how I wish I was quick enough to get a photo of him sinking in the mud!

Look closely and you will see the "walking fish". 

Apparently you can pick up a jelly fish with the palm of your hand and it won't sting. Ummmm....I will just leave that to the guide. 

Third Stop: Khao Ping Gan and Koh Tapu (better known as James Bond Island)

Ellis likes to tear my nerves up and climb all over the place!

Look closely and you will find him!

After touring James Bond, we went to a swimming spot to cool off and do some kayaking on our own. 

The pineapple was AMAZING!

Tony's kayak guide and the amazing chef on board

When you wake up at 4AM, a nap while cruising on a boat is hard to resist!

On our last night after an awesome day, we were treated to a traditional fire dance. 

I had heard that Halloween in our village is chaotic. It totally was….and totally worth it! I will admit that I was a little grumpy to have to leave the beach early for Halloween. I am so glad that we did it, though! My only wish is that my dad could have made the trip over to trick or treat with us! He loves Halloween and would have been thrilled with all of the chaos! 

Not much effort was put into their "costumes".

But I don't see a lot of costumes here, either. This is Marites passing out the candy. 

Let the madness begin!

The LeRoux's let Tony and me tag along on their trick or treat adventure!

Some of the children may not have put much effort into their costumes, but some of the houses certainly put in a ton!

Cameron and Sian

This car cracked us up! Those children popping up out of the roof are standing on OTHER people! I wish I could have counted how many!

Not sure Cameron and Sian were fans of the gorilla!

As they say, “When in Rome…” People in the Philippines call them the “ber” months. Beginning in September, any and all are encouraged to decorate for Christmas. Technically, we are late! To end our Fall Break, we broke out the Christmas decorations! The Halloween decorations in the village may have been quite impressive, but the Christmas decorations  that follow are just as fabulous and more abundant!