We are LOVING Thailand so far. The people, the sights, and the FOOD are amazing. We are staying in a small guesthouse facility (not a hotel) called Sansuko Ville, where we have our own little bungalow. It has everything we need: a/c, comfy beds, nice bathroom, mini-bar with $2 beers, and a great pool outside our door. It is located in the middle of a Thai village so not commercial at all. Because we are a bit isolated they offer to drive us to nearby restaurants, shops, and their somewhat private beach about 5-10 minutes away. This is a very valuable service. We almost feel guilty only paying $26 per night. We planned on spending 4 nights here and 2 somewhere else, but we decided last night to stay all 6 nights.

On Friday night we arrived just before dusk so we couldn't do much more than a swim in the pool and get takeaway Thai food from a local restaurant (yes, they even drove to pick that up for us). On Saturday morning, we relaxed by the pool and had a big traditional English breakfast. One of the local Thai employees, Eddie, drove us around to show us what was available (local markets, restaurants, beach, etc). He dropped us off at the Phuket Aquarium - Travel Boy really wanted to go there, and he loved it. After walking through the exhibits and a local nature trail (hot!), we walked to some street food vendors where Travel Boy had a deep fried hot dog on a stick, Travel Gal had chicken on a stick, and I had some chicken hearts. All very tasty. We took a taxi back and relaxed by the pool. Later in the day we walked to a nearby market and bought some fresh fruit (it's mango season,) and had some deep fried fish balls. Along the river there is a place where the local Thais come and feed the wild monkeys. The monkeys come out of the forest, and wait for the locals to arrive. We watched as an old woman drove up on her scooter with a big bag of bananas. Some of the monkeys actually lined up and waited to be given a banana. We sacrificed 2 of our bananas and let Travel Boy throw them to the monkees. He could have sat and watched them all day.

We walked to a restaurant on the river called Chaiyo, with long-tail boats driving by. Our table was by the water. We ate like kings - 4 main dishes, a salad (spicy green papaya salad) and beers. Afterward, it was an easy decision to announce it as the greatest Thai food we have ever eaten. We walked home fat and happy.

Yesterday We went on our first "excrusion" as Travel Boy calls it. We spent the day on a fast boat touring neighboring islands. We visited amazing beaches, swam in a limestone cove with soaring rock and breathtaking views, snorkeled at some good sites, had lunch on an amazing beach, and enjoyed a very bumpy and bone jarring boat ride - we loved it! we were the only Americans (in fact, since we arrived in Asia we have not met any Americans!). We were shocked at how many people were at the beaches and in the water (and there were many) who could not swim. There were so many people with life jackets on we were blown away. And here we are jumping off the front of the boat and encouraging our son to jump far and snorkel by himself! BTW, he did great in the water!

Last night we visited another nearby restaurant. Their Pad Thai and Panang Curry was simply the best we have ever had. Not even close.

Today we may visit our 'private' beach and relax - maybe even a massage. Oh well, we will just have to relax under the shade of the palm trees. Such is our life right now in Thailand.