Thailand

 

We decided to take advantage of being on this side of the world and visit some place different for Christmas. Our plans were originally to go to Australia, through a trip offered on post, but lack of interest cancelled the trip. I booked our trip to Thailand, last minute, based on the fact it was a short flight (5 hrs.), inexpensive and perfect weather! We started our journey on Christmas Eve, taking the train about 45 min South of here to Busan. This is the second largest city in Korea and is situated along the East Sea. We could immediately feel a more relaxed vibe in this city and were once again amazed at the kindness of locals who helped us navigate the subway. I had booked a room at a hotel right on the beach and although it was still chilly, it was moderately warmer than Daegu. I can't wait to go back here in the Spring and Summer months. The majority of the restaurants were more "westernized" and we saw a lot more foreigners (a.k.a people like us).

Lilly loved watching all the seagulls

The Busan Aquarium was located right next to the hotel, so we decided to check it out. We were very impressed with the amount of fish and water life and every description was also translated into English. It was fun watching Lilly look at all the different exhibits.

There was an area that you can pick up starfish, clams and other types. It was going well until Lilly started throwing them back into the water, hitting the bottom.

Christmas morning started our early travel by bus to the airport in Busan. We didn't pay for a seat for Lilly and when the flight attendants saw that we were going to hold her on our lap for the flight, they found us a row of 4 seats that were empty. We were so grateful, since this did give us much more room and Lilly could sit in her own seat. This also happened on the way home, which worked out great for sleeping since our flight left at midnight!

Lilly is a big help with the luggage

She thought this was way better than sitting on our laps!

 We landed in Bangkok and had arranged transportation to take us about an hour southeast to the city of Pattaya, which is located on the Gulf of Thailand.

Our hotel room

View from the balcony

Tree in the entry way

 

We couldn't find any sandals for Lilly before we left so she had to wear her tennis shoes with everything

The resort grounds

Lilly did not like the sea water or beach very much

She did like the shallow pool designed just for kids her age. She would wake up every morning saying "water, water".

In the evening they would light the torches around the resort



They had a Christmas buffet dinner with a band and children's choir we attended. Lilly was done eating and felt the need to dance. (The Santa hat on her head was given to her by one of the managers that kept bringing her various holiday things).

 

Tired out from the water and sand and Ramon enjoying a relaxing moment.

 One of the days we took a tour of the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden which is known for it's numerous gardens and various animals they have on site. It was really beautiful and we had a guide that took us around.

This area had numerous animals and items made out of pottery

Ramon had to get a picture with the Tiger. This one was pretty tired, as this is the only picture with his eyes open, but the other Tiger across from us was actually growling.

Lilly fell asleep on the ride over and missed the first part of the tour, but she woke up for the best part!

One of the gardens

A sign with all the different languages

The French Garden

Our guide explained you are supposed to offer a wish, hope or prayer for yourself and then ring the bell and it sends it to the Gods.

 

We rode an elephant! I was holding on for dear life, as it felt a little unsecure in our seat. I just kept picturing this elephant taking off and dumping us. But it was a great experience and Lilly loved it. So glad we did it!



I would like to think these elephants are not harmed while going through training and performing, but I probably know better. It did make me feel better to see a baby elephant (probably still young because it still had hair) attached to its mom by chain. Granted, it's not "natural" but at least they don't keep them separated. And I did witness the elephants eating a lot and grabbing the water hoses from the staff that was watering the flowers as they would walk by.

Another picture with a tiger. This one was more awake. Don't worry, I was ready to jump in at the first sign of an attack!

 

 

The elephant show with very well trained elephants. They played soccer, painted t-shirts, bowled and danced.



 

Yes, they even ride bikes!

This part was a dance to "Gangam Style" with the trainers included.

 

Relaxing before our flight home.


We really enjoyed our trip and would love to go back and spend more time exploring different areas. We returned on the morning of the 29th and keeping par with the holiday traditions, I came down with the flu late that night. Ramon got a very mild case the next night and so far Lilly has remained healthy. I am just now starting to feel like myself again!