Phuket Gathering 17-22 Dec

We had a big family gathering in Phuket this year. Altogether there were 21 of us, including ST and E who flew in from Australia, E's Mother, KK, AC and their families. 18 of us stayed at Courtyard by Marriott in Kamala while KK and family stayed in the Laguna area. We like the Courtyard at Kamala because they have 3 bedroom units and it's considered tsunami-safe in our opinion. The breakfast is also good, especially when the staff remember what we like for drinks. While we like this hotel, we're unlikely to return in the near future as we're not confident that this hotel can manage the taxi mafia situation at their front door.

The next few photos show the kids (and teenagers) having fun in the pool.

M is always a favourite with the kids

HY broke the little finger on her right hand during gym training 2 weeks before we went to Phuket. Here you see her with her cast wrapped in plastic bag for splash-proofing. The X-rays below provide better clarity.

One of the highlights for this holiday was our fishing / boating trip on Dorado. Unfortunately we didn't catch anything this time even though we passed by schools of fish in the Racha islands. The Captain, Eke, thinks it's because of the bananas we brought on board - a taboo for fishermen in the Alaskan areas. I googled this and found out that this superstition was most enduring among crab boat fishermen, and many charter fishing boat crews have restrictions against bananas on boats. In fact, some even have restrictions against Banana Boat sunscreen or Banana Republic clothes. Fish or no fish, we had fun anyway.

Boat people. This sampan was used to transport the party to the Racha Yai beach. 400 Baht return journey was costly for the short journey, but there isn't much competition around to drive prices lower. I think it was 300 Baht the last time we used this service in 2010. Anyway, just for fun, KK asked for the price for the journey back to Phuket and we were quoted 2500 Baht.

This is a nice photo of the HY and TP generation

Another highlight for this trip was the kart race that we had. Everyone, from JY to AC (the oldest driver that day) had great fun. It was a pity that AC didn't manage to get to race the race karts (ie really fast karts) as they allowed only 3 on the track at any one time and it rained just as we were about to start the 2nd round of race karts. We are currently planning a re-match. Will need our other cousin E (the p-p) to up the ante.

TI was in a tandem kart because of his height. HY was also unable to drive on her own because of her hand injury.

Neck to neck between TP and AC? Actually it's AC lapping TP (btw, TP is using the kids' kart : )

Foodwise, we always enjoy the Thai food in Phuket. After our fishing / boat trip, we hopped over from Chalong pier to Kan Eang @ Pier. This was organised by KK to celebrate AC and TI's birthday. Here's the photo of the birthday boys. The Mickey Mouse cake was for TI and the Hello Kitty cake was for AC.

HY with JY at Sunset Restaurant in Laguna area. Sunset is one of Dada's favourite restaurants in Phuket.

HY and TP enjoying their Tungka Ice Coffee. I'm glad they're starting to enjoy real ice coffee, rather than the Starbucks lifestyle coffees.

We tried this interesting restaurant called Mor Mu Dong, whereby we dined in Salas (huts) on the mangrove. It is located near the Phuket Zoo and was featured in the Andrew Zimmern Bizarre World/Foods show. Interestingly, the owners didn't realise that their restaurant was featured in an international food show. The photo above shows TI being himself again - he was the only kid that went down the steps from the Sala, and got stuck in the mud.

Dino Golf. HY and TP do not play golf, but always enjoy coming to Dino Golf whenever we're in Phuket. Note the similarities in character between HY and TH, and between TP, TI and JY.

ST and E (EC, not to be confused with E the p-p) went back on New Year's Eve. A family photo before the next family gathering planned in June 12.