What Michelle Does

Tick tock.
   
     It was Friday, the 18th of September. After 10 years, this was going to be my first trip outside the Philippines. Last time it was with my mom, now it's with Lawrence. In a nutshell, this trip is extra-extra-extra-super-duper special for me as I 've been longing to visit Thailand ever since FOREVER. Whew.

     To kick off this upcoming trip, we bought beer and vodka and merrily drank our sans souci Saturday away. By the way, this was my first real vacation. In the hospital, seniority complex was a common thing that we had to cut vacations short. I've always despised it.

Checklist please:

1. monopod (Now I know why people are raving over this thing. It was so useful!)

2. Swim wear (I ordered one online. Yep, I was THAT excited. LOL )

3. Money (We saved a couple of thousands in exchange for USD. We should have bought some when the exchange rate was low. Lesson learned.)

4. Sunblock

5. An adventurous heart (triple check!)

     I love the beach. There is no other way to put it. I can bask under the warm sun, listen to the sound of birds singing, waves rolling in and lay on the sand for hours on end. My freckles serve as a recollection of the days when sunblock was of no existence to me. I simply love it. So that day was spent for our scheduled three-island tour. Phi Phi Lay Island, Phi Phi Don Island, and Khai Nok Island with some side trips to Maya Bay and Monkey Beach.

     It got pretty gloomy that morning while we were heading to Royal Phuket Marina. I prayed for the sun to come out soon! We were oriented by an awesome host! His (Her) name was Coco Chanel (No. 5). We were so lucky to have her as our guide because she was all out madness! No regrets booking the premium service tour! Blue and Pink bands were given to the guests upon arrival. If you paid ahead, make sure to bring the payment slip because you're going to need it for the transfer back to your hotel and for the registration. We got blue bands so we got to go with Coco! Chinese- speaking visitors were oriented in a seperate room. Lawrence and I were both chinese-looking, but to speak Chinese would be the last thing you'd ask us to do. (lol) Toast, coffee, candy and other snacks were given, too. If you haven't got a waterproof cam with you (ours got broken after I immersed it in sulfur-ish volcanic water), no need to worry because they have a camera man with them, Mr. Hollywood's the name. :) Minutes later, after roll call, we got on the speed boat the real fun began!