Friends and Island Flips

It was good to catch up with some friends in Phuket too. Tracey came for 2 weeks - she loved it so much she extended her trip by a few days. We loved being tour guides and showing her all our favourite and little known places. We did an overnight trip to Racha Island by ferry. The bungalows were basic but the beach and the setting is so idyllic. Neil loved the rasta beach bar. Our second little trip took us to Pi Pi where we splashed out on a great seafront hotel. Both islands have fantastic snorkelling and beautiful beaches.

Life in Phuket

We arrived in Phuket on 18 February and have settled into island life with ease. We decided to hunt for cheaper long term accomodation and settled into a new apartment block a few minutes away from the beach. We have a big room with aircon, TV, fridge and wifi for less than ZAR200 per night. The secret is to have a scooter to get around Patong and the whole island. On the whole the weather is stunning. Always hot and sunny and balmy at night. We have been caught by downpours at times,though. We have our favourite beaches - Laem Singh, Freedom by longtail boat, Paradise and Tri Trang. All the beaches have beach chairs and umbrellas for rent; with drinks brought to you and great little beach hut restaurants right on the beach. Sunset drinks on the beach too.
Of course, the food is just wonderful - green curry,red curry,yellow curry,plenty of fresh fish and all sorts of rice and noodle dishes. We have our favourite places to eat and enjoy meals and snacks from the market stalls and food carts as well. We do need a pizza or burger once a week, though.
Then there is the Patong Beach nightlife! We have become regulars at a few music bars and the passing show down Bangla Road never ceases to amaze. And don't forget all the massages and shopping too!

Singapore and Jakarta

Well, it was sooo good to be back in Singapore again; after a whole year! As usual we hit the ground running and spent the week doing what all Singaporeans love to do - shopping and eating!! We started with a traditional Chinese New Year Yu Sheng dinner. 2009 is the year of the ox; which as far as we can tell, means hard work for everyone. Not sure what that means for us, though. We attended the Africa Society Annual Ball on the Saturday and it already felt like we were living permenantly in Singapore - just hosted by the Pitts in Alexander Park instead of being in Kim Yam rd. It was good to catch up with friends and try all our favourite asian foods. We spent the next weekend visiting Andrew and Madeleine in Jakarta. It was great to hang out at their home and attend Mad's birthday party.

Capetown and Vermont ( Hermanus )

For once the weather in the Cape was pretty good with very little wind and a lot of sunshine.We stayed at the Perdeput ( little house by the sea )for a few weeks and enjoyed the beach, the wine farms, the food and the company.
Capetown put on fabulous weather for us and we enjoyed catching up with friends and family a bit. We rediscovered downtown and enjoyed the shopping in the Long Street area. No trip to Capetown is complete without a meal at Harbour House Cafe in Kalk Bay and braaiing a fresh fish from Hout Bay Harbour.