McCarthys go island hopping!

The Andaman Sea is simply awesome ~ beautiful, clear, clean and cool waters. We couldn't get enough of swimming in the sea and we are simply hooked ~ probably us more than the kids! 

On the first day we went out we went on a tour around Phi Phi island with a tour company. Not ideal being on a "bus tour" but as it was quite a distant from Krabi we didn't want to do anything too complicated and despite the annoyance of the "now you snorkel, now you take picture, now you eat...." instructions, the day worked out quite well and we were well taken care of.

Getting on board - always love the way Jack and Ayden hitch up their shorts in these situations 

(note the obligatory Brunei expat's hash tshirt!)

Entering an amazing lagoon, this is the first time the kids (and myself) have seen such clear water and they were speechless!

We then stopped on an island, looks great but it was actually crowded and full of boats!

Ko Phi Phi, probably not the best beach Ko Phi Phi has to offer but it was simply a refueling stop for food. Donncha went walkabout and found a Dubliner running his beach bar!

On to Bamboo Island and it was time to snorkel. Not much coral to see but plenty enough fish. The kids were pretty much hooked straight away.

Not content seeing things from above Iman has to dive down for a closer view.

The following day we took a longtail boat to the closer Hong Islands. And we were not disappointed. 

After the first island we went to a lagoon and fulfilled the kids dreams of jumping off a boat. Surprisingly it was Iman who was most nervous about swimming in the water especially as she spotted a jellyfish which saw her back on the boat immediately. 

And our next island with the small cove beach was our favourite. 

Probably the furthest Donncha has swam out in the sea

And I just wanted to float....

Our ride for the day. Not bad for B$100 / 65 euro

Fish, we will be back!

Reunion with Sriram Family

Our closest friends whist our short stay in Bangkok was the Sriram family. Iman and Rahul were best buddies in kindy and Rohan then 7 or 8 was very good with Jack. We haven't seen them for over four years and as surprised as they were to to see Iman, Jack and Ayden, we were amazed how they had both grown! It took a while for the kids to relax but we couldn't have picked a better restaurant, Benihana, for entertainment. Kids loved the show the chef put on especially their participation. And to top it all the food was fab!

Rohan was game to picking up a spinning egg much to the amusement of the others!

Chef was good value! Will have her for a kids party anyday.

Chef then decides to toss pieces of scrambled egg for kids to catch. Much excitement and laughter!

Meanwhile on the Mummies and Daddies table it was all chit chat and the chef tosses an egg yolk for our attention. I guess he had the easier table!

Post meal with chilled out kids enjoying each others company.

How they are now:

How they were in 2007

Bangkok - trip down memory lane

It's been five years since we've left Bangkok and 4 years since we were last there so the trip was long overdue. On the first morning we walked down our old soi. Much of it has changed with new building and cafes but it was still very familiar.

Right on top end of the soi is the infamous Soi Cowboy. 

Innocence of daylight makes it like any other street during the day.

Our home for our last four months in Bangkok. 

Same man selling noodles on the soi corner. Must be good as it always does a roaring trade. 

The Chokchai Milk and IceCream Shop. Probably the best milk we have tasted anywhere (and yes that includes Ireland!). The kids thrived on this milk and Iman dreams about it today. 

For lunch it was down to the river to one of our favorite lunch venues. Great free boat ride too!

In the evening we went to K Village close to the hotel. Wished this was here 5 years ago. 

This area amused the kids no end!

Back to more familiar stomping grounds - Iman and I could have spent all day in here but we only had an hour and a half! Jack hated it and he was not happy when I made him pose for this picture.

We used to love this cafe for grilled chicken & sticky rice and was glad it was still there. True to its name, we left with our tastebuds on fire.

And coffee and cakes to finish off the afternoon before heading to the airport. Love this cafe.

Choosing ....

And with some prompting they both chose two of our favourites, lemon tart and millefeuille!

Always love the decorations in taxis!

Happy 45 years

Happy Anniversary to my loving parents