I told Jarrett from the first time I melted into the cozy bed at the Marriott in Phuket that he would have to pull me away kicking and screaming when our week was up.
That is kind of what happened.
Our week at the Marriott was a dream to say the least. We only left the resort 1 time to go on our kayaking tour, the rest of the time we hung out at the hotel. It was a very special week.
I have never been to a resort that was so kind and accomodating. The staff was so sweet to the boys and there were no extra charges, everything fun to do at the resort was included and was super fun and super fancy. There were pools and activities everywhere and when we wanted to be lazy we could relax and cook in our amazing room (or nap on the monsoon rainy days!).
I told Jarrett one day I want to live at the Marriott Beach club in Thailand! (after we live at Disneyland:)
complimentary bikes to use at the resort-biking in the rain
learning without training wheels, Peyton got close but after a bad fall we decided to try again another day
warm bath after a rainy day-I love watching them play, they are best friends
Thai fire lighting ceremony
Peyton and Conner thought it was so cool, they were super concerned why the ladies fingernails were so long!
a fun surprise for the boys! the hotel had a Nintendo Wii they could play in a cool kids room
view of Mai Khao beach from the hotel
coconuts
Buddhist offering temples for the employees
Originally we had planned on staying in Phuket for the long term, but after Trek died, our plan did not seem the same without him. We have heard wonderful things about Chiang Mai, a city in the northern part of Thailand, so we are here right now checking it out.
We flew out of Phuket yesterday and got in late last night. From the second we got off the plane, it felt so good. The taxi cab from the airport to our hotel cost 150 baht, the cab from the Phuket airport was 600 baht! ($5 and $20). Off to a great start! My granny has a sign at her cabin in the country that says, “dis mus be da place”-I looked at Jarret after the guy quoted us the cab fare and said, “dis mus be da place”!
In the 24 hours we have been here we are already so in love. The prices here are less than 50% of what we were paying in Phuket. The islands of Thailand were very cheap by American standards, but the prices here in Chiang Mai are the reason we came all this way. To have a life we always dreamed of for a fraction of what it would cost in America.
It was hard to leave the beach, but it also was kind of freeing. We lived across the street from the ocean for the last 4 years and we stayed close to it in all our travels because sweet Trek seemed to prefer it. We are totally landlocked now and it feels very adventurous, different, and new.
I am so excited to see what Chiang Mai holds for our family. I will miss Phuket, especially Patong beach, it is where our angel baby died. it wil always hold a very special place in our hearts, I left part of me there.
I’m so glad that the Marriott beach club sounded like just what you needed. Hope Chang Mai is just as good to you.
So happy you enjoyed your week at the Marriott – looks like the boys had a lot of fun. Chiang Mai sounds awesome & I’m glad it “mus be da place”. Excited to hear about all your new adventures while there. Love & miss all of you.
Chelsea,
I know that whevere you guys are that it will always be beautiful! I can’t imagine how hard it had to be to leave Phuket… I know that Trek travels with each of you, watching over you and bringing smiles that he showers over you. I pray that your time in Chiang Mai is amazing in every way! And, I’m with you, living at the resort sounds like a very good idea
Hugs from SC,
Misti
The pics of the hotel for the fire lighting ceremony almost looks like it’s a flooded parking lot or something ~ especially after the monsoon comments! So glad you enjoyed your time there and that there was plenty for the boys to do. Hope you enjoy your adventure in Chiang Mai and I’m so glad you’re broadening your scope….I pray you find “da place” you’re looking for! Wherever you go, I know it will be amazing because you and your guys have a great outlook on everything you do.
It all looks so amazing and like a dream! So happy for you guys being there! I hope to come visit in the future:) love and miss you like crazy!
I can imagine this has been a special moment. I wish you a wonderful stay in the north and who knows we might bump into each other as we will be in the area as well early August. Your stay at the Marriot sounds wonderful.
These pictures are are amazing! I can’t wait to see new pictures of your new place you are at. Those prices are amazing, too!
thanks Lacy:)
Thiland has always seemed like a magical place! That and Tibet! I love the pictures of the fire ceremony! Although I am a devout Christian I can appreciate the richness of the Buddist religion. It seems so beautiful to be so at peace. There was a picture once I found on the Internet of a Buddist boy who had been meditating so long he had moss growing on him. Not sure why that had such an impact but it certainly hit a soft spot with me. I hope that kind of peace finds you all:)
thank you so much Lauren, I agree we are not Buddhist, but we are loving the culture and being a part of it on our journey. I also think of Tibet as magical and cannot wait to visit there too! thank you so much for your sweet words-xoxo
I am so glad you guys got to steal away at the Marriott for the last week…sounds like it was just what your hearts and bodies needed. We are traveling to a not-so-exotic location (South Dakota) presently so I’m not online as much while here visiting friends and family, but just wanted to check in and let you know you are in my thoughts tons and tons and prayers, too. I love you, lady, and am praying, praying for all of your hearts. xoxox
thank you adrienne, have fun in South Dakota!!! xoxo
What a wonderful start to the next leg of your Grand Aventure. You all look peaceful, Chelsea. I am sure Trek is smiling!
thank you so much cathy
That bed so heavenly! I like the idea of sleeping in, lazy days, bike riding and comfort! It sounds like such a cheap place to live and explore! Compared to Australia – gosh its not cheap to live here!
Phuket sounded so nice, and now Chiang Mai sounds perfect. Hope you all can find your place to be….and remember baby Trek is with you – smiling and laughing with the angels. i am sure he will love your new area to explore with you all xxx
thank you so much, i love to think of Trek smiling at us all the time too:)
Where you all abide . . . that is “da place”. So glad your adventure continues. Enjoy!!! Love you guys!
thanks Tammie, that is such a beautiful thought, i love it and its so true-xoxo
So glad to hear the adventure continues….I too have wanted resort living to last. You sound good. There is hope in your voice. We love you all and can’t wait to hear the next chapter. Prayers continue to be with you!
thanks Shannon, love you sweet friend
That bath tub looks amazing!!!
it was so dreamy!