A new year begins in Thailand

Ao Nang Sunset, Krabi, Thailand

Starry sky above Ao Nang Cliffs, Krabi, Thailand

2015 is the year of the ram and my 2015 will be full of challenging new adventures.  Today I introduced 5 new members to grade 4 as the team leader, Brian and I just moved into an amazing new apartment and I’ve been volunteering with Seoul Hiking Group long enough to start planning my own hikes and even international trips!

Looking for some Thailand Itineraries?  Check out my friend Tom’s post with 4 different 2 week trips through Thailand!

Welcome to Phi Phi, Krabi, Thailand

Lucky for me that wasn’t all.  I rang in the Lunar New Year in Thailand with some of my best friends!  Just the other day Brian and I were sitting on a boat watching flying fish flap along the waves as islands littered the horizon.  The Andaman Sea is a wondrous place worthy of repeat visits by anyone who loves fun in the sun.  I know I’ll be back the only question is will I be renting long boats for island hopping or using my new SCUBA diving certificate to explore the deep blue waters teeming with life.

Ao Nang Sunset, Krabi, Thailand

A kayaker beneath Phi Phi’s majestic cliffs.

The Andaman Sea is perhaps Thailand’s most valuable asset.  It was stunning, unforgettable and one of my most memorable adventures yet.  In spite of this awe-inspiring land we often ran into those who swear by “how different Thailand was 10 or 20 years ago.” Subtly saying “how much better Thailand was in the past.”  To this I say “how different was America 10 or 20 years ago?”  The world changes, but lucky for those of us who have had one or fewere trips to Thailand these changes have made it more English accessible.  Sure a minor degree of authenticity feels lost to those who are lucky enough to be nostalgic but even in this modern world Thailand’s southern islands are an archipelago that remain an incredible part of the world.

A kayaker beneath Phi Phi’s majestic cliffs.

Island hopping in Phi Phi Thailand

Green fishing lights off of Ao Nang Beach, Krabi, Thailand

I’m overwhelmed by everything about Thailand and can’t believe its over.  I’m even more overwhelmed by the thousands of photos I have to wade through as my Korean life goes back into full swing.  Its a great feeling to have so much to look forward to and I can’t wait to share it all with you!

Have you ever been to Thailand?  What was your favorite part?  What are you looking forward to in 2015, the year of the ram?