Arrival in Phuket, Thailand

After twenty-odd hours of schlepping, we arrived at the Anantara in Mai Khao Beach in Phuket. We wouldn't be there long and maybe it was a rookie mistake to stay in our nicest hotel on the first stop, but we enjoyed every minute at our little villa.

While waiting for our room, we met a couple from Virginia who tipped us off to the beach side seafood shack just off the hotel grounds. After dropping our bags, we headed off for our first of many Thai meals.

It was as good as it looks and about $4 a plate. The beer was cold and arrived quickly. I'd found my happy place.

After lunch we hit the beach, wading into the Andaman Sea, and then moved on to the pool. There was a happy hour. There was a sunset, and then another happy hour. There was shopping. There was an Irish pub. You get the picture. A successful first day.