Seebrugge, Belgium, where summer isn't always summer

It was once and only time that my ship stopped in Seebrugge, and thanks for my luck, I was free in the afternoon, so, went to discover the place a little. Soon I realised that though it is July, that doesn't necessarily mean the summer is like i used to it. It was definitely a sunny day, all right, but it was a cool for that matter, maybe only like 14 Celsius degree. Not my dream beach holiday weather.
The town is pleasant, very clean,as you would expect, with many cobblestone walking streets with small shops, cafes, restaurants. But remember, Belgium is not a cheap place!
The architecture is the usual European style, though they got many houses more remind me to those in England.
And yes, Seebrugge also got a beach, like most of the seaside towns. For my shock, also people who went to sunbathe though most others were wearing coats and sweaters. I was between this too kind, having a T-shirt only, but I was freezing.
Guess I still prefer those other kind of beaches.
But it was nice to see a new place, buy some of the famous Belgium chocolate, and most of all be a bit away from work even for a short time.

Nai Harn Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is Thailand biggest island, and boosts many popular and beautiful beaches.

Nai Harn beach is one of the more picturesque one, located near to the Southern tip of the island.

It is not too developed, which I didn't mind at all. It has only a Le Meridian hotel with a yacht club, in one end of the beach, and a monastic center in the middle. Otherwise white sand, clear water, beach umbrellas and sunshine. They were planning to built a pier here, but later they find that the wave direction wont support these plans. Better for me.

To really see and enjoy the view, you have to go up the hill opposite to the hotel, on the far end of the beach. Once there, you will be amazed, the view is spectacular!! There is a small lake behind the beach, which connects to the sea, the white sand, the forest covered hills, and the turquoise blue water. I just hope the photo give back some of the beauty of this beach.

Cha-Am daytrip

Yesterday I visited my new friend Dorka. She is also Hungarian, an exchange student for a year in Thailand. She lives in Ratchaburi, which is a smaller provincial town around 100km Southwest of Bangkok.

I decided to drive my motorbike, which is not really designed for these longer trip, but nevertheless, I like it more then the bus. I think I will write a bit about my motorbike soon.

So, once we met, we decided to go to see Cha-Am, which is another 100 km further South in Petchaburi province. It was a pleasant day, so, felt good to drive. Once there we walked along the beach, ate some Thai food, and went to swim. Though it is the low (rainy) season now, it doesn't affect the water much, it was warm as always. The beach itself isn't the prettiest, but it is fine, a wide enough stretch of yellow/white sand with a line of casuarina trees behind the beach chairs. It was quiet, few tourists, mainly Thai families visit here, whom find Pattaya too loud.

Anyway, it was a great afternoon, all till we were just to go. Then started to rain. Should I know, I wouldn't change my swim suit. In 2 minute we were soaking wet, and it was raining most part of the way home too. Was I glad when I finally arrived home?! My luck, that the rain here is very rarely cold, so, i didn't caught any cold. But sure next time I will have a raincoat with me.

The photo in the header

Hi

I chose to introduce first that nice place in the top of the site.The beach called Hat Phra Nang, or Phra Nang beach, and it is in Krabi, Thailand.

Krabi is around 1000km south of Bangkok. We flew there by AirAsia, a budget airline of this region; it was around 1 hour and 20 minutes. From the airport, it is around 40 minutes drive to Ao Nang, a beach town of Krabi province. We stayed here, as they have a wilder range of rooms and restaurants to choose from for a reasonable price. And then we took the boats to explore the near by beaches, like Rai Leh (or Railey) and Phra Nang.

Rai Leh beach is also very nice, but we found Phra Nang beach breathtakingly beautiful. There it was all i like in a beach: long stretch of powdery white sand, lush green in the back, calm, crystal clean and warm blue/turquoise water. As a bonus, there was a smaller island opposite to the beach, where you could just walk across in the water.

Also these hanging limestone 'spikes' make really a different atmosphere, when you see them near by. There was a walkway going around the hill, where you walked under these spikes and next to dozens of little caves.
It was really a memorable day, and i hope i will be able to go back in the future there more.