Congratulations - Sam and Jo

The day before their beach wedding Sam and Jo treated their guests to a sunset trip on the Panwa Princess Yacht. They also had a 'bubbly' party at Panwa House. 

The wedding ceremony itself was something to behold as the couple positively glowed with happiness as they exchanged rings. The post-wedding party comprised a barbecue, lots of beer and tunes - followed by fireworks and lighting 'spirit balloons' that sailed up high in the sky. 

All the very best Sam and Jo.

     

Songkran - a visit to the Temple

We visited Wat Thepnmit for Songkran. This temple is on highway 2134 in the South of Phuket and is 2kms from Amphoe Phana.

Songkran at the temple was certainly an experience - I don't think that this temple was a tourist attraction - we were the only 'farangs' there. We waited patiently to give our small gifts to the parade of monks that left the temple.  Following this a number of our guests entered the temple to give their blessings - lovely.

Things swiftly changed when we got back in the buses to return to the Cape Panwa Hotel, gone was the gentleness and respect that was shown in the temple.

We were ambushed everywhere as we drove through Phuket. The driver stopped at every opportunity so that we would be soaked from people on the side of the road - a very wet but enjoyable ride back. On returning to the hotel the water splashing did not stop - more water was thrown and games were played on the beach - fun for all ages.

Then we had a Thai buffet on the beach with sumptuous delicacies prepared by Chef Phudon and his team. We were treated to a Ponglang Parade and Thai music whilst the food was devoured.  Then came a fire show that had to be seen - he actually breathed fire - then Spirit balloons were lit - a special evening to welcome the Thai New Year.

Sawasdee pee mai

     

Three Weddings in one Week

What a week of celebrating love here – we have had three weddings this week! They have all been very special and we enjoyed every single one.

Jojo and Alex were the first couple to tie the knot on Monday and wow, what a spectacle it was.

The guests patiently waited on the beach for the bride and her entourage of bridesmaids and flower girls to emerge from Panwa House.  The music started and Jojo breezed out to gasps of astonishment.

The ceremony was beautiful and poetry was read by the family.  The bride and groom kissed to cheers from their guests, butterflies were released and the happy couple walked along the beach where they were met by an elephant! During the evening we had dinner, fireworks, drinks and dancing. Absolutely beautiful.

Tom and Naomi were next, with a short renewal of vows and declarations of love – their girls were excited and mum glowed like an angel – the ambience was beautiful. The girls wore matching dresses and the boys wore white while the monks’ chanting was (as always) a joy to hear.  The love within this family was plain for all to see.

Then it was Emily and Gary’s turn.  Their ceremony was held next to the Banyan tree next to Panwa House, surrounded by friends and family for their special celebration.

It was a beautiful and very colourful day – we had cocktails and then a private dinner followed by dancing in front of Panwa House.

     

Songkran – How Iced Water Can Get You Into Hot Water

The Songkran Festival is held every year in from the 13th to the 15th of April to celebrate the Thai New Year. But be warned……if you are planning to partake in the usual customs of throwing water at everyone you meet, finger-painting everything you see and throwing colored flour over everything else you could end up in hot water.


This year we have been told to watch out for two things – police officers with thermometers!


The police have issued a warning that water below 5 degrees centigrade is hazardous. The reasoning is that the cold water can turn to ice easily and subsequently be dangerous to the person at which it is thrown!!

If you are found throwing water at this temperature police will be imposing an automatic hefty fine combined with up to a month’s stay in the local prison! So if a policeman approaches you, thermometer in hand, beware!