Tuesday 30 December 2014

Looking back at 2014

It's that time of the year again for looking back at 2014. With just one more day to go, this is the 8th year in succession that I run this blog and that I can look back at a year!

It's been really busy with work with trips to Koh Lanta, Khao Lak and Phuket in Thailand, Gili Air in Indonesia, Moalboal in the Philippines and Osan in South Korea. Although this was great, I didn't spend nearly as much time at home with family as I wanted to. That's the price I have to pay.

We were blessed to stay more or less injury and illness free all year long, besides a light dengue fever bout I had in January. I was very happy to be able to run a few races again this year and towards the end of the year with some fast times and good results. Too bad the Cebu city half marathon was postponed due to typhoon Hagupit. There's one more race to come, tomorrow we're off to Nakhon Si Thammarat, where I will participate in the New Years Eve run over 4km at 11pm, after which we will celebrate New Years Eve at the Wat Phra Mahathat.

January was busy with two PADI IDC's back to back, on Koh Lanta, Thailand and in Indonesia. During the latter I had the dengue fever bout.

In February I was able to run a half marathon Prachuap Khirikhan and we saw the opening and first of many visits to come for me and my family to one of our current favorite restaurants on the island, Japanese restaurant Kobori in Maenam.

Looking back at 2014

Central Festival still under construction back in February

March saw towards the very end of the month the long awaited opening of Central Festival and I ran a 15km race in Thung Nari in Phattalung province.

April saw the traditional Thai New Year or better known as Songkran and I took the family on a trip to Indonesia, among others to Bali. I also participated in the second Koh Samui Midnight Run.

Looking back at 2014

Sunset at Wat Bophud

May was mostly spend in Indonesia with the family, which they really enjoyed, Visakha Bucha Day was celebrated and I participated in the 7th Cancer Care run in Nathon.

During June I conducted a PADI IDC back home on Koh Samui and I had a rare appearance in a Bangkok race.

Looking back at 2014

Still one of our favorite beaches; Choengmon Beach

In July we hooked up with my sister in Khao Sok, a really enjoyable trip and we had a great day out with the Island Gem Gourmet Picnic, which comes highly recommended as a half day activity on Samui. I ran in Surat Thani province twice and towards the end of the month I was teaching in Osan, South Korea for the second time.

During August I was just a few days on the island and Samui enjoyed an excellent month with the weather.

Looking back at 2014

Island Gem Picnic near Koh Madsum

My highlight in September was running the Mount Bromo half marathon in Indonesia, a fantastic race and a great experience. Most of the month I was able to spend at home, at last!

October saw the yearly Rua Chak Phra event, I was involved in box jelly fish awareness programs around the island and an interesting Tod Katin event in Wat Bophud was on the schedule as well.

Looking back at 2014

Old tradition on Koh Samui; the coconuts

November saw a visit to Chiang Mai including a trip to Doi Suthep and I ran a race there. We also visited Chiew Larn near Rajjaphraba Dam, where I ran another race and actually finished 10th in my category.
Early on in the month we also celebrated Loy Kratong.

This month, December, saw me return from the Philippines, after having spent the majority of the month in Moalboal. It's great to have a couple o days at home and enjoy too much food with good company over the last couple of days.

Looking back at 2014

Koh Samui aerial

A good and busy year, with health, lots of work and many races! Next year is about to start in a wink and work starts early, the 2nd January I leave for Koh Lanta!

Thailand has still not completely recovered from the social and political unrest earlier this year, followed by my second coup! Tourism has received a bit of a beating and hopefully next year the tourism sector will be able recover a bit.

See you next year and thanks for following this blog and checking in on a (ir)regular base.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

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