Before they’re forgotten, here are a few high notes from our first days on the road.

1. Max has been in a very good mood for nearly all of the last 5 days, including a 26-hour flight itinerary! Of the 3 of us, I think he’s now in the lead for % of time as a model traveller. I guess that unlimited juice (it’s now a hydration issue rather than a ‘not in our house’ treat) and 3/day pool sessions agree with him.

2. We’ve lucked into good hotels. First, the Paragon Inn near the Bangkok Airport was a very nice and improbably-situated 12-hour refuge after a very long journey. A little courtyard oasis with a 2:00 am pick up, clean bed, decent outdoor breakfast, and friendly staff, before we shuttled back to the airport to fly onwards to Krabi.

Second, the Orange Tree House in Ao Nang seemed remote (desolate, actually) when we first arrived, but by day 2 we came to like the quiet bungalow set-up, with the ability to jump in a tuktuk and get to the ‘strip’ where most of the other hotels are located. The main drag is a very bustling beachfront full of shops, restaurants, backpackers, money changers, 3-suits-for-$150-custom-tailors, fish foot spas, and real fake Rolex stands. Nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to sleep there.

Finally, we arrived in Koh Lanta yesterday which will be base camp for about 3 months. We checked in to Southern Lanta Resort and will be here for our first 10 days, during which we’re looking for something more long-term. This is “resort-y” with lots of little bungalows, beach bar, kids pool, tennis, etc. It also houses the Swedish school where Max will start pre-school next week. Consequently, there are more Swedes here than in a typical Stockholm suburb. This has to be the highest concentration of blondes anywhere in Asia. And it’s a great, comfortable environment to land and get oriented.

3. Gotta mention the food. Thai. Fresh and delicious. Spicy and beautiful. Cheap and healthy.

Stir fried morning glory is our first “let’s order that one again” dish. And tofu with lots of shredded ginger was excellent (and $2.50) tonight at the outdoor restaurant across from the hotel. I’m excited to eat for the next 3 months.

Ok, off to sleep now. By the way, in case you think this blog will just be how unrealistically great everything is (like a longer version of Facebook) it won’t. Stay tuned for a list of the initial lowlights.

Also, I know I should have photos of all the things and places above, active links, etc. In time, maybe. Right now I’m just thrilled that I got a Thai SIM card and we now have internet! The hotel wifi sucks. There’s a hint for the next list.