Tsunami effects. 

These were post tsunami effects on the main swath of the level portion of the island. 

I didn't remember this from my last visit. These are effects of the tsunami from Dec. 26th. There were lots of folks on the island volunteering to move debris to a central dump site. Have to hand it to these kid backpackers, even tho they are half my age and very different from those in my day.....they were almost all helping the island in some way beyond that of spending tourist dollars there.

When rounding the bend into Koh Phi Phi's harbor, it looks breathtakingly beautiful, as I remembered from over 10 years ago. 

These were salvaged vessels (post tsunami) at Phuket's harbor. Our ferry looked better.... 

This is one of the ferrymen who took folks to Koh Phi Phi (pronounced Ko Pee Pee, no giggling).  

This is a view from Phuket Hill. Phuket is a large island on the west coast of Thailand, sticking out a bit like a thumb in the "hang loose Hawaii" logo. This is from the top of the highest hill on the island. It holds many small villages as well as Phuket town.

Temple reconstruction in progress, but looking pretty good so far! 

Temple guardian.  

More temple reconstruction...detail of a dragon. 

Another view of the Meditating Buddha. 

Meditating Buddha. 

This was the view from my hotel at Karon Beach. With some extreme zooming. It was a temple being rebuilt after the tsunami. This area was not too hard hit but there are still visible signs of the disaster, outweighed by more visible reconstruction and improvements. 

The view from my hotel room window. Really, honestly. It was an alpine lodge at St. Arnaud, the only place in town to sleep.  

This really was the view from my hotel room window!!!