Phuket Weekend

Recently we had a visit from Sue and Bruce Baker. Ruth and I really looked forward to this visit from our daughters' parents. When they said that they had booked to go on from Singapore and spend a few days in Phuket we promptly invited ourselves along. Ruth and I had not been to Phuket, it is one of the easy destinations for us to fly to for a weekend. Cheap and with flights that suit a quick getaway on Sunday night, and late return on Tuesday. So we could make the most of our two days off.

We had a great time, the weather was not the best. It was the middle of the rainy season, so we had to expect rain. It rained most of the time we were there and the sea was rough. Our main objective was to catch up with the Bakers so it didn't bother us too much. We stayed Karon Beach and we explored Patang and Khuta. We enjoyed jumping into the Tuk tuks, visiting the markets, and the many good food and drinks outlets. For Ruth and I it was good to sit at a beach and watch real surf, and to feel the salt in the wind.

We marvelled at the thought of the terror of the Boxing Day Tsunami. Many of the streets we walked along were hit hard with this. Amazing to think that there is very little sing of this today. There is still a lot of contstruction going on. But business seemed to be brisk and there were still plenty of tourists considering it was the monsoon season. We were pleased to notice evacuation route signs. Although I wondered if you would think of them in a real disaster.

We were interested in the signs warning motorists of drunk people crossing. Though we didn't see any crossing at this point. Coming from New Zealand, where going to the beach usually offers the opportunity to get away from shops and shopping, I find it challenging when you become a target for hawkers the second you think about the beach. We also found it hard to relax and have a quiet drink when there was a steady flow of Hawkers coming in to entice you into buying their goods. It is all a part of life in this part of the world and they are people making a living. Some of them are very clever business people. I keep thinking, when we visit these beaches ,that New Zealand is a very special place, with the best beaches where you can relax and enjoy nature the way it is meant to be enjoyed. I think that I always appreciated this, but now, I know this is a way of life that must be cherished and protected. My message for people at home in New Zealand, particularly those on the Coromandel; Value what you have got, make the most of it and get out there and enjoy it.

Thanks Bruce and Sue, we enjoyed catching up!

Cheers!