Still in Phuket

So yeah, we're already in our third (on to the fourth) week here in Phuket and the procrastination still hangs on. I've been out to the beaches and malls several times while R is in school attending classes, but, other than that, I am enjoying the bliss of idleness.

This post has sat in my drafts folder for the past weeks and even now I am still trying to concentrate on writing - which is so difficult given that the temptation to just vegetate in front of the TV or under the sun with a book in hand and the sound of the waves and the wind on the background is too irresistible. Anyhow, the proverbial push came from dear step-sister B from down-under whom I was engaged in a YM chat - she reprimanded me for not seeing any Phuket photos, and so, she promptly asked for evidences to prove my whereabouts, that I am really gallivanting in Phuket. No, we're not really stepsisters; B is actually my best pal Viking M's younger sister. Down-under B likes to call me her step-sister, having lived with them for several years, and we have developed a strong sisterhood bond. Although she's a nurse, I feel like she would very well be a CSI agent as she has a keen eye for evidences.

Look, I'm going nowhere again *lol*

The day we arrived in Phuket proved to be a long day for my husband and I. During the one hour flight to Bangkok and another hour flight to Phuket, and the 5-hour transit, we were both clueless as it was the first time we've been on a budget flight. As there were no seat numbers, we had to kick and fight and bite to go in front of the queue in order to get good seats. No, not really, but as soon as boarding is announced, there was a mad dash to the line, and all proper queuing etiquette was forgotten. Imagine grungy backpackers, amorous businessmen and pretty women clad in dainty clothes and killer heels pushing against each other in the line? Apart from this riot, our flights were okay. We managed to have a shut-eye even for a few minutes because the previous night was spent packing and unpacking (and packing again) our luggages.

We landed in Phuket around 4pm without any hitches and didn't have any trouble getting a taxi to Nai Harn where MrandMrsB's house is located. The drivers spoke better English than the ones in Bangkok, much to my surprise, but they are all the same when it comes to driving, fast and furious (mga kaskasero din!). Once the diminutive driver was behind the wheels, he transformed into a pedal-pushing mad man! Ninerbyos ako, so to calm myself, I shifted my focus duon sa dinadaanan namin. From the taxi window, I could see the massive development projects one after another along the way. Mountains are cleared, carved and subdivided to make way for exclusive subdivisions, a hotel or resort... whatever, and everywhere I look it's what I see. Phuket is the largest island province in Thailand and is one of the, if not the top, best destinations in the country. True, it's an island, but everything seems to be found here - huge supermarkets and malls, first class hospitals, and not to mention the exclusive hotels and villas, resorts, spas, golf courses, bars, restaurants. And the construction seems to be not going to end soon. God knows how many more establishments are going to be erected in the future. Truly, Phuket is the playground for the rich and wealthy. I feel so small in this sea of ostentatious display of wealth and grandeur. So that was my introduction to Phuket.


When we arrived at MrandMrsB's house, R was pretty much exhausted and went for a quick nap while I managed to help MrsB prepare dinner. The dinner was quiet, except for some whining from MrandMrsB's four-year old son known as the little rascal. MrB is nice, but a man of few words and so we didn't have much to talk about. Perhaps because when we arrived he was gardening so he was tired, and so were we, so the conversation wasn't engaging.

It was the first time that I had been to MrandMrsB's house in Phuket after several invitations offered to me. Typical Thai-style house, a blend of cement and hardwood, it has three bedrooms, two toilet and bath, storeroom, kitchen, a cozy living room and a nice swimming pool! But the night was memorable to me because it's the second time R and I have traveled abroad together after a long time. We fell asleep wondering what the one-month course would be like.