Phuket-ting it...and things learned

Alright, down to business.

So Mark and I have been enjoying sunny Phuket for just a few days now.  Yesterday we actually got some relax time at the beach.  We decided last night to book a day trip to Ko Phi Phi, a beautiful island not too far from Phuket town. Along the way we’ll be hitting up Monkey Beach, Maya Beach (a place that I had on display during university on a poster), we’ll do some boating and some snorkeling.  We’re both excited for this little trip, so hopefully the impending thunderstorms don’t rain on our parade.   

Some things that I’ve learned, or have been reminded of:

-4 people on a motorcycle is completely safe and normal….one man offered to make both Mark and I with 2 huge backpacks and 2 small backpacks on his for a small price….we declined

-Mark must work on his haggling abilities.  I think I have a knack for this as I have spent 27 years around my father, a semi-pro.  Mark has too much of a conscience I think….for example, we went into the 7/11 here for a beer and a few snacks for the beach.  The beer alone costs 42 Baht, and our bill should have totaled around 100 baht.  The woman at the counter says ‘that’ll be 35 Baht,’ after scanning everything through….my thought is sweet, pay quickly (Mark’s got the cash), Mark says in a slightly raised intonation, 35 Baht….?!?  I hit him and say, ‘pay the girl already.’  Am I a bad person for that? 

-No place is free, not even a cot at the beach.  We head down to the beach ready for a morning of chill time, place our stuff between 2 plastic relining beach chairs and lay out.  How relaxing, how hot, how nice it is to have a little shade from the umbrella.  A guy walks over: 200 Baht.  Mark doesn’t like/agree with this, so we get up and move about 3 feet in front of the chair and set up shop. 

-For those of you who haven’t yet made it to Asia, let me just fill you in on something.  For men, I doubt is a problem….for women, yes it very well may be.  I experienced this in China, but completely forgot, but was quickly reminded upon arrival to Malaysia/Thailand…..you’d better have good balancing abilities, as the toilet scene is….a hole in the ground.  I have included a photo below to just show you what we’re dealing with here.  OH, and remember your toilet paper, ‘cause you won’t see any in the stalls.  

-never assume that when you see a ‘white person’ that they are going to speak English.  Actually I haven’t really heard much English at all (aside from all tuk tuk drivers/shop keepers/anyone trying to sell anything)

-During monsoon season never do you need to turn on the wipers….even when it’s pelting down.  Hydroplaning…no worries!

-There are more British chains in Malaysia than Canada…woohoo for Marks and Spencer…rich tea biscuits, yum!

-Night ferries are scary.

-Why are there people on night ferries, drinking profusely carrying semi-automatics on their hip?

Signing off for today J Thanks for reading, and hope everyone is well! Missing ya.