Phuket

Dion and Georg are thinking about looking for the same outfit too -
I don't think so!!!!



After three days in Phuket we flew to Phuket: Destination Patong Beach (an area most of us have heard of because of the tsunami). Everywhere you look there's construction of new buildings (hotels). Around 7:30 in the morning 3/4 ton trucks drive past the hotel hauling people - they're so packed in there they stand shoulder to shoulder with nothing to hang on to. As you pass by the construction sites you notice that men and women are labouring in the heat. They work long hours and it's hard physical labour. We watch in awe and can't help but respect and admire them.

Phuket is about 900 km from Bangkok. The word Phuket was formerly believed to have come from the Malayan word Bukit, which means mountain. However, it has recently been discovered that Phuket is actually a Thai word meaning mountain (phu) of jewel (ket).

Formerly known as Ko (island) Thalang, Phuket was only noted for its rich tin ores, from which its wealth was derived. Today, it is betteer known as a tourist paradise with long white beaches, abundant vegetation, crystal blue water and relaxing tropical atmosphere.

We're loving the lazy beach days. You arrive at the beach and pay for a chair with an umbrella. From your chair you can shop, eat, and drink as the locals rotate through bringing armloads of watches, sunglasses, clothing, silk textiles, ice cream, sandwiches, drinks, and options for fun activities. We've been great consumers and I'm sure they see our group of eight coming and know they're in for good sales that day!


The kids took a banana boat ride and are planning to go parasailing next.

Dining out as a group of eight has been fun! One day we went to an Irish Brew Pub (thought about Iain then). Georg and Dion ordered Guiness Pie. Man size serving of Guiness Pie.


We went on an excursion to Phi Phi Island, Maya Bay and Khai Island. It was billed as a "speed boat" ride with all these terrific stops and activities. It was really quite fun because one of the stops included feeding monkeys. Dieter had heard about this before we left Canada so he's been keen on doing this for quite some time.
Monkey Beach

Dieter and Brett at Maya Bay

Georg snorkelling at Loh Sama Bay