Sunday, May 06, 2007
The Phuket Trip (Part 1)
A couple of hours of sleep on her sofa later, we woke up at 4am to get ready. Her mom volunteered to drive us to the airport. Because I haven't read the instructions properly, I got us to the Budget Terminal and it took us a couple of minutes to realise it was the wrong airport.
We rushed to Terminal 1 and managed to check-in on time. Breakfast was at Burger King before her mom left for her shop. The two of us spent some time window-shopping at DFS but were determined not to spend any money. Yet.
Armed with only 5,500 baht (appx S$250), we embarked on a Jetstar plane. It was really small, with the front and rear of the plane in sight. There was no turbulence during the flight and was considerably smooth. As we approached Th@iland, it began to rain. It seemed our worst nightmare was confirmed.
Flood.
There were only puddles to speak of. We dismissed what the news had reported and were beginning to feel excited about our trip. The Q at the airport was horribly long. It was close to half an hour before we got ourselves out of the airport and chartered a mini-bus, where we had to cramp with other holiday-makers. We had wanted to take the hotel transportation, but were unwilling to fork out 700 baht (appx. S$31). We thought the mini-bus was a bargain with only 300 baht (appx. $13).
The mini-bus had kits installed, which looked like any modified van from M@laysi@. In fact, the scenery along its highway looked like the latter. After half an hour of the ride, the mini-bus stopped by a travel agent, where we were asked to look at its itinerary. Those who had taken any of its packages were transferred to its private car. Travelling in style, indeed.
For the rest of us, we had to wait till the travel agent gave the go to its driver to send us to the hotels. It was another half hour ride but this time, we moved into Patong area, where we can see the sights of their houses. Phuket had seemed to proser, with condominiums and big houses built. Civics, Corollas and monster trucks (I love them!) were common vehicles. BMW, Mazda MX-5 and Mercedes could be spotted once in awhile.
The journey was long and we couldn't wait to take a shower. When we finally reached the hotel, the staff told us we could only check-in at 2pm. A man, whom I had seen from the plane and the airport, approached us. He seemed to know the hotel staff fairly well and tried to hurry the room for us. He spoke to the manager, who kept apologising to us that the room would have to be delayed.
This man introduced himself as Ricky, who offered to let us put our bags in his room. We felt unsafe and decided to leave it at the hotel's front desk, with our passports locked in their safe. I took out the maps I had printed out and realized it didn't serve us any good. Ricky knew we were unfamiliar with the places, and introduced us to two drivers, who were sitted outside the hotel. He recommended us to avoid tourist places and ventured into their local dwellings. Chalong Bay for their local seafood, and another couple of places for sunset scenery and local food.
Ricky brought us for a walk. He explained that the empty streets in front of the hotel would turn into a pasar malam at night. Bars would become happening hangouts, with girls dancing on bartops and transvestites grabbing men's privates. He warned us not to buy anything from the pasar malam though, as their wares tend to be really expensive. Phuket Town was recommended. He had became our tour guide.
The picture above is the famous Patong beach, which we had only spent a couple of minutes there throughout the 3-day stay. Lol. Within minutes, we were asked to try their jet-skis, para-sailing and whatsnot. Ricky also seemed to know the people there and was comfortable in, may I quote, fuck-ing around with them. The locals were friendly and even though may be persistent in asking if you need their services, don't really pose any threat. Such examples include their tuk-tuk drivers.
When we had walked back to the hotel, the manager said the room would be ready soon. But we ended waiting at the lobby longer than needed because there was no electricity. In fact, when we got into the room, lights and the air-con could not be switched on. Frustrated, we had our bath in the dark and hurried out of the hotel. Royal Paradise was no royal than what the name had suggested. In fact, it only offered the basic services and recently upgraded their premises by building a 'Royal Wing'. This new wing was really nice. Ricky's room was evidence. But Gerrie and I thought of saving that couple of bucks by staying in their older 'Paradise Wing' since we would not be in the hotel most of the time.
At 21 storey high, our room was facing both the sea and the swimming pool. But our room was disadvantaged as we could not access to the balcony. But the hotel was centrally located, which was within walking distances to the shopping center and the beach. Besides, we would be safe should any tsunami occurs.
Gerrie and I wanted to venture to their towns and decided to take their local buses. We waited at the wrong side of the road and spent more than half an hour agonizing over which was their local buses. One of the tuk-tuk drivers, who had relentlessly asked us to take his ride, walked up to us and asked if we were waiting for their local buses. He then told us to walk to Bangla Road to wait for the buses.
The wait was no shorter. Another half hour passed by, with us waving at any vehicle which resembled any van, lorry or buses. At the same time, we had to wave off the tuk-tuks and taxi drivers. When the bus finally arrived, we climbed up at the back of the bus and sat on the bench.
The ride was interesting, which offered us a chance to experience their local culture and to sight-see. Most importantly, it was cheap. It only cost 40 baht for 2 persons (appx. S$1.80). The bus ride was slow though. Especially when Phuket was so hilly. If not for the weather, I would have thought we were travelling to Genting.
Along the way, it began to rain hard. There were two couples onboard as well, and asked if we were going to any shopping centers. We were heading to Phuket Town, I replied. There was no warning from the bus conducter, or rather any indication that we were reaching our destination. Gerrie was alert enough to spot their road signs. The couples decided to follow us and the 6 of us ran from the bus-stops to the Central shopping center.
Central was newly built, with department store Robinsons in it. It was H.U.G.E. Though eager to discover this place, we needed to settle our lunch first. Laughable but true, we had our lunch at KFC. There were choices like Swensens, Pizza Hut and some random Mexican food though. I had wanted KFC because I remembered them serving rice with it and I loved their rice. But they had became so ah-moh-nalised! They had replaced the rice with fries! Sianz. But nvm la, the chicken was huge. Actually, it was in between of what we have here and what is served in Las Vegas.
After filling our stomach, we began our tour. There were major brands like Nautica, Armani Exchange, DKNY, Calvin Klein and Starbucks but sadly, they were priced at what are retailed here. Even their hair salons boasted of Japanese brands. The stuff there were great and had almost gotten two shirts at S$220, but I was unwilling to splurge. I kept reminding myself of the Raoul sale, as well as the coming GSS. Hours were spent walking around and Gerrie managed to get something from Boots, which was equivalent to our Gurdian, and her Triumph stuff.
I was contended with Mister Donut though. I am still amused at the fact that I actually spent 2 hours Q-ing up at Donut Factory, when donuts were readily available in Phuket.
We managed to talk to one of the tuk-tuk drivers who told us the local buses arrive on an hourly basis. We timed ourselves and decided to wait for the bus again. We stood in the drizzle, with an English mom and daughter. The four of us then cramped into the buses which was already filled. Unlike our SBSes, the bus driver continued to pick people up even though the vehicle had no more sitting places. School students didn't mind standing up. But the thing is, their vehicles were not like ours. It was just a small van, which seemed to crawl when it approached the hill slopes. I joined in the conversation with the English mother and a guy from Europe, whose accent seemed to be Spanish. We were talking about how horrible the buses were, to how sweet Asian children could be, and even to recommending them to our country!
The local bus ride could sometimes be so interesting.
Gerrie and I were feeling the heat and decided to jump into the pool upon reaching the hotel. There was hardly any sun that day and after a quick swim and a bath, we were ready for dinner. We walked along the street and decided to settle ourselves at a Number 6 Restaurant, filled with ah-mohs.
Dinner was good and it only cost 100baht (appx. S$4.40). We walked around the pasar malam and Gerrie got herself a pair of earrings, which I still think it was awfully expensive. We had even shopped in their 7-11 to get some necessities and cup noodles.
Gerrie's aim of the holiday trip was to go for their Thai massages. Ricky had recommended us to one of their finest massages palours, instead of the hotels, or beaches'. The prices was still reasonable though. The place was nicely done up, and the salesgirl was patient with our enquiries. I don't know if it's just us, but we realised we take up alot of the salespeople's time, compared to ah mohs. Lol.
Bookings were limited and there were some complications intially. It was raining outside and the massagers from the other branches were unable to come over as the driver wasn't there. We then made a booking for foot massages for Saturday. After a couple of minutes on the phone, some arrangements were made and had some of their massagers driven to this particular branch.
Gerrie had opted for their Thai massages, which cost only 500 baht (appx. S$22.20). One of their massages came to wash her feet and then whisked her to another room upstairs.
I was left alone to read their magazines. I didn't like people touching me. Actual fact is I was also afraid it gets too ticklish for me. Luckily, the salesperson allowed me to sit on their chairs to relax. Their fashion magazines focused on their local designers and made me want to go Bangkok immediately. Lol. After two magazines, I fell asleep.
I was woken up by Gerrie, who kept telling me how good was the massage and how her bones 'cracked up'. A 20baht tip was given (appx. S$0.90. Pathetic, I know).
We retreated to the hotel lounge for complimentary drinks and listened to their live band. But there was no one there and we found it strange as if the band was singing to us only. I hurried with my drinks and got ourselves out of the lounge, only to be greeted by bars along the back alley. Trans were beautifully transformed into white gowns. Some of them can even beat girls flat. They can be so gorgeous!
After 2 bottles of Heineken and a cup noodle, we were too shagged to watch any telly and went to bed.
P.S. if massages were the highlight for Gerrie, Heineken was for me! One bottle only cost 45baht (appx. S$2)!
This sums up our first day in Phuket. Geez, what a long post! The time now is 10:50pm. In any case, more updates and pictures to come!
Tomorrow still have to work. Sian.
