Phuket, Thailand

We had a hot time in the old town this morning.  Those are (almost) the words to a song and I have no idea why this popped into my mind other than I am trying to tell you without being direct about how hot and humid this place is.  I know that I have gone on and on about the weather, but it really impacts one’s enjoyment of an activity when one decides to seek shelter from the miserably uncomfortable elements, especially when one is not used to it.  I speak not only for myself, but for many others who have been impacted by the weather on this trip.  So forgive me for bringing it up again.

Sa Wat De Ka – that is my phonetic spelling for the Thai greeting for hello, good-bye, you’re welcome; an all purpose phrase meaning greetings, I respect you and you respect me.  You say this while holding your hands in the lotus position (like praying) and bowing.  This I think is much nicer than shaking someone’s sweaty hand and asking how do you do? And not really wanting an honest answer.

Chinese immigrants came to Phuket after the Opium Wars in the early part of the last century to work as laborers mining tin.  Our guides in Thailand seem to make it a point that there are few true Thai people; Chinese, Muslims, Malayan, European, Chao Le, Indian and Arabic peoples have intermixed to create the current version of a Thai.  The body build, the shape of the eyes, the prominence of the cheek bones and the color of the skin tell a person’s ethnic heritage.   As several guides have said, all Caucasians look alike to them, so all Asians must look alike to us.  I don’t know about you, but I can’t tell an American from a Canadian from an Australian.  I have no idea why this is so important to them, but at least three guides have talked about this.  I asked the last guide about it and she said there was no ethnic discrimination.  So why do they mention it? I find this very curious. 

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is connected to the mainland by two bridges.  Phuket has two seasons:  hot and very hot.  The hot season is November thru April, and it is high season for tourist.  The very hot wet season is May thru October.  The west side of the island has the best beaches, thus many resorts are here.  The most popular area is Patong Beach.  We have been to Patong Beach before and did quite a bit of sightseeing in 2007.   If you recall, the west side of the island was decimated in the tsunami of 2004.

So what did we do today?  Seabourn had a ship-wide excursion to the Siam Niramit Thai Village of the Four Regions Cultural park.  Buses left at 8:30 am and were due back by noon.  I understand from some folks that went last year, they went in the middle of the afternoon and almost perished from the heat.  So morning was a much better choice; instead of perishing, we just walked around in a puddle of sweat.   We were greeted with a welcoming ceremony with ladies dressed in traditional Thai costumes, colorful decorated elephants all to the sound of long drums and chants (see elephant video at http://youtu.be/pUGTFPT9ptE.  Each guest was given a colorful umbrella to provide shade and protect us from the strong sun.

Dancers greeting the guests

This elephant also greeted us

Life saving shade; pretty too.  Thanks, Seabourn!

This was like a 3-ring circus – there was so many things going on at the same time.  We headed over to the elephant ride before it got too crowded and hot.  We had to wait in line and were thankful for our umbrellas – thank you Seabourn.  The elephants would go over to the nearby fountain, pick up water with their trunk and spray themselves.  I should have had one of them spray me!  We each had a two minute ride and managed to take a few photos of each other.  It was not scary; it was a gentle swaying motion and let me tell you, the elephant is pretty darn sturdy.   I felt sorry for them having to walk around a small circuit in the blazing sun with a blanket over them for the amusement of the tourists. 

Getting water to cool himself down

There's Michael riding the elephant

There were all kinds of foods, drinks, and fruit to sample.  I didn’t eat because (1) I just recently had breakfast and (2) when I get hot, I cannot eat.  Just give me water.  It is amazing that I don’t have to pee very often, I just sweat it out (I know TMI – too much information).  We watched as the elephants played darts, played a harmonica, and twirled a hula hoop – yes this is for real – even I can’t make this stuff up.   There were demonstrations of fruit carving and Thai boxing.  

This elephant was throwing darts

Then we wandered farther afield and found the replica village.  It was very pretty and I didn’t see it all because I didn’t go far enough into the village.  I lost Michael at this point and went to look for him; he found the back portion of the village and proceeded on without me.  Around this time, I was ready to go anyway and spent the better part of half an hour either waiting for him or looking for him.  I tried to use the walkie-talkie to communicate with him but mine decided not to hold a charge and was totally useless. 

A beautiful koi pond

Making silk fabric

Depicting the floating market

We headed back to the ship on the nicely air-conditioned bus and decided not to try and go to town and fool around with taxis.  And what do you think the first thing I did when we returned to the ship?  Go get a bathing suit on and get in the pool?  NO, I went shopping.  There was an open air market set up right on the dock.  We had a few Thai Bhat left and needed to spend them!  Bargains!  Bargains can overcome overheating and profuse sweating.  I managed to buy two shift-type dresses and a T-shirt for $20.  Michael found Polo shirts for $7 each. 

Then we went to the pool to cool off.  And did laundry so we wouldn’t have wet smelly clothes hanging around over the next four sea days.  Speaking of fours sea days, the captain has promised us calm water.  I can’t remember when I have been on a ship for such a lengthy period of time and not feel it move.  The sea gods have really blessed us.  

Colorful handpainted umbrellas