Thailand Day 2 & 3 - In Phuket

We decided to stay in this hostel (Stoney Monday) for another 4 nights. DZ negotiated a rate of 800 baht/night including breakfast, so we couldn't pass it up. The hostel also has a free internet connection, so we can take turns using it when others are getting ready. We are staying in Patong Beach, which is the most developed beach of the area. We knew we'd picked the most touristy beach when on Saturday, which we planned to spend relaxing on the beach, we instead spent on the beach telling countless people we did not want to buy what they were selling. We were probably approached by 200-300 people in total over the time we were at the beach. I'd say a person every 2-3 minutes. They were selling everything. From what I can remember, this is what we weer offered: At first, it was typical beach sales - soda, water, ice cream, sunglasses, fruit, scarves, boogie boards, fans, jet ski rides, parasailing, etc. But spotted between these expected sellers were some unexpected peddlers. We were offered watches, suitcases, fried chicken, dresses, wood carvings, jewelery, brooms, umbrellas, henna tattoos, hammocks, massages, table cloths, and wall hanging tapestries. And it wasn't like there was one peddler of each of these. There were scores. In the evening we went into town and walked around and did some more "window" shopping, and stopped for a drink at the end of the night.

Today we got up early to enjoy our free breakfast at the hostel, which consisted of eggs, toast, french toast, (bacon if you wanted it), fruit juice and coffee/tea. It was actually quite good, but definitely a foreigners breakfast in comparison to what most people eat here. We decided to rent a car today to explore the island of Phuket (the largest island in Thailand). This is an experience in itself since they drive on the opposite side of the road here. DZ must've turned the windsheild wipers on instead of the blinkers at least 5 times. But other than that, he did a great job of driving on the opposite side of the road while I navigated the island. We drove first to Phuket town, and quickly realized that there was not anything to do there, so we continued to a smaller island off the east coast called Si Rae. There we stopped at the monkey watch, where we could see a ton of monkeys hanging out and playing. We also drove around curiously, looking at local life. We happenned upon a gypsie camp, and walked all the way in and through, and accidentally saw a dance performance by some of the children. It was very cute, and a nice surprise.

From Si Rae, we went back across the bridge to the Phuket mainland, and headed north to the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. In there we saw the Bang Bae waterfall and the Gibbon project (a gibbon habitat helping them prepare to be rereleased into the wild). I also got to use my first squat toilet. Quite the experience. From there, we continued northward, and across the island of Phuket to the northern most beach. On a "wrong" turn, we headed to a small town, and got a snack at a deli and ran into a very nice couple from England with whom we spoke for 20 minutes getting and giving recommendations. Next door to the deli was a shop that sold the most beautiful handmade silverware. If we wouldn't have had to carry it on our backs for the next 2 weeks, I think Leah and/or I would have splurged and bought some. We couldn't get over how beautiful it was. Since Patong Beach - where we're staying - is the most developed, we wanted to see the others. We went by Naithon Beach, which was rocky and beautiful, Kamala Beach which was empty and quiet, and finally Karon beach which was nearly as developed as Patong. There are 8-10 other beaches along the west coast of Phuket, but we figured we'd gotten a good smattering of sights, and headed back. We had left early this morning since we just had the car from 8am-8pm and didn't know how long the trip would take, so when we got back at 6ish, we all relaxed and read and napped for a bit before going out to eat dinner.

Tomorrow we're heading for the Phi Phi Islands on a day trip to see the island and go snorkeling. The bus picks us up at 7 am, so I am headed to sleep.