Sunday, October 25, 2009

Phuket, Thailand - Day 199 : Paradise for some


We have been in Phuket for a little under 2 weeks and our little slice of paradise has come with its fair share of problems.

It's surprising that an island the size of Singapore has little to no public transportation of any kind. There is a taxi and tuk-tuk mafia that gets away with charging over $3 for a 1km ride.

Late one night our taxi driver refused to drop us at our villa, suggesting we walk the last 200 meters along an unlit dirt road. I stood firm, refusing to pay him the predetermined fare unless he kept his end of the bargain - to drop us at the villa. An argument ensued, which ended with the driver threatening to attack T. We paid the amount knowing fully well that going to the local police wouldn't have helped.



It's distressing to see 60 something Caucasian males with young Thai women. I just finished reading Sex Slaves - The Trafficking of Women in Asia and and I know better than to blindly judge both the men and these young women. Yet I can’t help but loathe the need for these septuagenarians to feel virile.



All the sex tourism and arrogant taxi drivers apart, Isaac and I have been at the beach everyday while T takes a diving course. Naiharn Beach is secluded little cove on the southern tip of Phuket island with none of the tacky banana boats and jet skis. But what makes it even more perfect is a little fresh water inlet that flows from a nearby abandoned quarry into the ocean - making a perfectly calm and shallow pool for children to splash around in.


On the approach road to Naiharn beach there is a spanking new and cheerful little children’s playground nestled under tall shady trees. Perfect spot to share "i scream" with Isaac in the afternoons when the sun is overhead and the heat gets unbearable.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm really glad you enjoyed the Car Sick Carnival and I may well do another one soon as it was really popular. If I do, I'll let you know so you can send me a post, or you could send me a link now if you like and I'll keep it!

I didn't like Phuket that much when I visited, and that was almost 20 yrs ago. They had public buses then, but it was really built up. I liked the town and market though.

Judy Balan said...

Hey. Just realized you had a blog. And boy, is this awesome! You sure are living the dream. And hats off to you for making it happen with a toddler in tow. Just amazing!!

Vineeta said...

I'm so glad you left a comment on my blog- or I'd have never seen your blog & this beautiful way of living. It takes a lot of flexibility, courage and beauty to live what you are living. More power to you. And if my inspiration board feels like yours- its probably because it is :)

Vineeta said...

And I'm sure you've been told this some 3000 times over- your travel tales will make for a best-seller :)

KK said...

Hi AQUIN,
i used to follow your blog regularly and then there was a gap!
remembered today and check it again, i can see the last post of 199th day.

I am sure this trip can be written as a book.
i could not see the video on Bloomberg, went to the link and there was nothing there.

Did you work for iFlex before?
i work for Iflex (now called OFSS)

Regards,
KK

You may also like -

Related Posts with Thumbnails