Phuket Zoo and Town

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After a late start, we decided to go into Phuket Town. Josh was intrigued by the ads for a “Monkey School” which we stopped at on the way into town. It was not a pretty sight. They had a couple of dozen small monkeys all tightly chained to posts. The monkeys were restricted to about a 2 foot radius and there was no water within reach. Some of the monkeys were employed as part of a “show”. They were asked to amuse the tourists by knocking coconuts down from a tree and riding a bike. In different conditions we might have been entertained but we all walked away feeling a little guilty for have partaken in the spectacle.

We also stopped in at the Phuket Zoo. It is a small operation with a handful of animals kept in close quarters. While not up to international standards, the animals did seem to be better cared for then the poor beasts at the Monkey School. They had an entertaining crocodile show where two zoo keepers “wrestled” the alligators. I found myself routing for the crocodiles. Josh was unsettled by the monkey testicles which did seem to droop down to the monkey’s knees.

In town were the usual tourist markets that we have now seen several times. We were famished and had to resort to a McDonalds. While eating our food, we were entertained by the “rat show” in the garbage just outside the McDonald’s window. These animals seemed to have free run of the place and were evidently well fed. Perhaps the other animal shows should follow McDonald’s example.

We had dinner at Two Chefs, a local Swedish owned and operated restaurant. This whole area of Phuket is dominated by Scandinavians (both tourists and resort operators). We were surprised to see so many of them tattooed and smoking. We wondered where Papa's tatoo was hidden. In any event, the food was some of the best we have had since leaving Canada. Adrianne passed on the kids menu and ordered curried noodles. Josh, presumably in awe of his sister’s food bravery, elected to eat the hot dog he had ordered, even though it had briefly come into contact with the lettuce garnish on his plate.

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