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Published: April 4th 2009
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Well, Siam.
I love the sound of that name. The two simple round syllables...Sai-am. I don't know when or why the name change came into effect, but Siam has a historical beuty to the name. Thailand does have a sense of independence though, and people will probably look at me funny if i tell them I went to Siam.
It's not hard to see why people like the place. The people are friendly and smiley - always, and the weather is divine. We've had a bit of rain, but usually in the night, or for an hour or so in the afternoon. The rest of the time it's just mushi atsui - hot and humid. I havent done that much on my tan...and have just been trying to get used to the heat, and the idea of wearing a bikini. It's been a looooong time since some areas of my body have seen any sunlight. I have to prepare them gradually. I'll start with my toes and work my way up? Can toes get heatstroke?
The shopping here is great, but tiring. Every shop you pass they press you into looking at more and more things, and never tell you the price for ONE item, just that they'll give you a good price for 2 or 3 or 4... You have to be a shrewd bargainer, and sadly I am not. I was taken to town with the first bikini I bought (first and last so far, perhaps i'm scared?) but I guess if you don't get ripped off at least once, you can't say you've experienced Thailand. They're just trying to make a living, so you can't begrudge them the desire for another couple hundred Baht really. I'm just tired of saying NO NO NO NO NO all the time, but if I said yes, then i would have been broke on the first night (no, i'm NOT broke yet! Can you believe it?).
There are still remaining signs of the 2005 (2006?) tsunami. Construction works on every corner, holes in the sidewalk, washed out hills and some watermarks on houses....even the ones high up on the hillsides. Every so often you see a blue Tsunami evacuation route sign, reminding you of what everyone went through. To look at the people though, you would think nothing had happened. They still smile and greet you with a sawadee kha(p) as they go about their business....but you know they're still trying to get on their feet.
I'm trying to see some of the original Thailand, but it is covered over with evidence of tourism and trade. The Thailand that travelers came to see is long gone now, replaced by 24 hour Burger Kings, pubs, and cabaret shows...not to mention the hoardes of tourists - myself included. It's sad that the tourism that helps to sustain a place also destroys it. Here in Phuket you can't help but be a package tourist as the tourist trade here is heavily established. You ewither go on a tour to see the islands, or just admire them from afar.
But besudes my grumbling about tourists (talk about self-loathing), i'm still on holiday, i'm still with Danilo, and the weather is beautiful! No more pastyface! Yay!
More later - and photos later too. No free internet at this hotel, so it'll be dribs and drabs from here on out.
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