Phuket

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The free internet at our hotel doesn't allow us to upload pictures and we're heading to Ko Phi Phi (pronounced Ko Pee Pee since "ph" is pronounced as "p") where internet access may be limited. I know the blogs are boring without pics so I'll have to make up for it with a dose of eloquent and witty writing.

After our near debacle at the Hong Kong airport (leaving for the airport less than two hours before our international flight), we decided to arrive extra early to illustrate our ability to learn from our (near) mistakes. Alas, when the two Americans presented themselves at the Firefly ticket counter three hours before departure time, they learned that they couldn't check in for another 1.5 hours.

That would have been nice to know before we got up before 6 AM (ungodly early, I know). It's amazing how little time it takes to develop an incredible aversion to waking up to an alarm.

Fast forward through a short, but scenic, plane ride to Phuket International Airport. After being nearly accosted by various taxi cab services who warned us that our pre-arranged airport transfer was not going to come, our pre-arranged airport transfer service did come and we arrived at Pacific Club Resort and Spa at Karon Beach. Patong Beach is the most famous of the beaches on Phuket but is also more overdeveloped and crowded (although i use the term crowded in the relative sense b/c it is most definitely not busy season). Karon Beach is equally beautiful and about a 10 minute ride south of Patong.

Ever since our arrival, we've been faced with many serious and difficult decisions. For example, after enjoying the scrumptious breakfast included with our room, lathering on sunscreen, and walking to the beach, should we lay under the umbrella first or go straight into the water. Other gut wrenching decisions include: should we take a dip in the pool and then get lunch or vice versa and singha vs. chang beer.

Ok, enough of the sarcasm...but how much can you really write about the beach. Words don't do it justice so I won't try but the pictures might get closer. Instead of regaling you with tales about the beach, I'll wow you with a bit more detail about our hotel.

A few things of note about the Pacific Club:

1. Exquisite service: I had to break from writing for a few minutes so the hotel driver could take me to an ATM, free of charge, to get money to pay for our stay. They do the little things right here...from friendly and responsive staff to the two free bottles of water that appear in the fridge daily. Definitely worth the 50 bucks a night the room costs (a bit of a splurge, but hey, you can hardly find a motel 6 for that price in the states).

2. Delectable and affordable restaurant: Breakfast includes 6 or 7 made to order options as well as a small buffet (did I mention that's included in the room rate?). The menu for lunch and dinner is impressive both in size (number of items and portions) and taste. The Pad Thai I had this afternoon was particularly good and cost less than $3 US.

3. They have a dog. Enough said.


I could probably go on for awhile but the rumbling in my stomach tells me it's about time to enjoy a late dinner of left-overs from lunch.

Kumbaya (sp?),

Adam

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Comments

[patti biasella]

I'm enjoying receiving your emails, and am happy for the two of you that your having such a nice time. Are you gone all summer? Patti