With only a short amount of time in Thailand I planned a few days in Bangkok, then a few days in Phuket, and a few days up in Pua, Nan where my family is from. The rest of the time is planned for being in transit between these places.<\/p>\n
I normally spend a good deal of time shopping in Bangkok, but since I was heading over to the UK after this, and had limited time I made myself a strict list and stuck to it… Somehow I still think I spent too much (although everything was a bargain) but I am loving my new treats: suitcase, carry-on bag, laptop bag, make-up kit, waterproof camera and little case for it, portable hard-drive, various toiletries, gifts and cherry flavoured fishermen’s friend. I think I am still in my luggage weight limit too! <\/p>\n
I managed to do that all in a day, so spent a day being a blob which I really needed since leading up to my flight was a hectic two weeks of catching up with everyone before I left.<\/p>\n
Phuket was pretty awesome. It rained a lot, but the hotel we stayed at was very nice and I loved the large room and massive bed that I didn’t have to share. I didn’t love the slight ‘hmph’ noise the receptionists made after confirming that I was there alone.<\/p>\n
The rain did clear up in time for the beautiful beach wedding I attended. I got teary eyed as soon as I saw the bride walking up the sand in her beautiful gown. Great occasion, great weather, great company and great food made for a fantastic wedding day. The events were really well organized by the hotel too. I was really happy to have been able to attend, and felt I did well to represent the friends back home that weren’t able to make it, but were there in spirit.<\/p>\n
I am really going to miss the cheap cocktails (made even cheaper by the 2 for 1 happy hour!) and the breakfast buffet. It’s such a downer going home after staying at a place like that and your first morning back you wake up thinking “waaaaah! Make my own breakfast?! Why is no one offering me eggs cooked anyway and endless bacon and tropical fruits?”.<\/p>\n
Ok, so actually in Thailand often the breakfasts are communal and a whole bunch is laid out and you just go eat what you feel like, so I didn’t have to make my own breakfast any day that I was there.<\/p>\n
The VIP bus trip to Pua was uneventful. Sombat Tours do a decent overnight trip for about $35 nz. The chairs are comfy… And I have had massage chairs on some overnight trips.. And you can just lay back and relax. They bring you drinks and snacks, and there is a movie playing in Thai at the start of the trip and Thai karaoke at the end, with dark sleepy time in the middle. Halfway through you stop at a rest stop with lots of toilets and you get a free meal and a choice of 2 soft drinks. It’s a bit disruptive for your sleep, but it’s good to get a chance to stretch your legs. Also you can buy a whole bunch of sweets and treats which you take back to give as souvenirs.<\/p>\n
In my short stay in Pua I lounged around in My Room playing on the net. It’s My Room because I was around when the extension was being built and claimed it as mine. You snooze you loose, other family members! I visited a school where I used to teach and caught up with colleagues and students. I also visited the school where my mother used to teach and my aunt still teaches and chatted to teachers I knew and the new foreign teachers. So good to see the old crew again.<\/p>\n
I also drank lots of coconut juice. Yuuuuum!<\/p>\n
The trip back to Bangkok was delayed because the VIP bus broke down and we got given a regular bus instead. Lame, but we did get a refund on the price. I also slept most of the way, so no biggie.<\/p>\n
Tonight I am gonna catch up with my little brother and then head to the airport from his place for my midnight flight. It will be good to see him and his fianc\u00e9 again!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
With only a short amount of time in Thailand I planned a few days in Bangkok, then a few days in Phuket, and a few days up in Pua, Nan where my family is from. The rest of the time … Continue reading