Christmas in Thailand December 2007- January 2008

Phuket, Thailand 2008

Pronounced “poo-ket”, this island appears to have recovered from the devastation of the 2004 Tsumani. One piece of evidence is tourism levels are back to its pre-tsunami state, according to an article I read from the Phuket Gazette. A benefit to this area’s tourism is that it caters to an English visitor with English newspapers, a radio station, and movie complex with a few movies in English for $3(USD).

Amongst all the modern conveniences are the unique cruising grounds around the Andaman Coast with a host of island destinations. Karst formations, lime stone cliffs and shrub topped, rock spires make for dramatic scenery as we glide by these massive forms that jut out of the jade green water. These waters are full of activity from the various styles of speed boats that race vacationers to white island beaches, local fishermen in long tail fishing boats making their daily catch and cruisers like us just ghosting along in light breezes.

During our stay here, we celebrated Christmas, New Years and received two visitors from the States. The stores were buzzing with Christmas shoppers, even in this predominantly Buddhist country and plastic bare Charlie Brown styled Christmas trees decorated the shops, the feeling of Christmas is best spent with family and friends since we couldn’t have family on that day, we celebrated with cruising family, with the sailing vessels, Ohana Kai, Luna & Pelikann. New Years was a treat, watching the lighted flying lanterns fill the sky from the many resorts near Railey Beach. Then we had the pleasure of seeing Rutledge (the Captain’s Dad) and his friend, Pat. They stayed for a 12 day adventure of sailing, visiting a Buddhist Monastery, walking beaches and eating Thai cuisine.

A great way to start the new year.

The little things we noticed in Thailand:

We can rent a scooter for $4.00 for a 24 hour period. When driving on the road, the white dotted lines are suggestions, not actually used by drivers to stay between the lines. Pulling up to a stop light, all the scooters fill up the spaces between the cars and trucks, with surprisingly no evidence of road rage!

When driving a scooter, the driver is mandated to wear a helmet, but passengers are not and they don’t. Not uncommon to see 3 to 4 people on one scooter. Usually the combination is two adults and two kids. Their version of the family car.

There are more 7Eleven’s per block than Starbucks in Seattle.

The locals love His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Celebrating his 80^th birthday and commemorating this event, Thai residents are seen wearing yellow or pink shirts with the King’s Crest. By the way, pink is not necessarily a female color. We’ve seen men wear pink motor helmets, ride pink scooters or just wear the color.

The best observance of all is the interaction with the citizens of Thailand. At first appearing to be reserved, these graceful amiable people, show patience when a person like me (one out of the many masses of tourists) attempts to speak simple pleasantries, in their complex language.

Instead of shaking hands, here they place palms together (prayer like) and bow the head, this pleasantry is called Wai.