PhuketTown

We decided to take a road trip to PhuketTown - the local 'city' not really a tourist destination - except there is a mall there... The drive of about 20 km was quite nice, the roads are to western standards... and along the roadside were groves of trees in perfect rows... quite tall... found out that they were rubber trees... hmm something different... the trees are tapped for the syrup (sounds a lot like maple trees). They really were quite pretty row after row of these 'rubber soldiers'.

PhuketTown... hmm felt to me like many of North America's Chinatowns. Many open air markets. Stall after stall of handmade goods... Silk I was advised was something to consider purchasing when visiting Thailand. Who knew how many qualities of silk there are... to me silk was that slinky material... not always - some has the texture of cotton... the patterns and colours are quite unique... Earth tones, to jewel tones and everything in between. After visiting numerous stalls I was a little disappointed that every shop had the same items...

Exhausted (from the heat and humidity) it was time for lunch... we found a nice looking hotel, and ordered a Thai meal. By the way, prior to coming to Thailand, many had given me the assignment to find out if Thai food really tasted like Thai food - Yep it does... even better and fresher here... I ordered Pad Thai in an Omlete... when i have had it at home - the omlete egg was chopped and added into the mix... this time it was a thin omlete almost like a crepe with the Pad Thai tucked inside Fantastic!

After lunch, I explained to the hotel's front desk agent, that the stores/stalls, all had the same stuff - designed to appeal to the tourist. (Sort of like Niagara Falls, every store the same same. The agent directed us blocks away... it was quite a long walk (especially in the heat) but totally worth it. There were many little shops each with unique items... Although I wish to bring home souveniers - I dont need more junk... so I find myself to be more selective... I found a beautiful wood vase about 14" tall - made of mango wood... really quite pretty...

We left Phuket Town just after dark. I have always love city lights and here was no exception... I was tired, and was sure I would sleep well when I got to my room. True confession - didnt make it - fell asleep during the cab ride back.