Day 3 - Phuket BusTour

It always amazes me just how much I can get done in a day when on holidays, despite many hours doing nothing but napping, going to the beach, lying by the pool and even the combo of napping by the pool (that was an accident, hope I didn't snore)

Anyhoo, after getting back from the boxing about midnight last night , I was up and on a bus at 730 to see the sights. 

There were 4 of us on the tour, a young German couple and an older woman from sydney. We did all the majors - Kata viewpoint, Big Buddha, a photo with a hungry baby elephant, Chalong temple, an orchid garden,  cashew farm, honey farm and of course finishing at the jewellery and souvenir shop. Back at hotel by about 1pm. It was exactly what I needed to tick a few things off. Probably a good day 1 thing coz you don't have to think about where. You are going and what you are doing. You just jump in and out of a mini van, walk around and take photos. You can spend money on all the touristy bits and pieces. But the be best money spent was a donation to Big Buddah to be blessed by a Buddhist monk. Both big Buddah and Chalong wat were amazingly spiritual and surprisingly emotional for me. At Chalong temple they set off crackers reminiscent of Chinese New Year and I walked into one building and heard the familiar sound of joss sticks being shaken. My grandmother used to go to the temple every Chinese New Year and do joss stick readings for the whole family or the upcoming year. It took me back.  Just being in these highly spiritual places almost moved me to tears as I thought about all the funerals I had been to this year, my grandmothers in particular. I never thought about her as a Buddhist but yes, a lot of the traditions she followed are Buddhist. I always though of it as Chinese traditions, not necessarily, Buddhist. It was an amazing feeling being there. 

I got snogged by a local, it was the baby elephant.  I love the feel of their skin, we fed this little one bananas and he gave us all a hug and a kiss. A shame to see it on such a short chain, but if it was any longer it wold probably end up on the road, and it would freak out a lot more tourist when it lunges towards you. I hate to admit it but I really like the honey farms and cashew farms and all that sort of stuff.. I love the taste testers on everything. 

Back to room to change for a swim, no make that a long nap instead. I awoke and then went to the beach, and hung by the pool. And all with wonderful internet access. My plan was to write and post these blogs but I think I just played games and did some phone admin oh and I probably fell asleep again?

But my hunger was growing and I wanted to see the sunset over the beach.  So I went to the little takeaway place across the road on the beach. Chicken cashew nut and a coconut. A good thai standard. Then I strolled up to Bang-la road and beyond. I took a photo and kept walking. I have such little interest in it, even as a social experiment to say I've been there didn't appeal. Am I getting old?

I did the market stalls and bought more stuff that I don't need. Came back to get an early night with a yummy roadside crepe with mango, coconut and honey on it.  I ate it sitting on the balcony while in turn feeding the mozzies. 

So early night in bed and blogarama. Tomorrow morning - meditation and Pilates at the resort fitness centre for free. My last day in Phuket on my own, then off to Chaing Mai.