Nap Time!

Since getting off the bus in Phuket yesterday morning, our lives have slowed down dramatically. At first it was a little sketchy because we had absolutely no plan after that point but it worked out well. Some random Thai guy kept telling us to go to this travel information booth and after Sarah did some "extensive" research in her Lonely Planet travel guide we ended up exactly where the Thai guy had been pointing the whole time. We had decided we wanted to go to a quiet beach that wasn't big on nightlife but the travel guide, who spoke English, decided we should go to Patong Beach. (This is the beach we had decided against during the extensive research). Anyway, he had his friend take us to an ATM to get more baht(s)? Its so interesting to walk around here, everything is so different. Thailand is not a third world country but its nothing like any part of America we have ever seen. People sell stuff (which ranges from food to flutes) everywhere, 7 Elevens are prominent, dogs pretty much roam free, the air is so thick it always has a taste, and people sleep wherever they fall (okay that might not be true but we have seen some random napping spots), its wet everywhere, and it just feels cluttered (dirty in some places). That being said, it is awesome here. We are looking forward to going to less touristy places, however. The place where we will be living, Phichit, will probably be even more different than this.

So the guy that took us to the ATM also was kind enough to drive us to Patong Beach for super cheap. (Everything is cheap in Thailand) We all piled into his taxi truck thing - no seat belts, and no back to the truck. People drive around like this all of the time. We often see people sitting on top of normal trucks on the freeway (like stated earlier, anything goes). We arrived to our hotel and then headed to the beach. The beach is beautiful, with really warm water and space to do whatever you want. We stayed out for a couple of hours, got fried, (even with 50 SPF sunblock, the sun is just so hot here!) and then went back to our rooms. Whitney also had the unpleasant experience of being stung by something in the water. We have concluded that it was a jellyfish because she has a whip-like looking welt on her arm. No worries though, we bought vinegar. Apparently that helps... Back in our rooms, Whitney researched all she could about jellyfish and creepy things that could be in the waters in Thailand. Alisha, on the other hand, passed out and took a three hour nap (it was heavenly).

We took it easy for the rest of the evening. For dinner we went to a really cheap but nice place for Thai food. On this strip where our hotel is there are tons of American food places to cater towards the tourists. Since we had had McDonald's for breakfast (McDonald's has never tasted SO good) we figured we should have authentic Thai food. It was a good move. Glass noodles are delicious. We recommend them to all of you. We are slowly adjusting to the food. It would help if we stopped getting fed crap from the airplanes and buses that we have been on.

It was so nice to sleep in a bed. We both had the privilege to fall asleep to the tunes of Lady Gaga, Queen, and a Pavarotti wannabe. We don't know what it was exactly, but there were some live bands right outside of our hotel. Plus also, our windows don't shut. Apparently they enjoy American music. We also had some fireworks going off literally 10 feet from our window. We oohed and aahed together while sitting on our beds. This place in Phuket sure has a great nightlife. Too bad none of us can stay awake past 10:00.

And so we continue to relax in our wonderful hotel. Tomorrow: The Phi Phi Islands!!!