“You want Lucky Balloon?” asked the Thai lady by the beach? …’huh? what is a lucky balloon?’ Marc & I wondered as we shook our heads and walked off…. we pondered this while we continued heading towards the surf after a hearty dinner last night. I turned to Marc and asked: “Do you think she’s selling condoms?... you know, balloons you get lucky in?” The way I figured, between the fact that this is Thailand, and we were the stereotypical Ang-Moh (Caucasian) guy and Asian female couple, the assumption by the saleswoman would not be inconceivable. Marc laughed, but didn’t think it was impossible. A few minutes later we learned that a lucky balloon is a lantern that is lit at the bottom and so floats up into the sky from the hot air generated along with your wishes. So much for my lewd interpretation!

But honestly, Phuket is crawling with foreigners. It is a resort island after all and tourism is the main source of income for the majority of the Thais here. It some ways it is rather surreal to be here after our week in Mali, where even though we did see a number of tourists, we got to watch regular Malian life and interact with the locals at a far more intimate manner (esp with Marc’s Bambara skills). The beaches here (there are easily more than 20 around the island) are the main attraction in Phuket, and some foreigners (especially the Europeans) do not think twice about sunbathing topless here. This was a bit of a surprise for Marc & I… to see this in Europe might be one thing, but in Asia? We thought it was rather rude.

We have eaten well here, with Marc getting is spice-fix among the curries and tom-yam soups. I’ve also been having a fresh coconut a day. All of this debauchery had to be evened out by some exercise in the form of morning runs and a significant amount of walking throughout the day. We are not into shopping, but do enjoy just exploring the streets and poking our heads in here and there.

<-- The butterflies love Marc & his bright shirt!

Yesterday morning we ran up a very steep hill (~ 25 degree gradient at some parts)… actually took a 6 min head start and Shuwen walked part of it… to a viewpoint that overlooked 3 of the beach towns (Kata Noi, Kata & Karon). Along the way, we saw some baby elephants (trained for use on “safari treks”), and a guy up on a coconut tree cutting down some coconuts. There is a constant breeze around Phuket, which provides a cool respite from the blazing sun most of the day (in the shade, the temperature is quite bearable as it is also less humid here than in Singapore).

We are about to head off to a different hotel on the north of the island (we are currently on the Southern end) for the next 3 days, so a new place to explore!

Meanwhile, MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!

Shuwen's Mom at Christmas dinner -->

~ Shuwen