Relaxing in Phuket

Phuket. It is one of the few places in Thailand that people who haven't been here have still heard of. I had several images in my head of the paradise I was expecting, and like most things it wasn't exactly what I had expected. It was a lot larger, gave off a city vibe, and was very touristy. It was still beautiful and we got to swim in the bluest water I have ever seen.

Getting to Phuket was an adventure. Nathan, Jenny, Leora, and I left Bangkok on Christmas night and got settled onto our bus which would drive us the 14 hours to Phuket. When buying bus tickets you never really know how nice your particular bus is going to be and this bus was not nice. We all knew it was going to be a long 14 hours! Luckily I am able to fall asleep fairly easily so I slept for a large chunk of the ride. After

seemingly endless trip we made it!

Arriving to Phuket - Dec. 26

My friend Jenny's father has a home in Phuket that we were lucky enough to be invited to stay at. We were so excited to be staying in a house and not a hostel or bungalow! Jenny's dad picked us up from the bus station and we headed to his house. I think all of our jaws dropped when we saw where we would be staying. His house is beautiful, it puts our normal accommodations to

more than shame. His property is in an area called Kahtu and has a house, guest house, infinity pool, and an amazing view of the Phuket mountainside. A few other things we were thankful for were the couches, televisions, air-conditioning, comfortable beds, his Thai wife Nat who made us wonderful food, and the great hospitality we got! Our first day on the island was all about relaxing and recuperating from our long bus ride. Once we got settled we went for our first swim of the trip! We all hopped in the pool to swim and tan for a few hours. We then shoved seven people into an five person car and headed to a local noodle shop where they made their own noodles. It was very tasty! We returned to the house to continue our relaxation then had a wonderful home cooked meal by Nat! We were really spoiled staying here, if you can't tell.

Dec. 27th- Patong Beach

Patong Beach is the most talked about on Phuket, but we didn't find it to be too great. The beach is a giant tourist trap with peddlers roaming the beach trying to sell everything from beer to sun dresses at prices way too high. The view was still beautiful and it was amazing to be soaking up some sun at the end of December! After tanning for a few hours we walked along the street to find lunch and do a little shopping. It was then time to return to the house for our afternoon swim in the pool. Later that evening we went to a Thai restaurant for dinner where we shared several very tasty dishes!

Dec. 28th- Nai Han Beach

Nai Han beach is deemed as the 'local beach' in Phuket, yet we saw only Westerners there. This beach was beautiful! The beauty and character far exceed Patong Beach. We spent the day swimming in the crystal clear water and tanning underneath the hot sun! After the beach we went back to the house and continued our routine of swimming in the pool and then eating a great dinner! The next morning we were leaving for Koh Phi Phi so we tried to soak up as much of the great hospitality as we could.