After a couple exhausting flights, I made it safely to Karon beach on Phuket island where I stayed in an air-conditioned double bed room for one night. It was my inital choice but you see I had no real choice, I had to stay somewhere. I took an airport shuttle to Karon Beach but before the driver dropped us off to our destinations, he made us go to this tourist agency to confirm we all had places to stay. So I just randomly chose a place and someone there called the hotel and booked me a room. I had to pay them right then and there. After being on a plane for 12 hours along with stopovers, I wasn’t in the mood to argue or to call around. I just wanted to shower. And shower I did when I got settled.
I decided to stay at Karon beach because I couldn’t deal with the touristy stuff and other backpackers. This is Thailand’s largest resort island so I assumed there would be tons of people when what I want now is rest. I think I made a good choice as I can easily walk to Kata beach which is another quiet beach here on the Andaman coast. I spent three hours yesterday lying under an umbrella reading a not so interesting novel. The water was rough as it is getting into the rainy season but I went in to cool off.
Sadly I left the clean, safe hotel to a much cheaper bungalow up the hill from the beach. I didn’t want to spend anymore money then I needed to. I met an Aussie who is staying in the bungalow two doors down from mine. Today we went into Phuket town together and did some shopping. It was nice to talk to someone who has been here before. We have a lot in common as he has taught in Japan for a year and he has just come from Victoria, BC.
So far I like it here. I know I have only seen one small part of Thailand but I am looking forward to seeing more and learning more.