In the Soup

Thailand. I'm here and I'm living it. Our arrival in Phuket signified the end of a long trek across the world, but like most things walking off the plane and into the humid climate did not allow for the cathartic moment we look for in a story. If anything else it was the end of a chapter. "Taxi, Taxi. Phuket? 900 boht." That was our greeting after we strolled through customs. The four of us has our huge bags on our shoulders, bags under our eyes, and if anything the baggage was starting to get annoying. We had sucker written on our foreheads. Or at least that is the way I imagine native Thai's to see us. "Their tired, hungry, they just walked into a wall of heat a humidity that will surely melt their brains". It did, but we didn't flinch. Between Preston and Terry's bartering skills we found a taxi for the rate we should look for. 500 boht.

The taxi ride was quick. At one point we were clicking along at 140 kilometers an hour on the shoulder of the road. We passed trucks with at least 12 people in the back. Scooters with 3 or 4 people sitting side saddle. Blinkers accompanied with the honk of the horn act more like a command for people to get out of your way than an indication that you are changing lanes. With out a doubt it is thrilling and left might right foot searching for the brake pedal that wasn't on my side. In just a couple minutes were at out hotel, a wonderful little slice of serenity a block off a main road humming with scooters. The two nights we spent in Phuket were allowed us a gentle transition from our western culture to the Thai way of life. I could tell you how things move here but I would rather challenge you to come over here and experience it for yourself. I can already say it has been worth the effort.

For now we are hanging out at Tonsai beach. The climbing looks as epic as everyone has told us. The lime stone stretches up out of the sea challenging us, and from where I am sitting monkeys and climbers are perched a hundred meters off the sand looking out over the ocean. For the time being I think it is time to log off and join them.