Phuket - our first Thai island

We got to Changhai Airport with loads of time to spare for our flight to Phuket. The EW line brings you directly there. We checked in our bags and waited for our plane. AirAsia offer super cheap flights around all of SE Asia. We also learnt from a guy in the hostel that Tiger are another one to check out. They even offer flights from Singapore to India from as little as €100 return. Its good, when planning, to think of Singapore as the gateway to Asia. With only a twenty minute delay we were up and away on route to Thailand. The journey was fortunately without event. No matter, how often I fly I still feel better with my feet on the ground. I may not come across as nervous as Jojo when flying, although I always notice how quickly my own fears tries to sneak in. The usual silence fills the air as the plane begins to descend. As soon as those wheels touch down safely and the brakes engage, the energy changes immediately with all the passengers. For one, people start talking again. 

Phuket airport looks quite simple and basic compared to some of the airports I had being in previously. A large crowd is standing in lines for Immigration when we enter. An hour later, we finally pass through, with a new 30 day visa stamped in our passports. After collecting our bags we headed out. From my experience of India and Nepal, I'm initially skeptical at ports of entry. You are immediately approached by to   people trying to offer taxis into the city. We decide to wait for the local bus, to save some money. A handful of people board the bus with us forty minutes later. It feel great to be back in Asia. Driving through the outskirts of Phuket and watching the world go by. There is something beyond magical about this part of the world. A movie is playing on a TV for the whole journey. Everyone, including Jojo is afixed. Its a movie I haven't seen yet called Wanted. Not wanting see too much of it, I stare out the window, as the tropical landscape flys by.      

We get dropped into the centre of the city and are told the direction to walk to get to our guesthouse. There's a certain Portuguese feel to the delapatated city streets. Electric cabling litters the skyline like an entangled mass of spagehetti hanging from post to post. We clamber down the road with our bags. Beads of sweat roll down our face in the intense humidty. Its not long before we see the plastic Backpacker Guesthouse sign hanging ahead of us. We enter a hallway to see an iron gateway. Through this sits a smart looking recpetion desk and foyer. After being welcomed in, ouir reservation is checked and we are show to our room. The hostel is of an excellent standard. 300 baht a night. Tasteful modern decor. The room we were shown was a ten bed dorm with A/C. You are given a locker with the room. A large clean shared bathroom with western toilets sits opposite. After showering and changing with headed down to the common room. They have free WIFI and 5 computers with free internet. The lounge is large and cosy. Large modern couches line the wall and Thai cushion and bean bags make plentiful seating for the room. A plasma screen tv sits on the wall and a broad collection of new and old movies is available for rent for free from reception. Out the back there is also a small clean kitchen and comfortable garden. A real find when you get to Phuket town. Well worth the stay. 

Myself and Jojo headed out for dinner. Within 5 mins we found a local outdoor food court on a corner. There was a great selection of foods available. We ordered our first meal and drinks in Thailand. The food cost 85 baht, which just under €2. Hard to believe it until you see it. Both a prawn and beef dish with portions of rice. It was a delicious tasty meal that went down a treat after our long day of travelling with only some salty snacks to curb our appetites. We chatted away and headed back to the backpackers after. We sat down in the enormous bean bags and watched some movies. We ended up heading to bed around 1am. The room was chilled to perfection with the powerful a/c blowing away. I was asleep within 5 mins. 

I woke a few times during the night and finally decided to get up at 6am. Jojo looked like he was freezing in his bed, so I covered him my sheet and some towels to warm him up. I also left the door ajar while I went to shower. I gave him a cuddle and told him I'd see him downstairs in a couple of hours. I grabbed my Asus and headed down to the cosy common room to catch up on some work and blogging. The hostel was bereft of anyone. I made myself a coffee and got to work. 

Jojo appeared at around 10am. We booked a moped for the day and headed off to have breakfast somewhere in the town. We drove around Phuket town until we found a another place the locals ate on a corner. Just before getting here we stopped in a more western style cafe, although the prices where to steep for our tight budget. It is said in all the books to eat where the locals eat. So, that's what we did. The only two westerners there , we munched on some pork scratchings to start and then a spicy rice dish of some sort. Absolutely delicious again and once again just over 100 baht for the two of us. 

The rest of the day we spent going from beach to beach along the west coast. Phuket island is fairly small overall. We didn't really know where we were going, although we found all the places we planned to. We began in Karon beach. An overall touristy, over run beach with deck chairs and umbrellas as far as the eye could see. The beach and water were very pretty. The views were a bit disappointing. We headed on up to Patong. Worse by a long shot. A bit of the Coste Del Sol in Asia. The main road lined with burger joints, bars and tour operators. 

We finished up in Kamala. On route we got a puncture. Thankfully, we had only passed a mechanic a couple of hundred yards before it happened. The family sat outside in a covered garage, with the TV on in the background. They told us to wait while they rang someone to come. After some initial discussion we agreed to replace the tyre with a second-hand one for 100 baht. Three generations carried on their days activities as the tyre was being replaced. Every now and again a look from them with a smile. We headed off to Kamala. All of the beaches you will find on the west coast of Thailand were hit by the Tsunami in 2004, so most have new buildings and structures alongside them. Kamala had signs for Evacuation points everywhere. As my memory serves me, I think I remember seeing a video when the giant wave hit this particular beach. I prefered Kamala to the other beaches. We jumped in and had swim in the area marked off. After we came  out we had a beer and relaxed on some loungers, as the heat of the day finally passed. It was a pleasant finale to the day. Phuket is not quite what I had being expecting from Thailand, so far. Nevertheless, it was very pleasant travelling around the island on the scooter. We headed off home with rush hour traffic just beginning to build up. Just after leaving Patong we got another puncture. We stopped and had a snack at a local food stall, while the tube was replaced. 

When we got back to the hostel we spent some time doing some research online about our next few days. Our plan had being to head to meet Peter and Shane in Krabi the next day. We hadn't booked the ferry and we were not sure if we were going to head to the Phi Phi islands first. We both thought it'd be cool to go to a full moon party if we had the option. We headed into discover some more of Phuket town. There is whole section of town we didn't even know existed. It has a collection of modern stores and restaurants. We ended up coming back and eating in another local place for dinner. We decided to go for a western option this time. We agreed to stay another night before heading off. After we got back we lay down on Jojo's bed and watched the movie Bolt. Another animated movie classic, about a superhero dog, was extremely entertaining. 

I got up early and began doing some work for Lucca Leadership. Jojo joint me in the living room and began watching the 3rd saga to Lord of the Rings. We met the owner of the scooter and he agreed to give us another day for free in exchange for the money we had spent on the scooter. It was nearly two o'clock by the time I finished up. Jojo had patiently waited and was now hungry, so our first stop was to get some food. We checked out a Pizzeria around the corner. It was a bit on the expensive side. We decided to continue searching, until we found something a bit cheaper. The remainder of the afternoon we explored the east and south of Phuket island. 

We found a fantastic buddhist temple that was preparing for its nights activities. A collection of stalls where lined up in the dusty car park selling sweets and savory foods and toys. Harmonic music filled the sweet warm air. The temple was a myriad of gold, reds, blue, greens and yellows. The whole scene was beyond beautiful. Jojo and myself parked the scooter and went inside the temple. Local people arrived to the altar with incense sticks. It was a wonderfully peaceful experience to watch and be part of. We were acknowledged by everyone with a smile and gentle bow of their head. We stayed for another little bit, taking photos and watching more and more people arriving. Jojo told of how the ambiance reminded him of similar religious get togethers in Brazil. 

We arrived back to the Phuket town well after dark. We had dinner of pizza for Jojo and steak for me. As it was to be expected, the steak was a disaster. The deep fried ice cream with chocolate sauce was delicious. We strolled around town a little more before heading home. We caught another movie in the common room and finalised some of our plans for when we were to leave the next day.

The gateway to Asia

Getting up at 6am local Singapore time might  have something to do with it being 6 hours behind New Zealand. The landlady of the guesthouse is a lady called Rai. One of her shower units was spurting out a fountain of water from a broken handle so I thought it might be nice to help her out. Running my mind through what Magyver solution might work temporarily to ease the stress it was causing here. In her broken English and my inability to say anything accept English I explained I'd try to get a washer for her in one of the local hardware stores. When Jojo arose we headed off. 

We were staying in the outskirts of Singapore, just 5 mins from the MRT stop of Aljunied EW9. Far from the description so many people had told me of coming to Singapore, the area was quite working class with unpainted buildings and local people sitting outside cafe eating breakfast. We headed of down SIm Avenue and then made our way to Geyland Rd. Thankfully I had loaded the hardware store location in Google Maps on my iPhone and the GPS was taking us the rest of the way. Yeah, I know. Sam and technology. What am I like. I love it nevertheless. 

Ten minutes later the flashing blue icon was showing us at 777 Gelyland Rd. Sadly, the falshing blue icon could not tell me that the business was not there any longer. Back to our huuman instincts we went of in search of the washer. It was loads of fun too see the more real side of Singpaore. I joked to Jojo how bizarre it must be to think that our first day in Asia we are off searching for plumbing  supplies. We called into a few different bathroom and hardware shops. Explaining, we were looking for a washer, was an interesting challenge. After a few strange looks and some simple charades we had an understanding. We spent the next hour walking from shop to shop until we got the right washer. Delighted with our little adventure we headed back to the Sky Orchid guesthouse on Lor 27. I found Kai and she smiled and explained that the plumber was upstairs putting in a new tap. I smiled and said "ooh" and left her to it. 

We headed in to the city on the MRT and in search of some food. Impeccably clean and effeciently run, the MRT is a low cost and necessary option for getting around Singapore. We jumped off at City Hall and made our way out into the modern and clean city. Not knowing where we where we were we walked around aimlessly in search of something. We picked up a pair of Flip Flops for Jojo and head further towards the main river. It's quite hard to find the main shopping area. We found a row of eateries along the riverside offering a vast selection of seafood at a semi-reasonable cost. We continued until we found a small cafe/restaurant behind this row. At this stage our tempers were near flaring with the hunger inside. After ordering I noticed that the restaurant was called The Smile Clinic. Unusual combination. Food and dentistry. I had picked up some pretty bad tartar somewhere along the way that had being worrying me, so I decided to see how much having my teeth cleaned would cost. Jojo also needed some fillings done. After eating and paying we headed upstairs. For only €30 I could have my teeth fully cleaned. Jojo was advised to wait until he was stopping somewhere for a while. 30 mins later I was walking out with my new super white smile.

After some discussion we decided to treat ourselves to Singapore Zoo. We jumped back on the MRT and then onto a local bus route 138. Entry was on $14 dollars for the zoo. You could additionally do the Night Safari and the Bird Sanctuary as part of a package deal for $40. Now, I have being to a number of different zoos and safari parks around the world. Singapore gets my thumbs up. As a matter of fact, I didn't really want to go to a zoo after seeing how depressed the animals where in Shanghai. They have done an amazing job and the whole experience is quite special. The layout is beautiful and very well thought out. The animals seem to be fairly happy. They have created some interesting tasks and games to keep the animals occupied, while at the same time entertaining the crowds. There is an abundance of trees and wildlife growing everywhere and the animals are kept in very natural looking settings. It was worth every doller and showed me that zoos can be done a right way. So many countries could take a lesson from this. We also got see a fantastic water show called Splash Time with Dugoons, Penguins and particularly amazing performing seal. Jojo was in his element. We both loved it and it finished off our Singapore Zoo experience nicely.

After we got back to Sky Orchid we lay down to rest for a little bit. Expecting to sleep for an hour and get up to explore some more of the city by night. We didn't quite mean night, when we both woke at 11.30pm. Determined not to miss out and get some food we jumped on the last MRT into city. The city was fairly devoid of human life when we arrived. We picked up some homemade ice tea off a street vendor. We resigned to a McDonalds. Yes, Peter would be laughing now. Delicious. When your hungry. Now feeling more alive and awake we decided we start walking through the city back to the guesthouse. With no map and using our instincts we navigated through the empty streets of Singapore. After 30 mins or so we decided to stop someone and ask where Geyland was. We gave some poor girl a fright. She then quizzically asked where we walking there. She pointed in the direction and mentioned it was quite far. We thanked here and went on our way. After navigating across the main river and through more local areas we stopped a McDs delivery guy. He also mentioned it was a good distance. Another 20 minutes later we asked the last person. He also asked us questionally, where we walking. All in all we did the 8km journey in around an hour and a half. It was a fantastic way to spend an evening and was a brilliant way to see a city. Especially such a modern one as Singpaore. Once again, my expectations of a city are thrown out the window. I wonder what the learning is in this!

Slouching in Singapore

Well, not quite slouching. More, lying here on my bunk, with Jojo opposite playing away on his iTouch. We left our dingy hotel room 3 minutes from Auckland airport approx. 20 hours ago. Qantas all the way. Pretty smooth transition, nevertheless a little tiring. I got to watch 4 new movies I'd never seen before. Firstly, quite a moving piece called a Flash of Genius - well worth the watch - 7/10, then Body of Lies - kind of rehash of a thousand old espionage movies, enjoyable nevertheless - 6/10, Ghost Town - was in hysterics. Was never really a Ricky Gervais fan, although I take it all back. Well scripted. Good fun - 7.5/10 and finally one that the name slips my mind, oh yes, Death Race - eh, well the name kind of says it. Watchable... if you happen to be snowed in and the cable is out and your only other option is an Arnie or Vandamme flick - 4/10.

Delighted with Qantas planes and their meals. I always feel so privilged in this day and age when I get something free on a plane. To be honest I think their food is top notch. Perhaps I'm just easily pleased or something, although it topped off the three/four movies, we had three tasty dinners. Very delicious. Planes are nastily cramped in Economy on the 747s. We got from Auckland to Sydney with no hitches. Our connecting flight was just as easy. We arrived in Singapore 15 mins before expected. Jojo hates. Let me repeat that in case you didn't understand. HATES airplanes. With a passion. After his total 10 hours flying today he was a little tense and tired. We began having a domestic onboard nearing the end of the flight. Realised what was going on with stress levels and energies and we took a step back and smiled at each other. He was totally burnt, as we stood aimlessly in the vast Terminal 2 building searching for an internet connection. Immigration was a doddle, unlike the advice we had being given by Qantas ground staff the day before. Another story.

I arrived back to the patiently waiting Jojo, from the free internet in McDs. now with our hostel location map photographed in my iPhone. We took an elevator to the MRT Train platform. Took a photo buying our tickets and jumped onboard. One transfer and 20 mintues later we were climbing the stairs of the Sky Orchid Hostel in Lor 27 in Geyland. The lady working there, after a minute of confusion booked us in and showed us to our dorm rooms. The hostel is small, super clean and modern. There was a friendly feel from everyone I saw since entering. Our four bed dorm had a/c and was perfect. TV gets turned off at 11pm to keep the noise down. We logged on to the free WIFI and now I'm here.