(9 p.m Janurary 16th)
I can’t see how hydrating in Thailand can ever be a problem for a Tourist.
Before I left Toronto I purchased approximately 7,500 Thai Baht at an exchange rate of .033 CDN. I was under the assumption that this was a modest amount.
I was wrong.
I will explain shortly.
The Habitat for Humanity team met this afternoon at the Phuket airport around 3 p.m. After the formalities of hand shaking and brief introductions the group assembled at a small café where we waited for the last two team members and our guide to arrive.
The team is fairly diverse in age, profession and personalities.
For the record, I think I am going to be the guy who sweats a lot (man is it hot!).
As we waited for the remaining team members we conversed lightly about place of origin, careers and travel. All in all the banter was good.
All team members congregated we left Phuket Airport and headed for our hotel.
Driving in Thailand is an interesting experience at best. I could help notice that there is little regard for personal safety as the locals travel at break neck speeds on small scooters. Some scooters carry two to three riders (sometimes with small children) and few wear helmets.
I’m not sure how many lanes there are on the roads as there is a meridian line for two way traffic but vehicles travel two or three abreast in a single lane.
The conversation amongst team members remained lively as we weaved across the roads accentuated by the disco music our driver played on the van’s stereo.
One of the many points of interest on the way to our destination was a rubber tree plantation. I can now proudly say that I know where elastic bands come from – do you?
I was intrigued by a site where there were acres of tall skinny trees; tied to each of the trees, about one meter up, was a small pitch black cup. Upon closer inspection, a small tube was inserted into the tree stock where sap was collected. This sap is then boiled and processed into rubber.
After about a little more than an hours’ journey we arrived at our hotel in Phang Nga.
Phang Nga was hit very hard by the tragic Tsunami. There are Tsunami advisories everywhere here including the hotel were you are informed that the safe zone is approximately 3.1 metres above the ground. We are on the 3rd floor.
The rooms are quaint and air-conditioned which is a big relief for this “sweaty guy”.
Shortly after our arrival we all met in the lobby and walked down the street to our first team meal. On the menu: The best damn Jasmine scented rice I have ever had, awesome Green Curry, Sweet and Sour Fish, Stir Fried Veggies, Shrimp Cakes and an undisclosed meat cured in chilies. I could help but here my friend Karen’s voice and her famous saying…”What did I just eat?”.
Walking back to the hotel, bellies full, we walked past a Thai Cabaret and were greeted by “Girl/Boy” performers in lovely sequenced gowns trying to entice us in. We declined the invitation but reserve the right to go another night, after a few beverages as to get into the true spirit of things.
Which brings me to my original point about not having a problem with hydration. Remember the currency exchange?
Before going to eat we all walked across the street to the Seven Eleven to stock up on water, beer and snacks. That’s right, I said 7/11.
I purchased two 1.5 litres of bottled water, 4 cans of local Chang Beer, some seaweed flavoured Lays chips and two cans of diet coke. Total cost? 176 Baht. For the record each beer was 44 Baht. Do the math and buy your ticket to Thailand tomorrow.
I thought that two of our team members, 20 somethings, were going to go into shock when they saw the prices.
Well my friends, orientation starts tomorrow morning and then we are off to the build site. It’s going to be a full day and I am sure that I will have to change my shirt a few times considering the heat.
And if any of you decide to come over to Thailand while I am here I will be happy to relieve your expenses by buying you a few cold ones. Maybe we can attend the Cabaret together?
Hope all is well,
Signed, “Dripping in Thailand”
