Dear pipsqueaks,
Waking up to the sound of someone chanting, I definitely wasn't anywhere near home. Try: a muay thai training camp literally in the middle of no where even the taxi driver gave up coming to pick me up- but that's a story for later tonight. On such a morning- well, actually every morning since I've been on vacation- the first thing that comes to mind was what to have for breakfast. After having to pull the most difficult morning call on my friend because he simply refused to get up n hit the shower, we finally got moving.
It was hilarious because usually, they don't have guests n so when they have girls over, it's to deal with their sausage-fest environment. Actually, the term they use is "boom boom", so my friend explained to me that if I walk out from his room (all the rooms look directly towards the training area so every room's clearly visible), they'll definitely guilt him for skipping the morning training session for "boom boom", except we were obviously so innocently accused that I'm not too sure what to do at this point because their training doesn't finish for another half an hour n I'm starving. So, we decided that the truth's all we need n stepped out for breakfast. Surprisingly, I didn't hear a whisper from any of the guys about "boom boom". Maybe its because I don't look that type in my canucks shirt n caprice, n just to clarify, I AM not that type. Anyways, I got the stares all the way out of the center on the back of his motorbike (yes, I got to ride a motorbike in Phuket! Never thought that scene would ever take place, but there we were cruising down the street with the wind against our faces n the sun beaming on top- it was summer time all over again on an October day in Phuket.
We had breakfast at this homey restaurant where the server was just the most adorable thing ever! Not only was the food cheap, it made my tummy a happy tummy. Having demolished my food cravings, it was time to do some tourisy things that I haven't gotten the chance to do: beaches here on the main island of Phuket (yes, I haven't yet to set foot on Patong, Karon or Kata, though I did walk the shops along Kata beach, so technically, I've been there. If not, I'll just visit those places with my family when we come over for a vacation! We're bound to hit places like Watchalong Temple, Big Budda n Phuket town. Mind you, I did sit in a car that drove by those beaches n yah they were beautiful, but I prefer to go to those weather-permitted places first because those were obviously more difficult to catch on a good day. Especially heading to the nearby islands on boats, weather could make or break the whole tour! I've been so very blessed that the two days out at sea trips, the weather had been amazing, enough for me to be crisping now. We were lucky enough to hit Ya Nui beach n caught a glimpse of the beautiful Promthep Cave before the weather turned its face from a girly with cute pigtails to crazy-eyed uncle jack. Of course, it wouldn't be too safe to ride off the mountain in the rain, so we parked out butts at the cafe just around the corner to wait it off. Though, even in the rain, the view was still stunning- but in a different way, possibly could work for my writing days. Anyways, after chitchatting for a bit, we had decided to go for an oil massage! Come to think of it, I haven't really done any "pampering" since I got here- except maybe baking on the white sandy beaches, then okay I guess I already did. He knew a good place to go so we headed there to hide from the lightened rain.
They weren't kidding when they said Thai's give a thumbs-up massage- pain in a really enjoyable way (LOL!), but seriously, I haven't been twisted n turned so many ways n kneaded to the softness of pillsbury doughboy in ages. Mind u, I've always been a tense person, so when she found a "knot", she chased it like lemon after a sizzling tequila shot- so sour but so much needed. So what to do after a tension-releasing massage when we're all "feeling good" n "oiled-up" *wink*? FOOD, of course. Geez, what were u thinking, tsk tsk tsk. U wouldn't believe how cheap the massages here were, although ours did range a little higher than others I've seen, they were especially good for athletic pains- kind of like Dr.Chan but not as rough. They should range from 100-300 bhat for an hour for a decent massage. Nonetheless, it was exactly what I needed. Afterall, who comes to Thailand n leave out a massage? That would be too too silly of me.
Followed by a green curry n arrangement of a taxi ride from my friend's training camp, I managed to talk him into joining the afternoon session, even though I was suppose to be his "vacation from training". Oh wells, he can rest tomorrow anyways as they don't train on sundays. It wasn't to be missed! I was already at a muay thai training center, so I should at least catch a glimps of how they do it where it came from! Apparently, there was a champion in there crowd. Can't remember his name for the life of me but here's a pic of him n his middle-back tattoo. A very friendly fellow that came over to talk to me a couple of times n told me "Taiwan girls are beautiful". Lol, thanks? We're flattered. Anyways, as my friend never got the chance to take pics of training n, of course, not of himself at training, so I grabbed his pro cam n instantly turned into paparazzi. It's kinda funny because whichever direction I was shooting at, people in that region seemed to kick harder n punch faster. I almost wanted to shout, "Com'on! One more kick. Open up ur body to the bag (so I can take a better shot)". Cameraman-self took over till my neck could no longer hold up the hugeass device n I called my shooting day officially over right then. Actually, it would've been fun to join them for a session, but feeling rather sore from the massage, it's a "mai" this time ("mai" = no & "chai" = yes).
It would be about an hour n a half wait till we decided the taxi wasn't going to come. I'm guessing either of two reasons: he/she couldn't find the place or the lady forgot to book a cab for me. Seeing how difficult it was to find the center, I'm going to take the latter. Hai, but luckily, my friend was up to taking me back on his motorbike. It wasn't a too too long ride, but as he would be going back by himself, it made me worry. Nonetheless, he reached back soon enough. Hm, what was a girl to do in Phuket on her last day there? Well, I had to have pad thai! It had been an item on the menu that I wanted to try, though I caved to order something else every other time. Not today. Pad Thai it was, n oh man was it good! Of all the dishes I've tried on this trip, this was definitely the best. Al dente rice noodles with a hint of spicyness n lime. On top of that, their thai iced tea was to die for! Actually, I thought I had ordered thai coffee, n even though I'm not a coffee drinker, it was quite obvious it wasn't in that cateogry at all. So, I asked the server n she said the drink's heavenly name: thai iced tea. Now that I think about it, I should have had one to go too since I was busy trying to catch up with entries back at the hostel anyways. Could've used a drink! Oh well, next time!
Next. Having walked by the Thai spa place so many times, I finally walked in to get a pedicure...then a scrub...then a manicure. Now, my fingers look a tad too over for work, but that's what happens when u do pedicure first n try to match ur fingers to ur toes. Oh wells, it'll only last for a couple of weeks max. While sitting there, the thought of the banana & nutella thai pancake bubbled in my mind. I knew I'd regret it if I didn't have it one last time before I left, so I made my way there n made the best order I'll ever make: one banana & nutella please. Cope-poon-ka (thank you for girls). As I chowed down the whole pancake by myself, I reminenced about the whole trip. Although I didn't get to see the Big Budda or drop by Old Phuket Town, I got to tan on the most beautiful beaches n enjoyed the most cooperative weather ever. I also got to see Thailand from a more local stance.Seeing muay thai training at its birth place; experiencing thaimassage; riding motorbike to just tour around; eating at local restaurants where they served the most amazing food. Of course, there were tons of other things I didn't get the chance to do or see, but it's all good. This time felt more like an introduction to Thailand, which was fine by me because it was just what I needed: a short getaway n a total new experience. Anyway, I'm sure to head back with my groupies next time. You can hold ur breath on that one!
Now, I'm contemplating whether I should even sleep because my airport transfer will be picking me up at 4:45am. I'll want to take a shower before boarding, so I'll have to get up at 4am. It's already 1ish now. Ah, 8am flights are so not for me! But I know if I chose the 10ish pm flight, work on monday will be hell. So, better this than that. Time to shower n nap before saying bye bye to Phuket! Can't believe I'm actually gonna miss this scary dorm room. Anyways, sawadeeka for now. From Phuket one last time, Jessy out.