As soon as you land in Thailand, the differences are so in your face, it was quite hard to comprehend. Even as they were landing the plane, looking out of my passenger window, seeing all the roadside stalls, dogs everywhere, 17 people per motorbike and all the run down buildings, it felt more like I was watching a TV documentary. When I came to Australia, it took a while for me to realise that I had left the UK, everything had its similarities to back home, but with a slight twist. Here, well, whole new world really.
So I start my Journey in Phuket airport, where it is just as hot as Australia, but the humidity and the smell. Its not a smell of sweat and body odour, but excrement really, not pleasant. And as soon as I go outside, this seems to be true for everywhere in Thailand, you are pounced on, "Taxi, you want Taxi". You cant walk 10 paces without being asked. It seemed as long as you gave a polite no with a smile, they leave you alone. Nice enough people, but seeing as a bus is 10 times cheaper than a taxi, I think I'll stick to the bus. My bus being that small blue one on the right. Costs about $1.20 for a 2 hour bus trip. My time in Phuket was pretty uneventful, I was only here for one night, and I spent most of that just walking around checking out the madness. The night markets are pretty cool though.
Pattaya here I come, jump back on the little blue bus back to the airport, and board the equally colourful plane. I thought Phuket was crazy, Pattaya is something else. Everything is illuminated by neon lights, streets are bustling with bike taxis and ladyboys, everyone is drinking and having a good time, I just cant think of words to explain it. Taxi takes me from the airport straight to the hotel where I meet dad. Great to see him after so long. Pretty quickly, its bags upstairs, shower then off for some food and drinks. Also meet up with his long-time lady called Limb, or Lin, or Jim I cant remember. Nice enough lady, and also speaks some English!
So the past 3 days have led a pretty similar pattern, wake up, dad and me go for a walk, eat some food and drink some beers. I leave him to do his own thing though during the evening. We are now sitting in reception of the hotel, waiting for our taxi to take us to Bangkok. Dad is getting a flight back home and I am catching the overnight train to Chumphon, and then getting the boat to Koh Tao. So excited to get there and start my diving, going to be great!
Will update you all when I can.
Ryan x
View from my hotel balcony
Dad and his lady friend, hopefully lady :p
Walking street is where all the madness is, bars, gogo bars, clubs etc...
Inside walking street
Plane to Pattaya
Me and dad having our regular sunday lunch, at 11:30 pm after a load of drinks
I found this menu in a resturant, FYI I didnt eat here
Dad fell over and bumped his knee, getting it drained
