Pete and Judy in Phuket, Monday 20th December

I met Judy at the airport on Wednesday 15^th December at 9.30am and presented her with a bunch of flowers.

She gave me a BIG hug in return.

After booking into the resort we went into Old Phuket Town to register for Pete’s Indian Visa.  Phuket is a bustling city with rather confusing road system but free on-street parking everywhere!!  Like most of the eastern cities we have visited the traffic was terrible.

We found ourselves whistled at by the local traffic police and hustled to the pavement – we soon realised that Phuket had been taken over by the longest procession we had ever seen.  Every school or youth organisation on Phuket Island was on parade, dressed in traditional costume, uniform or fancy dress.   The marching bands were brilliant; the girls walking tall in their high heels and the pride shown everywhere.

Lots of big bands on parade.  The mostly played beetles music.

The old part of Phuket with its Portuguese architectural influences.

The Bang Neiw Shrine. (in English means: brand new shrine)

Big Buddha still under construction after 20 years.  The Buddha is covered in Burmese Alabaster and sits proud over Chalong Bay, where Fai Tira was anchored previously.

On the way down we stopped to photograph elephants eating their meal after a hard days labour.

Warm sea and sun at the Nai Yang Beach

A Long Tail boat and local women fishing.

On the left our American friends, David, Maria and Yvonne celebrating the special birthdays for David and Glenda.  Pre-birthday celebration also for Jeremy on the 19^th.

Entrance to our hotel at night.

Following day we went for a tour of the island in a rented car.  The day started off with a torrential downpour but brightened up later to allow us to swim at the Nai Harn Beach where the sea was so calm and so clear a place where we might be anchoring over the new year.

We went to the marina for a briefing for the forthcoming leg to Sri Lanka and afterwards went for lunch at a nearby local restaurant called Mama and Papa.

Back to the pool for a quick chill out before heading out for the evening.

An evening in Patong, the party capital of the island where we enjoyed the opportunity to people watch, including the lady boys and beautiful local girls enticing customers to their bars and restaurants.  We spent a few hours testing out our bartering skills and thoroughly enjoying the sounds, sights and smells of a city providing wonderful food, busy bars and the constant sound of music.

Street vendors with their goods piled high.

Just a couple of the hundreds of fabulous food outlets along the promenade.

Judy and I have had a lovely time here in Phuket. The next time we will be together will be in Crete at the party to end the rally.

We wish ever body a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.