Phuket

Mac · #1 12-01-2004, 03:47

Thank you everyone for all your advice and help on this site. I have recently returned from the LOS - Patong where I went with a friend who became seriously ill with diabetes. This meant we had to extend our stay for a week so that he could be taken care of in the Clinic.

My observations are as follows:
Thai airlines are great. Changed my charter ticket four times without charging. Like to see BA do that - ho ho ho.

Thai hospitals are clean and good. The clinic compared most favourably to the third world effort we have at Wexham Park in Slough. My friend was in a coma on admission and was correctly diagnosed and treated and the bill was £300 for a week in hospital. They even let me send up a girl to him on his last night!

Thai people are mostly "good heart" when the chips are down. But I had some clues how to deal with them thanks to this web site. I found that respect, politeness a little Thai and a well timed bung did the trick.

Phuket is a "Village". Everyone knew who I was and where my friend was within about a day. "Thai Massage 200 Baht" quickly became "Sorry to hear about friend". Don't do anything stupid there would be my advice!

I am sorry that some of the regulars on this site are feeling a little jaded after the last trip to Patong. As I was on my own for most of the trip and it was my first visit so I am not experienced but I found the place to be fascinating. The diving was quite good, if a little cloudy under the sea, the restaurants towards Kalim were great and cheap with fantastic views, Kamala is a good place.

Personally I liked the Bar scene in Patong but I was well prepared having read everything on this site. It really did help. I think I would have been well out of my depth without it actually! In particular I liked Em (Mamasan of the My Dear Bar and Freedom Bar) but like Nicke she can drop you on the floor with her cocktails.

I did recognise some of the regulars from the site at the Mai Thai but could not keep up with the drinking so thought it best not to try! Perhaps I will introduce myself next time.

My only problem now is that I want to go back there. There is something really seductive about the place and it is not just the women. I am sure everyone else has decribed it better but for me it is the lack of stress about doing anything you want to do. I don't think you can really have a deep and meaningful relationship with most of the Bar Girls but they were a lot of fun and tried hard. Out of work I found them to be charming and helpful as well so it is not all an act. Of course I did meet an awful lot of them in the clinic!

Planning my next trip for March. Will it still be stormy then?

Mac.

mikegb · #2 12-01-2004, 12:24

Glad you enjoyed your first time and what a shame your friend got ill.

Thailand is probably the most wonderful place I have ever been to. As you said in your post, it seems as if a few of us seem a bit 'jaded' with the place.
I think for me, I now need to find that little bit more that Thailand has to offer. I have done all the drinking and shagging part (great fun!), but now I feel I just want a little bit more.
I have done a fair bit of travelling around LOS, but I think for me, what I must do is really try hard to learn the language properly. I can read and write Thai a little bit, but need to turn it into spoken language. When I have had people back to my 'loom' and they see I can write, they are really pleased that a dumb falang has taken a bit of time to learn their language.

I will definately be back to Thailand next year. Hopefully armed with a bit more knowledge!

The ultimate goal must be to understand what the bar girls say about us when we sit with them

Or maybe I dont want to know....

p.s. You should have come across even for 1 drink. Everybody was welcome, and lots of people introduced themselves when I was there. It helps to put a face to the name.

c u next time

Jaws · #3 12-01-2004, 15:26

you did'nt introduce yourself Mac I for one would have liked to listen to your impressions of the place as it was your first time ( but not last

) and as most of us had been there a few times before !

I was a bit "jaded" this trip but am already looking at going back in June or July so I guess I'm over that feeling !

p.s. I've just noticed that I'm finally on that " distinguished road " about bloody time !!

Jack · #4 12-01-2004, 18:36

Good to hear about your recent experience on Phuket.I have been also very impressed with the quality of the hospitals and clinics. Frankly going to visit a friend at the Bangkok Phuket Hospital last year was always a bit of a treat because the quality of the nurses in their old fashioned starched white uniforms was a pleasure for the eyes. I have given instructions that's where I want to go should I have to be laid up for while or prepare for my end.

The main thing is that there is FAR more to Phuket than Patong. Yes, the night life in Patong is real fun there if that's all you want. But, many of us Phuket residents appreciate the low key lifestyle of other parts of the Island. And, of course, there's always Patong to go to for an evening when you want to have a special ball.

The bar girls, once you get to know them, are mostly good hearted simple folk. Naturally they are in it for the money, but most of them are young enough that they also want to have some fun while on the game. If you are on holiday its best to find a couple of bars that suit you, then establish your base there. You will get to know the girls fairly quickly and then be able to sort out one from another, instead of just counting on looks. They will do the same with you. Of course, if you just enjoy being a butterfly, then you will have to take your chances every night.

michel · #5 13-01-2004, 00:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikegb

The ultimate goal must be to understand what the bar girls say about us when we sit with them

Or maybe I dont want to know....

Hehe funny, this made me remember one night when i was in the Kamala beer Garden and met a guy half thai half german

We had a chat that night and he said it was verry funny to hear BG's talk in the bar, he said he never showed he could speak Thai, so they didnt know he understanded them

And he also didn't look very Thai,

he told me one story that a girls where chatting about last night she had a farang with a huge dig, and it was a very painfull experience for her..

Fantastic if you could understand it

and remember not to speak any thai with the girls... and afterwards saying; I can offer you a bigger one this night :p

To Mac.. sorry to hear about your friend... i hope he also want to go back, have fun next time in LOS!!!

Mac · #6 13-01-2004, 06:58

Thanks for your kind thoughts. I am now feeling slightly guilty because while I was of course concerned about my friend I was also delighted to have another unscheduled week in Patong paid for by the insurance company! By the way he is fine now. Have enclosed a picture of his hospital companion so you won't feel too sorry for him!
Mac

Peter.g · #7 13-01-2004, 15:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac

Thanks for your kind thoughts. I am now feeling slightly guilty because while I was of course concerned about my friend I was also delighted to have another unscheduled week in Patong paid for by the insurance company! By the way he is fine now. Have enclosed a picture of his hospital companion so you won't feel too sorry for him!
Mac

Hi Mac
Is your friends nurse a "head" nurse

If she want she could also take care of me....

Mooton