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To provide a means for South Africans in Singapore to get together.
The Protea Group
Singapore
Singapore
Thailand’s Pearl - Phuket by Janette van Rooyen
I suppose many of us, if not all, have been to Phuket - one of the most popular romantic getaways in Asia. Typically us, we were (again) the last to realize how easy and quick a trip to Phuket can be. Eventually I could tear my working half away from business and we flew Thursday afternoon out to Phuket.
I was looking forward to abducting my husband to lush tropical forests, yellow powdery beaches and tranquil bays. I imagined myself next to a clear blue pool, only hearing water fountains pouring into tranquillity, seeing the sea extending the blue waters of the pool. I imagined myself being so relaxed that the only time my arms would have to lift is to point to a strawberry-something or pineapple-whatever on the cocktail menu. No talking about work, higher rents, in-laws, education systems or sick dogs. I just wanted to be there - relaxing, enjoying…..
I got it all. The resort was beautiful and had a tranquil but friendly atmosphere. The staff was there to please and we experienced world class service from start to end. Upon arrival we were met by two men and women participating in a unique sunset musical ceremony in the reflecting pond. The views were magnificent from wherever you stood and now I too understand why they call Thailand’s largest island “the pearl of the Andaman”.
I was amazed by how much there is to do in Phuket. Trips by speed boat or seaplane, jungle safari’s on elephant back, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and much more. And if you really miss the lights and glimmer of Singapore there is always the “Central Festival” - a world class, all under one roof shopping destination where you can buy sporting goods to souvenirs, home decor to dazzling gems. Speaking of gems there is of course the “Gems Gallery” in Phuket where you are first taken through a workshop where a bunch of men sit to master their art. Patience and the utmost concentration is the order of the day, while they create a piece of golden beauty in front of your eyes. Then you are taken into the gallery by a sales person who attends to you throughout your looking - fitting - headshaking - looking once again - fitting once again and headshaking once again experience, in the hope that you will eventually buy one pair of earrings or a pendant.
But the highlight of our breakaway was yet to come. We were recommended by a friend (thank you Elzabe) to take a trip to the idyllic Phang Nga Bay. What a sight!!! We were picked up from the hotel and taken to the jetty. We boarded the Chinese Junk and were welcomed by a friendly English speaking crew. It was raining in the morning but the waters were calm and peaceful and it had no impact on the beauty of the scenery. We cruised through Phang Nga Bay which was the most amazing scenery imaginable and we realized that it is as beautiful in real life as in the travel brochures. We visited James Bond island and yes, we had our picture taken at the famous rock formation. We were then taken by longboat to explore the fascinating mangrove delta and the Grotto Cave, after which we visited a Malay village which is built entirely over the water. The picture of the limestone cliffs will stay in my head forever, but unfortunately the picture of these “sea people” living in nothing more than one room houses, old people laying on make-do beds in the walkways for an afternoon nap and children playing around the grown ups who are trying to sell something to the foreigners is also engraved in my head. The smells were as strange as the scenery, but perhaps not as strange as we seemed to them. We were definitely the outcasts and I once again realized that man can adapt to external factors anywhere and can make use and a living of whatever nature provides. It is definitely not material possessions which should make one happy. The children are used to nothing else but their environment, family and friends and that seemed enough for now. The children only receive schooling up to the age of 12 or 13 in the village and are then send to Bangkok or Phuket for further schooling. I wondered how the children adapt in the big cities when sent to school alone, away from everything known to them and why would they want to go back to the village after being introduced to the greater world? I still don’t have answers but I came to the conclusion that although they dress, live and think differently, this village is these people’s domain, their life and the home of their loved ones.
The trip on the longboat back to the sail boat was quite wet and windy, but remember we were on sea and very close to nature. After a nice Thai buffet lunch on board we sailed leisurely to a swimming spot. Although it is Thailand’s rainy season and the water was not as clear as some of you might be used to, we still had a lovely afternoon swim in the deep blue. I did it once in Madeira and once in Phuket and will definitely do it again when the opportunity arises. Returning to the hotel we had sun burn and memories left of this wonderful day. What a day!! What a weekend!!
I suppose many of us, if not all, have been to Phuket - one of the most popular romantic getaways in Asia. Typically us, we were (again) the last to realize how easy and quick a trip to Phuket can be. Eventually I could tear my working half away from business and we flew Thursday afternoon out to Phuket.
I was looking forward to abducting my husband to lush tropical forests, yellow powdery beaches and tranquil bays. I imagined myself next to a clear blue pool, only hearing water fountains pouring into tranquillity, seeing the sea extending the blue waters of the pool. I imagined myself being so relaxed that the only time my arms would have to lift is to point to a strawberry-something or pineapple-whatever on the cocktail menu. No talking about work, higher rents, in-laws, education systems or sick dogs. I just wanted to be there - relaxing, enjoying…..
I got it all. The resort was beautiful and had a tranquil but friendly atmosphere. The staff was there to please and we experienced world class service from start to end. Upon arrival we were met by two men and women participating in a unique sunset musical ceremony in the reflecting pond. The views were magnificent from wherever you stood and now I too understand why they call Thailand’s largest island “the pearl of the Andaman”.
I was amazed by how much there is to do in Phuket. Trips by speed boat or seaplane, jungle safari’s on elephant back, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and much more. And if you really miss the lights and glimmer of Singapore there is always the “Central Festival” - a world class, all under one roof shopping destination where you can buy sporting goods to souvenirs, home decor to dazzling gems. Speaking of gems there is of course the “Gems Gallery” in Phuket where you are first taken through a workshop where a bunch of men sit to master their art. Patience and the utmost concentration is the order of the day, while they create a piece of golden beauty in front of your eyes. Then you are taken into the gallery by a sales person who attends to you throughout your looking - fitting - headshaking - looking once again - fitting once again and headshaking once again experience, in the hope that you will eventually buy one pair of earrings or a pendant.
But the highlight of our breakaway was yet to come. We were recommended by a friend (thank you Elzabe) to take a trip to the idyllic Phang Nga Bay. What a sight!!! We were picked up from the hotel and taken to the jetty. We boarded the Chinese Junk and were welcomed by a friendly English speaking crew. It was raining in the morning but the waters were calm and peaceful and it had no impact on the beauty of the scenery. We cruised through Phang Nga Bay which was the most amazing scenery imaginable and we realized that it is as beautiful in real life as in the travel brochures. We visited James Bond island and yes, we had our picture taken at the famous rock formation. We were then taken by longboat to explore the fascinating mangrove delta and the Grotto Cave, after which we visited a Malay village which is built entirely over the water. The picture of the limestone cliffs will stay in my head forever, but unfortunately the picture of these “sea people” living in nothing more than one room houses, old people laying on make-do beds in the walkways for an afternoon nap and children playing around the grown ups who are trying to sell something to the foreigners is also engraved in my head. The smells were as strange as the scenery, but perhaps not as strange as we seemed to them. We were definitely the outcasts and I once again realized that man can adapt to external factors anywhere and can make use and a living of whatever nature provides. It is definitely not material possessions which should make one happy. The children are used to nothing else but their environment, family and friends and that seemed enough for now. The children only receive schooling up to the age of 12 or 13 in the village and are then send to Bangkok or Phuket for further schooling. I wondered how the children adapt in the big cities when sent to school alone, away from everything known to them and why would they want to go back to the village after being introduced to the greater world? I still don’t have answers but I came to the conclusion that although they dress, live and think differently, this village is these people’s domain, their life and the home of their loved ones.
The trip on the longboat back to the sail boat was quite wet and windy, but remember we were on sea and very close to nature. After a nice Thai buffet lunch on board we sailed leisurely to a swimming spot. Although it is Thailand’s rainy season and the water was not as clear as some of you might be used to, we still had a lovely afternoon swim in the deep blue. I did it once in Madeira and once in Phuket and will definitely do it again when the opportunity arises. Returning to the hotel we had sun burn and memories left of this wonderful day. What a day!! What a weekend!!
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