Phuket: The Land of Farangs

Welcome to Phuket everyone! This "island" is the mecca of the Thailand tourist industry. Here you will find beautiful beaches, great Western and Thai food, history, and an immersion of cultures. When I was younger, my father used to proclaim, "Jason... One day the Chinese are going to take over the world!" He usually said this en route to the Chinese restaurant for Dim Sum. His comment holds strong merit, as our home base of Phuket Town is 35% Chinese. I even read that behind every strong business in the surrounding streets, you will find someone of Chinese decent!

We began our voyage in Phuket Town by visiting two Chinese temples. This is the entry way to Put Jaw Temple. It is dedicated to Kwam Im, the Chinese goddess of mercy. It is the oldest Chinese Taoist temple in Phucket at 200 years old! 

This is where your fortune can be told by choosing a stick from one of two cans after saying your problem aloud. Michelle has chosen #49.(Michelle doesn't have a hunch back it is just her back pack protruding under her poncho!)

These "cubby" holes have a fortune that is written on a piece of parchment.

Oddly enough, I also chose #49. To our dismay they were written in Thai so we had to find a translator. Once located, she asked us if we were married. We both exclaimed, "No!" and she explained that while we are on a solid path, we needed to communicate more our road ahead will be blissful and everlasting. It gave us both goosebumps!

These pigeon holes have herbal recipes that when mixed together with the parchment chosen can heal the sick and make wishes come true! We weren't real excited in drinking liquified paper, so we passed on this one.

 Michelle is in front of the second Chinese Temple, Jui Tui. This temple is dedicated to Kiu Ong Ya, one of the nine emperor Gods to which this temple is dedicated.

 Statues dedicated to Kui Ong Ya

We found that this street is home to the annual Vegetarian Festival in October! Several flock to this location to see devout worshipers participate in acts of self -mutilation and sacrifice. We can only speculate, but we decided to celebrate in our own way by eating some vegetarian dishes.

 Examples of Portuguese influenced architecture

December 5th is King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Birthday! It is also Father's Day. The people of Thailand love their king. He has been in rule since 1946. There were gatherings of several people to celebrate his excellency and they even shot off fireworks. WAHOO!!! I found it very interesting that the King was actually born in Cambridge, Massachusetts while his father was studying medicine at Harvard University! He is 84 years old and while his days seemed numbered his impact on his people will be everlasting.

 Cashew Factory in Phuket. Free Samples!!

We found the Weekend Market in Phuket and came across some tasty treats. It was a "circus" there though as at least 10,000 people centralized in the small plot of land off the highway! Not one for the claustrophobic!

 The On On is the first hotel built in Phuket Town in the year 1929. In its beginnings, it was a glorious resort that the original, The Beach, movie was filmed. Today it is where Michelle and I lay our heads and it is such a bargain at 180 Baht/ night!

 The Wat Chalong is dedicated to two highly venerable monks, Luang Pho Chaem  and Luang Pho Chuang , who with their knowledge of herbal medicine helped the injured of a tin miners rebellion in 1876. - Wikipedia

 Don't Even Think About It :)

View from the top of Wat Chalong

 The statues immortalizing the famous monks

 View trekking up to the Big Buddha

 The 5 commandments of Buddhism

 If rubbed correctly it resonates a sound that can be heard for miles... I did not have the magic touch.

Michelle is dwarfed by the Big Buddha

 Kata Beach

 This one is for you Alicia, hahaha. Your gifts will have a nice bronze tan!

 Patong Beach is miles and miles of lounge chairs and tourist. The beach can be a little overwhelming to someone looking for peace and quiet, but you can't argue with the scenery!

Stay Tuned.... FEAR FACTOR: THAILAND COMING SOON!