and arrival in Phuket was quite beautiful -- seeing all the islands and beaches upon approach.
Immigration/Customs were quick and easy and I quickly found an ATM. Only fellow travelers will understand the immediate confusion that sets in when changing over to a new currency. Even as the ATM prompted for how much I wanted -- I had no idea -- I hadn't done my homework. Choices all seemed outrageously high until I used my iPhone coverter app that told me that 10,000 Thai Baht (THB) is currently worth $285 USD. That seemed to be about right for what I might need for now -- but wait! How much of it am I going to have to give the hotel upon arrival -- let me check that: 3,600 THB -- oh, ok. 10K THB still seems like a good start! I should have been better prepared.
New cash in hand (and stopping long enough to convert my remaining 129 Malaysian Ringits to another 1,141 THB) I then phoned the hotel and within a few minutes I was picked up and delivered to a newish hotel seemingly in the middle of nowhere -- about 5 minutes from the airport. This time I had done my homework -- and knew this place was just a few minutes walk to a beautiful beach, was rated 8.5 on booking.com with great reviews and $25USD a night. The room did not disappoint -- and off to the beach I went. A 5 minute walk brought me here - nearly empty and beautiful:
I meandered along until I saw an interesting beach-side restaurant -- and decided to sit a spell and enjoy my first real Thai food in Thailand. I took one of these chairs:
Ordered vegetable Pad Thai, a beer and a bottled water -- total cost 210 THB ($6 USD) and the waiter logged me into their wifi while the food was prepared -- and my first search was of this restaurant on trip advisor. Brilliant indeed:
And this deliciousness was served:
A brilliant start to my visit to Phuket! And it is so nice to have my health and appetite back!
