First Resort Patong

... never to book more then 3 nights in advance. I started to think that my 3 nights in Phuket were going to be reminiscent of my time spent in Ko Chang. The difference I believed was that I was staying in the main tourist center of Patong Beach on Phuket Island. There should be lots to keep me occupied.

The rain had stopped by the time I was let off at the hotel:The Royal Paradise Hotel. Luke had booked the room for me over the Internet at about 25% the going rate. My ...

... Triangle district. When we arrived at the Pondok Lodge (lodge not being the word I would use to describe it) we managed to get a room. However they only had one double room, and one single room, which meant it was more expensive, but still only about $10 each a night. I ended up drawing the short straw and sleeping alone, however with a twist of fate I ended up in an air con room, while Rob and Tom had to put up ...

... McDonalds and eat yet again at the hotel. After breakfast, we headed to the beach, surprise surprise. I know a lot of you are probably thinking "poor Denise, stuck in Thailand and is forced to go to the beach and pool everyday." I know we are not getting much sympathy back home, but trust me, it feels like Ground Hog Day and it gets rather monotonous. Today, I really wanted to kill time at the beach, so ...

... shows in Kamala Beach. There they had a huge buffet of food from all over the world. Later we found our seats in the theater and waited for the show to begin. What a site! Music, lights, dancing elephants and children. If I can suggest anything, go to this show. We had a blast! The next day we ventured out again and did some more damage shopping, eating, and drinking Thai iced teas 'til we dropped. By nightfall we dolled all ...

... as the airport lobbies were packed with people... some in line-ups, some running to catch their plane, and others just getting in everyone else's way. Everything went as planned, and by 3pm, we were in a mini-bus, headed to Kata beach to find our beach-side resort! We were wondering why the bus ride was so cheap, when we made an unannounced stop at a local tourism agency, where we were asked to exit the bus to "get ...

... are going to have to be rethought. Hong Kong - I didn't see much of "Hong Kong Beer", the local brew, but all 7 Eleven's carried Tsing Tsao (China) and San Miguel (Philippines) for cheap. Once out in the bars, I mostly saw Western beers such as Heineken and Carlsburg, as well as lots of San Miguel. (Reportedly the highest selling beer in Hong Kong). Beer in Hong Kong is comparable in price to the US, which I somewhat expected and was a nice break from ...

... with crazy driver which makes Rob nervous. The 4 kids are now best friends and are all piled in the back of the van. We expect them to fall fast asleep but they're too happy and excited. We drop off Amanda, Scott, Brock and Madison at the Holiday Inn which as I've said before, looks sensational even from the driveway. Mei-Mei asks "Why aren't WE staying HERE?". We hop out and Mum, Mei-Mei and me race over to Top Tony to collect my handbag ...

... area of the village which was interesting and somewhat depressing to walk around. Then the tour was over. We were returned to the jetty where we got back on the minibus and returned to the hotel. I decided to have a quick shower there since it would be about thirty hours before I could have another. Then I went back up to Family Mart and loaded up on snack food for my long night and longer flights. I ordered a cab through my hotel and got a young, fun guy as my ...

... ever been. It hands down beats out las vegas and new orleans. So many young thai girls with old men and others attempting to be. I was in tears for these poor girls as we walked down the main street at night, they really must feel that they have no other options. Despite patong city we enjoyed our outing to Kata beach. Swimming in the warm clear blue water of the Andaman sea was heaven, Kata beach goes down as one of my favorites on this trip.

... on a disposable underwater camera so I have proof! Just a great relaxing day seeing island after island and I took so many photos! I will be remembering that day for a long time. Well that is about all for Phuket as we leave for Koh Samui tomorrow. Koh Samui is meant to be the party town and we have the full moon party (on of the biggest parties in Thailand) on Sunday night so we are looking forward to that! Tonight we will ...