Happy New Year
Trip Start
Dec 26, 2005
1
274
285
Trip End
Jan 25, 2009
Phuket,
Thailand
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The locals sure do know how to put on a party. I spent my new year's in the Paradise Complex's strip of bars and clubs and loved every minute of it. The Thais are probably the friendliest, gregarious and warmest people I've ever met and they go out of their way to make sure you 'are happy' at all times - you never go lonely here.
The bar I spent most of the night at had a free buffet if you brought drinks. I decided to splash out and spend $50 (1000 baht) on unlimited drinks of Thai whisky and soft drink. The drinks and ice were put on a trolley and I had several bartenders making sure that my glass was never empty. In turn for this outstanding service, I shared my very large bottle of whisky with about 6 of the bartenders who became my friends for the night - and probably beyond if I return here. When the bottle ran out, one of the bartenders continued to fill my glass with whisky and coke for free (damn it... I forgot to tip this bartender... I tipped the other one about 100 baht - the locals live off tips so it's important to tip generously here)... I have escaped a nasty hangover this morning with this exquisite drink.
I can't begin to say how glad I am to have spent my new year's eve here in Thailand - one of the best. I must admit that I was a bit hesitant at first but the locals and travellers I was around sure didn't disappoint. I can't see how someone could have a miserable night here. One American guy I met summed it up well by making note it's like everyone's birthday. The people around me were from Japan, Holland, Germany and the US... In watching CNN's coverage of New York's New Year's Eve at 12 midday today, I couldn't help but think how glad I am not to be in the cold and chaos of New York's Time's Square.
All night fireworks, with a massive one overhead in the Paradise Complex at 12am made the experience even better... but the danger and noise was definitely around you - I read that a boy in NSW got blasted by a firework - anything could've happened here last night - especially with the locals shooting fireworks above power lines! At least the locals warned you on an incoming and close by firework (only a metre or so away from you). They were wonderful in covering me from the debris because of my concerns...! The bar I spent the night at exploded 1500 fireworks during the evening. From a distance, I could see that most of Patong was littered with fireworks.
I've just checked out of the Milennium Resort and will be moving to the Royal Paradise Hotel in the Paradise Complex. I have two nights here before more fun in Bangkok.
As before in 2006, I'm loving my time here and so happy being back in what is one of my favourite destinations on Earth. Couldn't have asked for a better start to the new year better:).
