January 30, 2019 - Phuket, Thailand - Wednesday, Day 24

January 30, 2019 - Phuket, Thailand - Wednesday, Day 24

The ship arrived at the dock during breakfast. Strong wind was blowing us toward the dock so 2 tug boats were used to keep us away and let us slowly approach. We did dock without incident while at breakfast. We watched the shoreside activity while we ate. A constant parade of semi trucks with flatbed trailers loaded with large crates were being unloaded into the large warehouse on the pier. When we disembarked they were still coming.

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When we visited Phuket last year, we took an excursion to an elephant reserve and rode an elephant. This year we opted for the Best of Phuket. 

This tour was described as a 7.5 hour tour to the best sights. Upon leaving the port our guide introduced herself and started to explain the life and customs of the locals. She also explained the geography and the political structure. She was quite good. 

First we drove to a high point where we were able to look down on the cape that is the southern  most point of the island. We were able to see a couple of the many beaches that ring Phuket. The air was clear and the sun was brilliant without being too the squares in the park up here.

Our second stop was at the island’s most famous Buddhist temple, Wat Chalong. This is dedicated to 2 revered monks. The grounds were sprawling and the architecture of the several buildings in the complex was stunning. The crematorium was being renovated, and there were many temporary shops set up for the upcoming new year celebrations. This limited our access to all of the grounds, but it did not prevent us from climbing the steps to the pagoda. Our visit was rushed because only 30 minutes were allowed here.

We drove into the city where we walked along 2 streets in Chinatown. The majority of the people In Phuket are of Chinese heritage. The Chinatown is extensive. We visited another temple so that Tiwa, our guide, could explain the difference between a temple and a meditation center. To be a temple requires a meeting hall. This was important because it explained why we did not travel to  very large Buddha statue on the mountain above the Way Chalong. That is a meditation center because it lacks the meeting hall. Why it has no meeting hall was not made clear.

It was time for lunch at Phuket Thai Village. This complex included a restaurant where we had a buffet lunch and a theater where after lunch we attended a show that presented an insight into the life and culture of the people in the southern part of Thailand. This was a show of cultural dance and customs including a demonstration of Thai boxing. Clearly their punches were being pulled.

After the show we returned to the pier. Our 7.5 hour tour lasted just 6.0  hours. We are anxious to hear the explanation for that.

We toured the market set up by locals at the pier. Last year we did by things here after negotiating prices. This year the vendors were firm in their pricing. I did buy a shirt similar to one I got last time. The price was $1 more this time. Alice did not find anything.

At dinner we could see trucks continuing to arrive at the warehouse. The ship will not leave until 10:30 so after dinner we went out to walk on the pier. After getting some pictures of Maasdam lit up for the evening we strolled by the tugs that worked so ably to keep us from ramming the pier in the morning. They would assist us in leaving, but that would be easier since the wind has died.

We watched 2 drivers uncover the loads on their trucks. More of the same crates that came in all day long. The warehouse was now almost full. A sample count of the stacks indicated that there might be a thousand crates inside already. We asked a forklift driver what was in the crates. We were amazed when he told us it was plywood. this is produced inland and delivered here for shipment overseas. Amazing!