Road trip!
On these roads, a flappy paddle tiptronic-equipped Porsche would have been magnificent. The gradients, mixed with S-bends facilitate a signposted 60 bend at almost 140 km/h. It's like playing a long track from a driving simulator.
There's no laps, however, and the automatic Toyota Vios responds nimbly as I clip yet another apex, accelerating out of the corner. Clear visibility and sensible drivers abound mean that slower moving vehicles move out of my way, not in to it; as they seem to on UK roads.
There are no parking restrictions here, no traffic wardens lying in wait to pounce on your unticketed car. The Thais don't have that mentality, they're relaxed. And stress free approaches to life, begets a stress free life.
A two hour trip covers the 188 kilometre from Ao Nang to Phuket. I like this car – a lot. The automatic VVT-i petrol engine is like a Ferrari when compared to my previous Tomy. It’s manufactured from metal that could also be used to wrap your lunch sandwiches in, but performs admirably and is a joy to drive. It’s quite clear that this model is only sold in SE Asia, as the air conditioning dial only has blue markings.
Arriving at my first destination, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is somewhat smaller than I’d expected. The workers here are all Antipodeans, and after caring for our recovering cousins during the day, “hit the beach” at night. My pick of the troop is Tam, who after biting its owner’s baby (having been poached by her), is beaten so severely that her right hand and foot need amputation. She has only two fingers remaining on her left hand. Although I am deeply saddened, the saving grace is her successful breeding with another rescued gibbon.
Charging 200 baht for entrance, the project receives nothing from the guards taking my fee. A donation is in order, then off to the waterfall for a challenging hike to point 10. I’d have continued further along the exhilarating trail, were it not for a busy schedule.
Heading to the Aquarium, we pass an interesting Chinese Temple by the sea. Has my sister finally found someone to converse with? Sadly not, but one word in every dozen is a start.
The animals here are wonderfully friendly, much like the people. Were it not for the horror stories my travel nurse expressed to me, I’d be more inclined to pet them. For now, I’m happy to let this heat-drained canine “chillax” in an incredible setting.
These uncollared wandering dogs are very prevalent. I’ve seen them look both ways when crossing the road, mimicking their masters. Each one reminds me of “The Littlest Hobo” and the theme plays in my head as I question where each ones home is.
Looking around as we depart the Chalong Temple, my sister spots an omnipresent overbearing sight atop the highest point in Phuket Province. The “Big Buddha” has the best view of the island and sits proudly, as his 20 years of construction are only half way to completion.
It must be several hundred feet up, as I count the number of times my ears renegotiate the pressure change. The view at the peak is indeed impressive.
Back down the winding hill and it’s low gear all the way. On to the beaches to see what all the fuss is about...
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