Phuket: 30th Wedding Anniversary Sweet and Bitter Memories
That picture above is Jessie and I stepping on Thai soil (Phuket) on August 19, 2018, for the first time. After 55 years of living in that country’s south-side neighbour, we were finally in the land of beaches, girls, national power grabs, and the rainy season!
It is our 30th anniversary (the anniversary actually falls on the 25th of August) getaway. And much like our marriage, and come to think of it, much like most of life, this trip was largely a reflection of our lives so far-sweet and bitter.
We touched down after Air Asia had generously made us late by an hour, with cloudy weather to greet us. Seeking for transport to our resort in Karon, we were then treated to a serendipitous appointment. This Thai girl dressed in her “ya-ya” traditional attire, spied us out, and made a beeline for us. She “offered” us a free ride to our resort! With a catch! A most glorious catch! Wait for it.
Together with this free ride (it would cost THB1000 otherwise), she offered us a choice of attending the famed Thai Fantasea show, complete with dinner, OR, wait for it…an all expenses paid excursion to Phi-Phi Island!!! This either or offer would each easily cost in excess of THB2800!!!
The catch?
We just had to attend a sales push by the Anantara Holiday and Leisure presentation. Essentially they were paying us all these to sell us their “investment” in holiday leisure.
We were beyond thrilled. We endured the presentation the next day in Patong, and had an opportunity to sample the “night-life” there. Watch out if you’re planning time in Patong. The prices of food, entertainment and transport is going to burn into your holiday dollars (or Renmimbi, or Euros or Pounds, or whatever).
We were eager, yet I also had some bit of trepidation at what to expect during our excursion to Phi-Phi Lea and Don-two of the more famous holiday island destinations off Phuket east.
The excursion was awesome! A lot less awesome was in buying at the tour guide’s recommendation, a so-called iPhone “waterproof” holder. My first dip into the waters by Phi-Phi Lea, and sea water entered the holder. Yes, that put paid to my great hopes to capture all the scenic and special moments of this fabulous adventure. The snorkeling was fantastic. The yellow and black striped fishes actually come up to you even without you having to go under.
So Phi-Phi was super. Except for the dead iPhone that had been spiked with sea salt. More bitter was to come. Yes, the story gets better.
We returned to our resort, tired and exhausted, and a little irritated about the dead iPhone matter. We entered into our room, and I looked around for my wedding ring which I had left on the table, and I couldn’t find it. Some anxious minutes later, we still couldn’t find my wedding ring. Jessie had left her’s home (smart idea that!).
We made a report at the reception of Karon Sea Sands. Met the duty manager that day, 21st of August. He was apologetic but not very comforting or confident (my perception) that the ring would be found.
And so it ended that our final morning on this holiday “paradise” found me at Karon police station, making a report of my lost wedding ring!
Talk about ironies and sweet bitter experiences! Moral of the story? Take life in its stride (it really helps that you believe in a God who is sovereign and gracious), and roll with the punches. Keep the chin up, and if possible, keep the outlook positive. I’m writing this even as our trip back to the airport in Phuket was paid for by the company which was responsible for my currently dead iPhone. And the snack Jessie is having now as well 😊!
