Phuket, Thailand Day I

HD and I cut it pretty close checking in. We had shared a cab and she had difficulty getting one on her side. Ended up the last checking in I guess and the staff could not assign us a seat together. Strangely enough, there was a someone who wanted the middle seat, so we got the window and aisle instead.

However, since there was another couple who might not be taking the flight, she told us that we might get reassigned at the gate.

Roamed a bit to get some last-minute stuff for HD. Then rushed realising it was already Last Call and the gate was apparently very far away.

Got reassigned seats at the gate. Went in just before a rowdy group of what F15 would "fondly" refer to as kataks. Overheard one of them telling the stewardess their seat number, a row behind mine. Already had a bad feeling.

Sat down. Made myself comfy. HD and I got seats separated by the aisle. Then true enough, a couple of the kataks were in my row. And so began my very long long long plane ride.

I don't care if you think I'm stuck-up or snobbish, but I can't stand stuck for almost 2hrs of people reeking of smoke, booze, and insistent on striking up conversation with uninterested parties.

Was so relieved when the plane finally touched down. Hurried HD along before we got stuck in a queue with certain amphibians.

Found our guide Khun Phayon easily. Though he was mildly surprised since he was expecting a Mr. Apparently his office regularly changed the salutations of clients, for some reason.

Was a pretty long ride to the hotel, which was on a lane off Patong Beach, but in the midst of rows of shops.

The hotel was pretty nice and of resort-style like the one we stayed in in Bali.

Rested a while before setting off to walk about. The nearby night-markets were rather boring and had so many huge dogs lying about. Were too lazy to go to the markets along Patong Beach so pampered ourselves at a spa instead.

Very nice languid sleep.