It’s day four in Thailand and I am starting to get used to the idea of being here for a while. I don’t know about 7 months but perhaps a month or two. I’m really proud of myself especially considering the fact when I arrived Day #1, I was ready to book the first ticket to anywhere but here. But I have realized it’s really all about adjusting and I feel that my level of adjustment is increasing daily.
Surprisingly enough I used to believe that I was a “tough chick.” At one time I thought I wanted to do the peace corporation. HA!!! Sometimes I surprise myself with the fantasy I live in.
When we first decided to make a trip to Thailand I was enamored by the beautiful beaches the lavish villas, and amazing wildlife. I never really grasped the idea of Thailand being a “developing country”, and most importantly the incredible difference in visiting and living in a place. Don’t get me wrong Thailand has all this stuff and more, but my 1st impression of Thailand was not one that I expected to experience when I was planning this adventure of a lifetime.
Our host was kind enough to pick us up for the airport and transport us to our new Thailand residence. Poor Pete, he had no idea what he was getting himself into. Picking up an emotional disaster such as me. Why I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. When he asked which accommodation we had chosen I proudly said the Phuket Island Pavilion. I had researched this hotel for countless nights back in New York viewing the pictures as often as it allowed. It was said to be the premier hotel of Phuket Town . I was willing to pay the price for comfort. He sadly informed me that the much-anticipated stay at the marble floor, Jacuzzi bath hotel was completely full. WHAT? “Did you make reservations?” he kindly asked.
Needless to say no reservations were made and I had no PLAN B. How dumb could I get. All those visits to the website I never once decided to take the relationship to the next level and actually make an OFFICIAL reservations. “No worries, said Pete, The trip became a nightmare when we arrived at what Pete called a “Thai hotel.” That was a HELL to the NO. I’m not fine with staying in a place where lizards, worms, and other unknown critters are expected to sleep in my bed, hot water is a coincidence, cleanliness is an afterthought, and a hole in the ground that looks as if it’s been filled with 3 days worth of accumulated water has been called a swimming pool. I cried. Surprise Surprise! I felt like I was experience the effects of a terrible decision.
Luckily our host was observant enough to notice my resentment and probably anticipated that my next requested stop was about to be back to the airport, he started making a couple calls. Actually his wife Apple which was the best introduction to Thai women made all the calls and made all the negotiations for us to get into our final and present Thai residence. The Phuket Merlin. It’s not the Phuket Island Pavilion with my marble bath but it’s definitely a place where I can walk around with my shoes off. And I feel comfortable sleeping, showering, and living for the next month or maybe two.
