Thailand. I love you

I arrived in Phuket last week to meet up with a friend from 30 years ago. Yes too long between drinks I know but she's in Dorset and I'm in Melbourne and time flies don't you know. The internet hasn't made physical touch any closer. Facebook and email are great but to hug her and sit and chat with a drink was - priceless. 

So, as I hadn't been here for a couple of years and was travelling solo I booked (from Melbourne - thank you booking.com) the well rated airport hotel in Phuket and a private car to get to her in Krabi from Phuket airport (both 2500 baht or approx $100 each) on arrival. Total $200. After all I could get axe murdered in a country I didn't know and couldn't speak the language in if I strayed from the great google. 

After a week here, and feeling more like a local ( and not such the timid ignorant traveller) I had to come back to Phuket this afternoon for the flight home early tomorrow morning. I caught the local bus from Krabi to Phuket (3 hours at $15) - certainly comfortable enough for a snob like me, and, because I was skint, chose a cheaper local airport bed and breakfast at the Phuket Hotel Bed & Breakfast ($40) and I now am loving myself sick as I sit here in my little Thai courtyard b&b having a duty free scotch. 

 

The Thai people I have ever met ( 3rd time here now) have always been delightful - kind, caring enough to try and overcome the language barrier ( more than I've done for them)  and they make me - a solo female traveller - feel safe, as well as go above and beyond to get me to my destination. Even when they don't know where it is and the only address I've been emailed is in English. And they even call me Madam - I don't like that but boy does it make me me feel welcome here (Kate nee Middleton I don't know if you really get off on that?). 

Anyway I hope and try I do the same for our guests/our fellow humans in my country. 

It doesn't take much to lift your game does it. 

People of Thailand I bow to you.