Big Buddha, Big Buddha, Big Buddha... Big Buddha #1
Escape from Paradise
I'm still alive...After feeling well enough to leave Phi Phi, we headed back to Phuket for our last day adventure before heading to Chiang Mai. We walked outside the Rassada pier parking lot to find the best rate on a taxi. We found a driver and booked a ride to Big Buddha for 600BHT which was better than the 800BHT offered at the pier.
This was one of those our cab-driver-gets-a-kick-back-for-delivering-tourists-to-a-remote-jewelry-store stop.
Taxi Driver
Our driver spoke very little English, but he thought he might connect with us by putting on his favorite music--The Scorpions. Again with the friggin' Scorpions. This sealed the deal on this band still being an enormous international sensation. Aside from a few great hits in the 80s, I had no idea how big this band was. On our way to Big Buddha, our cab driver asked if he could stop at a shop. This was one of those our cab-driver-gets-a-kick-back-for-delivering-tourists-to-a-remote-jewelry-store stop. We didn't fret it. We made a quick loop around the shop and hit the road again without buying anything. On the way to Big Buddha, he offered to make a stop at Wat Chalong at no extra charge. Upon stopping for a photo we handed him one of Tierza's photography business cards that were mixed in with her gear, he seemed impressed by it and sat patiently as we walked the grounds.
Garuda helps keep the evil spirits away and I'm pretty sure Tierza is engaged now.
Scorpions are for Lovers
After reloading up the cab we continued to Big Buddha, singing along to Scorpions hit, Wind of Change, we sealed our friendship with this cab driver. We offered to buy him lunch before Big Buddha, if he picked a place that he, a local, would eat. He still picked a tourist place, but he recommended the good local dish... which was just Pad Thai. After lunch, our driver gifted Tierza a necklace with a Garuda figure on it. Garuda helps keep the evil spirits away and I'm pretty sure Tierza is engaged now.
More Driving, but first, Monkeys
Before arriving to Big Buddha, he offered to take us to the airport for another 700BHT. Phuket is big. This meant he would pretty much be driving us around all day. This was great for us though because we could keep all our bags with his cab while we toured around and he waited for us. Big Buddha was... BIG. This beautiful sculpture is largest Buddha in Thailand. Definitely worth seeing. The next best thing at this stop is the monkeys that live in the trees next to Buddha. They spend their days sleeping and freaking out the tourists. This close up interaction with the monkeys made up for missing them on Monkey beach in Phi Phi.
...he recommended the good local dish... which was just Pad Thai
Airport Pineapple
On our way to the airport, our cab driver made one more stop. With the small amount of cash he had on him, he bought us street pineapple from a stand. With my stomach still not in perfect condition, I did my best to eat what could to show my gratitude for this grand gesture. When we finally arrived to the airport, he didn't have the change to break my 1000BHT bill---because he spent it on pineapple. We left him with a tip of the difference and Mr. Somchat Eongskul was so grateful he then gave us his driver business card and said please call him if we return to Phuket. Looks like Tierza has a fiance and I have new BFF.
Beer of the Day
The elusive beer you buy but couldn't drink while sick
Leo Beer, Boon Rawd Brewery