Day 16 - Travelling home

Have I mentioned that I have had a stiff neck since Monday afternoon? Well, I have and it is very painful, especially if I have been in one position for any length of time. Getting up in the morning is terrible, hard to move at all. With pills and some time I loosen up and it is tolerable. Anyhow, arriving at the Phuket airport went well. I was helped by a nice man with my suitcases and after checking in I got a sticker on my chest and from now on I was a VIP! (This was Thai Air Royal Silk treatment). I was escorted to the lounge where a little section even had my name on it. Rock Star!! The short flight to Bangkok was uneventful. I was met in Bangkok  with a sign with my name on it, did not have to ride the bus with all the other people but in my own little van bypassing all the hurdles, quickly passed through security etc, and was escorted all the way to the lounge waiting for the long flight to Frankfurt. I am now in Frankfurt waiting for my flight to Boston.

On the flight from Bangkok I actually did not watch any movies. The screen was small and to the left which bothered my neck so instead I tried to sleep. This was the bumpiest flight I have ever been on. My neck did not like it at all. I did however, get some sleep now and then. I did try to watch a movie - Tinker, Tailor, Sailor Spy or whatever the title is, but I never finished it. I don't know if it was the sound system on the plane or the movie itself but the soundtrack was strange. There was very loud music playing most of the time and the speaking voices were very weak. If I turned the music to a tolerable level I could not here what was said, and if I turned up the talking the music was too loud. So I gave up.

My assessment of Thai Air is that the ground treatment is superb (at least if you fly first class), the air not so much. The seats on Thai are about the same as United, maybe a tad better but far from the Cathay Airways! The same with the food. I was unimpressed, but they did have cappuccino although it was pre-sweetened which I don't like.

Now I have about 4 more hours to wait. Looking forward to be home again soon.

Day 15 - My last day in Phuket

Today was my last day. Morning spent at the pool, saying goodbye to the elephants and relaxing. I had basically finished my packing last night. For the afternoon we decided to take part in the annual Mai Khao Beach Turtle release. The cost to release one turtle was a donation of 3000 Baht approximately $100, so I bought one ticket (turtle) for Kim. The festivities were to take place on the beach in front of the Thai restaurants. Tents were put up for shade and there were numerous turtles in baths waiting for release. Refreshments were served and Kim also got to do some batik painting.

The ceremonies begun with some introductions and speeches and the clouds started to roll in quite dark. First some lightning and then thunder and THEN torrential rain! Of course we were told this meant good luck (just as with weddings)! Anyway, this did not put a stop to anything, the tents meant for shade were now protection (somewhat) from the rain. The event was blessed by 3 Buddhist monks who kept chanting for quite a while. I don't know what they were saying though.

 
Then it was time for the turtle release. The participants were instructed how to handle the turtle and carry it close to the ocean. I will let Kim describe it herself:

"I just had one of the most incredible experiences! I released a young sea turtle back into the big ocean! It was part of the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation's release program in support of the Phuket Marine Biological Center and Royal Thai Navy's rehab and hatchery programs. AMAZING! I named him Rocco Roger (thanks Sam and Dad) and he just joined my Dad in the ocean. Good luck little buddy!!!! Thanks Mum! xo."

For me it was time for a shower and changing into "real"clothes, get a cab and leave for the airport and the long trip home.

Day 14 - Last Day for Gunilla

Today was Gunilla's last day and we just stayed by the pool again. We finally got the seats we had wanted all along but were never able to be out early enough to get. Although it is not permitted, people go out early and put their stuff on chairs, then they go back to their room or whatever only to arrive hours later. Supposedly, their belongings should be removed if they are absent for more than one hour, but it never happens. Today, however, was our lucky day!

The elephants came to say goodbye and Gunilla got hugs from Jumbo and Tonkow gave us both kisses. She was so funny today, we had some cashews in a bag and she insisted on having some. After the nuts and bananas she was thirsty and decided to drink the water from our glasses. She sounded like a kid with a straw when she reached the bottom!

Tomorrow will be my last day here this time around. It will be bitter sweet. I love this place, but I don't know if I'd like to travel this far anymore. But who knows, some day I might decide to go. I know that Kimberley wants to come back and she probably will. We both feel kind of close to Roger when we are here as it was HIS favorite place. We really feel good about our little ceremony at sea yesterday.