OK so this trip to the Phuket games started off really fun. We began with a 13 hour trip to Putchaburi where we stayed one night at a student center. Only the girls team was with us because the van that the boys were taking needed some repairs, how unfortunate for them, we had a blast. The boys were one day behind us and missed out on the beach activities. The people at the center were so nice and they even cooked for us, it was delicious, ton’s of seafood. We spent one day laying on the beach and swimming in the ocean, this was the very first time the students had ever seen the ocean or the sand, they loved it…Then that night it was back in the car for another 13 hours of driving, this was tough, 12 people in one van with a ton of bags. It was tight and we were all sore for 2 days after, I had planned to fly back and that wound up being a great idea.
When we got to Phuket we found out that the hotel we were staying at, which was free was right in the heart of all of the beer bars. Those of you that don’t know of this place, well it is sad. It is where lot’s of the girls are calling you into the bars to get drunk and then well to put it blunt, whatever happens after that is up to them and your wallet. This is very sad and we had to tell the kids to stay in their rooms after 7 because it was crazy out there after that time. We were there for the student Olympics not to get nuts! This being said we had a great time and got to visit several beaches when we were not at the track. Did I mention it was flippin HOTT!
The Phuket Games were awesome! There were kids aged 16-21 from all over Thailand and they were competing in football, basketball and track. These games lasted for 5 days and began with an amazing show with Thai celebrities and musicians, we all had so much fun. Our boys team were only in a few events and unfortunately they did not win any metals but they were great sports and learned a lot from the experience. The girls wound up taking home 4 metals… Sisunee took home first place for the fast walk and Duan took home the third for the same event. Somepon took home 2 third place metals, one for the 3000 meters run and the other for the 1500 meter. The 1500 was a photo finish, just by a hair she came in third but never the less she was thrilled and so was I, I got choked up a bit to be honest.
Not only was the hotel free but there were other people that own several restaurants that gave us free meals everyday. Some of them knew Phra Ah Jon from living in Chiang Mai and others just had great big hearts. It was such a nice feeling and to be with the kids for so many first was great. I really grew close with them as well as some of the teachers. Next year the games will be in Chiang Mai and I am so looking forward to it. It was also really fun since I was the only forienger there, I stuck out like a sore thumb. LOL
I also had a blast since I have 3 friends that live in Phuket, one friend that was there from the US and I got to meet 3 new people that I will remain friends with. One of which owns a resort in Khao Lak called the Khao Lak Palms Resort and a restaurant called Fizz, where I had the best meal of my trip so far…Thanks so much Dee
As I said before I was going to fly home and so glad I did since one of the vehicles broke down on the way back and everyone, 16 students and 3 coaches had to squeeze into 1 car for most of the ride back. Just thinking of it makes me sore.
