Holiday in Patong, Phuket 

My latest trip was to Patong in Phuket, Thailand. This was my first trip to Phuket and I enjoyed it very much. The beach is beautiful and the nightlife is raw. During the day there is much to see and photograph or perhaps just shop for more memory for your camera.

At night the restaurants, bars, Go Go bars and street vendors compete to grab your attention. As you walk down Thanon Bangla the lady boys, the tourists, the locals and the girls walk quickly with determined stride to meet somebody, somewhere.

I felt safe and relaxed wherever I went. I was careful with my money being always aware of pickpockets but I saw no trouble. The picture above is one of my favourites because although it has technical faults, it reminds me of the street that night.

At the end of Thanon Bangla is the beach. Patong is famous for its sunsets. I found it easy to just stand on the beach and take several photos like this one. Some say it is a shame that the beach seems to be so commercially exploited, but it could be worse. It's not too crowded, there is a wide stretch of sand from the road to the water and it is a very long beach. There are other, quieter towns on the island.

I went for long strolls along the beach and enjoyed it very much. I wasn't bothered by any thugs, salesmen, hookers or police.

The contrast between the beach and the entertainment and shopping areas is amazing in itself.

Go there!

Books I have read recently:
Fearn, Nicholas: Philosophy, London: Atlantic Books, 2005. ISBN: 1-84354-068-1

Kooser, Ted: The Poetry Home Repair Manual, Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press, 2005. ISBN: 978-0-8032-5978-2

McCalman, Janet: Journeyings, Carlton: Melbourne University Press, 1993. ISBN: 0 522 84675 0

Ferris, Timothy (Ed.): Physics, Astronomy, and Mathematics, New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1991. ISBN: 978-0-316-01031-3

Becker, Benjawan Poomsan: Thai for Beginners, Bangkok: Paiboon Poomsan Publishing, 1995. ISBN: 1-887521-00-3

James, P. D.: Shroud for a Nightingale, London: Faber & Faber, 1971. ISBN: 978-0-571-23005-1