Thailand is a land of contrasts. Just when you think "Wow, they've got it going on!", you're surprised thar everything works as well as it does.
Our hotel was wonderful and I have to say that I really haven't met anyone here that is unprofessional. Everyone does their job with a smile and is very helpful. This is everywhere so far.
Now let's look at the ferry. It's a relatively small boat - no cars or anything either. We take off from a pier, but go across the back of another ferry to get to ours. I didn't really think too much about that. The luggage is all stacked in the back of the boat and we took a seat inside. There is a narrow walkway on both sides of the boat to get to the front if you want. We chose to sit in the cool air conditioned room.
Just a few minutes from the dock, we stopped in the middle of the bay, pull up alongside another ferry and many people get on to our ferry as we are rocking in the waves. Then we head to Railay and again stop in the middle of the bay. A speedboat pulls up and more people get on, and right after the speedboat, a longboat pulls up and more people get on. Now, since there are quite a few people, many are sitting on the narrow sides with their legs dangling over. All is good. If this were the USA, no ne would think of transferring in the middle of the sea or walking through water to get on boats. No way would people be allowed to basically hang on the edges of the boats while moving!
We had a nice crossing and pulled into Phuket harbor. There are boats lined up along the side where there is a pier. I'm thinking, "Where is he going to park?" Our driver turns the boat and pulls up alongside many other boats and ties up. By that time, all the impatient people- most of them-are lined up to exit. We are inside and the luggage is stored right outside our door. Now, everyone is rummaging through the luggage to find theirs and get off the boat. Once we finally manage that, we carry our luggage off our boat and across 4 other boats to get to the pier! Thank goodness it wasn't raining! People are milling around in their groups, which are pretty organized in a chaotic sort of way waiting for their transport to various places on the island. I just think it's ironic that all those people anxious to get off can't go anywhere anyway! I've also noticed that humans carry too much stuff with them! Huge suitcases and even multiple suitcases per person. I took one carry on and I feel that I have too much stuff!
My take away? Well, Thailand moves massive amounts of people from all over the world, speaking all different languages everyday! Most of the time it seems like a cluster, but in the end, is very efficient and it works! They have mastered the art of dealing with tourists in large quantities in a unique and admirable way! It's kind of funny watching people. I feel like here in the south, I just see long lines of people that don't talk to one another much because of language, being led by a Thai person going somewhere-on a tour, ferry, boat, or other transportation. It's truly amazing that it works as well as it does! I've felt confused sometimes, but if I just go with the flow and trust the system, it all works. The Thai are very worried about you not having a good time!
A remarkable place and a remarkable experience! Click for more pictures!
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