Goodbye 2009

Boy, am I glad that 2009 is coming to an end. This year has truly been a roller coaster ride for many; especially in politics, entertainment and sports. The year began with the inauguration of the United States of America's first African-American President. Mr. Barack Obama was officially sworn in as the 44th President on January 20, 2009. I was in tears watching the inauguration live on CNN simply because I never thought that this day would come. At least in my lifetime. The event was a welcoming change after the reign of Bush administration that held office for two consecutive terms.

Then came the news of the death of King of Pop, Michael Jackson. It was truly a sad moment for his fans all over the world and most were in disbelief when the news leaked. News quickly spread through the internet, especially over Twitter and Facebook. Radio stations began playing his songs, people rushed out to purchase his albums and fans began to mourn his passing. As the days grew and people speculations increased of his proper burial, due to his recent secret conversion into Islam, his life is now more an open book. Such sad news for a life lost, a legend lost, but most sad is the people trying to profit from his downfall.

Hopefully, the new POTUS will breathe a fresh change of air, politically, economically and cascade the positives to the rest of the nation.

Cheers.

Image via wikipedia.org

Predictable Phuket

We arrived on the beautiful island of Phuket after a few hours of flight and immediately changed into our bathing suits upon checking into the hotel rooms. We then set off to look for a quick lunch before heading to the infamous Patong Beach to set foot on the beach and embrace the ocean views and winds. It was truly mesmerizing amidst the humid weather.

We then settled into our rented beach chairs for the day. When it became too hot, we soaked ourselves in the sea and this routine repeated until we were too tired to do it again. We then ventured into the streets along the beach area. Every sight was shops selling various food to meet every taste buds. Our visit coincided with the Patong Beach Carnival and this increased the number of shopping stalls selling clothing, souvenirs, snacks and toys. After much walking and browsing, we headed back to our hotel to shower and freshen up before heading out again for dinner.

  

Our daily activities were pretty much the same as we soaked in the beautiful views of the island and surrounding areas. We were able to enjoy good seafood on this trip but have yet to find a place that serves good tom yum soup!

Phuket always has and always will welcome all with two big arms. I fell in love with this place in 2004 and was sad when the tsunami affected the island later that year. There are many shopping centers now. Even Starbucks is just around the corner. It depresses me to see the multitude of developments that are happening everywhere around the island. Reconstructions and redevelopments are still in progress but the Thais are stronger now than before. To rebuild their livelihoods, they are aggressive in retail and services but still manage to retain the polite Thai way of life.

I made another promise to return again before the island becomes too crowded with modern structures that will rob away its unique charm.

Cheers.

 

Images via own collection.

Sunny side

I'm preparing for my trip to Phuket tomorrow. This would be the first time I will be visiting after the tsunami. I was there for a short but memorable holiday before the tsunami happened in 2004.

I'm looking forward to another exciting and adventurous holiday which I will definitely blog about when I return. I foresee spending lots of time on the beach and return a shade darker, in spite of the dangerous effects of too much tanning. I will pack an extra bottle of sunblock, just in case.

Cheers.

Image via dulichanviet.com