14 December 2014 - First day exploring our surrounds in Cape Panwa, Phuket

14 December 2104

We ventured out for food and a walk and discovery of local things of interest!  Mopeds with young kids sitting precariously, a Muslim call to prayer, little street carts of food, jungle like foliage and butterflies everywhere. The big kids were reluctant to explore and a bit anxious but Luke was in explorer mode and immediately was astonished by the large leaves, different flowers and butterflies.  The beautiful fragrance of frangipani flowers is so typical of Asia alongside the various other smells which emanate from drains and dwellings.  We remarked on the number of caged birds of exotic types hanging in the breezeways or being zoomed along on a moped.  We bought our breakfast and essentials from the local “Minimart” run by a sweet lady called “Loh”. We bought the BEST bananas we had ever tasted from “Banana Man” who has a little grocery stall just down the road – a large hand for 40 Baht (A$1.60). The fascination and intrigue of one’s first moments and experiences in a new place ought to be noted, as they are indeed the “extraordinary” that will soon become the “ordinary”.

 
















Today was a day for gathering our thoughts and trying to get a sense of order.  I have never departed for a time away feeling so underchecked and underorganised which was/is not an easy feeling for me who likes to be organised and double check details. I had not even really explored this new laptop or my new phone as I had not a single moment to do so before we left. The high speed Wi-Fi here is great and we are getting our lives in order.  Feeling rather glad that the pressure to commence official distance education is a way off yet as it would have been impossible to include that into our day as well.

Cape Panwa is a predominately Muslim area and we can hear the call to prayer on a regular basis.  The buzz of motorbikes and vehicles, roosters crowing, birds and other unusual noises are there if you listen.  Inside, with double glazing and the quiet whirring of air conditioning, it is very quiet.  There are a few offers for taxis but really were are not harassed here.

Interesting spelling!

Frangipani

Our dinner adventure, buying our first food from a street cart was risky, but it looked clean and the vendor had a neat little cart and food was on ice.  Her wares included many varieties of Halal sausages on skewers which she cooks in boiling oil and serves with chopped cucumber and delicious sweet chili sauce.  Indeed, this was a good choice!  For one thing, Luke ate the sausages like there was no tomorrow which was great as he is very reluctant to try new food.  My favourite of these skewer delights is a crispy pastry covered hard boiled bantam egg.  We decided to prepare our own cucumber and carrots which we bought from “Banana Man”.  The vegetables are so fresh and the flavour is wonderful. We suppose this is because they are all locally grown products, probably organic from small holdings.  Seriously flavoursome!  The simple life and simple choice of food is ordinary here but through our newcomer’s eyes, it is extraordinary.

Food cart for dinner