Phuket, Thailand
Yesterday, Thursday, March 29, we had a half day visit to Phuket, Thailand's largest island. You will recall that several days ago we were in other parts of Thailand (Bangkok, Pattaya and Koh Samui) before moving down the east coast of the Malay Peninsula to Singapore at its tip and then up the west side to the Malaysian cities of Kuala Lumpur and George Town. By continuing north on an overnight sail from George Town, we once more found ourselves in Thailand, this for the last time on our cruise. The island of Phuket, often called the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea," is best known for its many beautiful beaches and related attractions. Historically it was a major stop on trade routes between India and China. Colonial powers competed for its tin trade. And it continues today as a major supplier of rubber. When I pulled back the curtain in our room at 6:30 in the morning, I saw this: Our ship was anchored just off of Karon Beach. For only the second time (the fi