It was one of those grey rainy winter days in Shanghai, I kept drinking coffee but my body just could not get warm. 100% humidity is a joke to no one. So when my then boyfriend texted me with a ticket to Phuket over the weekend, you could imagine how happy I was.
It’s amazing how one flight can change your surrounding like that. From cold humid Shanghai night to sunny hot Phuket morning, it takes 5 and a half hours.
It’s always easier for me to get up in the morning when it’s summertime. You don’t have to fight with your duvet for 5 more mins and I usually wake up feeling fresh and full of joy. Maybe I should move to somewhere warmer again.
It was the first time ever for me to visit Thailand. Like I said before, because certain places are just right there, I would overlook them and choose a rather further destination for my trips, I like contrast and I like what is exotic for me.
We rented a scooter to drive around the island. The Australian shop owner gave me the pink helmet, he told me it’s new arrival and it suits me, I would take his words and you would be the judge.:) I loved the hot wind blowing my face, I just returned from a trip to Canada, and oh boy was it cold there, I almost forgot what does warmth feels like. The sky is so blue and the sun so bright. I can smell the salty ocean as the hot air whip through my hair and the palm trees allow me to daydream. When we were driving down to the beach, It almost felt like we were in one of Lana Del Rey’s albums.
I have a confession to make, I actually don’t know how to swim. I mean I know how to float and I won’t drown. But I can’t put my head down the water. I would feel suffocated and that I’m dying. As a true Canadian or you know, a living human being, Mr. K decided it’s time I let go of all the fears and learn how to swim. But I was so scared that I would run away from him. Eventually, he got me and he promised he wouldn’t let go of my hand that I went deep in the ocean. Maybe because I trust the person who’s holding my hand, or maybe I just get carried away of this little adventurous trip, I went down the water and I was not scared at all, He even convinced me that I should move my feet as if I’m actually swimming by myself. Haha so silly. He kept his promise and never let go of my hand and I felt safe, even just then.
Mr. K went up to the street and brought back a bowl of something. It was no joke, hands down to the best papaya salad I had in my life. It’s cheap, healthy, and right by the side of the street. Just like the colors of its food, this island has so many beautiful vivid colors. I even found myself a yellow house!
Walk down the island, I forgot about the cold back in Shanghai or anything that’s not on this island honestly. Mr. K invited me out for a date, and we sat next to the ocean, the moon and the tide, the dinner and the eyes, it was all very romantic. I didn’t drink any alcohol but clearly my face was blushing.
Just when I thought the island couldn’t get any more romantic, it started to rain, in the dry season. It was pouring and we had to hide in a 7/11, He looked at me and snapped my “makeup ruined” face, commented “cute”.
We waited for a while but the rain did not want to take a break, we decided to walk home in the rain. Jumped into the shower in case of getting the flu, and when we were out, the rain stopped and we could hear the bugs singing in the garden again.
It only has been 24 hours, but I felt I’ve known every tree and flower on this island. Our host, Suzanne, who was just wanting to help a friend out, gave herself three months and booked the ticket to come down here.
That was 16 years ago.
That night in my dream, I thought I too, have already lived here for many, many years.
All photos my own shot in Phuket, Thailand.