Day 8, Tuesday 19 February
Next Move?…….. Arriving in Takua Thung district of Phang Nga province yesterday and discovering a hidden gem with those glorious views of Phang Nga Bay is proof that even when you think you know a province reasonably well, there is always something more to do. Of course, during the life of my website I've never visited Phuket before therefore there has never been the need to travel as far as Takua Thung, the gateway to the island. However, Phang Nga is familiar to me. Now I need to plan my next move at only the halfway stage of this current tour.
Noting that last night Katoon was in bed early, I soon followed her. It was about 2 hours early on average for her and indicated that she was still suffering from that persistent cough. For me that meant waking up earlier and I set about bringing my blog up to date. All is set by 9am for an earlier departure. The problem is, Katoon is still sleeping.
Plan shelved.…….. My intention today was to make a journey of around 4 hours, not a major event so there is no pressure on the day. What happens next cancels the plan completely. Checking how Katoon is feeling, I soon realise she has a fever. Her whole body is warm to the touch. The symptoms are a concern since they seem to replicate those of the dreaded Covid-19 outbreak in China. We now have to discuss the options that include going to the local hospital here in Phang Nga but Katoon is intent on staying put. With time moving on towards lunch, I have no option but to consult with the staff at Rachawadee House leading to the decision to stay an extra night. This is one of those occasions that my limited ability to speak Thai pays dividends. Phang Nga is not Phuket. There is little tourist infrastructure here so no need to learn English. The result of discussions eliminates some options for now and directs me to a local pharmacy armed with a description of symtoms. That chore completed, I can take an early lunch at the local BIG 'C'.
Katoon, now starting her course of medication, remains in the room to get more sleep. All I can do now is wait. Although I wouldn’t choose these circumstances, at least I get a break, such a rare event on these tours. By 4pm there is movement and I hold my breath. The fever seems to have gone. Has a pharmacist and a stand-in nurse performed some magic?
By 5pm Katoon is active again and our attention turns to dinner. All that is required is to call for a takaway but Katoon feels like taking a walk instead. Her miraculous recovery leads us on a route march. What is it she’s looking for as there are enough options right outside our accommodation? Finally we arrive where they have street food. Managing to find somewhere to sit, Katoon orders food which in her case is a waste of time as hardly taking a mouthful, she is sick on the table. One word in Thai I do know; -somnamna- translates as ‘I told you so’, which covers this situation perfectly. I really should have been firm with her but overcoming obstinacy is not easily done. Back in the room it’s another early night but guess what? There are early signs that I have the symptoms too.
Next Page.
Next Move?…….. Arriving in Takua Thung district of Phang Nga province yesterday and discovering a hidden gem with those glorious views of Phang Nga Bay is proof that even when you think you know a province reasonably well, there is always something more to do. Of course, during the life of my website I've never visited Phuket before therefore there has never been the need to travel as far as Takua Thung, the gateway to the island. However, Phang Nga is familiar to me. Now I need to plan my next move at only the halfway stage of this current tour.
Noting that last night Katoon was in bed early, I soon followed her. It was about 2 hours early on average for her and indicated that she was still suffering from that persistent cough. For me that meant waking up earlier and I set about bringing my blog up to date. All is set by 9am for an earlier departure. The problem is, Katoon is still sleeping.
Plan shelved.…….. My intention today was to make a journey of around 4 hours, not a major event so there is no pressure on the day. What happens next cancels the plan completely. Checking how Katoon is feeling, I soon realise she has a fever. Her whole body is warm to the touch. The symptoms are a concern since they seem to replicate those of the dreaded Covid-19 outbreak in China. We now have to discuss the options that include going to the local hospital here in Phang Nga but Katoon is intent on staying put. With time moving on towards lunch, I have no option but to consult with the staff at Rachawadee House leading to the decision to stay an extra night. This is one of those occasions that my limited ability to speak Thai pays dividends. Phang Nga is not Phuket. There is little tourist infrastructure here so no need to learn English. The result of discussions eliminates some options for now and directs me to a local pharmacy armed with a description of symtoms. That chore completed, I can take an early lunch at the local BIG 'C'.
Katoon, now starting her course of medication, remains in the room to get more sleep. All I can do now is wait. Although I wouldn’t choose these circumstances, at least I get a break, such a rare event on these tours. By 4pm there is movement and I hold my breath. The fever seems to have gone. Has a pharmacist and a stand-in nurse performed some magic?
By 5pm Katoon is active again and our attention turns to dinner. All that is required is to call for a takaway but Katoon feels like taking a walk instead. Her miraculous recovery leads us on a route march. What is it she’s looking for as there are enough options right outside our accommodation? Finally we arrive where they have street food. Managing to find somewhere to sit, Katoon orders food which in her case is a waste of time as hardly taking a mouthful, she is sick on the table. One word in Thai I do know; -somnamna- translates as ‘I told you so’, which covers this situation perfectly. I really should have been firm with her but overcoming obstinacy is not easily done. Back in the room it’s another early night but guess what? There are early signs that I have the symptoms too.
Next Page.
