The best way to enjoy a day of “Seafood, Suds, and Sucking”- Phuket (Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Patong Beach)

Paradise all over again in Phuket, Thailand!  I went to see my friend Lek remember her from last years post?  I gave her the best street food award of 2009?  Her pork and duck soup was the best I had ever had!  I went for dinner in Patong Beach with my good friend Hari (from Kata Beach).  The rain was piercing my arms, as we drove on Hari’s moped.  Yes, stupid idea, what one will do for great food!

Hari and I grabbed some seafood at the local restaurant, I did the ordering and per usual my eyes are bigger than my stomach!   I ordered one whole 450g Snapper, 2 massive prawns, and 1 squid weighing in around 400g.  Add the salad and veg to that and we had a food orgy!

After this massive meal, I introduced Hari to Lek and with the warmest hug and hello’s Lek not only remembered my name, but also got upset with me. She quickly reminded I promised her I would be back by summer 2010.  This is why I love Thailand, they are the kindest people but will give you a ton of grief if you don’t follow through, how she remembered blows my mind!

It rained EVERY SINGLE DAY, the Phuket weather is unpredictable. The sun was scarce this trip so spent the majority of my time  visiting friends and exploring areas of Phuket I did not make it to in 2009.  The blistering sun broke for a few hours so went to get some color on my pathetically pale skin!  (In Asia taking your shirt off and catching some rays is culturally unacceptable, unless at the beach)

I walked Kata Noi beach several times hoping to turn my “blanco skin” a few shades darker. In heaven I stumble upon one of the best local dives named Ska Bar.  Hmmm, do I stop in?  The thought of a frosty Chang beer sounded excellent, mental thought to self- make another lap then indulge.  Yeah, that didn’t work out so well…after a few quick camera shots I ended up just hanging at the bar and meeting a few Swedes (boy do they love their afternoon alcohol consumption!) At Ska Bar you can expect lots of reggae, dreadlocks, Bob Marley look-alikes and that ever so chill atmosphere. My kind of place, and for you future visitors to please add intoxicated Sweds to the list.

The clouds began to form again, rain soon to follow, it was time to bail or I was going to end up like Ernest Hemingway “aka Sloppy Joe” at the bar.  Thanks, but another time!

I headed back to my hotel and on the way passed a Thai massage shop that had this massive fish tank outside. The tank was filled with Garra rufa - doctor fish.  I had read about these little critters that nibble all your dead skin away… why not?  In go the feet, my eyes are bugging out and all the girls are laughing at me… as soon as my feet hit the water thousands upon thousands of these pulse sucking “guppies” start attaching themselves.  How do I get myself into these situations?  Finally, I accept the fact that there are fish sucking my legs and feet, I have a deep  internal thought, “Are my feet and legs really that bad?”

After all it was a fun experience, and it gave the group of employees something to laugh at… glad I could make their day! (Even if on my expense!)  Soon off to Koh Lanta for SCUBA diving, exploring, and most important EATING!

4 Responses to “The best way to enjoy a day of “Seafood, Suds, and Sucking”- Phuket (Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Patong Beach)”

1. David A says:

   January 12, 2011 at 8:00 pm

   That doctor fish picture is CREEPY! I love that Lek gave
   you grief for not coming back sooner. She’s great!!!!

   Reply
   • Chef D says:

     January 12, 2011 at 8:19 pm

     The fish thing was slightly creepy, yet in some weird way enjoyable! Think that would ever fly in the states?

     I think not….

     Lek rocks! I have been craving her noodle soup all day!

     Thxs for the post

     Reply
2. Minyele says:

   January 14, 2011 at 2:32 pm

   Were your legs any smoother after the fish frenzy?

   Reply
   • Chef D says:

     January 14, 2011 at 5:00 pm

     I wouldn’t go as far as smoother, since after all I quit shaving them after competition swimming. However, the little suckers left me with small missing patches of hair…

     This could be the new thing for women? 1/2 pedi-1/2 natural shaving?

     A must try for anyone! It did help, or was it the beers from Ska Bar? Hmmm

     Reply