On Saturday morning it was the very early morning storms - think 0300 - packing consistent winds of 28 Kts, reaching 36 Kts at times, that woke us. Trying to get back to sleep was pointless, so, as soon as it brightened up, we dinghied ashore for breakfast at the Port of Call restaurant, which had reopened after a new cleaner had contracted COVID-19.
Back on Paw Paw, Elaine continued working her way through our “Action List for Departure from Thailand”, while Roy fixed the leaking locker latch on the generator compartment, redistributed our engine oil from the two large 20 litre drums we had, to smaller 5 litre containers after they had also been delivered, making for easier storage. After a busy morning and our early rise, we both tried to nap which ended up being pointless too, given the bright, sunny day that developed, contrary to any forecast.
Yesterday we were up early again, after both having a bad night’s sleep for no particular reason, to collect the hired car and head to the hospital for Elaine’s blood work. With that another busy day unfolded. After the first hospital visit, our next stop was Makro, to get most of our fortnightly grocery shopping completed before returning to Paw Paw to unload everything and head back to the hospital for Elaine’s afternoon appointment with the specialist. En route, with time permitting, we stopped in at Dean and Deluca for a delicious lunch and, after the specialist appointment, finished up the last of our grocery shopping. Being out and about in the middle of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, we were also able to see a few more shrines decorated, as well as stalls were vegetarians dishes were being sold and many devotees dressed in their white outfits.
There was, however, some or other all-day event going on at the Ao Po Grand marina as well, but had no idea what all the fuss was about. We’d never seen so many police and roadblocks on the roads leading to the marina, then seeing the marina grounds teaming with police, an ambulance and medical crew, as well as numerous speed boats decorated in flags and golf carts decorated in beautiful ribbons, left us a little bewildered as to what was going on. Additionally we’d seen crew changing into brand new matching outfits and having photographs taken on the dock and the entire anchorage and marina area was surrounded with huge navy ships. By the time we returned to Paw Paw in the late afternoon, we noticed one of the “gin palaces” from the marina, returning with a convoy of the speed boats and navy ships we’d seen earlier, but we were still clueless as to what was going on, as we enjoyed a cold refreshment on the patio of the Port of Call restaurant surrounded by policemen, before returning to Paw Paw to sanitise and stow our purchases.
After a few difficult weeks with Elaine’s health, news from the specialist was mostly good, with a few matters still to be resolved, resulting in a dosage change on some of her medications. A visit to the dermatologist was also required to resolve a side effect that had materialised. All things considered, though, the situation was improving again, which was a relief!
On a cheerier note, there is a very friendly, cheerful “gardener” at the Ao Po Grand marina, who, not only speaks very good English, but loves to chat to Roy, especially since they are both Liverpool supporters. In fact, for all we know, this “gardener” could well be a botanist or a horticulturist, evident by the beautiful gardens of the marina which he takes care of. Anyway, he was absolutely delighted the other day when Roy presented him with a Liverpool Football Club cap which Roy had bought for him, when he purchased a new one for himself. Since the “gardener” also plays football for a local team, who are apparently all Liverpool supporters as well, you can only imagine the reactions when he wore his cap to his next football practice.
It’s always the simplest acts of kindness that bring so much joy to both the giver and the receiver; in this case, the “gardener’s” unrelenting friendliness and always offering Roy a ride to the shops, adding joy to Roy’s days during trying times, returned by a small gesture from Roy.
Today, after another stormy night, besides spending most of our morning getting Paw Paw back in order after our shopping expedition yesterday, we eventually figured out what had been going on in the marina yesterday, thanks to Roy’s chat with Derek, the marina manager, after Roy had enjoyed a walk to the G&T Boatyard to purchase a few bits and bobs at the small chandlery there. Although Elaine had expected Royalty, possibly an unannounced visit by the King, it transpired that it was actually the Princess, her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, born Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn Debaratanasuda, who had visited, to enjoy a sail around Phang Nga Bay. If we hadn’t been so busy, we probably would have seen her, as we were in the marina just before her arrival and her departure. Never mind, the fanfare surrounding her visit was interesting enough!
