We packed our backpacks, leaving our heavy luggage at the Jomtiem condo, took a two hour bus ride to the Bangkok Airport and stayed over night in a quaint hotel that was out of the way, but a hop, step and jump from the airport. The next morning we were on the 8:00 AM flight to the Thai island of Phuket. An hour and a half later we landed, found a minibus that delivered us to Phuket Town, and booked into the Rattana Mansion(fancy name, basic hotel). Phuket Town is a harbour town, not a beach town. From here we made further plans on what to do and where to go. We decided to rent motorbikes and explore the island with some wheels. You get around faster, see more, and have freedom.
With plans in place, we relaxed and headed out to explore the town of Phuket. There is a neat little restaurant, called Riders Cafe. It is owned by a Swedish doctor who gave it all up, moved to Thailand, and began a different life. He rides a Harley Davidson Road King, and plays base guitar. We met him when we had a burger at his restaurant. Sporting a shaved head, tattoos, pierced ears, leathers and a blonde goatee, he looks tough, but is a real softee. He helps out in the medical community, and plays in a blues band. His buddy, who owns The Blues Bar across the street, was celebrating his bar's 10 year anniversary. Mr. Swede/doctor/biker/restauranter/guitarist, invited us over to the bar for the party that was being hosted by his friend, so off we went. The bar is very small, but well packed with people! The 3-man band was awesome. The drummer used to play professionally for recording studios, but now works for the Red Cross in Bangkok, the lead guitarist, and owner of the bar is Euroasian, and the bass guitarist is the big Swede. Many friends, former band members and muscians came to jam with them creating a wonderful atmosphere of music and party. The bar was hopping all night!! People came and went. We had a fantastic time!!
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