Phuket, Thailand

April 14th found us at anchor in Phuket.  In 2004 Phuket and other nearby areas on Thailand's western coast suffered extensive damage when they were struck by a tsunami caused by an underwater earthquake in the Indian Ocean.  The waves destroyed several highly populated areas in the region, killing as many as 5,300 people nationwide.  By November 2005, there is little obvious remaining tsunami damage other than at the most remote beaches, and now the tourist industry has almost fully recovered.

Bob and I had turned in our tour tickets, as we did not want to go on an all day tour.  We were up early to swim for one hour and then breakfast in La Veranda.

We spent a quiet day on the ship.

We were not the only ones here.  This is a star cruise line Libra.  It was able to dock right down town.  As it is based in the area and does these one week cruises, they have first dibs on the dock.

Also at anchor, the beautiful sail boat.  Could not see the name of it to research who owns it.

This is the Oasia.  It was once owned by Cunard and called the Vistafjord.  The ship is about 40 years old.

At anchor next to us was this navy ship.  At first we thought it was the Thailand Navy but on closer look, they are flying the American Flag.  So this is our navy.

Just another view of the ship.

And here you can see the Stars and Stripes.

One of the resorts on the island.  This one looks quite nice.

And this is where the Libra got to dock.

Cocktails in Horizon Lounge and then dinner in Compass Rose.  Bob and I both had the lamb chops which could have been better.  Then back to the suite where I started to watch "August, Osage County".  Will finish it later.