Phuket problems

I'm pissed because I've been ripped off by a mustached man driving a motorbike taxi.

Thus far I've amicably accepted the inflated rates that foreigners are charged. I've even been benign about the extra charge I receive for not only being a western invasion but for being an American. Even lying about my heritage doesn't help, however. Most SE Asians can detect the USA on my like it's the last remnants of a cheap stick on tattoo, when every incriminated detail is gone but a dirty smear remains. These hounds can sniff it out and make you pay.

I stumbled into this costly predicament and subsequent foul mood by making a compromise.

I wanted to travel from Raiwi Beach to Phuket Town (I had gone to Raiwi for a wax job that I will elaborate on in a later posting). I would normally take the bus, but I was feeling impatient and waiting for the unpredictable bus wasn't appealing. (There are no bus schedules, only that the bus starts running about 8 a.m. And finishes about 4 p.m., also there are no bus stops. You must hail the bus from the side of the road as you would a taxi, if the taxis drove by every thirty minutes that is.) I assessed the alternatives: vehicular taxi, motorbike taxi and walking. Walking 10 km in the 2 p.m. Heat wasn't doable and motorbikes are cheaper than cars, so I decided that if I could find a bike for less than 30 Baht then I would take it (The bus would cost 10 to 20 Baht depending on the mood of the driver and his disposition toward western women.).

I approached a group of orange-vested motorbike drivers lounging in a shaded street corner and asked the price to Phuket Town.

“20 Baht” one old man croaked while holding up the peace sign.
“Deal.” I said as I hopped on the back of a bike.
Fifteen minutes later I was delivered to On On Hotel. I payed the driver 20 B and received a blank stare in return.

“150 B” He said.

I argued my case with no success, we stared off for a few minutes and finally I caved. I was the underdog. I have no idea what normal prices are and this was my first motorbike ride from Raiwi to Phuket town, and I certainly didn't want to be in the wrong or make an enemy.

But it was very rude and inconvenient. (My room costs 180 B a day, how could I justify a 15 minute bike ride that cost 140 B more than my alternative mode of transportation.) It was a costly mistake and now at 3 p.m. I'm still simmering in frustration.

To cool off I walked around a bookstore that I love in town and read titles and authors until I could put things in perspective (150 B = about $7). These things happen, budgets are blown (and I have made my share of indulgences that were more costly than this), western surcharges are added and at the end of the day it's better to accept, relax and enjoy the place for what it is. I must pick the battle s that are worthwhile, and not stress about the things I can't change or control. I'm learning to roll with the punches, and accept the results of challenging situations.

It's a bit like sand in your crack after a day at the beach...Digging for it usually doesn't help, and there is always someone to bare witness, so waiting for it to work itself out is usually the best remedy.

That and blogging about the injustice I've suffered eases my frustration a bit.