It all started with us talking about renting a motorbike to go round instead of depending on the hotel shuttle. That would give us more flexible timing especially if we wanted to stay out late in the night having drinks. So after breakfast, we decided to head on downstairs just at the hotel entrance where there were several shops. One of them provided motorbike rental service. For 200 Baht, you get a motorbike for 24 hours. Gas not included. But heck, gas is cheaper in Phuket than in KL.
So we paid for the bike and off we went to Patong. It was my first time on a motorbike and it was exhilarating. Ok. I can hear snickers among some of you. Yes, I led a very protected childhood. No bicycles and motorbikes. I held on tight and we managed a few turns very well.
Then, just as we were turning into Bangla Road, there was a small puddle of water at the intersection (it had rained the night before) and we couldn't avoid it. We did slow down to take the turn but unfortunately we still slipped and fell. And heroicly so right in front of 2 police officers who were on duty at that intersection. (Oh, I can just hear the snickers now!)
Now the sequence of events really served as an eye opener for us.
Both the police officers quickly rushed towards us (as we were in the middle of the intersection and there were cars coming turning into Bangla Road). One of them took a look at both of us and walked off. The other officer helped to push the motorbike to the side of the road. Now I was wondering where the other officer had walked off to. And momentarily he appeared with a jug of water for us to wash our wounds. I was amazed at the efficiency!
The officer with the jug of water took another look at both of us and told us that we had to go to the hospital. Washing on the road side ain't gonna help. They asked if we knew the way to the hospital. As we were both still in a bit of shock, we could recall passing by a hospital but had no idea how to get there. So one of them suggested that we ride our motorbike and while he led the way on his to the hospital.
Off we went to the hospital on our rented motorbike. The right side mirror was shattered in the fall. Other than that it was ok. It took quite a few turns before we arrived at the Patong Hospital as the roads were all one-way streets. Thanks to the policeman or we wouldn't have found our way there. When we arrived at the hospital, the officer made sure that we were both receiving treatment before he left.
In the Emergency Room, one of the attendants quickly started to ask questions like what happened, how long ago was the fall, what other injuries did we sustain and what allergies to medication did we have. Another started to clean my wound with cotton and antiseptic solution while another proceeded to take my blood pressure. While my BP was being measured, a nurse came with a sponge and started to scrub on my wound (like she was scrubbing the bottom of a dirty old pot). The pain was excruciating! It was pure madness.
After getting bandaged, the registration staff asked if we had insurance. Silly us forgot to purchase travel insurance this time round. But I do remember that I am covered. So I gave them the insurance card which I had and they contacted their Foreign Insurance staff. Can you imagine? They actually have a department setup specially to help foreigners with their insurance claims. And this is in a public hospital.
We were greeted by the insurance staff but she wasn't familiar with the insurance that I had. But anyhow, she told us that she'll try to contact their office in Bangkok and meanwhile we can just wait for our medication and return to the hotel. We asked about payment and they said that since we needed to come back the next day to change the dressings, we can always pay then if insurance wasn't going to cover the charges. I was thinking... how trusting? You'd never find this in Malaysia. No payment, don't even think of stepping out of the hospital grounds.
As we were waiting for our medication at the pharmacy, we noticed a sign that said, "If you wait more than 10 minutes, please contact our staff." Whoa! I am really amazed.
We were in and out of the hospital in under an hour. And that included waiting time for our medication and talking to the insurance department staff. Talk about efficiency!
After all that, I was pretty worn out even though it was barely past 11am. We rode our trusty ol' bike again. Passed a repair shop and stopped to ask how much would it cost to replace the side mirror. 180 Baht. Took it and had it replaced.
When we arrived back at the hotel, we quickly looked for the shop owner and told him what had happened. We were lucky that he wasn't too concerned about the damage to the motorbike but rather more towards our injuries. I had bruises and lacerations on my right arm. Steven had the same on his right arm but also on both his knees.
We decided to just rest in the hotel until we feel up to it to head on out again.
It was soon lunch time and we were hungry. So we took the 2pm shuttle out to Patong. No more motorbike rides for me.. haha
Lunch was again at Break Point. Had the usual tom yum koong and green curry. Still the best and cheapest here. Not forgetting the beer too!
Since it's already Day 4, I decided to get some shopping done. Souvenirs and xmas shopping... 2 in 1! I still had my eyes on the silk scarf so I went back to the stall that offered it for 150 Baht. Tried again to lower the price to 100 Baht but was unsuccessful. Shopped around inside for a short while and ended up buying t-shirts and stuff. Instead of spending just 150 Baht, I spent just over 1000 Baht. Haha....
Initially we were thinking of catching the 4pm shuttle back to the hotel to get some rest but we ended up shopping till 5pm. So we had to wait another hour before the shuttle came at 6pm. Decided to get a drink at KFC nearby while waiting and found out that KFC has delivery service. Wow!
Oh! Before that, we bumped into one of the pole dancers from the bar the night before and she / he recognised us. Or rather recognised Steven. Haha! We thought of just dropping by again before we left. After all, she / he was a fantastic pole dancer.
At 5 to 6pm, we waited for the hotel shuttle. It usually departs the hotel on time and will take 10 minutes to reach Bangla Road. It was 6.20pm and no sign of the shuttle. Luckily we had bought a local prepaid number and decided to call the hotel reception. Apparently the shuttle had gone out and returned to the hotel. No way! We had been standing there before 6pm. No shuttle had passed by.
After some arguing, the hotel decided to send their shuttle out to pick us up where we were. Phew! We weren't willing to hop on a ride on a tuk tuk as the prices have gone up terribly. It's 100 Baht per person. Crazy!
We decided to get KFC delivery for dinner that night. Was tired. Thought of getting some rest before heading out at 10pm to watch some pole dancing again. KFC dinner was ok. Reasonable prices.
At 9.30pm we had both dozed off and were in no shape to go out. Too much adventure for 1 day.
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