Thursday, April 21, 2011

Miguel's Bachelor Party - Day 11 - Phi Phi Island

Our final day on Phi Phi was not going to be outdone by any other day, purely for the fact that it was Saint Patrick's Day. That's right, we were on a remote island off the coast of Thailand and the Irish bar was tacking down green runner outside on the walkway with streams of green, orange, and white balloons. Where are we again? No matter, because Bobby made it clear as we passed the Irish pub each time, "we are going here tonight." This was the trip where Bobby said jump and we said, how high.

Before the evening's festivities commenced, we decided to torture ourselves with a hike in the hot, sticky 95 degree weather to the top of the island for a spectacular view. I imagine when the first settlers made the inaugural climb, they were beside themselves with the possibilities of inhabiting this island and dying happy.


There are two view points. As you sit down to enjoy the first view point and your achievement for climbing the daunting stairs to get there, you smile upon your reward of just a panorama meant for those lucky enough to make the trek. Remember the first time you got an LCD or Plasma TV? It was remarkable. You were proud of your cutting edge technology, or for some, it had been bleeding for some time, but nevertheless it was new to you.



Ignorance is bliss until you take on the task of climbing to view point two. The reward is well worth it and that first generation LCD/Plasma TV no longer holds value in your heart. You are now at the pinnacle of all that can be seen on this island. The magnificent panorama provokes you to explore the entire offerings of the island.



Even better, we could see the beach and the Irish Pub that would be the ruin of us later that night.

Feeling proud that our alcohol soaked bodies appeared to be ultimately healthy under the pressure of 1 1/2 weeks of gallivanting around Asia, we made the trip back down to the preparations going on for that night. We immediately headed for a cabana on the beach fully equipped with a hammock and two Thai roll-out lounge mattresses that overlooked one of the bays.



As Miguel and Bobby took a stroll through 500 yards of shallow waters that gave the appearance they were walking on water, I tended to the remaining reading I had for my trip book while struggling with the need to nap. I didn't struggle long, allowing the slightest of breezes to force the book close as well as my eyelids.


Now that we took our preferred approaches to refreshing for the night, we made our way into town to begin the festivities. Like kids in a candy store, Bobby and I headed straight to the bar. One of the marketing points for the bars in Phuket and Phi Phi are buckets of alcohol. Instead of getting your mixed drink in a tumbler glass, it is served to you in a small bucket that is equivalent to a 40 oz beverage.



I tried to play chicken at first and started to hem and haw about drinking a bucket, but Bobby was Mr. Consistency and kindly said to me, "When will be the next time you are in Phi Phi on St. Patrick's Day and able to drink a bucket with your cousin?" Damn the logic he presented to me. With that, I went from not being sure to being all in and ordered the Liquid Death Bucket (Tequila, Thai Whiskey, triple sec, OJ, lime). It couldn't have been a better choice.


Fired up and ready to take on the beach clubs again, we found ourselves in front of a lighted double jump rope, inviting that inner-child to come out and play. None of us have ever done anything like double jump rope, but there is nothing more supportive than liquid courage. Miguel and Bobby spent turns giving it a try, which provided for some great comedy until some guy stumbled onto the dance floor in Godzilla fashion spewing fire from his mouth determined to do nothing but destroy the lighted ropes. He was 100% successful. So, that was the end of their run for the taste of the glory. However, the image is forever etched in my mind and on digital video. Can you say, YouTube, fast enough?



Miguel had his fun for the evening and returned home, so he could catch a little shut-eye before his early rise to scuba dive. Bobby and I looked at each other and said, bucket?

From there on, all I remember is hands in the air, over-crowded dance floors, songs being played more than twice (This means we were there way too long), and the bartender saying, "Sorry man, no more beers, we are closing."



Bobby and I closed out our night scarfing down Phi Phi's finest late night eats...a slice of pizza. Yes, I know, if they had Thai food vendors up at 3 in the morning, we would have stayed true to the cultural experience. Let me just say, you are not getting a Thai cultural experience on Phi Phi. Have you seen MTV Spring Break? I'm sure they have filmed from Phi Phi before.


Phi Phi was a blast and really should only be experienced in terms of a Las Vegas trip. Get out of there within 48 hours and you'll save yourself from doing a lot of explaining to the loved ones for the reckless behavior and potential jail time. However, the jail time wouldn't be horrible. The cells overlook the bay and the night stay would most likely be free before they kick you off the island. Back to Phi Phi, we go!

Full Album of Phi Phi Island

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