Friday, April 06, 2007
4th March Part 4. A Walk on Panyee.
On the way back from James Bond Island we stopped at Panyee, a small island village which is thriving as a result of the tourist trade.
The boats tie up on the East side of the island and most people go no further than the smart restaurant serving up meals by the dozens. Some may begin to explore the warren of narrow alleyways beyond the restaurant lined with stalls selling jewellery and ornaments and local crafts.
Five years ago I bought some kitchen tools made of coconut wood, and we bought a lovely piece of wood shaped like the Phang Nga scenery which has been on display in our living room ever since with some silk poppies and a few silk orchids which we bought in Phuket City one year.
This time all I wanted was memories and photographs and I went beyond the alleyways of stalls to the real village for a short walk.
Our boat is approaching Panyee.
This photo was taken on our outward journey, passing the west side of Panyee Island showing houses and the Mosque. I presume that Panyee is predominatly Muslim. On Phuket about 30% of the population are Muslim - most are Buddhist. There are also some Christian communities.
The religious groups live together in easy harmony in this part of Thailand.
Another view of the houses. Look closely and you can see the head of a young boy swimming in the water.
The boats tie up on the East side of the island and most people go no further than the smart restaurant serving up meals by the dozens. Some may begin to explore the warren of narrow alleyways beyond the restaurant lined with stalls selling jewellery and ornaments and local crafts.
Five years ago I bought some kitchen tools made of coconut wood, and we bought a lovely piece of wood shaped like the Phang Nga scenery which has been on display in our living room ever since with some silk poppies and a few silk orchids which we bought in Phuket City one year.
This time all I wanted was memories and photographs and I went beyond the alleyways of stalls to the real village for a short walk.
Our boat is approaching Panyee.
This photo was taken on our outward journey, passing the west side of Panyee Island showing houses and the Mosque. I presume that Panyee is predominatly Muslim. On Phuket about 30% of the population are Muslim - most are Buddhist. There are also some Christian communities.
The religious groups live together in easy harmony in this part of Thailand.
I don't know how long there has been electricity in Panyee. But you can see that there are cables - and television aerials.
I love Thai birdcages. One day I will bring one back with me and hang it with a plant inside.
I love Thai birdcages. One day I will bring one back with me and hang it with a plant inside.
In Thailand, naturally, the cages are for birds. It is a common interest and there are regular bird competitions to find champion beauties and singers.
Thai people enjoy their gardens and even here, on an island in the ocean, the residents grow plants.
Lots of plants in pots outside this colourful corrugated iron house.
I walked across the island. Here is the view on the west side looking through the plants on a balcony.
Another view of the houses. Look closely and you can see the head of a young boy swimming in the water.
Not everybody has the new fangled electrical gadgets. This woman was ironing with a traditional iron outside her house.
