With one of the local guides on the ferry back from our day trip.
The perks of traveling in a pair (especially with another girlfriend), I realised yet again, is that it opens up many possibilities of friendships and short chats on the trip. People are more likely to talk to you, be it tourists or locals. Of course, once in a while, bored local men try to get your attention on the streets, but most of the people we met were really friendly and interesting.
On one of the guided tours, we started talking quite abit with a few of our tour guides. Usual holidayish things aside, I had a glimpse into the lives of these tour guides away from their jobs. Most of them are around our age, either having finish education equivalent of polytechnic or are pursuing part-time degrees. As cliched as it sounds, I saw the dreams of these local boys, who are experienced yet innocent, younger yet older than us at the same time.
One of them had to stop university because he had to start contributing to his family income. So he started working as a tour guide and pursues his degree on his off-days. Local universities have that kinda arrangement. He wants to be a musician. He has been to Hong Kong and wants to save enough money to see the world. He wanted to exchange emails with me to keep in touch. (Sadly, I couldn't get through the address he gave me.)
I was touched. By their simplicity, aspirations and determination. It makes me think if we've been taking our country, our moderate wealth, our education system and even the world with the ease of travel for granted. I guess Sociology of Tourism did have an effect on Sarah and I! Haha.
So, that's just one of the things that left me thinking after my Phuket trip, and something I'd like to share and remember.
Here's to dreams, no matter where or who you are.
