Jaunted

After spending some quality time in the subzero temperatures of Siberia, we're sure the heat of India was a welcome change. This week, teams are headed off to Phuket, Thailand, which is also known for its sweltering heat and humidity. All remaining six teams are on the same flight to Phuket. Once there, they must find the statue of a gorilla pictured in their clue. All of the teams head off to the Phuket Zoo with the exception of Mel and Mike who get misled on a side trip to Patong Beach -- where there are definitely no gorillas.

Once at the zoo, team members are instructed to take a photo with a tiger, and then participate in an elephant routine where the elephants will walk over them, and squat on one of them. After completing this, they must head back to the tiger handler -- who only has one arm, by the way -- who will give them their next clue. We're not sure which is more dangerous, but the tiger pic is definitely an amazing momento from the Race.

Next, teams head to Nguan Choon Tong Herbs Shop. Once there, they must direct the shop keeper to open the 99 different herb drawers to find the next clue. Jaime and Cara bossed that poor guy around -- they approved themselves to be completely impatient and mean spirited. Many of the other teams kept their cool and good humor, and managed to find their clues quickly.

DETOUR
Teams must choose between 100 Barrels or 2 Miles. In 100 Barrels, teams must prepare a boat for a fishing journey by arranging 100 barrels and filling them with water. In 2 Miles, teams pull a rickshaw through the streets for two miles in the heat and humidity of Thailand. Mark and Michael opt for the rickshaw and end up looking like Oompa Loompas on parade. Mark gets sneaky and tries to hide some of the equipment needed by the other teams. They direct their taxi driver to lead them to the Pit Stop, which is against the rules. Over at 100 Barrels, Kisha and Jen are slinging barrels and Mel and Mike are doing a great job catching up with them. In the end, Kisha and Jen finish first and take off for the Pit Stop.

PIT STOP
This week, its Wat Thep Nimit Temple, best known for housing a piece of the Buddha's remains, was the Pit Stop for this leg of the race. Mark and Michael arrived first, but receive two, count 'em two thirty minute penalties for their fouls. First, tampering with other team's equipment is a strict no-no, and second, they were not allowed to hire anyone to show them to the Pit Stop destination. It just goes to show, if you are going to be tricky and sneaky, don't get tagged with a penalty, dummy. So, first place went to Victor and Tammy who won a trip for two to Oahu. Maybe they can be extras on LOST? Jaime and Cara landed in second with Mark and Michael taking the third slot after their penalties expired. Margie and Luke clawed their way into fourth, with Margie fainting from heat and dehydration on the finish mat. After a few dramatic camera angles and panicky editing, she is revived and healthy.

OUSTED
It was a tough finish, but Mel and Mike landed in last place and were eliminated. We'll definitely miss their quirky personalities and 'can-do' attitude.

IN TWO WEEKS
OMG! It looks like taxicab karaoke in Bangkok, Thailand! Also, Mark and Michael misplace a backpack and start losing their cool.