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Published: September 8th 2007
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Ko Samui is very much like you'd expect - full of tourists getting drunk and sunburnt. I don't mean this in a condescending way as most of us did both of these things - but it's not the tropical paradise it could be as the tourism that's so important for the economy seems to be ruining it's appearence. I can't judge though, being a tourist myself...
The ferry journey took about three hours and was really comfortable - we all sat on the top and either read, listened to music and/or admired the scenery. It is so hot down there though that it was impossible for me to stand in the sun for too long. Our new guide had already warned us about how expensive it'd be down South compared with in the North and she suggested that we make our first stop at Tesco. It was quite surreal being in a Thai Tesco - it's way bigger and better than the one at Helsby, clothes and everything! We also bought cheap beer (Chang all the way!)and Thai whiskey and Oreos (our biscuit of choice at the moment). It was difficult to organise as supermarkets here are crazy at the
weekend too so we left pretty soon after arriving - which was a good thing because I'd choose the beach over Tesco anyday.
We arrived at our accomodation after a short bus journey, and though it was basic we were all together and there was a pool, beach front and free buffet breakfast! The rest of the first day was spent in the water - it was beautiful and clear and so nice to relax in after all of the travelling. That night we went out onto the main street which comprised of pubs, clubs, restaurants and some market stalls. A possible visit to a Ladyboy show had been mentioned, but Aaron was vehemently against going after we'd been warned that men get dragged onto the stage and humiliated. We didn't end up going in the end - had a nice meal and some drinks and then headed back. Some people in our group did, however, and poor Rob (he of the infamous evil elephant and insect-bite-infected-foot) got put into a red dress and paraded about. He took it really well - and looked good in the blonde curly wig! People should be careful at these sorts of shows
though, as some of the ladyboys don't seem to respect boundaries.
The next day (after a very satisfying breakfast!) was spent at the beach. We did exert some amounts of effort - we rented a kayak and me, Aaron and Brid went quite some distance. It was nice to be able to explore a bit more further out in the water. After that we all played volleyball in the water for a while, we had loads of fun and it got quite competitive.
That night we stayed around the chalets and drank our local whiskey and (gasp - I know, not eating local food) ordered pizza. It was just so much fun to relax and have a night in with easy food. The food was really good but we got loads of random free portions of chicken. Rob had also requested potato wedges but they were lost in translation. We all got a bit tipsy and played some drinking games with cards, I think it was called something like 'Kings'? It was a good laugh anyway, Michelle and Mariele were educating us on American drinking games.
The next day we travelled to Ko Tao - and we'd
all heard good things about the island and were excited. Unfortunately we had to change ferries half way because there wasn't one direct from Samui. These boats weren't as good as they were much smaller and busier - the journey was an hour and a half - then a land break and then another hour and a half. It was worth it when we arrived on the island - it was beautiful.
We all got off the boat into the intense heat with our heavy bags and climbed a short hill too our vehicle which took us to our accomodation. Nobody liked where we were staying - it was very basic and much worse than what we'd had previously. Four of the girls ended up upgrading their room. Me and Aaron are used to bad accomodation at this point on our trip, and so long as there's a bed, shower and a fan we're reasonably content - I don't blame them for shanging though as they were at the end of their trip and wanted some luxury. We were all still nearby one another and ate most meals as a group as usual.
We stayed in Ko Tao
for three nights, and it was the perfect tropical island. In the daytimes we'd lie on the beach, read and swim and in the evenings we went out to eat and then to some really nice bars. Our favourite was 'Lotus Bar' which Candy and Emma (who we reunited with after our trekking trip) introduced us too. There's an outside part at the front where everyone sits and just buys drinks from the 7 Eleven up the road. You can watch the fire dancers and even go into the still-warm water to dance or just cool down. We went there all three nights and I'd advise anyone to go if they visit Tao. One night we ran into Eve and Emma who we'd met on the journey to Laos. It was really good to see them again, and strange how you see people when you least expect too (I think I must have looked very shocked - pleased too though!)
On the second day some members of the group decided (possibly after their enjoyment of it in Koh Sok) to rent mopeds. Brid and Martin got Quad Bikes, and I was quite jealous of them, but not enough to
risk these Thai roads. Me and Aaron's resistance of the mopeds proved justified as Lydia had a slight accident and ended up having to pay the company quite a lot to fix a light. Luckily she was okay and only needed cleaning up, but she seemed very shocked (as you would be). Not to be outdone, Rob then drove a little too fast on sand, with Anne on the back of his bike, and they also fell off. They were worse injured than Lydia - Rob needed four stitches on his elbow and neither of them were allowed into the sea for a few days. It could have been so much worse though, and luckily all three of them still enjoyed the rest of their time on the island. I think everyone really felt for Rob especially though because he seems to be suffering so much physical pain on this trip, but he remains really lovely and funny about everything.
Our last day came far too quickly and we had lunch with Candy and Emma and headed back to meet everyone else. Martin, Charlotte and Rob were staying there for a few days extra and moved into their plush
new places. I'm very jealous - and also happy for them getting some extra time in paradise.
We are unfortunately now in Bangkok. Last night's night train was really bumpy and I hardly slept. We are, however, planning to watch England V USA tonight, so fingers crossed they play so well I stay awake!
We're flying to Hong Kong at midday tomorrow, and getting there at 6ish. We're both extra excited bacause Rose from our group is Chinese and has visited Hong Kong and has been advising us on good things to do, see and eat.
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Ann
non-member comment
Lager louts!!
Can't believe you've been encouraging my son to drink on street corners!! If he knows he can save money he'll be standing outside the Queens Head in Frodsham with a can of beer, watching the football through the window!! Tell him to stop sponsoring Everton and to buy Carlsberg instead. Take care, can't wait to see you both SOON. Annxxx