Koh Samui

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Seriously, it's taken a whole week to muster the energy to open the laptop and compose this blog entry. That's not through not wanting to write; the intense heat and humidity here makes even the simplest of activities a major operation. Completing all the tasks to get showered and dressed in the morning feels like having climbed Everest with an elephant on my back. So, it's full-on relaxation mode here, whether we like it or not.

The flight from Singapore last Monday was OK, although I wasn't at all reassured that the tiny doll-like girl and boy stewards on this Bangkok Airways flight would be able to execute emergency procedures in the event of incident. Fortunately, we safely arrived at Koh Samui airport. The new privately owned airport is reputed to be the most beautiful airport in the world, and is probably an improvement on the rustic tin shed that it replaced. But an expanding airport it a sure sign of an increase in development and tourism on the island...

We're staying at Shambala Beach Bungalows on Big Buddha Beach, in a beach bungalow right by the sea. It's basic accommodation, as traditional beach bungalows are meant to be, but we've gradually adapted to not having air-con and other mod-cons, and the sea-breeze is quite adequate for a cool-down. Our bungalow comprises a bed, a fan, table and chairs, and an en-suite shower and toilet and at 800 bahts a night it's just the job.

The restaurant at Shambala makes lovely food to order, and the thai curries are fantastic, and really cheap; it's 120 bahts for the most expensive curry. The Massaman curry is particularly nice. And Em, the restaurant manager is always full of smiles, even when she's bringing us our umpteenth cup of tea for the day!

We've hired a scooter for a week for 1000 bahts (yes, about £16 for a whole week!) from a thai family across the road and so far we've managed a quick trip around the island to get our bearings, we've had a look around the Big Buddha temple, which we can see in the distance from our bungalow, and we've been for a drink at the Fisherman's Village at Bo Phut beach.

It's a little hair-raising on the bike, especially riding pillion, as the main road around the island is quite busy and there are several hazards like pot-holes, sand, dogs, and 4x4 drivers to watch out for. The 'Samui tattoo' is infamous, but hopefully we won't be having one of those if we ride with caution...

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Photos

Big Buddha Beach
... spot the Big Buddha in the distance...

Alien Versus Predator
All made out of motorcycle parts!

Comments

[Jo & Cathy]

Soooo Jealous
Your lovely little shed by the sea looks lovely. It rained so much here yesterday that I expected to see someone building an ark! What can you expect on a bank holiday?! Glad to see you're having a grand old time xxxx

[Lichie]

Hi Al & Mark!
Thanks for your comment guys. We went to Chaweng on the bike but it's a bit hectic there. We seem to have hit upon a nice part of Samui - the beach here is lovely. Not tried a thai massage yet, plucking up the courage as we're told they're not for the faint-hearted! Drag show sounds interesting... We got served by a Lady Boy in Tesco's the other day - yep, Tesco's is here would you believe, a huge store with all the usual Tesco Extra stuff. They call it Tesco Lotus to make it sound a bit more eastern but we know better - soon the whole world will shop at Tesco! Take care both, see you for a beer on our return! Jools n Stevo :-)

[Lichie]

Hi Jo & Cathy!
Thanks for your comment m'dears! Not a bad little shed for £13 a night, and curries £1.90! Blinkin typical to rain on a Bank Hol in Blighty... Get your arses over here, we've got chilled beers n everything! See you soon lovelies, Jools n Stevo :-)