Koh Tao Fun 17th June- 11th September 2012

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So this blog has been a long time coming but what a 3 months it has been. Koh Tao is our favourite place on this trip so far. However during our first few days we were not convinced. Having been here before you sort of expect everything to be the same and how you left it last time. I know it never is in reality but we hoped. But where as before we went straight to our luxury resort of Jamakiri this time budgets meant we got 2 nights in a basic room with Bans Diving. Worlds apart. On top of this Mark was very unsure he even wanted to dive. Too nervous and without our buddy Chris to guide him the terrors set in. We had a few dive centres to look at so set off in search of more permanent accomodation and a school to call home for a while. First was Master Divers, and although friendly enough we were not convinced they were the school for us, more SSI than PADI. Besides Chris would have disowned us forever if his 2 best students had gone over to the dark side!! So we moved on and met Natalie from Sunshine Divers and was immediately met with warm smiles from Kim and Basstian sitting on the beach. This felt right, now just for Mark to love it too! After a long chat we decided to complete our advance courses taking it step by step hoping Mark started to enjoy MY hobby. Tam was our teacher and she gave us our options, I kinda wish she didnt tell Mark what he was going to be doing as it just made him worse, Deep dive to 30m followed by a wreck dive and a night dive. Mmmmmmm this wasn't going to be easy. However, he did me proud and after almost being sick off the back of the boat for our first night dive there was no stopping him! Advance became rescue and then the awaited Divemaster course was on.

Our accomodation improved by us blowing the budget, anything to stop the bug watch patrol at night. Viking House was our digs, and lovely they were. 2 Bed apartment with pool overlooking the whole of Sairee Beach, we could have admired the view for days, and did most evenings.

Sunshine became our daily haunt and they all soon became friends. Pool party after pool party, Stew night, sushi nights, games nights, the list is endless. We even had a dinner club with Dave our resident organiser making sure we had dined in every worthy establisment in Tao by the time we left. We were not disappointed. The Thai cuisine E San soon became our favourite with Moo Tod, Nam Toc and and Laab frequenting our bellies. Some of our favourite restaurants included First Som Tam, Taste of Home, Duck 995, Kitchen, Ying Yang and Tukta. Would highly recommend all.

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Comments

[Sara]

Loving it!!
Loved the blog and sounds like you had an amazing time!! Your both love amazing too, so golden brown and so glad the diving was such a success! Love to you both xx