Most of our time in Koh Samui was spent in horizontal position, wether floating on the sea or sleeping on the beach. In the few moments of real awakeness we managed to stuff ourselves with fresh tropical fruit and all sorts of fish( including sharks and lobsters). Food here is a bless!
To be honest, we also had a peak of activity and went for a day boat trip to Ang Thong Marine Park, a group of 42 little islands between here and the main land. Impressive trip! We climbed, literally on a rope, up to the top of an island from which the view is unbelievable, went kayaking and snorkelling around. We were lucky enough to see a couple of dolphins jumping when we left on our boat.
In Koh Samui we visited the main beaches, Chaweng and Lamai, two long White sands stripes with palm trees and some, too many, resorts at the back. Lamai, more quiet than Chaweng, was our favourite and it's the best spot if you enjoy swimming and waiting for the evening with a book and a cold Shinga beer.
For 5 bucks a day we rented two scooters to reach some of the beaches, it has been great fun to cross villages and drive by the coast looking around while trying to understand Thai culture a bit more. I should admit this is probably one of those places where getting to breath Thailand is extremely challenging as the island is full of attractions directed to satisfy tourists, in terms of comfort/ drinks/entertainment/ ladies. This obviously results in a good level of tacky people and scenarios. We managed to avoid them quite well, but we also fully enjoyed some of the comforts while resting by the pool of our hotel and tasting some of the best Mojitos ever. The thai people we got in touch with have been sweet,welcoming and constantly trying to understand how to help. I respect greatly their kindness , smiles and good manners, as well as their incredible attention to details.
Oh sure... How can I forget this?!? We also received a total body massage, heaven! At least for me, Ed received it from a chubby young boy so I am not quite sure if he enjoyed it as much..
Tonight is time to fly again, we'll get to visit Bangkok briefly before diving in another stark contrast and landing in snowy New Zealand, where we'll probably be the only two tanned people around.