Island life begins!
We weren't particularly looking forward to our Bangkok reunion, the combination of heat and street smell were not going to be welcomed with open arms! However on return it was hot, but we could handle it and the smell, well everywhere in Asia smelt like that so my sense of smell must have become accustomed! It actually felt good to be back. For the first time we walked into a country and we knew our way around, no maps required!
We booked to leave that night straight for Koh Tao and had a good 6 hours to spare so headed straight for the hotel we'd stayed at originally for a spot of free wifi. To our delight Lou and Daz were also arriving in Bangkok that afternoon heading home from their island holiday so we arranged a little rendezvous. It was so good to see a face from home, and handy to get a bit of a heads up on the top spots....they also tortured us with photos of their £120 a night rooms; We are desperate for a decent shower and a room with no bugs!
On Sunday 10th, night bus and ferry dealt with we arrived in Koh Tao. Our resort was delightful, bungalows set in within the hills and its own little beach. Of course we had the cheapest hut, simply a wooden hut with a bed, fan and obviously a less than average shower. Welcome the bugs - they've had a decent meal out of us these last couple of nights.
Koh Tao also brought more sibling meet ups and a few days later Chloe and Antony arrived on their island holiday. They treated us to some beer (skint travellers cant even afford drinks) and as Koh Tao is the best place to dive we planned an island tour the next day to the best snorkelling spots on our very own private long tail boat.
Here we go...so we arrive at the first bay - Shark Bay, where we were to see Reef Shark. We were a little concerned that we would be plunging onto a sharks dinner plate but were reassured that they were safe so jumped in. Now the Newton's are first time snorkelers and the water here was very choppy. No more needs to be said as minutes later both clambered out. Liam seemed rather panicked after swallowing about a litre of sea water and flopped onto the deck, we decided then it was time to move on. However as he was still struggling to get his breath back he suddenly hurled himself over the side of the boat and projectile vomited into the lush blue Thailand ocean! Classic Liam - a bad combination of last nights beer, salt water and waves got the better of him. Our boat driver was babe and came running to the rescue with two freezing cold bottles of water, one of which he poured all over Liam's head, saying 'sorry' in advance. Thankfully he felt much better after and we continued our trip - it was amazing. We found a shallower spot and The Newton's gave snorkelling another bash, this time with ease and they both loved it!
We're sticking with Chloe and Antony for the next week and heading to Krabi tomorrow where with any luck our room with AIRCON, will have a decent shower and comfy bed, it's the little things right now we crave.