Christmas Eve arrived while we were on an overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. Initially a 10 hour trip which went on to be a 12 hour trip. Westerners like to joke about 'Thai time', this is whatever time it usually takes plus an hour or two for any mishaps that happen...and there are always mishaps. So our train arrived in Surat Thani at 7.30am and we quickly grabbed some snacks for lunch. We were supposed to have a bit of time for breakfast at some local restaurants but our guide informed us that the bus was already there to take us to the ferry over to Koh Sumui. We hopped on the bus, but surprise, as usual there was some mishaps.... Some guys from somewhere in Europe tried to board the bus without tickets so one of the little Thai ladies who worked for the bus company pretty much tried to hound them off the bus with shouting and all but this wasn't working, so our quiet and pleasant male tour guide, also a Thai national was talked into trying to calm the situation. The southern Thai's aren't the most patient, so our northern Thai tour guide came to the rescue, leaving the bus terminal not long after. The ferry ride was a little choppy but overall a relaxing time to get to know our other new group members better.
From the original group there are two Aussies & a South African. Now we have 5 Aussies, a South African, a Canadian, a Tanzanian and 2 New Zealander's.

We ventured out to one of the many waterfalls this afternoon after a nice refreshing shower upon arriving. Had a nice swim there and also got a bit of a tour around the island. Not a bad start to our southern tour.

Wishing everyone a merry christmas from Koh Sumui. Take care, wherever you are!