Koh Tao, Thailand

After our two month trek across Russia, Mongolia and China we finally reached the ocean! Practically falling onto our knees on the beach and throwing our arms in the air James and I vowed there was to be no talk of leaving here -excessive time in hammocks and lying on the white sands was our only agenda! There were certainly no arguments from Grainne on that one.

And so we stayed for almost ten days soaking up the sun, sea and sumptuous seafood! Absolute heaven. The food was excellent and cheap - no more Beijing belly! We acquired an amazing bungalow on the beach where stepped out every morning to beautiful palm trees and sea views. Our days consisted of lying on the sand, floating in tropical waters and stuffing our faces with the best seafood I've ever had( huge king prawns, barracuda, red and white snapper, tuna etc)!


James and I rented a kayak and paddled out a bit around a nearby headland where he did some exploring with a snorkel. After such exertion we settled on beanbags on the beach for the remainder of the evening. Rehydration was summoned in the form of cocktails.


Another day we joined forces with friends from home (Jamie and Sara, Johannes and Sylvia) and went on a snorkeling trip around the island. Gra and I discovered that it was a fantastic hangover cure! The name of the first stop (Shark Point) didn't entice me into the water, certainly not in my fragile state! James bobbed around nonchalently. A Thai man in the water waved his snorkel in the air exclaiming he saw a shark (black tip sharks are common to the area) before diving down to follow it! Lunatic! That was enough to convince me to stay on the boat and enjoy a coffee with those who had similar feelings to me.


However after that I did venture into the water. We stopped every so often jumping in snorkeling and swimming around in beautifully clear water looking at fish and coral. It was brilliant. Lunch on the boat and then onwards to a small secluded island just off Koh Tao which you';re required to pay a fare to visit. A sandspit connected it to a sea stack which had private bunglaows dotted on it. Ultimate seclusion. We lazed on the sandspit there, ate lunch and marvelled at the beauty of the place before heading back to our own piece of paradise on Koh Tao.

After Bangkok and parting of ways with the lads it was a welcome sign to see our amigos arrive again and revel with them in our idyllic surroundings. Their stay was to be short lived however due to their desire to expediate the adventure in order to fit as much as possible into their remainding weeks in S.E. Asia.We did however hit the road again together in the form of mopeds, exploring the island and catching up! Hinwong Bay on the other side of the island to where we stayed is beautiful and much more quiet. Steep inclines and bumpy paths added to the adventure!


While on the island massages were had by all, James had a small Thai women walk on his back - no photos unfortunately! Grainne and I indulged ourselves with manicures and pedicures! James opted out of that one. Overall we lived like kings and queens for the week. Excellent! W'ell be back...