December 17, 2013

It feels good to relax a little the past two days!  We decided to see Bangkok from the Chao Phraya River – after heavy negotiations with the boat people, we were off on an hour ride….

At one point, we stopped at stopped off by a sign saying “feed the fish for good luck.”  The  boat driver gave us a package of bread.  As we threw bits in the water, hundreds of giant catfish erupted to the surface and started to splash about in competition for the food.

After we got off the boat, we wandered around the city near the river….

We explored the Siam Center – it seems like each mall is more upscale than the previous!

December 18, 2013

We are taking the sleeper train south from Bangkok to Chumphon, then a bus to the ferry to an island called Koh Tao – Turtle Island – in the Gulf of Thailand.

We went to the dining car for dinner and when we returned to our seats they were made into beds with sheets and pillows.  We slept okay – the ride was a bit bumpy and loud – but it was comfortable!  We arrived at our station about 6:00 am., boarded a bus for the 20-minute ride to the dock and boarded the ferry at 7:00 am.

The ferry ride was 2 hours on rough seas – 10 foot swells.  Most people were getting sick…. it was a relief to get off the boat!!!!!

The island is really pretty – our room is in the jungle with a great view of Sairee Beach….

 

We rented a dirt bike to get around the island.  Driving on the left side was a bit terrifying at first (!!!!), but Scott adapted quickly.

 One afternoon, we explored the Dusit Buncha resort – it is built right into the rocks along the edge of the island.  

We took a dirt road over to Mango Bay – we came over a hill to see several Thai young men and a huge pile of groceries.  They pointed and told us that down the hill off the road was the way to the beach.  We parked the bike and took the path – straight down.  They were carrying supplies to the resort which are normally brought in by boat, but because the sea was too rough they were carrying everything down this hill – wow!  They loaded bundles onto each end of a stick they had over their shoulders – one guy had a large container of eggs on one end with toilet paper on the other.  The way down was much easier than coming back – Scott dragged me all the way back up the hill!  The second load of supplies in a pick up was arriving as we left.  I think those guys will be happy when the seas calm down!!!!

December 24, 2013

We found a resort that served a Christmas turkey dinner.  It was delicious!  The view from their dining area was beautiful.

We rented a jungle house that overlooked Sairee Beach for part of our stay on Koh Tao – the jungle noises lulled us to sleep every night.  Watching the New Year arrive was pretty amazing – endless fireworks, hundreds of lanterns floating upwards… we finally went to sleep, but I don’t think the island ever did!

Happy New Year!  May this year be filled with blessings and joy for you, our family and friends!