All too soon, it's time to leave Bangkok and head for the beach on the island of Koh Samui. Island? That means a ferry, and I don't do boats. When I booked this 'coach' trip I failed to factor in the amount of island hopping that would require ferries. It's probably a good thing cos I wouldn't be here writing this now, if I had. It's pissing down with rain as we reach the port and I'm not encouraged by the choppy looking sea, nor the ancient rust bucket that purports to be our safe passage to the island of Koh Samui. Beach holiday? Who needs it? But there's no time to waste worrying as we are just in time to catch the ferry before the one we'd planned. There's mild panic as everyone falls over each other gathering bags, rucksacks and various other bits and pieces that have been left on the bus and we make a mad dash through the rain for the terminal. Fortunately for us, we make it and survive the 2 hour trip to the island. Unfortunately for us this is the last ferry to the island before the storm hits and isolates us for 3 days. As I look out of my beach hut at monsoon like downpours, listen to the storm waves crashing on the beach at night, and look at the rain with lightning as my only nightlight, I wonder how we are going to get through the next few days without tvs, Ipods, laptops, phones, e-readers, even camera batteries. Does this mean we will have to make our own entertainment?
In the morning total devastation waits to greet us. Fortunately, the huts are on stilts, which means we only have to wade through the water to get our breakfast. Fortunately, an extra large freezer, means that breakfast, lunch and dinner are still available. Also fortunately, stocks of beer and local rum are high. It's still raining and the beach is awash with debris from the storm. The town is also under water and there's more on the way. Our dream of Thai massages, lying on a sun soaked beach, then cooling off in warm blue waters is replaced by a tropical depression. Periodically, the power returns and, eventually, is fully restored allowing us to replenish our electronic gadgets. I finish my first book of the trip!
The last night is Michele's birthday. It's November the 5th and Michele LOVES fireworks. More importantly, the local supermarket stocks a wide range of explosive devices. We wade through thigh deep water to procure rockets, roman candles and sparklers, ever hopeful that the rain will abate enough to allow the spectacular display we are sure he will provide, given enough fireworks.
As if by magic, the evening is still and calm. Plans are drawn. Roles are allocated and timings set. It's a boy's delight...and us girls quite enjoyed it too.
In the morning total devastation waits to greet us. Fortunately, the huts are on stilts, which means we only have to wade through the water to get our breakfast. Fortunately, an extra large freezer, means that breakfast, lunch and dinner are still available. Also fortunately, stocks of beer and local rum are high. It's still raining and the beach is awash with debris from the storm. The town is also under water and there's more on the way. Our dream of Thai massages, lying on a sun soaked beach, then cooling off in warm blue waters is replaced by a tropical depression. Periodically, the power returns and, eventually, is fully restored allowing us to replenish our electronic gadgets. I finish my first book of the trip!
The last night is Michele's birthday. It's November the 5th and Michele LOVES fireworks. More importantly, the local supermarket stocks a wide range of explosive devices. We wade through thigh deep water to procure rockets, roman candles and sparklers, ever hopeful that the rain will abate enough to allow the spectacular display we are sure he will provide, given enough fireworks.
As if by magic, the evening is still and calm. Plans are drawn. Roles are allocated and timings set. It's a boy's delight...and us girls quite enjoyed it too.
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