Koh Samui

Koh Samui,our last destination in Asia and largest island in Thailand, proved to be one of the more tourist-oriented stops on our trip. The beach front is filled with resorts of all levels and its hard to go a few steps without offerings of “Massssaaaage” or “Hi boss, cheap suit for you?” Needless to say Nick is quite popular with the “ladyboys”. Our past couple of days here have been relaxing as we “splurged” for an ocean view room in one of the nicest places we have stayed thus far. The theme of Thailand has definitely been one of good prices, especially during low season, as locals are quick to offer discounts and the islands sights are ours to explore. While on Samui, much of our time has been spent at the beach, in the pool, wandering the streets and taking in the sights, Big Buddah included. One place that was not so sleepy, however, was the Chaweng Stadium. Last night we took in our first of seven Muay Thai Fights.

The stadium was filled with locals and tourists alike who watched as two of the seven matches ended in knock outs. Also of note, was the hilarious Thai instrumental band that played during the fights and the Lady Gaga interludes between rounds. If there is one thing we are going to miss, it will be the familar brands with Asia's own unique interpretations (Right to left: Grilled Shrimp, Soft Shell Crab, Sea Weed, Blueberry Hazelnut, Lemon Sesame and the usuals).

Now we are off to Greece, to meet up with Rebecca and Jeff for more sun, sights and adventures!!
NR & LTH

Haad Leela - Koh Phangan!

After the rainstorm passed, we decided to go big on our first night in Koh Phangan. It is, after all, a notorious party island. Thankfully for us, Thai people love the moon and we heard about a big Half Moon Party. We met a lot of other travelers and we stayed for the long haul (until 8:30am, to be exact). Needless to say, the whole next day was filled with naps and Gravol but well worth it for the fun we had the night before.

Yesterday, we woke up early and we each rented a Moped for about $4.25CAD, each for the day. We saw some elephants and got muddy and sweaty before eventually finding a very out of the way viewpoint restaurant. It was the best view we've seen thus far. It wouldn't be a day trip without Lauren falling off her bike at about 5km/h, so she did just that. She suffered a scrape or two and the loss of some dignity, so no need to worry.

We capped off the night with a dinner on the beach and some cards. A day can't get much better than that. As our time in Thailand reaches an end, we are both wondering if we'll ever go back to cereal and toast for breakfast... as we have gotten so accustomed to Pad Thai and Cashew Vegetable Stirfrys as our 9a.m. breakfasts. We leave to Koh Samui tomorrow and we'll have more updates soon!

-NR

Koh Phangan!

Our new home for the next couple days!! So we have arrived in Koh Phangan, better late than never right? Even with the monsoon strength rain that met us just as we got off the boat, we can already tell that this is going to be a great place. Our room is 10ft from the ocean (at high tide) and there are palm trees by the dozen! More updates to come with hopefully some sunny photos, too :)

LTH

Turtle Island

More news from Turtle island (Koh Tao). As it turns out four days just wasn't quite enough! Nick and I unanomusly agreed to extend our stay here, as the warm waters, sandy beaches and sunsets seem to have captured our attention.


Maybe it's the laid back nature of our our resort who's food is unparalled to any we have had thus far and at 3 dollars a dish no one is complaining or that the dive sites that surround the island offer somethig for everyone. Did I mention that nick and I went diving? Because we did! What better a place for nick to lose his diving virginity! The water is warm and the sights are many. After swiming through a school of hundreds and visiting Nemo there isn't much I would change about the waters of Koh Tao! I really don't think I can emphasize how much we have enjoyed our time here and as such we will most definitely be leaving wanting more as we move on to our next island, Koh Phangan.


LTH

Koh Tao!

As it turns out, it would be a tedious day of travel to get to the full moon part,y as contrary to our travel advisor's advice, the ferries did not go every hour... So with a quick change of plans and tips from some new friends we were off to Koh Tao the following morning. Upside of missing the party you ask? Not having to hurl remnents of the previous evening over the rails, as our boat carried on to Koh Tao, as we witnessed so many times that morning.

Koh Tao, what an incredible place to renew our energy after many days of travelling. It is amazing the little things we have come to appreciate while on the road; T-shirts that actually fit after splurging for a laundry service instead of the ring and wear, food that doesen't come in a package and our own bathroom complete with toilet paper. There is still however, the staple hose beddae strapped to the toliet (we have yet to work up the courage to try it).

Aside from the little comforts we are finding here, there is also the magic of this place. Crystal clear waters at temperatures of a warm bath and gorgeous sunsets in view from our hotel hangout (complete with games and friends by the handful). In short, we love this place and our four days here may just not be enough.


LTH & NR

Thailand!

Hi there!
So Nick and I have safetly made to it to Thailand in what has been a travel heavy portion of our journey. Today is the Full Moon party in Koh Phangan and we are currently bumping and winding along the long road from Phuket to Surat Thani to Koh Samui and ending this evening by joining in the festivities of The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan! What was shaping up to be just a long tedious day of transportation has actually served to give a great base for what this part of Thailand is like, specifically areas that are off the tourist trail. We have passed small villages with palm thacthed roofs, kids playing soccer, stray dogs, roosters, women cooking and whole families flicking past on scooters as they carry out their days. We are definitely endevouring to enjoy the ride just as much as each destination. Especially of note is the intense greens of the vegetation that surrounds us and is continually unfolding with each corner. To say the least Nick and I are very excited to embrace a slowed down phase of island living while we remain in Thailand for our last two weeks in South East Asia.
Photos and more to come when we have access to a proper computer

LTH

Bali - Kuta and Padang Padang

Padang Padang Beach

So after a very fun-filled night of extremely cheap drinking and friend making in Kuta, Bali, we cabbed down to Padang Padang on a whim for a two night stay at Rapture Surf Camp. Think of paradise, a very communal way of living and foreigners from all over the world. There's a Russian Olympic snowboarder and a guitarist from a big band in Berlin!

Small Waves at Kuta Beach

We went surfing back at Kuta beach but that doesn't compare to the waves in Padang Padang . Sure, we stood up a couple of times but the water here is above our heads and if you miss your wave and bail, the next 4 waves will keep crashing down on you. It's definitely a great way to sample the taste of ocean water.

Padang Padang (waves are larger than they appear)

We have one more night at Rapture and then we're back off to Kuta for a few nights before leaving to Thailand. We just didn't get enough time in at that insanely fun city known as Kuta.... More fun stories to come!

-NR