TUK-TUK Travel Tales-It's THAILAND a trip report
Sep 19th, 2007 | 10:30 AM
#123
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Moo- you are right traveling can teat even the best frienships or relationships. Sounds the the north is someplace I've got to get to.
Cross- thanks and for the book rec.
Gpanda & rkk- I get the feeling you two could spell TROUBLE. LOL
The Rice House.
Upon arrival we are met by the staff. Seet, Boon, and Baung. Very sweet, Baung being the only english speaker. They take our bags and lead us down a shallow staircase to the first archway that leads to the Rice House. The Rice House is one of three villas built by an American Yachtsman named Charlie, who is awesome and we would meet on Sunday. The largest of the 3 is Eden Rock Villa considered the big house and Rice and Pinapple houses are the other two. We are also greeted by Dom, the dog that lives up the road, but cared for by Baung. The sweetest most adorable pup, I just fell in love with him and had serious thouhts about bringing him back. Baung said the owners don't take care of him and that she has a soft spot for him.She cooks him fried rice with egg every day. He would on and off stay at the villa with us.
Thru the first archway and over a wooden footbridge past a massage gazebo brings us to the carved wooden doors of the Rice House. All 3 houses are done in Teak and in traditional Balinese style, no detail too small. Charlie's collection of SE artworks in every medium is extensive and decorates the 3 homes.
Thru the wooden doors to the left a deck that leads to 1 of 2 bedrooms. With a view and ensuite bathroom, Robin and I had decided we wanted the top floor room so told the other 2 this one is yours. They went to drop their bags. We continue up an outdoor stone staircase to the middle level. Down an outdoor hallway a octagon shaped seperate structure to the right is the other bathroom. To the left the entrance to the living area. Awaiting us is Seet, Boon Baung and trays of pink fruit drinks.
The main living room is not huge but spacious with a kitchen in one corner. Two sides of the room are glass, teak framed doors that run the length of the wall.When open the room feels quite large and the breeze is great. Out the left is the pool area and further an outdoor barbeque and kitchen area. Out the front ,the deck with the most amazing view. table and chairs and where we would spend the most time. From a spiral stairway in the back right corner of the living area you access the upstairs bedroom. With soaring teak wood ceilings, a sitting area and seperate deck, it was all just beautiful.
When we first arrived their was no electricity, a problem on part of the island. We were assured it would be turned back on within an hour or two, it was. To be honest I could care less. We did have satellite TV in all rooms, computer with free internet and the fridge was stocked with beverages, and breakfast food all included. H and T came upstairs and it was the first time T gave major kudos for my planning. I had made the right choice. And even though Villa rose was bigger and had a crazy pool, I felt this house was more authentic and the perfect fit for an island vacation.
Baung told us if we need anything at anytime to dial 107 . Seet and Boone lived at the house that had the garage for our cars. Baung lived elsewhere and was only available from 8-5. I think we called once or twice in 2 days. Once definitly for a coffe machine lesson. I told Baung we wanted a speedboat Angthong tour for the next day, she said she would arrange it and did.
The picture do not do it justice, I've looked at them over and over, it's just so much more beautiful in person as everything is. Below alot of pix, couldn't pick the best, they are all good.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...5wk01&Ux=1
Cross- thanks and for the book rec.
Gpanda & rkk- I get the feeling you two could spell TROUBLE. LOL
The Rice House.
Upon arrival we are met by the staff. Seet, Boon, and Baung. Very sweet, Baung being the only english speaker. They take our bags and lead us down a shallow staircase to the first archway that leads to the Rice House. The Rice House is one of three villas built by an American Yachtsman named Charlie, who is awesome and we would meet on Sunday. The largest of the 3 is Eden Rock Villa considered the big house and Rice and Pinapple houses are the other two. We are also greeted by Dom, the dog that lives up the road, but cared for by Baung. The sweetest most adorable pup, I just fell in love with him and had serious thouhts about bringing him back. Baung said the owners don't take care of him and that she has a soft spot for him.She cooks him fried rice with egg every day. He would on and off stay at the villa with us.
Thru the first archway and over a wooden footbridge past a massage gazebo brings us to the carved wooden doors of the Rice House. All 3 houses are done in Teak and in traditional Balinese style, no detail too small. Charlie's collection of SE artworks in every medium is extensive and decorates the 3 homes.
Thru the wooden doors to the left a deck that leads to 1 of 2 bedrooms. With a view and ensuite bathroom, Robin and I had decided we wanted the top floor room so told the other 2 this one is yours. They went to drop their bags. We continue up an outdoor stone staircase to the middle level. Down an outdoor hallway a octagon shaped seperate structure to the right is the other bathroom. To the left the entrance to the living area. Awaiting us is Seet, Boon Baung and trays of pink fruit drinks.
The main living room is not huge but spacious with a kitchen in one corner. Two sides of the room are glass, teak framed doors that run the length of the wall.When open the room feels quite large and the breeze is great. Out the left is the pool area and further an outdoor barbeque and kitchen area. Out the front ,the deck with the most amazing view. table and chairs and where we would spend the most time. From a spiral stairway in the back right corner of the living area you access the upstairs bedroom. With soaring teak wood ceilings, a sitting area and seperate deck, it was all just beautiful.
When we first arrived their was no electricity, a problem on part of the island. We were assured it would be turned back on within an hour or two, it was. To be honest I could care less. We did have satellite TV in all rooms, computer with free internet and the fridge was stocked with beverages, and breakfast food all included. H and T came upstairs and it was the first time T gave major kudos for my planning. I had made the right choice. And even though Villa rose was bigger and had a crazy pool, I felt this house was more authentic and the perfect fit for an island vacation.
Baung told us if we need anything at anytime to dial 107 . Seet and Boone lived at the house that had the garage for our cars. Baung lived elsewhere and was only available from 8-5. I think we called once or twice in 2 days. Once definitly for a coffe machine lesson. I told Baung we wanted a speedboat Angthong tour for the next day, she said she would arrange it and did.
The picture do not do it justice, I've looked at them over and over, it's just so much more beautiful in person as everything is. Below alot of pix, couldn't pick the best, they are all good.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...5wk01&Ux=1
Sep 19th, 2007 | 02:22 PM
#125
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,880
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After settling in at the villa we all thought it best to get some essentials for the next 4 1/2 days. Plus Robin and I wanted to pick up some stuff for Dom. H and T weren't that interested in him. We pile in one jeep, I stupidly volunteer to sit in the back as does T. H and Robin up front. Pretty hair-raising ride down the hill at one point it felt vertical. We head to Tesco/Lotus a sort of Target Greatland where you can everything from groceries to clothing.
About 15 min. up the main road, it was very hot and the Samui sun very strong. By the time we got there I already had tan lines from my dress. We spent too long there picking up snacks, dog food and a raw hide bone, lots of alchohol and beverages, most left over by the time we left on Sunday. I hit the atm, was out of cash and all in all we spent about 3200 Baht.
We got lost on the way back, forgot where the turn was. We would turn around about 4 times before I start banging on the window from the back so Robin knew where to turn. The drive up the hill was much more difficult w/ T and I in back and at the steepest part we needed to get out. Finally home and Dom is there to greet us, tail wagging.
He follows us back to the villa. O.k. so, as Robin and H are unpacking the groceries and I grab for a bottled water, Robin remarks how strong the sun is. I reply I know it was really hot in the back especially on the ride back. I could feel the metal thru my clothes. Then, out of nowhwere, T exclaims I need to get out of here! and storms out. H follows her. Robin and I just look at each other like WTF. It was so bizarre. H comes back upstairs and Robin asks if T is o.k. H says yeah, she just needs a time out, she;s just overwhelmed. Robin says, overwhelmed? with what? the groceries? I tried not to laugh. H says, no, just everything and says again she just needs a time out. A time out? Isn't that what kids get when they misbehave. It was just odd.
In the meantime Dom is making himself at home under our coffee table. I lure him out with some alpo canned food. He loved it! Some jerky treats and finally a rawhide bone, his very first I'm sure. He would chew on it for 2 hours.I had every intention of spoiling this dog.
I couldn't listen to anymore of this ridiculousness surrounding T. Why not exit quietly instead of all the drama. Is it necessary to make everyone else feel uncomfortable. I guess it was. I wanted to relax. So into my suit and on to the pool. H and Robin would soon grab a lounge themselves. That pool was heaven. Bout 1/2 later T returns from the depths of her room. All smiles, Robin asks are you o.k. and snappishly she answers, Yeah, why? As if nothing happened. That girl was like Sybil. Awkward silence.
We all sat at the pool about 2 hours or so. T had gotten up and disappeared again. Not wanting to get too much sun the first day we move to the table on the deck. We wanted to go check out Chaweng Beach and do some shopping. We ask H do you guys want to go to Chaweng? Um, No, we're just gonna hang here. You sure, we ask. Yeah, T is napping but we definitly want to meet for dinner. She says they will text us before they leave. So Robin and I change and head to Chaweng with the plan to meet them for dinner.
Without a map, but we figure how hard can it be to find it. Not hard at all. Off the main road there is a turn with a sign saying Chaweng. We follow the small road thru a local area across an intracoastal type waterway and to Chaweng Beach. I liked Chaweng. I was happy we were not staying there, I can see that being much but it was a fun place to hang out. Not alot of people, we got the distinct feeling it was not high season. The entire trip we never met or heard any other Americans. Some Brits, mostly Aussies. Let me say Robin and I both agree we have got to go to Australia. They grow the guys real cute down there. lol. Anyway. Chaweng stretches for quite a ways. There are a ton of places selling things. Shops, boutiques, stalls, small markets. Loads of restaurants and bars and of course Starbucks.
First order of business was to get some sunglasses, I had forgotten to pack mine and had been borrowing one of Robin's. We pop into a stall selling fake birkenstocks and sunglasses. While I was trying glasses Robin was trying shoes. She was holding a bottle of tea and when she dropped her wallet some tea accidentally spilled. Uh, Oh. The look on that shopkeepers face, she was not Thai but Chinese. We apologize many times and Robin runs across the street to get some napkins to clean it up. Which she does. But the woman went and got her mop. We thought all was fine til another shopkeeper comes by and in Chinese the mop-holder begins to tell her about the tea spilling, full on pictionary acting it out and pointing to Robin. We just stood there watching. When the second vendor leaves the mop-holder says now with a smile, you found glasses. I didn't, should I buy some because of the tea? I decide not. As we leave, she shoos us with the mop yelling, I'm sure cursing us in her language. We found it amusing.
Thankfully things on the shopping front got a whole lot better. Sundresses, small wood carvings, buddhas. We bought a bit of everything.And bargaining was easy and the shopkeepers friendly. Then we found Wan's shop in an alleyway and she had silk robes! We had looked and looked for them in Chinatown. She had them in long and short, different design and colors plus kids silk p.j.'s. We spend about 15 min. deciding how many of what we want and then Robin goes in for the dealmaking. " What if we take 7 of these, 4 of those and 5 of these. Original prices I recall for the robes were 450 long 400 short. She came down in price quick. 280 for long 220 for short. Well that was easy and fair. We liked her, she was smiley and nice and it goes to show when sellers are nice you WANT to give them business. We bought a total of 7 robes,4 childs p,j's, 4 or 5 kid's dresses, all silk, probably all made in China. We would return there on Saturday.
We shopped our way a few blocks, stopped at Starbucks for our Samui mugs, it was around 8. I ask Robin did you get a text from the girls? She checked and said no. We skipped lunch and were getting pretty hungry so she texted them asking what time they wanted to meet for dinner. About 1/2 hour later she gets a text back. We already are almost done with dinner we went to Nathon, we'll meet for drinks thou. Didn't we make plans? Did they blow us off? They sure did and went to the opposite side of the island to boot. We both thought, how rude! If we hadn't texted them we'de still be waiting. That sneaky, crafty stuff went on and on.
We decide to go have a fabulous dinner. We pick the restaurant Red Snapper.
http://www.chawengregent.com/restau.html#
A nice modern air-conditioned restaurant with a bit of everything on the menu specializing of course in snapper. We felt we hadn't had a really nice dining on this trip yet so this was a treat. Plus our waiter Pat was so absolutely over the top fabulously queenie, that it was like having entertainment as well. He talked so fast I didn't understand a word he said. He was great! I ordered the red snapper with basil mash potato and a broccoli raab type veggie. Robin had a whole white snapper in a banana leaf. She requested head and tail be cut off. I don't blame her. We had ordered mojitos, they never came. The dinner also included a pretty nice salad buffet. A delicious meal, great way to end the day. About 1300 Baht inc tip. Well worth it. We text the girls again to meet for a drink, an hour later still no reply we head home.
Back at the villa, T says oh, we were tired and I never received that second text. Her blackberry would mysteriously work on and off the entire time on Samui. Robin never had a problem with hers. They tell us about Nathon, we tell them about Chaweng and all turn in.
Sleep that night was not good. The bedrooms had ac but we had a hard time with tempature adjustment. The matress on the bed was thinner than a futon on a hard teak bed. The AC blew directly over the bed and got freezing, we had a hard time adjusting the tempature plus only a top sheet no blanket .This was my only problem with the house. It was a bummer that bed was so uncomfortable. I slept about 3 hours Robin was up before sunrise. The next day I told Baung about the bed. She had heard this before. She gave us a blanket and a thick down comforter which we used as a mattress cover. Sleep would come easier in the following nights. Next a day at Angthong.
Pix of Dom
About 15 min. up the main road, it was very hot and the Samui sun very strong. By the time we got there I already had tan lines from my dress. We spent too long there picking up snacks, dog food and a raw hide bone, lots of alchohol and beverages, most left over by the time we left on Sunday. I hit the atm, was out of cash and all in all we spent about 3200 Baht.
We got lost on the way back, forgot where the turn was. We would turn around about 4 times before I start banging on the window from the back so Robin knew where to turn. The drive up the hill was much more difficult w/ T and I in back and at the steepest part we needed to get out. Finally home and Dom is there to greet us, tail wagging.
He follows us back to the villa. O.k. so, as Robin and H are unpacking the groceries and I grab for a bottled water, Robin remarks how strong the sun is. I reply I know it was really hot in the back especially on the ride back. I could feel the metal thru my clothes. Then, out of nowhwere, T exclaims I need to get out of here! and storms out. H follows her. Robin and I just look at each other like WTF. It was so bizarre. H comes back upstairs and Robin asks if T is o.k. H says yeah, she just needs a time out, she;s just overwhelmed. Robin says, overwhelmed? with what? the groceries? I tried not to laugh. H says, no, just everything and says again she just needs a time out. A time out? Isn't that what kids get when they misbehave. It was just odd.
In the meantime Dom is making himself at home under our coffee table. I lure him out with some alpo canned food. He loved it! Some jerky treats and finally a rawhide bone, his very first I'm sure. He would chew on it for 2 hours.I had every intention of spoiling this dog.
I couldn't listen to anymore of this ridiculousness surrounding T. Why not exit quietly instead of all the drama. Is it necessary to make everyone else feel uncomfortable. I guess it was. I wanted to relax. So into my suit and on to the pool. H and Robin would soon grab a lounge themselves. That pool was heaven. Bout 1/2 later T returns from the depths of her room. All smiles, Robin asks are you o.k. and snappishly she answers, Yeah, why? As if nothing happened. That girl was like Sybil. Awkward silence.
We all sat at the pool about 2 hours or so. T had gotten up and disappeared again. Not wanting to get too much sun the first day we move to the table on the deck. We wanted to go check out Chaweng Beach and do some shopping. We ask H do you guys want to go to Chaweng? Um, No, we're just gonna hang here. You sure, we ask. Yeah, T is napping but we definitly want to meet for dinner. She says they will text us before they leave. So Robin and I change and head to Chaweng with the plan to meet them for dinner.
Without a map, but we figure how hard can it be to find it. Not hard at all. Off the main road there is a turn with a sign saying Chaweng. We follow the small road thru a local area across an intracoastal type waterway and to Chaweng Beach. I liked Chaweng. I was happy we were not staying there, I can see that being much but it was a fun place to hang out. Not alot of people, we got the distinct feeling it was not high season. The entire trip we never met or heard any other Americans. Some Brits, mostly Aussies. Let me say Robin and I both agree we have got to go to Australia. They grow the guys real cute down there. lol. Anyway. Chaweng stretches for quite a ways. There are a ton of places selling things. Shops, boutiques, stalls, small markets. Loads of restaurants and bars and of course Starbucks.
First order of business was to get some sunglasses, I had forgotten to pack mine and had been borrowing one of Robin's. We pop into a stall selling fake birkenstocks and sunglasses. While I was trying glasses Robin was trying shoes. She was holding a bottle of tea and when she dropped her wallet some tea accidentally spilled. Uh, Oh. The look on that shopkeepers face, she was not Thai but Chinese. We apologize many times and Robin runs across the street to get some napkins to clean it up. Which she does. But the woman went and got her mop. We thought all was fine til another shopkeeper comes by and in Chinese the mop-holder begins to tell her about the tea spilling, full on pictionary acting it out and pointing to Robin. We just stood there watching. When the second vendor leaves the mop-holder says now with a smile, you found glasses. I didn't, should I buy some because of the tea? I decide not. As we leave, she shoos us with the mop yelling, I'm sure cursing us in her language. We found it amusing.
Thankfully things on the shopping front got a whole lot better. Sundresses, small wood carvings, buddhas. We bought a bit of everything.And bargaining was easy and the shopkeepers friendly. Then we found Wan's shop in an alleyway and she had silk robes! We had looked and looked for them in Chinatown. She had them in long and short, different design and colors plus kids silk p.j.'s. We spend about 15 min. deciding how many of what we want and then Robin goes in for the dealmaking. " What if we take 7 of these, 4 of those and 5 of these. Original prices I recall for the robes were 450 long 400 short. She came down in price quick. 280 for long 220 for short. Well that was easy and fair. We liked her, she was smiley and nice and it goes to show when sellers are nice you WANT to give them business. We bought a total of 7 robes,4 childs p,j's, 4 or 5 kid's dresses, all silk, probably all made in China. We would return there on Saturday.
We shopped our way a few blocks, stopped at Starbucks for our Samui mugs, it was around 8. I ask Robin did you get a text from the girls? She checked and said no. We skipped lunch and were getting pretty hungry so she texted them asking what time they wanted to meet for dinner. About 1/2 hour later she gets a text back. We already are almost done with dinner we went to Nathon, we'll meet for drinks thou. Didn't we make plans? Did they blow us off? They sure did and went to the opposite side of the island to boot. We both thought, how rude! If we hadn't texted them we'de still be waiting. That sneaky, crafty stuff went on and on.
We decide to go have a fabulous dinner. We pick the restaurant Red Snapper.
http://www.chawengregent.com/restau.html#
A nice modern air-conditioned restaurant with a bit of everything on the menu specializing of course in snapper. We felt we hadn't had a really nice dining on this trip yet so this was a treat. Plus our waiter Pat was so absolutely over the top fabulously queenie, that it was like having entertainment as well. He talked so fast I didn't understand a word he said. He was great! I ordered the red snapper with basil mash potato and a broccoli raab type veggie. Robin had a whole white snapper in a banana leaf. She requested head and tail be cut off. I don't blame her. We had ordered mojitos, they never came. The dinner also included a pretty nice salad buffet. A delicious meal, great way to end the day. About 1300 Baht inc tip. Well worth it. We text the girls again to meet for a drink, an hour later still no reply we head home.
Back at the villa, T says oh, we were tired and I never received that second text. Her blackberry would mysteriously work on and off the entire time on Samui. Robin never had a problem with hers. They tell us about Nathon, we tell them about Chaweng and all turn in.
Sleep that night was not good. The bedrooms had ac but we had a hard time with tempature adjustment. The matress on the bed was thinner than a futon on a hard teak bed. The AC blew directly over the bed and got freezing, we had a hard time adjusting the tempature plus only a top sheet no blanket .This was my only problem with the house. It was a bummer that bed was so uncomfortable. I slept about 3 hours Robin was up before sunrise. The next day I told Baung about the bed. She had heard this before. She gave us a blanket and a thick down comforter which we used as a mattress cover. Sleep would come easier in the following nights. Next a day at Angthong.
Pix of Dom
Sep 19th, 2007 | 02:23 PM
#126
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,880
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Sep 19th, 2007 | 03:18 PM
#128
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,880
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Really? All the more reason to go. rumor has Delta might begin service to Sydney nexy year.
BTW just got my cc statement a 3 min call from Narita, Japan to Las Vegas from a pay phone $34.00. There is no Tmobile service in Narita if that's of interest to anyone.
BTW just got my cc statement a 3 min call from Narita, Japan to Las Vegas from a pay phone $34.00. There is no Tmobile service in Narita if that's of interest to anyone.
Sep 19th, 2007 | 03:45 PM
#129
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
Sra !!!
Love the stories- the time out, the Sybil impersonation.........
Someone asked if they could share Tong with us in for one of our out of town trips- I made the time to respond but said thank but no thanks.......
With 5 of us- I declined for the sake of the other party. Normally am not related to T but who knows with the right toxic stimuli (I'm not talking about you, OK) , we all can do a SYbil. But then again, maybe I'm being just too understanding about T.
Keep the stories coming !!!
Love the stories- the time out, the Sybil impersonation.........
Someone asked if they could share Tong with us in for one of our out of town trips- I made the time to respond but said thank but no thanks.......
With 5 of us- I declined for the sake of the other party. Normally am not related to T but who knows with the right toxic stimuli (I'm not talking about you, OK) , we all can do a SYbil. But then again, maybe I'm being just too understanding about T.
Keep the stories coming !!!
Sep 19th, 2007 | 04:10 PM
#130
Guest
Posts: n/a
Amazing villa and views, wow! And I can't get over someone making fried rice and egg EVERYDAY for someone else's dog. And I love dogs. I have one. Finally, your companions' reactions are an interesting read although I hope they don't read your report!!
Sep 19th, 2007 | 04:29 PM
#131
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,880
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Btt, LOL yes, we all can be Sybil at times but it got progressivly worse. It probably was me, but I swear I did everything I could to be nice. I really did. Look, I know myself and I can out-bitch the rest of em but from day one with her whole " I can stay at the Four Seasons for this price" ungrateful attitude I knew I was going to have to kill her with kindness and that's exactly what I did. What it came down to was all the planning, airline tickets, hotels, tours, activities. They could have planned those. Or I should say T could have, she was the one in touch w/ Robin . She didn't lift a finger. When we got to Samui she could have scheduled the Angthong tour or Canopy adventures. She didn't because she didn't know about it. I did, because I researched things for ALL of us to do before we left. And I always included them, just told them how much to give me. What I minded was they used us when it was convenient for them and blew us off when it wasn't.We eventually just got a good laugh each time it happened. So you ARE being too understanding of T. 
LOL
Comfy- Yeah, Baung was a real dog lover and had a soft spot for Dom. I mean who wouldn't just look at that pup's face. ADORABLE with a personality to match. As far as the views go, I still see it when I close my eyes. It was an amazing way to wake up each day.
LOLComfy- Yeah, Baung was a real dog lover and had a soft spot for Dom. I mean who wouldn't just look at that pup's face. ADORABLE with a personality to match. As far as the views go, I still see it when I close my eyes. It was an amazing way to wake up each day.
Sep 21st, 2007 | 03:40 AM
#135
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
laartista -- your TukTuk trip report is fantastic. I came across your Berber trip report (V FUNNY) and wished I had read it before our recent trip to Egypt. Robin should teach a class on haggling with market vendors. Looking forward to more.
Sep 21st, 2007 | 07:06 AM
#136
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,880
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Femi- I sent the pictures to my parents and my dad asked is that the dog? And then asked if I thought it would cost alot to get him here. They want him too. Wonder if we could pay off his owner
bkk-thanks!Yeah- loved morocco. Haven't been to Egypt, do you have a report I'd love to read it. Post the link here if you do. Robin was a master bargainer there, but then again they like to play rough.lol
rkk- You stop it now! I'm asking Robin to give T another buddy pass just so she can go on your next vacation with YOU. LOL
Catching up on some work will continue report hopefully this evening.
bkk-thanks!Yeah- loved morocco. Haven't been to Egypt, do you have a report I'd love to read it. Post the link here if you do. Robin was a master bargainer there, but then again they like to play rough.lol
rkk- You stop it now!
I'm asking Robin to give T another buddy pass just so she can go on your next vacation with YOU. LOLCatching up on some work will continue report hopefully this evening.
Sep 21st, 2007 | 09:21 AM
#137
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
we would welcome her actually....in fact i would pay her way....she would post her trip report immediately upon return instead of keeping people waiting!!!!!!!
i'm sure she is a lovely woman...kind, serene, beautiful....i feel sorry for how you are mistreating her in this report....you should be glad she did not sell you off to the sex trade in bkk....she thought of it....
now get to that computer and give us the juice!!!
i'm sure she is a lovely woman...kind, serene, beautiful....i feel sorry for how you are mistreating her in this report....you should be glad she did not sell you off to the sex trade in bkk....she thought of it....
now get to that computer and give us the juice!!!
Sep 21st, 2007 | 05:05 PM
#140
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,880
Likes: 0
A day at Angthong National Marine Park.
An early wake up at 6:30 am, the driver from Seabreeze Tours was picking us up at 7:30. Due to the steepness of the road our villa was on, we were told to meet him at a clearing on the main road. 7;30 on the dot he is there. There are 3 others in the van, a couple from Italy and 1 other woman. We take the 20 min. drive or so to the seaside coffee shop that doubles as an office for Seabreeze. Located just east of Bophut's Fishermans village.
On arrival we pay our balance, deposits were made the day before. 2500 Baht pp. A steal for a great day full of activities and lunch. Plus free coffee and danish on arrival. Each person is given a colored string around their wrist depending on which tour they signed up for. Suddenly we had 16 new Kabbalists in our group with our red strings.
An announcement, red strings to green boat. A speedboat covered in the middle by an canopy. We were last on so sat in the back by the motorman Tap. I liked our spot, in the sun, although overcast when we took off. Our guide Art (not his real name but that's what he goes by) was absolutely adorable! The most beautiful smile, a poster child for Thailand " Land of Smiles". There was also the driver, a great looking guy who we called Bad Boy Thai. You just could tell by looking at him he was the kind of guy you dated in college but shouldn't have. It would be an hour ride to the first stop for snorkling. It drizzled on and off, but was amazing to be on the water.
Angthong National Marine Park is located 19 miles SE of Samui. Made up of 40 virtually uninhabited islands, they are the submerged peaks of a flooded limestone mountain range that further south rise to 6,000 feet. Crazy isn't it! It is an unbelievable sight and I hugely recommend a tour for anyone visiting Samui.
First stop was a small cove for snorkling. We are told not to swim beyond the boat because of currents. We had an hour to swim with the fish and 158 other tourists from 5 other boats. We are each given a snorkel and mask and helped to the ladder into the water. As a PADI certifed diver, not a huge challenge. The snorkeling was nice, not great. Too many people. I saw more butt crack and legs than I did fish. lol. So after 1/2 hour I was done and just hung out on the boat talking to Art and Tap. One by one at the end of the hour our group climbed the ladder back on the boat and handed a bottle of water.
Before each destination Art would give a presentation with a photo book of where we were going. Beginning each time w/ Ladies and Gentlemen. It was very cute. We head next to Mu Koh Angthong National Park, located on one of the islands. There we would go hiking. A 1/2 speedboat ride weaving in and out of the small islands would get us there. We anchor just off the beach and the guys help each person to the water that we would wade thru.
A small beach complete w/ restrooms and concession stand is at the base of the would be hike. We all make arestroom stop. First one in and right back out I ask is there any toilet paper. Art says it's Thai style use the hose. I think, I'll drip dry. Note to self, always carrt TP.
The hike would take us up a maze of pretty steep stairs and over rocks and thru rock foramations until finally at the top a viewing platform of both Angthong and the lagoon. I wished I had worn my chucks but opted for flip flops. Not the easiest for hiking stairs. Breathtaking is all I can say. We had an hour there.
Finally back down on the beach we get some Chang beers and wait for everyone to gather. Robin strikes up a conversation with an Irish couple that had spent too much time in the sun the day before. Poor things seriously they were the color of strawberries. Turns out their camera broke on them about 15 minutes earlier. Now that's a bummer normally but amongst the beauty of Angthong, criminal. So Robin offers hers. Says they can just use their memory stick in her camera. They would do that on and off thru the day. Small world is they are from the same small town in Ireland as Robin's boyfriend. Our next stop would be lunch.
Another 20 min. or so in the boat. Bad Boy does a few fly bys extremely close to the the passing islands rocky edges. It was awesome. When he turned the boat it was almost paralell on it's side to the water. For the entire time to lunch I stood on the back railing holding on to the canopy bar. It was like wind surfing without the board and a whole lot faster. Plus the views from above the canopy were fantastic. I would do this each time back on the boat including the hour ride back at the end of the day. Not once did they tell me to get down and I would eventually have company up there.
The scenery suddenly changes to sandbars and a village. It was there that our restaurant was located. As we pull up to dock at the restaurant , one can't help notice the large speedboat already there. It was purple, pimped out boat and said Asian Popeye on it. We climb the front of the boat and step off directly into the covered deck of the restaurant. This place seemed to be the watering hole for fisherman and tourists alike. While we sat, Bad Boy ladled soup, Art gave yet another presentation. "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present the lunch buffet." First we have a chicken soup. As he moved from plate to plate, " Next we have rice, and these are vegetables and finally the most special of all special KF Shrimp" Yak- Yak, Thai humor for ya. Can I say again how adorable he was. I asked the others if they wanted a beer, all said yes, so I went and got them. Alchohol not included. Lunch was really delicious. Dessert was fresh fruit . It was during dessert, that a Thai guy, an older beachy dude passed our table and struck up a converation. Where ya from, daddadada. Chatted with him for a bit to find out he was Asian Popeye. He ran some kind of business, had a few boats and was sort of Big Guy on Campus in Samui. It was his day off so he was out w/ his boys, as he called them. After lunch we all pile back in the boat, and another ride. This time to a new island with a new cove where would pick up our kayaks.
Before anchoring off kayak beach we pass by what is known as James Bond Rock. I forget how the story goes , I want to say the original is by Phuket and was used in one of the bond movies and this one looks like it, hence James Bond Rock. Don't quote me on that.
Our boat anchors a bit from the beach due to the shallowness of the water. We are given 1 1/2 hours there. We can lie out or kayak our choice. No decision there. KAYAK! The guys prep the kayaks and call us over when they are ready. Unfortunately no pix of kayaking, Art suggests not to take your camera unless waterproof. None of ours were. Anyway, a quick kayak lesson and we are off. Art in the lead. But not for long.
I of course shared a kayak with Robin. T and H shared one. Here's the thing like me, Robin has a real competitive streak when it comes to anything sports. I'm not great at land sports but I grew up in South Florida so water sports are another story. Now Art said to have the stronger person in the back seat to better propel the boat. Besides the fact Robins got about 7" on me she's also stronger so she goes in back. And from her seat she channels Louis Gosset Jr. ( in anyone of his drill sergeant roles) RIGHT,LEFT,RIGHT. When we want to turn right she yells LEFT,LEFT, LOL, sorry laughing while typing here. I said," I AM, I AM". She yells, "WELL, YOU'RE OTHER LEFT, LEFT". (always did have a hard time w/ that) It was very funny. And Then....... we pass Art and we are VICTORIOUS! With our smug selves saying we can be on the Amazing Race ( which I DID apply for w/ my brother in law, but didn't get picked) a voice, it's ART, telling us to stop. Seems he must be first.It's the rule. We'll settle for a close second. And we stayed along side his kayak there and back. H and T meantime didn't even make it there. We passed them coming as we were going. They tried to latch on but paybacks a bitch and we kept rowing.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...k3i1i&Ux=1
An early wake up at 6:30 am, the driver from Seabreeze Tours was picking us up at 7:30. Due to the steepness of the road our villa was on, we were told to meet him at a clearing on the main road. 7;30 on the dot he is there. There are 3 others in the van, a couple from Italy and 1 other woman. We take the 20 min. drive or so to the seaside coffee shop that doubles as an office for Seabreeze. Located just east of Bophut's Fishermans village.
On arrival we pay our balance, deposits were made the day before. 2500 Baht pp. A steal for a great day full of activities and lunch. Plus free coffee and danish on arrival. Each person is given a colored string around their wrist depending on which tour they signed up for. Suddenly we had 16 new Kabbalists in our group with our red strings.
An announcement, red strings to green boat. A speedboat covered in the middle by an canopy. We were last on so sat in the back by the motorman Tap. I liked our spot, in the sun, although overcast when we took off. Our guide Art (not his real name but that's what he goes by) was absolutely adorable! The most beautiful smile, a poster child for Thailand " Land of Smiles". There was also the driver, a great looking guy who we called Bad Boy Thai. You just could tell by looking at him he was the kind of guy you dated in college but shouldn't have. It would be an hour ride to the first stop for snorkling. It drizzled on and off, but was amazing to be on the water.
Angthong National Marine Park is located 19 miles SE of Samui. Made up of 40 virtually uninhabited islands, they are the submerged peaks of a flooded limestone mountain range that further south rise to 6,000 feet. Crazy isn't it! It is an unbelievable sight and I hugely recommend a tour for anyone visiting Samui.
First stop was a small cove for snorkling. We are told not to swim beyond the boat because of currents. We had an hour to swim with the fish and 158 other tourists from 5 other boats. We are each given a snorkel and mask and helped to the ladder into the water. As a PADI certifed diver, not a huge challenge. The snorkeling was nice, not great. Too many people. I saw more butt crack and legs than I did fish. lol. So after 1/2 hour I was done and just hung out on the boat talking to Art and Tap. One by one at the end of the hour our group climbed the ladder back on the boat and handed a bottle of water.
Before each destination Art would give a presentation with a photo book of where we were going. Beginning each time w/ Ladies and Gentlemen. It was very cute. We head next to Mu Koh Angthong National Park, located on one of the islands. There we would go hiking. A 1/2 speedboat ride weaving in and out of the small islands would get us there. We anchor just off the beach and the guys help each person to the water that we would wade thru.
A small beach complete w/ restrooms and concession stand is at the base of the would be hike. We all make arestroom stop. First one in and right back out I ask is there any toilet paper. Art says it's Thai style use the hose. I think, I'll drip dry. Note to self, always carrt TP.
The hike would take us up a maze of pretty steep stairs and over rocks and thru rock foramations until finally at the top a viewing platform of both Angthong and the lagoon. I wished I had worn my chucks but opted for flip flops. Not the easiest for hiking stairs. Breathtaking is all I can say. We had an hour there.
Finally back down on the beach we get some Chang beers and wait for everyone to gather. Robin strikes up a conversation with an Irish couple that had spent too much time in the sun the day before. Poor things seriously they were the color of strawberries. Turns out their camera broke on them about 15 minutes earlier. Now that's a bummer normally but amongst the beauty of Angthong, criminal. So Robin offers hers. Says they can just use their memory stick in her camera. They would do that on and off thru the day. Small world is they are from the same small town in Ireland as Robin's boyfriend. Our next stop would be lunch.
Another 20 min. or so in the boat. Bad Boy does a few fly bys extremely close to the the passing islands rocky edges. It was awesome. When he turned the boat it was almost paralell on it's side to the water. For the entire time to lunch I stood on the back railing holding on to the canopy bar. It was like wind surfing without the board and a whole lot faster. Plus the views from above the canopy were fantastic. I would do this each time back on the boat including the hour ride back at the end of the day. Not once did they tell me to get down and I would eventually have company up there.
The scenery suddenly changes to sandbars and a village. It was there that our restaurant was located. As we pull up to dock at the restaurant , one can't help notice the large speedboat already there. It was purple, pimped out boat and said Asian Popeye on it. We climb the front of the boat and step off directly into the covered deck of the restaurant. This place seemed to be the watering hole for fisherman and tourists alike. While we sat, Bad Boy ladled soup, Art gave yet another presentation. "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present the lunch buffet." First we have a chicken soup. As he moved from plate to plate, " Next we have rice, and these are vegetables and finally the most special of all special KF Shrimp" Yak- Yak, Thai humor for ya. Can I say again how adorable he was. I asked the others if they wanted a beer, all said yes, so I went and got them. Alchohol not included. Lunch was really delicious. Dessert was fresh fruit . It was during dessert, that a Thai guy, an older beachy dude passed our table and struck up a converation. Where ya from, daddadada. Chatted with him for a bit to find out he was Asian Popeye. He ran some kind of business, had a few boats and was sort of Big Guy on Campus in Samui. It was his day off so he was out w/ his boys, as he called them. After lunch we all pile back in the boat, and another ride. This time to a new island with a new cove where would pick up our kayaks.
Before anchoring off kayak beach we pass by what is known as James Bond Rock. I forget how the story goes , I want to say the original is by Phuket and was used in one of the bond movies and this one looks like it, hence James Bond Rock. Don't quote me on that.
Our boat anchors a bit from the beach due to the shallowness of the water. We are given 1 1/2 hours there. We can lie out or kayak our choice. No decision there. KAYAK! The guys prep the kayaks and call us over when they are ready. Unfortunately no pix of kayaking, Art suggests not to take your camera unless waterproof. None of ours were. Anyway, a quick kayak lesson and we are off. Art in the lead. But not for long.
I of course shared a kayak with Robin. T and H shared one. Here's the thing like me, Robin has a real competitive streak when it comes to anything sports. I'm not great at land sports but I grew up in South Florida so water sports are another story. Now Art said to have the stronger person in the back seat to better propel the boat. Besides the fact Robins got about 7" on me she's also stronger so she goes in back. And from her seat she channels Louis Gosset Jr. ( in anyone of his drill sergeant roles) RIGHT,LEFT,RIGHT. When we want to turn right she yells LEFT,LEFT, LOL, sorry laughing while typing here. I said," I AM, I AM". She yells, "WELL, YOU'RE OTHER LEFT, LEFT". (always did have a hard time w/ that) It was very funny. And Then....... we pass Art and we are VICTORIOUS! With our smug selves saying we can be on the Amazing Race ( which I DID apply for w/ my brother in law, but didn't get picked) a voice, it's ART, telling us to stop. Seems he must be first.It's the rule. We'll settle for a close second. And we stayed along side his kayak there and back. H and T meantime didn't even make it there. We passed them coming as we were going. They tried to latch on but paybacks a bitch and we kept rowing.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...k3i1i&Ux=1
