We arrive into Ban Phe 3.5 hours after leaving Bangkok (on January 20), although it seemed a lot longer! I am getting very nervous about reaching Koh Samed by 2pm now that I'm basically there. The American couple from the bus, along with most of the bus, head to the pier closest to where the bus stopped. I walked 300 meters down the road to the pier the hotel told me about and nearly jumped into the sea when I was told the boat (recommended by the hotel) was THB 1,000 one way - I think not!! I know now I was treading on thin water as it could mean no reservation; I was ready to take the risk and brought a ticket for THB 50 - what a huge difference.
I had a few small issues getting onto the boat, didn't help that I was in a skirt as well. A Frenchman came to by rescue which was great, he also helped me get off when we arrived in Koh Samed 30 minutes later.
We parted ways; I headed to get a taxi (open seats on the back of a truck) to the hotel. Thankfully it filled up quickly so we were off, I finally got to the hotel just before 3pm - what a mission but hey ho I'm here now and felt relaxed instantly.
After checking in I went off to buy sunscreen then hit the beach for the last of the day’s sun - brilliant!
I had forgotten how dark it gets here and quickly! It was only 6.30pm but felt more like 10pm. I had dinner at the hotel, on the beach. (My first meal today). Was so calming sitting on the water’s edge hearing the water crash against the sand. Every now and again there was another noise (people) but I blocked these out.
After dinner I walked down the beach a bit before running into the Frenchman (from the boat). We went for a drink but boy it was hard - he spoke a little English which helped. After a while it turned a little strange so I up and left. Time for shut eye, I have a very busy day tomorrow studying the inside of my eyelids on the beach.....
Friday I spent at the beach reading - great way to spend a day! I'm now regretting not staying here for longer, just means I'll have to return.
I decide to have dinner outside of the hotel. Once I picked a place I had a Thai guy wave at me, my first reaction was he wasn't waving at me so I just ignored him. Then all of a sudden he was at my table talking to me - I tried to give off the impressive I wanted to be left only but it didn't quite work. Then he started to call me by my name and the penny dropped - he works at the hotel I'm staying at. So he joined me and we chatted and chatted. Nice in some ways not to be eating by myself.
Friday/Saturday night was rather short, I had a couple of mozzies in my room and was constantly up trying to locate them as well as put cream on the bites.
After another day at the beach, so relaxing!, I head out for dinner. Speed is definitely not in the policy book but when you are seating on the beach listening to the waves somehow speed doesn't seem to matter.
I go for a walk after dinner and run into the Frenchman, buggar. I just wasn't up for a difficult conversation so after saying hello headed off and walked along the beach. Another beautiful evening in Koh Samed.
Sunday early evening I head to a bar/restaurant close to the hotel to see the last hour or so of day light. It's so peaceful listening to the sounds of the waves. After returning to the hotel to shower I go for dinner. It's still early and given I have only the sun to get up for tomorrow I head to the bar for a drink. I notice a girl and 2 guys and after a couple of minutes the girl comes to ask if I want to join them - very nice of her! I end up having a few hours with them, lots of chat, laughter and beer. We see a fire show which is amazing until they start to do fire limo then it gets darn right scary!
Monday I spend relaxing again, reading and swimming. Pure bliss! I try out a new place for dinner and am not disappointed - I'm on the water’s edge. Then return to the same bar I was at last night for a cocktail. Got talking a fellow traveller who has just started a 4 month trip.....am jealous. Wish that was me!
Tuesday (25 January) my last full day at the beach, scary to think how quickly the past 3 months have gone by. I wake early yet again and have an hour at the beach finishing my book before going to have breakfast. I need to focus on getting rid of my panda eyes today.
I decide to go for dinner with one of the hotel workers - thinking I'll have proper Thai food. We walk for ages, nearly to the Port. I know tomorrow I won't be walking with my pack! Within minutes of sitting down he is up and serving customers. I know his friends own/run the place but it's odd. I feel very foolish that I've come out with him and am holding back my tears. For my last night I wanted to be on the beach. My beer will be drunk with record speed then I'll be giving my excuses.
Wednesday (last day) I'm up early, want to enjoy as much as the morning as possible on the beach before departing. I cannot get over my 3 months traveling is over. I have the night in Bangkok tonight then fly to Hong Kong tomorrow for 4 nights then back to Kiwi-land for my sister’s wedding.
Where to after then is anyone guess.
I decided to take the 12 noon speed boat to the mainland then fingers crossed the 1pm bus back to Bangkok.
Thank goodness the boat ride isn't too long as we are speeding along at a rapid pace and I’m thinking I might be sick. We stop a couple minutes from the wharf to fill up the petrol tank – classic, only in South East Asia!!!
I make the 1pm bus with 20 minutes to spare. I’m feeling very strange.
I've had a wonderful time relaxing - met some lovely people who have added to my experience.
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