Well, we returned to Koh Samui for our
last few days in Thailand with with high hopes for better weather and fortunately the weather Gods were listening! Our first day back we had a good half day of beautiful sunny weather and that was enough to put huge smiles on our faces!
We spent the morning swimming and lying on the beach and met a couple from Belgium who we really clicked with and ended up making plans to go see the Muy Thai boxing that was going to be happening on
saturday in the town square.
We then hopped on our motorbike and headed for a waterfall that we had heard about. The drive was stunning as per usual and the rain was
pretty light so that made for a splendid ride. We arrived at the waterfall which also happened to be an elephant sanctuary. It has become almost comical how many elephant sanctuary this country has, it seems to be a thriving business. We are careful not to support ones that look shotty and this one seemed fine so we once again joyfully bought a bunch of bananas and this time had the chance to feed a baby elephant who was absolutely adorable! (he almost ate my iPod, I'll
Post the video!)
We then did the hike up to the 80 meter falls which was nice. There were different areas where you could veer off the trail and view the falls or grab a seat on a rock and just chill and take
in the massive falls.
We hiked almost to the top and then found a little place that seemed like a nice place to relax so we popped our sandals off and plumped down. We hopped across a few rocks to get to one closer to the falls and could feel
the warm spray of water on our faces. It was quite the sight and with all the rain the islands had been having it was roaring. We were told it was the best time of year to see it.
Our little view point was like a rock shelf and there other shelves below us where the main fall branched off down on the rocks below us. Truly a beautiful sight. We sat and visited for probably an hour and then decided it was time
hike down for a late afternoon snack.
This is where things got troublesome:)
I stepped over the rock we were on to the bigger rock connecting to the trail and had stepped on green mossy resin. Well.....that didn't go so well for
me:) I can laugh pretty hard now but it scared the shit out of me! (and poor Niki!)
I slipped instantly and grasped for a handle on a rock but alas it was all slippery resin and there I went. I fell about 5 meters on to a rock shelf below with water rushing from the main falls and I grabbed whatever I could but the power of the water thrusting me as well as the tumble had me rolling. I was in pain but I just braced myself as if I was in a box, had my hands out to keep from getting knocked out and just hoped I would stop. I didn't!!
That surprised me, I rolled over another shelf, roughly another 5 meters propelled by the water and at this point was terrified wondering when I would stop. I just kept protecting myself with my hands and feet and hoped I would eventually stop, and that I did!
I felt really bad for Niki, I could hear her even as I fell, and she sounded as terrified as me. As soon as I could I yelled up that I was okay.
A totally random event that scared us both but sort of had us laughing once the adrenaline wore off. I was virtually shaking and bleeding from my knees, hands, feet and shins. We're pretty sure my hands are sprained along with my wrists and a lot of cuts and bruises but in the end only minor injuries that will heal. However, it was one of those moments that haunts you because you know it very easily could have been worse. Basically it was my lightening reflexes that saved me!! Haha!
We shared a special moment together on the rock once I had climbed up and we both had stopped shaking and then looked at our mighty waterfall with the same eyes but maybe a little more appreciation:)
We didn't let our scare slow us down, we hiked down to the bottom and enjoyed it followed by a visit to a public washroom where I cleaned up a bit before we could get some band aids.
After getting band aids we stopped by a French bakery we had seen on the way and I indulged in some great tasting Quiche. Food can fix everything:)
We then hopped on the bike when I
saw a coffeeshop slash guitar shop and just had to stop! We ended up hanging out there for a couple hours where we had coffee and I jammed with the owner for about an hour, it was just the right medicine:)
That night we met Axel and Patama, our Belgian buddies at the boxing ring and had a blast. I have never been a big boxing fan but I have to say it was a super good time! The crowd was relentless and the Thai people in particular were just a riot to watch. Betting was a big part of the sport and you could see the hope in their eyes that their wager was going to pay off. They even had women's boxing which was something I never expected to see.
They were equally as talented as the men and drew just as big a response from the crowd. It was quite the show and a good Thai experience:)
We then followed the fight with some drinks with Axel and Patama at one of our favorite Lamai Beach haunts before calling it a night.
The next day was sun, sun and more
sun and it being our last day in Koh Samui we didn't let it go to waste, spent a good portion of day at the beach before heading back to our hotel to pack up for our big day the next day ,heading to Bangkok from where we headed to Bali.
That night we headed to the sunday night market for one last kick at the can at Thai shopping and street food as well as a few cheap Mojitos(Niki wasn't sick this time!)
The next day was what we expected , 12 hours of traveling, 2 taxies,2 buses and 1 flight but we made it back to Bangkok safe and sound. We stayed in a little B and B near the airport that was actually quite luxury but very inexpensive as it was only a stopover place for airport overnighters.
We had a quiet night mulling over our month in Thailand.
Thailand was the one place on our itinerary that had a lot of hype built up around it. It seems like every one you meet has been to Thailand and talks it up. And even if you don't want to let that affect you, if does. Poor Thailand had a lot to live up to and some pretty tough acts to follow in our case.
However, it held it own, it proved that it did deserve some hype and was a great destination for any traveler.
Its user friendly,welcoming and diverse with enough sights and culture to make any traveler happy. However in our case getting off the beaten path, which in Thailand is tough to do, proved to make us the happiest. There is a pretty crowded banana pancake trail that can make you feel at times like your waiting in line at disneyland.
So we found the best cure for that was at least half the time steering off the banana pancake trail to explore understated and sometimes quirky Thailand.
Top places: Bangkok and Chaing Rai
Both of these cities were superb and let you spend time IN Thailand If you want to. And you may be surprised to hear it after our complaints about rain and package tourism but Koh Samui wiggled its way into our hearts over time. Lamai Beach has its own little pulse that beats to a mellow rhythm. A rhythm that has an eclectic array dancers from old wife for hire tourists to families to young honeymooners and It's beaches we're pristine and quiet. One thing all three places shared was the faint but ever present sound from the locals saying "your family".
A great country and one we will definitely miss.
Peace:)
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