As we planned our much anticipated return to Thailand we thought we would treat ourselves to an upgrade in our train travel. We have done a couple of night trains in second class, so for this trip in Thailand we blew the budget and got a first class cabin.
Honestly not a lot of extra room, but having your own sink and running water as well as being able to turn off the light was more than worth the extra $20CDN per person. As well, having your own power point is a big deal. I would do it again.Waiting to disembark in Surat Thani for our bus and ferry transfer to the island of Koh Samui. We have had this house sit booked for 10 months so we feel like we already know the owners.
We had taken the trouble to get a two month visa in advance for Thailand when we were in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It takes away a lot of stress knowing you are already pre approved when entering Thailand and we won’t have to apply for an extension while we are here. This first house sit was giving us the opportunity to explore this beautiful island at a nice easy pace and enjoy the companionship of two great dogs and three entertaining cats. I shouldn’t forget the the four turtles and numerous fish. This is truly a little slice of paradise.
No dip in the pool is complete without throwing the ball many times for our buddy the border collie.There are some fantastic grocery stores here. But when you see displays like this I start to understand why some people embrace the vegetarian lifestyle.
We have taken some time to check out some of the local temples and tourist attractions.
This fellow watches over the approach to the Khao Hua Took Chedi Buddhist Temple.This “Big Buddha” is hard to miss from land or sea if you are on the north end of the island. The statue itself is very impressive but I find all the smaller ones surrounding it even more interesting. I am sure there is a good reason why this monkey appears to be praying to/or thanking Buddha, but it just caught my eye for some reason.We saw everyone else doing it, so we thought we would join the cool kids and do a selfie at the bottom of the stairs to the Big Buddha.This image of Guanyin, Goddess of Mercy is one of many interesting ones in the Way Plai Laem complex. These temples are all free to access and walk around, photos are welcome. All that is asked is that you dress respectfully and remove your shoes at certain places. I find it is all part of the experience.Another of the unique buildings at War Plai Laem.I rather liked the multi layered approach in the carvings throughout the complex.
Karen and I find we quickly get “templed out” when touring multiple sites in a day so we enjoy watching out for some of the more unusual sights.
You cannot help but feel a little sorry for these birds. I know they don’t think like humans, but seriously, it has to have an idea how ugly it really is.This statue is waiting for you in the parking lot at the Big Buddha. I can’t even guess what that is all about.One of the more entertaining sights to see on the island. There is an accompanying rock formation that looks disturbingly like a vagina that goes with this stone penis. Called Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks, you kind of have to stop by and check this attraction out.
But of course our main purpose on being on the island is looking after the house and pets of the home we are in. This home has a beautiful garden and pond which is providing a great opportunity for me to work on my wildlife shots.
These turtles are proving to be a challenge to get a decent shot of.Our resident monitor lizard likes to come out mid morning and clean up any fish food that has washed up onto the wall between the ponds. This fella is a good 60+cm long.As we were relaxing in the pool one evening we were treated to a light show like I have never seen before. It wasn’t a sunset and the colours are not what one normally sees. For about 20 minutes we watched a kaleidoscope of changing colours work their way across the sky. It was, truly, incredible.
We are loving our time here on Koh Samui. The people are helpful and friendly. There is plenty to do if the spirit moves you, as well as ample opportunity to just relax and take in the beauty.
It is out in the open, yes. There is a bed of ice under the displays. But shoppers just grab tongs and put what they want in plastic bags. Same as you would in the vegetable section.
Love the new format
Great read guys. Looks amazing and love the traditional look on Karen. Is that really how the meat is stored? Out in the open? Yuck
Thank you, Bryce Sherman
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It is out in the open, yes. There is a bed of ice under the displays. But shoppers just grab tongs and put what they want in plastic bags. Same as you would in the vegetable section.