December 31, 2009 – Day 371 – Koh Samet, Thailand

It’s New Year’s Eve! And what better way to start the last day of the year than with a glorious dose of Thai sunshine and a big breakfast. In case you’re curious, breakfast in Thailand for us consists of omlettes, toast, fresh fruit (watermelon, banana, and pineapple), bacon, and hot tea. That’s the breakfast of champions right there.

Lindsey awaiting breakfast

Of course, no day would we complete with the majority spent at the beach. Or, more correctly, in the unbelievably clear ocean.

But now, for the real story of New Year’s Eve.

The entire coast of the island was thumping and blinking brightly with the music and colored lights. Every light on the island must have been on. Hell, we were probably visible from space tonight! Thais and foreigners alike strolled the beach, some looking fabulous and some looking comfortable, relishing the last day of 2009.

The island light up

All throughout the night fire lanterns were being set off from the beach; picnic blankets littered the sand with groups of friends and BYOB gatherings next to the bustling packed restaurants and beach bars. Fireworks went off at all places and times so you had to be careful to watch were you were walking lest you receive a bottle rocket to the face. Everyone was buzzing with excitement and energy at being able to celebrate the new year on such a magnificent place.

Firedancer

We watched a crazy fire show performed in front of one of the restaurants that was packed with 300 or so patrons and another 200 or so outside in a giant circle around the fire dancers. Most of the boys looked to be about 15-16 years old, a few maybe 18-19 but barely more. That’s one thing, you never see an old fire dancer. They put on quite a show that lasted almost an hour.

Us setting our hopes for the future afloat

Latham setting off his lantern

Close to midnight, we set off our own fire lanterns, sending our hopes and wishes for 2010 along with them. Amazing how such a simple little thing can make you feel so happy. They floated up into the sky along with dozens of others. All night it looked as if the full blue moon was gathering up everyone’s lanterns and wishes under her wing for safe keeping.

Lantern floating over the island

We spent our evening walking up and down the beach drinking and laughing and enjoying the atmosphere and trying to avoid being blown to bits with some of the fireworks drunk people had taken to setting off. It was incredible, truly, because there aren’t sufficient words to describe how awesome the night was or all the sights and smells and sounds or the energy in the air. It was great to be alive and even greater to be on Samet for this.

Happy New Year!

Us!

Fireworks

Saben and Latham

When midnight came, some of us kissed, some smoked celebratory cigars, and we all toasted to the beginning of what Lin and Saben think will be a most excellent year. Happy New Year!