January 20-22, 2010 – Day 391-393 – Koh Samui, Thailand

Well, it’s the middle of winter and we have managed to lodge ourselves in a palm shady sandy spot listening to the soft sound of waves lapping up at the shore.

Palm

January 19,2010 – Day 390 – Koh Samui, Thailand

Made the move down south from Mae Nam Beach to Lamai Beach. Expected it to be packed and even more overpriced than Mae Nam but were pleasantly surprised that most things (food, lodging mainly) are a tad cheaper on Lamai. Even more surprised to see just how few people are here on the island.

Saben on Lamai

January 18, 2010 – Day 389 – Koh Samui, Thailand

Well it’s off to a bit of a bummer day. Stormy weather moving in, darkish choppy water and a very skinny beach with coarse yellow sand. Not quite what we were looking for in the way of Thai islands, especially after having travelled two days just to get here. We chose Mae Nam beach because we had heard it was quieter than the more popular Chaweng and Lamai Beaches. Sounded pretty nice to us but it left us wanting something a little different. Of course the crummy weather was no help either!

Filling the void

January 2-3, 2010 – Day 373-374 – Bangkok, Thailand

Well, the time came for us to go back to Bangkok and sad as we were to leave beautiful Samet, we made the drive back. We made another visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market to pick up any last minute souvenirs before we send Lin’s backpack home with Latham stuffed full of goodies. (Note: in place of Lin’s 35L backpack listed on the packing list, Lin will be downsizing to a 24L pack. Seems small but we have learned to travel with very little).

Musicians in the market

January 1, 2010 – Day 372 – Koh Samet, Thailand

So it’s officially 2010. Feels nice, like a clean sheet of paper and sharpened pencil. Ready for anything!

Best way to start the new year

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

December 30, 2009 – Day 370 – Koh Samet

Despite the beautiful weather early this morning, it turned out to be a kind of grey, stormy-ish day. Saben and Latham tried to go snorkeling but the water was a bit too murky without any sun and didn’t get to see much. Started sprinkling rain mid-afternoon so we made today an internet and drinking inside kind of day. Better luck tomorrow!

Random beach shot

December 29, 2009 – Day 369 – Koh Samet, Thailand

Slept in, ate a big breakfast, and hung out at the beach all day. What more can we say? It was fantastic! For once, Lin and Saben could leave their valuables in safety and go gallyvanting off into the ocean for the sun and sea—without taking turns! Look! There are even pictures to prove it!

Us!

December 28, 2009 – Day 368 – Koh Samet, Thailand

“Uggghhhh.” We all three grunted at the alarm clock in unison. It was suggesting that we get out of bed at the ungodly hour of 6:45. Why, oh why must buses to beautiful beaches run so blasted early? Is it some kind of karma pre-payment plan for getting to go somewhere lovely while the rest of the city zips around on the back of a moped huffing diesel exhaust? Maybe…

The goal

December 21, 2009 – Day 361 – Chennai, India

Our last day in India! We took a walk down to the water front, Chennai’s beach, to have a look and contemplate our last day here. And what a way to spend it! Since we are about to leave here, we were feeling a little nostalgic about the past 3 months we have lived in this country.

Anything but beautiful Chennai Beach