Some more of Samui

If I did yoga like some of the people on the beach -- I couldn't be more relaxed. And I wouldn't look like a pretzel like some who get themselves into the craziest positions.

We rented a motorbike and toured the island a couple of times.  It's about 65 kms to do the circle and Roger handled the bike and the traffic like a pro.  I think driving in Africa and South America prepared him for driving anywhere.

Just south of us, the town of Chaweng is filled with hostels, massage parlors and hawkers trying to lure you to their bars.  It made us appreciate the more laid back area where we are staying in Choeng Mon Beach.

Electrical wires are bundled in long strands and are draped in all directions

Fish Spa -- people soak their feet (or their whole body) while hundreds of tiny fish eat all the dead skin!  Not a chance. The look on the guy's face on the right says it all.

Not far from our place is Wat Plai Laem, the site of temples and where a group of Monks live. People leave huge amounts of food and supplies for them.  

Inside a temple where cats roam freely

Further down the coast we stopped at Big Buddha, a 12 meter high golden statue.

Much to the probable dismay of nearby workers, we tested the bells by hitting each one

Boats along the shore of Nathon

Stopped by a neat seaside restaurant for a cold beer and spicy food!

An abandoned rickshaw

We felt like kids zipping around the island

A local artist does these sculptures -- looked like something Brad would animate so immediately thought of him.

We went to Rockpool at Karma Samui for dinner this week after seeing a sign advertising oysters and tapas.  It turned out to be probably the best meal of our lives although looking back at the pictures, I think they could have served me a grilled cheese sandwich because the scenery was the real star that night.

Great wine...waves crashing on the rocks below... 

Sun beginning to set...

Roger had his oysters...

I had the "Ocean Sashimi"....

Our main courses of curries, duck confit, caesar salad...

And to cap things off....chocolate souffle and homemade ice cream.  Ahhhh..... 

We're heading back for our last night tomorrow -- I'm sure it'll be just as memorable.

Today we headed to Hin Ta and Hin Yai at Lamai.  Brad and Anette officially announced they are expecting a baby, so what better place for us to go than "Grandfather and Grandmother" rocks!  Legend has it that a couple were shipwrecked on their way to arrange a marriage for their son.  As you can see, the Grandfather rock is easy to identify whereas the Grandmother's rock was harder to find as there were several that could be said to look like female genitalia!

Grandfather rock --- tourists giggled and struck funny poses while take pictures

The REAL grandparents-to-be!!!!

We meant to go to a famous waterfall, but make a wrong turn and ended up at a smaller one.  Kind of glad we did as it was hotter than hell and I thought I would melt.  A Thai woman who was probably 80 pounds soaking wet and at least 10 or 15 years older than us led us through thick underbrush, then scampered up rocks and across a creek wearing flip flops --- all the while smoking on a thin cigar and taking periodic breaks while she waited for us.  Humbling indeed, and it wasn't even a tough climb.

Having a laugh at the waterfall

On Friday nights in Bohput Beach, Fisherman's Village comes alive with street vendors, take-away cocktail booths, music and the best of Thai food offerings.

Life is uncertain - eat dessert first.....A motto that has stood me well!  This vendor was selling homemade coconut ice cream that he served in freshly cracked coconut shells.   

Beautiful bounty of fruits 

Soft shelled crabs

Where does one begin????

It's been a fantastic week and it has flown by.  In three days, we'll meet Brad and Anette in Bangkok and get to congratulate and thank them in person for bringing a baby into our family.  The best Christmas present ever.

"Maybe Christmas, the Grinch though, doesn't come from a store."
                                                                                                 Dr. Seuss