Koh Samui Monday 3rd April 2017 Day 7

TEMPERATURE SCREENSHOT

AMETHYST AND SAPPHIRE BALCONY CAFÉ

ADVENTURES OF THE DAY

We had planned a relaxing day on the beach with a massage and a swim over to a secluded island not far from our hotel.  Not only to explore but for Mandy to go and tan topless.  However we woke up once again this morning to rain and more rain.  Enough now!

After a relaxing lazy morning, we decided that the rain was light enough to venture out on the scooter for the afternoon and see where the road takes us.

Heading North from the hotel, first stop turned out to be the “Big Buddha”.

This attraction is surrounded by a lovely flea market with interesting shops where we found matching Amethyst and Sapphire (Purple &Blue) Bandanna’s and a beautiful hand fan for Mandy.

The entrance to the “Big Buddha” is ornate with intricate and detailed carvings and architecture.  We walked up the stairway to the top and were in awe of this huge gold Buddha who seemed to be watching us ascend towards him.

When we reached the top, we stood facing the Buddha who was towering over us and both felt a sense of humbleness.  One or two visitors were kneeling down in front of the Buddha in prayer and one almost felt like you were invading their privacy by standing so near to them while they were paying their respects.

We moved off to the side and Richard (who has a Bridget Jones side at the best of times) walked head on into one of the big brass bells that hang around the perimeter of the building.  In his defense, he was trying to connect the phone to the blue-tooth selfie stick (while walking). All Mandy heard was a “go-oooooo-ong” sound behind her and thought to herself “that can only be Richard walking into a bell.” (second Thailand tattoo – LOL)

After admiring the views from the top, we left the Buddha and went back down the stairs on a mission to find Michelle (Samui Explorer) who we were referred to and who we were told had a tour agency near the “Big Buddha”.

While strolling around the flea market on the lookout for Samui Explorer,  Mandy had various stalls calling to her and she just couldn’t resist the temptation.  She was caught up once again in the “tourist trap” of Koh Samui LOL.  Richard felt she deserved some spoiling for being such a patient and excellent passenger and we found a beautiful black and gold Sarong to match her bathing costume and a dress in black with the most amazing tie-dye colors.  (So Mandy)

Michelle was eventually found at her coffee shop from where she runs her business.  She advised that due to the unusual weather being experienced on Koh Samui and with rain predicted for the rest of the week, that we call her next week to book our snorkeling and boating adventure.  We left feeling excited with her business card in hand.

Back on the scooter in light drizzle we decided to venture further. This time travelling West along the road which basically circles the island. The most surprising and somewhat disappointing revelation was that this road is an endless repeat of street stops, vendors, 7-11’s, Family Mart’s, Massage Parlours, little bars and sidewalk cafés etc. without end.

There are however little gems to be found on this endless road and we eventually ended up in Mae Nam. Feeling rather hungry we stopped along the way and walked into a very quaint road side restaurant, Khao Chao, for a beer and something to eat.  What a nice surprise it was to be presented with plates laden with the most tasty, spicy and delicious freshly prepared Thai f00d, cooked for us while we waited, for next to nothing.

Feeling rather full and with dusk approaching, although we were only a few metres away from the Mae Nam Chinese Temple, we decided to call it a day.

We took to the road and on our way back, decided to make a stop at another of the big shopping malls, this time Tesco Lotus, in order to do more market research on prices, specifically this time for alcohol. (Our private AA meetings were just not working)! – LOL

As all market researchers are paid, the researchers decided that since this was a successful marketing campaign, to reward themselves with a reasonably priced bottle of Gilbey’s vodka – 1 Lt (499 BAHT/R195) and a much longed for bottle of smooth reserve (nogal) red wine for Richard.(199BAHT/R78).

Feeling much more scooter confident and possibly also eager to get home to our marketing rewards, we took on the busy traffic through Chaweng Beach, as this was a shorter route than going back the way we came.

On arriving home, Mandy tried on her new Sarong and “cheers” to another fantastic exciting road trip with Vodka and Mocktail Passion Summer Juice on Ice.  Absolutely Yummy!

It was however, with a cry of dismay, that Richard discovered that the bottle of red wine was corked, and there was no cork-screw in sight. (So excited to find affordable red wine both forgot to check if corked or screw top) LOL.

 

 

 

 

 

Oh well, there will be another occasion seeing that the AA Meetings have been cancelled.Vodka it was to be. Cheers to another wonderful day on Koh Samui.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY

Finally visiting our first real “Buddha” which was absolutely breath taking!

And just to put a lovely ending on a perfect day we walk into our hotel room only to find that the maid had replaced our bathroom towels with two clean towels in our colors.  One blue towel and one purple towel left neatly at the end of our beds.  Now how awesome is that!