Koh Phangan, Thailand (Thailand)

Before the rains came pouring down

I rescind my previous statement regarding “dry season” - this was clearly an inaccurate characterization.  For the past three days we experienced monsoon downpour day and night; we spent our time stranded at the hotel’s restaurant veranda.  Yes, we tried everything on the menu (breakfast, lunch, and dinner x three days + limited menu = exhausted culinary options).  Ken mastered the art of “correct fundamental swimming” as he calls it (shout out Patty and Andy aka the swimming trainers); Shelley perfected the daily trifecta of massage / sleep / read; while I practiced meditation (I can handle the  rain, I can handle the rain).  The rain restricted us from seeing much of the island, but from what we did witness the island was probably one of Thailand’s best.

We boarded a giant slow ferry at 5pm to escort us to shore (Surat Thani).  Snacks for the trip included stinky fish jerky and questionable pork product from the convenience store; Ken and Shelley were not amused but thankfully had emergency Snickers in their possession.  Arriving in the dark and rain, mass chaos ensued as hundreds of kids tried to locate their correct bus (of course the busses weren’t marked so we had to enquire at each in the downpour).  Finding our seats we realized the “VIP night bus” was built to Thai height standard (aka no leg room).  Hoping the bulkhead seat would be slightly better for 6’2” Ken, we didn’t consider the implications of a crying sick baby in the adjacent seat.  Anyways, the long ride north ended at 10AM the next morning as we happily arrived to Bangkok.  Shelley offered up frequent flier points, so we’re back at the luxurious Millennium Hilton for two nights.  We’re so excited for air conditioning and comfy beds!!