Hello Thailand, good to see you again!
Latest technology in air condition...
After more than a month away from the sea we were looking forward to spend some days on the beach.
Bangkok is usually a place one has to visit more than once during a trip in Southeast Asia due to transport connections. It was nice to come back, we felt a bit “at home” knowing our way around the city. Anyway one day was enough to do some shopping, organise the trip to the island and head off.
7 Eleven, un clasico... (dedicado a Juli y Vicky)
Koh Tao is located in Chinese Sea Gulf. It’s the smallest of the 3 main islands on this side of Thailand. An overnight bus to Chumphon and a couple of hours on a ferry and we were there, finally... in paradise! (Thanks Ceci for the recommendation!)
The first move was to get motorbikes and explore the island (rather small, a couple square kilometres), to find the best place to stay. Bhora Bhora bungalows were our choice and we highly recommend this place, a complex of bungalows spread on the hill over a reggae bar run by members of the same family and just metres from the sea (off the main touristic area which is Sairee Beach).
Many people say Koh Tao is one of the best places on earth to get the scuba diving license; this was one of the motivations to go there. After the first trial in Bali we were tempted to get the license and have more freedom to dive anywhere in the future.
After checking some of the hundreds of schools we chose the one where the people seemed laid back but knowing the subject, at “Sairee Cottage”.
The course consists of some theory lessons, some mandatory videos to watch and some practical lessons, five dives in total before the final exam to get the “Open Water” license. Our instructor was Mick from Ireland, living for 8 years already on the island and full of fun stories to tell.
The practical lessons were spread along 3 days, always with the same routine: getting on a small boat until we reached the big boat, enjoy a cup of tea and cookies, get the gears ready, dive for about 1 hour each time and get back to the boat to enjoy some fresh fruits. It was a great experience, moreover because it was only the 2 of us and the instructor, which makes things easier and faster. We got to make the most out of each dive. The last dive we had the opportunity to swim for about 15 minutes next to a sea turtle, it was fantastic!
Mick
And when the diving was over, some snorkelling with Diego & Betinha...
Barracudas
Nemo and family!
While we were busy, Diego and Betinha enjoyed the sun, the beach and some snorkelling, and we always met in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset on the beach before a delicious dinner at our favourite place.
Our favourite restaurante
After the course finished, two more days to relax, enjoy the amazing beaches and the good company of our Brazilian friends, who we had to say goodbye. They continued their way to Malaysia before coming back to Brazil. Again, it was beautiful to share the trip living with a couple that give happiness to the path.
Aow Leuk Beach
Freedom Beach
Shark Bay
We hope to meet them again anytime soon in Brazil when they run their own “Chiringo” on the beach in the Northeast!
PS: This 'lovely' Gueko woke us up with the noise one night!
