;-; I can't resist a good bargain...
Jul. 7th, 2004 06:08 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
windandwaterMBK is the most evile place ever. *watches as wallet writhes around in pain* I should shoot the poor thing... it's suffering.
More in this later, because I want to be chronological and all. So, back to Samui!
FRIDAY:
Well, if you quite remember, Thursday was the Full Moon Party, and I didn't get back to the hotel (exhausted and half drunk) until about 6 am. I had decided that this would be the day for me to sleep in and laze about at my leisure. So I did. Hah!
Actually, I was woken up at around noon by Miguel, who called to tell me that he and Angie were checking out to go to their other hotel on Chaweng. I think I sort of grunted at him, then went back to sleep. I didn't finally wake up until after 2 pm. ^^;; I managed to haul my lazy carcass out of bed and had lunch at the hotel's restaurant (and charged the bill to my room, of course -- yay for delaying the inevitable).
Then I wandered down to look at the hotel's tour booth place. I fiddled through the brouchures and things (because I love brouchures) and was trying to figure out what I wanted to do. See, there were several things I had in mind to do while in Samui (many hopes were dashed because I quite gleefully slept through most of Friday already):
-- go kayaking at the marine national park
-- do a tour type thing to see the waterfalls
-- see Hin Ta Hin Yai
-- get some sun at the beach/pool
-- get a massage and/or spa treatment
-- visit Island Souvenier, the largest souvenier shop in Samui
-- go to the Naga Pearl Farm
After consulting the brouchures and talking to the lady at the tour booth, I settled on what I wanted to do. Naga Pearl Farm was struck because the hotel didn't know about the regularity of the tours, so I would've had to go to the south coast myself to see. Hin Ta Hin Yai was right nearby, so I could do that on my own. I'd gotten a foot/leg massage the night before, but I figured that I could do a nice, 2-hour spa treatment after I checked out of the hotel on Sunday, but before my flight. And hell, my hotel was RIGHT on the beach and had a nice pool, so I could do that at my leisure as well.
I booked my marine park kayaking tour (1600 baht) for Saturday since it was a full day thing, and then I got the Island Souvenier van to come and pick me up to go to the shop. *^^* It's a free service they offered, so I hung out in my room until 3:45pm when the shuttle came.
ISLAND SOUVENIER --
Okay, I went to this place with the full knowledge that I was probably going to get hosed on things. Whenever they're selling things in an established shop, the prices are higher and you usually can't haggle. But I was game, and I wanted to see what they had. Plus, the place sold jewelry (Samui is known for pearls) and I'd rather buy jewelry from a legitimate place than get totally ripped off buying a fake.
Once I went in, I was a bit impressed. The place WAS rather large for one souvenier store. The things there were the normal sort of stuff I've seen everywhere in Bangkok, MBK, Lumpini Night Bazaar, etc. and they WERE marked higher. However, I did see some very nice things that were top-quality and unique.
I went to the silk section to see what they had (I was looking for hand-painted scarves) and loved the quality and colors and designs, but not the prices. And while I was unfolding a scarf to look at the design, I accidently knocked over a little woden vase. >_<;; And I had to pay for it too, because it broke. At least it was at half price (70 baht). It's a cute vase; not something I would buy on my own, but it's okay. And the shopgirl who was helping me with the scarves and saw my accident managed to fix it some.
Anyway, I only picked out two of the less expensive scarves, one plain silk, the other hand-painted silk. Then I went to the jewelry section.
*pauses for a moment to listen to her wallet screaming*
... yes. Well. *cough*
Almost a third of the store was devoted to the jewelry counters, which should tell you a little something. I was quite impressed by the range of styles and gems they had. And since I've learned to shop for jewlery from my mother, let me tell you that this is VERY impressive. It's hard to pull one over on me jewelry-wise, when I can look at a diamond, tell you the cut, approximate carat-weight, and if it's REALLY diamond and not cubic zirconium within the first five minutes of looking at a ring. Give me six minutes and I can tell you how many karats of gold the diamond is set in.
XP
Enough of that. #^^#
I browsed the jewelry counters, taking my time and really examining the pieces I took and interest in. The salesladies (yeah, I eventually got followed by more than one) watching me like a hawk always make me a bit nervous, so I'd rather make them do something like pull out a piece of jewelry and answer my questions (what gem? what karat gold? real? price?) than just have them shadow me. Eventually, I decided on two pieces; one was a pearl pendant for my mother (just one big pearl in a simple gold setting) and a blue topaz ring in silver for my dad (his birthstone). I even managed to haggle a bit on the prices, and got both of the pieces for 7000 baht flat, because I was paying in cash.
So I paid for those, as well as my scarves and vase. Ha! Now that I'm assured my parents can't say I forgot to buy them stuff, whatever I buy from here on out can be for my own pleasure. X3
The shop van took me back to the hotel, and I was quite happy. I relaxed for a bit, catching the last of the day's sunshine by laying out poolside. I ADORE the weather on Samui. It seems... less sticky than Bangkok. Probably because the ocean is all around.
Because of the exhorbant spending I did, dinner was two ham&cheese croissant sandwiches, a small can of Pringle's, and another ice cream bar (all bought at the nearby convenience store). It was tasty, cheap, filled me up, and I relaxed in my room and watched BBC and read tourist magazines and brouchures.
... did I mention that I love brouchures?
Finally went to bed before midnight, because the shuttle to take me to the marine park would show up at 7:30 am.
SATURDAY:
MU KOH ANG THONG NATIONAL PARK --
I woke up to the beeping of my travel alarm clock and got dressed. I knew that this would be a whole day affair, and involve a nearly 2 hour boat ride to the marine park, and 2 hours back, plus the kayaking and such. So, over my swimsuit I just wore my favorite pair of capris (bought in the Philippines) and a cool cotton overshirt that I bought here in Thailand (I need to find more of these shirts and buy them -- I love them). I packed light, only using my new cute purse (filled with some cash, chapstick, ID, digital camera, and brouchure/trip reservation form. And my hotel key and a bottle of water (free courtesy the hotel and the mini fridge in my room). I yanked on my sandals (which surprisingly, were not dead after Haad Rin -- I banged them around alot to get out all the sand) and hoped that I would have enough time to catch my free breakfast before the shuttle arrived.
I was in the middle of buttering my toast when a waitress came by and asked me if I was in Room 224 (oh, this shows that the pr0n g0dz still smile on me -- Room 224 :3. In Bangkok, my hotel room is 122. Duo gets around). I said yes, and the lady told me the tour shuttle was here. I hurriedly swallowed some toast and dashed for the lobby.
I talked to the shuttle driver, who seemed a bit surprised that one girl would be kayaking alone. ~_~ It's not my fault that I had to go alone. It's not like I had friends to go with me or anything. XP Anyway, it turns out that this BIG family of 9 was also riding in the shuttle for the tour, but not the kayaking. They were German.
Then the shuttle whipped us off to Bophut Beach where the boat was docked. In the interests of being all impressive and stuff, here's my official itinerary, as printed in my handy dandy brouchure (the typos are theirs).
The ORIGINAL... Since 1987
HIGHSEA TOUR
07:30 -- Pick up from hotel to Nathon Pier
08:30 -- Depart from Nathon Pier hot coffee, tea and cake served on board.
09:50 -- Arrive Ang thong archipelago, kayaking see off the view and Coral Reef around "Chancharat" beach with English speeking guide and visit Koh Wua Ta Lap island, The National Park Headquarters is situated on the central Wua Ta Lap island located above a clean white sandy beach. A view point about 400 meters wak 220 meters high which from the view point there is the picturesque panorama of all the islands.
12:30 -- Buffet lunch Seafood and fruit served at Wau Ta Lap Island.
13:30 -- Visit the emerald salt lake "Taley Nai" as 200 meters-wide, 250 meters-long & 7 meters-deep on Mae Koh. Kayaking, Snorkellings, swimming and sunbathing at leisure on the beach.
15:40 -- Depart Ang Thong Marine National Park, coffee, tea, orange juice and cookies serve on board.
17:00 -- Arrive Nathon Pier and transfer to your hotel.
Included: full insurance, tour, transfer, Snorkeling Kayaking equipment, life jacket, tea coffee orange juice & snack, Soft Drinks, Lunch, Entrance Fee, experience tour guide
... please note that I said this was my "official" itinerary. XD I actually did all that stuff, and then some, but backwards. So here we go...!
NATHON PIER/THE BOAT --
Now, I could've chose another tour that used a speed boat and would've been faster, but I didn't. Why? I STILL didn't want to spend an hour in a bouncing speedboat after the Full Moon fiasco. The Big Boat was cheaper, slower, but I wouldn't barf up my non-existent breakfast (yay Dramamine). There were lots more people on the boat besides me and the German family. However, I found out that I was going to be the only one kayaking. Everyone else was just going to tour on the boat. Pffff! Boring!
My tour guide's name was Kris, and she happened to be German, too (married to a Thai man and has a daughter). She was VERY nice, and she seemed to be surprised that I came alone. *grump* Mostly, she said she was surprised because she thought I was young. When I told her I was 24, she admitted that she would believe me if I said I was 18. Go Asian genes! Kris gave me another brouchure (X3) and explained what we would be doing today. She did this everyday and had lots of experience, and answered my questions. When she went off to do boat things, I read through the brouchure and just enjoyed the sea breeze.
Then, I stripped off my overshirt, laid down on one of the benches by the rail in the sun and decided to nap. Hahaha! I started a trend, because I woke up a bit while napping and saw that everyone else decided to follow my example. I was even the first person to go belowdeck for the coffee and croissant they provided (seeings as I missed breakfast and all). When I woke up, I had a very nice tan shaped like my tank top and my capris. And the swath of tan over my tummy, between where my tank top rode up and the waist of my capris.
>_O
MAE KOH ISLAND/TALEY NAI: EMERALD SALT LAKE --
We actually arrived at Mae Koh Island first, instead of last like the itinerary stated. Not too big a deal, really. We had to take a longtail boat from the big boat to the beach, because the water was too shallow for the big boat to go farther into the cove. Kris told me that I had a half hour to go up and visit the salt lake, then I would meet her at the beach to start the kayaking. I figured, hey, 30 minutes to look at a lake. How easy!
My god, I was wrong. SO very wrong.
First of all, you have to damn near CLIMB to get to the lake (experts say it was created by an underground cavern falling down, making the crater which filled with seawater from a tunnel to the ocean). There's a stairway that the marine park people have set up to get to the lake, but it's mostly natural things like rocks and tree roots, etc. where there aren't man-made stairs and railings. And the "stairs" were fucking STEEP. I was using my hands at one point and heaving for breath before I even got to the first landing.
The whole "stairway" was very narrow and at one point, you have to squeeze through the gap in the rocks/mountains, picking your way over the boulders at your feet. It was quite an adventure!
A heart-attack inducing adventure.
I climbed up and up and up, and finally got to the lake. Many pictures were snapped once I was able to breathe properly. It was also VERY VERY WARM AND SUNSHINY. Then I did something stupid. I walked down one set of stairs to this other landing place, the one closest to the lake. More pictures were taken and I enjoyed the shade there.
I checked my watch and saw about 15 minutes had passed, and it would take me forever to get back. So I left. And proceeded to do Even More Stupid Things.
See, because I didn't want to be hindered on the climb, I didn't bring a bottle of water with me. That and the fact that I didn't have much breakfast, and it was hot, and I was physically exerting myself beyond my capabilities did NOT MIX WELL. As I was climbing back UP the stairs to try and go back, I was sweating terribly and very thirsty. I had to keep stopping every few steps up, and whenever I reached a landing, I had to take a long breather. Eventually, I started to get really dizzy and had to sit down, trying hard not to pass out. Yeah, vision got a bit spotty there. I damn near thought I was just going to faint at one point, when some other tourists came by to go see the lake. I told them I was okay and just needed to rest. Then, I seriously considered yelling for help before I fell over or something.
I got my breath back and my head stopped spinning, and I just mentally told myself that I could make it back to the beach okay. I took it easy, stopping quite frequently as I climbed up and up and up. And then I stopped climbing up because there was no more up. I had gone the wrong way on the maze of stairs and reached the highest landing. I nearly cried when I realized that I went the wrong way, had climbed all those stairs for nothing, but there was a gang of tourists up there, too. I sat down on one of the benches -- yay benches -- and tried to calm myself down and get my heart to stop beating so fast and breathe dammit!
I took more pictures so people wouldn't think I was dying.
Then I fortified myself metally again: "Down is easier than up down is easier than up down is easier than up."
And then I climbed down, went the right way to get to the beach (which is the same way you get in), and then climbed UP again. Then down. Then stood in a line as people came IN through that crack in the rocks while I wanted to go OUT. There was an elderly couple trying to go out, too, and they were from my tour. I felt quite better that I wasn't the last person from our group still at the lake.
Squirmed my way through the rocks and tried hard to keep it together as I climbed the very steep stairs down. I hit the beach, stumbled, and then saw Kris with an ice cold bottle of water waiting for me in the shade.
I like Kris very much.
I collapsed on a low wall in the shade and just sat there, slurping down the water. I drained half of it in nearly one go, I was THAT thirsty. I caught my breath again, and when Kris said we could go, I got naked. Not really. I got my tank top and capris off for the kayaking, since it would be quite wet. I put on my life jacket, which Kris commented that she should have gotten a child's size because this one was so big on me. I told her that as long as it kept me floating, I didn't care.
Then we got in the kayak after Kris told me what to do (I told her this was my first time), and then we were off!
KAYAKING --
This was SO awesome.
I wouldn't say that I regret seeing the Emerald Salt Lake, since it was impressive, pretty, and just really damn cool, though I wouldn't have been so stupid in hindsight. But the kayaking totally made up for nearly dying on those damned stairs.
The weather was perfect and there was a breeze and the ocean! Gorgeous! The water was SO salty. And because I was the only kayaker, I was in the same kayak as Kris. It was like a private tour, and we could stop wherever we wanted and I could easily ask Kris questions. She kept a running commentary of what was around. Because it was low tide, we couldn't kayak through the sea caves (which is usually what they do), but I got to see all the coral in shallow water from the reefs around the islands. It was amazing, because on the boat, Kris had asked me if I wanted to snorkel, too. I had to decline because I can't see a damn thing without my glasses, and you can't wear glasses and a snorkeling mask at the same time. But, ha! I got to see the stuff without the snorkel!
I even touched some of the coral (slimy and prickly) and we looked at the natural features of the islands, like a type of cactus, and this special type of orchid that ONLY grows on a few islands in the marine park. Kris even pointed out the birds (a type of seagull), and told me about the birds that made their nests on the island out of their own saliva. Apparently, these nests are what goes in bird's nest soup (a Chinese dish?) and worth thousands of dollars. So much, in fact, that the marine park keeps ARMED PATROLS around the places the birds like to roost, so that people can't sneak in to steal the nests. This is quite a big problem.
We eventually stopped for lunch at this nice beach on the other side of the island. Kris told me that this was the beach that inspired the book and movie "The Beach." She also said she was very disappointed in the movie because the things portrayed just weren't true. The military doesn't shoot at tourists (though they shoot at the poachers), you can't actually swim through the sea tunnel to the Emerald Lake (it's too narrow and people with scuba gear have tried), there's not a lot of fresh water, and ganja does NOT grow in the marine park.
XD
The lunch was delicious and I was starved. On the beach was a ranger's family's house, which Kris told me had been abandoned just a few days ago, since the low season means the park rangers don't have to be there as much. Once the new season's funding is issued, they'll be back. While I ate and relaxed, some other kayakers from a different tour group stopped by the beach. Then after the kayakers left, a group of people on a camping tour stopped on the beach. Apparently, people can camp on certain islands for a few days and this is very popular. They arrived by longtail boat, which makes me ill just thinking about it. Longtails are TINY and it's SUCH a long ride! It's worse than the speedboats!
After lunch, I got take a bit of a rest in one of the hammocks that was strung up on the beach. :3 So fun. Then we were off again!
Kris told me that I was lucky, because the kayaking tour I chose was the longest one day kayaking tour. All the other tours start at one beach, go for a bit, then go back to the same place. In MY tour, we were actually going to kayak from one island to another!
We stayed near the shore of Mae Koh for a bit, looking at more stuff. Then we actully CROSSED THE OPEN SEA to get to Wau Ta Lap Island! It was pretty cool! Kris told me that the ocean was only about 10 meters at its deepest point, but the currents could be strong, especially at the point where we crossed because it was narrow, and all the water is channeled through between the islands. We even got into one of the currents and stopped paddling, just letting it carry us along the right way.
Kris also pointed out one of the islands (Koh Phi, I think), which was nicknamed "Sleeping Cow Island." Why? Because it looks like a sleeping cow! XD I took pictures when we passed by it again on the boat.
WAU TA LAP ISLAND --
The tide was rising by this time, and then we paddled into the cove at Wau Ta Lap Island. The boat was already there and the other tourists were sunning on the beach and stuff. We arrived with enough time for me to have leisure time on the beach for a bit over an hour. There was the big park ranger's station here, as well as a giftshop, restrooms, a restaurant, etc. I finaly got to pee. Yay. All that salt water, you know.
After that, I procured a lounge chair for myself, plopped it on the beach in a bit of shade (and sun), and dozed off. I was TRYING to fix my horrid tank top tan.
Ninmu... shippai.
>_O
I woke up just in time (I had my glasses off), and got on the longtail boat that took us back to the big boat. Once on the big boat, I immediately went belowdeck for a snack (sandwiches!) then after snapping some nice pictures, I found a bench in the sun against the rail and napped. Goddamned tan. It didn't even out AT ALL. But my right shoulder, somehow, got very tender. Quite a warning sign for someone of my skin tone (no, I don't use sunblock).
Back at Nathon, I got in the shuttle with the German family and we headed back to the hotel. I was quite tired but very happy. It was a good day!
HIN TA HIN YAI --
I arrived at the hotel and there was still daylight left. So, I dropped my stuff in my room and booked it over to Hin Ta Hin Yai, the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks.
Wow... it really DID look like a big penis sticking up from the rocks. It's amazing that this thing was natural. I didn't see the Grandmother Stone though (which looks like a vagina), so I climbed down from the looking place to try and climb up the rocks where Hin Ta was. That was a no go, and the beach had the sharpest, pointiest sand EVER.
I had to settle for only taking pictures of a big, erect, cock-shaped rock.
:3
I stopped by the convenience store on the way back to my hotel and got another ice cream bar. And hit the ATM. >_<;;
Once back in my room, I finished my ice cream, showered, then had dinner at the restaurant. I was even daring and ordered an all Thai meal! Delicious vegetable spring rolls and chicken and cashew nuts. And a virgin Pina Colada. Hey... I just spent the day physically exerting myself. I earned it.
I slept quite easily on this night.
SUNDAY:
I woke up rather sore on my last day in Samui. My legs and arms were both sore and tired, and rubbing against the cotton sheets at night (I tend to sleep on my side) didn't help out my tender shoulder(s). I FINALLY got to have a free breakfast courtesy of the hotel, and took my time packing everything back into my bag.
Check out time was Noon, and my flight didn't leave until 3 pm. I decided to check out early and go to Chaweng Beach and hang out there before my flight. I had picked out the spa I wanted to go to the night before, so I decided that a two-hour spa treatment would be the best way to close off my trip to Samui.
After I paid my restaurant tab and checked out, I carried my heavy bag down the road, waiting for a taxi or bus/truck thing (songtham?) to come by. What happened was all the motorcycle taxi people kept stopping for me. I eventually decided to take one into Chaweng. He charged 80 baht and I couldn't bargain him down because the trip was 20 kilometers. I wasn't going to be petty and mean on my last day in Samui, so I agreed. I wondered about the safety of the motorcycle, because my bag was quite heavy, but the driver managed. It was pretty fun, zipping along the highyway (albeit more slowly and cautiously than motorcycles normally go) to Chaweng. I was in quite a high and happy mood and got the driver to drop me off right at the spa. I paid him 100 baht and told him to keep the change. I'm such a nice and generous person. XP
LIVING SENSES SPA --
This place was absolutely awesome. I'm so glad that this was the way I chose to end my beach vacation. The place is located above a McDonald's, but you might as well be in another world. Once I stepped in, I was greeted by a nice lady, who put my bag away someplace and offered me slippers and cold tea while I chose my treatment.
I chose "Bliss and Radiant," which was a one hour massage (my choice of 3 types of massage) and a one hour facial, for a little over 2,700 baht. Man, it was worth every baht! I got to pick my oil (I chose 'Refreshing', which was this REALLY nice mix of citrus and other things), and I chose the 'Living Senses' massage (which was a blend of aromatherapy, Thai massage, Swedish massage, reflexology, etc. and was the spa's signature thing).
I got to go to my nice, private room which had some soothing music on. I was able to take a shower there (I thought I wouldn't but finally gave in after that motorcyle ride) and they had some really cool shampoo and body gel. And their shower was AWESOME. I dried off a bit, though my hair was damp, just when my masseuse knocked on the door. I nodded her in and she told me to lay down on the table on my stomach.
OH MY GOD.
I won't go into details, because the experience was so good, but it was a GREAT massage. My arms and legs felt SO much better, and even my shoulder wasn't so twingy anymore. It was a full body massage, so I eventually had to flip over. I thought I would be embarassed to be naked with some stranger rubbing at me, but I was too relaxed to be self-conscious. Besides, there was a towel over me that always kept my private bits covered. I was also a bit wary about the oil, but it kinda just.... soaked into my skin and I felt so smooth and silky and nice the WHOLE DAY. Even after a flight from hell (more details later).
The facial was most awesome, too. MUCH better than the facial I got from Silom, but I guess that's because I paid a LOT more for it. There's something to be said about having a warm scented towel wrapped around your face.
Then my spa experience was over. ;__; I got dressed and brushed my hair out and DAMN, I really didn't want to be clothed again. XD I got to go to a little lounge area first, where I was served hot lemongrass tea and pineapple. Very tasty and soothing. After munching the pineapple and tea (getting a bit hungry by this time), I went back out to the lobby area to pay. As I was there, filling out the little book where you can leave comments about your experience, there was this GAY COUPLE in the lobby, choosing a spa package together! *squee!* They totally chose the Lover's Package with the 'Romance' blend of oil. They were so cute, and this was NOT something I expected to see.
Ah, and I was QUITE surprised to find out that it was already after 1 pm. I had gotten to the spa a little after 10 am, and figured that 2 hours would have me out by noon. XD I thought I would have time to shop around Chaweng, but instead I got into the first cab I saw and went straight to the airport. The driver totally hosed me on the fare, too (300 baht!), but I was in too good a mood to argue. I didn't give him a tip though.
SAMUI AIRPORT --
I don't remember if I mentioned this already, but the Samui Airport is all open air. It still amazes me, because it's so small and pretty. It's like part of a resort and not the only airport on the island. I checked in okay, but was informed that my flight had been delayed and the new boarding time was now 3pm (instead of the flight LEAVING at 3pm). I was a bit surprised, but it wasn't bad. The airport was nice and I just had an awesome spa treatment.
I went to the airport's giftshop (which also had high prices, but not terribly bad), and bought a bunch of things. The postcard rack was cool, and I FINALLY got to see what Grandmother Rock looked like. Yeah... it really DOES look like a vagina. Needless to say, I bought postcards, and these cute little wooden cat figurines that were painted different colors (never seen them before anywhere!) and these little wooden and tin wall decorations that you could probably hang keys off of. Damage was a little over 100 baht; I think I was trying to make up for not buying cool cheap stuff at Island Souvenier. XD
I also bought another ice cream bar, but for 35 baht instead of 29! I KNEW airports raised the prices on stuff! This is the proof!
I killed sometime in the bookstore, too, before finally going into the terminal at 3pm. The flight was STILL delayed, and I managed to use one of the little computer kiosks for most of the time I was waiting.
THE PLANE (BOSS! THE PLANE!) --
Plane finally landed after 3pm and all the passengers queued up to get on the trams to the plane (also a small propeller plane), except THIS plane had:
3 seats -> aisle --> 2 seats
instead of:
2 seats --> aisle --> 2 seats
like the plane I took TO Samui.
Then the weird shit happens. I settled down into my very nice, Row 14 window seat on the 3-seats side of the plane. A Thai lady with a baby sits next to me. I start thinking: 'Damn... I hope that baby doesn't start to cry, even if it's only an hour flight.' Then the Thai lady says hello to me, I say hello back, then she asks if I'll switch seats with her husbad, who's sitting in Row 19. I say okay, because, I mean it's her husband and I don't want to sit next to a baby on a plane.
I get up and go to the seat, and her American (I'm pretty sure) husband thanks me for switching. When he gets up and I step forward, this other man sits in his seat, leaving me standing in the aisle and very confused. I go back to Row 14 and tell the husband that a man just sat in his seat. He says: "Oh, that's my friend. He doesn't know that you switched with me."
So, he gets up and I follow and he tells his friend to move up to Row 14. As this happens, the stewardess is trying to pass out moist towelettes. She's effectively trapped my husband and me, behind the Friend. Then, for some odd reason, Friend refuses to move.
Here is the conversation:
Friend: No man, she's got the window seat...
Husband: Bro, it's okay. Just come on up.
Friend: No man... I'll sit here.
Husband: Bro. Bro. Just come on up, okay?
Friend: *babbling on about he'll stay in the seat blah blah blah*
Husband: *getting annoyed and talking over his friend* Bro! Bro! Just get up and move...!
Me: *squirming behind Husband, very embarassed and silent*
Stewardess: *to Friend* Excuse me, sir, may I see your boarding pass?
Friend: Awwwww man, I don't have one. I don't have anything. I'll even pass out these things! *waves a little moist towelette package*
Me: *has an OMGWTF?! moment and wonders if Friend knows what he's saying or is just totally stoned like I suspect*
Husband: *sharper* Bro! Just come up with me!
Friend: *finally gets up and moves to Row 14 with Husband and thanks me as he passes*
Me: *squirms and sits down quickly*
Stewardess: *passes out more moist towelettes*
Me: *is unhappy that I didn't get a moist towelette because of Friend and resolves to hate him*
~ FINI ~
>_O;;
Anyway, after that the flight went smoothly. I scarfed down the provided lunch without questioning what it was much (mostly pastry things). We landed in Bangkok without a hitch, though I squirmed again when Husband thanked me some more for moving seats when we were at the baggage claim.
Got a taxi, went back to my hotel, and then just relaxed.
Happy Fourth of July.
More in this later, because I want to be chronological and all. So, back to Samui!
FRIDAY:
Well, if you quite remember, Thursday was the Full Moon Party, and I didn't get back to the hotel (exhausted and half drunk) until about 6 am. I had decided that this would be the day for me to sleep in and laze about at my leisure. So I did. Hah!
Actually, I was woken up at around noon by Miguel, who called to tell me that he and Angie were checking out to go to their other hotel on Chaweng. I think I sort of grunted at him, then went back to sleep. I didn't finally wake up until after 2 pm. ^^;; I managed to haul my lazy carcass out of bed and had lunch at the hotel's restaurant (and charged the bill to my room, of course -- yay for delaying the inevitable).
Then I wandered down to look at the hotel's tour booth place. I fiddled through the brouchures and things (because I love brouchures) and was trying to figure out what I wanted to do. See, there were several things I had in mind to do while in Samui (many hopes were dashed because I quite gleefully slept through most of Friday already):
-- go kayaking at the marine national park
-- do a tour type thing to see the waterfalls
-- see Hin Ta Hin Yai
-- get some sun at the beach/pool
-- get a massage and/or spa treatment
-- visit Island Souvenier, the largest souvenier shop in Samui
-- go to the Naga Pearl Farm
After consulting the brouchures and talking to the lady at the tour booth, I settled on what I wanted to do. Naga Pearl Farm was struck because the hotel didn't know about the regularity of the tours, so I would've had to go to the south coast myself to see. Hin Ta Hin Yai was right nearby, so I could do that on my own. I'd gotten a foot/leg massage the night before, but I figured that I could do a nice, 2-hour spa treatment after I checked out of the hotel on Sunday, but before my flight. And hell, my hotel was RIGHT on the beach and had a nice pool, so I could do that at my leisure as well.
I booked my marine park kayaking tour (1600 baht) for Saturday since it was a full day thing, and then I got the Island Souvenier van to come and pick me up to go to the shop. *^^* It's a free service they offered, so I hung out in my room until 3:45pm when the shuttle came.
ISLAND SOUVENIER --
Okay, I went to this place with the full knowledge that I was probably going to get hosed on things. Whenever they're selling things in an established shop, the prices are higher and you usually can't haggle. But I was game, and I wanted to see what they had. Plus, the place sold jewelry (Samui is known for pearls) and I'd rather buy jewelry from a legitimate place than get totally ripped off buying a fake.
Once I went in, I was a bit impressed. The place WAS rather large for one souvenier store. The things there were the normal sort of stuff I've seen everywhere in Bangkok, MBK, Lumpini Night Bazaar, etc. and they WERE marked higher. However, I did see some very nice things that were top-quality and unique.
I went to the silk section to see what they had (I was looking for hand-painted scarves) and loved the quality and colors and designs, but not the prices. And while I was unfolding a scarf to look at the design, I accidently knocked over a little woden vase. >_<;; And I had to pay for it too, because it broke. At least it was at half price (70 baht). It's a cute vase; not something I would buy on my own, but it's okay. And the shopgirl who was helping me with the scarves and saw my accident managed to fix it some.
Anyway, I only picked out two of the less expensive scarves, one plain silk, the other hand-painted silk. Then I went to the jewelry section.
*pauses for a moment to listen to her wallet screaming*
... yes. Well. *cough*
Almost a third of the store was devoted to the jewelry counters, which should tell you a little something. I was quite impressed by the range of styles and gems they had. And since I've learned to shop for jewlery from my mother, let me tell you that this is VERY impressive. It's hard to pull one over on me jewelry-wise, when I can look at a diamond, tell you the cut, approximate carat-weight, and if it's REALLY diamond and not cubic zirconium within the first five minutes of looking at a ring. Give me six minutes and I can tell you how many karats of gold the diamond is set in.
XP
Enough of that. #^^#
I browsed the jewelry counters, taking my time and really examining the pieces I took and interest in. The salesladies (yeah, I eventually got followed by more than one) watching me like a hawk always make me a bit nervous, so I'd rather make them do something like pull out a piece of jewelry and answer my questions (what gem? what karat gold? real? price?) than just have them shadow me. Eventually, I decided on two pieces; one was a pearl pendant for my mother (just one big pearl in a simple gold setting) and a blue topaz ring in silver for my dad (his birthstone). I even managed to haggle a bit on the prices, and got both of the pieces for 7000 baht flat, because I was paying in cash.
So I paid for those, as well as my scarves and vase. Ha! Now that I'm assured my parents can't say I forgot to buy them stuff, whatever I buy from here on out can be for my own pleasure. X3
The shop van took me back to the hotel, and I was quite happy. I relaxed for a bit, catching the last of the day's sunshine by laying out poolside. I ADORE the weather on Samui. It seems... less sticky than Bangkok. Probably because the ocean is all around.
Because of the exhorbant spending I did, dinner was two ham&cheese croissant sandwiches, a small can of Pringle's, and another ice cream bar (all bought at the nearby convenience store). It was tasty, cheap, filled me up, and I relaxed in my room and watched BBC and read tourist magazines and brouchures.
... did I mention that I love brouchures?
Finally went to bed before midnight, because the shuttle to take me to the marine park would show up at 7:30 am.
SATURDAY:
MU KOH ANG THONG NATIONAL PARK --
I woke up to the beeping of my travel alarm clock and got dressed. I knew that this would be a whole day affair, and involve a nearly 2 hour boat ride to the marine park, and 2 hours back, plus the kayaking and such. So, over my swimsuit I just wore my favorite pair of capris (bought in the Philippines) and a cool cotton overshirt that I bought here in Thailand (I need to find more of these shirts and buy them -- I love them). I packed light, only using my new cute purse (filled with some cash, chapstick, ID, digital camera, and brouchure/trip reservation form. And my hotel key and a bottle of water (free courtesy the hotel and the mini fridge in my room). I yanked on my sandals (which surprisingly, were not dead after Haad Rin -- I banged them around alot to get out all the sand) and hoped that I would have enough time to catch my free breakfast before the shuttle arrived.
I was in the middle of buttering my toast when a waitress came by and asked me if I was in Room 224 (oh, this shows that the pr0n g0dz still smile on me -- Room 224 :3. In Bangkok, my hotel room is 122. Duo gets around). I said yes, and the lady told me the tour shuttle was here. I hurriedly swallowed some toast and dashed for the lobby.
I talked to the shuttle driver, who seemed a bit surprised that one girl would be kayaking alone. ~_~ It's not my fault that I had to go alone. It's not like I had friends to go with me or anything. XP Anyway, it turns out that this BIG family of 9 was also riding in the shuttle for the tour, but not the kayaking. They were German.
Then the shuttle whipped us off to Bophut Beach where the boat was docked. In the interests of being all impressive and stuff, here's my official itinerary, as printed in my handy dandy brouchure (the typos are theirs).
The ORIGINAL... Since 1987
HIGHSEA TOUR
07:30 -- Pick up from hotel to Nathon Pier
08:30 -- Depart from Nathon Pier hot coffee, tea and cake served on board.
09:50 -- Arrive Ang thong archipelago, kayaking see off the view and Coral Reef around "Chancharat" beach with English speeking guide and visit Koh Wua Ta Lap island, The National Park Headquarters is situated on the central Wua Ta Lap island located above a clean white sandy beach. A view point about 400 meters wak 220 meters high which from the view point there is the picturesque panorama of all the islands.
12:30 -- Buffet lunch Seafood and fruit served at Wau Ta Lap Island.
13:30 -- Visit the emerald salt lake "Taley Nai" as 200 meters-wide, 250 meters-long & 7 meters-deep on Mae Koh. Kayaking, Snorkellings, swimming and sunbathing at leisure on the beach.
15:40 -- Depart Ang Thong Marine National Park, coffee, tea, orange juice and cookies serve on board.
17:00 -- Arrive Nathon Pier and transfer to your hotel.
Included: full insurance, tour, transfer, Snorkeling Kayaking equipment, life jacket, tea coffee orange juice & snack, Soft Drinks, Lunch, Entrance Fee, experience tour guide
... please note that I said this was my "official" itinerary. XD I actually did all that stuff, and then some, but backwards. So here we go...!
NATHON PIER/THE BOAT --
Now, I could've chose another tour that used a speed boat and would've been faster, but I didn't. Why? I STILL didn't want to spend an hour in a bouncing speedboat after the Full Moon fiasco. The Big Boat was cheaper, slower, but I wouldn't barf up my non-existent breakfast (yay Dramamine). There were lots more people on the boat besides me and the German family. However, I found out that I was going to be the only one kayaking. Everyone else was just going to tour on the boat. Pffff! Boring!
My tour guide's name was Kris, and she happened to be German, too (married to a Thai man and has a daughter). She was VERY nice, and she seemed to be surprised that I came alone. *grump* Mostly, she said she was surprised because she thought I was young. When I told her I was 24, she admitted that she would believe me if I said I was 18. Go Asian genes! Kris gave me another brouchure (X3) and explained what we would be doing today. She did this everyday and had lots of experience, and answered my questions. When she went off to do boat things, I read through the brouchure and just enjoyed the sea breeze.
Then, I stripped off my overshirt, laid down on one of the benches by the rail in the sun and decided to nap. Hahaha! I started a trend, because I woke up a bit while napping and saw that everyone else decided to follow my example. I was even the first person to go belowdeck for the coffee and croissant they provided (seeings as I missed breakfast and all). When I woke up, I had a very nice tan shaped like my tank top and my capris. And the swath of tan over my tummy, between where my tank top rode up and the waist of my capris.
>_O
MAE KOH ISLAND/TALEY NAI: EMERALD SALT LAKE --
We actually arrived at Mae Koh Island first, instead of last like the itinerary stated. Not too big a deal, really. We had to take a longtail boat from the big boat to the beach, because the water was too shallow for the big boat to go farther into the cove. Kris told me that I had a half hour to go up and visit the salt lake, then I would meet her at the beach to start the kayaking. I figured, hey, 30 minutes to look at a lake. How easy!
My god, I was wrong. SO very wrong.
First of all, you have to damn near CLIMB to get to the lake (experts say it was created by an underground cavern falling down, making the crater which filled with seawater from a tunnel to the ocean). There's a stairway that the marine park people have set up to get to the lake, but it's mostly natural things like rocks and tree roots, etc. where there aren't man-made stairs and railings. And the "stairs" were fucking STEEP. I was using my hands at one point and heaving for breath before I even got to the first landing.
The whole "stairway" was very narrow and at one point, you have to squeeze through the gap in the rocks/mountains, picking your way over the boulders at your feet. It was quite an adventure!
A heart-attack inducing adventure.
I climbed up and up and up, and finally got to the lake. Many pictures were snapped once I was able to breathe properly. It was also VERY VERY WARM AND SUNSHINY. Then I did something stupid. I walked down one set of stairs to this other landing place, the one closest to the lake. More pictures were taken and I enjoyed the shade there.
I checked my watch and saw about 15 minutes had passed, and it would take me forever to get back. So I left. And proceeded to do Even More Stupid Things.
See, because I didn't want to be hindered on the climb, I didn't bring a bottle of water with me. That and the fact that I didn't have much breakfast, and it was hot, and I was physically exerting myself beyond my capabilities did NOT MIX WELL. As I was climbing back UP the stairs to try and go back, I was sweating terribly and very thirsty. I had to keep stopping every few steps up, and whenever I reached a landing, I had to take a long breather. Eventually, I started to get really dizzy and had to sit down, trying hard not to pass out. Yeah, vision got a bit spotty there. I damn near thought I was just going to faint at one point, when some other tourists came by to go see the lake. I told them I was okay and just needed to rest. Then, I seriously considered yelling for help before I fell over or something.
I got my breath back and my head stopped spinning, and I just mentally told myself that I could make it back to the beach okay. I took it easy, stopping quite frequently as I climbed up and up and up. And then I stopped climbing up because there was no more up. I had gone the wrong way on the maze of stairs and reached the highest landing. I nearly cried when I realized that I went the wrong way, had climbed all those stairs for nothing, but there was a gang of tourists up there, too. I sat down on one of the benches -- yay benches -- and tried to calm myself down and get my heart to stop beating so fast and breathe dammit!
I took more pictures so people wouldn't think I was dying.
Then I fortified myself metally again: "Down is easier than up down is easier than up down is easier than up."
And then I climbed down, went the right way to get to the beach (which is the same way you get in), and then climbed UP again. Then down. Then stood in a line as people came IN through that crack in the rocks while I wanted to go OUT. There was an elderly couple trying to go out, too, and they were from my tour. I felt quite better that I wasn't the last person from our group still at the lake.
Squirmed my way through the rocks and tried hard to keep it together as I climbed the very steep stairs down. I hit the beach, stumbled, and then saw Kris with an ice cold bottle of water waiting for me in the shade.
I like Kris very much.
I collapsed on a low wall in the shade and just sat there, slurping down the water. I drained half of it in nearly one go, I was THAT thirsty. I caught my breath again, and when Kris said we could go, I got naked. Not really. I got my tank top and capris off for the kayaking, since it would be quite wet. I put on my life jacket, which Kris commented that she should have gotten a child's size because this one was so big on me. I told her that as long as it kept me floating, I didn't care.
Then we got in the kayak after Kris told me what to do (I told her this was my first time), and then we were off!
KAYAKING --
This was SO awesome.
I wouldn't say that I regret seeing the Emerald Salt Lake, since it was impressive, pretty, and just really damn cool, though I wouldn't have been so stupid in hindsight. But the kayaking totally made up for nearly dying on those damned stairs.
The weather was perfect and there was a breeze and the ocean! Gorgeous! The water was SO salty. And because I was the only kayaker, I was in the same kayak as Kris. It was like a private tour, and we could stop wherever we wanted and I could easily ask Kris questions. She kept a running commentary of what was around. Because it was low tide, we couldn't kayak through the sea caves (which is usually what they do), but I got to see all the coral in shallow water from the reefs around the islands. It was amazing, because on the boat, Kris had asked me if I wanted to snorkel, too. I had to decline because I can't see a damn thing without my glasses, and you can't wear glasses and a snorkeling mask at the same time. But, ha! I got to see the stuff without the snorkel!
I even touched some of the coral (slimy and prickly) and we looked at the natural features of the islands, like a type of cactus, and this special type of orchid that ONLY grows on a few islands in the marine park. Kris even pointed out the birds (a type of seagull), and told me about the birds that made their nests on the island out of their own saliva. Apparently, these nests are what goes in bird's nest soup (a Chinese dish?) and worth thousands of dollars. So much, in fact, that the marine park keeps ARMED PATROLS around the places the birds like to roost, so that people can't sneak in to steal the nests. This is quite a big problem.
We eventually stopped for lunch at this nice beach on the other side of the island. Kris told me that this was the beach that inspired the book and movie "The Beach." She also said she was very disappointed in the movie because the things portrayed just weren't true. The military doesn't shoot at tourists (though they shoot at the poachers), you can't actually swim through the sea tunnel to the Emerald Lake (it's too narrow and people with scuba gear have tried), there's not a lot of fresh water, and ganja does NOT grow in the marine park.
XD
The lunch was delicious and I was starved. On the beach was a ranger's family's house, which Kris told me had been abandoned just a few days ago, since the low season means the park rangers don't have to be there as much. Once the new season's funding is issued, they'll be back. While I ate and relaxed, some other kayakers from a different tour group stopped by the beach. Then after the kayakers left, a group of people on a camping tour stopped on the beach. Apparently, people can camp on certain islands for a few days and this is very popular. They arrived by longtail boat, which makes me ill just thinking about it. Longtails are TINY and it's SUCH a long ride! It's worse than the speedboats!
After lunch, I got take a bit of a rest in one of the hammocks that was strung up on the beach. :3 So fun. Then we were off again!
Kris told me that I was lucky, because the kayaking tour I chose was the longest one day kayaking tour. All the other tours start at one beach, go for a bit, then go back to the same place. In MY tour, we were actually going to kayak from one island to another!
We stayed near the shore of Mae Koh for a bit, looking at more stuff. Then we actully CROSSED THE OPEN SEA to get to Wau Ta Lap Island! It was pretty cool! Kris told me that the ocean was only about 10 meters at its deepest point, but the currents could be strong, especially at the point where we crossed because it was narrow, and all the water is channeled through between the islands. We even got into one of the currents and stopped paddling, just letting it carry us along the right way.
Kris also pointed out one of the islands (Koh Phi, I think), which was nicknamed "Sleeping Cow Island." Why? Because it looks like a sleeping cow! XD I took pictures when we passed by it again on the boat.
WAU TA LAP ISLAND --
The tide was rising by this time, and then we paddled into the cove at Wau Ta Lap Island. The boat was already there and the other tourists were sunning on the beach and stuff. We arrived with enough time for me to have leisure time on the beach for a bit over an hour. There was the big park ranger's station here, as well as a giftshop, restrooms, a restaurant, etc. I finaly got to pee. Yay. All that salt water, you know.
After that, I procured a lounge chair for myself, plopped it on the beach in a bit of shade (and sun), and dozed off. I was TRYING to fix my horrid tank top tan.
Ninmu... shippai.
>_O
I woke up just in time (I had my glasses off), and got on the longtail boat that took us back to the big boat. Once on the big boat, I immediately went belowdeck for a snack (sandwiches!) then after snapping some nice pictures, I found a bench in the sun against the rail and napped. Goddamned tan. It didn't even out AT ALL. But my right shoulder, somehow, got very tender. Quite a warning sign for someone of my skin tone (no, I don't use sunblock).
Back at Nathon, I got in the shuttle with the German family and we headed back to the hotel. I was quite tired but very happy. It was a good day!
HIN TA HIN YAI --
I arrived at the hotel and there was still daylight left. So, I dropped my stuff in my room and booked it over to Hin Ta Hin Yai, the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks.
Wow... it really DID look like a big penis sticking up from the rocks. It's amazing that this thing was natural. I didn't see the Grandmother Stone though (which looks like a vagina), so I climbed down from the looking place to try and climb up the rocks where Hin Ta was. That was a no go, and the beach had the sharpest, pointiest sand EVER.
I had to settle for only taking pictures of a big, erect, cock-shaped rock.
:3
I stopped by the convenience store on the way back to my hotel and got another ice cream bar. And hit the ATM. >_<;;
Once back in my room, I finished my ice cream, showered, then had dinner at the restaurant. I was even daring and ordered an all Thai meal! Delicious vegetable spring rolls and chicken and cashew nuts. And a virgin Pina Colada. Hey... I just spent the day physically exerting myself. I earned it.
I slept quite easily on this night.
SUNDAY:
I woke up rather sore on my last day in Samui. My legs and arms were both sore and tired, and rubbing against the cotton sheets at night (I tend to sleep on my side) didn't help out my tender shoulder(s). I FINALLY got to have a free breakfast courtesy of the hotel, and took my time packing everything back into my bag.
Check out time was Noon, and my flight didn't leave until 3 pm. I decided to check out early and go to Chaweng Beach and hang out there before my flight. I had picked out the spa I wanted to go to the night before, so I decided that a two-hour spa treatment would be the best way to close off my trip to Samui.
After I paid my restaurant tab and checked out, I carried my heavy bag down the road, waiting for a taxi or bus/truck thing (songtham?) to come by. What happened was all the motorcycle taxi people kept stopping for me. I eventually decided to take one into Chaweng. He charged 80 baht and I couldn't bargain him down because the trip was 20 kilometers. I wasn't going to be petty and mean on my last day in Samui, so I agreed. I wondered about the safety of the motorcycle, because my bag was quite heavy, but the driver managed. It was pretty fun, zipping along the highyway (albeit more slowly and cautiously than motorcycles normally go) to Chaweng. I was in quite a high and happy mood and got the driver to drop me off right at the spa. I paid him 100 baht and told him to keep the change. I'm such a nice and generous person. XP
LIVING SENSES SPA --
This place was absolutely awesome. I'm so glad that this was the way I chose to end my beach vacation. The place is located above a McDonald's, but you might as well be in another world. Once I stepped in, I was greeted by a nice lady, who put my bag away someplace and offered me slippers and cold tea while I chose my treatment.
I chose "Bliss and Radiant," which was a one hour massage (my choice of 3 types of massage) and a one hour facial, for a little over 2,700 baht. Man, it was worth every baht! I got to pick my oil (I chose 'Refreshing', which was this REALLY nice mix of citrus and other things), and I chose the 'Living Senses' massage (which was a blend of aromatherapy, Thai massage, Swedish massage, reflexology, etc. and was the spa's signature thing).
I got to go to my nice, private room which had some soothing music on. I was able to take a shower there (I thought I wouldn't but finally gave in after that motorcyle ride) and they had some really cool shampoo and body gel. And their shower was AWESOME. I dried off a bit, though my hair was damp, just when my masseuse knocked on the door. I nodded her in and she told me to lay down on the table on my stomach.
OH MY GOD.
I won't go into details, because the experience was so good, but it was a GREAT massage. My arms and legs felt SO much better, and even my shoulder wasn't so twingy anymore. It was a full body massage, so I eventually had to flip over. I thought I would be embarassed to be naked with some stranger rubbing at me, but I was too relaxed to be self-conscious. Besides, there was a towel over me that always kept my private bits covered. I was also a bit wary about the oil, but it kinda just.... soaked into my skin and I felt so smooth and silky and nice the WHOLE DAY. Even after a flight from hell (more details later).
The facial was most awesome, too. MUCH better than the facial I got from Silom, but I guess that's because I paid a LOT more for it. There's something to be said about having a warm scented towel wrapped around your face.
Then my spa experience was over. ;__; I got dressed and brushed my hair out and DAMN, I really didn't want to be clothed again. XD I got to go to a little lounge area first, where I was served hot lemongrass tea and pineapple. Very tasty and soothing. After munching the pineapple and tea (getting a bit hungry by this time), I went back out to the lobby area to pay. As I was there, filling out the little book where you can leave comments about your experience, there was this GAY COUPLE in the lobby, choosing a spa package together! *squee!* They totally chose the Lover's Package with the 'Romance' blend of oil. They were so cute, and this was NOT something I expected to see.
Ah, and I was QUITE surprised to find out that it was already after 1 pm. I had gotten to the spa a little after 10 am, and figured that 2 hours would have me out by noon. XD I thought I would have time to shop around Chaweng, but instead I got into the first cab I saw and went straight to the airport. The driver totally hosed me on the fare, too (300 baht!), but I was in too good a mood to argue. I didn't give him a tip though.
SAMUI AIRPORT --
I don't remember if I mentioned this already, but the Samui Airport is all open air. It still amazes me, because it's so small and pretty. It's like part of a resort and not the only airport on the island. I checked in okay, but was informed that my flight had been delayed and the new boarding time was now 3pm (instead of the flight LEAVING at 3pm). I was a bit surprised, but it wasn't bad. The airport was nice and I just had an awesome spa treatment.
I went to the airport's giftshop (which also had high prices, but not terribly bad), and bought a bunch of things. The postcard rack was cool, and I FINALLY got to see what Grandmother Rock looked like. Yeah... it really DOES look like a vagina. Needless to say, I bought postcards, and these cute little wooden cat figurines that were painted different colors (never seen them before anywhere!) and these little wooden and tin wall decorations that you could probably hang keys off of. Damage was a little over 100 baht; I think I was trying to make up for not buying cool cheap stuff at Island Souvenier. XD
I also bought another ice cream bar, but for 35 baht instead of 29! I KNEW airports raised the prices on stuff! This is the proof!
I killed sometime in the bookstore, too, before finally going into the terminal at 3pm. The flight was STILL delayed, and I managed to use one of the little computer kiosks for most of the time I was waiting.
THE PLANE (BOSS! THE PLANE!) --
Plane finally landed after 3pm and all the passengers queued up to get on the trams to the plane (also a small propeller plane), except THIS plane had:
3 seats -> aisle --> 2 seats
instead of:
2 seats --> aisle --> 2 seats
like the plane I took TO Samui.
Then the weird shit happens. I settled down into my very nice, Row 14 window seat on the 3-seats side of the plane. A Thai lady with a baby sits next to me. I start thinking: 'Damn... I hope that baby doesn't start to cry, even if it's only an hour flight.' Then the Thai lady says hello to me, I say hello back, then she asks if I'll switch seats with her husbad, who's sitting in Row 19. I say okay, because, I mean it's her husband and I don't want to sit next to a baby on a plane.
I get up and go to the seat, and her American (I'm pretty sure) husband thanks me for switching. When he gets up and I step forward, this other man sits in his seat, leaving me standing in the aisle and very confused. I go back to Row 14 and tell the husband that a man just sat in his seat. He says: "Oh, that's my friend. He doesn't know that you switched with me."
So, he gets up and I follow and he tells his friend to move up to Row 14. As this happens, the stewardess is trying to pass out moist towelettes. She's effectively trapped my husband and me, behind the Friend. Then, for some odd reason, Friend refuses to move.
Here is the conversation:
Friend: No man, she's got the window seat...
Husband: Bro, it's okay. Just come on up.
Friend: No man... I'll sit here.
Husband: Bro. Bro. Just come on up, okay?
Friend: *babbling on about he'll stay in the seat blah blah blah*
Husband: *getting annoyed and talking over his friend* Bro! Bro! Just get up and move...!
Me: *squirming behind Husband, very embarassed and silent*
Stewardess: *to Friend* Excuse me, sir, may I see your boarding pass?
Friend: Awwwww man, I don't have one. I don't have anything. I'll even pass out these things! *waves a little moist towelette package*
Me: *has an OMGWTF?! moment and wonders if Friend knows what he's saying or is just totally stoned like I suspect*
Husband: *sharper* Bro! Just come up with me!
Friend: *finally gets up and moves to Row 14 with Husband and thanks me as he passes*
Me: *squirms and sits down quickly*
Stewardess: *passes out more moist towelettes*
Me: *is unhappy that I didn't get a moist towelette because of Friend and resolves to hate him*
~ FINI ~
>_O;;
Anyway, after that the flight went smoothly. I scarfed down the provided lunch without questioning what it was much (mostly pastry things). We landed in Bangkok without a hitch, though I squirmed again when Husband thanked me some more for moving seats when we were at the baggage claim.
Got a taxi, went back to my hotel, and then just relaxed.
Happy Fourth of July.
