There's a place called Ko-Ko Samui

I'm loving it so far...

Upon landing in Bangkok early Monday morning, I flew immediately to the beach island of Ko Samui, which came recommended by Kevin. There are many beaches to chose from, and I picked Hat Chaweng as I thought it would give me the greatest chance of meeting people. I stayed in a cute little bungalow at the North (and quieter) end of the beach. It had it's own bathroom and a powerful fan. Most of the restaurants and stores in Hat Chaweng have at least one person who speaks English as this is the busiest beach on the island. I met a nice Israeli guy who was also travelling alone and we went on an organized tour of Ang Thong National Marine Park. Did some snorkeling, sightseeing and kayaking. Got caught in a mini-monsoon and while kayaking, and I think my camera is dead...Will try to fix it tomorrow when I go to Bangkok. More worried about the memory card though.

Took a ferry then an overnight train to the town of Phetburi, about 3 hours south of Bangkok where there are about a dozen temples. I didn't go in any of them, but I took some pictures (with a disposable camera) from outside the gates. Rented a bike and rode up to Kao Luang, a cave sanctuary that houses a couple of Buddha statues that some Thai king transported to the site. It was beautiful with the light pouring in through the top of the cave...like an old-fashioned sky light. I pray that these photos will turn out. There are less English-speaking people in Phetburi and more than one person has assumed that I'm Thai and has attempted a conversation with me. I guess my dark skin confuses them...Anywho, I am getting by with pointing at what I want and gesturing, and this morning I learned the all important word for rice! Tonight will head to the night market in Phetburi, a sure place for good cheap eats...This afternoon I had spicy banana flower salad on rice and the other day I ate a whole fried fish, making sure to pick the bones clean as per my regular MO.

Tomorrow, I will take a bus to Bangkok to meet up with Jenny for big city adventures!