Our leaders went to Koh Samet Island for 6 days as part of our leader retreat. We had some down time, but also a chance to talk about the logistics of our group, the program, scheduling etc.
It was somewhat nerve racking, and I don't know why I was so uneasy to travel to the island, but once I managed to get settled, I waited by the beach for about 6 hours for the girls to arrive. They took quite a roundabout way of getting from Bangkok to the island and luckily made the very last ferry to the island. We stayed an amazing little bungalow resort called Tubtim. The people were friendly and it wasn't as touristy as I though it would be.
At night time, the restaurants and hotels were lit up with bright lights and the three young boys walked from restaurant to restaurant entertaining people with their fire shows. I couldn't believe how young they were, playing with fire. There are a ton of dogs and cats on the island too and we befriended a white labrador-like (might be a mix) dog nicknamed by a NZ'lander Milky Jo. She followed our Dutch friend Mascha around during her stay and then migrated to us, when she had left. Mascha had tears in her eyes when she had to leave. They seriously need to spade and neuter more animals on the island, because it's getting out of hand. (Below is my favourite picture of Milky Jo under a table with a Thailand book above her head on a seat...a long with a few good ones)
The best part was the pancake man - roti pancakes are the best. I enjoy then very much - Banana and Chocolate. The food was great - nice and fresh, and lots to choose from. I love fresh coconut as well.
Our snorkeling expedition went well. Due to the rain we couldn't do the 12-5pm trip so we went out at 2pm until 5pm. We went snorkeling twice and after the first time I was somewhat sea sick. The second time was phenomenal but we were stung by something in the water...either a fish or a plant that released a chemical when we got too close - yes I need to google this phenomenon. We visited fish farms where we saw sharks and turtles, and yes it was somewhat sketchy but nonetheless educational - since I've never seen a real life turtle or leopard shark.
Over all, Koh Samet was well worth it. I discovered an amazing market down by the Pier once I came back from Koh Samet. I bought some Thai pants, and a few bracelets for the girls back in Pattaya. My bus driver was early, which was surprising so the man from the station stopped beside me with a motorcycle when I was walking back and gave me a short ride to the van. I had arrived back into my hotel room right as the girls were finishing up their Thai Language lesson with Judy. She's an amazing instructor!
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