Friday night after my first 3 days of school (and no teaching as of yet), my mentor took me to Chumphon city where I met Aimee, Vikki, Becky and Ross. The Buddhist holiday meant that we had Monday and Tuesday off to, so we all prepared for a long weekend of relaxing, talking - a lot - and enjoying the beaches in the (fingers crossed) sun.
Although Koh Tao is only 3 hours away from Chumphon, we took the overnight ferry, meaning a 6 hour journey. I was happy with this, one less night of accommodation to pay for and we had beds on the ferry, result!
Becky, Vikki, Ross and me. Ferry with bunk beds, yes.
After a bit of a panic finding accommodation (everywhere was full for the holiday) we found 'Sunlord Bungalows'. About a 20 minute walk from the main strip and beach, and it was pretty basic.. but we were just grateful for a toilet and shower! Especially Becky and Aimee who don't have showers or western toilets at their school accommodation - a luxury for them! It was 360 baht each a night, so roughly 7 pounds, and had the most incredible view. We checked in at 7am ish Friday, we napped, and then we hit the beach. Had to make the most of the sunshine - we seem to only get one day a week without rain!
The view from our balcony. And an ickle tiny Ross.
The beach was absolutely beautiful, as was the weather. I, of course, got ridiculously burnt after just 20 minutes without sun cream on. I blame mum! (Irish blood). We met up with some of the other ETA's on the beach, was so great to see more familiar faces and catch up about our first school experiences.
On the beach with Vikki. Pre-burn.
The first night led to an amazing night out, starting at Lotus Bar - my favourite bar, on the beach, full of travelers. Was so great chatting to people from all over the world about where they've been and where they're going - made me a little jealous! I'm loving school, but if only every weekend were a four day weekend...
From Lotus bar we went to a club we were told was the place to be that night, via the most hilarious taxi journey of my life! All 10+ of us climbed into the back of this pick-up truck which was a struggle enough. Then 30 seconds into the journey it started very very heavily raining. It sounded like some kind of mass murder - everyone screaming, soaking wet, falling all over each other (because they drive like maniacs here)... I think this picture sums it up. It's not posed.
Caity, Ryan and a bit of Aimee. Looking so beautiful in the taxi journey from hell.
Overall, Kho Tao was incredible. Consisted of...
- a lot of beach-ing. I don't tan, but I love to pretend that I do.
- English food. Had a fry up on the first day; best fry up I've ever had. And TEA!
- My first Ladyboy show. It was unreal. It was like a tribute show, the miming was awful, but there dancing, ohhhhh my god. Incredible! This one girl/boy impersonated Beyonce 'Single Ladies', dance and all, and blew me away. Even if they weren't ladyboys, I would have loved it. They all looked unreal as well, so jealous of some of their figures! (yes it's all fake, but still).
- My first ever nights sleep in a hammock. I was sharing a bungalow with Ross and Don (eww, boys) so shot-gunned the hammock to sleep on as there was only a double bed between three of us. 'Twas the most comfortable sleep of my life.
- First phone call home. It was emosh. I was over tired, a bit upset because my camera had broken... so called mummy. Bless her, she probably thought I'm having an awful time because I was a bit teary, but it was just unfortunately a bit of a low moment (I'm having the best time ever Mum, I swear!). She, as always, made me think rationally, and thank God I had the lovely Avita, Meg, Zoe and Shivi with me for the afternoon that day - they seriously picked me up and we had another amazing afternoon on the beach in the sun.
To conclude, a seriously amazing first weekend with some great people. Just what I needed.
I can't be bothered to write anymore, so have some pictures.
Me, Vikki, Becky and Aimee. Our Bungalows were on these rocks.
Ross looking good on my hammock.
Our bungalow for 360 baht, roughly 7/8 pounds each a night. Can't complain!
Don, Joe, Me, Vikki and Becky. Night one at Lotus Bar.
Joe and Caity, that taxi journey.
Journey back from the club wasn't much better.
Our spot on the beach for 3 days, and Lotus Bar.
Shivi, Zoe, me and Aimee (and sun burn), ready to watch some lady boys dance!
Joe, Ross and Don - with an absolute beauty after the show.
Lots of ETA's merry at the beach!
Ross and Don on their beloved Moped.
OH.
Also.
I killed my first spider here, when I got back to my room after the weekend. It was literally the size of my fist and above my bed. I squished it with a towel, then jumped up and down on the towel for 5 minutes. Then washed the towel 3 times. HERO!
Over and out.
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