We're here!

Hey all,

We're finally here!

We left Toronto on Monday morning at 1:45am, a little delayed, but 2 gravol later and two glasses of wine with dinner at mom's, I was out like a light on the plane ride to Hong Kong. I woke up to eat (of course), and before I knew it, 8 hours had gone by. I watched a few movies on the personal television (very cool) and john and I chatted and slept. It was a great flight! So much for the worry.

We hung around the Hong Kong airport for a few hours and then hit our next flight to Thailand! We arrived in Bangkok and got a bus to our hostel. We checked in and then after a shower, went for our first thai meal! SO SO GOOD.

After, we got a little scammed by a tuk tuk driver. They like to drive tourist to various shops around the city and then they get commission for whatever you buy. Within 2 minutes John and I were onto the little scam, and we didn't get out of the cab and demanded to go back to exactly where we were picked up. The gentlemen was a little disappointed, and insisted that the next stop was the best shopping in town, but we passed. No danger at all, just a little annoying.

After a night there, we slept (sort of - we're still not adjusted to the time), but had to wake at 3:30am to get a taxi to the airport (again!) to fly to the island of Ko Samui. We blinked and were there - it was so quick. The airport was beautiful! With palm trees and flowers, a short run way and a quick open air bus ride eto the open air baggage claim area. Very quaint.

We got a ferry to the island of Ko phangan and a bumpy taxi ride to our little resort. Our $17 bungalow on the beach turned out to be a dive. The washroom was gross so we opted for the more expensive bungalow with a/c and a flush toilet (I have had to throw water down the toilet before to flush it, but I'm done with that phase!!)

We ate a lovely Christmas eve dinner on the beach last night, went for a christmas walk and slept well (finally).

This morning (Christmas morning) we went for a $10, 1 hour, thai massage!! then ate breakfast and relaxed on the beach! We are at the internet cafe now, trying to plan our next few days, and writing to you!

Tomorrow we are off elephant trekking and snorkeling for the day, then we're not sure?? We're trying to find some hostels now....we'll let you know when we know!!

Be well all. Merry Christmas and have a lovely time with family!!

Love and best wishes, cristen and john :o)