Koh Samui, Thailand and the wonderful beach (Part Six)

One of the highlights of my visit to this island was when our driver took us to a semi-secluded beach. By this time, we were on the opposite side of the island and have driven off the beaten path a little. Our Australian friends were dying to have a swim and so our Canadian guide had talked our driver into taking us here. I don't have a lot of story for this area, but I have some pictures to share with you.

Beach on Koh Samui, Thailand

We had plenty of time to enjoy the sun and relax. I was absolutely amazed with this place. Granted, the sun is still not out much, and I can't fully explain how beautiful this area was, but trust me, I wanted to stay here for weeks. There was a wonderful quietness with just the sound of the ocean waves.

Beach on Koh Samui, Thailand

It wasn't difficult to find a hotel right on the beach. There were a few small cabanas and hotels that were lined up along the sand. As I explained in my last post, hotels on this island can be had for very little money. Since these would be considered very desirable, some were considered cheap at $60 per night for simple accommodations on the beach and some where expensive, running about $260 per night. This place was a very nice resort with private cabanas.

"Sala Samui" resort on Koh Samui, Thailand

I enjoyed watching the locals walk along the beach, along with the few tourists who happen to be staying here. Everyone seemed extremely relaxed and didn't have a worry in the world. There was a man who was selling silk sheets and beach blankets as he walked in front of the people laying out in the sun, but he never pestered anyone. Usually vendors in Thailand will simply smile gesture politely with their product and nod politely if you're not interested.

Vendor on Koh Samui, Thailand

I tried to capture a good photo of the beach to show it's size and depth and beauty, but I guess I wasn't with it that day. A photo tends to capture everything, including the bits of palm husks on the ground, along with the odd piece of trash that has blown from a nearby guest. However, it was so nice there that I never noticed these things until I looked at the photos.

A beach on Koh Samui, Thailand



Another man was selling corn on the cob and was able to butter it for you right there. People love being able to stay in their comfortable chairs and be served various foods and drinks. I can't imagine why?? Even though the hotel prices are slightly higher here, it is easy to eat by way of vender more very little.

Vendor on Koh Samui, Thailand

We walked up and down that beach several times, just taking in the environment. I  decided to chat a bit with some of the locals who worked there and took some photos of them. Very nice people. This man had an interesting look about him. I find that Thai people don't mind their photo being taken if you politely nod and smile while indicating your camera. Their society is certainly one of consideration for others, so a little kindness goes a long ways here.

Koh Samui, Thailand local

This youngster had decided to take a nap on a hammock. What a tough life!! His family members were working at the beach and were so nice to talk to. The Thai people are generally so kind and just wanted to make sure that we were having a good time.

Taking a nap on the hammock



After a dip in the ocean, the small group of us decided to sit down and have a drink at the restaurant that was open to the ocean breeze. We grabbed a table and ordered. The prices at this nice venue on beach were very reasonable. It was easy to get an entire meal for a few dollars (in Baht). One of my favorite things to do in tropical destinations is to have a fresh coconut cut open and then drink the water inside. It's very good for you and tastes great. It's especially good when you're sweating a lot, since it has a lot of potassium. Even in a nice place, it was only about $1.50, served chilled. They give you a spoon so that you can scoop out the coconut and eat it. These types of coconuts are not like what you see in the grocery store. The ones you drink from are called "Young Coconuts" and are still green on the outside and picked from the trees. The  coconut is easier to eat and doesn't have to be graded or scrapped out like the older brown ones do.

Koh Samui, Thailand locals



Grandmother and baby were happy to be enjoying the beach and the cool breeze. They were part of the family that worked in the open cabana. You can get items for the beach, as well as being able to hire the Jet Ski for an hour or more. Although the weather wasn't perfectly bright and sunny, I thought I'd upload just a small clip of the beach and the waves that day. It's a nice relaxing sound and helps you to imagine what it was like there.

On the beach in Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui, Thailand..tiny bananas, tiny elephants and the mothers who love them (Part Three)

After our waterfall experience, we began our journey further around the island. As our faulty-engined truck puttered along quickly, we watched as the scenery passed by. The sky was still grey and overcast with storm clouds. After a short while of driving, we pulled off the small island two-lane road and headed up into the mountains again. The road there was a bit more sturdy than the last one, with the same palm trees and greenery surrounding us.

Koh Samui, Thailand

After a short while up the steep hill, we pulled into an area where there were large and small elephants  looming everywhere. My understanding is that we were headed for another waterfall, but we pulled into the small parking lot. As we got out, a few employees walked over to us and offered a ride to the waterfall, and elephant ride or a Zip line ride down from the mountain. Sounds interesting to me, so we inquired more. Well, the Zip line was $50 U.S. dollars. Hmmmm...no thanks. Going to see the large waterfall was extra also, along with a $20 fee for riding an elephant.

Elephant on Koh Samui, Thailand

One of our group mates decided to head up to the Zip Line, so he left with the guide. I became mesmerized with the elephants and wanted to photograph and pet them (as much as one can actually pet an elephant). I still felt guilty about riding them, so I passed on doing that. The elephants looked kind of sad to me and I am too much of an animal lover not to notice.

Elephant on Koh Samui, Thailand

I watched a bit as elephant trainers helped passengers onto the elephants from the high platform designed to allowed people to walk up and step out onto the back of the elephant where the chair was. I suppose this made it easier for everyone.







A short video clip of the elephants on Koh Samui, Thailand



This was just a simple video clip. I didn't do much video on this trip, just a few seconds here and there to help people get a sense of what it's like in these places. It was mainly about photography for me.

Elephant Trainer on Koh Samui, Thailand



Since I decided not to ride one of these beautiful creatures, I thought it might be fun to feed one or two. There was a table where you could buy a bunch bananas (really tiny ones) for about 25 cents (U.S.). It was hard finding some that were ripe enough to feed them, so grabbed what I could.

Elephant and Trainer on Koh Samui, Thailand



I ran over to the baby one first. I decided to share my bananas with someone standing by, and take a photo while someone else was feeding him first. Once I started feeding him, I couldn't believe how fast he (or she) grabbed them out of my hands. I peeled off one at a time and the baby elephant instantly wrapped them in the trunk and engulfed. I went through a bunch of bananas rather quickly, save one.

Baby Elephant on Koh Samui, Thailand



Within moments, a very large, huge, elephant (mother) came over to me in that enhanced cinema slow-motion style and I began to get a little nervous. I reached out and handed a tiny banana to this monster- sized beauty as she grabbed it quickly. Mother elephant stared me right in the eyes without waiver and kept walking straight towards me. I couldn't tell if she was trying to push me away from baby and getting a banana in the process, or if she had figured out that walking over a visitor would produce bananas faster. As I was out of bananas now, I had to run to the table and buy another bunch quickly.

Elephant Trainer on Koh Samui, Thailand



I feed her over and over again as she pushed me back and down the hill. One banana, two banana, three banana...four. Finally as I started to make noise (let's just stick with that), a trainer came over to stop her. I'm sure they thought that was just hysterical (considering the amount of laughing they did). Although I didn't want to get stepped on, I loved feeding her, such an amazing opportunity. Elephants have such a tight grip with their trunks, so I had to pull away hand, quickly. I was hoping that she wasn't going to decide "to hell with the bananas" and have California boy for lunch. There is a hairy, dirty and rough texture to them that feels quick strange. It's nothing like petting a kitten.

Elephant on Koh Samui, Thailand



It is amazing how much intelligence is in the eyes of an elephant. Like I said, I felt sorry for them though since they were kind of trapped, having to do this day in and day out.

Elephant Trainer on Koh Samui, Thailand



The elephant trainers were an interesting mix of people, but friendly. I saw this guy sitting on one of the elephants and having a break. Not sure exactly what he was smoking, but it makes for an interesting photo.

Elephant Trainer on Koh Samui, Thailand



It was curious seeing the different colors and patterns on the elephants. It was amazing to get this chance to spend some time with these animals. Typically, most people only get to see elephants at the zoo, behind a fence. It is an entirely different experience to be able to walk up to them and to be surrounded by them. You never really realize how massive they are and how much of a presence they have until you are in this situation.

Elephant on Koh Samui, Thailand





To Be Continued....

Bangkok, Thailand...and the salty dilemma (part five)

On one of the many river stops that I decided to explore, I encountered an unusual spot to say the least. There were many people crowded around a small inside "Market" that was built next to the pier. After we jumped off of the river boat, I immediately walked inside the market area to discover tables of homemade breads and crackers. Vendors sat on small benches and sold their selection in plastic bags.

Chao Phraya River in Bangkok...heading towards the pier from the river boat



It didn't take long for me to notice a scurrying of sound in the water. It was actually quite loud and since I heard people laughing and behaving in a shocked manner, I decided to walk back over and see what all the fuss was about. As I was walking back over to the scene, a Thai lady tossed a piece of bread (I'm assuming stale) over her shoulder as she was filling bags full of bake goods. She didn't look in that direction as if she had done this a million times. I ran over to the small railing and found myself a space to lean up against and look down into the water. After I pulled my camera in front of me...THIS is what I saw... (you can click on the higher resolution option for shocking detail and clarity..LOL)







The next video is a little bit close to the water.







The funny part is that in my desire to capture some of the over zealous catfish eating bread...I had river and slimly fish water splashed into my mouth. Yes...disgusting. Imagine the combination of salt, fish, dirt, pollution, weeds and other secret ingredients becoming a flavor in a matter of seconds....time to process the information...spit...grimace...panic. Okay, not that I'm a wimp or anything, but the Chao Phraya river is not exactly the cleanest thing on earth. You can bet that I spent the next 24 hours wondering if I was going to come down with some sort of horrid parasite infection or at the very least, a terrible stomach ache. However, I managed to make it through without a hitch. Maybe I was worried for nothing? So, I guess the moral here, is that if you stop by the bread shop and see a mob of people watching catfish in the water...DON'T get too close.



To Be Continued....

Koh Samui, Thailand and the wet waterfall experience (part two)

As the adventurous ride continued, I held onto the back of the truck and took shots of the passing buildings and people in the small "towns" that we rode through. The sky was still grey, but it added to the tropical feel of this place. There were motorbikes that came up close to the back of the truck, so they became victim to my camera (albeit a blurry and tilted attempt). I have to admit, those of us in the back of the truck were slightly skeptical as to what we had gotten ourselves into. Where was this man in an old pickup going to take us? 

Koh Samui, Thailand. I was riding in the back of a pickup truck and wanted something to photograph.



Our two Australian friends were characters, the man, described as the closest thing to a Frat brother in the truck and the wife being the adventurous and beautiful mate. Our Hong Kong friends mainly sat quiet as the man pointed his video camera at both the nature out the back and the occupants inside. "Mom" with the tattoos and short grey hair, from Canada (who's husband was in the front of the truck, navigating and negotiating) was every bit as energetic and interesting as you would want in a tour companion. We all laughed and talked about the possibility of being sold into slavery or perhaps being robbed of every last dime before we were allowed to go home. However, deep down when knew it was fine and that the journey would be fun.

Heading into the jungle in Koh Samui, Thailand



A quick turn off of the main road began taking us up a hill into the jungle area. Green trees dripping with moisture wizzed past us. I heard the familiar sound of the walkie-Talky buzzing as Canadian husband told us that our first negotiated stop was to take us to the waterfall. THAT sounded like fun and an ideal first thing to do on an island. After ridding along for a short bit, we began driving up the somewhat steep hill. The truck puttered and sputtered as it shifted into low gear and worked extra hard to climb. We all stared in silence as we watched the hill behind us grown longer with each struggling foot.

Walking to the waterfall in Koh Samui, Thailand



Finally, we pulled into a small clearing. It was beautiful. There were puddles of water, a little mud and only one other vehicle there. We jumped out of the back of the truck and that's when I saw the Elephant standing off to the side. There was a riding seat strapped over it's back and a handler next to it. I love elephants and wanted to run over there, but my fellow travelers were headed off on the jungle path.

Elephant and handler at the waterfall in Koh Samui, Thailand (poor elephant)

I ran after them and was instantly surprised at the thick mist and moisture that hung in the in. Jungle trees hung over the path and little light got through. There were a few booths set up for refreshments, etc...but we blazed right past.

A vender at the waterfall on Koh Samui, Thailand



It didn't take long before we heard the sound of falling water. A few more paces and there it was. My first waterfall since the beginning of this trip. Granted, it wasn't huge or spectacular, but I was happy. It seemed the rest of our group was to.







The waterfall on Koh Samui in Thailand. Use the high resolution option so that it won't be so blurry.



One by one, we cautiously climbed down on the rocks and stared up at the falling water. You could feel drop after drop hitting your skin.

Waterfall on Koh Samui, Thailand



I was so glad that I had worn swimming trunks and an old T-Shirt. Getting wet and dirty became a non-issue for me, so I just enjoyed the experience.

At the waterfall on Koh Samui, Thailand



We each took turns taking photos and laughing at the constant threat of sliding off a rock and hitting our heads. I suppose we all just wanted to live a little. I later learned that it is nearly impossible to capture a proper photo of this waterfall. It was simply too hard to do it justice. You will have to trust me that it was wonderful. I saw a man and his wife on an elephant down the stream. I tried to capture them, but the photo came out a bit blurry.

Koh Samui,Thailand



Even though the intense humidity in a place like this can be overwhelming, I must say that your breathing is so wonderful due to all the moisture in the lungs. It makes you feel so healthy and alive.

At the waterfall on Koh Samui, Thailand



After getting our fill of the falling waters, we walked back through the short jungle path and to the small truck. I was surprised that our driver (who knew very little english) did not bother us at all about the time. I was a little impressed and I can say that as a group, we began to loose our trepidation about this experience. We all jumped back into the bed of the truck and exclaimed our happiness for this stop. I wiped my hand through my now wet and jungle-kissed hair and flung the excess water out the back of the truck. We began to drive rapidly back down the hill and onto a paved road, while headed to our next stop.







Just a short clip of us riding out of the waterfall area. Use the higher resolution option.

There are more photos of Koh Samui, Thailand that you can access HERE. 



Too Be Continued....

Koh Samui, Thailand...8 strangers and an Idea (Part One)

Sailing to Koh Samui was such a spectacular experience. I remember looking down at the ocean water that surrounded the island and being amazed at how aqua colored and pure it seemed. We never had ocean water so clean in California. There were many storm clouds in the sky, but I had gotten used to this over the weeks of traveling in the tropics. It actually was kind of nice at times, to block out the searing sun that usually burnt me to a crisp. I tried to reach down and touch the water as we approached the dock in our small boat. Only a rope and a few feet were separating me and the perfect water.

Early morning, arriving by boat onto Koh Samui, Thailand

We stepped off the boat and you could see the amazement on everyone's faces. Mountains covered with mist in the background, along with a warm tropical breeze was all the greeting we needed. However, a number of local Thai people ran down the long pier in order to greet us, and of course, offer us various services on the island.

Early morning approaching the pier in Koh Samui, Thailand

As my buddy and I walked down the long pier into town, we decided to play it by ear. Where we went and what we were doing for the day was simply up to chance. It never hurt that I also say a small prayer before stepping foot into another country, simply for basic protection and hopefully an extra jolt of fun. It didn't take long before we saw the multiple cabs lined up along the small parking lot next to the pier. Drivers quickly rushed over to us and began offering tours around the island. Okay, I'll bite.."How much?", I asked. "$100" (U.S.) the driver said, (...LOL...I don't think so). This was one of those classic you have got to be kidding me moments. We walked away and headed for the shops that lined the street. The cab driver followed us quickly and knocked it down to $80 for the both of us. No way. You have to know that $100 or even $80 to be driven around on semi-small island in Thailand is WAY too much money. This was confirmed also by the other tourist who had just gotten off the boat and were trying to negotiate with the cab drivers. It was clear that a few of them had been here before and knew the drill.

At the end of the pier as we walked into the small town on Koh Samui, Thailand

There were a small group of use who began gathering next to a tourist shop which had flyers on the window. It was clear that most things they offered were elaborate trips to other islands, plane rides, etc.. I just wanted to simply ride around the island, see the waterfalls and so forth. Mr. Cab driver was still trying to talk us all into a ride, but no one was biting. I suggested to our small group of strangers, that we should get together and try to hire one of the vans for the day, it might be cheaper per person. We all looked at each other in agreement. I counted eight of us. A gentleman from Canada decided to take the initiative and go ask some of the non-cab drivers. To make a long story short, he ended up negotiating a deal with a man who was driving a small pickup truck, covered with a top and open windows.

A local in the small little town by the pier

Hmmm....we all looked at each other. There would be no air conditioning, no comfortable seats and what was the truck normally used for?? I was waiting to hear the over-the-top price that our friend from Canada had gotten for us....but I was shocked to hear that it was only $8 per person. Now THAT was a good deal, especially since it included a four hour trip around the island, along with stops. Okay, I have to admit, $8 seemed too cheap and I almost felt guilty, but heh, the driver seemed excited to get the business. Where it get's weird though is the driver had us sneak in the back, and wouldn't open the tarp windows until we were around the corner and away from the other drivers.

The only photo I have of our truck (which I took later during the day).

As I said, there were eight of us. The older Canadian man and his wife, The 30-something Australian man and his wife, the 30-something Hong Kong man and his wife and my buddy and I. Our Canadian friend quickly became our leader and decided to ride up front with the driver. His guidance and negotiating skills were quite helpful, especially since Mr. driver was trying to raise the price after we took off. The Canadian man's wife (sorry, forgot everyone's name) was in back with us and had a walky-talky to communicate with her husband. This couple was great, very bohemian. In fact, even though our little group was extremely diverse, it was clear that we were all going to get along well. Within moments of the truck taking off with us loaded in the back, we all began laughing as we realized that we were being bumped up and down harshly on the truck's metal seats. There was no tailgate, so it wouldn't take much for any number of us to be tossed out the back. However, I loved setting there and having a free view to the islands roadway as we bumped along at breakneck speeds. Oh, and the only sign we found inside the back of the truck was for a shooting range. P.S.: Don't be discouraged by the initial dim photos...this island is amazing! I will post more soon. Also, remember to use my "Search Google Maps" link at the top of my blog if you need help with figuring out where a country or place is that I talk about.

This is me trying to hold on with the video camera in the back of our pickup truck. No Tailgate, so I had to stop recording and grab the side.





To Be Continued.....

Crosswalks from Hell in Vietnam

While I'm working on new posts for Bangkok, Thailand, I thought I'd post a small clip that I took while in Da Nang, Vietnam. This street is a less than typical scenario that shows what you have to walk through when you want to cross the street. I happen to have my video ready for this one, but many of the streets that you have to walk across are much, much worse. As I talked about in my previous blog posts on Vietnam, there is an art to walking there and eventually you get used to or...or immune to the thought of being run over.







I taped the one below in Saigon. Again, it's a simple crosswalk, but as you watch it you will get an idea of what I'm talking about when I say "Weaving" in and out.

Shanghai Pearl Tower Video Clip

I thought I'd post a short video clip that I took in Shanghai of the outside of the Pearl Tower. It will give you an idea of the scale.

Pearl Tower in Shanghai, China

A train ride around Japan (Only a 6 minute edit)

I thought someone might like this. It's just a basic edit of some video clips that I took from the train window in Japan. It allows you to see some of the suburbs and city areas as the train goes from Himeji to Kyoto. Some of the clips are longer than others, but you will see some variety if you hang in there. Don't expect a thrilling video, but it's visually interesting. There is some music and sound if you want to turn the volume up.