9th January 2009

Whoever invented the phrase "Plain Sailing" has obviously never caught the ferry to Koh Tao!

It was a beautifully sunny day for our crossing and we were 2 of the lucky few who managed to get a seat up on the open deck of the ferry. Knowing this was a 2 hour crossing we thought this would be an ideal time to top up our tans. Little did we now that this crossing would be like an outtake from the film "The Perfect Storm", and also that our envious seating position was the only bench not welded to the deck of the boat. As the crossing continued, our bench slid backwards and forwards and occasionally jumped into the air. So after 2 hours of Clare fighting back the sea sickness and Adam fearing for both of our lives, we were very relieved, albeit a little shaken and emotional, to find ourselves on dry land again. After asking a member of the crew, "Is it always this rough?", we were somewhat dismayed at his reply of "Oh yes, always, same same"!! Knowing that the only way off Koh Tao was another ferry, silence once again fell over our lips.

Koh Tao would be a very beautiful and intimate island, if not for the restaurants and bars which had built piers over the sands, leaving no beach if the tide was high. However we did manage to steal a few hours swimming in the sea and enjoyed a romantic walk along the moonlit beach. We had many enjoyable evenings here, savouring the sunsets and tasty Thai food while sitting at the traditional low tables overlooking the sea.

Accommodation was not a high point for us here, so after 5 days and 3 different bungalows we decided to move on. We had hoped by paying extra to go on the catamaran to Chumpon, that this would hopefully make the crossing more bearable. All we need to say is that everyone was handed sick bags before we had even set sail! Yes, you've guessed it, the waves were even bigger than before, but this time we came prepared with some travel sickness pills. After dealing with the crossing in a much more calm and relaxing manner, with Adam reading and Clare listening to her ipod, we decided to find out exactly what the travel pills contained. Apparently they are some kind of tranquilizer, but who cares, it got us to Chumpon without any tears or panic attacks!!