So leaving Perta Galera far behind its off to my old stomping ground of Thailand and the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
After a comfortable flight on the first ever Airbus type aircraft to fly from manilla to Bangkok I arrive to the storm of all storms which was so bad they took 2 hours to unload the luggage, so waiting in the luggage hall remembering the many times I have passed through, finally I get my bags only to find the previously booked hotel car didn't arrive so I make my own way to the hotel, finally I get to my hotel and into a nice round bed, yes a round bed. A few days to kill before my son and Sarah arrive, shopping trips to the paragon and pantip plaza brings back some fond memories. Bangkok has become modern now, more than I could imagine and more expensive and McDonald's everywhere.
I met my son in Koh Samui for his 21st Birthday, Due to time restrictions it was decided the discover scuba would be best option and we book with discovery divers who will make a 2 dive trip to koh tao. The speedboat ride was a trip from hell, the 2 hour trip there took longer as a Chinese lady had a panic attack half way into journey and my Chinese is not great but I think I translated "get me the fuck off this boat" and talking to her husband "I fucking hate you"
Couple of quick dives at Mango Bay and Aow Leuk and they now have a diving experience..... It's back to Samui with the fury of the monsoon downpour. Diving complete. T shirt aquired job done.
I will soon return to Koh Tao to complete a course in a few days...
Back to koh tao for a quick 5 day visit and a self relient course, checking into the koh tao regal was a mistake, what I remember being nice and modern was falling apart and I guess that's what happens when you have it built by Burmese cowboys, no hot water and a shower you need a ladder to get into and then a seat to fit under. On to the self reliant course and whatever they can throw at me.
The classroom work was quick and after planning the dive it was time to do the 3 dives, after being put through what was supposed to be stressful situations which I loved, the course was complete, although I have dived many times alone I now have the certification.
It was time to say goodbye to koh tao and I feel this may be my final goodbye to a place I hold dear to me as it was my sanctuary when every other part of my life was falling apart some 12 years ago. If I return it will be at Tanote Bay and for relaxation only. Quick visits to the places I used to visit and it's off on the lomprayah ferry which now has a luggage allowance.... Jeez
A bus trip back to Bangkok, 12 long hours, it was time for a hot shower and bed, then it's off back to Bali and then Manado via Jakarta to dive in shit and garbage which is called muck diving.
