Wedding is over, Koh Tao life can start.

SO, wedding is over and I’m on the way to bus to meet the lads for journey to Koh Tao as that is what they want to see and that is where I want to get my DM course done. Bus journey for approx. 5 hours is o.k as we chat a bit than snooze a bit and here we are like cattle being heard of the bus and onto the ferry without much stop for food, drink or service stop to relieve. Well, lesson learned, next time I will get some food before the boarding the bus as I was starving so much  that I nearly start chewing the plastic seat front of me even with fabric cover. Catamaran ferry is great and since I was pale as yogurt I opted to seat downstairs rather that on top deck with lads as I preferred shade and also less wind since when the ferry is at full speed it is quite windy and we all had same hair style, no matter if it was girl or boy, except the bold ones. Trip was nice and here we are at Koh Tao, disembarking from the ferry and it was a little bit less people comparing to Phi Phi but still a lot in the line on the pier. Anyhow we are down and now all with smart phones to locate the hotel and best way to it. Thankfully the hotel was at the end of narrow street right beside the beach so we just followed beach and came to the Koh Tao Royal Resort at the end of the road. First impression was nice as it was consisting of small huts / cottages nicely hidden within the green and main restaurant was on the beach within five meters form the water. Got all booked in paid our fee and then we went up to the cottages, four of us in one and two in another one as they did not have six bed free. I’ve got the whole upstairs to myself as Kajo did not like that there is no Air con and went down to sleep at ledge above and beyond the beds as if he was some princes or guardian who look down and after Milan and Robo. We moved him the matress down from the above and my king suit was ready as well as his. Well all sorted lets go get some food as we were all hungry after such journey. Since the restaurant was handy we did not look further but simply get down the path and ordered food al our local restaurant with view. Some fresh juice and then we were ready to go for a short walk to the streets of Koh Tao to explore the village. So after few meters Kajo discovered roti with banana and we were ready to get some as when in Thai do as thai do, what means eat as if the end of the world is coming soon and you have to have full belly. As we walked I went to talk to diving schools to secure my place in DM course and told lads that I will catch them later since it was Buddha day and this means no alcohol so all they could do is waling around dry. I did not expect such long spiel from the dive center so when the girls finished I was there for good forty five minutes and lads were nowhere in vicinity, so I went walking and try to see them but unfortunately I have not seen them. I’ve decided to go back to hotel and wait for them there as eventually they need to come back but as I was heading back text message arrived that they are at the beach having beer. Damn as I was there on the beach and have not seen them. No worries walked back and they were a few meters further, where I was so I joined them for one as I was surprised that someone sold beer on such day  but hey money talks. WE watched sunset and drink cold beer, talk bullshit as well as serious stuff. We had enough and the bar was closing so we headed home and on the way home we stop at one tourist agency and got trip on the boat for tomorrow and also I organized DM course since they do the diving too and Usama who was sales guy was on my wave length and I felt right so I went for it. Comparing with other push diving centers his approach was really calm and nice and I like that as well as we clicked on human level. So now back to hotel and get some sleep for tomorrow boat trip. We sat down and took turn in the hammock to have cool chat before bed time.

              Morning is here and we are all on the way to restaurant for breakfast, rested after good night sleep. Well I slept well and guys below were freezing as Kajo like to sleep in the freezer and therefore set the air con on arctic mode what the guys did not expected. Anyhow we went back for the swim trunks and few other things and start walk to the meeting point for boat trip. We arrived in good spirits and laughing well, we were the biggest and funniest group as most of the people were either couples or single ladies. We were given snorkel and masks with numbers and each was allocated one with signed the number for it, as well as pieces of colored strings onto our wrist since they need to mark us probably so they know who to pick up form the sea. All marked and ready to board small boat what brought us to the real sea worthier big boat which was the one to go for trip with. As usual I climbed to top deck where I like to be and lads came too and we had all to ourselves but not for long as soon the one couple and two single ladies joined us on top deck. Later the tour guide came and explained us what we will see, i.e what is the plan of action for a day and that we all could do jump to water directly from top deck what I love it and also this top deck was lower than the one at Phi Phi. We got our briefing and as the briefing stopped we were allowed to jump in on our first stop so since lads were a bit hesitating I went first woo hoo and I was in the water. Got camera ready for filming the lads but only Kajo jumped in as afterwards Milos hit his head and torn his sin at skull at the steel bars holding the canopy so I went to boat to help him and resto f the lads used ladder to get into water. About inch long cut but not so deep, washed with water and then  captain took disinfectant and clean the wound and laughed that Milos has to go to water first as shark will come to him. I have not seen any shark but Kajo saw one big and rest of the group just snorkeled around try to see something with no luck. Back on the boat we asked the couple and girls if the y saw some sharks and couple said no but one of the girls Elodie saw few damn… So we were that lucky but humor was still there and now even bit of banter with girls. There is no point to describing every second of this trip but the one highlight was the fresh fruit served from the tray, pineapple, water melon and mango yummy yummy as well as good lunch later. All day was great as we snorkeled, laughed and enjoyed the sun but the highlight was the natural reserve Koh Nangyuan  Island with view from the top rock down on the island as well as the nice warm lagoon with fishes swimming around us like we were in fish tank. But the only thing was that it was roasting there like if we were in the owen and so we stayed in the water most of the time as otherwise we were overheating like VW Beetle in summer. The absolutely most beautiful part of the whole trip was snorkeling in Japanese Garden ! so much colors and sea fauna / flora to see in such small space was amazing and since we were there nearly at sunset there was no one other there and we could do explore all by ourselves and took photos of the colored underwater life. Amazing sight and there is no need to dive as you can see all just by snorkeling. Initially it was only few of us who went to the water since everyone was tired and most of people did not wat to go in but after we got back to the boat I heard that everyone went in and everyone was glad that they went as it was truly amazing sight. Here we go another trays of fresh fruits but this time we all went down as last time there was not much left for top deck so we stuff ourselves to the full like squirrels before winter, upon which the guide told us that we will have more upstairs this time. Well we all laughed but still ate all as the fresh fruit is amazing. Took photos as group and agreed to get few beers with the rest of the group at the beach. Couple was French, Elodie was French too and Susana was Spanish so we all sat down at beach have one or two beers when I had received jealousy text from Princess who went into jealousy madness overdrive and lost it so most of the time I was on the phone with her and when I got back it was only lads as girls and couple went home. Ahh Italians who saying that they are not jealous are lying so be aware as the Italian are spicy and fierce as in love as well in jealousy. Anyway we had talk and then all calmed down, I finished my warm beer and we all went to hotel and again have chat at balcony taking turns in hammock.

              Hmm since the lads do not have much time on the island we rented scooters next morning after I agreed on terms and conditions of my diving course and first trip was to the diving center NAVA with lads having some free time on beach while I signed papers and paid for the course and accommodation . Also they took me to see my accommodation what was really nice double bed room with private bathroom on monthly basis. All sorted, agreed on the start date and move in date and we took off as hells angels scooter division on exploring the island.  Went to every beach and also to view point above the island where we had returned for sunset as it was really nice view. We swam at every beach accessible by scooters and explored the island from the freedom beach, shark bay, dogs beach, etc etc and also some nice part of steep slopes. Eventually finished our driving at top hill viewing stop where we all got nice fresh fruit juice / shake and look at sunset until the sun was gone to the water and then quickly finished our drinks and parted with rest of the people who had not brought mosquito repellent, since when the sun is gone those bastards are all out for nice feast on tourists as if they were waiting somewhere. Actually it is a good way to get rid off it people from restaurant or bar as everyone will leave as soon as those bastards start biting, what a business idea 😊 Evening had come and with that it was time for banana roti and relax at hammock.

               New day came and we just went to shar bay to try luck seeing the sharks last time as we have to had over scooters at 11:00 and everyone says that sharks and turtles apparently coming there in the morning to feed. Hit the road and followed the instruction we have got we landed at shar bay but from the other side where only steep steeps leads to the sea level and no beach there but we saw that on the3 right hand side there was the real shark bay beach and therefore we got up the steep steps and hit the road again, poor Robo literally hit the road as he had the same experience as I , that palms needs to be washed properly after sun cream before take scooter as the slippery hand on accelerator and break is not good idea. Thankfully nothing happened except few scratches and stressed Robo and restaurant owner  who was smart enough to build wall front of hjis restaurant separating car park and restaurant otherwise Robo will get  to the shark bay really fast and even with scooter. So al good and we are back on the road to the shark bay through the real road and then we parked front of the Hotel resort, walked around the resort down the another steep steps and all to the sea level where the restaurant is positioned with steps leading to the sea with sign hang above “This is the only Way to Shark Bay” so we lifted our bags above the water level and got in, walked to the beach which is no more than maybe ten meters. The beach is so far the best I saw in Koh Tao, long and relatively private as the access is only for the Hotel resort guests or anyone who will ask the security guard at top of the road for advice and walk down around the fence. Few people on the beach and so easy to get spot so since Robo decided that he will not help us attract sharks with his bleeding scratches from fall we were left with boring snorkeling to try see some sharks. Unfortunately we had not seen anything, maybe because we had not arrived as planned at 8am or maybe it was not day for it. After a long time in the water we decided to call it a day and left the water. We were slowly packing the stuff when Suzanne came who we met earlier on the boat trip and she told us that sharks and turtles are being seen at the end of the bay at rocks, what was actually place we came down to sea level first time. So since we had time we all “except Robo” went to the water and followed her as she is living there and she was told where to go by locals. Well we swam and snorkeled and I saw a pretty big fishes what looked like Napoleon fish and few others but no sharks and no turtles. We went all the way to the end of the cliff and then since we needed to return scooters we told Suzanne that we are going ashore. WE got out said good bye and went to return the scooters. The lucky owner of the shop got a five scooters with full tanks as we put full petrol to all of them, since we did not know how much to put in. WE tried to get some money back but unsuccessfully, as hi promised to give me free rental when I will come back not knowing that I will come back as I’m staying here for few months and I will go to him. Scooters gone guys wanted to just relax at beach so I told them that I will see them at hotel in few as soon as I will arrange my scooter from the diving center. I have got offer of one month rent for 2 500 baht and I said ok as the day rate is 300 baht so I sat down and waited for the scooter to arrive. As I have sat down the text came from newlywed bride Nook that she I should enjoy life to the full as we don’t know how long we will be here, what puzzled me a bit, then another message followed with the news that she is hospitalized in hospital as she was diagnosed with brain tumor. My hearth sunk and my blood pressure went to the roof, I would say that I had shock but called Frank to see what is this about as he did not texted me at all. He confirmed that this is true and that they are in hospital since last night. I lost words and we had some talk about what can I do etc… as you do when I said that I will be there tomorrow, taking the first morning ferry with lads. As Lady was preparing my scooter I called her on side and told her that I do not need scooter and that this happened so I will leave for Hua Hin tomorrow and if I could leave my luggage at the hostel. She was so kind that she said that this is no need as the hostel is paid from day I will move in so she advise me to left luggage down at sales place with Usama to save money on rent and that I need no worry as the course and accommodation will start counting when I will return. I went down to Usama told him the same, had some chat about the life and this shit that four days of dream wedding the bride is in the hospital with serious health issue. He was also so understandable and helpful that I could only express my thanks to then and to the whole NAVA / SCUBA one staff and owner for understating and assistance. Now back to the lads who were at the hotel beach already thinking f the food and so we sat down at table and ordered some food, when they asked where is my scooter so I told them the story and they went sad but supportive and we had chat about it, some food and then changed the subject and talk, swam etc. AS usual we all met at the bungalow and took turns in the hammock having some beer. Well time to repack the bags so I went  inside and repack the bags so I will leave the suitcase headcase here and take only backpack with minimum staff. Here is the bed time and unfortunately last night at Koh Tao for the moment.

              I woke up early morning and since everyone was asleep I went for swim down to empty beach and found out that one bloke had the same idea and therefore we swam there in the relatively cool morning water with no one around, peaceful and nice. I swam to the anchored rescue boat and back and then float for a while looking at the blue sky above me and on the really dark, dark storm clouds on the left, what looks like we will get thunderstorm but eventually all of the dispersed and we got another scorching hot day later. Got back to the cottage and took shower as lads were already up so we took turn in the people making room and got ready for the last breakfast at Koh Tao, which was nice and easy. We dragged our luggage “Me mostly” to the pier, me to the storage room at Usama sell kiosk and then we got the last roti at the street corner as usual and hit the check in for ferry. Ferry journey was nice and again I was most of the time on second deck to avoid sunshine and safe my pale white skin from burning but eventually the lads came down for me and I went up to talk to them as we had few last hours and I think that I was a bit stressed from the news about Nook. This time the ferry came on time and we had an hour before boarding the busses since those were the busses what came from Bangkok and Hua Hi so we had time for proper food and juices in the only restaurant on the pier. Food relatively good and cheap but the juice not so much. Anyway I had overeat and felt stuffed but rather be stuffed than hungry as learned from initial bus journey. As we are checking into bus I got us bottom seats as they were more spacious but unfortunately there was space only for three people down and three up so we split tickets and boarded. I got the bottom and sat down at emergency exit place where is the matt on the floor front of the emergency door so I could lay down and sleep. That was the plan but since I sat down I had phone call upon phone call, Frank, Eliska, Marcel all in one go and everyone with different issue or things to talk about. Well longest talk was with Frank and Eliska and in between Robo opened his whiskey what he thought he will get home but forgot about the cabin luggage rules so decided to drink it. As I had office day I just got handed the cup with drink and we drank each one of it on Nook health and I talked and drank until he Ciki came down if I can help them to get their on line checking done. I said that I will as soon as I finish my call duty. This came about few drinks later and we sat down at my laptop checking them online as group and keep drinking on Nook’s health. Eventually all lads were checked in and emailed boking pass to each of them on their email as well as the one group booking to each of them in case someone phone does not work. Bottle finished and booking too, just as we arrived to Hua Hin, got off the bus and the steward come to me, telling that no alcohol is allowed on the bus, which I replied that there is none “we drank it all” so no need to panic as lads did not have anything else to drink and I was taking the empty bottle with me. Parted, handshake and usual promises of keeping in touch. Bus took off and I cross the street to take tuk-tuk to the Bangkok Hospital to see Nook and Frank, and that is totally different story.