3 Nights in Bangkok

We're now safely back in Bangkok and shocked to find how much our perspecyive has shifted. We arrived at the airport still completely beached out, in flip flops and hair scarves, only to realize we were back in the big city again. No sooner did we set out for dinner than we saw a street elephant begging for candy (which broke our hearts) and countless fat, old farang (white) men with their arms around Thai women young enough to be their daughters. Somehow I doubt that those "relationships" have any mutuality not derived from money. However, we were able to continue our efforts at "ethical tourism" by going to the restaurant "Cabbages and Condoms." The restaurant's proceeds go toward sex education in rural areas. We had a great meal and, instead of after-dinner mints, were given two lovely Thai condoms, which Krisi plans to make into fridge magnets, crafty thing that she is. This morning, overwhlemed by the sounds and smells of the city, we headed to the pool for some relaxation. We are staying at the City Lodge again, which is a budget hotel associated with the Amari group. They have a very fancy hotel just around the corner, and we are allowed to use all the amenities, including their beautiful pool where poolboys bring us cool, lemon-scented towels and shots of fresh canteloupe juice. Heaven! But soon we are off to visit the grand palace and do the last of our souvenir shopping before heading home on Thursday evening. We'll be back in Canada by Friday evening!

We're feeling very sad today about leaving the island paradise of Koh Tao behind. It's hard to believe that, only a couple of days ago, we were walking along the beautful sandy beach, and swimming with all variety of sea life. On Sunday afternoon we did our "fun dives" with the nordically-handsome divemaster, Magnus, who showed us all kind of sea creatures, including stingrays, harlequin sweetlips, angelfish, and clownfish. Our dive instructor, Flav, had been a kind of "all-business" instructor, swimming puroposefull and swiftly around the divesites. Magnus was much more relaxed and it was tricky, at first, to swim so slowly. But we got the hang of it, and got to see so many different and wonderful fish! Amd I got to do my favourite thing...swimming right through a huge school of little fish! It almost seems as if you would be able to touch them, the water is so thick with them. we finished the day by heading to the Lotus bar for some drinks with our fellow fun-divers and a fire show!

Yesterday, we spent the day at one of the most beautiful places in the world...the Koh Samui international airport. In one of our few incidences of poor planning, we booked a flight late in the day in hopes of spending most of the time on the beach. Unfortunately, the late ferry from koh tao got us to the airport just a little too late, so we had to take the early morning ferry, landing us in Koh Samui with two huge backpacks and 5 hours to spare. We had hoped to check in early and go to the beach, but the desk was closed until 3:30, and the skies were grey, so we hung around the airport. It's a new airport, all built in the open air, with a little avenue full of lovely shops. When you do finally get through the gate, the waiting lounge looks like the lounge from a resort, wth cushy chairs and sun loungers. The only thing missing was a pool! There was also a "courtesy counter" full of hot and cold drinks, bananas, and other treats, free internet, and the most gorgeous bathroom with an acquarium! I highly recommend the Koh Samui airport as the "best airport to hang around for 5 hours on a grey day."

So, now we have to squeeze n all the Bangkok sights in the next 2 days before heading home. I am excited to see everyone and looking forward to getting back into my life, with a few alterations based on my recent experiences. More on that tomorrow.