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Koh Samui, off the east coast of Thailand, is Thailand’s second-largest island (after Phuket). Our arrival point was Nathon, a tender port on the west coast.
Gail has no memory of Koh Samui. On last year’s world cruise, she was not feeling well and stayed aboard ship. This year, Gail was once again not feeling well and stayed aboard ship. Perhaps she is destined to never see Koh Samui.
Russell was scheduled to escort an excursion. Unfortunately, there was some confusion as to which excursion he was escorting. He received paperwork for “Highlights of Koh Samui by 4x4 Jeep.” Once he took the tender to shore, he learned he was supposed to be on “Island of Koh Pha Ngan & Snorkel.” He would have preferred snorkeling, but he hadn’t brought a bathing suit or towel. So at the last minute, the Shore Excursion staff threw him aboard a departing 4x4, and off he went.
The excursion had four destinations. Grandparent Rocks are two natural rock formations, aptly named “Grandfather Rock” and “Grandmother Rock.” Sila Ngu Temple is a red terracotta-colored shrine to the Buddha atop a hill above Hua Thanon Beach. Tarnim Magic Garden is a private sculpture park atop Pom Mountain, one of Koh Samui’s highest peaks. A durian farmer with no previous experience decided to build statues dedicated to Buddhism from his retirement at 77 until his death at 91. Finally, we stopped at the home of a local coconut farmer to learn about coconut processing.
We will return to Thailand in another week to visit Phuket. But first, we will make stops in Singapore and Malaysia.
