August 2nd, 2019
Brendan had another day of his rescue course, but it became kind of stormy and his afternoon dives got canceled. He came back and we got a late lunch. After that we just hung out in the room for a while as it rained. The rained stopped so we ended up doing a long walk up and down Sairee Beach. I was hoping the clouds would part for sunset, but they did not. The walk on the beach was really nice though. We usually always try and pick up any trash along the way and it’s easy because you can usually find a plastic bag right away to put all the other trash in. As we were walking we didn’t find any plastic bags though. I thought that this was a first and then realized they had an organized beach clean-up going on. People all over were picking up trash. I had read about organized beach clean ups in different places, but this is the first time I have actually seen people doing it. I thought it was great! We finally found a bag and joined in. I guess this is something they do every Friday on Sairee Beach.
After that we strolled through town. One thing I think they need to change on Koh Tao is allowing motorbikes on these small streets where they have food, shops, and vendors. They have areas that are obviously meant for tourists to stroll and stop and look at things since they have food carts and stores and people selling jewelry and crafts. But all these motorbikes are trying to get through, and it is really annoying as there is no place to get out of the way. You have drunk, young guys and girls who can’t drive worth a crap, and then locals hauling ass and practically running you over. You always have to be on high alert walking while trying to look at stuff, so you don’t get plowed over (our friend from the UK actually did get run over by a bike the other day and has terrible scrapes and injuries). So many people get hurt on motorbikes here and they shouldn’t be allowed on these small streets set up for people walking and stopping.
I can’t complain too much because we have spent a week here and I have been able to walk on the beach every day and swim and chill. The food here is really good like all of Thailand has been so far. Our favorite spot that we ended up eating at multiple times was a place called Mama’s. It’s so funny how much my opinion and perception of things has changed since traveling and even just being in Asia. I looked back at some of my early Malaysia posts where I thought things were so crazy and different and now they feel normal. I looked at places thinking there is no way we are eating there and now those places have turned into my favorite spots. You almost get use to all the flies swarming you and your food since all eating establishments are outside. I’m always kind of afraid I’m going to eat one though as they buzz so furiously around the food even while you are bringing it to your mouth. I actually love lizards and rodents now and if I see them in the room, am hoping they will eat the bugs (okay – slight exaggeration but I still would rather see them than a spider or mosquito).
Although the local Thai food is super good and the cheapest option, after having it every day for every meal you eventually start to want something else. They have other options, but the Western choices are very expensive. We did find our new favorite thing for $1 when you can’t do anymore rice and noodles. A ham and cheese toasty from 7-11. They even cook it for you!
It’s funny because 7-11 is one of the most happening places on Koh Tao. It is always busy and at night you can barely get through the little aisles. We also really love all the fresh fruit smoothies you can get for just over a dollar. You can get them with yogurt too and that’s called a lassi and is really good. We found a place in the morning where you can get a big fruit bowl with yogurt and muesli for $2. This was really exciting to have something fresh for breakfast. All the fruit and yogurt are served at outside temperature though so it’s not quite as refreshing as you would think if it was cold. We do miss the iced tea from Malaysia. It’s weird but none of the restaurants serve fresh brewed tea here. It’s always that crap can of Lipton lemon or peach. I thought Thai iced tea was a big thing here, but it doesn’t seem that easy to find normally brewed iced tea.
Brendan should finish his rescue course tomorrow and we will head to the mainland and the town of Chumphon.