Our wonderful week off

After a fantastic two weeks in Chiang Mai, it was time for us to head south to Koh Samui for a week of R and R. We flew direct from Chiang Mai, taking a little less than 2 hours and then headed for our beach bungalow in the Bophut area. We soon discovered that our beach bungalow was neither on the beach nor was it a bungalow. It was more of an apartment style room attached to the main reception and unfortunately was facing a busy road. Regardless, it was nice enough and we were really just there to lay on the beach anyways. We did just that for 3 days and it was wonderful. We also discovered that in the week leading up to the full moon party and especially in the Bophut area, Koh Samui was rather dead. It felt a little like being in Naples florida, just us and the olds on vacation. It wasn't bad though, as the beach was pretty empty and we had it mostly all to ourselves! We did go into the main tourist area on the island for dinner one night. In this area called Chaweng there were tons of restaurants, bars, lots of shopping and far more people than in Bophut. We were definitely excited to return here at the end of the week for the start of our second vet project. 

Us at the beach in Bophut

Bophut quiet beach

Our next move was to Mantra boutique hotel for our designated day and night of luxury. Mantra is located up on the mountain in Maenam, providing stunning views of the north coast and the perfect backdrop for an infinity pool. We took a van cab (a regular cab can't make it up the steep hills) to the hotel and we were absolutely in love with the place as soon as we arrived. Our rooms had enormous and comfortable king beds, free movies, free overseas calls, and of course, the ocean view. We spent most of our time there laying by the infinity pool, taking obscene amounts of photos and just relaxing. We ordered room service for dinner and watched a few movies in our robes- who can resist singing along to Phil Collins in Tarzan?! Unfortunately- our rooms at  Mantra were not immune to the large beetles that we had seen throughout our trip. One managed to get into Steph and Jaclyn's room and under the bed. We were the classic depiction of girls terrified of bugs, all standing on the bed, screaming for someone to find it and kill it. However, that bug lived to see another day and we all had just a little bit of trouble falling asleep that night. Our breakfast the next morning was unbelievably good. There was tons of fresh fruits, baked goods, cereals and more! The chocolate croissant was to die for. We left Mantra very full and very content- definitely would recommend for a nice stay in Samui!

Later that day we took our first ferry ride to the island Koh Tao- known for it's scuba diving. We stayed at a small resort right on the beach and again, just took it easy for a couple days. Koh Tao was much smaller- only 7km long and less developed than Koh Samui. Koh Tao too was quiet-most people had already left in anticipation of the upcoming full moon party on Koh Phangan island. We did more of the same- lying by the pool, playing euchre and going into town for dinner and drinks. 

All in all it was a great and well deserved week off. Sadly, it ended poorly with a very rough 2 hour ferry ride back to the main island. Steph and I knew we were not great with sea sickness so we headed to the top deck so we could see the horizon and get the breeze.  After about 10 minutes I realized the ride was not going to improve and that's it wasn't going to be pretty for me. It literally felt like being on a roller coaster. When the staff  came around with plastic barf bags- things really set in and a few minus later I needed one myself. All the gravol in the world wouldn't have saved me on that boat. We all felt sick after arriving, but fortunately we had the rest of the day to recuperate. The next day we would start our second 2-week project at Dog and Cat Rescue Samui, something we all very much looked forward to!

Our room at Mantra

breakfast at mantra! Yummmmmm

the infinity pool view at Mantra

boarding the ferry!