Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Tao - Days 151-156

Pha-Ngan is 15km north of Samui and reachable on hourly boats between
the two islands. Our timing was a little off on this one as the full
moon had passed and we would have had to wait another month to
experience the famous (or infamous - depends on which way you look at
it) Full Moon party. Having spent a couple of days on Hat Rin Noi,
(which is the beach on which all the mayhem takes place) you can sort
of understand why, under a clear full moonlit night this would be an
amazing venue. However, we can comfortably say that our raving days
are a thing of the past and on reflection after finding broken bottles
all over the beach during the day you can sort of sympathize with
those that feel the western influence seems to have devalued this
idyllic stretch of coast.

Like Leonardo di Caprio's character in the movie we tried to stay
clear of the lager lout infestation and headed west up the coast.
With no mythical map from a spaced-out dopehead to guide us to a
mystery island we once again hired a vesper and spent a few days
exploring the west side of the island between Thong Sala and Hat Rin.

Stayed in 2 different bungalows, both an underarm stones throw away
from the beach. That would all be fine an dandy if we had some beach
weather though! Like Brad pointed out to me on Facebook the other day
we seem to have arrived in Thailand during the Monsoon season and the
rain has been pelting down relentlessly since our last few days on Koh
Samui. Our days here and in Koh Tao have therefore been spent doing lots
of reading and playing cards. We're now onto Harry Potters 3rd year at
Hogwarts and the only break from Harry has been to feed and sleep -
some sun would be great around now. It's all a little confusing to us
both because the lonely planet guide says that in a week we'll be
entering the 'high season for tourism!?

Decided to spoil ourselves the other day when we found an Italian
place with a genuine Italian chef. We could not have found a better
spot for the change in diet. Kimmy claims that the bruchetta and
pizza was the best she's ever had and I'm inclined to agree with her
but not sure if our bias has been tainted by the Thai food overload
over the last few weeks - there's only so much fried noodle/rice your
body should be allowed to handle!

Hopping back to the mainland soon to get our visa's extended for
another 30 days and then off down the Andaman Coast to Phuket.

Post blogging note: the highlight on Koh Tao was that our room had a
tv with most of the DSTV Supersport channels. Watched the Currie Cup
Final on Saturday night - how cringeworthy was Breyton Paulse as a
wandering commentator? that Malmsberry brey should not be allowed on
national TV, let alone broadcast live outside the SA borders!

photies to follow, the net connection is ridiculously slow