Yesterday was our excursion day - we decided to take a tour to do some snorkeling, kayaking, and sightseeing amongst the Angthong National Marine Park. The marine park is situated off the North of Ko Samui, about an hour boat ride. It is made up of about 42 little islands, all made out of limestone, and and surrounded by turquoise water and dotted with pure white strips of beach. It is absolutely breathtaking. The limestone juts from the ocean, in layers upon layers, and the part of the landmass closest to the ocean is gouged out from the rain and water.
We parked the boat in one spot and snorkeled amongst the coral - in brilliant shades of green and purple - and watched thousands of fish feed and swim circles around us. We swam around for an hour or so, and then hopped back into the boat, gulping down a crisp, ice cold Pepsi as a treat.
The next leg was a half hour drive around some lagoons to the actual Marine Park headquarters. We hit the beach and headed for picnic tables, where we dined on green vegetable curry and bananas that are so fragrant and sweet, they taste unbelievable.
After lunch, we piled into two person kayaks and cruised around a couple of islands, stopping briefly on a narrow beach for a swim and some ice cold bottled water. After the kayaks, it was time to get back on the boat, and head for the Emerald Lake. This lake was carved out between limestone cliffs, and is about 3 meters deep. To get there, you need to climb a very steep staircase, that winds itself up the face of the limestone, through a tiny crevice, and then falls back to the water. It was a fun and exhilarating hike, especially with crowds of people slipping and grasping onto railings and friends. It definitely got my adrenalin going! ; )
The hike was the last part of the excursion. The boat ride back to our minivan was quiet and hypnotic, nearly everyone fell asleep, as the boat jumped and crashed in the waves. The sun was quiet hot by then, and the wind felt good in my hair.
After showering and relaxing, Jack and I hit the town for some food. We found a delicious Italian restaurant, which seems quite funny and out of place here in Thailand, but it felt nice to have a change. And OMG, the food was fantastic. fresh pastas (spinach and ricotta ravioli, and spaghetti aglio & olio with chili oil), and washed down with a gorgeous glass of chilled red wine. Yum!
Today we head for Ko Phangan - the island of the Full Moon Party which will be held tomorrow night (the 31st!). More on that later.
Ciao for now.
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