This Chapter is Ending

As promised this our last and final post of our year long exploration of Australia, New Zealand and Thailand.

At the moment we are in Bangkok about to have some supper, peruse the night market and then get to sleep early considering our taxi is arriving at 4 a.m. to take us to the airport.

Things here in Bangkok were normal and although we were hounded once again for tuk tuk's, taxi's, and more things than you can imagine, it isn't nearly anything we expected after hearing about the State of Emergency Thailand's capital is supposed to be in. We have so many funny stories just from today. For instance on our way to the Grand Palace this morning (2nd trip - ask later) we met up with three ladies who were feeding pidgeons and came over and put seeds in mine and Elliot's hands. We went along with it because they forced us but then as we were saying good-bye they were telling us we had to pay 50 baht per bag of birdseed! It was ridiculous to say the least. Also, there was the token scam artist tuk tuk driver who told us that the Grand Palace was closed for the day because of a ceremony so we would go with him, but we knew better. That's the good thing meeting other travellers, they warn you about this kind of thing. Not to mention the Lonely Planet - our trip bible. This book is a must for anyone going to another country. A few other tips:

- Keep your passport with you at all times
- Do your research before entering unknown territory
- Don't trust everyone you meet
- Keep in touch with the people you love

Thank-you to everyone who followed along with this blog. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we've enjoyed writing it. This ending is so bittersweet! We can't wait to get home to see everyone, but at the same time our year of exploration has ended. One thing we can tell you for sure is that it won't be the last.

'Till next time! (there will be a next time)

Love, Amy & Elliot x

We Just Happen to Love Islands

Today we arrived in Koh Tao another beautiful island known for its snorkeling and scuba diving. We woke this morning on Bottle Beach, where we have spent the last three nights, unable to decide whether to stay another or to move on. We decided to move on after seeing the clouds and how many others, including our friends Neils and Merel from Holland, were leaving.

The last few days have been nothing but relaxation. Bottle Beach is a very small resort-like beach on Koh Pha ngan Island with four different spots to eat and to stay. We stayed at Smile Resort for 350 Baht per night and had our own little bungalo which was lovely. We spent the days going from the beach to the water, reading, sipping strawberry and banana milkshakes and then once the sun began to go down we had a nightly volleyball match. Last night we feasted on barracuda, king prawn (shrimp) and baked potatoes, played cards with our new friends and shared many laughs.

Tonight we are going to decide whether to leave for Bangkok tomorrow or the next day. We don't want to spend to much time there because of the riots and craziness that is going on there at the present time, but it is inevitable that we have to go there because we fly out very early Tuesday morning. Not to mention Bangkok has a few attractions that we would like to see before going. I assure we feel safe and secure here in Thailand and everyone has been nothing but kind and helpful to us throughout our journey. The Canadian Embassy imforms us that we should stay away from large groups and use caution, but that Bangkok is fine to visit.

I apologize for the lack of pictures. Our camera is acting up on us and we've left it back in our room. I guess you'll just have to wait and see the photos in person :)

So soon - we promise to post at least once more!

'Till then

Love, Amy & Elliot

Today Was MUCH Better Than Yesterday

Today has been a fantastic day! It started out with breakfast at our new spot Amity Bungalos here in Koh Samui Island and then we rented a scooter for a the day $8 CAD including gas and we were off. It's funny to be driving with so many other scooters on the road and us being one of the only people actually wearing helmets. You will see so many people on the back of one scooter and it isn't uncommon to see a mother holding a baby or a small child sitting on the front. We went to Big Buddah Beach and then we went Elephant Trekking! It was a little scary at first because there was a bit of construction going so our elephant was a little nervous and wouldn't go any further until a few of his friends came along and then everything was great! Our guide was awesome. He even got off for a little while and let Elliot ride the elephant! So much fun and highly recommended if you ever have the chance.

Since our last post Elliot and I spent our last days at Phi Phi Don exploring Phi Phi Lay or The Beach. We went snorkeling, kayaking and swimming at the actual beach. The Island was beautiful and the water was so warm and inviting. We ended the day watching the sunset while eating a great meal with some new friends that we met that day.

The very next day was a long one. We woke up and ate breakfast on Phi Phi Don and then made our way to the ferry just in time to catch a seat and before it started pouring. It was a good thing we found a seat because they managed to jam us in the ferry like sardines and there were people sitting in the aisle and on the top deck in the sweltering heat. After our ferry ride (1hr 45min) we caught an open aired transfer bus (15 min) which took us to a larger bus (1hr 30min) who stopped at a very random stop for us to eat and sweat buckets while waiting supposedly 45 minutes which turned out to be almost two hours for our next bus (1 hr) and then took a ferry (1hr 30 min) and then a taxi ride (40 min) to our beachside resort where we finally got to eat, shower and pass out!

Tomorrow we are leaving Koh Samui and getting on another ferry to Koh Pha Ngan Island. We will be staying at Smile Beach Resort on Bottle Beach - it's supposed to be gorgeous and quiet.

'Till next time!

Love, Amy & Elliot

Happy 60th Mom (Donna) - Love you! xo