samui sun

after a relax day in Chiang Mai we flew out to the island of Samui in southern Thailand. had looked at taking trains/buses but would have killed almost 2 days so the 2 1/2 hour flight seemed better.
Like any other Thai destination, the worst part is arriving. We have a guide book that says how and how much it should cost to get to where you want to go but the taxi drivers, etc. are always there pushing for higher amounts and the way you want to go seems to be difficult to find. Anyway, we ended up doing a lot of walking and a short taxi and truck ride to arrive at Lamai Beach. First couple of places we tried to find a room were full but then came across the place we originally wanted to find and they had rooms. A little more than we wanted to spend ($40/night) but is a nice cottage with air, hot shower, TV, fridge and breakfast included. Also a very short walk to the beach!
went for a swim (not Monique) and played in the surf, very nice. Also relaxed in the sun and I had my first Thai massage. For such a little girl she pushed me around pretty good.
Dinner was amazing. A number of places set up tables with candles on the beach. We stopped at one close to our cottage - the food was great, the beer was cold and it cost less than $15. I love Thailand.
after that, went to the bar area. Each bar is a small shack with bar stools around and a couple of tables and there are about 10 in the same area. And they all have a stripper pole in the middle. Ended up at the "Ladies Bar", very entertaining. the bartenders play games with you (connect 4 and Jenga) and they never seem to lose. they also dance on the pole (fully dressed of course, but fun to watch!). After that we went to the "Lady Boy" show. Very over the top, with boys dressed as girls, some with "cosmetic enhancement". When I tipped the waiter/waitress, he/she insisted I must tuck the tip in his/her bra. Not sure if I should have been thrilled or not. Maybe it was the beer, but Thai men can look scarily attractive, I would be greatly afraid to be single and picking up a "girl" here, you never know what you get.
today we got a scooter and cruised the island. Very nice and found a great little cottage to stay at later.
to be continued...