Our arrival at Ko Sumet meant leaving the car at the ferry stop and catching a ‘boat’ across the the island. This island is a place where Thai people holiday and is not so commercialised. The boat was on a SERIOUS lean to the left and packed with luggage, 50 or so people and fish (which were stacked in bags under our feet). The 3 chaps sitting next to me were smoking, whilst sitting next to the fuel line (a hose which swirled around the feet of the passengers). Disembarking was quite awkward, but achievable! We found the ‘taxi’ which was a ute with seats in it and piled all our luggage in. The trip to the ‘resort’ was very rough and my sick tummy and head didn’t like it too much. The place we were staying wasn’t quite what I expected but I was feeling so yuk I

went to bed and stayed there through tea and the remainder of the night.  I would say ‘slept’ but I can’t say sleeping on a brick (pillow) in a stuffy room where you had to stand in the loo to take a shower was too comfortable. The sound of the gecko honking in the bathroom all night almost drowned out the motorbikes which drove up the little road behind our room all night. In the morning most of us had our bags packed as a sign of rebellion. Eiam had a few ‘words’ with the owners and wechanged resorts. The new one was much nicer and also quieter. My phantom cousine, Mathew, arrived the night before and I hadn’t seen him so it was great to catch up with him too.

I was feeling a little better and spent all day on the beach on a hired chair, reading and having my feet massaged. Did I mention I had a pedicure and manicure too? It was so tiresome! The water was warm, sun was sunny and my tummy was starting to feel better. Lorraine was also feeling better and was already eating yummy Thai food.
Our last night with Eiam and Peter (uncle) was spent having dinner at a restaurant on the beach (literally). After tea… we went SHOPPING!
I cannot express how fantastic it has been to have them escort us around Thailand. To see the country from a local perspective is an experience I will never forget. Peter has been a tower of tolerance and Eiam our wonderful interpreter and spokesperson. We have given them bad directions, asked them endless questions and held up the itinerary with market stops, view points and the eternal hunting for a post office.
THANKS to both of you. We will miss you very much.
We have another day in Ko Sumet and then are off to Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and then Bangkok again.
Now we are all alone (6 of us)… with our Visa ending 2 days before we leave.