Ok. Back to the trip. So we woke up fairly early to talk to the kids on the Skype. Getting better. They could see us. We could hear them. Like I said, better. Then we packed up and headed to grab a quick breakfast before checking out and catching our taxi.
The taxi ride was easy. He had no clue where we were going so I showed him a map, address and picture on the iPad. I did have to tell him when he drove right by the hotel we were meeting at but we got there safe and sound.
We were two of the last people to arrive and joined our group assembled in the lobby of a hotel we weren't staying at. Supposed to but not, so we were just meeting there before walking to our hotel. It felt a little like the first day of camp. Not sure who these people are you are about to spend two weeks with. We've had a Facebook group for almost a year so we somewhat knew some people. But still. I was definitely a fish out of water. I can't imagine what Josh felt like.
We chatted about our itinerary for awhile and after the last person arrived we walked to our hotel. I lied. One girl had gotten stuck in Bangkok and they had lost her luggage so we were still short one. The hotel was new. And when I say new we think it opened that day. They were working out the Internet and beach towels were arriving in the mail that day. Rooms were pleasant with a queen bed, shower and AC. What more do you need to sleep?
We all freshened up and headed down the street to the Elephant Cafe. I learned a few things here. 1. Some restaurants in Thailand have menus bigger than the Cheesecake Factory. 2. If you want anything a little spicy, say NO SPICES!. Even then it is spicey. I almost lost all my taste buds. 3. Our group is filled with look-a-likes. We have Kevin Costner and Ryan Lochte.
After getting to know everyone a bit we headed back to get ready for the beach. We found Anna 2 (two Anna's and two Josh's are in our group) waiting at the hotel. She had arrived but her luggage had not. We shortly herded our group into a van and a taxi and headed off for Surin Beach.
Surin was on the other side of Patong. My sense of direction is off but it's over there. It had a completely different feel to the other two beaches. The beach itself was lines with hundreds of lounge chairs and umbrellas. The beach was flanked by swanky lounge-type or tree covered restaurants. The best part was the floating dock that rose and fell with the waves meant to be run across. As the waves crashed under it people lined up to launch themselves over the side of the dock. A few of our brave photographers went out on the floating dock to shoot from the water side. I can't wait to see some of the pictures.
The afternoon was spent goofing off on the beach and in the water. At one point our whole group lined up on the dock and took a shot jumping off together. In the midst, Kate dropped her underwater camera in what must have been at least 15 feet ocean water. Vince, aka Kevin Costner, retrieved it in one dive with no mask. Needless to say, we were impressed.
Around six tummies were grumbling and taxis were going to need to return soon. We walked back behind the beach and down the restaurant row. It was a bit enchanting. We found our spot and Josh and I sat down with Kevin Costner and Ryan Lochte (okay Lucas). During our dinner I learned that Lucas is VERY single and doesn't want to hear anything about kids! Ha. And Vince can not only hold his breath but he used to be a firefighter, is a part time police officer and an ordained minister. If he still likes me in a week he offered to renew our vows for us. Did I mention he gets my sense of humor?
Dinner was good pad Thai. It was relaxing to eat on the beach with more fireworks in the background and we even saw some lanterns being let off from in front of us. It is kind of hard to believe we have only known these people ten hours. After dinner we headed back. Vans leave at 6am to catch our boat for Phi Phi Islands. No messing around!
Where are the pics of Lucas?! You had better of grabbed some shirtless pics of him at the beach Jenny!
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