Last Hoo-rah

     I don’t know exactly how many massages and mani/pedi’s I had while in Asia, but it was the only time my feet even came close to feeling soft and looking that sharp - ever.  The days of beach bum luxury were dwindling fast.

      A quick ferry ride took us to the smaller, neighboring island of Koh Pha-Ngan. This island is famous for its full moon parties where tourists go ass-wild every full moon. It’s  also the place we had heard had all the tattoo shops. Months of travel and searching had not yet led me to a tattoo. We came close in Cambodia but it just didn't feel right.

     We walked by one shop and as I gazed inside I saw the artist was working on a painting. As we entered the walls were covered floor to ceiling in paintings and photos of tattoos. I knew this was the place. The artist Kanoksak Chucho was a total classic. I looked though several art books, showing him features of Thai architecture that interested me. He drew me up an original design, and laid it on me with the softest hand, he even threw in one of his bands CD’s for good measure.  We barely caught our ferry back but he earned one very happy customer.

     Back on the main island we averted disaster around the mythological ice bar. Our diversion led us to the gates of an arena. Inside we would witness about 10 matches of Muy Thai boxing.

     The cobra charming flute was whining and the crowd was ready, I know we were.  “Regular” boxing is usually entertaining to watch. This blew me away. It’s like a dance, the fighters sway and step to the beat of the music. Then like the cobra they brutally strike. Beautiful and intense. Only off-putting thing was they had little kids fight, that part we couldn't watch.Never the less, this sport is bad ass to say the least, and ever since seeing it I have wanted to learn myself. I've seen football games, bull fights, ice shows, etc., but this shit impressed me. 

     In our last hours we discussed how maybe we could just stay. Miss our flight maybe? Maybe we could open our own little smoothie stand for cash? Ultimately, we packed up for the long flight home. I damn near killed someone in the Taiwanese airport, but landing in San Francisco I couldn't be too devastated to be back home in this world class city. Thanks Asia for being so awesome, I know its not goodbye so until we meet again.....

Closing in: Touristy Tropical Paradise

The Thai beach island of Koh Samui seemed like a good place to spend our last days in Asia. Is it touristy? Yes. But we knew that going in and were game to stay somewhere luxurious after staying in various states of bug filled youth hostels throughout our trip.

 The hotel we stayed at might not have been the most expensive place I have ever stayed but it was without a doubt, the nicest. The Bhundhari Spa Resort and Villas left my sister and I smiling at each other like two kids on Christmas morning. Our room was beautiful; half of it was the bathroom actually. Double sinks with a huge vanity, delightfully designed indoor and outdoor showers (love the outdoor shower- like being naked in nature without the scary bugs and creepers) A huge tub with jets that spilled out to our private outdoor pool, we were in paradise.

Private pool and deck

The View

  Of course I was with my sister, but all you lovers out there check it out, and get some! That place must hold the key to eternal youth. Waking up to plush trees and tropical waters while I walked 5 ft from my bed to dip in the pool, I felt great. This place could have made a morning person out of me- almost.

 The town itself is less glamorous. It’s your typical tourist beach spot. Street shops selling shell necklaces and sarongs, lots of big night clubs and bars with flashing lights. It’s not going to be true cultural immersion but you will have a good time.

Run!! Did we sleep in our bikini's?

It's not 7-11, get it straight!

 While we were having a drink at some beach side lounge we met some other American’s. They got all excited when they realized we too were American, and proceeded to jubilantly tell us that “we” had just killed Osama Bin Laden. Literally they threw high fives, go team!! It was such an odd moment to me. I generally don’t jump up and down in glee when I hear someone’s been shot, not really my style. On the other side of the world and this is the thing that’s supposed to make me feel bonded to my compatriots. Odd. Very odd.