island time!!!!

sunrise in Chumpon
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After a long and cold bus ride, we made it to Chumpon- which is the jumping off point for Ko Tao, Ko Samui and Ko Phangan.  The 9 hour over night bus trip ended with the driver blasting some Thai kareoke.  NICE.

I am now traveling with some of the volunteers I met the first weekend:  Jack (English), Angela (Australian), Fee from Scotland and Marco from Italy/Germany.

So nice to be at the beach again!!!

We are staying on the southeast corner of Ko Tao- which is a divers heaven.  The entire island is full of divers, not too developed- with dirt roads still in abundance.

taxi in Koh Tao with Jack and Marco
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We had a nice day at the beach and some of the BEST Thai BBQ.  In heaven.

Woke up early and decided to rent motor bikes to explore the island.  A couple are at a diving course, so it is only Jack, Marco, Fee and I.

I somehow get stuck with Marco as a driver.  Let me introduce:  Marco is half German half Italian, with the voice of Arnold and the hair of Carrot Top.

His key phrase is "My friend, my friend", which mostly follows anything coming out of his mouth.  "Take care, my friend" is another he uses- whether it is to a stranger or stray dog- mostly the dogs as he walks by.  "No problem" is yet another.

sooooo very bueno!
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He has been here for 2 weeks diving, and is now our tourguide.  And EVERYTIME someone recognizes him he feels the need to speed up immediately after, and spit out a "Marco, Marco, this is YOUR island.  You need something- I make one phone call.  No problem".  (Remember this is a VERY small island- and he has been here for 2 weeks.)

He also liked to smoothly encourage our motorbike while we were climbing steep inclines with a "Come on, my friend, my friend show me you are a good moto!!"

our favorite spot
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HAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!  I once had a complete laughing attack while we were trying to creep down a ridiculous incline, when shushed me with a "Quiet, quiet my friend, I must concentrate.  And that laugh is not lady."  Dad, I know you would agree.

That comment sent me even deeper into my laughing blackout, where I decided it would be best if I just jump off- it would make the climb down easier.  This made him laugh uncontrollably- where he then snapped his sandal, fell over and had the bike fall on top of him.

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I was nearing the crying laugh stage.

He stood up to show he was not hurt, then sharply followed with a "Ohhhh Marco, you did not scrach the bike- you are so good.  It is ok if I did though, because I just make one phone call.  I own this island, no problem."

All in the Arnold voice.  Classic.

We drove all day- went into parts our bike barely made it out of- and saw the BEST views of the island- from the most secluded beaches to the highest points.

the kids sitting on bike ran off scared.
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This place is INCREDIBLE, and it is only the first island stop.

I will post the pictures soon!!!