Tags
Bangkok, Bophut Beach, Fishermans Village, Kama Sutra Restaurant, Koh Samui, Mr. C, photos, Thai massage, Thailand, travel
After an extremely long and (not very) arduous journey, I’ve finally arrived in Thailand. Unlike when I was in Phuket in 2011, the Thai people that I’ve thus far encountered at the Bangkok airport and in Koh Samui are very friendly. It’s restored my faith in the term “Land of Smiles.”
My apartment in Koh Samui is the epitome of zen and peacefulness. It’s beautifully decorated with a prevalent Buddha theme, accented with Thai accessories and Jim Thompson silk pillow cases. In fact, I’ve decided that I could very well be completely happy staying here listening to birdsong and rainfall, playing my August Alsina and J. Holiday playlists on Spotify and reading books on Thai culture and history, as opposed to going out and running around. Waking up with a large Buddha statue next to your bed seems to make my day begin with serenity.
I did venture out for my first (followed by my second) Thai massage. Now I completely understand when people describe Thai massages as “painful.” Being extremely tired due to my travels, I’d managed to pass out for a bit during my first one. What woke me up was when the masseuse grabbed my arms from behind and attempted to rip them out of their sockets! The quick turning movements with my back made me feel as if I was at a chiropractor’s office! Then the putting my legs out straight in front of me while she urged me to touch my toes and applied extra pressure to my back was a bit of a surprise, too. My flexibility is fine, for the most part, considering my age, but still… Serious pressure was applied to my, well, pressure points. My second Thai massage followed the next day and was much the same. I don’t feel like exposing myself to the torture today, however. Although my lower back feels better, my right shoulder is a little sore and my fingers were tingly afterwards.
So I was in a Thai grocery store called Mr. C yesterday; half groceries and half clothing and home supplies. As to be expected, there were plenty of French selections in the deli and boulangerie; Bophut is composed of many French expats. The Thai guy could tell I had no clue as to how the system works in the boulangerie. He politely took my already-bagged puffs and mini croissants out of my cart, then proceeded to weigh and label them. I was tempted to try out the durian cookies, but… NO!!! I had to pass on the Sriracha pineapples, too, beings I haven’t the faintest idea how to cut and core a pineapple. My Heinekens were confiscated from my cart by the cashier with the information that alcohol is not sold after 11:00 a.m. (although it was only 9:30 a.m.).
I wandered down to Fishermans Village yesterday in search of Namcha Samui, a tea house owned by Filipinos. Not being able to find it, I stopped in at Kama Sutra Restaurant for beef with garlic and blak pepper, steamed rice and a Singha; it was alright, nothing special. I also had a glass of sauvignon blanc somewhere. Today I’ll venture further afoot ’cause I’m determined to find Namcha Samui and Coco Tam’s!