Koh Samui

The ferry ride to Koh Samui was efficient and comfortable (large padded seats! air conditioning!).  We had a quick lunch at a restaurant near the pier and headed to Blue Turtle Samui, where Penny and family were waiting for us.  The hotel has large comfortable rooms, a lovely pool, is right on the beach, and a 10 minute walk to downtown Chaweng.  The restaurant was really good too!  

The pool and the ocean were both hot tub warm.  It was great to get into but not very refreshing.  I guess I can't have it both ways!  Nonetheless, the beautiful setting was a great place to spend time with cousins.  In the evening we went to the Chaweng Night Market, about a 20 minute walk away, and enjoyed some street food together.  The seafood salad was a favorite.

We enjoyed another day by the pool and ocean and had a late lunch at the beach restaurant next door.  

It was sad to say good bye to the Tov-Liangs.  The airport is only 10 minutes from the hotel, and the kids planned to wave to each other from the plane - Ava and Oren were in the water with a flashlight jumping up and down, Liv and Elle were sitting on the left side of the plane, and they cousins videoed each other 😊.  

We spent a few more days in Koh Samui.  We went on a trip to Pig Island (Koh Mat Sum).  Years ago, a resident at Koh Mat Sum saw a family of 4 pigs at a market in Surat Thani and wanted to save them from slaughter, so he brought them back to the island.  The pigs have since multiplied and there are over 50 pigs who enjoy swimming with and being fed by the tourists.  We went an hour earlier in the morning than most tour boats arrive, so we had the opportunity to enjoy some alone time with the pigs (including 3 day old piglets!).  Totally touristy and totally adorable!

We went snorkeling at the coral reef at Tean Island and brought a loaf of bread to feed the fish.  The kids liked to throw slices of bread right in front of each other (to the horror of the recipient) and watch the crazed hordes of fish swarm them 😆

For dinner we found Mr. Golf and Jan, a food truck with well deserved 5 star ratings.  We had great pad gra pow, pad thai, laab, and a pork veggie stir fry that were all superb.

On our last night in Koh Samui, we wanted to head back to the Chaweng Night Market, but it was closed so we took a songthaew to Fisherman's Night Market.  It appeared that the "night market" part with food vendors wasn't open, only the touristy walking street.  Disappointing.  Instead, we took a Grab to another night market that we happened to pass along the way and found some yummy things, like this warm chewy rice cake with pandan filling  😋