Ko Samui, Thailand

On the way to Choeng Mon we stopped off at the Big Buddha, again, but the piece that Adri wanted to buy was unfortunately sold. Maybe it was meant to be, I was told. Anyway, I used the time to again marvel at the steel “junk” artworks that I saw previously, simply amazing in its simplicity. When you look closely one can identify, pistons, gears, spark plugs, screws, nails, bicycle chains, nuts, bolts etc.etc I think I need one of these, even just a small one… Arriving at Choeng Mon beach we parked in the same place with the courteous security guards on duty. As we walked through the Sala Resort, with what seems to be high-end bungalows, everyone including the cleaning ladies smiles and says hello, a very friendly placek. As we reached the beach we made a quick right turn and 50 metres further we sat ourselves down on the sun loungers of Choeng Mon Restaurant and Bar. Man, this place is great. When one lies in the sun, lost in thought with the surf breaking gently on the slight sloping beach, just loud enough to simmer in the mists of one’s mind, then one can truly relax body and mind. The previous time we were here there was not much sun so, so we did not go for a swim. Today was different and after turning the body a couple of times in the sun, like a good kebab, we went for a dip. As one goes into the surf there is a quick-ish drop to about knee deep, and then it drops back ever so gently, so one has to go in about 25 metres before the water is chest high, perfect ! Choeng Mon beach is fast moving up the list to becoming my favorite beach. This is a life i could easily get get used to this, far too easily. I think i need a sabbatical. We read about the Haad Bang Po Restaurant on the internet which apparently is the best fish restaurant on the island, and apparently one of the best in the world. We just had to go there and decided that today is the day. Well, let me just say, I was totally underwhelmed. We chose the “barbecue whole fish” on the menu, we got the “steamed whole fish” with a small amount of some garlic/chili sauce. We asked for rice which was fine, how wrong can one go with rice. I asked for french fries but was told I can only get that with the dishes on the menu that come standard with it, like the burgers. Anyway, the fish was fresh, that much I can say, but the fish was tasteless, very disappointing, the worst meal I have had on this holiday, and then some. Bottom line, don’t waste your time, there are so many food restaurants on the island. By the way, Adri was not feeling too well after the meal. I googled some more on the internet and found a guy that went there twice, and both times got food poisoning.