Ko Samui, Thailand

The weather was not too shabby today so we went back to Choeng Mon beach. Yesterday we found a little side street that leads directly from the main road to the Crystal restaurant and pub’s premises, thus we did not have to park at the Sala resort, which we came to like, actually. Parking here was just a shorter walk and we needed the time in the sun. We found our spot, booked our sun loungers by leaving our beach luggage on them, and had a wonderful brunch inside the restaurant. Me a cheese and egg burger with chips and Adri a spicy chicken noodle salad. I could tell it was spicy by the tears running down her cheeks. Got home for a quick shower and a snooze before heading out to Fisherman’s Village, and more specifically, the Emerald Irish pub and restaurant, to meet Patrick. I like the fact that the Emerald is a “pub and restaurant” and not a “restaurant and pub”. We met Patrick at the Emerald outside on the balcony overlooking Bhoput beach, great view ! Patrick filled us in on the expat island life, who’s who and what’s what, he is an amazing source of information. Patrick told us that he bought a place here some four years back and finally retired to Koh Samui two years ago. We found out that his place was about 40 metres down the road from where we were staying, what coincidence ! The expat life seems to be very active here judging by the many times his phone rang for invitations from local friends during our time together, the island life sure is fun. He was telling us how his friends back home were worried about him having nothing to do and being bored on the island, everything but ! We asked Patrick about the free barbecue that he attended at the M&M Bar the previous evening and he remarked that this was not unusual, there was a time when there was a free barbecue at different restaurants every day of the week, thus one could have perennial free suppers if one so chose. In fact, he informed us, there was a free barbecue on at Cassidy’s bar in Bang Rat tonight should we wish to go ! After spending a great early evening with Patrick, we walked along the pier for a couple of photo opportunities and then headed back home for supper.