The final few days and farewell

We took the Saturday night ferry from Koh Tao to Surat Thani and surprisingly slept very well (perhaps with the help of the travel sickness pills). We then got a bus to Krabi, where we checked into the first hostel we found. We spent the day wandering around Krabi town and exploring the mangroves and caves with a private boat tour.
Krabi seems a very quiet town and perhaps one where backpackers just stop over on their way to islands like Koh Phi Phi. We visited the night market in the evening and had street food for dinner. We were just in Krabi for one day and had a very early start the next morning for our flight to Singapore. Having waited around in Krabi airport all morning (as the shuttle bus runs at silly times), we eventually got on our flight and arrived in Singapore in the afternoon.

Some of my family friends very kindly housed us for our stay in Singapore and introduced us a bit to the city. We spent the whole of the next day at the amazing Singapore zoo.

 In the evening we visited the Marina Bay Sands Hotel bar for drinks on the 57th floor, which overlooks spectacular views of the city. It looked magnificent all lit up at night.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel - three towers with a boat-like structure lying on top!

We both had early starts for our flights home the following day and although I'm sad to finish this amazing adventure, I am so happy to now be on home ground!!

I had a brilliant time travelling and a fantastic dental elective. I really hope to go back to AHC and volunteer as a Dentist in the future. I've learned so much and experienced things I would have never encountered, if I hadn't done this elective. We built up such a good relationship with the staff there and they are also anticipating our return. 

Thanks for following my blog whilst I've been away - I'm sure I'll write more posts soon, reflecting on various aspects as I reminisce.......

Goodbye Koh Tao

This week has gone so fast! Seems like we've only just arrived, and now it's time to leave! Over the past few days we've had a chance to relax on some lovely beaches, do some more snorkelling and re-visit Koh Nuan Yang. 

Thursday was not a pleasant day for me as I got quite ill with what was probably a combination of food poisoning, heat, sun and sea water. (My bets are on food poisoning). So after returning from Aow Leuk bay at 5pm, I could do nothing but lay in bed (and use the bathroom) until the next day :-(

Friday I felt a bit better but still not quite right. In the morning we had breakfast with a couple of Americans who work over here.  Whilst everyone else had big fry-ups, I stuck to one piece of dry toast to try and ease my stomach. 

Jessye and I then revisited Koh Nuan Yang for the rest of the day. This is a collection of three tiny islands linked by a stretch of sand, about 1km off the north west of Koh Tao, easily reachable by a taxi boat (which left us soaked through!). There's an admission fee to get onto the island, and no plastic bottles or cans are permitted. When we arrived, we climbed up to the mountain viewpoint and admired the spectacular scenery. 

<<Hang fire for the photos which are currently still on my camera>>

In the evening we enjoyed another impressive fire show on Koh Tao. 

Saturday! Our last day on the island. After checking out of our bungalow and grabbing some brunch, we treated ourselves to a Thai massage, which was INCREDIBLE! Tonight we leave Koh Tao on the night ferry and take a bus to Krabi, where we'll spend one night before heading on down to Singapore.

Our trip is nearly over!