Island in the sun

Thank god. Five and a half months of carting my bloody great rucksack around largely overpopulated Asian cities and I can finally put it down and hit the beach. It's R&R time and not a moment too soon. I'm on the island of Ko Samui, which despite its off-season prices has thus far proved to be high-season in its weather. Much lazing has been done and I've got a good deal more to do before I reckon I'll be finished.

I'm staying in a 'bungalow'; that's Thai resort speak for a hut by the beach. Bungalow is probably a better description than hut though as it's nicely appointed with a comfy bedroom and a decent bathroom. After some of the accommodation I've stayed in during recent weeks it doesn't take much to form an image of luxuary for me, but this place does just fine. It's right by the beach and has a restaurant and bar keeping me fed and watered as my heart desires. Worryingly it all goes on the room-tab, but everything is reasonably priced enough that I'm not expecting too big a shock at the end of it, and besides it would have all been worth it! It's very much a Westerner orientated area. Yesterday for instance I breakfasted on boiled eggs and soldiers which was bliss, but before any culinary afficionados start criticising I've been trying the local food too, even if I do avoid the curries.

The area is very much equipped for visitors; I don't think I've ever seen a place with as many ATMs per head of population. There's also no shortage of travel agents, internet cafes, bars and restaurants on the main road within an easy walk of where I'm staying to provide sufficient variety should the cooking of the resort's accommodation start to wear thin. I suppose most of this is absolutely de rigeur to those who frequent the beach holiday scene, but having not really done one myself in about ten years I suppose it all comes as something rather new and unexpected. It's fun though, and I think I can manage the arduous schedule of relaxation, swimming and eating for a little while longer yet...