Koh Phangan--Annoying transportation, best beach yet

So we are currently comfortably nestled in Haad Yao beach on the island of Koh Phangan. Getting here yesterday though, was yet another testament to Thailand's inability to provide reliable transportation. Don't worry, I'll explain...

We left Lamai beach on Koh Samui by bus to the pier to the north, from which we were scheduled to depart by ferry at 12:30 pm. Once at the pier, at about 12 pm, we are told that the ferry will not depart until 2 pm. Then at about 1:30 we are told that we must relocate to a different pier (we are assuming that the original delay was due to technical difficulties with the ferry that was already at the pier and that these complications could not be resolved). Now hundreds of Western tourists were frantically crammed into a handful of buses and hauled away to a pier that was about 15 minutes away. After waiting at this second pier for another half hour, we boarded the ferry and realized there was no room to sit and nearly not enough room to stand. The best part though, was when I was standing near the railing of the lower deck and someone poured their beer on me and about 8 other people. Good times!

So the fun doesn't stop there, because once we got off the ferry on Koh Phangan, we were given outrageous quotes for taxi fair and only recieved a fair price when we agreed to check out a hotel near the beach that we planned to stay at. The hotel was secluded and the owner had an unsavory feel (and no teeth), so we decided to explore the area for a better deal. Luckily, the day was salvaged when we discovered a hotel on top of a convenience store that was both inexpensive and luxurious (I mean in comparison to the other places we've stayed). Now we have A/C, satelite TV (now we can watch the VP debate!), and an incredible tile deck overlooking the beach. Oh yeah, the BEACH! This place is incredible. White sand, palm trees, and the clearest water we've seen yet. Not to mention the barrier reef just a short swim away. We've already taken advantage and spent the day snorkeling and eating coconuts (it reminded me very much of my adventures on the island of Moorea with Les Hommes de B Watch).

Either way, the hell of getting here was worth it! Pictures coming soon!

Michael