Week one, Koh Chang

Our travels to Koh Chang were largely un-eventful, though we did score a win for our team. We had purchased transport only to the ferry terminal on the mainland. Once there, a woman tried to sell us tickets on a van to take us down island. When we demurred, she abruptly dismissed us, but handed me two tickets for the ferry without charge. Whoo! We get these wins so seldom it's a bit of a special occasion when it happens.

Kristel from BB Divers had arranged an apartment for us; spacious (very large living area with a kitchen attached, big bedroom and bath, with a deck across the front) relatively clean, and cheap, about $350 CAD per month. Here's the view from the front porch.....

.....and out the kitchen window.....

.....and some flowers in the front yard.....

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In this photo, looking off the side of the porch, the brightness in the centre is the sun reflecting off the ocean.....

We have rented a moto for the duration of our stay and have had a couple trips up the coast of the island for shopping in the larger towns. Kim is not completely comfortable on the bike yet, but is handling it great.

I've had a couple of days diving so far, five dives in total including a night dive, though the visibility was pretty crappy for all of them. These photos were taken on the boat just as the sun was setting.....

.....with instructors Thomas and Tea.

Earlier this week, Kristel suggested that it might be nice if I brought my guitar to the BB bar and play a couple songs. I agreed, thinking I would be like when we sit around the kitchen on Mayne and swap tunes. The next day there was this.....

.....a flyer, and heavy advertising on the BB website and on face book, so I spent some time this week working up an hour or two of music. The event was last night, big crowd, lots of noise, no sound system, but it was fine. I sat at the bar and played for a small group who seemed thankful for it.

I think today Kim and I are driving to the east side of the island. I've never been and it's supposed to be beautiful. Tomorrow we are hosting a "house warming" party here at the apartment. We'll keep you posted.