Koh Samui: Finding Sunshine in the Storm

Leaving Khao Sok was harder than expected. We said heartfelt goodbyes to Coit and Mrs. Joy—friends we never would have met had we not traveled. That’s the magic of wandering: no matter the country, no matter the differences in background, when you’re open to new ways of living, friendships form. And those bonds, however brief, carry forward.

The journey to Koh Samui took about four hours: two van rides across the Thai countryside and a 90‑minute ferry ride. Being veteran ferry riders, Sonja and I settled right in, watching the water roll by. 

At the island, our taxi driver—a fun, energetic young Thai woman with perfect English—had us laughing the whole way. Palm trees, beach houses, ocean‑side shops… it felt like driving through Maui.

Then she turned into the driveway of the Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa, and suddenly we were in a world that looked straight out of The White Lotus. Three bellhops sprang into action, whisking away our bags before we could touch them. We were seated in a stunning lobby, handed ice‑cold fruit drinks, and treated with the kind of attention I only used to get when sent to the principal’s office—though this time it was all positive.

The surprise? A complimentary upgrade to a suite. I thought Sonja was going to fall out of her chair. When we toured the room, she was speechless—possibly the most luxurious hotel room she’d ever seen. We wandered the property, snapping photos, basking in the coddling of staff, and feeling like royalty.

And then Mother Nature decided we’d had enough joy.

A storm rolled in—not a Seattle drizzle, but a “hold onto your hat” kind of tempest. Wind, rain, lightning, thunder shaking the walls. From our third‑floor balcony, we watched the pool and ocean rise together under sheets of rain, the sky flashing spectacularly. It was beautiful, but also daunting. The forecast promised more storms. Our beach holiday of epic proportions seemed doomed.

The next morning, umbrella in hand, we headed to breakfast. Eggs, noodles, fried rice, fruit—you name it, it was there. And over that meal, Sonja and I looked at each other and decided: we were going to roll with the weather.

And that’s when the silver lining appeared.

The rain stopped. We walked the beach, dipped our feet into the Gulf of Thailand, sipped fruit drinks at seaside tables, and soaked in the peace between storms. Sonja swam in the pool while I worked on our travel videos. Those few hours became some of the best of the entire trip.

The Lesson For My Grandchildren

Life will throw storms at you—sometimes literally. Plans will change, expectations will be upended. But things are never as bad as they seem. If you stay patient, flexible, and open to joy, you’ll find silver linings even in the heaviest weather.

Koh Samui wasn’t what we expected. Mother Nature threw us a curveball. Yet by refusing to let the storm dictate our attitude, we discovered some of the most memorable moments of our journey.

That’s the gift of travel—and of life. Don’t dwell on the storm. Step outside, find the calm between the clouds, and you’ll carry home memories that shine brighter than the sun.

Coming Attractions

Today, we're flying back to Bangkok to spend a few days at a golf resort.  We've been feeling pretty confident lately and it's time to humble us and bring us back to earth with a few rounds of golf.  Then it's off to a new country...  Sri Lanka.  We're almost halfway through our "getting out of Seattle winter" excursion and the best is yet to come.

Two Days of Wonder in Khao Sok

 From Bangkok To The Jungle

An early morning flight carried us from Bangkok to Surat Thani, followed by a two‑hour drive that felt like a slow reveal of nature’s masterpiece. Limestone cliffs rose higher, jungle pressed closer, and by the time we reached our cabin at the Hotel Khao Sok and Spa, we were literally in the jungle.

Sonja quickly claimed the front porch as her “wildlife observation deck.” She sat for hours, scanning for monkeys, butterflies, and anything that crawled. Papa’s Travel Tip: If you’re married to a wildlife enthusiast, don’t expect to get much porch time yourself—bring a second chair.

Lake and Jungle Trekking

At dawn, we boarded a longtail boat for a three‑hour ride across Cheow Lan Lake. The scenery was so overwhelming that even my camera gave up—it couldn’t capture the grandeur of limestone towers rising from emerald waters. Sonja, of course, kept snapping away, convinced that photo number 347 would finally “do it justice.” Spoiler: it didn’t.

Papa’s Travel Tip: Dry bags are worth their weight in gold. Between mist, splashes, and Sonja leaning dangerously close to the water for “the perfect shot,” I was glad our gear stayed dry.

That afternoon, we trekked into Khao Sok National Park. The heat and humidity were relentless, but Papa pressed on, fueled by stubbornness and a questionable amount of pork and rice. 

My reward? A family of monkeys who decided to huddle and play just feet away. I stood there grinning, while Sonja whispered, “Don’t make eye contact—they’ll think you’re challenging them.”

Papa’s Travel Tip: Jungle humidity is not your friend. Hydrate often, and don’t try to look graceful when sweat is pouring down your back.

Walking With Giants

The next morning brought the highlight of highlights: walking with elephants through the jungle. We fed them, touched their rough skin, and marveled at their gentleness. At one point, Sonja and I looked at each other with tears in our eyes—overwhelmed by the bond we felt with these giants.

Papa’s Travel Tip: When feeding elephants, stand slightly to the side. Trust me on this one. They sneeze.

Reflection

Our time in Khao Sok was a blend of awe and laughter. From misty mornings on the lake to sweaty jungle treks, from monkeys at arm’s length to elephants at heart’s length, it was two days that left us changed. Tomorrow, we head to Koh Samui for beaches and relaxation—but Khao Sok will remain etched in our hearts as one of the most stupendous adventures of our lives.

Coming up...

After two stupendous days in Khao Sok, we’re trading limestone cliffs and jungle treks for island breezes and cinematic luxury. Our next stop: the Anantara Bobhut Resort Koh Samui, one of the real filming locations for The White Lotus season 3.

It’s surreal to think that the same infinity pools and palm‑lined villas we’ll be walking through were once the stage for HBO’s drama of privilege, secrets, and sun‑drenched intrigue. Of course, our story will be less about scandal and more about family laughter, beachside relaxation, and Papa’s inevitable attempts at “blending in with the glamorous crowd.”

Papa’s Travel Tip woven in: If you’re visiting a resort that doubled as a TV set, don’t forget to pack your sense of humor. The staff may treat you like a star, but your grandkids will remind you you’re still just Papa in flip‑flops.

Laughter, Legacy, and Kindness in Kanchanaburi

The Train Ride of a Lifetime

We left Bangkok’s station at 7:45 a.m., expecting a quiet ride to Kanchanaburi. Instead, we found ourselves in the middle of a rolling comedy show. Six slightly inebriated Thai women piled into our cabin, their laughter bubbling over. Within minutes, their antics had spread through the car—snacks flying, jokes bouncing, and strangers becoming friends.

By 9 a.m., the Heinekens were open, Pepsi was being mixed into mysterious concoctions, and the conductor had already scolded them twice in Thai. Each scolding only added fuel to the fun. 

Sonja, of course, was in her element—every time I turned around, she had a new snack in her mouth, courtesy of our new companions. Selfies, videos, and shared laughter made the miles disappear. What began as a train ride became a festival on rails.

Shadows of History

Kanchanaburi is not only about waterfalls and coconuts—it carries the weight of history. We visited the Death Railway Museum and one of the cemeteries where prisoners of war rest, men who perished building the infamous bridge across the River Kwai during World War II.

The story is sobering: tens of thousands of Allied POWs and Asian laborers suffered under brutal conditions to construct the railway. The bridge itself became immortalized in the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai, which dramatized both the futility and the resilience of human spirit. Standing there, history pressed down on us, reminding us that travel isn’t only about joy—it’s also about remembrance.

Later, we walked across the current bridge (the original was destroyed by Allied bombing). 

The solemn feelings gave way to laughter when we met a lady boy coconut vendor who looked uncannily like Dan Blocker from Bonanza—if Dan had lipstick and a flair for comedy. 

He had us in stitches as we sipped our coconuts, proving that even in places marked by sorrow, humor finds a way to shine.

Kindness At Every Turn

On our final day, we rented a motorbike and set off toward Erawan Falls. Rain clouds gathered, and neither of us felt like tackling the climb, so we didn't see much of the falls. 

That detour led us to one of the most unforgettable moments of our travels.

We stopped at a weathered coffee shack, where the young owner greeted us with uncontainable excitement. He was not only a barista but an artist, proudly showing us his studio and each piece of his work. As we sipped our coffee, he approached Sonja with tears in his eyes and offered her a small, framed painting of a bird. “This is for you. Please take it,” he said. That gift, born of pure generosity, will hang on our wall as a reminder of the kindness we found here.

The theme continued when we returned our motorbike. My phone was dead, and I couldn’t call for a ride. Without hesitation, the rental shop owner closed her shop, hopped into her SUV, and drove us five miles back to our hotel. No fuss—just kindness.

Closing Thoughts

Thailand has a way of seeping into your soul. From laughter-filled train rides to solemn lessons in history, from coconut comedy to unexpected gifts of art, every encounter leaves us changed. We’ve never returned from Thailand the same people we were when we arrived. Each trip makes us better—more grateful, more connected, more human.

To our grandchildren.  Adopt these qualities.  Become better people and always be kind and respectful to everyone you meet.  You'll never know when Dan Blocker will become your friend.

Oh, Thailand... We Love You So

⛳ Post Script: Golf in Chiang Mai

Before we packed our bags for Bangkok, we decided to squeeze in one last adventure in Chiang Mai — a round of golf. Our hotel arranged a tee time at Alpine Golf Resort, about an hour outside of town. The drive itself was scenic, but the course was even better: rolling fairways, lush greens, and mountains framing the horizon.

What made the day truly memorable were the caddies — engaging, funny, and quick with a smile. They kept us laughing as we worked our way through the round. We hit some good shots, we hit some great shots, and, oh yes, we hit some shots best forgotten. But that’s golf, isn’t it? A mix of triumphs and mulligans, all wrapped in sunshine and laughter.

My caddie saying "hit there." I'm saying "I'll hit over there" and the other caddie just cracking up.

All in all, it was a perfect way to cap off our time in Chiang Mai — a reminder that travel isn’t just temples and food, but also finding joy in the unexpected, like a day on the links in Thailand.

Bangkok Beginnings: Sunrise, Chinatown & a Head Cold

The View From Our Room

After an hour’s flight from Chiang Mai and another hour’s ride through Bangkok traffic, we arrived at the Grande Centre Point Sukhumvit — a five‑star hotel that feels like a palace in the sky. Our suite has wrap‑around windows framing the city, and waking up to the sunrise over Bangkok’s skyscrapers is nothing short of magical. And here’s the kicker: we’re paying less for this suite than we did for a motel in Moses Lake. Thailand, you win again.

But I have to wonder — what is it with Thailand and my health? On the flight I caught a head cold that’s pestered me for two days. You haven’t truly traveled until you’ve tried explaining symptoms to a pharmacist with Google Translate. After a few failed attempts, she looked up and said, “Would you rather we spoke in English?” Truth be told, her English was better than mine.

Despite the sniffles, we powered through our first day’s adventures. Last time we were here, we only had one day to see the major highlights like Wat Arun. This time, we wanted something more intimate, so we headed to Chinatown — one of the largest and oldest in the world, established in 1782. Think about that: while George Washington and Ben Franklin were still wandering around America, dim sum was already being served in Bangkok’s Chinatown.

The sounds, the smells, the chaos — walking down an alley barely four feet wide, with food and merchandise spilling out on both sides while a motorbike squeezes past — it’s an experience you won’t find in Tacoma. 

From Chinatown, we walked to the Chao Phraya River and boarded a boat to glide down the city’s main artery.

At the end of the day, it was a very good start to our Bangkok adventures — a mix of luxury, laughter, history, and the kind of sensory overload that makes travel unforgettable.

Bangkok Sunrises and Slow Travel

Mornings in Bangkok have been… well, I hesitate to use the word “surreal” because it’s overused, but that’s the closest description. It’s that feeling of disbelief, like you can’t quite process what you’re seeing. Every morning we’ve watched the sunrise over the city from our suite, and it feels unlike any sunrise we’ve ever experienced — with the exception of Haleakala on the Big Island of Hawaii. Just special.

One of the joys of being “travelers” rather than “tourists” is the luxury of taking things slowly. When we were younger, we traveled with a plan for every day. We’d wake up early, follow a predetermined path, and try to see as much as possible before the day was done. We don’t travel like that anymore. Slow travel gives us the freedom to pause, to take a day off when needed, and to let the journey breathe.

That freedom came in handy when my head cold caught up with me. Instead of forcing ourselves out into the city, we stayed at the hotel. I got some much‑needed recovery sleep, while Sonja put a serious dent into her Netflix account. Sometimes, the best travel memories aren’t about rushing to see everything — they’re about giving yourself permission to rest.

Breakfast, Markets and Memories

Yesterday was one of those days when we felt truly grateful to be able to travel. We left the hotel in search of breakfast and Sonja spotted a small restaurant with a Canadian flag and a sign promising all‑day breakfast. What a find! I had one of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve ever tasted, while Sonja was transported to another place entirely with her eggs benedict. And, don't tell anyone, but we snuck in a little carrot cake to top it all off.

We met a young couple there — he from Miami, she from Thailand — along with their child. Listening to him talk about living in Bangkok versus the U.S., we understood completely. There was none of the “rush, rush, rush” that seems to infiltrate everything back home. Instead, you could feel the peace they carried as a family.

After breakfast, we hopped on the BTS Skytrain to the other side of the city. Bangkok is home to 11 million people — the size of New York City — so even on an elevated train it took 30–35 minutes. Unlike New York’s subways, the BTS is air‑conditioned, quiet, and orderly. Standing room only, yet no loud talking, no music blaring — just a comfortable ride.

We arrived at Chatuchak Weekend Market, billed as the largest outdoor market in Southeast Asia. With over 8,000 vendors, it lived up to the hype. Clothes, trinkets, carvings, street food — everything you could imagine was there. We saw so much we wanted to buy for our kids and grandkids, but U.S. rules on overseas packages make it nearly impossible. Either the gifts are rejected and sent back, or the kids would have to pay a 100% tariff. To quote Rodney King: “Can’t we all just get along?”

From the market, we wandered into Talat Noi, a neighborhood that’s a photo junkie’s heaven. Street art, cozy alleys, and locals cooking and living their lives. We ate at a restaurant that felt straight out of a Hollywood movie — an old warehouse on the river, with original décor and even a tree growing out of the dining room, reminiscent of Angkor Wat. The food was excellent, the view unforgettable, and the memory will linger.

I don't have words that will capture this area, so I'll let the pictures do the talking.

A walk, a tuk tuk ride, a subway ride, and another Skytrain later, we were back at our hotel. Looking at each other, all we could say was: “Wow.”

Although we're not leaving Bangkok yet, I'm going to close this post out here.  In a couple of days, we're going to take a side trip out of the city and I'll pick things up then.   Love you kids!  We really hope you make it to Bangkok so we'll leave some good feelings here for you!