KO SAMUI, THAILAND, Thursday, March 13

Ko Samui is a large island also in the Gulf of Thailand. Its been called the largest coconut plantation in the world and was the major income producer until tourism surpassed it. Again, white sand beaches & beautiful resorts are the main attraction. However, the island has several interesting things to see. Gary & I hired a car for 2 hours and went to see a beautiful waterfall nestled in a cove surrounded by colorful trees, plants & flowers. It was quite a trek to the pool at the bottom but I got some great pictures. We also saw about 8 elephants that people were able to ride through the jungle.

 Our driver took us to a few more points of interest and then back to the ship. I'm amazed at the spectacular Hotels in some of these stops. Going through the towns, the people are so poor and the living conditions are really awful, I never expected to see such magnificent, opulant hotels.

 Tonight we are having dinner with the captain in the Steak House. He's a motorcycle enthusiast so he and Gary have a lot in common. He's from Italy and will be leaving the ship in Rome.