Arrived at the island of Koh Phangan for the week of the Full Moon gathering just in time for the rain. It rained everyday but was still a lot of fun. I stayed at the Dancing Elephant Hostel and would go with hostel friends to the beach bars, pool and waterfall parties, and wander around the island finding new beaches and cool spots. The night of Full Moon was so much fun! People covered themselves in neon paint, bucket vendors all claimed to have to best prices, some attempted the fire jumpropes and fire poi, and music was pouring out of every bar and restaurant as everyone flooded to the beach to dance. Even though it rained people danced all night long to see the sun rise. It was amazing to see so many people on a beach dancing all night!
After the full moon gathering I headed to the island of Koh Tao. I stayed at the Big Blue Diving Resort to get my open water diving certification. The only time I got sick throughout my entire trip even after eating the fruits, vegetables, street food, and brushing my teeth with the water was at the dive resort hostel. Apparently the island was having a water shortage along with the daily power outage and the water was so toxic you were not supposed to brush your teeth with it or even open your mouth while showering. However, I was not aware of this and I was really sick throwing up every half hour or so from around 7pm to 5am the next day. By the next day after downing gatorade after gatorade I felt fine to continue my dive course.
After a day of lecture tapes, a full day in the pool, and passing my written exam I finally was able to start diving. It was great getting up each morning, loading my gear on the boat by 6am, and heading out to a dive. After the first two dives and having to take off your mask and oxygen at the bottom of the sea we were able to enjoy the dives more. I got to do four dives and by the end my team was doing flips under the water and building human pyramids. At night we would hang out at the dive restaurant on the water enjoying barracuda grilled on the beach.
Thailand was one of my favorite places I traveled to. Not only is it ridiculously cheap but everyone is so friendly and laid back and the landscapes are incredible.
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