Alms giving and beer sales

Our train from Bangkok last night ran south along Thailand's peninsula en route to the coast, across from Koh Samui, which was our final destination on this leg of our journey. We could have taken the plane but we wanted to re-live the overnight train experience we had on our first visit to Thailand. On the train we had a couple of small private cabins where we were served a good meal and where the steward later converted our seating area into bunk beds. While an interesting experience, I'm not sure anyone had a truly restful sleep as the train bumped and clattered along from stop to stop throughout the night. I was almost fooled again as I was on this same train trip years ago when I thought there was only a squat toilet on the car - Thai-style. The kids were kind enough to inform me that there was also a western style toilet around the corner. A squat style toilet is not your friend on a moving train.

We arrived in Suratthani before dawn where we had to wait a few hours before catching the ferry to Koh Samui. At dawn I went for a walk around the town to stretch my legs. Around the corner I saw a lady get off her motorcycle to give alms to a monk, who was walking barefoot and carrying an urn. She took off her sandals, touched the bag of food to her forehead, and passed the alms to the monk, who put the food in his container. She then bowed her head and held her hands together at her face like she was praying, while the monk quietly said or perhaps chanted a few words. As I continued walking I watched a man get off his motorcycle and do much the same thing for another monk. In this case the alms giver provided the monk a bag of food, and also placed a 7-11 Big Gulp container on the ground and filled it with drinking water. He then kneeled and bowed while the monk intoned a few words. I understand alms giving is intended to show respect, earn merit, practice altruism, and help the faithful stay connected with their Buddhist community. It was very interesting and peaceful to see this in action.

The ferry ride over was uneventful, other than the fact that there is a ferry now. Last time Catheleen and I made the crossing in the late '90's it was by speed boat with other travellers, sitting on our backpacks. Today it was with luggage on wheels and kids in tow. Things never stay the same for long it seems. We arrived at our condo on the island of Koh Samui and explored our surroundings. There is a kilometre long tourist strip with beaches and restaurants along a section of the north coast. I imagine we'll be spending the next few days relaxing and taking it easy here - at least that's my plan. I'm okay with the cities but I much prefer the smaller towns.

In the late afternoon John had worn me down enough that I agreed to go with him to the mall. He's been looking for a wall adapter for his video game player which he hasn't been able to charge, and he hasn't given up yet. He assured me that he had asked Siri where that nearest mall was and was told it way only 94 meters away. I had my doubts (this is a small town) but I agreed to go with him. It turns out he was off by a bit and the mall was really 94 kilometres away. I tried to explain to him that this is what we call a first world problem but it went in one ear and out the other. His only thought was that Siri is not being accurate if it thinks a mall 94 kilometres away is near.

As we headed back after a visit down the strip with rain clouds fast approaching, I stopped in at the convenience store to buy some beer, but without success. The sign said that alcohol sales were restricted today due to an "Important Buddhist Holy Day". It hadn't hampered Catheleen and me from ordering beer with lunch. I gather there is a distinction.

Here's a view from the ferry on a hazy day.