Journey to Koh Samui

Hi all from Koh Samui,

We’ve had a big week! I worked full time covering a friend at school this week, then took Eliza into the Anzac Day march and football match on Saturday (go pies!). Finally, on Sunday morning we left our place at 5am for our trip to Koh Samui and Singapore.

There was no traffic, and we got a carpark right near an airport bus stop. Things were going our way! And they continued to - the bus driver was thoughtful and considerate re Eliza and our pram, and so were the Singapore Airlines staff, checking our luggage quickly and befriending Eliza. We got some quick McDonald’s for breakfast and then headed through security. Before we knew it it was time to head to our gate. Everything takes a lot longer with a toddler! I ran into someone from school that was on our flight too, and then we were taken downstairs for priority boarding and to check our stroller. Eliza was so excited to see the planes out the window, and the good luck continued. Once we boarded, we had been given seats at the front of a section with extra leg room and bassinet, and the doors closed and the third seat was empty. So much room, yay!! This meant at times we could play on the floor or have Eliza in her own seat.

Eliza was a superstar just as she was at the footy. She had a nap on me, played with toys, did some drawings, ate snacks (and some of my lunch) and made friends all over the plane. She kept pointing to Rob and I and saying “mama!” “dada!” proudly so everyone knew who her Mum and Dad were. She barely complained or got upset at all despite having woken up two hours earlier than usual.

Our layover in Singapore went fairly fast. We passed the time by visiting the Butterfly House, having a snack and then going on travelators (Eliza thought these were amazing!). Then we boarded our second flight which was with Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ equivalent to Jetstar. It was surprisingly on time, clean and relatively comfortable. We got given some snacks and Eliza slept virtually the whole two hour flight across me. We even arrived 20 minutes early in Koh Samui.

Eliza was so fast asleep when we arrived that I carried her down the stairs onto the tarmac still asleep on my shoulder. We boarded a golf buggy style mini bus and she then woke up because the airport here is very “island life”. Planes were coming in and taking off right near us and she was absolutely fascinated. We then walked into the “terminal”..... this is a strong word! The buildings were all open air and outdoors. It was hot, and we hadn’t realised we needed to fill in a digital arrival card. This should tell you how busy I was last week as I’m always onto that type of stuff!! The internet wouldn’t work so we had to use a machine, and we somehow managed to put in my old passport number for my maiden name. The immigration officer was so chilled out and friendly that she let me through anyway (??!!). Imagine that happening at home!!! We then picked up our luggage and thankfully our hotel airport transfer was there waiting and even had a car seat for Eliza. She loved watching out the front window.

We got to our resort and from what we could see so far it's lovely. I'm glad we aren't staying in the main town as it looked very busy and touristy. We booked a holiday package so you don't get much choice as it's so cheap. But overnight we slept fairly well and then woke to bird noises. I've opened the curtains now and we can see the ocean, frangipanis and trees. It's lovely!!

Love to all
Claire
Xoxox