My accommodations at Le Méridien Resort in Koh Samui were upgraded to a suite overlooking its own courtyard and private pool and outdoor bathtub. Very deluxe!

Ko Pha-ngan is an island off the central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand forming part of the Chumphon Archipelago. Located halfway between the islands of Ko Samui and Ko Tao, it is known as a land of coconut trees and world famous full moon parties.

With food this fresh and delicious I could imagine becoming 95% vegetarian. Today I took a taxi into town after the rain. I had several options for lunch including Indian, Italian, and Thai food. I ended up just wanting to come back to the Wellness Spa for healthy, clean food. Below are photos of the pool, the flooding, Olive hanging out in the room, and the “spirt houses.”

I can’t seem to leave The Absolute Sanctuary. Only thing, it was quite a shock, I didn’t realize it is smoking and alcohol-free. There are only a handful of people here at this time and most are doing the cleansing detox diet. I have my own “slightly modified plan.”

It seems so long ago when last Tuesday I boarded the first of four flights bound for Koh Samui, Thailand. Once again aboard First Class on Cathay Pacific and with a first class book to read on the flight. An Introduction to Stories I Tell on Dates by Paul...

I must say that my sister Beth is the most enjoyable travel mate you could ask for. She is always cheerful, happy to undertake anything, and has a special gift of making the best of every day. We boarded our short 50 miniute flight from Dalat to Hoi An.

This is my third visit to the cool mountain region of Dalat, an old French colonial town where wealthy residents of Vietnam had gone to escape the heat. Vietnam had been under French rule for 200 years and before that controlled by China. Only after the end of “the American War,” as it’s called here, Vietnam was finally free from control of another country. Perhaps it’s these influences that have made the people here so incredibly resilient.

Greetings Friends and Followers, indeed it has been a long time since my last vacation blog entry from “Where in the World is Gary.” Today I would like to introduce you to Hanoi and my fourth visit to Vietnam…

  https://youtu.be/T5i3LTWREGU   https://youtu.be/bG3aVlzQbZk