Thailand - A priceless gift

Today, I received a priceless gift.

The island of Koh Tao decided to affirm its love for me and offered me a perfect dive.

credit: KohTaocompleteguide.com

It started with the diving conditions.

Tanote Bay was my first love two years ago, but since my arrival, I hadn't been able to fully appreciate it. Too much wind, too many waves, poor visibility, rain, downpours...

Today, when I arrive at Tanote, the conditions are perfect and visibility is at least 20 meters.

The first moments are magical. I finally find back MY bay. Parrotfish, giant clams, the little sergeant-major trying to impress me by raising its dorsal fin, and finally, a fish I've never encountered before, the orange spine unicorn fish.

credit: Thai-Scuba.com, wikipedia.org, KohTaocompleteguide.com, blackturtledive.com

And suddenly, a hawksbill turtle appears near me.

Credit: Jingyu Li

Amazed, I follow it underwater for a few minutes and then continue on my merry way... to arrive in front of a HUGE school of fusiliers. Tens of thousands of fish, a school so big that I can't see the end of it.

credit: kohtaocompleteguide.com

Obviously, my companion, always mischievous, enjoys creating holes in the school, holes which close as soon as he changes position.

credit: PBS

Then I had an encounter with a barracuda that was casually following some longfin bannerfish. I had encountered some very small ones two years ago but this one, without being huge, is more substantial.

credit: blackturtle.dive.com

And finally... I find a practically new snorkel and a mask that I can give as a gift before leaving the island.

During my last days on Koh Tao, I have mixed feelings. The joy of being able to live there, the pain of leaving...

Before leaving, Thura invited us to spend an evening with him. A dinner at a restaurant featuring the flavors of his homeland and a fireball evening on Sairee Beach. This young Myanma man brought joy to my heart every day I spent on the island. I will miss his zest for life and his unfailing smile.

We were then invited to dinner by Thai friends and their grandson. Despite the language barrier, we were able to share about our lives and the cultures of our respective countries. When I say dinner... I really mean a "holiday party." The table was overflowing with delicious dishes.

During the last few days, we toured the island to say goodbye to everyone who made our stay more enjoyable.

Of course, I took the opportunity to distribute my pins as a small souvenir of these two slightly crazy Canadians who traveled around Koh Tao for over six weeks.

I said my goodbyes to the island, hoping to have the opportunity to return one day...