We spent a week on Koh Tao and it was just what we needed. We stayed in the top floor honeymoon suite with a balcony that looked out over the ocean. It felt a bit too nice for us but we didn’t question it. We mostly sat out there in damp clothes after swimming, watching the sky do its thing and talking about whatever came to mind.

Mornings started with banana pancakes and strong coffee for me. Emily had her usual weak green tea. It became a little routine. We didn’t plan much. We just ate and then decided what to do.

The snorkelling trip was one of the best days. We saw a sea turtle and a baby shark. Emily went down the boat slide at least fifteen times and I jumped off as many things as I could. I don’t know why I do that. It always seems like a better idea in theory. Still, we had such a good time. Everyone on board was easy to talk to and it felt like everyone was just happy to be out there.

We also did a couple of dives. We’re both certified so it was nice to just get in the water. The reefs were full of life and the visibility was good. Emily’s mask was a bit of a nightmare and kept leaking. I was blown away. It’s hard not to be when you’re floating through schools of fish and feeling completely out of range from the rest of the world.

When we weren’t in the water, we were reading or drawing or swimming in the pool. The view from the pool looked surreal in the best way. We walked around Chalok Bay in the evenings and just let the days be slow. The town felt friendly and quiet and not trying too hard.

I ate pad see ew several nights in a row. Emily made more of an effort to try new things. One night we snacked on strawberries covered in salt, chilli, and ants. I liked it more than I should have. She did not. I think she genuinely questioned my taste in everything after that.

It was a relaxing week. No rush. Just time that felt like ours. We got salty and sun-tired and slept well. I’m ready to go back whenever Emily gets a new mask.