Our third day on Koh Samet brought an unexpected change to our journey. After waking up, it was clear that Noi’s health had deteriorated significantly. Following breakfast, we made the difficult decision not to extend our stay on the island. Believing that recuperating in her own apartment in Pattaya would be best for Noi, we prepared to leave, feeling we had experienced all Koh Samet had to offer.
Packing our belongings, we took a pickup taxi back to the harbor, where we boarded a speedboat to the mainland. Given Noi’s condition, and wanting to avoid the discomfort of a bus’s freezing air conditioning, we opted for a more comfortable and direct route. We arranged a taxi for 800 baht, which promised a smoother 1.5-hour journey to Naklua, Pattaya.
Arriving at Naklua, I was greeted by a heartwarming surprise in Noi’s condo apartment: balloons and hearts adorned the space, a tender gesture that brought warmth and comfort during this uneasy time. Our next stop was the laundromat, a necessary errand to refresh our clothing from the trip and prepare for the days ahead. Afterward, we grabbed a meal, ensuring Noi could eat something nourishing.
The remainder of the day was spent in gentle quietude, allowing Noi the rest she needed. My first day in Pattaya was not as I had envisioned, marked by concern for Noi’s health rather than exploration or excitement. Yet, it underscored the unpredictable nature of travel and the importance of adaptability and care for each other in challenging times.
