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Last days in Thailand
After 6 months in Thailand, we finally decide to leave, because it has been raining non-stop since November 1st, and for several days, I haven’t even felt like leaving the apartment: the streets are flooded, there are insects everywhere, it’s humid everywhere. My infections are back and I have to do another round of tests in Koh Samui. I can’t take it anymore! So after the Moderna booster we decided to get after our Janssen vaccine, we treat ourselves to 3 last nights in Koh Samui: 2 nights in a luxurious hotel, and one last night in a regular hotel in Chaweng, but not far from the airport – for…
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Koh Samui & Koh Phangan with our nomad friends (Thailand)
Since May 2021, we hadn’t seen a single familiar face, so when our two nomad friends J. and F. announced they were coming to see us in Koh Samui, at the same time, we were over the moon. Part 1: Travel JournalPart 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Journal They’re seasoned travelers and true “travel hackers,” so this week together turned into an “upgrade to 5-star hotels.” The first one loves switching hotels, so thanks to him, we were able to crash at a few in Koh Samui. The second one gifted us Marriott Bonvoy Gold status (his status allows him to gift it to someone for a year), which…
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reMarkable 2 software update 2.10: Google Drive, Dropbox, and Connect subscription
Everyone suspected that version 2.10 would bring something amazing. It brought us a hot shower and a cold shower. Google Drive & Dropbox The hot shower was the integration of Google Drive and Dropbox. For several days, people were thrilled, congratulating themselves for having early adopter believed in the company Everyone was so excited that nobody read the release notes to see where they could link their Google Drive / Dropbox accounts directly on the tabletThe answer is: you can’t. You have to do it on your PC/phone/tablet by going to my.remarkable.com At the very bottom, you’ll see “manage integrations” and that’s where you can link your Drive or Dropbox…
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Discovering foil surfing / electric surfing in Koh Phangan
While we were comfortably settled in our favorite French restaurant on Chaloklum Beach in Koh Phangan, we were surprised to see a surfer above the water! The chef explained that it was foil surfing (which seems to translate as electric surfing in English). A “foil” is “a wing positioned and shaped to generate, through its movement in water, a lift force that affects its speed and stability” (thanks Wikipedia). The first time I heard about it was when some boats in the Vendée Globe used this innovation to push speed limits even further. But I had never heard of electric surfing, which integrates a foil into a surfboard along with…
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Scooter rental in Koh Samui
Disclaimer : While renting a scooter in Thailand is very easy, it remains illegal if you don’t have a motorcycle license. You’re not only risking potential fines but also the non-coverage of your insurance in case of an accident. I talk about it in this article. Tonton Samui When we spend a few days in Koh Samui, we use Anthony, who was recommended to us by French friends. He operates under the name “Tonton Samui”. Anthony is easily reachable on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tontonsamui/ The scooters are new (it’s the first time I had a scooter with a keyless ignition) and in impeccable condition. Another big advantage of going through Tonton Samui…
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Scooter rental on Koh Phangan with Phangan Wheels
Disclaimer : While renting a scooter in Thailand is very easy, it remains illegal if you don’t have a motorcycle license. You’re not only risking potential fines but also the non-coverage of your insurance in case of an accident. I talk about it in this article. There are plenty of scooter rental shops on Koh Phangan. We didn’t do a very thorough market study and picked one of the best-rated on Google Maps: Phangan Wheels. Phangan Wheels is run by a Russian guy you can contact in English on WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc., and he’s very responsive to messages. This scooter rental agency isn’t suited for very short stays as…
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My Current Favorites [September 2021] Biographies & investigations: Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Elizabeth Holmes
After several years of reading mostly spiritual books, I decided to take a break and get more interested in true stories. Whether it’s history books, autobiographies, or real events. I chose to start with books about Silicon Valley. Elon Musk The reading was so enjoyable that I finished it in 24 hours. I got very little sleep to finish this book, but there are so many twists and turns, so many “how is he going to get out of this one?” moments, to see how Elon Musk, a South African from an adventurous family, ends up becoming the man who revolutionized the automotive, space, and energy industries all at once.…
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How to buy / add an eSIM for use abroad – Holafly Review & Test
Recently, I received an eSIM from Holafly (link)to use in Thailand. I was really excited because it’s the first time I’ve had an eSIM, now that I have a compatible smartphone (an iPhone 12 Mini). Holafly gave us a promo code promo code that will save you 10%. You can use it at checkout: NOMADBENTO CeThis article is not not sponsored! Holafly sent us the card free of charge for testing, but I’m free to give my own opinion. So, first of all, you receive a small email with a QR code for the SIM card (the SIM number if the QR code doesn’t work) along with the instructions, etc.…
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Test & Review: Bangkok Hospital on Koh Phangan (Thailand)
A few days ago, I wasn’t feeling well and the pain kept me from sleeping. I watched a series almost all night to forget the discomfort. JB and I decided to get up as early as possible and head to Bangkok Hospital, a private hospital with branches all over Thailand. We were recommended this hospital because they have another one on Koh Samui. In case of emergency, Bangkok Hospital even has a speedboat to transfer patients to the larger Bangkok Hospital Koh Samui. This is the second time I’ve “tested” the Thai healthcare system. The first time was during a food poisoning in Krabi 5-6 years ago. We’re the only…
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How to enter Thailand with the Samui Plus Sandbox, no quarantine needed?
Starting October 1, 2021, visitors who are fully vaccinated under the “Sandbox” program in Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao are invited to stay in the destination for seven days, then can continue their journey to other parts of Thailand. *** If tourists stay less than 7 nights in the Samui+ program, they must leave Thailand via Samui airport only. If they depart via Phuket airport, they can only do so after staying in Samui+ for at least 7 nights. Conditions DAY 0-1 DAY 1-7 Which visa(s) to choose CoE: Certificate of Entry However, even with a visa exemption, you need to apply for what is called a “Certificate…
