Saturday, 28th November 2009 - Sentosa Island

Sentosa is one of the most amazing places ever. It is still under development and there is still loads of construction going on but it is kewl as. We were supposed to meet the girls at the cable carts, but once again, it did not goto plan. However all was not lost we managed to meet up in Sentosa. We started off going on the Tiger Sky Tower which took us to the highest view point in Singapore, we could see all over the Island and of Singapore.
Next we headed for a 4-D Cinema experience. Yes that's right, 4-D. So basically it is same principle as 3-D but instead of normal seats you sit in like little pods for about 6. These then move and shake in time with the film to give the view the experience they are there. It was really really clever! We went on an extreme logg fumme ride.

After here we all went to try our look and aim at the desperado. Here we were stransported to the wild west and had to mount some imitation horses and try and shoot at targets while moving. I was pretty crap, Steve and Becky was good. But at least none of us got named and shamed as the lowest score. Personally I feel my gun was faulty! I am sure I was better than stated.

Next was my favourite. The Lunge and Sky Ride. Bascially it is like a go-kart. You start at the top of the track in a little go-kart, which is powered by gravity and you race down the track to the bottom. Katy took and early lead only to loose it to me in one of the early corners. Despite valiant efforts she was unable to regain pole position. Steve made a good effort and rose from third place to second. And would of reached first place if it was not for some strategic positioning my myself. Katy was a respectable 3rd, Becky 4th and Emma 5th.

The Sky Ride back was frightening, it was like those lifts found at ski slopes. Not being too fond of hights I was not overly keen. But I was definately preferable to walking all the way to the top.

The Underwater world was cool. Got to see Sharks, Sting Rays, loads of fish, crabs, octupus, jelly fish and loads of other things. When in the tunnel under the tank there was two sharkes fighting. One shark had his jaws locked on the fin of another shark and they where rolling around and bashing each other in the floor of the aqaurium, which was a little interesting at the start but because a little distrurbing when after 10 minutes there was not let up. Honestly you would think one of the keepers would go in and seperate them.

Saturday, 28th November 2009 - It's my birthday

It is my birthday. How amazing it is to. Not many people can say they have celebrated their 29th Birthday in Singapore. We all agreed to spend the day at Sentosa and then at night goto the Night Safari, before having some drinks and ANOTHER curry.

Friday, 27th November 2009 - Orchard Road

Orchard road is a cross between downtown New York, London's Oxford Road and Blackpools illuminations. Okay, maybe not Blackpool. But at Christmas Orchard Road puts on the most imazing Christmas lights. They had an amzing looking christmas tree with loads of lights. But even more amazing is the fact you can walk inside the chrismas tree. Ochard street is even home to the biggest Louis Vutton bag. When Katy saw it she was speechless, I know, there's a first. LOL. It was here that we got our first taste of Christmas. We had totally forgot it was that time of year. Orchard street was just what we needed a big dose of Christmas cheer, music and lights.

Friday, 27th November 2009 - Party of Five

So today Steve came over as a suprise from the UK. It was early afternoon and despite his jet lag we managed to fit in going down Orchard Road before having a dirty curry in little india.

Thursday, 26th November 2009 - One goes missing in Singapore

So after an uneventful and very comfortable flight. Especially considering it was only £40 with AirAsia. We arrived in Singapore airport. The girls had booked into a hostel but I was splashingout on a hotel. My hotel wass a little away from their hostel. So they grabed a cab and I went on the MRT (subway). We agreed to check-in, settle ad then ring each other.
Well thats where it all went wrong. Once I was on the Sky train to terminal 2 I realised my phone did not work in Singapore! No big deal really, I thought. I will just Facebook them and arrange to meet. Problem two, because I was in a new country Facebook locked my account until they sent me a code via email. Well I never received any code.

So I was in my hotel room, had no idea where the girls hostel was or what it was called, could not get in touch with them. So after a couple of hours I decided to go out and see some of Singapore. As I left the girls must have walked a different way from the MRT station than I did towards it and we missed each other.

I had a nice mooch around Singapore. Then logged into internet at a cafe, still could not access Facebook. Steve was online and managed to relay a message for me to the girls. Then I just missed them being online. Tried ringing the hotel as last message was that girls was there, but, denied. Only to be told that the girls had just left. Can you believe it. Only to hear, once found the girls that they had not gone, they just nipped outside for a smoke. Talk about the worst timing.

Anyway, when I got back to the hotel I got the girls note and managed to ring their hostel. So once again we were all reunited. So thats the story of one lost in Singapore. More a story of AWOL in Singapore.

Wednesday, 25th November 2009 - Leaving Koh Phi Phi for Phuket

So we picked up our journey from where we jumped off at Koh Phi Phi pier. Hopping back aboard the boat for Phuket. It hardly seems worth talking about Phuket seens as we spent a total of 12 hours there.
We stayed in a hostel, our first of the trip. It was clean, small. We shared a 4 bed dorm and I can honestly say I have never had such a bad nights sleep. Basically it was one big room with partitions to seperate the dorms. But the partitions did not reach the ceiling so all the sounds and lights carried. It was do-able for a night, but that would be my limit. We got up at 6am and went to the airport to catch our flight.

Tsumai, December 26th 2004

The 26th December tsunami was the worst natural disaster to ever strike Thailand, causing loss of life as well as major damage to property, the environment and the economy. The severe impact on the natural environment in turn had serious consequences on the fishing and tourism industries and, therefore, thousands of families' livelihoods.

Sunday 26 December 2004 (timings given for Khao Lak, Baan Nam Khem village)

    07.58 Earthquake off west coast of Sumatra measured over 9 on the Richter Scale

    09.35 Sea receded to 100 metres from the Andaman coast for about 5 minutes

    09.38 Large wave strikes, 2-3 metres high

    09.43 First tsunami strikes - 6-7 metres high

    10.03 Second tsunami strikes - 10 metres high

    10.20 Third tsunami strikes, 5 metres high: causes hour long inundation

    12.00 Sea level returns to normal


No. people killed 5,395

No. people missing 2,817
Bodies still unidentified 1,650
No. of affected people 58,550

Tuesday, 24th November 2009 - View point

Koh Phi Phi is stunning.We were told that the best view of the island is from the viewpoint. Basically the viewpoint is where you go if there is a Tsunami. Because it is high ground. We were told it was a steep climb, but nothing prepared us for what was ahead.
It was a practically vertical climb up to the top of a mountain, but from here there was some breath taking views. Or just breath taking because it nearly killed us walking. I got bit by more insects and things in that half hour trek than I did in all of time in Thailand so far. But moaning aside it was absolutely stunning and worth the trek up there.

Tuesday, 24th November 2009 - Farewell Seattle!

So the time has come to say farewell to our American friend, Rachel, also known as Seattle. Rachel became one of the gang and fitted in perfectly within the group dynamic. We made our farewells and saw Rachel off from the beach. Rachel was going back up north to 'Hell', more commonly known as Bangkok. From there Rachel was flying to India.
Wish her all the best on her fantastic journey. Thank you for the sweet things you wrote in Emma's journal. I'll never forget the times we had and got pictures to prove it. I loved the fact that you referred to yourself as English by end of our time together. I still can't get over drive-thru liqour stores. Keep safe and stay in touch. Oh and see you in Glasto 2011. xx

Monday, 23rd November 2009 - Sunshine

So for the first time in a while we awoke to sunshine and it was dry. Despite this it was hard to drag ourselves out of bed, one reason being the drink the previous night and the second being that the bed was so comfortable.
Once dragging ourselves out of bed we made it to the beach and managed to find a spot. The water was calm, calm and crystal clear. The water was shallow but it was swimable. We all managed to fit in some sun worshiping time.
After cooking ourselves in the sun for long enough we made the ritualistic trek to the internet cafe. Found out some sad news via email about nephew being in accident. So rang home. It is when things like this happen that I realise how far from being home I am, not just geographically but time wise. Fingers crossed he gets well soon.

Sunday, 22nd November 2009 - A few drinks and some Thai boxing

We went up a very winding set of stairs to find the only roof top bar in Koh Phi Phi, the Banana bar. Her we indulged in several 'buckets' of Long Island Ice Tea. After those we met the girls from the boat and progressed onto Strawberry Dacquaries. Once suitably fresh we moved onto the Ragae bar, yes another Regai bar, but this one had a Thai boxing ring in the middle.
We settled down into our ringside seats with our Buckets. The idea is people volunteer to 'Thai box' each other for a free bucket of alcohol. Obviously non of us volunteered. When we arrived, which was about 10pm there was two children in the ring, between the ages of 4-6. They were dressed in the Thai boxing gear and were 'play' fighting. Everyone in the bar was cheering and taking pictures (me included) but it didn't sit too comfortably, especially when after the 'play' fight they where ushered around the ring to collect 'tips'.

We watched a few people fight and can now leave Thailand saying we saw a Thai boxing match. After this we went to the Ibiza bar on the beach and danced and drank the night away there.

Sunday, 22nd November 2009 - Location... Location... Location...

As soon as we jumped (literally) off the boat and onto the pier we were herded into the travel shops to find somewhere to stay. Somewhere cheap and chearful was our aim. We arrived on the island at about 2pm and most of the back packer accommodation had been taken. Everywhere we tried was full or could not accommodate five people. Our budget had been set in the morning for about 150-200T a night. After seeing a couple of real dives, they were the worst places imaginable, that wanted 500TB a night we decided to look at some nicer places.

We managed to find a place to stay, just as another boat load of people arrived and came marching from the pier to the travel place. We got a nice place, a little far out, but nothing major. Air-Con, TV, fridge, safe all for 560TB each. It was worth the price for the shower alone. The shower is amazing. It is th first shower I have felt totally clean in, since landing in Thailand. After a freshen up we all headed out for a few drinks and to meet the girls we met on the boat.

Sunday, 22nd November 2009 - Koh Phi Phi

We woke early in the morning and packed our bags again. We are all getting experts at packing our bags up. Rolling is better than folding, when it comes to clothes. We went for a bite to eat and then to the travel shop to book our tickets to Phuket.
The boat trip to Phuket is a three hour ride. Switching at Koh Phi Phi for another boat. As the boat pulled into Koh Phi Phi it looked stunning. There was still some clouds in the sky but the island looked amazing. Crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. We all agreed to hop off here and goto Phuket in a few days.

Saturday, 21st November 2009 - 7 – 2 = 5

So we again woke up at 11 am. This time with a mouth like Ghandi's flip flop and pounding headache. We wondered how the other girls were. As they were supposed to be moving on today. We bumped into a hungover Rachel at breakfast, she told us the girls had gone. They had checked out and gone to Phi Phi. We felt a little bad we had not got to wave them off, but we gave them a good send off last night. Hope they have a great time going up north and into Cambodia and Lou.
So nursing our hangovers we all craved home a little today. I'd give anything to curl up on sofa with loads of munchies and some hangover TV. I enquired about going to the cinema (seen as weather as raining again) but they don't' have one on the island.
We are moving on tomorrow and heading to Phuket, so early night tonight and absolutely no alcohol.

Friday, 20th November 2009 - Rain... Rain... and more Rain...

So we woke up a little late, 11am. Which is a major sleep in. Normally we are awake and bright between 7am and 8am. But we did not miss much. It rained all day long. After chilling in our rooms and catching up with reading we headed for a bite to eat and a 'few drinks'.
Both Hannah and Jo were leaving the next day to see Phi Phi Islands and then go trekking in Chang Mei. So we thought we should make an effort and go out of the resort for drinks. We headed to the Opium bar. For a friday night it was dead. It was clear to see we were the life and soul of the bar. With Chang beer only 40TB (80p) we all got wasted.
Emma had a 'Eureka' moment, when chatting to the barman, who was from the UK and a 'Dive Master'. Emma came up with the idea of smoking while scuba diving. Solar powered cigarettes or something funny like that. The guy (have to call him guy because I have forgotten his name) offered to teach Emma diving in a pool down the road the next day.
After countless bottles of Chang beer and a few vodkas I had to call it a day, at about 4 am. I managed, god knows how, to get a tuk tuk to take me home. I don't even know the name of the resort so really have no idea how I made it home. The girls all came home a few hours later.

Holiday Photos

So because I know not everyone has access to Facebook, here are some links that will take you to my photo albums:- 

Thailand - Bangkok

Thailand - Koh Phanang

Thailand - Koh Phanang - Boat Trip

Thailand - Krabi

Thursday, 19th November 2009 - Fire Dancer

So after we all freshened ourselves up we went for a couple of drinks at the bar in the resort, over looking the beach. We enjoyed a couple of our favorite starters, Spring Rolls. Along with a few beers. We decided to walk along the beach and try and find another bar, somewhere a bit livelier. We found a decent joint. We all sat down had a drink and watched people going up and playing with balls of fire on chains. When the next thing we notice it is Rachel (aka Seattle) in front of us all playing with these balls of fire on chains. I am sure they have a proper name but I have no idea what it is. Rachel wowed the crowd and impressed us all with her tricks. I managed to capture it on camera, so I will upload the video to Facebook. After a couple more drinks we all walked back home along the beach, trying not to stand on any crabs or other little crestations.

Thursday, 19th November 2009 - Leaving Ao Nang and going to Koh Lanta

Well I thought it was touch and go at one point if we would be leaving for Koh Lanta, as everyone had a bit too drink and was a little worse for wear in the morning. But there was no need to fear. I went for some breakfast and bumped into Rachel. Then after breakfast I went to wake the sleeping beuaties so they could pack and go, but they were already up and sorting there bags out.
Our 'air conditioned' taxis came to pick us up and take us to the bus terminal. It was less than uncomfortable, but it all adds to the fun. We were driven to the bus terminal and dropped off there to wait for our minivan to take us to Koh Lanta.

Here we bumped into three Australian guys, medical students. This was there second or third day in Thailand and they were spending three weeks here before heading back to the Gold Coast. We got a few hints and tips and suggestions on where was good to go. They seemed O K guys, apart from two of them shaved their legs! WTF!

We arrived at our beach resort. Some of the girls went to catch up on their sleep. The rest stayed by the pool. After a few hours of playing around me got chatting to John. A solo traveler from the UK on his way around Thailand before heading to Australia.

Wednesday, 18th November 2009 - Speed Boat around the Islands

We arranged to be collected from our Mee Mee apartments and taken the short drive to Ao Nang beach. We were a little squashed on the speed boat. Especially with the choppy seas. But we went around loads of beautiful islands and saw the beach where 'The Beach' was filmed
We managed to make time for a little snorkeling, looking at the Coral and all the colourful fish, etc. The people on the boat with us where a little miserable but we managed to keep laughing. The scariest bit was when we went snorkeling, about 30 minutes into it a huge boat or ferry turned up and 1000's of people started jumping up and diving in. We decided at that point it was time to get out.

Maya Beach (aka The Beach Beach) was lovely. Looked just like it did in the film, apart from it was packed full of boats and people. There was a really small section allocated for swimmers and the rest packed with boats. It is hardly unexpected though, considering no one leaves Thailand without seeing Maya Beach.

Sunday, 15th November 2009 - Regae bar

We decided to go to a bar for one or two drinks. A 'quiet' drink. However it all went wrong when the free shots were handed out. After that much of the night is a blurr. Rachel and I were drinking the same and I was sure that I could drink an American under the table. But it was not to be. I was wasted. I had to go to bed. The next thing I know I am back at the room, on the bathroom floor and Katy wacks the door into my head. I remember now why I don't do shots.

Tiger Balm

So Tiger Balm.  It is the saviour of Thailand.  It is a balm that you rub on yourself.  There is nothing this stuff cannot heal.  From insect bites to flatulance.  Honestly!  Katy has been pushing Tiger Balm down our throats from before we got off the plane.  If Tiger Balm ever needed a sales rep Katy is their lady.  But seriously this stuff costs pennies, smells like vicks vapour rub and works a treat.  So far there is not a single person who has not used Tiger Balm.  Tiger Balm saves lives!  Watch this space for a new Facebook group. 

We think that the current chain of survival should be changed.  Scrap shout for "Help!" and instead shout for "Tiget Balm".  LOL

Here are a few facts, litterally copied and pasted from wikipedia.  Tiger Balm (traditional Chinese: 虎標萬金油; pinyin: hǔbiao wànjīnyóu) is the trade name for a heat rub manufactured and distributed by Haw Par Healthcare in Singapore. It was originally developed in the 1870s by a herbalist, Aw Chu Kin, in Rangoon, Burma, who asked his sons Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par on his deathbed to perfect the product.


Tiger Balm is available in several varieties, the weaker Tiger Balm White (which is recommended for use with headaches) and the stronger Tiger Balm Red (which is not to be used on the head).

Sunday, 15th November - Elephant Trekking

We got picked up from the bungalow and driven a short way in land. There was a couple of elephants roam about as we entered the compound. We were quickly ushered up onto a bamboo platform and then climbed aboard the elephant. It was rocking and didn't feel stable, we were just sat on a seat on top of an elephant and it took a little getting used to. We could feel the elephant under our feet. We trekked around for about an hour, holding on for dear life at times. Our guide was crazy, nuts. But it was all good fun.
After trekking we got to feed the elephants and get really close to them. This was my favorite bit. We got to watch them wash and bathe in the river. It was really great.

Sunday, 15th November 2009 - Ao Nang

We left on a long boat for Ao Nang. A beach side town, full of resorts. This time it was Emma's turn to fall in when getting off the boat. But she found it hilarious and was laughing out loud. A couple of us stayed put while the others went to look for a place to stay. We found a decent place at a decent price. We settled in then decided to go Elephant trekking.

Saturday, 14th November 2009 - Raileh and the Jungle

So we left Krabi town by long boat to Raileh beach. Because of our hangovers from the night before we had left it a little late and it was lunch time when we got to the dock. We luckily managed to get aboard the long boat. But the driver told us that we may not be able to get dropped off at the beach we wanted and may have to walk for 20 minutes over the rocks to reach our beach.
Luckily for us the boat managed to get pretty close and we jumped off, uneventfully, except for Katy dropping bag in the sea. We walked into the jungle to find our huts. It was a steep walk into the jungle with our back packs. The hut was pretty basic, no hot water. Electricity was available 18:00-06:00. We dropped off our bags and headed to the beach. The place we were staying at did not have a good beach, but next doors beach was great. It was a bit of a trek over the rocks but we managed with only a few very minor injuries. The beach here was great. Something off a postcard. This was really resort-y. Expensive honey moon type of resorts. But the water was really warm and the waves crashed over our shoulders. We stayed on the beach a few hours and then ate in one of the resort beach side restaurants. Which considering was not that expensive.

Because the tide had come in now we were not able to walk back to our beach and our huts. So we had to get a long boat around the rocks to the beach. It was pitch black. The long boat was packed and all the driver had to guide him was a little torch. Luckily we made it to the beach, however when getting off the boat Katy fell into the sea. But she saw the funny side of it, after a little while.

We went and got changed and then went for a few drinks in the Regae bar before going to bed. Ready to leave the next day.

Friday, 13th November - Krabi town

It was getting a little late when we landed in Krabi. We went to the open food market and had a bite to eat. It was lovely. The best food in the whole of Thailand. Cheap as well. After that we went to the Old Western bar for cocktails. We managed to persuade the bar owner to give us 'happy hour' prices all night. We went through the cocktails menu. I left the girls to carry on drinking at about 2 am.

Friday, 13th November 2009- Leaving Koh Phagnan

Leaving Koh Phagnan was a little sad. It had become our home for a little while. Sea, the lady owner was great. There was nothing she would not do for us. She really looked after us and made us feel really special. Also the beach was amazing and our huts or bungalows were lush.
Sea, drove us to the port to get the boat across to Surattani. The boat ride was comfortable and uneventful. We managed to catch a few rays on the deck of the boat. When we got off the boat in Surrattani we were hearded into a waiting bus. The bus was packed! There was not enough seats for everyone. I was squashed on the back seat between Rachel and Katy. The seat was uncomfortable and the air-con above our head was leaking and dripping on me.

After about an hour we were dropped off at a 'bus terminal'. They call it a bus terminal but really it is just a bit of shade sum plastic seats and you just wait for your connecting ride. Our connecting ride was a little MPV for about two hours to the 'bus terminal' in Krabi. We arranged for the place we were staying to pick us up from the 'bus terminal'. They arrived with a pick-up. We jumped in the back and headed to hotel room.

Thursday, 12th November 2009 - Amsterdam Bar

The Amsterdam bar is a small bar at the top of a cliff. The views from the bar of the sunset were amazing. It is a really chilled out bar. The seats were really cool. Like little mats with triangle backs. Had a bit of food and a few drinks. Before heading back home to bed.

Thursday, 12th November 2009 - Boat tour

Awaking at 06:30 am we got ourselves caked in sun protection and went for breakfast. All ready and keen at 08:00 to get picked up and taken to the dock on the north-east of the island, to spend the day on a boat touring the whole of the island. Stopping off at snorkeling hot spots and picturesque beaches.

The first beach we stopped at, we masked and flippered up and jumped in. The fish was everywhere. It was amazing. It took a little while to get used to the snorkeling. But we all managed to get the hang of it in the end.

Then we went touring the island and landed at other beaches for a swim and explore the beach. Around midday we went to a beach and trekked a little to a little waterfall. At this point the sun was so hot and we were reluctant to leave the sanctuary of the shade. We certainly had worked up an appetite by the time we arrived back at the boat. Luckily lunch was ready. A very tasty Thai curry and rice.

While anchored close to shore we picked up two lost back packers. They were on a beach that was isolated and empty. Not sure of the full story. But they came aboard and we took them around the island with us. Our guide helped them find somewhere to stay the night. They were shattered after spending 33 hours solid traveling.

In the afternoon we went and did some more snorkeling. Katy and I got adventurous and decided to dive down to the coral. But the pressure within the ears caused me too much pain and I decided to quite while my ear drums were intact.

Thoroughly shattered we arrived back at port. Ready for a cold glass of beer and a shower before going to the see the sunset at the Amsterdam bar.

Wednesday, 11th November 2009 - One week in

So it is a week into being in Thailand. Lets see if I can summarise my thoughts. It is really hard, because there is soo much. I have true flight of ideas. Ok lets try starting at the beginning. It still feels like a holiday. It has not sunk in that I am traveling or that I am away for months. Think that will kick in after bout week two.
Thailand is beautiful. Truly is. I would love to say it is unspoilt but sadly it is not. Bangkok was not for me, as I am sure you would of gathered from the previous posts. It is great to escape, yeah it really feels like you escape, to the south of Thailand. We found a great deal at this place. I am enjoying myself, taking in loads, embracing the change. It still feels a hassle to have to get up and apply the sun protection before going for breakfast, thats going to be the case till I come home. Only a fool would go out in this sun without sun protection. The other hassle is moisturising, but has to be done. Oh and don't forget the insect repellent, and for bites Tiger Balm. I'll come back to Tiger Balm later on.

The weather is lovely. It is rainy season in Thailand but we have experienced very little. It is low season on Koh Phagnan at present, so the island is pretty much deserted. But I don't mind. It is hot and sweating is just a part of life now. There is no dignity and no one is spared. Going for a quick dip in the sea help camouflage as well as cool you down.

I have developed a totally new respect for water. Yes water. You will not find me without a bottle either in my hand or close to hand. I am constantly drinking, to help keep me cool and to replace the fluid lost through the sweating. I can appreciate how easy it would be to become ill out here. A little sunburn or diarrohoea and combined with the heat and sweating you could easily become dehydrated and poorly. Hence I am being very careful and making sure I don't burn.

Thai People. The Thai's are lovely. It is obvious that they hold deep religious beliefs. From what I can see there are Christians, Buddhists and I think some Muslim's as the three main branches. The Thai's are a crazy bunch. They drive like maniacs and there seems to be little in the way of road rules. I've seen school children in uniform driving scooters! Lol. It is the total opposite to England and our culture. You have to accept that and go with it.

Going out for meals is an experience. You may all order at the same time, and even order the same thing. But, your food arrives independently of each other regardless. In Bangkok I was still waiting for mine for about ½ an hour after everyone had finished theres. And you might not get what you ordered. But it seems thats the Thai way, and hey whats it really matter. I really enjoy the food here, and try and eat the Thai dishes. We have all been lucky and not developed a 'dodgy belly' really.

From the places I have seen the main source of income is from tourists. Down on the islands their business is also their home. So when you enter a shop, resteraunt or even internet place, you remove your shoes. Half of the ground space is dedicated to their business, then they live in the other part. But there are no walls to separate. There are no separate toilets. So you goto a resteraunt and use the toilet and it has a shower in it and the family's toothbrushes are there. Bizarre, but comforting. It is like they welcome you into their house and their life.

The toilets. Well they have a wide range of toilets in Thailand. I've come across three so far. The first is the 'normal' toilet, or the 'human' toilet as Becky likes to call it. This is the toilet you all have at home. You sit on it and flush the toilet. The second is a similar system, but with no flush. Yeah no flush. You have to pour water from jugs into the toilet to flush it. These toilets don't take toilet paper! The third kind, and I have only seen one of these, is a 'squat' toilet. It is a porcelain bowl in the ground and you literally squat. Enough said. n

So the plan so far is to go across the peninsula of Thailand to Krabi. See some islands there and then goto Phuket. Rachel the F-A-B American, who keeps entertaining us with her stories and her infectious laughter is coming with us. Rachel and Jo are also coming to Krabi with us, but then they are heading north.

Tuesday, 10th November 2009 - The day after the night before

The day was spent sat on the beach and enjoying the sea. The girls all felt rough from the night before. But by some miracle I awoke fresh as a daisy. But a proper English-ish breakfast was called for, the bacon butty.
The sea is shallow warm and inviting. The dogs that keep us company on the beach returned and followed us into the sea. This place is paradise. The sunset was amazing. Picturesque. We all had an early night ready for a hard day working, on our tans.

Monday, 9th November 2009 - Half-Moon party

The island is famous for the Full Moon party. It is a mecca for party goers and travelers. We mis timed our trip and cannot make a full moon party. But today was a half-moon party. So off we went into the Jungle, yes the Jungle for a party. We went with the others so there was a group of seven in all.
The party was excellent. The location amazing. The atmosphere lacked a little something. There did not seem to be the same level of friendly-ness that you find back home or in Ibiza. Maybe it is because people are more on edge, worried of strangers and having things stolen. There are a few horror stories about these type of events.

The heat was unreal. Out in the jungle. Surrounded by palm trees, looking up into the nights sky you could just make out the crest of the half moon peeping through the palm trees. It is amazing. We all got painted in florescent paints that were florescent and got stuck into the buckets. Which for £4 you got a bucket of liquor. Ha ha ha... The American girl is rubbing off on me. (on that note: America has 24 hour drive-threw Starbucks, Banks and even Liquor stores – WTF!).

Anyway we all had a wicked time at the party and all made it home safe and sound to the comfort of our luxurious beds!

Monday, 9th November 2009 - Chokana aka Paradise

Morning and the sun is shinning. There are still some rain clouds sulking about by the mountains. But nothing that looks too threatening. We manage to haggle a free taxis from the grotty beach hut to have a look at some beach huts on the south of the island. We went to Chokana beach huts in Ban Tai.
This place is amazing. The beach is like something off a postcard. There is only us four and the girls we found at the other beach. The sea is lovely and stays shallow for ages. The owner is lovely and could not be any friendlier. The rooms are like something off a movie. The towels are arranged in the shape of a flower the bed is massive, comfortable and clean. In fact this is the cleanest place in Thailand, probably the whole of South East Asia. Even better its 400TB a night which works out at £4 a night each. There is a hammock on the balcony.

We spent the majority of the day laying on the beach, listening to music. Reading or chatting. Endless swimming. Beach is deserted apart from a couple of friendly dogs who just wanted some company and followed us everywhere. They even joined us when we went for a swim.

This place is heaven and you can see why people fall in love with Thailand. Especially this part of Thailand. The shops are only a short walk away and they have everything you could need. Everyone seems to hire a scooter but I am not keen. All too easy to fall off on the uneven and pretty basic roads.

Sunday, 8th November 2009 - Rain... Rain... Rain...

After arriving in Ko Pha-ngan, we headed in a taxis to our beach hut, Dean Son. Again with our bag literally just thrown onto a roof top. The rainy season in Thailand is usually October but this year it has happened in November, just my luck. Th beach hut was directly on the beach, facing out towards the Gulf of Thailand. The sea was warm and inviting. So much so Becky and Burger dived straight in with there clothes on.
To call the each hut 'basic' would probably land you in trouble with trading standards. It was not good. There was on double bed and the shower was cold! But cheap at 175TB £3.50 But alas all was not bad. We met up with three other travelers. Jo and Hannah who are from the UK, down south and Rachel, a 22 year old graduate from the USA.

We had sum food at the beach hut complex next door, some beers before calling it an early night. We all arranged to meet up in the morning and go and find some more accommodation.

Saturday, 7th November 2009 - VIP Travel

We got a people carrier from the pick up spot to our bus terminal. We all handed the man our big bags, assuming he would load them into the safety of the boot. But NO! Instead he swung them over his shoulder and chucked them on the roof of the people carrier. No straps to hold them down. All our worldly possessions and documents rolling around on a roof rack driving through Bangkok at speeds I daren't look at. But one we got to the bus I was relieved to see my bag once again.
The bus was painted with Disney characters and inside there was enough leg space to swing a cat. The chairs reclined so far back they were practically horizontal. Bonus the bus was only half full so we all had two seats to ourselves.

Saturday, 7th November 2009 - Leaving Bangkok

It is fair to say after our three nights in Bangkok we were all ready to leave. We were worried Burger may be a bit too hungover to face the travelling but we had nothing to fear. Despite her hangover she was still as keen as we were to leave.
People often told me that I would either love or hate Bangkok. We I am 50/50. I love Bagkok at night and could spend many a night there, nut during the day it is hell. You are constantly harassed for money from beggers, begging children are the worst. There are people selling things on the street all the time. Tuk Tuk drivers, who are so desperate for business that they offer to drive to the shop next door but one.

We decided that we would leave Bangkok and head south to the Island to some islands of the East Cost. He decided on Koh Phangan as the half moon party is in a few days. Being on a budget we looked around for the cheapest way to travel. Train, Plane or bus. The over night train is famous in Thailand but was not cheap at 1500TB. The plane which would take us to the Island closest to where we wanted to be was over 2000TB. But the VIP, yes VIP bus was only 450TB and that included the boat ride from SURRATANI to Ko Samui and then on to Ko Phangan so we decided on the cheapest option.

So with our last day (well what was left of the day) we headed to the MBK shopping mall, a taxi ride down town in Bangkok. MBK is massive, it has countless floors and there is not a single thing you could not get there. Emma successfully managed to get her mobile phone unlocked and we had time for a little snack in the McDonalds, Shocking! I know.
Then Burger wanted to goto her friends apartment in Bangkok to pick up some shoes she had left with him. All did not go well. The taxi driver spoke no English. We had no idea where we where and after an hour of driving around and with only 30 minutes to get our bags and get to the bus pick up spot Burger decided she “wasn't too bothered “ about the shoes! Thankfully we made it to the bus in time.

Friday, 6th November 2009 - Got an iPod

So despite the hangover (again) Me and Burger ventured out getting around the hotel. Finding out about hotel prices on the islands around the southeast of Thailand. Getting price's for the travel down. When e came across iLounge. Who provide travelers with iPods and music, of your choice, preloaded. Costing 6,900TB I decided the cost was well worth it, considering how much i just wanted to read and listen to my music.
The iPods was collected that evening and I settled into a chilled night at the Green Hotel. Burger went out around Bangkok with an old friend from back home. So Emma, me and Becky just chilled around the rooms, reaad and sorted our back packs outs.

Thursday, 5th November 2009 - Just nipping to SubWay

So Katy was sensible and decided to have an early night. Me, Becky, Emma and Ike thought it would be a good idea for a couple of drinks, nothing heavy though. We ventured away from the Khoa San Road and went to the other end of town. Where we got a little lost and stranded. So made quick taxi drive back to where we knew best. Settling into a kewl bar drinking Thai beer and singing along to some great tunes we settled in for a while. Said 'goodbye' to our friend Ike and we went to fulfill our hunger. After raiding the local Seven/Eleven we raided Becky and Emma's snack bar.

Remembering that SubWay was 24 hours and literally a stones throw away we headed round for a quick bite to eat before bed, see as was knocking on 3 am at this time. Here we got talking to a lad called Carl from near London. A plumber, traveling around Thailand on his own before going to Sydney, Australia. Well after a little chat and him finishing off Emma's subway we decided to go back for a few more drinks. We got back to hotel at 6.30 am. Just in time for breakfast and a few hours sleep before we needed to check out.

Thursday, 5th November 2009 - Tuk Tuk's

A Tuk Tuk is a 3 wheeled people carrier. A hybrid between a Scooter, a motorbike and a car. They are noisy and notorious for tipping over and weaving in and out of the busy Bangkok traffic. We hailed a Tuk Tuk driver and bartered him down from 300TB to 150TB to take us back to the hotel. He was crazy. I thought I was a little crazy behind the wheel but this guy was something else. He must of done 80KMP down the wrong side of the road, weaving in and out cars, dodging the poor people who are trying to cross the roads. Revving the engine when ever stopped and accelerating hard. So much so on one occasion we did a wheely. Thinking we had met our death at the hands of our Tuk Tuk driver we thought our travel insurance would probably not cover this. Luckily and God knows how we made it back alive and in one peace. Only the odd bruise from all the banging around.

Thursday, 5th November 2009 - Thai Massage

The HealthLand complex was impressive, clearly an establishment for the well to do. We booked a 2 hour Thai Massage, which cost 450TB, so about £8. It took a while to figure out how to get the PJ's they provided, but once we managed to get dressed we enjoyed a great massage. I think every bone in my body cracked. I was bent and twisted and squashed, but can honestly say it was the most relaxing thing ever. Never painful but at time uncomfortable. The 2 hours flew. So with our new energised selves we hailed a Tuk Tuk and head back to the Hotel.

Thursday, 5th November 2009 - Lost in Bangkok

So Becky, Emma and me braved through our hangovers and faced the challenge of keeping breakfast down. All passed with flying colours. We thought we would then go and see the pool. Spending the morning in and around the pool while Katy was catching up on a few Zzzzz. The water was just what the doctor ordered. We tried our hardest to speak to a French couple at the pool side but I think we scared them off!
Once the Burg had arisen from her coma it was fair to say the rest of us were flagging. The heat, dehydration and hangover had all caught up. But Burger wanted to take us for a relaxing boat ride down the Mae Nam Chao Phraya river which runs through Bangkok. So we braved the Tuk Tuk (more to follow about those crazy things). After making it alive to the 'pier' we soon realised we had been dropped off in a well dodgy area of Bangkok. Under a bridge by the side of the river was several homeless people sleeping rough, and a man about 70 + climbing out of the river after his mid afternoon wash. There was no fear on our part, but the dodgy boat they wanted to get us on was not happening, not at 1000TB per person. So Burger led the way to the 'proper' pier. We soon realised we was heading in the wrong direction and turned around.

We found the pier we wanted and was dupped into getting a ticket that was 10x more expensive than we needed, 150TB, which is only £2 I think. We made a new friend, Ike, from Holland. Bizzare really, the girls thought he was me and thats how we got chatting. It was Ike's first day in Bangkok, he was in Thailand for three weeks and heading up north. The boat was packed, hot and had to stand, but it was interesting and I got some good pictures. An American guy suggested that we go on the SkyTrain and in the heat and smell of the river it seemed a good idea, at the time.

The four of us and Ike made the short walk to the station. Paid a reasonable fee to go across the city. But it was fair to say we were not in the mood for the crowded train with our worsening hangovers. So we got off at the next stop. Emma and Becky went back to Hotel. Burger, Ike and me went to search for HealthLand. Which Emma's brother recommended for a Traditional Thai Massage.

Wednesday, 4th November 2009 - First night in Bangkok

So the hotel is lush. Three star and great location just parallel to Khoa San Road. The city is crazy and I love it. There is so much to see and do and it never stops. After dumping our bags, literally, we ventured out like little just hatched chickens. It is over whelming. Lights. Sounds. Smells. Heat.

We had some food seen as we was starving after the flight. Qantas are great airline, but they don't feed you enough. After the meal we went for a walk around before settling in LAVA. A little bar on Khoa San Road. We made friends with the strange host. I have poor memory of the first night due to the cocktail 'buckets'. Mojito buckets! Literally is a bucket of Mojito, 280TB which I think is about £2-3. I was wasted. Thank god for a Boots shop on the strip so I could get some Gaviscon for the crippling heartburn it gave me. Got right into the spirit of the place and met loads of other travelers. After closing we went back to the room to attack the snacks and those two bottles of Champagne. I passed out, no surprise there. Surprisingly though there was no vomit involved at all.

Wednesday, 4th November 2009 - The lost iPhone

So after landing we passed through all the checks, the swine flu check, border patrol as dead easy and finally collected our luggage and went for the bus. Once outside I went for my phone and realised I had lost it. It must be on the plane. I was surprisingly calm at loosing my dear phone. Phone is all cancelled and locked. I am hoping it will get handed in and might get it back. Most upsetting thing is loosing my music and pictures that I had stored on it.

Tuesday, November 3rd 2009 - Drama on Flight QF2

So we arrived ridiculously early at Manchester, Terminal 3. Due to Becky's bizarre perception “that there would be more to do”. We spent several hours looking like slobs. Drinking cans of Larger in the main entrance. Oh and not forgetting a delicious, if not enormous cup of coffee, which was well priced, for the airport.

After several dull hours, it was discovered we could of actually check in hours ago. LOL. What dicks! So after a very painless check in process we all waved goodbye to our bags and prayed we saw them in Bangkok.

After a short, and I do mean short flight, but long enough to meet two ex-Brits now living in Oz, one of whom was a diving instructor. Oh and neck a can of Grolsh. We landed in Heathrow, Lodon. Oh and there was the little matter of me leaving half my worldly goods on the plane, had to run back for them, LOL. I think we spent more time on the bus from Terminal 5 to Terminal 3 than we did in the air from Manchester. The smell on the bus was atrocious, thanks to Ms Hamburger. After having to endure X-rays and security stations AGAIN we managed to make it to the terminal, with just enough time to get my much needed P20. Ohhh and try on the odd pair of sunglasses. Non bought though.

We quickly boarded our flight in a row of 4 at the back, handy for the toilets. Reclined our chairs and settled into the flight. So as we reached our cruising altitude and about 40 minutes into the flight we were all cursing the in-flight entertainment system that kept crashing. All I wanted to see was “Up”, but I settled on the latest “Harry Potter”. We looked on with eager, to the very smartly dressed air crew, passing around the Chicken or Lamb.

When there is panic two rows ahead. Shouts for “help!!” coming from a few people. Would you believe some poor traveler has passed out in her seat. It goes without saying me and Burger was there in a flash! Provided some emergency aid, oxygen and tender loving care, ha ha ha. It could only happen to us! So as the hero's of the flight the stewardess awarded us each a complementary bottle of champagne. I'd of preferred bumping up to first class, but cant be picky.

Fortunately our meal was not delayed and normal service was able to carry on swiftly. The Chicken was nice, but still left me hungry. Qantas flights, nice pillows! Sleep came easily, awaking just in-time for the breakfast.