Day 19 Heading Home

Amanda and Rob were a no show to breakfast so Noel rang them when we got back to the room as Rob had a massage booked at 10am and Amanda wanted to go to Jungceylon with me. Amanda just made the 10am shuttle and we headed to the Japanese Facial place and had a gold facial.

Noel went shopping while we were doing this and then he headed back to the hotel. After our facial it was eyelash extension time followed by a pedicure, foot scrub and manicure. By this time it was 3.00pm we were all beautified for home so we shared a Taxi with some other ladies from our hotel. Just enough time for a quick swim and chance to say goodbye to the other guests we had gotten to know and give away the pool noodles and nurf water guns.

 
We packed the bags and rested up for a while before our pickup at 5.00pm. The suitcases all came in at about 21kgs so no excess baggage charges which was a relief. A quick shop around the duty free before boarding. Amanda and Rob didn't pre-order in Adelaide and as we were transiting in Singapore they wouldn't sell alcohol due to the liquid limit, never had that before for duty free. We got to Singapore with little time for shopping we had to change terminals and they were already doing last boarding call. They still couldn't get alcohol as they won't sell it to you 15 minutes before takeoff. Lucky they have the little duty free shop in Adelaide.

We landed on time but the smart gates weren't working so we had to do the big line up at immigration which is very frustrating after no sleep. Only Adelaide can be harder to enter than anywhere else in the world even as a resident. Amanda and Rob got their duty free at last. Lucky customs was fast and efficient for a change and we were out of there within 10 minutes and at last our way home to the dogs and some sleep. Another great adventure in Thailand, we managed to come home with tans/sunburn.

It was another great holiday so until next it's me signing off from the blog with a big tick.

Day 18 Happy Hour

Today at breakfast we make big plans for beautification however as I was successfully changing our free motorbike hire for massages we decided that as today is bright and sunny we should hit the pool and go after lunch. After all our tans had faded over the last few days and you cant go home from 3 weeks in Thailand with only a spray tan.

The pool was refreshing as the sun had not been warming it up the last week but soon enough it was all very pleasant. The 12.00 shuttle came and went and we were still in the pool having a good old chat with some New Zealand guests. They live in Christchurch and had lost their home in the earthquake and how life is after. They are living with her mother and have been told by the insurance company it could take up to 10 years for them to get a rebuild.

I decided to have lunch by the pool which in the end was a wise decision. 1.00pm and Happy Hour began. Crazy Coconuts were our drink of choice. Several drinks later and by 2.00pm we had been in the pool 3.5hours. After I ate my lunch I was at least slapping on the sun screen but no one else was. Robs nose was gleaming red, at least Amanda went and got their hats after I commented on his nose. Noel had been spending the day in and out of the room so he wasn't as inebriated as the rest of us. Rob had gone in for a couple of hours intermission but Amanda and I stayed the whole time.

By 5.00pm I had had enough and Noel escorted me back to the room.  I had a shower ordered some dinner, slapped on the aloe vera and drank lots of water. Their will be lots of shore heads and sun burnt bodies tomorrow after 7 hours in the pool.

Not as bad I Amanda and I Rob and Noel hit Bangla Road, had dinner on the beach front at a seafood restaurant. Noel then tells me they played pool and had a few beers at some of the bars. He didn't get back until 12.30pm. I believe him.

So to sum up we did nothing we had planned so our last day tomorrow will be busy doing all those things we wanted to do today before we leave at 5.00pm for the airport and the flights home.

Day 17 Phi Phi

Noel and I got up for an early pickup at 7.00am for Phi Phi Island. Rob and Amanda decided not to come as they needed to do more shopping. We boarded the Phi Phi Island Cruiser and began the 2 hour Journey from Rassada Harbour. We were a bit worried about the weather as when we woke up it was raining but the seas were ok.

The boat took us past Phi Phi Lay(Maya Bay, Lohsa, Mah Bay Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave). There was a ton of dive boats at Phi Phi Lay. Once we arrived at Phi Phi Don we boarded another boat to go snorkeling at Coral Bay. Even though it wasn't sunny the snorkeling was still really good. We saw heaps of fish including, parrot fish, trumpet fish, angle fish puffer fish, lots of reef fish and I was pleased to see lots of giant clams. After about 45 minutes we got back on the boat and headed to Phi Phi Don Pier and went for lunch at the Phi Phi Hotel which was included in our trip. The food was pretty good and there was lots of it, no complaints.

After lunch we walked around the lanes of Phi Phi Ton Sai Bay, so many dive shops I couldn't keep count. We stopped for a drink and enjoyed the atmosphere before heading back to the pier for the trip back to Phuket. The rain stayed away for most of the trip, we only got some slight spitting after lunch. 2 hours later we were back in Phuket and heading for the hotel for a nice hot shower.

Rest and relax for a while before Trivia Night at the hotel. We started the trivia night with dinner at the restaurant before the game began. We actually came equals third and our best round was actually music were we got nine out if ten. They had a tie breaker and the question was how many people survived the Titanic. We didn't really know and grappled between 475 and 725 and in the end picked 475 (wrong). In the end it was 705 and we came third the team who one picked 725, had we gone with that we would have had to have another tie breaker. The winning team won tickets to the magic show or Phi Phi Trip, second one massages at the spa and we won the days motorbike hire. We we see if we can change it to two bikes for one day tomorrow or massages.

A really fun night finished off a great day.

Day 16 Patong

Looks like it is going to be a wet day today so a nice quiet Sunday is in store. After breakfast Rob came over to our room to do some movie swapping with Noel on the media centers during which time it started to pour really hard with rain. It rained so hard it was coming in trough our door under the veranda. It's amazing in Koh Samui and Krabi we had perfect weather but since we got to Phuket it has been overcast and a least one rain shower a day/night.

 
We all decided to get a taxi to Jungceylon and have lunch at our favourite Japanese restaurant although today the service wasn't so good. After lunch I went for a Thai herb hot compress massage for an hour which was fantastic but I did smell like a herbal tea bag at the end. Noel checked out electronics and Rob and Amanda were up for some serious shopping. They didn't make the 4.00 shuttle so the shopping must still be in progress.

When Noel and I got back he headed down the hill to take some laundry and I watch the last episodes of Revenge. It Has rained nearly all day so I hope it is a bit better for our trip to Phi Phi tomorrow. Some of the other guests invited us to go to Phuket Town for the night market but as it is raining I think it wont be much fun so we might just go to Karon Beach for dinner and watch a movie tonight before our very early start tomorrow. We are getting picked up at 7.00am.

Day 16, tick

Day 15 Patong

Slept in a little today after last nights Naughty Night Out. After breakfast we just chilled in the room before Noel and I got the shuttle into Patong. In Patong we checkout a few of the stalls and went down a few side streets looking for a Thai urn. We found one in a shop called Siam Ceramic Handmade. The shop owner was lovely and he shop was very helpfull pullign down all the urns we wanted to see very carfully. You don't want to break anything in here. The urn is made of Bejarong Porcelain and all hand painted including 18c gold. The one we bought is from the Phum Khao Bin collection which is a trellis pattern with rice motif and dates back to the reign of King Rama V (1869-1910).

After our special purchase we had very nice Indian for lunch then made our way to Jungceylon for a massage and supplies. When we got back to the hotel we hit the pool with Rob joining us before today's rainfall.

 Amanda and Rob are going to Phuket Fantasea which Noel and I have already seen. It is a great show held in a stage called the Pavillion of the Elephants. The show blends Thai culture with illusions, 4-D effects and elephant performances. They should have a great night.

Noel and I had no real plans so we headed to Bangla Rd and had dinner. After dinner we wandered up Bangla Rd and a pommy dude was spruking tickets for Genesis. Genesis is a magic show with the magician Joe Labero. He offered us one ticket for half price and a free drink each so we decided to see the show as Noel had been interested anyway. We still had some time to kill before it began so we had a couple of drinks in a bar watching all the passers by which is fasinating on this road. The show was running late due to technical difficulties so we went for another drink and offered for about the 50th time tonight Ping Pong Shows but a new one tonight a Banana Show. There has been lots of power problems in Phuket in the last couple of days so a half hour delay isn't tot bad.

The show began and to quote the brochure we were taken on on magical journey into a world that transcends the boundaries of the imagination where the unbelievable transpires. Well I don't know about that but the show was good and it also included some dancers and a juggeler who was actully pretty good. His name was Romano Frediani and he was very entertaining and a great juggler. The brochure reckons Joe Labero was voted the Illusionist Showman of the Decade but if that's true why is he playing in Phuket with dancers who look like rejects form across the road at the Russian Moulin Rouge? Actually it's a good show and we both enjoyed it even if the dancers weren't in sync. There was a few other couples from the hotel at the show so we shared a Tuk Tuk back to the hotel just before midnight.

Saturday Night in Phuket, tick.

Day 14 Naughty Night Out

Today started with a swim and reading by the pool. We have been getting lots of blackouts with all the rain so it's a good chance to catch up on some reading. I went to Jungceylon to do some shopping and get a massage while Noel rested up. He is getting a cold so best he rests so he is fit for tonight. You can't get pseudoephidrine (not sure how to spell it) anymore in Thailand so he has to suffer. Lots of people on the hotel shuttle said they are also going on tonight's tour so it should be fun.

The afternoon was spent with us all at the pool and relaxing in the room before an early dinner in the hotel restaurant ready for our big night out which is organized by the hotel.

The naughty night out started with a drink in the lobby and meeting the other people on the night out. There were 30 people joining in, mostly all Aussies in so it should be fun. After our drinks they gave us a rebootizer antioxidant drink for the morning hangover. Ding ding goes the bell.

 We piled into the minivans and headed for Bangla Rd. First stop the Bucking Bronco Bar. First drink was included plus you could get 5 shots of tequila for 100 Bart, we got two rounds. Good thing they gave us those rebootizer drinks. Quite a few of the boys had a go on the bucking bronco but only a couple of the girls were brave enough. Everyone was in good spirits so it was onto the next venue.

 Next stop Suzie Wongs, this was more what you expected for girly bars. This place is also known as Spanking Devils Playground, I will leave the rest to your imagination. The first drink is included at each venue, ding ding.

 
Next stop was the Ping Pong Show. To be honest the ping pong show disappointed me but I was impressed with the darts and cigarettes. She was pretty good with a pen as well. There was more but if you want details you will have to ask.

A third of the group including the four of us decided we didn't need to go to the night club and after the last show our brains already had had too much information so we decided to go back to the hotel. By this time it was raining so the walk to the pickup point was rather wet. Looking like we wanted to enter a Wet T-Shirt competition we made our way down Bangla Rd with Pong our host for the night to the pickup point.

 If you ever come to Patong and wanted to see what Bangla Rd is really all about we can recommend the Naughty Night Out tour. You get to see it all knowing you are safe and not getting ripped off.

Day 14 or should I say night 14, tick.

Day 13 Patong

After breakfast we all headed to the Jungceylon shopping centre where Amanda and I had a Japanese facial massage. These are so great, they take an hour and you get the works. I almost fell asleep it is so relaxing. After the facial I went downstairs and found my massage lady from yesterday and had a tiger balm back and shoulder massage. This woman is the best. While the girls got beautified who knows what the boys got up to, 2 hours by themselves in Patong I don't think we want to know. We all met up for lunch at the best Japanese restaurant in town before heading back to the hotel.

Back at the hotel it was time to hit the pool and just relax. Amanda and Rob moved into their new room which is big enough to have a party so they are happy. The room is also now poolside. The General Manager spoke to us today and it looks like we will get our upgrade for free for stuffing us around. She is really nice unlike the pig Owen we delt with yesterday.

 We also booked our Phi Phi Island tour today for Monday so hopefully the sun is back as it has been overcast today and a bit of afternoon rain. We also booked the Naughty Friday Night in Patong tour so stay tuned for a review of that.

We headed to Bangla Rd for dinner sharing a decked out Tuk Tuk with some other Aussies complete with boom box and flashing lights, Tuk Tuks have gone to a whole new level since we were here last. We ended up at an Irish Pub of all things for dinner and After dinner we did some shopping. Amanda bought up on pashminas, Noel some polo shirts and I got a new table cloth. We got them at the same shop so the lady was very happy she got good business from us tonight.

 
We had missed the hotel shuttle so we decided to walk up Bangla Rd and wait for the next one. We walked length of the road which always amazes me no matter how many times I do it, I can't count the times we were asked if we wanted to see a ping pong show. (We will save that for our naughty night out) We still had a little time to kill so we stopped at a bar and watched the numerous variety of people walking by.

Got back to the hotel to blog, Facebook and have a couple of drinks before bed. Nice quite day in Thailand. Day 14 tick.

Day 12 Krabi to Phuket

After breakfast Noel and I had a last swim before packing the bags for 11.00 pickup for our road trip to Phuket. You can't fly so minibus of ferry is the only way to get there. The ferry stops at Phi Phi for 5 hours so we opted for the road. After 2.5 hour drive though picturesque countryside we got to our hotel in Patong.

 
They didn't have our booking correct so a bit of drama. The bloke with dealt with Owen was very patronizing and was just a pig he was trying to make it our fault even thought we had the hotel emails confirming our booking. Rob and Amanda got a room straight away but will have to change tomorrow.

 
Noel and I couldn't get our room for another 3 hours. It at least it was poolside so we got a free trip to the shopping centre to kill time why we waited. The general manager was much nicer and organized the shuttle to take us to the shopping centre and promised to check all the emails as sort things out. We hit the shopping centre and had lunch at our favorite Japanese restaurant then I headed downstairs for a pedicure, foot scrub and massage. This was the best massage I have had so far so I will be back to find this lady tomorrow. Noel opted to check out the shopping checking out things like BB guns, tazers and all things illegal. Noel found the most classic present for a work college of mine I just had to buy it. It is so gouache. We went to the supermarket and get some supplies then had a drink before getting the hotel shuttle back to the hotel.

We arrived at the hotel and they fell over themselves to get us in to our room and settled in. The room is big and very nice. King bed, 3 seated couch, decent bathroom and from the balcony we can see the beach through the high rises and the mountain at the back of us. There are 3 pools which step down each level of the hotel, we are on the swim up bar level.

We all decided to head to the beach front for dinner and took the umbrellas as there had been some rain that afternoon and just as well after dinner we did some DVD shopping and as we came out it started to bucket down. It was relentless. We weren't too far away from the pickup point thank goodness and we found some shelter to help protect us from then tropical downpour which was coming in sideways from the ocean. Lucky I had my PAC safe handbag some woman snuck up behind me even Noel didn't notice her, it was only when I moved and trod on her foot we even realized she was there. I'm am sure she would have tried to get her hand in my bag but lucky it has all the anti pick pocket features. I noticed her a few minutes later doing the same thing to another couple around the corner.

The hotel van arrived and we all managed to pile in after walking through a few inches of water for a rather damp ride back not that it mattered we were half drenched anyway. No room for anyone at the second pickup point so they were left in the rain until he could come back. The driver didn't let the rain slow him down and drove through the large puddles splashing up the side of the van. The side are only plastic and not waterproof so I got even wetter. Our hotel drive way is up a steep hill and when he took the corner he did it fast to keep his speed up but the problem for us in the back there was a massive puddle and all the people at the very back got drenched. At least the rain and puddles are warm.

Having survived then trip back we relaxed back in the room before bed. Another adventurous day in Thailand.

Day 11 Krabi Kayaking

Noel and I went kayaking today at Ao Thalan. We had some Malaysian girls on the trip who had no idea how to kayak so the guide had to pull them along with him. Noel and I had to go rescue them at one stage. What a fantastic trip once the girls were sorted out.

We started with a paddle through the mangrove forest. This was so peaceful and not a hard paddle at all apart from when Noel decided to do a lay down Sally. We did get one tropical down pour during this part of the trip but it didn't matter. We saw the limestone caves before heading into an amazing canyon. This was just spectacular and by this stage it was blue sky again.

We saw some cemetery caves from the old sea gypsy days when they used to fish and live in the caves. We then did the paddle back to the pier. The trip was 8.5kms but it was not hard, I don't think my heart rate ever went over 100 except when lay down Sally was in action.

One down side is when Noel did steer the kayak correctly when it was raining and his lost his sunglasses overboard. These are his prescription sunnies so now he will have to do the old man thing reading by the pool and have over sunnies with his normal glasses. The rain came back on the way back to the hotel so it might be a good excuse for a rest and maybe a massage after all that paddling.

 Rob and Amanda went to the snake and monkey show while we were kayaking. Amanda cuddled the baby monkeys which she just loved and even held some snakes. They said they really enjoyed the show it and came back with lots of photos.

 Tonight is our last night in Krabi, we have really loved it hear but we head to Patong tomorrow for some new adventures.

Day 10 Krabi Cycling

Today Noel and I got picked up at 8.30am for our 1/2 day Kog Klang Culture Cycling tour with Krabi Eco Cycle. The drive was about 30 minutes to the Krabi Pier where we boarded a longtail boat over to Koh Klang Island with our bikes.

The island is 6,424acres and is mostly Muslim people. We road along the narrow roads (no cars on the island) through the villages and along the river which was a very pleasant ride. Our first stop we learnt about the local boat builders. This is not done so much in the island anymore but they do a lot of models. They are very big on dragon boat racing and the men pride themselves on being the champion. The boat builder we visited had many trophy's.

We also learnt about the birds you see everywhere in bamboo cages. These birds can be worth upto 100,000 baht so when you consider a scooter is worth 40,000 it is a lot of money. They get together nearly everyday in large groups and have a singing competition. The birds are trained to sing on command with a reward of banana and worms which they love. When they go out to visit friends they usually take their birds with them so they can socialize with other birds.


Our next stop we visited some women who were shelling crabs for the crab meat. Amazingly this did not stink as the crabs were very fresh. A very tedious job as they also sort the meat as the different meat brings a different price. We cycled down to the next village and here they make sarongs for the locals. They stencil the pattern on with wax then dob paint the pattern which is soaked up by the material within the wax boarder. When they have finished they boil to remove the wax. I had a go a painting which was nifty.

Next we road down along the water front where you could see Phi Phi Island to the local pier on the other side of the island. If you want to be picked up you wave a flag and a boat will come and get you from the mainland. As we new they way Noel lead us back to the original pier through the villages where we then stopped for and welcome cold drink and sampled the local donuts. They gave us iced tea which is same style as the Vietnamese coffee made with condensed milk and lots of ice but tea. Odd at first but I didn't mind it as it was not too sweet and very cold.

We got the boat back to the mainland and rode back to the car. Iced cold towels and cokes at the end before the drive back to the hotel. The bike trip was only 12km so not hard at all and the whole trip is on flat ground apart from a few bridges so anyone could do this trip who likes to cycle.

Headed straight to the room after collecting our key which the girls will give you once you ask for it in Thai. They giggle every time we try. Into the bathers and straight to the pool which was just fantastic after getting so hot and sweaty on the ride. Rob and Amanda joined us for a swim during which we got a tropical down pour. It came and went quickly and very soon it was back to blue sky.

Had some lunch before our complementary massage later this afternoon and a walk to drop,off the washing.

We went to the Lae Lay restaurant down the road from the hotel up on the hillside which has amazing views. I had the lobster and Rob and Amanda a seafood platter which was all very, very nice. Noel had a sizzling pepper beef dish which he said was also good. All this was consumed whilst watching the most amazing sunset.

Another great day in Krabi.

Day 9 Krabi Emerald Pool

After breakfast we arranged a driver to take us to the Emerald Pool and the Hot Springs. We decided this was better than the tours around that also take you to temples as well as we have been there and done that.

After about an hours drive we got to the Emerald Pool which was about an 800 meter walk along a road through the jungle you reach this amazing natural pool. Depending on the temperature of the water the pool an be blue or a Beautiful emerald colour. The water is moving quite fast so the pool is very clean and even the stream is crystal clear. We all went for a dip and at one stage we were the only white people in the pool which felt a bit strange. Not used to being the minority. It was really nice in the water but after about an hour the skin was getting shrivelled so we did the very pleasant walk back to find our driver. Lucky we left then as 6 bus loads of people showed up which would make the place very crowded.

Next stop only about a 10 minute drive the Hot Springs. This is only a couple of hundred meter walk and you come to a waterfall which has these natural steps going down which have natural baths. The water is really hot I reason about 38 degrees so you can't stay in it for too long. They say the water is good for you, very therapeutic. On the walk back to the car I couldn't stop yawning it zapped all my energy.

After the hot springs we had the hour drive back to the hotel which is very nice. The land scape here is wonderful. There is a lot of plantations of coconuts, pineapples and what we think are date or sugar palms. It is very tropical lush and green.

when we got back to the hotel we had a late lunch, swam and rested before dinner. Haven't had a massage for 2 days so I think we must have one tonight.

Tomorrow Noel and I are going cycling which I am really looking forward to.

Day 9 in Thailand done and tick.

Day 8 Krabi

Woke ip to a spectacular day but very humid from yesterdays rain. After breakfast Noel and I spent the morning by the pool reading a swimming. The hotel has lovely gardens around the pool but oddly they have astro turf. It was very relaxing and we had only 3 other couples and a couple of guys to share it with.

Noel and I walked down to the beach front for lunch and I have to say it is one of the most stunning outlooks I have seen. This is a very picturesc part of the world. For some reason by USB charger won't charge the iPad so I found a DVD shop and the guy was very honest and told me to bring in the iPad as not all chargers will work. So a quick return trip on a TukTuk and after about 3 he found me one that worked. Only 200baht which is about $6 so I didn't bother to haggle as he was so helpfull. Stocked up on supplies and got another TukTuk back to the hotel and cooled off in the room for a while then hit the pool.

We brought pool noodles with us and I have to say it was a great decision, other people at the pool a jealous. Rob and Amanda spent the day in the room Being vampires, catching up on some TV and paperwork but they eventually joined us for a swim.

We all headed into town for dinner were we had Mexican. The food was delisious and all the drinks 90baht so Amanda and I indulged in the frozen margaritas. They had live music which was an Asian guy who looked like Guy Sebastian singing Elvis in a Mexican resturant in Thailand.

We had a great night, we took a small walk after dinner then got a TukTuk back to the hotel which was an adventure in itself.

Another great day in Thailand.

Day 7 Krabi

Sadly our last morning in Koh Samui, we really loved it here especially the private pool villa. Headed to the airport at 10.30 for our 40 minute flight to Krabi.

Very impressed with Krabi on the drive to the hotel. Very tropical and amazing mountains. This place must be a rock climbers dream. The hotel seems good originally we were on the 3rd floor but we moved down to the ground floor to be closer to the pool. The room is not quite as nice but still big. TV isn't as good either and no DVD player like upstairs. Lucky Noel brought his media centre.

Not long after we arrived there was an amazing tropical down-poor and a bit of a thunderstorm but it didnt last long. Might get some rain tonight though as there is still some black clouds around. Once settled in we hit the pool which has a swim up bar so Noel is happy. Seems to be lots of restaurants just down the road from the hotel which is great.

Rob got some bad news last night that his stepfather died on Tuesday so that has upset him and Amanda. Unfortunaltye we won't be back in time for the funeral so they are a very upset today.

After our swim we walked down the road for dinner and then did a walk down along the beach front which was very pleasant and then up another road Noel wanted to go up. Like a month attracted to the light, he told us it was bigger and brighter so we walked for a whole longer checking out the resturants and shops. We found a Burger King and of course Maccas.

Got back to the hotel and checked out the Bouchers I collected on what to do in Krabi.

Day 7, done.

Day 6 Koh Samui Just Relax

Today started with of course breakfast overlooking the ocean then I followed that up with a swim in the hotel pool overlooking the ocean which was very pleasant. Just to keep you up to date Rob is now up to 9 eggs for breakfast. he will try for 12 tomorrow.

Today is a day of total relaxation. Spent the morning reading by our villa pool and floating on the pool noodles. Ordered room service for lunch and then it was time for the cocktails. Noel needed some beer supplies so he ventured out and braved a local curry which was 50 baht and a beer for 60 baht, see who is sick tomorrow.

Cocktail time and Amanda decided to finish off the gin and began with a gin lime concoction and i blended up a pineapple Bacardi mixed with some coconut juice and ice. The boys of course consumed "a few" beers. The afternoon was spent in our pool just relaxing and enjoying our private pool villa. We will venture out later to pick up washing, get dinner and have a massage.

Day 6, relaxation ++, tick.

We will miss our villa as tomorrow we are off to Krabi. our next hotel doesn't have free wifi so the blog may suffer for a few days.

Day 5 Koh Samui Island Tour

Today we had another enjoyable breakfast over looking the ocean then headed back to the villa for a swim before our island tour. Our tour started at the grandmother and grandfather rock. These granite rocks are shaped like female and male genitalia. The story is a love story of a young couple who ended their life together during a big storm and the rocks are a symbol of their love.

Next we saw the monkeys who work harvesting the coconuts. From here we went and saw the mummified monk. This is fairly creepy but fascinating at the same time. We decided to get our fortunes while we were here. You kneel before the monk, shake some sticks then pick one. You collect your fortune from the coresponding number. if I was pregnant it would be a girl and no one can harm me, Amanda is going to win a law suit and Noel will find the missing person he has been looking for.

We then went to Namuang Falls where we had to trek to the waterfall over a rickety bamboo bridge and up a steep path to see the water. It was pretty but would be better in the wet season. It is really humid today and by the time i got to the top i was sweating more than i do from an RPM class. We then had photos with the tigers which was cool but they are drugged which is probably a good thing as I was sitting right next to the big tiger with my hands on it. Amanda fed the baby tiger which didn't seem to be drugged and was very cute. They also had a small leopard which I think was only half drugged.

You could also go elephant trekking but we have all been there, done that before. We then hit the road and saw the big Buddha and then onto Wat Leam Suwanaram Temple. Seen one temple seen them all really but you have to do it. This trip was such a bargain, we were out for about 5 hours and it only cost $15aus each.

Got back to the villa and hit the pool before dinner and massage.

Another great day, tick.

Day 4 Koh Samui Scuba Diving

Early pick up for Noel and I at 7.00am today. About a 20 minute drive to the boat. A coffee as the dive guides loaded the boat. The trip to Koh Tao was about 1hour 15, first we dropped off the inexperienced divers before heading to our first dive spot Chumphom.

We did a 40 minute dive and went down to 27 meters, this viz was great at about 25 meters. The water temp was an amazing 29 on the bottom so most enjoyable. We saw all the usual reef fish along with huge schools of trevally and a school of barracuda. The pinical was very pretty with mostly soft corals and huge amounts of juvenile fish of numerous varitys. A very enjoyable dive, warm water and a nice relaxed swim. we dived with a guy who looked like Stephan (Slim).

We then headed to the beach for lunch which consisted of a red chicken curry and pad Thai style noodles. The curry was very, very good and so was the noodles. Finished off with some fruit before heading off to the next dive site. Our next dive was at shark island so named for the shape of the island rather than the occupants. This dive was 22 meters for 43 minutes and the viz about 20meters. The dive was fantastic and I can see why it is one of the favorite sites for the dive guides. Lots of hard and soft coral, giant clams, reef fish, anemone fish, trevally and much much more. The coral gardens were stunning much better than the barrier reef. Loved the dive now for the boat trip back. The sea was a bit choppy so we got rather wet on the way back but wasn't too bad. Had a few sea sick divers on the way back but Noel and I were fine. Kwells, they work every time why don't people take them, I don't understand.

Got back to the villa and I went straight in the pool which was so refreshing after being salty all day. The pools in this hotel are chemical free so they are great to swim in. Cold drink and shower and a rest before dinner later tonight and a few drinks. Amanda and Rob caught up with an old work college of Robs today and they were comfy on the couch when we got back watching TV.

Day 4, tick,tick.

Day 3 Koh Samui

Woke up to a beautiful day, blue sky and sea breeze. We had breakfast overlooking the sea which was very pleasant. Breakfast was good, the usual buffet selections with the omelette bar doing overtime with Robs 2, 3 egg omelets. After breakfast we did a short walk on the beach before going back to the villa for a swim.

At 11.00am we caught the hotel shuttle to Lamai Beach and headed to to Tesco's shopping Centre. We did a lap of the centre and got a few items like a hat for Rob then had a the best coffee frappe ever. We headed back to the main street area and Rob got a haircut, Noel and I checked out the DVDs and we meet back up at the Irish Pub. We got a taxi back and headed straight for the Green Tree Massage centre where we all indulged from facials, foot scrubs and massages. life is tough as an Aussie on holiday in Thailand.

The afternoon was spent with a few drinks in the pool, very, very nice. Tonight we are heading to the kickboxing, VIP seats of course.

The kick boxing was good, it was a bit same for a while until this older stockier guy took to the ring. He came out firing all guns probably because he wouldnt have the staminer for all 5. After the first round we thought he was going to win easy but round 2 was a different story. The younger skinny guy just smacked the shit out of the older guy. Blood was streaming down his face and eventually he went down and nearly fell out of the ring, it was a knockout. That got the crowd going and the last two rounds were more full on with the last round another knockout. It finished at midnight and we got a taxi back to the villa.

Tomorrow Noel and I are diving at Koh Tao, a very early start with a 7.00 am pickup. Day 3, tick.