Well hello from Ko Phi Phi!!!!

It's taken awhile to write this entry because we keep getting interupted by sun, sand, sea and bad internet connections.

Kate has already told you all about our unfortunate arrival to Phi Phi. Rain rain rain. Not english type rain either, terrential rain. However, our spirits weren't drenched by it because the island, soggy and all, is breathtaking. I've finally got to see my green transparent ocean and it was every bit as beautiful as I imagined.

As this is our week of luxury with my sister Keleigh, Kate and I haven't really had to do anything (we keep telling ourselves not to get used to this). Along with this luxury comes a mahousive (big) bungalow on the beach. Family size.

So anyway, we got off the boat in terrential rain and we met by the 'typical' all smiley Thai men from our resort. They placed our bags in a cart, covered the bags with a rain cover and off we went. We stayed at a place called the Andaman resort, it was nice, but disappointing as it wasn't really decribed well on thier website. We stayed there for 2 nights then Keleigh found us another resort (next door, literally). Bigger and fit for Queens instead of Princesses.

Day one we went in the pool and hoped for sun but this was not to be. At night time we headed into Tonsai Village and had a meal, mexican. It was good for a first day feed. We then headed to a bar where we found numerable deals on buckets and lots of the forms of alcohol. We had a tipple or ten. Kate and I are still deciding. The island itself in terms of aesthetics is as I said before, breathtaking. However, a part of me feels that the nightlife is a little to Ibizafied. If that is what your looking for then you won't be disapointed. I expected the island to be more eclectic, i'm not saying i'm disappointed just a little shocked. That first night we met some german guys in a bar called 'Tiger bar' (the toilets weren't even fit for a without a doubt 100% guilty man on deathrow) really nice chaps had lots of fun talking about our travels amongst other PG13 things.

Day two, we went in the pool and hoped for sun but again this was not to be. I wasn't bothered too much because I could open the patio door curtains and see the ocean. We could see Phi Phi Leh island (the uninhibited island to which Maya bay belongs). ON THE THIRD DAY......................................sun.

So basically we sunbathed ALOT for the next few days. It was pretty embarrassing because we were very pale compared to most people on the island so we had to try and blend in. I've noticed though that people don't stay for more than a few days at a time. The manager at our new resort actually called us the people 'who would be here a long time' A week along time? on Phi Phi island apparently.

A couple of days ago we went on a tour from 2.30 to 19.00 - It was on a big boat (for phi phi standards) with about 25 other people and we started at Monkey Bay (between cliffs on the main island, you can see it from Tonsai bay). I was very excited about this as Kate asked me before we left if I was getting the rabies jab, to which I replied, "of course, I don't want to be afraid to touch a monkey." - I didn't actually get to touch a monkey but watch this space, my time will come. Up next was to see (from afar) the Vikiing cave, on the side of Phi Phi Leh island. We couldn't go in as they are preserving and collecting birds nests which they make soup out of. Very expensive soup apparently.

Up next was phi phi leh bay where we snorkelled. Hell yeah. I was most apprehensive about this because as most people know who know me, I don't like to be touched or to touch fish. Keleigh and Kate were right in there though and some Thai dude was chucking food into the water just of the boat so all the fish gathered. I popped on my flippers, snorker and glasses, got in after alot of coaxing from Keleigh. And I freaked out, I had a little bit of a panic attack. I got out of the water and watched Keleigh and Kate go for it. I sat there and thought what an idiot and I knew I would regret it if I didn't just get it done. Keleigh came back and I told her I was going to do it. I got my gear back on and bob's your uncle. There were a few panicy moments but I did it and I'm craving to do it again. I would recommend it to anyone.

Next up was Maya Bay. You know where I mean, the setting for the film 'the beach' starring the ever lovely Leo Dicaprio. So our guide informs us that the boat can't actually go into Maya Bay so there will be a short walk. Hmmmmm, we were wondering where exactly we would have to walk and through what. The boat turns a corner and in the middle of these to cliffs is a ladder. Below the ladder water and this water treacherous, smacking against the rocks. What our 'lovely' guide forgot to inform us was that before this short walk we have to swim from the boat to this ladder, which was nearly an olympic pool distance from the boat. Now you may think, so what? The water was pretty scary, the polar opposite of calm. Anyway we did it and my muscles have never ached so much. I'm making it sound pretty bad but I would do it again in a heart beat. It was like living on the edge and they did have some safety measures when you nearly reached the wooden ladders. A short walk later and we arrive at Maya Bay. Wow. Not exactly like the film (I haven't actually seen it in years) but you can imagine where the part of the water is where that guy got bitten by the shark. The sand is so fine and pristine.

After that we went back to the boat where we were served our tea, fried rice and cucumber. It was delicious. Then we watched the sunset. Kate went a little overboard on the pictures.

Other than that we have basically just been eating (don't get excited about that, but who cares if the food isn't great. just remember where you are) sunbathing and having a responsible amount of drink.

Overall, although we have a day and a bit left, I would definitely recommend the island. People have got it right though, you don't need more than 3-7 days. The people are beautiful, Grrrrrr. The THAI food is good. The views are amazing and you'll be thankful you came.