11th May 2005 MINI GOLD CHALLENGE: I'm sure you're all dying to know the outcome of the Mini Golf Challenge. Well, It was close....very close..... I think I even saw fear in Sig's eyes(or maybe that was the Chang taking effect). I was defeated!!!! Vic 50 - Sig 49!!!! Can you believe it? I demand a rematch. Well, We have now arrived on Phi Phi Don. Took the boat from Phuket this morning, at the crazy time of 7am!!!! I am loving the boats! they show loads of films and this morning we got to watch "School of Rock". Sig got a bit emotional at the end and pretended he got something in his eye. I think its his VEST bringing out his feminine side. I don't think I've actually told you about the vest...or should I say vests. But Sig has purchased 2 lovely vests and hasn't stopped wearing them. One has a picture of his beloved Chang on! Is Leeds ready for Sig in a vest???? I will try and get a picture of him in it to show you all. He is a bit sensitive though so will have to be sly. Arrived on Phi Phi with no accommodation booked. So had to do a little detective work on arrival. We were very shocked to see the amount of destruction. To be honest there isn't a great deal of accommodation to chose from. A lot of the hotels and guest houses are being rebuilt. As soon as the boat came in to dock you could see a lot of rubbish being pilled up on the beach. I don't want to depress you all by going on too much about this but we want to tell you what its like so you can get a feel for how it is out here. A lady from one of the dive shops kindly drew us a map and offers advice on where to stay. We made our way out from the Main Street, It still seems rather basic but things are coming together. Its not until you take a step back from this street you can see the extent of the damage. I can honestly say I have never seen anything like this in my life. It was like we'd stepped in to a totally different world. Nothing you see in the news and on tv can prepare you for it. People homes destoyed, businesses destroyed, fallen trees. I could go on but I won't. We finally arrive at the Garden View Bungalows and my heart sinks. It is the cheapest accommodation we have had so far and you can see why. It is basic and clean. I instantly hate myself for feeling this way and I remind myself of what we have just walked through. The people who own the bungalows are the nicest people and seem to be doing well and are in high spirits. They are rebuilding their reception area and the lady is 5 months pregnant and so there's lots to celebrate and look forward to. We have instantly made friends with them so much so that they give us a lift in to the main street on there home made motorbike and side car. Me and the lady sit on the side car whilst Sig and the man ride the motorbike. I have never been so scared in my life! It is the funniest thing! and I wish you could all see us. Its a little hilly where we are staying and so the man has to rev the bike to get us all up the hill. I will try and get a picture next time to show you. I'm not too sure how reliable this is but we have been told that Phi Phi Island isn't actually owned by the Kingdom of Thailand and is in fact owned by sea gypsies. This makes thing even more difficult when it comes to aid and help from governments and its seems there is a lot of red tape. The island itself is being put back together by surviving locals and foreign volunteers. There is an abundance of UK travellers here all helping out along with Americans, Canadians, French, etc. We have signed up as volunteers for the Hi Phi Phi organisation. If you get the chance have a look at www.hiphiphi.com Today we helped unload a boat full of new supplies for the hospital and other buildings. Its really coming together. I really hope we haven't depressed you all by telling you this. As I said before we just wanted to tell it like it is. We really feel so happy to be here and that we have the opportunity to make a difference. Every night there is an event to raise money. We have been to a slave auction, sadly I couldn't get rid of Sig. But there was Miss Singapore there who was auctioned fopr 3,500 baht. Will tell you more as and when. Mums and Dad's - we will try and call you soon. Take care and love you lots. xxxxx