9th - 10th May 2005 Hi all, Made it safely to Phuket. After a long (ish) journey from Koh Tao. We took 2 boats and a small coach and finally arrived in Phuket at about 9pm. We didn't really want to leave Koh Tao as we'd had such a great time there. The diving course was amazing. Our instructor Den was fantatstic and we also had a guy called Clement (nice young man, if you know what I mean) who was training to be a Dive Master. It was only me and Sig and so we had one-to-one training for the entire course. We were so lucky and got to do so much more than the larger groups. During our time on Koh Tao there were a group of Whale Sharks and we were hoping to see them but unfortunatly we didn't which is a real shame. Maybe next time. Anyway, enough about Koh Tao! Let me tell you about Phuket. We couldn't actually see much on arrival as it was so dark. The next morning all became clear. Phuket is split up in to different resorts. The Karon/Kata Beach area, where we are staying, is relatively quiet compared to Patong and other parts. Phuket was hit quite badly by the tsunami, although you really wouldn't know it. Its only after speaking to the hotel manager that we find out we are his first customers since he reopened. The hotel room we are staying in was flooded and they found a car and a motorbike inside, along with lots of other debris. We were so shocked. There was no sign of damage and the room we are staying in is probably the nicest we've had since we've been away. The hotel really has got its act together and in 5 months have managed to turn itself around and get back to normal, or as normal as it can get. We spent most of today in the pool or walking around the small town. Again, the locals have been very friendly and stopping to talk to us. The weather has got a bit worst though. And although it is still hot I think there's a storm on the way. I think tomorrow we will move on to Phi Phi Don, one of the islands further south. Tonight though there is a battle that will be taking place...its North verses South in the Phuket Dino Park Mini Golf challenge! Who will win??? Leeds or the mighty Leicester!!! Could this be a result similar to the recent footie match where Leicester whooped Leeds ass!!! (sorry Oli) Who knows??.......TBC