The picture is our destination and where we are now - it shows the cruise boat anchored out to sea and the whole view is beautiful. Calm, peaceful & very hot. First things first we got off the sleeper train having had enough of travelling to be told we faced another 5 hour bus trip! Neither of us happy but had no option but to get bus ticket and wait. When the bus came it was full so both of us and loads of others were seriously cheesed off thinking 5 hours was soon going to turn into a whole day. A few of us got together and went for the minibus option - a bit more expensive but worth every penny. It was only going to take 3 hours as well so we were all chuffed. That was until we had a puncture! All of us got out so the driver could sort it and it was seriously hot. We were on the motorway and the traffic was zooming past us at amazing speeds but this old guy stopped to help and we were soon on our way. Thank god. Arrived at our guest house which is run by the family and is very homely but were both incredibly tired. We were both glad to know we would be staying here for the next 8 days and just chill out.

Up the next morning and explored the town and settled on the beach. The photo was taken from the sun lounger! Although it was hot there was a lovely breeze that made it acceptable and we stayed in the shade as well so it was OK. I kept going into the water to cool off - Den hasn't got in yet but I think I might be able to get her to paddle by the time we leave! Went to the bikers bar - great music (meatloaf, bon jovi etc -real rocker stuff) good food (coped with both our different tastes - den likes pizza or hotdogs - I like anything) and great atmosphere. Might become our local!! Talking of which I haven't explained but apart from beer we've been virtually alcoholfree!! When we first arrived in Thailand wherever we ate they just had beer or soft drinks - not sure if its something about their licensing laws or the fact we haven't been out on the town as such but red wine is definately a thing of the past at the moment. Can't wait for Australia - they make their own so I might insist we visit a winery or go grape picking to see the process from start to finsh! (Tasting!)

What was a surprise is we are staying on the evacuation route of the tsunami. We have been on the beach where it all happened and its eerie to think we were lying on the same beach as 1000s of others when it all happened. The beach is an inlet surrounded by hills so you can understand how the sea was confined to quite a narrow space allowing the water to go inland so much and doing so much damage. They tell us that rebuilding everything started immediately and there is now so many new buildings it is a completely changed place but people here will never forget.

Did you all see the message from Colin telling us about the evil chillies they put in a lot of the food - unfortunately in my case the tip came about 10 days to late! Mouth on fire doesn't give a good enough description of how evil they are! Thanks anyway Colin!! Oh by the way it's great getting your messages is really great - haven't worked out how to answer them - I'm sure there must be a way but as Megs isn't with me it might take a bit of time!!