...Samui Sunshine. Beautiful beaches. Smooth Bar...

I found out where the sun was hiding... it was down at the Islands :o)

Was a mission to get here but was well worth it. Had to get up really early to get a taxi to the airport which took 45 minutes, then an hours plane journey, was on a coach for over two hours, then a hour and halfs ferry journey and finished off with a half an hour Sonn Tran ride (like an oversized tuk tuk) plus had loads of waiting around in between. But i'm here and very happy as its warm, sunny and I'm beside the sea.

Lol... on my way down here I met two girls who packed more than me. They had a massive back pack each and a rucksack each but one also had another large backpack and the other was lugging a massive suitcase. I don't know how the hell they did it but they had been trekking in the Thai mountains as well!

As soon as i got here i had a Chang by the beach. The resorts pool and restaurant are right by the beach so its beautiful to look out on. In the evening theres been some lightning out at sea which has been wicked to watch.

Last night went out with some lads from Southport and some girls from Newcastle and Shropshire. Ended up in this place called Smooth Bar in Lamai which was really cool. They had a live band which played English songs and they were pretty good albeit a bit quirky... the lead singer also simultaneously played the guitar and the keyboard whilst he sang.

Got a bit overcast today so went for a bit of a wander down the beach. Found a really nice restaurant that served up coconut shakes in the coconut, was well nice. Also had a gogerous chicken soup with lemon grass was lovely. All the food here is fantastic and so unbelievably cheap.

People are loads friendlier down at the islands and its so much more chilled. Could feel myself relax as soon as i got here.

Getting more used to my own company now. Was really strange at first. Bought myself some good speakers for my iPod in Bangkok for really cheap, its amazing how much company music can provide as well as a good book (thanks Steve - by the way brilliant choice). Plus people are more chattier here.

Off to Koh Phan Ngan tomorrow. Can't wait as really want to go snorkelling and obviously party loads.

Photo: Samui Beach Resort

[Next blog entry: Koh Pha Ngan Tuesday June 26th 2007]