Happy New Year…where did we last leave you…in Koh Tao, Jay had his Muay Thai boxing lesson, which he thoroughly enjoyed, however, he thought it was the most difficult work out he had ever done…and for those of you who know how fit Jay is…then it must have been rock hard!. It consisted mainly of sparing against punch bags and an ex champion, and the sweat just poured. He also managed to pick up some scrapes along the way but is fully recovered now. Whilst all this was happening, I was sat with hot chocolate nursing my ear infection... yes it was still sore.

We crossed the sea to Ko Samui on the 22nd December by Catamaran, and the going was tough, previously a lot of boats had been cancelled due to the turbulent waters, so we were kind of expecting a rough crossing. Jay sat back calmly watching the pink panther , on the tv whilst Dawn was trying her hardest not to throw up (dad I have even more sympathy for you now when you were seasick in Oz). Samui was awesome, we had a great time there and found so much to do including, Go Karting, Visiting phallic shaped rocks, and giant seated Buddha’s, Waterfall Trekking, watched Muay Thai fighting, bezzed around the island on a motorbike and partied big time!!!.

Christmas Eve included a Lady Boy show which was great fun, just have a look at the pictures and you decide who are ladies and who are the guys. After posing for pics at the end of the show we raced off on the motorbike to hit some other bars….only to discover that we had followed the lady boys to their next venue. As our drinks arrived and we took our seat, the show began we were instantly recognized by the performers, and they seemed extremely happy that they had some groupies, so we had no choice really but to stay and watch….we tried to make our exit quietly, which didn’t occur as they couldn’t keep their hands off Jay! We did eventually leave and ended up clubbing which was the first time since we have left the UK. It was strange for Jay to be still awake past his bedtime of 10.30pm. Dawn ended the evening in style with a mcd’s. We got to bed at 4am.

Christmas Day consisted of a tree top canopy adventure, which involved zip lining across 6 cables covering 500m in total, which were attached to different tree heights. Yes this was extreme and yes it was loads of fun. By the last two rides we were running and jumping off the platforms, which were at least 30m of the ground, somehow the fun made Dawn overcome her fear of heights, and she was the first one to do the running and jumping. On the way back we were almost tempted to have a full Christmas Dinner, but we opted for tuna sarnies and crisps back in the room as we were worn out and not that hungry. It will certainly be one to remember.

Dawns Birthday, well that was a full filled day, not to mention a drunken one. It involved a trip to the pictures to see Eragon, a foot massage and facial followed, yes even Jay had one and he loved it. Fish and Chips for dinner….no actually as I couldn’t make my mind up Jay had to order the fish and chips and I ordered the Cajun chicken and when both meals arrived, seen as though it was my birthday we shared both meals. Quick freshen up and the partying started with a couple games op bowling, of which Jay kicked my arse! For the first time ever ( I think it had something to do with the alcohol I had ingested by then!) no actually he was pretty good! As the night progressed and the beer flowed we ended up hiring a karaoke room, Chris, Leona you are familiar with these. For those who are not, it is a private room where you can sing and dance your heart out and you received waitress service. What a blast, Sharon you would have been proud of me. All we can say is….wait until you see the videos. Back in to town for more partying and dancing (even though we had to be up early for the trip out of Samui the next morning….) the night finished at 2am, with Dawn declaring she wasn’t drunk (whilst falling of the kerb) All in all a top night. The next day was somewhat a different story…..read the Krabi installment for more details.

Thanks for all your Chrismas, Birthday, New Year messages and emails, we did miss everyone - so these messages were really nice to read.