Thursday 5th February

Spent most of today sitting on the beach with thoughts of my very good friends Pauline and Tom. Lots of love and hugs to them. xx

After breakfast at the Butter Cafe, we sat down by the beach and just relaxed watching a few kids playing, the tide gently washing in and out and thinking how lucky we are to be enjoying all this.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw the tiniest puppy who was trying it's hardest to jump over the bottom rung on a deck chair. He was so cute then I noticed there were 2 of them. Double trouble! I went over to see them and got talking to the owner. She said there are 5 and she just brought these 2 out for a bit of exercise. Well they were both done in after about 5 minutes and even when I picked one up, she didn't wake up. She was lovely and had a little fat belly.

Sam went to the Internet cafe to see if he could load any photos onto the blog page but still no joy si think we'll have to give up on that one. He also booked the tickets for the ferry to Koh Samui for Saturday. 2 hrs on the highspeed catamaran - 600 baht each (£12)

We went in for a swim and had some nibbles on the beach then walked along to the far end. Had a swim there too and with the big rocks around, it felt like a swimming pool. Must be dog day today as we saw another dog who had very unusual markings on his face. Looked just like a pair of sunglasses or a mask. I tried to get a photo if him but he was enjoying himself too much in the water. I was then informed that his glasses were painted on as were his socks and the heart on his back! He did look pretty pleased with himself.

3 girls arrived in a canoe dressed in bikinis. It quite amused me when they opened their dry bag and took out shorts, skirts and tee shirts and put them on making me think of that scene in James Bond where he zipped off his dry suit and had his suit underneath.

Had a drink in the restaurant there which has beautiful views (at a price) then headed back for a shower. The bars along the beach were full with people, lounging on mats, waiting for the sunset. It was a beautiful evening.

Had a glass of wine by our room after lighting the mosquito spiral and had a chat to the young chap next door who lent us his lighter. He was telling us about his visit to Chang Mai (our next destination after Koh Samui). He said the cookery class is a must. Sam had wanted to do that one anyway so good to hear it's worthwhile. We told him about the fabulous fire entertainers on the beach. He headed down there straight away.

We had a massage before tea as mine was so lovely last night but alas although it was enjoyable it wasn't as good. Walked into town and had Japanese food for our meal for a change. Then headed off to the beach bar.

Wow, it was lively down there tonight. Plenty of people had plenty of drinks. Got a bit too much so we went to one a bit less frisky but still rocking. I'm still amazed at the people skipping in flaming ropes. I don't think I could run in and out even without the flames. Must try it when we get home.

Last day at Sairee cottage tomorrow

Friday 6th February - Last full day in Sairee Cottage

Pretty much did nothing but read and enjoy the view until 12 when we had a swim. Then, horror of horrors, it started to rain. We were getting the free shuttle into town at 2, so we picked up the washing and dropped our stuff off at our room (thank goodness it's now so close to the beach) got showered and changed for the shuttle. Had a mooch around town and Sam finally settled on a new pair of flip flops and we bought a banana pancake from a stall. Well it's not really a pancake. I think I mentioned these in a previous post but just in case, it's like a dough which is flattened out really thin then they put it on a hot plate with some oil for a minute. Crack an egg on it and swish the egg round so it's broken up, slice a banana on top, flick the sides in and flip it over. Then, and I know this sounds weird, drizzle condensed milk over it, cut it into squares and hey presto. Lunch. Then we headed to a shady spot on the beach to eat it. Lord it's hot today!

We started walking back to our place along the beach but stopped at a bar for a read and sit in the shade then headed back to watch the sunset - cloudy again!

Went back to Ban's for our meal tonight and had a good table to watch the fire performers. They put on a brilliant show as usual.

Leaving at 8.45 in the morning for the boat. Be at Koh Samui around 11.30.