Thailand: Invasion of the Perrys

The aim of the game was to hook up with Jude (Jen's sister) and Drew (Jen's sister's boyfriend), who were holidaying in Thailand. So when we arrived in Ubon Ratchathani after our bus stint from Laos, we immediately hopped on another bus straight to (or rather towards) Bangkok. We were told 10 hours and we left at 12pm- sounds simple. It wasn't- the bus had a serious gearing issue, in the sense that it was unable to change them. After 3 stoppages for some DIY mechanics and 12 hours later we were still 200km away, and somewhat peeved! We decided to get off, get some sleep and tackle the rest of the journey in the morning. Our journey to Bangkok the following day was fairly painless, and we decided to have a 'quick' look at one of the several markets around, before catching our next bus down to the Thai islands in search of the long lost sister. One painful venture around possibly the biggest ever market later we made it back to pick up our bags (6 hours later-quick?). Our next mission was to make it to the southern bus terminal to head South. This "half-an-hour-to-an-hour" city bus ride took a mere 3 hours! We eventually got a night bus south to connect with a 7am ferry to Ko Tao where we were due to meet Jude and Dew. We arrived on Ko Tao on what turned out to be the bussiest day of the year. After getting some breakie, emailing Jude and then playing spot the sister with the crowds of people disembarking the numerous ferries (no confirmed sighting), we had a 3 hour search for somewhere to stay. Jen eventually found a place which gave us free accommodation as she signed up to do her PADI dive course. So was our 48 hour blitz through Thailand to find the Judith successful? Not in terms of meeting up with Jude, No; but Ko Tao did have some high points:
1- Jen completing her 4 day open water PADI course. I was so impressed with her, especially as before starting she: would never go in deep water; was scared of open water and all the things in it; and to top it off was pretty inept at diving underwater with a snorkel on (well worth watching for laughs though)! She did brill- well in Pez!
2- While the JP was out blowing bubbles under water each day, I hired a 125cc trail motorbike and went exploring on some steep, steep dusty 'roads'. After a shakey start with the clutch on 20 degree inclines, I perservered and had lots of adventuring fun, finding the most beautiful beach on the far side of the island. I also discoverd highlight number 3.
3- As a 'congrats and thanks for the free accomodation' to Jen, i took her to the most stunning sunset restaurant, way up in the hills. It had a total of 3 tables, and zero other guests for the evening. Not only did it offer beautiful sunsets and a stunning viewpoint, but also served some of the most tastey seafood to date! Fresh and oh so good-mmm mmm.

Back on the hunt for Judith Perry & Dew, we headed to the otherside of the Thailand Penninsula, towards Ko Phi Phi. Just as the ferry was due to leave, guess who popped down but the AWOL Jude and Dew. For the next hour's crossing nothing could be heard but the raucus racket of the Perry sisters catch-up on over-drive. Many cackles later, the four of us ventured onto Phi Phi and found a double double room to add to the entertainment. Phi Phi itself was massively over touristed, and the 'so beautiful it will make you cry' reputation could not be further from the truth. The island was Pompey on a Friday night. We had so much fun though, beit venturing off on a local boat with capt. Zacharia to see the surrounding islands, or video nights in to gather some classic one-liners (we will never forget Durell.... and the glove).

Well worth the wait guys- thank you for a cracking time!