Ok so i'm currently in a tiny hut on the internet on the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia - it's safe to say i'm fairly close to emulating paradise right here.

So after i left Luang Prabang we headed back to Vientianne & went to Buddha park, which was this little park with loads of big sculptures of Buddha's & Hindu gods with snakes & elephants. It was really cool & totally random! It must have taken absolutely ages to create. After that we got the bus & then the train to Bangkok, Thailand.

I actually really enjoyed Bangkok! Most people say it's dirty & it is & there is a constant bad smell in the air but it is so atmospheric, especially at night! Ko Sahn Road is so exciting with the street stalls & food vendors & flashing neon lights. Really cool. We went to the Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha which lived up to it's name! The palace was amazing - so ornate & intricate & COVERED in sparkles! Very impressive & despite wearing leggings under my denim skirt they made me wear a full lenght skirt in emerald green which didn't go with my spotty tshirt & wasn't remotely flattering! Haha. The next day we went for a walk to China town & came across a cool market before getting a night bus to Ko Tao.

The bus was very comfy & they played Shutter Island. However at 3am we got turfed off the bus without any explanation at the side of a road with no clue where we were! We found out from a shop that was randomly open that we were in Chumpon & would be picked up at some point. An hour later a mini bus picked us up & took us to the pier where we would be getting a ferry to Ko Tao. The ferry took 3hrs & the seats were so uncomfortable! However as the morning progressed & the sun brightened & we drew nearer this green island with sandy beaches my mood considerably brightened too. Ko Tao is beautiful, picture perfect. We stayed on Au Chalok beach which is at the South of the island & a lot quieter than the main island so much more peaceful & relaxing. We spent the first afternoon sunbathing (and burning despite the high factor suncream). The next day we went on a snorkelling adventure at hotspots around the island! It was soooo much fun! Definately one of my favourite days so far. On our last night we went for some drinks at a cool little bar on the beach & befriended the barmen so received several free (strong) cocktails! We then headed to Bubble Bar where there was a all night party on the go with fire performers! It was awesome watching them do tricks with fire whilst the moon reflected off the sea gently lapping the shore. Beautiful.

From Ko Tao we got a ferry, then a tuk tuk then a train to the Malaysian border. Once the formalities were completed we walked over the bridge into Malaysia & the next part of our trip! Woop woop. We got a taxi to the ferry terminal in Kota Bharu then got a boat across to the Perhentian Islands. The boat journey was so much fun - 30mins of skitering over waves & getting soaked was hilarious! As we pulled closer the jungle clad island with sandy beaches fringing it & aqua blue-green water gripped my attention. It was like walking onto paradise. Unfortunately it was a friday evening in peak season when we arrived so there was no room at the inn (we felt like Mary & Joseph traipsing up & down the beach with our bags). Eventually a dive instructor took pity on us & after agreeing to learn to dive with her school she let us stay at her place for one night which was really kind of her.

The next day we started to learn to dive! We learnt some of the basics then did a trial dive to see if we enjoyed it. It was quite difficult to equalise (make sure the pressure in your ears is ok by blowing through your pinched nose or swallowing). However our instructor Toby said it's hardest in shallow water & if you take your time it should be fine. So we agreed to do it but then spent the entire next day in the classroom watching video after video & doing test after test which was NOT fun & we began to regret doing it. That all changed the next day - it was awesome we went to Long beach & did all the skills test like taking your mask off & putting it back on underwater & clearing it of water. What to do if you run out of air etc. All exciting fun stuff then we actually went for a proper dive! It was amazing, i cant express how good it was. Diving is such a surreal feeling to breath & swim underwater next to fish & coral. Fabulous & totally worth the money & the long day of learning! I loved it. The next day (yesterday 10th August) we did 2 more dives with skills to pass our course! It was such a good feeling. We saw, clownfish (Nemo's), Batfish, shrimps, lion fish, trigger fish, angel fish, goby fish. So much stuff you would never see from the surface! It was amazing. Unfortunately on the 3rd dive which was mainly just for fun but also the beginning of the advanced course i couldnt equalise but because i didnt want to miss anything i pushed myself to continue, resulting in a bruise ear drum :( not the best plan. Oh well, i'm now a qualified diver so can dive anywhere in the world! We are considering diving in Borneo & Australia too. We are heading to Taman Negara tomorrow for some jungle trekking.....hope all is well back home.....