After Bangkok's intensisty we decided to head south to the islands. We took an overnight coach and then a ferry over to Ko Tao. We booked through a 'tourist travel agency' and were only given receipts, no tickets. We were quite glad that we actually got there as we weren't sure anyone would honour the receipts!

Ko Tao was beautiful. We stayed in our own little bungalow right on a rocky beach. Without realising it, this turned out to be the best beach for snorkeling on the whole island. We also did a cool snorkeling trip around the island and saw about 5 black tip reef sharks. They were pretty close, but weren't at all interested in us. We did lots of reading and relaxing. We learnt some Thai from the family we were staying with, but who knows what we're saying as the guy who taught us was from Burma! We can now say "thank you, hello, no meat, no fish". Impressed?

We've invented a new game called "menu roulette". It's great! You attempt to order say two pinapple juices, but get strawberry. Or you order muesli and are told they've run out, but have cornflakes. When they bring your cereal it's muesli, but swear blind that it's cornflakes! We're also getting used to the fantasic spelling mistakes. Who wants "Crap and Muchroom" for dinner?

After Ko Tao we took another boat across to Ko Phangan. We really didn't want to leave here. White sands, lots of sun, cheap massages and cheap beer. We stayed in another bungalow and spent our time going to the different beaches, eating and reading. I have no idea how many books we've read now. Matt found a new local pub called "Freeway' which is run by Rastafarians. They had two cute puppies in the bar so Jo was kept amused. We met to two English guys who are spending ages on the island and we're very jealous!

We have just gotten off the night bus back to Bangkok and are waiting to pick up our Indian Visa. Tonight we're taking a night train up to Chaing Mai, where we'll spend the Thai New Year. We're hoping to do some trekking and join in the water fights!

Hopefully we'll put the photos on right after this.

Lots of love

Matt and Jo

xxx