Hey.

Back in Bangkok for the third and final time (for this trip). Have to leave for the airport soon so if I dont finish today will do a final update on 2nd Jan.

CHRISTMAS EVE

Flew to Phuket in the morning. Had a minor panic at the airport when my rucksack was over the limit (I think it is less for domestic then international flights), so chucked loads of stuff into hand luggage and double layered with a few tops and my fleece. Hot!

Jumped in an airport taxi to Karon Beach as I thought it would be less of a con, but the driver spent the whole hour pushing his company on me for day trips, airport runs blah blah blah. at one point he had to stop in the office to sign something(???) and somebody else try to put the hard sell on me. ARRHHHHH! Sometimes it feels that everybody in Thailand is trying to rip me off!

The place I am staying is great. Easily the best and cleanest place I have ever booked with Hostel World. I have a single ensuite room with tiled floor (so no hidden creepy crawlies) and it has a TV. With BBC World. YAY! Although it only shows non stop news, no Top Gear. Damn it.

Karon Beach is very touristy with streets full of bars, massage shops, tourist shops etc.

The beach is nice, but a little packed. Sun loungers crowded on top of each other etc. I found a nice little area away from the main throng and sat down and lost myself for a couple of hours watching the sea. I was watching the sun set, in my own little world, when all of a sudden (from across the road) all you could hear was a dodgy Thai version of "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow". Very strange. Christmas was a million miles away, not on the white sandy beach with the ocean lapping my toes The server keeps crashing AARRHHH So wont have time to finish. Will update in detail on 2nd Jan. Have a great New Years. I am off for one last (quick) shop on the Khao San Road. Then to the airport and the thrill of having over 70 films and Albums to choose from on my journey home.\ Not looking foward to the cold weather. Enjoy Judex