I arrived on Koh Lanta on the 8th December. After settling in I took a short trip, for a day and night to Phi Phi. Meeting with my friend Jamie from university we watched Muay Thai boxing, as well as what can only be described as stupid tourists taking on one another at the reward of a bucket after 3 rounds. Then it was onto the beach for drinks and fire rope skipping (a sensible past time when one is under the influence of a bucket or two!).

Once back on Koh Lanta the diving began. To begin with I had to make up my dives before I was officially allowed to start my Dive Master course. So, I was on the boat pretty much every day, learning the ropes and preparing for my course. During this time I spent the majority of my time and money on diving, but also went out with the divers and other people on the island, for drinks and at one point; a reggae concert.

On 20th December the boat went 3 1/2 hours out to Hin Muong and Hin Daeng, known for manta rays. Low and behold I jumped in the water and there was a 3m manta swimming around the reef!! It was fantastic and well worth the long boat journey. The following day I reached my 40 dives and started my DM course!!

After winning the quiz at the Irish pub on christmas eve and drinks at San's bar on the beach I took Christmas Day off and went to old town with Billy and Bobby for Christmas dinner. It wasn't quite the same as being at home, but better than having curry for Christmas!

New Years Eve came around quickly, especially as I was on the boat everyday in between, either diving or as a snorkel guide. After an early start (5:30am get up) on the boat to see mantas I was disappointed that we were the only group who didn't see them. Nevertheless it was on with the celebrations; starting with a "sausage party" at Blue cafe with German sausages and nibbles and then off to San's and the beach to celebrate the turn of the new year. With parties along the whole of long beach and hundreds of fireworks and lanterns. It was definitely a different way to celebrate the coming of the New Year.

A day off on New Year's Day was great! A well needed rest from all of the diving. Then one more day on the boat before Ben arrived.