right now whilst im writing this update, i can see in the screens' reflection, phi phi don bay, crystal turquiose clear water, a few longboats and fishing boats, happy travellers strolling along the beach, and a small cafe with a few chairs on the sand. this morning i walked up the mountain side up to the island viewpoint rock, sat there and thought about absolute nothing, and just took in the view of the islands. in the postcard photo on the right is the view from the viewpoing. not 'arf bad! (this was a photo from last year, however i took new ones today, and will post them on soon. there is an obvious difference to the view due to a certain tsunami...)my room is practically on the beach, above a convienience store, and up above my room in the hillside, you can see the magnificent island of ko phi phi lay in the distance. today im with a canadian guy i met on the journey here, and we have paid some fisherman to take us to the island on the cheap, going to visit Maya Bay (The Beach film beach), just after the tourist boat, so should pretty much have the place to ourselves! going to swim in the lagoon and check out the spectacular marine coral underneath us, then chillout and take in the astonishing scenery of the island. sure beats a day in the office i suppose... then later on tonight, probably buy a cheap bottle of whisky and coke, get a bit drunk then hit the bars. one bar has a mai thai boxking ring in the middle and there's a fight tonight at 10 so we'll go to that for sure! then tomorrow will probably be much of the same. the island suffered really badly from the wave of xmas 04, and the damage is still here to be seen. constant building work is going on, the clearup is pretty much complete with the beaches looking even better than before, but nearly every building at sea level and above was washed away, and its very surreal coming back and everything looking different. for example there was a 7/11 store near the pier, this is now still a shell, 4 concrete pillars and a dangling 7/11 sign. a couple women now sell bracelets etc inside. anyway, im off to get some breakfast, then off to maya bay. have another week of this, then flying to sydney! ian leaves on wednesday and that is also when palina comes, have a great week ahead!!! happy days found out we beat the argies, get innnnnnnn! will post photos of this island in a few days. plan to hire out a waterproof dig camera so i can show u the coral reef.. speak again soon!