So we left the parties behind and got the boat to the most northerly of the islands, Ko Tao, which apparently translates as 'Turtle Island' but you'd need to drink a fair bit of Samsong Whisky for it to look like one! It's pretty much dedicated to snorkelling and diving and is pretty much the cheapest place in the world to get your PADI certificates done (it gives out 5% of the world's in total!). I had never tried diving before but thought this would be the perfect oppurtunity, plus I had a little persuasion from a certain someone.

I signed on to do my 'Open Water Diver' (which also means Hannah and I can dive together again later on this trip), whilst Hannah signed on to the 'Rescue Diver' in order to progress from her 'Advanced'. After a bit of pool practice I soon got to dive in the crystal clear waters and it far surpased my expectations, it was like swimming around the tropical fish tank at the zoo. Hannah had a whole day of first aid on her first day and then had a pool session. On leaving the pool for the day she managed to put her foot down a pool filter (which, to be honest, had no cover) and cut a deep slit in her shin. A visit to the nurse and 16 stitches later she was told not to dive for a week and the medical bills and hotel room were to be covered by Ban's.

We spent the next week watching the incredible sunset each evening, celebrating my passing the course with my fellow students, eating every thai dish on the menu, visiting the viewpoints and snorkelling on the bays.

After Hannah had to do an overnight 'Visa Run' to Myanmar (Burma) due to spending more time in Thailand than planed, she eventually passed her course with flying colours and we celebrating by diving together for the last day. We went to sites that neither of us had visited on our courses and had a really good time, shared with a frenchman that could hardly swim let alone dive but it was funny all the same.

We were sad to leave but itching to continue our travels. A night bus to Bangkok and we're now cruising around the air-conditioned shopping centres and going to the cinema for the first non bollywood films since we've left. Hannah is beaming having just seen the new Sex and the City movie.