well...... what an adventure the last 24 hours have been.

On the way to Koh Phi Phi Lay we stopped off for some snorkelling and kayaking (we're pros now) before arriving to explore our home for the night.

It was soon sunset and we sat side by side admiring the view whilst moby 'porcelain' played on the ipod (from the film, saddos haha!)

When the sun had gone down we all sat round little oil burners and our hungry bellies waited for dinner.... plates of chicken, vegetables and rice. And for desert... a cocktail bucket of samsun (whisky).

Sat chilling, singing along to 'eminem' (the guide- stoned out of his face!!) playing the guitar and chatting with our fellow campers. The rain began to fall and we huddled under the shelter, not dampening any spirits.

We ventured to the other side of the island to visit the toilets, in the pitch black with a pathetic torch, which was an adventure and a half! Had we not been with Bernie, we probably wouldn't have done it!

Time soon came to grab our sleeping gear (already supplied). The rain had stopped and we were able to sleep on the beach, as opposed to the 'emergency tents'.

We sprayed ourselves up to the max with mossie spray & lit the joss (incense) sticks around our spot, before settling to watch the stars.

About 4.30am we were awoken by the guides to tell us to 'take shelter- as storm coming'! So we packed up and spooned under the shelter- completely covered in sand (ears, eyes, nose and everywhere else you can think of!).

We did actually manage to get some sleep, and woke again at 6.30am and headed down to see the clear beach. It was cool being the only two on 'the beach' (apart from some dude on his longtail!) During the day, the beach is full of people and the bay covered in boats. This really was a rare and special experience.

Rach took an early morning swim, but Ciara wasn't in the mood for that!!! ;-)

Back to camp for coffee and egg on bread, when the fun really began!!

Well, the rain started falling, harder and harder and it looked unlikely we'd be able to leave the island! We took shelter in the caves at the sides and told we had to "swim to the boat- it ok, it ok you swim!!" Some of the girls didn't look impressed, as we found out a few of them couldn't swim! unlucky!

So we trekked round to the hole in the rocks, which would have been awful to fall on as the coral was very sharp. We looked out for eachother and waited for next instruction. Which was to dump our bags on the side (which to be fair were soaked enough) and swim out to the boat. Well.... a girl ventured out first, followed by her friends when a big wave came and took them all under, the first girl luckily clearing the coral, but was swept further out and going under the waves. So glad it wasn't either of us!! Girls were crying and shocked, but luckily noone was hurt and the first girl managed to get to the boat leaving us to find another route.

Back to the beach, back to sheltering under the caves, a rubber dingy was our next option. Eight at a time (we went first this time), we got completely soaked with the 10 foot waves but kept our spirits high by singing 'I will Survive!'...

Finally arriving at our boat, we clambered on- which was bloody hard work actually, we got the lifejackets straight on and laughed at the whole thing!! (see pics) Still, girls were crying but we're harder than that YEAH! We enjoyed the bumpy rollarcoaster of a ride back to Phi Phi Don, giggling all the way. Looking forward to a nice warm shower, unfortuately that wasn't an option as the hostel only has cold water!

Rained all day today, the rainy seasons certainly arrived...

Phuket tomorrow before going back and enjoying the crazy life in Bangkok.

Love to you all

Rachibaby and Ciaraboo xxxxxxxxxxx

p.s. lynda- we haven't even seen the film! haha!