Still here.. Once Lamai beach gets hold of you it just won't let go. Nearly broke free today. Hired a scooter for the first time and it was all going so well until... I got me a Samui tattoo. It turns out that right of way doesn't mean what it does in the UK. Not that i should have expected DVLA, highway code like driving standards from drivers that use both sides of the road, regardless of directional flow, or pedestrian walkways as one and the same. Ended up crashing into fellow scooter riding death wisher, sending both the rider, passenger, a s*** load of coconuts and of course myself sliding along the gravely Samui main road. Nobody was seriously hurt which is the all important thing. I came off by far the worst with my bleeding knee, leg and foot, but it still cost me a few quid. 3 large they wanted, haggled them down to 2k (£40 stirling). Still much better than the lynching I would've received from the angry Thai mob that quickly formed around me. As soon as the cash was handed over they all thanked me with smiling faces, and sent me on my way, before the old bill turned up and caused any trouble (their words not mine.. except the old bill part) Right now there are a couple of Thai's having a good night out at my expense. Good luck to them as well. I am just so very very pleased that Teresa wasn't on the back. I didn't feel anywhere near confident enough on 2 wheels to get her on board. Well, lesson once again learned with no serious repercussions. Public transport and plenty of sun cream, until we get back to Blighty.
Regardless of the accident we still had a great day. The sea here is fantastic! Never seen so many fishes (not fried and battered) Every time you put your head under there are loads of the tropical looking little fishy dudes. Hundreds of em! Sad as it is, the nicest beach I had witnessed before this was Camber Sands, and unless you count used johnnys, I've never seen so many intriguing objects to be eagerly observed (I did go there when I was 9). Teresa has brought herself a snorkel set, which very successfully she popped her haggle cherry in purchasing. The snorkel is a great invention. Up there with the lilo and rubber ring in terms of beach apparatus. I will soon be investing in one myself. 17 years of smoke related activities have drastically reduced my lung capacity to little more than 10 second bursts.
Up bright and early tomorrow for the big fight. Breakfast, beer and boxing. Another lesson to be learned perhaps...
We are still loving life, and looking forward to the next step on our international adventure... If we ever find the will to escape the paradise that is Lamai Beach (any one seen the 60's tv show the prisoner?)

Very much love to all

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