Finally got to Phuket at midday after a long 17 hour journey (last 7 hours really dragged) We had to get off 1 bus stop in a smelly cafe with horrid toilets for 90mins and then run for our connecting bus, which the tour guide didnt tell us about. Bus journey lasted 4 hours, we both really struggled to keep our eyes open! The mood changed wen we looked out the bus to see palms and sea either side of us. Travelled thru northern Phuket and got off in Phuket city. We'd reserved 6 nites in the Phuket Backpacker in the city (and not on the beautiful beach?!!- asked the taxi driver) We decided to stay in the city as lots of people had sed it was underated and that the beach accommodation was more expensive. Hostel nicest weve stayed in so far (even thou weve only had 1 nites sleep in 4days!) Decided to take a songthaew down to Kata Beach (recommended by a NZ couple) Journey took about 45mins but cant complain for 25baht and the scenery is amazing. We drove thru Karon where the tsunami travelled 3km inland and were amazed how quick its recovered building wise. Every hotel and shop is brand new and probably the best you can find. Theyve rebuilt with no expenses spared but u cant blame them. Kata beach was the same, new hotels along the beach and some under construction. Beach was gorgeous. Just went for a stroll as it was 3pm and the last songthaew back was at 5. Sea was crystal clear and the views were amazing. Journey back was a bit of a long one. The driver decided he'd drive along the pavement trying to get more customers (took 90mins to get back) Neither of us had to keep our eyes open and i had to stop ben from toppling on the floor wen he drifted off. Got back to hostel and i started having 2nd thorts about the area we were staying in cuz compared to the beach (lots of places to eat, drink etc) the city doesnt seem to have anything. But we decided to get out a map and go exploring- found a nice pizzeria and started to feel better. Got back to hostel and i wanted an early nite but Ben had other ideas-he just HAD to watch the 2 most important footie matches of the season (i wonder how many times ill here that in the next year??) So I went to bed alone and ben watched both the games on the plasma in the common room. Wen he came back we both agreed to get up early in the morning and head for the beach...........