Hey hey, so we got to Langkawi after another shortish boat journey from Penang. We jumped into a 7 seater minibus and headed off to the west coast where it was supposed to be more lively, but remember it is still low season here and it's Ramadan. Being in a bigger group and wanting to stay at the same place, we spent an hour trying to find a good place, but in the baking sun, I soon got bored and realised why travelling on your own is sometimes better. . . . I did throw the towel in and headed to a cheap, basic place, but then got a call from Steve and Steve saying they had found somewhere better. . . . Anyway, I stayed at the place I had found for one night, then headed over to theirs. . . . It was run by a nice Iranian guy, who's looks slightly resembled that of Richard Gear. The place was really quite cool for us guys, with a good lounge area with sofas and TV with all the channels and being as it was the weekend, Premiership football was a must see. . . . .

The weather turned a bit on us over the next few days, however we did try and get out a bit. . . . There was a break in the rain storms for an hour or so, which enabled us to head down to the local Go-kart track, which happened to be an international circuit, so pretty good fun. . . . Steveo had a slightly more powerful car, then me, then Steve, but it was still a good laugh and hard work as the circuit had some pretty tight bends. . .

The evenings were reasonably steady, just getting food and having a few beers. We found a nice enough Irish bar that did great western style food, so it was nice for a change. . . . The lads played a few games on Steve's Playstation, but I have never really been that interested in them things, so just watched. . . . We also watched some movies and just chilled out really! I managed to catch up on my journal, etc, so was pleased to have got that done. . .

The weather improved slightly, so we considered getting some mopeds, well until the heavens opened again. . . . Steve went back to the place, but me and Steveo opted to rent a car as it was nearly as cheap and I was climbing the walls at the place and needed to get out. . . . So we took this little chicken chaser car around the island. . . Although we drove through some torrential rain and didn't get to see some of the spectacular views, it was still great to get out and about. We had lunch on a nice marina, then visited and crocodile farm. I did see lots of crocs in Oz, but this place was a bit weird. . . . There were lots of deformed crocs all over the place, like they had been interbreeding or something, I forgot to take my camera with me so have no pics from the day out (sorry). But yeah, these crocs were strange looking, a bit sad really. They weren't all like that and I did see one huge monster of a thing, the biggest I have seen yet, it must have been getting on for 5 metres in length and had a massive girth. . . I think it would have eaten me in one bite. . . . !

After there we headed to some of the other attractions on the island, but drove straight past as it was raining still. . . . . We did pop in at one of the golf resorts to try the driving range, but they were not under cover, so no joy there. . . We headed back to the harbour area to check on boat times and noticed that they had a bowling alley there, so opted for a few games. . . I may have not mentioned this before, but had a few games in Penang and in Medan and it is so cheap and great fun, so yeah, a few more games were definitely a bonus!

Steve kicked my ass in a few games, but then I did get him back. . . . We have learnt a few moves from Tommy who worked in a bowling place many years back. . . . So I now know how to spin the ball out wide and whip it back in. . . . I did even get a strike from it which felt awesome!

As the weather started to improve I did manage to get in the sea, which was coolio as there were some monster waves crashing in. . . . My and Tommy both got bowled over by a random huge one! It was great for body surfing!

One of the evenings was pretty coolio, as we met up with a local guy who took us to a reggae bar which had a live band, that were surprisingly very good! A 6 piece outfit that banged out some great cover tracks! They also turned into a bit of a rock band late on, playing some Metalica, etc. It was a late night, so after a lie in the next day and some lunch we hit the Go-kart track again for some revenge. . . This time the other Steve got the better car, me in the middle again and Steveo with the slower one. . . . There were some other people on the track to, so it was great fun. . . . I had a real battle with Steve and I found it more fun this time, as we were really going for it. . . . We were exhausted once we'd finished and after flagging a ride back to town, Steve virtually passed out. . . It was so hot!

Steveo, left us that day and headed off to Kuala Lumpa to sort out some tax stuff, we may meet up again in Bangkok, as that is were I am heading. I hit the beach for the rest of the day and had a good splash around. . . That evening me and Steve went for food then chilled out with Tommy and Lindsey at there place and watch a few savage horror movies while playing cards. . . . I left them to after a bit and headed to bed. . . !

So that was Langkawi, not quite what I was expecting, but still, it has been ok. . . I am sort of looking forward to being on my own again and getting to Bangkok, I have heard so much about the place, but I think you have to see to believe (if you know what I mean?). I would be great to meet up with Claire and Nick there, but I have a feeling they are elsewhere?!!? Anyway, play it by ear and see what happens. . . .

So ciao for now people, speak to you again when I am back in Thailand. . . !