Sawatdee Kaa from Thailand!!

Well what a busy 2 weeks we have had! We started off in Phuket Town and spent a few days looking around the town, not a lot to see there but had planned on staying there a few nights so decided to make the most of it! So we spent the next day at the local large shopping village and spent most of the day in the cinema; watched Shrek 3 and Oceans 13, really good films, especially for 1 pound 50p each, not bad for an Multi-plex air-conditioned cinema! (English audio, Thai sub-titles). It was here that we first came across the Thai King tradition (one Cate knew about but I didn't, and no she didnt think of telling me!)... that before every film is shown in the cinema, a Thai film is played of the Thai King, a mix of different pictures of the King with the Thai National Anthem plays in the background... and everyone has to stand and pay their respects to the King while its on. Well I have no idea whats going on and am pretty sure that we've ended up in the wrong cinema, Cate isn't sure what happening but suggests that we stand up like everyone else is until its over. So we stand up a little confused, arms crossed waiting for it to end... only to find out after the film when reading through out Lonely Planet that the biggset insult is to cross your arms when the film is on, we'd only been in Thailand 2 days and were struggling already!

From Phuket town it was onto Patong Beach, on the West coast, and we had a lovely time here. We stayed in a lovely guest house; massive double bed, fridge, fan, tv and ensuite, all for 1.50 each a night, not bad going! We spent a few lazy days on the beach lapping up the rays and then had a few nights out involving a great night out at Rock City where we sang and danced to rock n roll all night long! Free bar was also included; we'll leave it there!

Patong was one of the worst hit places during the Tsunami (2004) but the town has done a great job of getting back on track. The only evidence of the tsunami having hit is the signs which are all over the town showing Tsunami Evacuation routes.

From Patong it was over to Phi Phi Island, and we had a lovely time there. A cultural shock arriving here, again Phi Phi was badly hit with the tsunami but is much slower on getting back on track. Beautiful beaches here and we enjoyed a lovely day on a boat trip around Phi Phi's 2 islands, including a stop off on Monkey Beach where you are surrounded by wild Gibbons! We fed them pinapple and melon. We were also fortunate to come across the 'Thai Massage' in Phi Phi, cor were we glad we did! I have never been bent and stretched in so many positions before but it felt great! Don't worry clients, I will not be trying these out on you on my return! We had 2 massages here, costing 4 pound for an hour, not bad going, and no I wont be lowering my prices, sorry!

From Phi Phi it was over to Phang Nga which is where we are now. We spent this morning on a Long Boat (traditional Thai boat) trip around the islands including James Bond island (the island from 'The Man with the Golden Gun') and it was lovely... and this afternoon we have been elephant trekking which was fantastic! Cate and I rode on Bhun, a 29 year old female and loved every minute of it!

The pictures will be on as soon as we find a cafe that lets us down-load!

Love to you all, see you soon, Sara xxxxxxxx