Hi folks, thought we would update you all on our latest escapades

We woke up monday morning, feeling fresh as daisies after yet another alcohol free night due to sticking to the bloody budget! ( feel like Gordon Brown)

We were full of excitment and anticipation as we were heading for Koh Phi Phi- were they filmed 'the beach', in search of some fellow backpackers and tourists. Can you belive it, Krabi was full of Thai people ha!!!!

We got onto a large boat and made our way up to the top deck this has been the only time we coud bear to lie in the unbearable heat (except sun worshipper lisa!) But dont worry mothers, we had factor forty on.

We arrived at Koh Phi Phi Don and made our way to Long beach bungalows, following the guidance from 'South east asia- on a shoe string guide book' (Thanks naomi & gemma) this is now classed as our 'Bible'!!!!

We all piled in a small boat over to Long bech in search for our budget accomodation.

We were thrust onto a boiling hot, jam backed beach. This is where Vik, Steph and Lisa decided for some reason that this was a good idea to try their backpacks on for the first time. They all struggled to lift their heavy loads, as Sarah rushed off ahead to try and find where we had to go (Shock horror for Lady Sarah- 'what, no bag boy!'). They finally secured them on, except Vikki who either could'nt be bothered or just forgot. Sarah heard some grunts and groans as they all approached the first of many steep steps, sarah turned around and saw Steph and Lisa heads firmly down with sweat dripping from the end of their noses with no Vikki in sight. All sarah could see is flapping legs and arms in the air like an upside down turtle.

We later found out that Vikki never quite made the second step, the first one proved to be too much with her unsecured backpack and there was only one way for vik- backwards ha!!! As we were on a stretch of sandy beach you would think this wouldnt cause much of a problem, but oh no not Vikki- she some how managed to fall in between two random concrete posts.

We also put this unfortunate accident down to the uneven load in her back pack caused by her hairdryer, striaghtners and iron. She has since seen the error of her ways and discarded them ha!!!!!!!

As you can imagine we were all in hysterics (once Steph and Lisa had managed to manoeuvre themselves around like a pair of side stepping crabs). We did however manage to compose our selves when we spotted the trickle of blood from her arm, thank goodness for Sarahs first aid kit! We are all still laughing about it now including Vikki, who thank goodness has a good sense of humour ha!!!!!!!

We eventually arrived at our budget accomodation, nothing could of prepared us for this- not even holidays from hell!

Description- Building on stilts made from wicker and bamboo. metal prison bed wth stained sheets, hose of freezing water coming out of the wall for the shower, modern flushing system for the toilet- bucket and pan, sink falling off the wall and a resident army of ants to complete the look!! ( nat you would of loved it haha).

We dumped our things and made a quick exit for the beach, which was a stones throw away. White sandy beach meet by clear turquoise sea with small green lush islands dotted on the coast line- beautiful!!!

That night something wonderful happened- ALCOHOL IN OUR BUDGET!! THANK GOD FOR SANG SOM (Thai rum). Three bottles later and feeling like shirley valentine (without the men) we stumbled back to our insect ridden shacks and luckily passed out without too much thought.

We all woke up the next morning to find we had been eaten alive from the knees down, so we set off leaving the lovely beach behind us in search for a chemist, which was in the next town by boat. Lisa somehow managed to avoid the bites so soaked up the sun for the day !!! We brought every lotion, potion cream and spray, then sat in a bakery and stuffed our faces with crap cakes- they always look delicious but never taste as good as chatwins!

Sarah and Steph decided to think of the budget and follow the advice of the 'Bible' and have a leisurely stroll back to Long beach, Vik was not keen but we managed to persuade her. The bible said it was a half an hour walk along the beach with a few slippery rocks to climb over.

What it should of said is- bring your pick axe and harness, not for beginners in flip flops!

Once we had started there was no turning back, we had already climbed huge slippery boulders. Vikki slipped first followed by Steph, no serious injuries but Viks camera and phone just could'nt withstand the sudden soaking from the sea from the second fall. New phone brought now (Sheila dont tell Tony about the camera- insurance jobby on the way).

Nearly two hours later, battered and bruised, sun burnt, completely knackered carrying sodden electrical goods we finally joined Lisa, who had a nice relaxing day on the beach!

Went to bed early all tired and ratty, could'nt wait to leave this island and the curse of 'the beach'.

We are currently in Phuket, leaving on Tuesday. Going to Patong tonight (capital of lady boys) so next blog should be interesting ha ha!!!!

Missing everyone, hope your all good xxxxxx