One of the things i know i do is dilemma about things. So far all i have had to think about is Ooh! Ooh! i can go there, should i go there now or later. It was doing my head in until i visited the internet cafes. There i find EVERYONE deliberating about how and where and why and how much and the like. I am now more comfortable with deciding on how i make my next move. And how to avoid being ripped off which seems to happen hourly here.

I bailed from Bangkok on the evening bus to Surat Thani. A 14 hour bonanza of no sleep on the bumpy roads across the mainland to the port. This trip's only highlight was the new Adam Sandler movie (Dont mess with the Zohan, go see it) and eventually after an exhausting 18 hours on bus and boat and continual attempts to sell me more tours and tickets i am now in Koh Samui!

On the boat across to the island i was put off by everyone turning up their noses about Samui. Its definately not thought of highly as a place for backpackers to visit. Having been here before i knew what to expect but started to challenge why i came here. Having got here, my bungalow is on the prettiest part of the beach and has awesome views across Chaweng. (see photos) Although its budget (cold shower) the place is fine. i am 40 feet from the sea!

Tonight i have taken a walk into town and see why its got such a bad name.

The last time i was here was 2004 and it was pretty chaotic then. But it had charm. Its got 10 times bigger and is expanding at a rate of knots. It always had a Burger King (where the chick boys hang) but now is has malls and standalone McDonalds and Starbucks. Its not a bad place but is definately suffering from over expansion. At least the internet is quick!!

Oh and the Irish are here in there thousands also.....;-)

It suits my purpose at the moment, I think i will stay here for a couple of days, get some sun on the beach and then head off.

UPDATE. Ive now been here 5 days and am really starting to unwind which is good. Its as hot here as you would expect it to be. 30+ degrees. I have had a couple of really relaxing days doing absolutely nothing reading up on where else to visit and my trip is starting to take shape. Staying here till the 17th then onwards.