Dear All I am now in Penang in Malaysia. I've done so many thing in the last few weeks since starting the Tour in Bangkok. There are about 13 people in the tour most people are in there early twenties, from all walks of life. I went to see the bridge over the River Kuai, made famous by the old film. Allot of history there of Jananese Prisoner of War Camps, and the attrocoties faced by those forced into building the railway from Burma through thailand. Took an over night train through Southern Thailand and then coach to Krabi. Had my own beach hut which was only a stones throw from the beach itself. Bought a football and played header's and volleys with some of the other lads, also went for a swim in the sea; very refreshing. Have topped up my tan quite nicely. I have also been kayaking through mangroves with the rest of the group, stopped to feed some monkeys pineapples fantastic setting! Amazingly I didn't capsize. Also took a speed boat to the outlying Island's the water is crystal clear. Tried snorkelling which I eventually got the hang of after swolling a few mouthfulls of sea water. The schools of fish swim right upto you and take bread from your hand; incredible. Then went to the 'beach' used in the leonardo De caprio movie with the same name. Very nice setting, although a bit of a tourist hot spot. In the evening I sampled shark and Monfish, delicious and cheap too. I was reluctant to leave krabi, I've since crossed the malaysian boarder and have spent the last few days in Penang, which is a bit more urban by comparison. Went to a snake temple, Even handled one of the snakes (I have the pictures to prove it). I didn't fancy handling the king Cobra who has enough venom to kill an elephant! Also took a funicular railway upto Penang Hill to witness a suburb view of the city. Today I head off to Camerion High lands, before getting to Kula Lumpar. All's going well Stephen