Hi I'm back !! Blob has disappeared into the jungle for a 12 hour trek .Sherpa Setch may now be my middle name but NO Plus my back has kinda gone :(( Its getting better but poor old Blob has had to carry my bag as well as hisfor about 4 days now.I have a major catch up to do.It appears we have been battling with Songkran (Thai new year /xmas....aka MAJOR HOLIDAY time) and height of summer ...so too hot and people here close and clear off on hols cos there are NO TOURISTS !! In fact apart from all the Western males who have come to meet their internet "friends",we have barely passed any other western tourists and more often than not i have been the only "western girl in the village" !!! Very weird !! But it is Songkran so I seem to have been there favourite target although no one stays dry.For the last four days the pair of us have stepped out of our hostel at about 9 in the morning and had buckets of water or hoses or super soakers blasted at us non stop until we have managed to swim back to our hostel.It is constant ...every couple of steps ...and if its not water its talc or flour or even worse toilet block !!! at least thats what it smells like (moth bally) It seemed to stop about 7 in the eve although there were still routes to be avoided.And u werent safe in a vehicle either !!Its been hilarious.we have been fed Thai whiskey by the bottle and had such a laugh.Everyone is so happy but we were in the most fabulous town of Phimai.We stayed in a very friendly guesthouse called Boonsuri where we were looked after by George and his 14 month old golden retreiver...apparently one of the few friendly dogs in thailand .We have had a few probs with some dogs who seem to be upset at Westerners in there street...how the bloody hell can they tell????Have escaped being bitten so far but a couple of close calls.The town is built around some of the most beautiful Khmer temples outside of Angkor Wat and a place they called Sia ngam.This is Thai for Beautiful Banyan tree and it really is.Its Thailands oldest and largest Banyan tree and its spread over an island in a large reservoir.The massive roots cascade down and make it look like lots of trees and give the impression of a small forest .I wish I could have taken pictures but due to the fact we had to walk there following the millions if trucks full of people and water butts we couldnt risk the camera .

But what an amazing little town that really doesnt get the credit it deserves.No where has been more friendlier.We even found a little bar down the road that had live music.A little Thai girl originally from Phimai but now living in Bangkok.She was home for the new year celebrations.She played guitar and sang outstandingly.she sang Coldplay and Snow patrol for us and even Adele.We enjoyed ourselves so much that Blob doesnt even remember getting home.Goddam that Thai whiskey !!

The following day he was leaving me to go on a homestay in a small thai village.Something he has always wanted to do ....not my bag.So I threw him on a bus after lunch and planned on blogging to you lot and then catching up on my reading followed by a meal in the night market a quick beer and an early night .An hour later he was back...the bus had moved 100 yards and was in the traffic jam from hell.Can i also add that I had managed to get him onto the bus DRY..he now stood in the doorway very wet and covered in white powder....ever so slightly pissed off.So he cancelled the Homestay and spent the night with me instead.

Ok I kind of skipped a lot there but I will now attempt to tell you of our adventures from Phitsanoluk..