We arrived in Phi Phi Island two days ago, stepping off the boat to sights of rubble, damaged infrastructure and wide open spaces where bungalows and shops used to be. However, as we walked along the pier, one particular sign caught my eye; "Welcome to Phi Phi. Rising above the waves." Watching the local people work together with volunteers to rebuild their homes, their businesses and essentially their lives, was both heartbreaking and inspirational. Despite the devastating amount of damage caused by the tsunami, Phi Phi is slowly but surely finding its feet. New bungalows have been built, new shops and bars, and the tourists are gradually starting to return. Local people are still smiling. Dean and I went on a guided walk this morning, led by one of the locals. He talked us through the events leading up to and after the tsunami, and also revealed that he had lost his own mother on that day. Our trip to Phi Phi instilled in me feelings of sadness for the lives and livlihoods lost, guilt at not being able to do more for the people and admoration for the courage and perseverance shown by those people continuing to stive for a better future on Phi Phi island. Claire