After everything Hong Kong turned out to be much better than I could ever have imagined. Now on to the next place.... decide I have had enough of cities for the time being and could do with a little R'nR (Rest and Relaxation for those not in the know). My lack of planning means that the only beach resort I know in Thailand is Phuket so here I am. I'm staying in the most lovely hotel (totally blowing my budget but I'm worth it) with the biggest bed I have ever seen. To top it off it also has MTV and BBC News, surely I could be forgiven for not leaving my room! However I have tore myself away from to dine in their delicious restaurant and contact all you lovely people, while having a glass of wine, of course! This travelling malarkey is hard work and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

I think I might never leave ......

Ok five days later and I'm ready to leave - I'll explain.....

Thailand is beautiful and the beaches in Phuket are amazing. The sand is so white and soft and the ocean is see-through. I don't normally swim in the sea, those who know me well know that I hate fish and the thought of swimming with Nemo creeps me out. However here it's different, it gets so warm during the day that the ocean is your only relief.

On to the main reason I came here the sunbathing, well two tubes of factor 30 and I'm burnt to a crisp with tan marks (Disney Girls that one is for you) and I've got a really bad case of prickly heat but that's not why I'm ready to leave.

Phuket is like Blackpool on speed. Think of all the really tacky holiday resorts you have been to and triple it. Now add in a community trying to recover from a colossal natural disaster and then throw into the mix 100's of middle-aged Western men with really young Thai girls and you are coming close to uncovering what is under Phuket's skin. It's heartbreaking, all around you can see what the country was before it got popular with tourists and you can see the effect people like me have had on the country. I'm leaving before I can do any damage and I know just where I'm going.......

Stay tuned, I might just surpise you.

Vic xxx

Ok well I've done the tourist things, went to Phi Phi Lay (where the beach was filmed) and Phi Phi Don. The speedboat on the way over was crazy, all these German middle aged couples screaming as we cut through the waves in the ocean. I sat outside on the deck trying to catch as much sun as I could and also avoding the question - Don't you have a friend???

My arm is so swollen from holding on and it is turning into a huge bruise, all in the time of a suntan. The islands were stunning, the scentary is outstanding. Thailand is such a beatuiful place. All you couples listen out it is the perfect place for you and all you single guys in need of some lady loving, come to Thailand you won't be disappointed.

I'm hoping to see a different side or at least one that doesn't involve ''Madam, Madam do you need a taxi, Madam do you need a tuk-tuk, Madam good price for a suit - we have large sizes"" So for the next few days I'm checking myself into a retreat, told you I might surprise you....

I"ll be up at 6am and in bed for 5pm and will have no access to the outside world. No phone, internet, ipod or books. I'll be attending five medication sessions per day and inbetween will be helping with the cleaning. Oh and did I mention I have to silent the whole time.

Wish me luck.........