Kel: Railay is part of the mainland but only accessibly by longtail boat. We aimed to head there for 3 days (it's an expensive place). It's absolutely stunning. We definitely took lots of mental snapshots floating in the sea and looking up at these magnificant limestone cliffs full of real monkeys and scarily good rock climbers (part monkeys). We thought about climbing there but decided to give it a miss as the easiest climbs are of a grade we never even managed back at the Westway in London... maybe another time.

Anyway there was loads to marvel at all the same. There are three main beaches and you can walk (ie go on all fours over rocks in a mountain goat stylee) within 30 mins. I was so proud of myself managing one pathway and was shocked to see a guy selling jewellery in a wee cave bit en route. Naturally I deserved my first thai necklace : )

But the fun ended after about a couple of days when I got pretty ill and was on the big white phone to god before long. I guess it had to happen some time. We stayed in Railay for another 3 days recovering, watching loads of horror films and watching the monkeys.

On the longtail back to the mainland we were chatting to this guy who has been going there for the last 10 years. I told him I got ill expecting deep sympathy and he said 'of course'. We were a bit shocked, but then he explained it's a developed resort but drainage hasn't and EVERYONE gets ill. Why hadn't we met this guy on the way over there?!!!!

We're spending a couple of days on the mainland near a lovely beach for our last 2 days in beachy Thailand (north of Ao Nang in a place called Nopharrat Tharra). Had a lovely day yesterday wandering along a beach when we met - no joke - millions of crabs. Went to a nice typical thai bar last night for our beachy send off...... and woke up this morning to Matthew now being ill. Not booze related, honest, but I think we're going to be here a little longer.

Maybe this is my chance to sell the idea of a flight back to Bangkok rather than the 12 hour o/n bus trip planned (yuk) but for now, it's nurse Kelly, over and out xxx