I know it's been over a week since my last blog, those of you who actually look forward to it, sorry. Those of you who couldn't care less, congratulations - you have a life! Unfortunately the island of Ko Tao is temperemental for the internet, power and water...it made things a little tricky!

I have wound up back in Thailand and have found a northern bird in the form of Claire. We met up in Bangkok where we spent a few days with the Norwegians who we lost to the land down under, I'm sure I will be seeing more of them soon! Despite my total loathing of Bangkok, there was one highlight - regardless of the fact I won't have any need of it for the next five months, I bought a suit. At 110 GBP, tailor made with a baby pink lining, who am I to say no?!

We began a very arduous and lumbering trail south via Air Asia, a bus, crazy taxi man and two separate boats! We were in transit for a total of 20 hours - this was severely increased by Air Asia's total disregard for departure times and a full boat to Koh Tao from Surat Thani which meant we had to make a detour via Koh Phangan. Finally on Koh Tao we Master Divers where we were to complete our PADI Open Water Course. We met our instructor, Tomo - geordie ex-army, despite this he was actually pretty cool! The course itself was pretty easy, nothing too strenuous but it has to be up there as one of the coolest things I have ever done. Sitting on the bottom of a coral reef watching fish pass over head with the odd straggler sideling towards you for better inspection is beyond surreal. I had the added experience of being stung by a sea anemone which I can tell you is a lot like a stinging nettle - just with more burn! The island itself is beautiful too, beyond my hatred of Bangkok and annoyance at the rude Thai people, I can't help but love this country and all that it has to offer.


We had a wee night on the town last night in celebration for becoming certified divers. We met up with Rachel (a friend from back home) and had a civilised dinner in a beach front restaurant. The evening took a turn for the worse with a trip to a lady-boy show, it was fairly mundane until a Britney wannabe emerged with two fake penises?! Bit weird! Claire was mortified! We then head to a beach front bar by the name of Lotus Bar where buckets came and dignity left. We're now on Koh Samui after a horrifically choppy boat road, sea sickness abound! That's me done for now guys, hope all is well!