Andaman coast

Another boat and bus took us across the Thai peninsular to the Andaman sea in search of more glorious beaches. After a long journey our first night spent here was in Krabi town where we wandered around the night market and were served some very tasty green curry by a very proud chef- so good we returned for an early breakfast the next morning before another boat trip to the beautiful island of Ko Phi Phi. This island is amazing- sapphire waters that beg to be swam in and beaches full of sand as soft as talcum powder. As soon as we secured a bungalow for the night we caught a long boat taxi for an off-shore view of the island and a ride to (our exact brief) "somewhere beautiful and quiet, away from the crowds, we're looking for romance!" We were not disappointed, the journey itself was lovely, the dramatic karst scenery jutting out of the water and everything covered in palm trees. It seems crazy people are allowed to wake up to this every morning!

As we headed around the island the boat pulled into a very secluded bay- potentially one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Behind the white shoreline was a jungle of palm trees and there were just two people on the beach. Just amongst the palms was a little shack selling cold drinks and right across the bay we could see two bungalows balanced on the sloping hills that surround the bay.

After setting ourselves up with a peaceful little spot it was straight on the phone to Blakey's mum to wish her a "Happy Birthday". Even in the most idyllic of places we are thinking of home and missing everyone, so you can all rest easy that we will return one day! Unfortunately the reception was not good here (why would it be?!) so we decided to try again later. For now we were to spend our time swimming in the cool crystal waters and lazing in a particularly indulgent fashion. Bliss!

Our boat came to pick us up as the sun was starting to set (and the insects starting to bite- the biggest irritant out here!) so we headed back for a refresh, a proper phone call home and an evening stroll around town. Within minutes of walking from our beach side bungalow we had arrived at the shoreline on the other side of the island where many restaurants were trying to tempt us in. We settled for one with candles sunk into holes in the sand and deck chairs looking out to sea and for the second time since leaving Eb\England allowed ourselves to get a little merry sampling the cocktails from the menu. Finding alcohol that tastes as refreshing as orange fruit pastilles means it doesn't last long!

Next day saw a relaxed morning on a slightly more crowded beach and an afternoon ferry ride to the more affordable Phuket. After a failed attempt to walk in to town we blagged a super cheap taxi to the hotel where "The Beach" was filmed. Our very basic room has a slightly grotty feel but we don't plan on spending much time awake in there so no matter. An evening stroll around town showed this is an artistic community with lots of art galleries and coffee houses in which we sampled some spectacular banoffee pie and spent a fantastic evening in the "Bohemian cafe" where the owner, Suzie, greeted us like old friends and made us feel at home- we played a free game of pool and Blakey even got some playstation action. The whole time we were entertained by her gorgeous son, Am, a bright and happy little boy who was keen to make friends (especially after pinching chips from Blake's plate!)

So with one day in Phuket the locals made sure we got up nice and early by setting off hundreds (no hyperbole!) of firecrackers and banging drums loudly as tehy enjoyed the Vegetarian festival. Not only does the whole place go meat free for "soul cleansing" (imagine how clean my soul is!) but many of the males perform crazy stunts such as walking across red hot coals or climbing ladders made of blades. As we quickly dressed to find out what the racket was about we found a large gang of guys, all stood in a tight pack whilst people threw firecrackers amongst them. They then tried not to flinch at the heat and noise emitted. mental!

So after breakfast it was straight to the main attraction on these islands for us- the beach! Although lined with some tacky blue parasols and deck chairs it was still fairly quiet and both of us spent the majority of our time there in the water, allowing the strong waves to carry us forwards as they crashed to shore and then drag us back out to sea again, getting plenty of salt water up our noses for good measure.

As if to send us out with a bang our final night in Thailand was spent exploring the festive stalls of the vegetarian festival where copious amounts of delicious food and drink was being sold to satiate the appetites of the locals who are not as accustomed to such a pure diet! We walked through the whole crowded street buying a little of what we fancy along the way and and ending with a lot to munch at a plastic chair to the side of the action. Our week in Thailand has done wonders for our tans and photo album. Tomorrow Malaysia!