Jo, thanks for the travellers' tips .. you want to add to your folder .. ?
Visa extension - Dizzy (well named, an Iowan classical oboeist I knew, visitor to London, no clue about geography) had to exit / re-enter UK .. in fact no need so I said go to Isle of Wight .. she enjoyed the music fest and even joined in a gig on stage.
She's 6ft tall, her friend Dim (jazz banjo) is less imposing .. busks late night on the London underground - if threatened pulls up sagging sock on his right ankle, fixes it with a drawing pin .. a benefit of having a (genuine, somewhat pockmarked) wooden leg.
Jo, that was then, in UK .. your Thai blog opens up new wonders.
Phuket Center Apartments show on satellite and streetview on googlemap .. does your room face E or W, on which floor?
You're in the middle of town, delicious Thai food all around, Ming Shou a short walk for a chat with Bin .. even you must need to slow down occasionally.
Message sent from the (slightly rainy) calm of the leafy edge of Guildford .. more fancy 4x4's here than tuk-tuks or .. what are they, Honda 50's + sidecar for every use .. never mind the safety, see the imagination.
Jo, thanks for the blog - F

Thanks Mandy!
I got a visa extension which takes me up to the 17 February. On it just before this date I have to do a visa run. This means leaving the country and re-entering. Loads of travel companies do this as it's a common occurrence in Thailand x

Meant to say the apartment looks good too. Have you managed to extend your visa beyond the 18th?

Nice motorbikes!

Hey Jo darling great to have you back on line for 2014, happy New Year! Great blog on your Xmas & New Year activities, certainly a different festive experience this year eh? So glad you sorted the phone problem albeit the pricey option, must be great to be back in touch. The apartments sound a good idea you can really plan your day with no pressures on rising early or having a kip whenever...Envy you the lovely weather very wet & windy here so much flooding doesn't feel at all like a normal January
Keep well (hope horrible cold passes soon) miss you (am saving great books 4U)

I have got my iPhone fixed now. Wahay!! I will probably start my blog again after Christmas but in the mean time I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Xxx

Hi Guys
I'm going to pick my phone up from the the repair shop on Friday morning and am hoping that they have managed to fix it - I feel very lost without it!!

Hi Jo, try leaving the phone somewhere warm - I know someone whose phone went through a full cycle in the washing machine - she put it in the airing cupboard for a few days and it dried out. Might be worth taking the back off as well. I guess though, you wont see the messages people are sending you till phone is sorted out :o( Loving the blogs Jo so hope you can start again soon x

Oh Jo what a shame! So sorry about the phone but if you log back in all out love & don't worry your loyal blog(ets) will keep looking 4U - the last blog on the seasick boat was a classic & it sounds as though you are going to have a great (& eventful..) time on the project. Keep well & be careful, hope UR sleeping OK - look forward to a blog or two before you come back
Still miss & envy you
Love X

Yo Jo.. loving the blog it's brilliant & addictive & I feel as tho I'm out there with you. All sounds great so far loved the tales with the girls.. oh! & the lady-boys.. god.. aren't they fantastic looking? Everything sounds so cheap, no wonder folk love it our there, best of luck with the early starts on the conservation project, bet you love it.
Love & miss you

Hey Jo, it looks like you're having an amazing time, I'm very jealous. Am really looking forward to reading your next post!! Xx

Hi Jo

You look really happy in the photos and so pleased that you met some nice people. I am sure that you will meet loads more over the coming weeks! Love Karen and Will xx