Good afternoon from Ko Samui and good early morning uk.

This blog is going to be very short as we did little in Ko Samui but this was a planned relaxation. I currently write this as we are taking a boat from Ko Samui to Ko Tao. Our plan is to stop off at ko pha ngan on the return leg before flying back to Bangkok for our dreaded return back to the cold of England.

After a 26 hour journey (taking into account all modes of transport and waiting around) there is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing a sandy beach and crystal clear waters to know why it was worth it.

We did not expect too much from Ko Samui which was a good job as it gives little. We choose to stay in an area known as Bophut which is a quieter area instead of the more popular backpacker and drinking haunts in chewang. The place cost about £12 a night for both of us and was situated adjacent to the beach, 2 swimming pools and the rooms/bungalows were basic but had what you wanted. Close by and within 5 minutes walking distance you can see the large Buddha at the tip of the island appearing to almost look over the land. The area is known as Bangkrak but also known as Big Buddha.

To be honest there was nothing else other than a few restaurants and about 2 bars that I never saw open. There was also a reggae bar which was more like a small hut which seemed to play bob Marley 24/7. We basically spent our time alternating between beach, pool, restaurant and place near Buddha.

Only points of note was the cracking food and the shrimps. I don't know where to begin in describe my love affair with Thailand shrimps, everytime
I order them I bore Tina with my praises. Whatever spicy dish, soup or meal I seem to have and try and get shrimps in there as they are massive and so god damn good. I feel I will shed a tear not for Thailand when I leave but for the shrimps and their succulent goodness. I fear that if I eat much more of them I may grow a tail and shrimp sell but on the plus side I could roam the seas eating shrimps in pacman like fashion as I go.

I think Tina and I have now unintentionally started to think about coming home and panicked that we do not want to look to pale. I actually look like I have a tan and as I randomly said to Tina I'm starting to look to trevor macdonald in a chocolate factory but unfortunately for Tina this is not the case. She has gained a lot of colour but unfortunately Tina does not want to stop there as this I'm sure is seen as some kind of defeat. Tina v the sun, I think the outcome is obvious but without going into to much detail she has upper arms that looked like they should have a radioactive symbol next to them.

We are now about half an hour away from Ko Tao but have stopped in the middle of the ocean with the captain of the boat coming out and taking a floor tiling out. It appears there is a problem with the boat but as always with these types of things no one tells you anything and having seen the boat disaster on the news recently I shall investigate the life jacket situation.

Robbie C out for now.