Tabeak Viewpoint Bungalows Phangnga

... so there is constant running water...then the canvas wind protectors covering the walking start flapping and banging like the whole thing is going to collapse...and of course there is some strange vibrating humming noise that we have no idea what it is....and the guy next door who constantly fills the need to clear his throught and get rid of this in a way which can be heard throughout the village I am sure....but as you get used to all this constant sounds and rythms ...

... for a few necessities and groceries in one of Bangkok's malls, the MBK (don't ask me for the Thai word for which that stands). This is a disgusting display of commercialism equal in berth to the city. There are 7 stories and thousands of stores as well as a movie theater, karoke wing, bowling alley, and international food court. After a few hours I desperately needed to escape. With no 1st or 2nd class sleepers available we took 3rd class ...

... other, and were surprisingly comfortable- long enough to lay down flat, and enough head room to sit up along with curtains and a book lamp. This made the 12 hour or so trip go by rather quickly, and we saved on a nights hotel payment. However, getting to the island from the train station was another trip in and of itself, taking an hour bus ride to an hour or longer boat ride, to a taxi into town. Once we ...

... our way fairly effortlessly for the 20 minute journey. When I say effortlessly Graham had the harder job of the 2 of us as he was sitting in the back which automatically determines him to be the steering man. So whilst he had to concentrate hard I was able to relax and just do all the paddling. He's been mugging me like this for years. Today would be the first time I had used my diving mask and snorkell and I was looking forward to it because the mask had been ...

... than the Tropical Garden Coffee Shop. Henry has a massaman curry, I have my favourite glass noodle soup, Rob orders his favourite - a Tom Yum Soup served in a whole fresh coconut and Mei-Mei has her Dracula. The moment is bittersweet. In the Lobby our chariot (aka air-conditioned 10 seater minivan) awaits. The Reception staff warmly wish us farewell and after a few photos we're on our way. Goodbye Merlin Resort! We LOVE you! We'll be back some day!

... cliffs that dropped off into the ocean. Our view from the cove was a couple of lushly green islands and the occasional long tail boat drifting by. Luckily, we had worn our bathing suits to the lagoon, so we stripped off the muddy shorts and t-shirts and jumped in! The water was awesome and we hadn't been in for longer than two minutes before we noticed a small cliff that looked as though it might be just right for jumping off. I ...

next few pages for my faithful readers The States flew by in a haze of empty roads and dusty gas stations. The sun seemed to come and go as it pleased, leaving time as a purely abstract idea. The only thing of importance was the speedometer. As long as the needle was pegged, all was well. We were quiet and reflective as we started out from Illinois but the closer we came to the coast, the brighter we became. It was as if the giant body of ...

... moustaches on each other with eye-liner. I went to the psychedlic half moon party in the jungle, got a UV gecko painted on my foot, stacked it down a flight of 9 concrete steps and spent most of my time throwing up out of a taxi window on the way home (I remember nothing). I went to the full moon party, lost everyone but Kieran and got my camera wet in the sea before stumbling home at 5am. I got painted on and painted everyone with neon ...