31st May 2002: Ko Tao, Thailand

Hey folks,

Here I am in Thailand. Have come here by way of Singapore and Malaysia, travelling with a friend from Uni. Dean and I have travelled together to such far-away places as Paris, Singapore, and Hull. We met up in Singapore, where we stayed with a friend of mine who has a lush $3/4m apartment. Not exactly roughing it just yet! After being shown around Singapore on the back of a motorbike driven by a lunatic chinese guy (scary), we made it to Malaysia. Tried hitchiking, but got smiles and friendly waves. Weren't sure if they thought we were waving at them, or if they were trying to tell us to get the bus. Anyway after 40 mins we got bored and took the bus - it was only 50p! Change for the hotel that night was provided by a local prostitute, gender of whom was unclear. Soon made it to the perhentian islands - absolutely gorgeous!! Almost unspoiled islands with beautiful beaches, impeccable weather (no wait, it was actually too sunny), and sea temperatures over 30 degrees . It was like swimming in the bath! Did some diving, read books, then got bored (no alcohol you see) and went to Thailand.

We arrived on Koh Pha-Ngan just in time for the legendary full moon on hat rin beach. Originally a hippy-style "let's dance barefoot in the sand, man" event, it now has regular attendances of thousands. The drink of choice is cheap whiskey, coke and red bull served in a sand castle bucket. Very approriate I'm sure. Add to this the fact that the redbull contains speed and you have a recipe for an interesting night! Within 24 hours of arriving on Koh Pha-Ngan, bumped into 9 - yes NINE - people I know, including Juliet Ellerton, Liz Lyttle, Carl (Em's ex), and Keith and Andy. Very peculiar!

NB don't try riding a moped with 2 people on it after a big drug-fuelled night out - especially with a puncture.

Found cheap restaurant which smelt suspiciously of dog. Nice food though...

Had a great birthday on the beach, another big night and no sleep! Yay!

Now we are on the way to Bangkok, which will be a shock to the system after all those beaches.

Seeya
Matt