Spent the entire day chilling out at the resort, as I was sick and therefore Aaron was having a sick day too :) Think the change in temperature (it has been hot then humid then rainy then hot again) has screwed around with my body, and it is also probably getting used to the change in food. Aaron has been fine though, the bugger. Said goodbye to Rohan and Jodie and Jodie's parents, who were off back home tonight. Was very sad, but so glad to have the opportunity to holiday with them at the beginning of our trip - it made it slightly easier (only slightly!) to say goodbye to our friends knowing that we'd see them on the other side. But from here on in we're not seeing anyone until we meet Jamie and ... read more

Oh my dear... did I feel worse for wear this morning! Jian, typically, bounced back from last night with full flight and fancy. I however, was slower to start my engines. We met up with Rohan and Jodie, and Jodie's parents and set out to Kok Chang, where we would ride elephants. Riding an elephant is a strange and wonderful experience. Rohan and Jodie had researched the establishment we chose, on the basis of the treatment of the animals. We didn't want to throw money to people who were cruel to their animals. This place was pleasant, well run and the elephants obviously respected. Our guide gave us the opportunity to sit on the elephant, figuratively driving the animal. At first I was sceptical and Jian was not up for it as you were literally sitting ... read more

Amy, Emma, Dan, Greg and Simon came to the airport to say goodbye to us this morning. Very sad to say goodbye to them. Flying Thai Airways from Sydney to Bangkok for 8.5 hours was absolute bliss - nice meals, lots of movies, good service, very comfortable. Waiting at Suvarnabhumi Airport for 4.5 hours and flying Air Asia (read: Asia's equivalent to Australia's Jetstar, i.e shit service, uncomfortable seats, cage-like experience) from Bangkok to Phuket was not so nice. And driving in a minibus from Phuket International Airport to our resort down south in Kata Beach, which theoretically should only take 25 minutes, took an agonising 2.5 hours as we darted through 5 separate beaches dropping people off, narrowly missing pedestrians, motorcylists and elephants. However, the resort we are staying in is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and so ... read more