The last few days have flown by and what I thought was a few days was actually closer to two weeks. Lisa and I spent way too long in Chang Mai waiting for my Chinese visa to come through from the consulate. While we waited we did manage to do some coool things like visit the zoo, (first time experiences of pandas, hippos, lion) walk the nigt bazaar, catch a movie and visit some other touristy sights. We chilled out and caught up on some sleep but the Thai food here has seriously let us down and it got to the stage where we depressed by the fare on offer. We had planned our CM trip to make sure we included the Sunday Walking Street market and this was Chang Mai's only redeeming quality. It was ... read more

Today is Monday. Last night Spain won the 2010 World Cup. Lisa and I were tucked up in our noisy room at Tony's Place in Ayuthaya. I think the name Ayuthaya sounds like a Star Wars Princess but unforunately if this was the case we are about 5 centuries too late. This place has lots of wonderful old temples, wats and the ruins are impressive but what's left of the town is pretty ordinary. We arrived yesterday, after an epic 8.5 hour bus jouney. We braved the local transport- always an adventure but it took us a mere 7 minutes to realise that 1.5 days was enough on this little piece of earth. Today we hired a scooter- drove all around the island and checked out some of the main temple/sights. Tonight we are jumping on ... read more

Monday was check out day. Our two Irish neighbours and the 3 English guys had decided they would tag along to Koh tao. We farwelled Power Beach resort and it's oh-so-lovely swimming pool bound for the ferry pier. We had booked and paid for a 12.30 ferry across to Koh Tao but when we got there the pier was packed, packed, packed with people. Everyone had the same idea as us. The system involved exchanging travel vouchers for a sticker and paper ticket then lining up to get onto the ferry. At 1.30 we had managed to get onto the pier with stickers and tickets. We all had our ginormous packs, hangovers and were about to experience the frst signs of heatstroke when a lady began speaking. We were in shock to hear that the 12.30 ... read more

Finally Wednesday night had arrived. I had successfully located ' Boardroom Beach Bungalows', checked in, then patiently waited ntil 10pm when Lisa Legs arrived. I went to the airport with Chris (Aussie GH owner) and his friend Conrad. We brought along welcoming beers. So, as I located Lisa (last off the bloody plane) I greeted her with a 'spotlight.. i found you' and a cold beer to quench her Thailand arrival thirst. With greetings done we made a beeline for the bungalow where we quickly chatted and moved across to the chillout bar. We enjoyed a few more beers, a moonlit beach walk and collapsed into bed about 1.30am. So, so so great to have her here! In the morning we grabbed the 10.30am ferry to Koh Phangan where we were thrilled with our accomodation. While ... read more

My mini van pulled into Chang Mai around 4pm on Sunday afternoon. It had taken all day to get from Huay Xui in far north Laos to CM. I followed some recommendations and found a decent guest house right in the centre of the old city for 150 BHT a night. Every Sunday night there is a massive street market so I quickly found an ATM (pleased it let me withdraw a decent amount- Laos has a ridiculous limit of 70,000 kip per time= $70) and went shopping. The best part was trying all the different street food. I ate 3 times that night. Pad Thai, fruit shakes. sushi and lemon icecream. All delicious- it's making me hungry just thinking about them. On Monday I had a 'Western' day. I went to Central Airport Plaza, had ... read more