Today we did a day trip to the famous Phi Phi Islands, one and a half hours off the coast of Phuket. It was a nice day, but Phi Phi Don is so incredibly overtouristed and busy that I am glad we are staying in Phuket - makes for a more relaxing time. Phi Phi Leh itself was beautiful - the limestone cliffs thrust clear out of the water, surrounded by aquamarine waters of varying shades. Though I must admit I thought Maya Bay (where they filmed 'The Beach') would be more stunning. Corb had the great idea that it would look best from a helicopter, though a bit out of our means I think. Did some snorkeling and saw a whole lotta fish - though other people were feeding them so it's not surprising. Unforunately ... read more

Trading the sun and the sea for the jungle clad interior, we set off for Khao Sok National Park by way of Surat Thani. With luck on our side we found ourselves a delightful little bunglow right on the rivers' edge (the River Sok too!) with a hammock-ed balcony overhanging the water. As we awoke we could hear the river rushing past, the birds calling in the dawn, and smell the sweet, brightly coloured flowers that were right outside our windows. After a lunch in the guesthouse restaurant which overlooked the limestone mountains that the area is famous for (they call it the Guilin of Thailand, it reminded me of the drive out to Ha Long Bay), we hurried back to our room as thunder rolled overhead. The whole sky was lit up like a million ... read more

So I thought the plane would feel like more of a big deal, after having avoided them for the past 8.5 months. But it was just like any other journey. Though I would recommended Qatar Airlines as the movie selection was great, the food plentiful and they even gave us earplugs, socks and an eye mask - sweet. Seeing the sunset as we flew over the Gulf was pretty sad, kinda felt like the trip was ending in a way. I guess we dreamed a dream, then lived it, and although it was awesome, it has to come to and end and that will be hard to let go of. 8.5 months of travel over in one flight, crazy. Arriving in Bangkok was like deja vu. Everything looked the same and even smelt the same. We ... read more

Today was another day of catching up with friends. We met Sheree, Rose and Roland, all of Galbraiths fame at Victoria Station and set off for the day. Our stomachs took us first to Soho where we had decidedly dodgy Chinese, made all the more funny by the fact the guy there couldn't speak English (silly us for thinking that once we made it to London we'd be able to order our meals without confusion!). Deciding we needed a bit of culture after that episode we headed across town, for a walk across the Millennium Bridge to the Tate Modern. At the moment there is an installation there which is a series of slides in different shapes and lengths from various parts of the gallery. We tried to get on to the high one that circled ... read more

Today was a momentous day! After years of yearning and childlike dreaming I was reunited with a little Bear who had found himself lost and bothered on the platform at Paddington Station. I had wanted myself a little Paddington since I first saw him on TV when I was but a wee thing and waited all this time til I could collect him myself. When Sheryn came to London a few years ago she remembered my dream and brought me back a tiny weeny Paddington, so cute. But now I have the real thing and he will keep me all up to date with my hugs until I return home to Bonsai in December. Other things achieved today include an exploration of the British Museum which was fantastic, and lunch with Sam and Gkee in The ... read more