tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31606932049381269542024-03-05T23:18:23.601+00:00Exploring ThailandAfter spending a month in Thailand I am planning to live out there. This blog details my progress in relocating.Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-53973406178431507082008-04-22T16:57:00.000+01:002008-04-23T03:37:27.960+01:00Final Entry<div>I would like to thank all the people who made this trip possible and those who made it wonderful. If I've missed anyone out I'm sorry but I have a photo upload limit :-(. </div><br /><div><br />Firstly I'd like to thank my mum and dad for helping me out financially and making this possible in spite of the global credit crunch and my house sale falling through.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGOhtqgi2uA-F8F4TQY8hV5m0WBap08VoI0S5sgshmViEmHrUB8d4W5XjoEHmM11i9DT6pcqR5H7JJLH8mbr4KSCFxpVA0HT_90eVmlYWqYXY4y5sdiJxz9ikPZx6hkVuM0OGxYaWGA/s1600-h/n610335542_426855_8258.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192100380305991074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGOhtqgi2uA-F8F4TQY8hV5m0WBap08VoI0S5sgshmViEmHrUB8d4W5XjoEHmM11i9DT6pcqR5H7JJLH8mbr4KSCFxpVA0HT_90eVmlYWqYXY4y5sdiJxz9ikPZx6hkVuM0OGxYaWGA/s320/n610335542_426855_8258.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br />Thanks Mum!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><div>Thanks Dad!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TZZmsgWk8MFZ2-mzE_ibKQoQ4Rmp3fVU2ZJNnATzX3QYVeXqGe5DKpgmbn2JymZEmPkkd1pUDoUoc4NpbJjsTgG4a7RrRteDgOvPWt2zVy_cIPPy7f-fHmm8rMMIbtV01bJgA_zqWg/s1600-h/n553900356_1663100_175.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192100371716056466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TZZmsgWk8MFZ2-mzE_ibKQoQ4Rmp3fVU2ZJNnATzX3QYVeXqGe5DKpgmbn2JymZEmPkkd1pUDoUoc4NpbJjsTgG4a7RrRteDgOvPWt2zVy_cIPPy7f-fHmm8rMMIbtV01bJgA_zqWg/s320/n553900356_1663100_175.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Secondly I'd like to thank the group I came with.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Thanks Jan and Garry - if you hadn't of planned this I'm not sure it would have ever happened.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaixjN0IuWM2aCtLxrlHcW3tS6boaw6dZC2-asCYJCbLI2ikqXxP3vaY3msTTrKbIqA1_shEUKYSZ7-ziYVC9T-NO9msie1pKbI6rBq_47u9Zd5ELyfXw-Wlqh4Bf3Kif1kCdL-U1pnA/s1600-h/n553900356_2766538_1383.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192105611576157746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaixjN0IuWM2aCtLxrlHcW3tS6boaw6dZC2-asCYJCbLI2ikqXxP3vaY3msTTrKbIqA1_shEUKYSZ7-ziYVC9T-NO9msie1pKbI6rBq_47u9Zd5ELyfXw-Wlqh4Bf3Kif1kCdL-U1pnA/s320/n553900356_2766538_1383.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Thanks Sara and Ollie - hope you had a great a time as I did. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzuwCi1xFQaPKkyHVZDUincTKLiEEpl2od9gJWU3veCK8LP-Q4_D4U-m1h3qgHro-zkFbyqR_TizCRIBJNLJP3unKj8VXpA7BLNjjnqdDROhVkq-EnknVk9FFbJGR4Hx1P1Fex6G7Dw/s1600-h/n553900356_2766529_8639.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192105611576157730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzuwCi1xFQaPKkyHVZDUincTKLiEEpl2od9gJWU3veCK8LP-Q4_D4U-m1h3qgHro-zkFbyqR_TizCRIBJNLJP3unKj8VXpA7BLNjjnqdDROhVkq-EnknVk9FFbJGR4Hx1P1Fex6G7Dw/s320/n553900356_2766529_8639.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Beck and Paul - I needed some single guys with me. Whens the next <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hol</span>?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B0Ksh2Dgid7n1-JlxsX6nGzqI9C7ay4mbFEBgbywqFEJ5pvsnUfpMOg7m2vWzi0cYjLrXVl_eRe99ApLOk2Ue3kcu3LdP95eQlUmzLXrQ1LNSoGUZtDiIKj1ftf13V_aWkPEYIt_Jg/s1600-h/n553900356_2766513_4157.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192105877864130114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B0Ksh2Dgid7n1-JlxsX6nGzqI9C7ay4mbFEBgbywqFEJ5pvsnUfpMOg7m2vWzi0cYjLrXVl_eRe99ApLOk2Ue3kcu3LdP95eQlUmzLXrQ1LNSoGUZtDiIKj1ftf13V_aWkPEYIt_Jg/s320/n553900356_2766513_4157.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Thanks Elliot and Suzie - Bet you wish you'd stayed for the month <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPB1go0xkUUpgXVNXJ9gtZLjJcUtebEf_lOoKZvpQO7wVT6MioEREI6PAqRRTr0OnQH1kAk5Xkx3aY0ic1V16hRyw31TfUQsx-BNoPuloWF4tuIR-rGbBX5sMms1q3TZBflRxfG6Zow/s1600-h/n553900356_2766514_4414.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192105594396288514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPB1go0xkUUpgXVNXJ9gtZLjJcUtebEf_lOoKZvpQO7wVT6MioEREI6PAqRRTr0OnQH1kAk5Xkx3aY0ic1V16hRyw31TfUQsx-BNoPuloWF4tuIR-rGbBX5sMms1q3TZBflRxfG6Zow/s320/n553900356_2766514_4414.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Thanks David and Carol - Dave - I'm going to need copies of those photos!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7WtSel-HqwmDS68Z-ReylR-yVf6hqF_VfGtpf325ha7QQWgg1RNWd7e_rI4PUOn9-1CZlHmd6j6Tb4gLxDtQMwelPbv0JhU14j6Ez4FCj6g3oDtxl49phI2NEWd-Xf2ICZii9MudJg/s1600-h/n553900356_2766524_7191.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192105602986223122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7WtSel-HqwmDS68Z-ReylR-yVf6hqF_VfGtpf325ha7QQWgg1RNWd7e_rI4PUOn9-1CZlHmd6j6Tb4gLxDtQMwelPbv0JhU14j6Ez4FCj6g3oDtxl49phI2NEWd-Xf2ICZii9MudJg/s320/n553900356_2766524_7191.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Thirdly I'd like to thank those people I met along the way. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Emma, Claire, Yelsel & Shelley - it was great to see you again - kind of a Cuba re-union. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFvZlM3D176JdaEflxFTHmQo1RePll-y8sGfGKzzfdvNpdn6X6LWldKLX14uy45Zi_M1azVAiLUJzIWV6Pf7bILIGHjgG5BRjJf_S5meiRTJf2kJCLTupIJPAeOQVibeiDra8nPushA/s1600-h/n553900356_2730284_8858.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192263653487748754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFvZlM3D176JdaEflxFTHmQo1RePll-y8sGfGKzzfdvNpdn6X6LWldKLX14uy45Zi_M1azVAiLUJzIWV6Pf7bILIGHjgG5BRjJf_S5meiRTJf2kJCLTupIJPAeOQVibeiDra8nPushA/s320/n553900356_2730284_8858.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Hugh, cheers for putting up with me / looking after me / getting me smashed and introducing <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9iRcPWbTnmscHhAX0sGeTiOYnFVIa2sPcvPCLU1Pu0BPb3e3Ld0x81pAlJYxP5lfAiIQF5VH87A2ezp8_uPTt2nnWeF6z1fTTfcQvGgHTRxqlL-MMvx38QHFEq2pYsh5sT357y2b4w/s1600-h/n553900356_2831334_6310.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192109657435350658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9iRcPWbTnmscHhAX0sGeTiOYnFVIa2sPcvPCLU1Pu0BPb3e3Ld0x81pAlJYxP5lfAiIQF5VH87A2ezp8_uPTt2nnWeF6z1fTTfcQvGgHTRxqlL-MMvx38QHFEq2pYsh5sT357y2b4w/s320/n553900356_2831334_6310.jpg" border="0" /></a>me to all your friends.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />Guy, thanks for getting me out of the bar - looking forward to seeing you in England<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikn47feLi_OnBOam8rM9W_qm8g_dfGS0lzxW6QHbVkIXN0uavfvnzqcEYKst5X4W5Req1L7ige3l4QI0zFiHJbWZXQRu87HumiQQS9VEunRg2mkJCGXPqId6s_hTDwwwZJD8BCFQG0iw/s1600-h/P4170063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192100504860042690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikn47feLi_OnBOam8rM9W_qm8g_dfGS0lzxW6QHbVkIXN0uavfvnzqcEYKst5X4W5Req1L7ige3l4QI0zFiHJbWZXQRu87HumiQQS9VEunRg2mkJCGXPqId6s_hTDwwwZJD8BCFQG0iw/s320/P4170063.JPG" border="0" /></a> whenever that may be. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Johnny - Hope you get better quick mate. You took too much man, You took too much....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvtwNyCrU58qUM02ftxVxroRdO3tmGCwH6FgBqWgDUP27UN2lHw48mQ8pOMq18dMh4VxwalUDg3eTyHDErKFQ7TGjz3ZHQ-iKkOulivVrshVHKf0_qoOl0jDxmLGuZJpWYlyEURQYyw/s1600-h/P4170064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192100517744944594" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvtwNyCrU58qUM02ftxVxroRdO3tmGCwH6FgBqWgDUP27UN2lHw48mQ8pOMq18dMh4VxwalUDg3eTyHDErKFQ7TGjz3ZHQ-iKkOulivVrshVHKf0_qoOl0jDxmLGuZJpWYlyEURQYyw/s320/P4170064.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Genna - You are lovely and great company. Hope you have a great time in Korea - and pass that<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4ZDpXk1FjeR5YHvRA4Wlm2MVSJDkOibxqGN-HMe0SCFcvG-cdLiprirneU-sWL6doF-eAwIK7hAQ4hbRDdJ-U9jcycgjRfUZGYZ1DjiMqXRQoUNhUA7zJ9oJSqnj6Y2EyrNN8FEYYQ/s1600-h/n553900356_2831336_6979.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192109047549994594" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4ZDpXk1FjeR5YHvRA4Wlm2MVSJDkOibxqGN-HMe0SCFcvG-cdLiprirneU-sWL6doF-eAwIK7hAQ4hbRDdJ-U9jcycgjRfUZGYZ1DjiMqXRQoUNhUA7zJ9oJSqnj6Y2EyrNN8FEYYQ/s320/n553900356_2831336_6979.jpg" border="0" /></a> test :-P</div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Aisleyne</span> - (Hope I got your name right) Thanks for staying up drinking all night with me. Shame we <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQRVLwNFWiSxWmgcDnKpBOodjWKDqAXfqWdHXJtUtKYTgbvxfPH4TLDuI7JFHA7s7zpya0X9QSnthknySWVv_l0bNF05zBcCXbS3K-rYptc3AeTZVjmUl8DL924pt3yVNRZKO9rwSEA/s1600-h/n553900356_2831358_5100.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192109051844961906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQRVLwNFWiSxWmgcDnKpBOodjWKDqAXfqWdHXJtUtKYTgbvxfPH4TLDuI7JFHA7s7zpya0X9QSnthknySWVv_l0bNF05zBcCXbS3K-rYptc3AeTZVjmUl8DL924pt3yVNRZKO9rwSEA/s320/n553900356_2831358_5100.jpg" border="0" /></a>didn't have some more time to spend together. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>And a final <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">thankyou</span> to all those people who played the smaller parts in making my holiday so much fun. I'm sure there is a photo of you somewhere on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">facebook</span> account. It's with a heavy heart I return to England. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-88600902006945007752008-04-22T16:06:00.000+01:002008-04-22T16:57:54.215+01:00Bridge over the River Kwai and Big CatsLast night I was supposed to get an early night. However, I found a game called Manhunt 2 on<br />the PSP sooo addictive (the one that got banned in the UK for being too gory) that I stayed <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPhvjoxNW2zhQTj4XJkk7gCw98nvKIjK0hoUUn3pF9MY-MxJ6tq4BgyRyShkHrtd85b6K4J3CG1Az5AWo8-WGedYWaDoFQaO_58_0rcCvC_h6qZMt_g1yfSi_V_GyFOETUQEa5ZXEuw/s1600-h/P4220225.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192099010211423586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPhvjoxNW2zhQTj4XJkk7gCw98nvKIjK0hoUUn3pF9MY-MxJ6tq4BgyRyShkHrtd85b6K4J3CG1Az5AWo8-WGedYWaDoFQaO_58_0rcCvC_h6qZMt_g1yfSi_V_GyFOETUQEa5ZXEuw/s320/P4220225.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />up till 3am playing it. Well, I have to maximise my time in Thailand - I'll sleep on the<br />plane home. <div><div><br /><div><br />I awoke at 6am after receiving my wake up call and made my way down to reception. The pick<br />up was 30 minutes late. Little things like that annoy me. Had I known I could have got some<br />more shut eye. Nevermind. </div><br /><div><br />We drove round and collected more people. There was a group of French Canadians - what a<br />strange bunch they are. There was also a Japanese couple. I had aske<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MGwB-9vi0Q7PH40SgQIaqSEHqz8rY984EFEP3M5VA3usnFMsJogyKNJwNxV9O1iY7hgL0c9uU1JNWfuX_CVOiNnqki9zYykYoX6Npl4PoVTLP2kzw9nn2jniMmY6Yqu4QS9FUPyUtQ/s1600-h/P4220211.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192099035981227378" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MGwB-9vi0Q7PH40SgQIaqSEHqz8rY984EFEP3M5VA3usnFMsJogyKNJwNxV9O1iY7hgL0c9uU1JNWfuX_CVOiNnqki9zYykYoX6Npl4PoVTLP2kzw9nn2jniMmY6Yqu4QS9FUPyUtQ/s320/P4220211.JPG" border="0" /></a>d for a group excursion<br />so that I could interact with people. However, the Japs didn't speak English and the French<br />Canadians didn't seem to want to speak English. Just like the real French. Nevermind I<br />thought and fell asleep on the 150Km drive to the river Kwai. We got soo close to Burma I<br />could almost touch it - and probably would have done had I brought my papers.<br />First we went to the Kanchanaburi Cemetery where the soldiers who died building the bridge<br />during the war were buried. Around half the graves were British. There was around 35% Dutch<br />- which surprised me. The remained er where Australian peppered with the odd other small<br />commonwealth country. Where were all the Americans? I'm sure they featured in the film?<br />Maybe I'm wrong. </div><br /><div><br />Next we made our way to the museum. Where I looked at human remains and guns and such from the war. All the original Japanese bikes & cars to barbers chairs were there. They all had<br />big Japanese flags painted on them and the word JAPANESE written under the flag in the Roman alphabet. That's odd I thought - but no one was around to answer my questions. </div><br /><br /><div>Next it was off to the bridge itself. It's not the original bridge as that was destroyed -<br />but it is a faithful recreation of it. Its a railway bridge about 2 metres wide and a couple<br />of hundred metres long. It consists of a set of tracks, large wooden sleepers and a metal<br />walk way just wide enough for one person to walk along in the middle between the tracks.<br />This posed a real problem when encountering someone walking in the opposite direction. you<br />had to side step and stand on a sleeper. It was a huge drop either side. Not safe at all - I<br />wonder how many people fall off of it each year. I walked cautiously across it - well aware<br />that I am a clumsy person and I have also developed a oversensitivity to fear of death since<br />Johnny's accident. All the hand rails and escalators here are 6 inches too low. E<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuIBtaLWAJPV_vtzwG3_CJPlRAobuKMU31z4c7xI2WeLiL1u6UYbeFv6lCQ-WoyrJImwPy0ttI-Jxj3D1VUmHQjI9YnyeDbiayeVYaZxbaqx09BnHpwWzazrUXfhIK40wRd3FyOaOGg/s1600-h/P4220203.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192099048866129282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuIBtaLWAJPV_vtzwG3_CJPlRAobuKMU31z4c7xI2WeLiL1u6UYbeFv6lCQ-WoyrJImwPy0ttI-Jxj3D1VUmHQjI9YnyeDbiayeVYaZxbaqx09BnHpwWzazrUXfhIK40wRd3FyOaOGg/s320/P4220203.JPG" border="0" /></a>very time I<br />look over one I feel my toes curl up as I am aware my centre of gravity is higher than the<br />rail. It will be nice to get back to the land of normal sized people. Anyway, I digress. As<br />people approached me I tried to use my superior size to make them side step me. Eventually I<br />made it to the other side where I was greeted by an elephant and a person selling postcards.<br />I decided to make my way back. The current of people seemed to be going my way on the way<br />back and I was back on Terra Firma in around 5 minutes. I took some time out to purchase<br />some DVDs - I know I can get them off of the net - but I'm just lazy.</div><br /><div><br />Next we took the train along the River Kwai to a floating restaurant. This is the first time<br />I have travelled by train in Thailand. Initially I felt quite happy just sitting on my<br />wooden seat with the wind blowing in my face. Happy that it wasn't a rainy day and that the<br />windows were open. There is no air conditioning on the train. About half way through our<br />journey we encountered some kind of dust storm and I had to keep my eyes closed whilst<br />little Thai children around me cried because their eyes hurt. </div><br /><br /><div>Fortunately at this point the French Canadians and Japs were swapped for a young English couple from Surrey and some middle aged Australians. Oh joy people to talk to! We chatted as we had lunch and then I was told I was the only person from my group going to the tiger temple.<br />Argh! I'd only just met some people to talk to - we hadn't even exchanged names. Nevermind I<br />thought thrilled by the thought of touching a tiger and made my way to my personal minibus.<br />On arrival at the tiger temple I was merged into a new group. I got talking to two Canadian<br />girls called Sarah and Megan I decided to knock about with them. They seemed really nice -<br />in fact all the Canadians I have met have seemed really nice. I really should make the<br />effort to visit the place one day. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br />We made our way down into what seemed like a quarry where it was in excess of 40 degrees.<br />There were fans there to cool you down - they even sprayed water at you. However, a slight<br />breeze and an excessive amount of dust soon meant I was caked in a light brown powder goo.<br />There were around 6 or 7 tigers just lying in front of us on the rocks. I paid for a special<br />photo and took my new found friends down to have their photos done with the tigers.<br />They lay its head on my lap whilst I stroked it. What placid creatures they are. The people<br />who worked there assured me that this was because of the hot temperatures. However, I am more inclined to believe that they are off their heads on smack. I absolutely loved spending time with these fantastic beasts. I may even start to like cats again. </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1__Pz3r5xlTbsfq8xP8LB494PA_xhqyA8Yn3oSCwz9DCfBKwvH9DW3D4r-IB1fgN9ZvA9X6OyYI0PQ_VJyU33sGvJYwnt7nglwu2Wl7zWBV1CTxdMt40Y9OeCT9kYz1n4YSEyTwBDEw/s1600-h/P4220238.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192096557785097554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1__Pz3r5xlTbsfq8xP8LB494PA_xhqyA8Yn3oSCwz9DCfBKwvH9DW3D4r-IB1fgN9ZvA9X6OyYI0PQ_VJyU33sGvJYwnt7nglwu2Wl7zWBV1CTxdMt40Y9OeCT9kYz1n4YSEyTwBDEw/s320/P4220238.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br />Next it was off to have photos done with the cubs. They are sooo cute. There were two of them fighting over a piece of rope. After having our photos taken with them we made our way round to see the other creatures. There were water buffalo, cows, horses, goats and pigs. Perfect food for a tiger, I thought. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br />Eventually we made our way back to the minibus where I was once again s<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZxTYCOa8YpzvweRjt1qPXg3O-DsIC0uF2anD9WsjzS1rakArzexsTTMtuZ7iSA9nU6iCfZ1_bOM4GHFmEUHYDPG6PkQyrNTqR9evQ6gkPnVEo2247prkAYKxKTdpdCKqkJeIf_s7aw/s1600-h/P4220243.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192096549195162946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZxTYCOa8YpzvweRjt1qPXg3O-DsIC0uF2anD9WsjzS1rakArzexsTTMtuZ7iSA9nU6iCfZ1_bOM4GHFmEUHYDPG6PkQyrNTqR9evQ6gkPnVEo2247prkAYKxKTdpdCKqkJeIf_s7aw/s320/P4220243.JPG" border="0" /></a>eparated from people to talk to and put in another bus full of foreigners. Again I slept on the three hour journey home. I awoke to find I'd dribbled all over myself. Nice. Particularly when you are going to have a suit fitted up. As we were running late I made my way straight to the tailors instead of freshening up. I looked a state but they were very nice to me and let me use their facilities and even their Internet. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br />Its my final night and I'm off out with a girl I met a couple of weeks ago who doesn't like being <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPA_FOrzpDho4v7AfasiKFRh9jhurEdH97vy1zq3eHLEZxblufQz-jFn36YrVS6RVVA2d7r_FjYaCsgr06H4_7lCrI2oW05mHZcWmbN8PA95zqUe_dUpBhmDXgzWYuvcdaieIk4oUxg/s1600-h/P4220269.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192094599280010546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPA_FOrzpDho4v7AfasiKFRh9jhurEdH97vy1zq3eHLEZxblufQz-jFn36YrVS6RVVA2d7r_FjYaCsgr06H4_7lCrI2oW05mHZcWmbN8PA95zqUe_dUpBhmDXgzWYuvcdaieIk4oUxg/s320/P4220269.JPG" border="0" /></a>mentioned on the Internet for some reason???? so shall remain anonymous. I'm sure its going to be a fun night. </div></div></div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-42146267292432739372008-04-21T15:21:00.000+01:002008-04-21T16:09:08.674+01:00A Grand Palace day out.When I got downstairs I was greeted by my guide for the day. Her name was Nancy a middle aged Chinese woman. She asked me if I was Mr Walker. I said yes and she showed me to my car. I also had a driver all of my own for the day. This isn't bad for a freebie I thought. They treat you well when you book into somewhere nice.<br /><br />As we drove through <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bangkok</span> Nancy answered all my questions about the city. For example did you know that Thai people have a lucky colour for each day of the week. On Mondays it is Yellow. Anyway, I was sure her name wasn't Nancy so when she asked what my first name was I said the fir<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpUt7moLtOZjRd2iYgdtyz56SVMBXNKcBPwob4NK6XWKdeZ7VyG0rh7oCHW8ds6fXSqttV8G7NGcrDAbxTDXedLanwNBR8cuoVchpRLo4BUXWVN-GhiWOw_Jivj2cg1x129TSiIa-ZQ/s1600-h/0.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191715104355538802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpUt7moLtOZjRd2iYgdtyz56SVMBXNKcBPwob4NK6XWKdeZ7VyG0rh7oCHW8ds6fXSqttV8G7NGcrDAbxTDXedLanwNBR8cuoVchpRLo4BUXWVN-GhiWOw_Jivj2cg1x129TSiIa-ZQ/s320/0.jpg" border="0" /></a>st thing that came into my head. "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Spok</span>" I replied. It seemed like the logical thing to do. I'm quite used to the Thai people calling me Mr Garry. I find it quite <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">endearing</span>. When she started calling me Mr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Spok</span> I almost pissed myself with laughter. She wasn't too sure what was so funny and I composed myself as we made our way down to the canals.<br /><div></div><br /><div>We hired a boat and I was taken around the floating markets. Mondays aren't a good day for floating markets apparently. I bought myself a bottle of coke and a loaf of bread to feed the catfish and that was it. The catfish all congregate around the riverside temples as fishing is forbidden there. Smart fish eh? Some are up to a metre long. The river is a nas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGCDCKKf-6sbv2693uoyfq2ZcfMzlX-11HWLbLQggjfNTGGZponilwAsOSWrgKjewPuuCTycx9QlZ-ff9BTRYIoUydFIPaVLOB9cO69mMV_yufG9PeE5HOTqnvL4YdgIBqgcdDIbQ3g/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191715125830375298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGCDCKKf-6sbv2693uoyfq2ZcfMzlX-11HWLbLQggjfNTGGZponilwAsOSWrgKjewPuuCTycx9QlZ-ff9BTRYIoUydFIPaVLOB9cO69mMV_yufG9PeE5HOTqnvL4YdgIBqgcdDIbQ3g/s320/1.jpg" border="0" /></a>ty green colour and smells bad, sounds like one of my fish tanks. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>When that was finished and I had returned to dry land I made my way to the grand palace. Its a series of temples and palaces used throughout the ages by the Thai monarchy. It was all very pretty but once you've seen one temple you've seen them all. For 2 hours Nancy told me about kings I had never heard of and wars that I didn't know had ever happened. The one highlight was the scale model of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Angkor</span> Wat (apparently Cambodia was a part of Thailand till the French stole it). I'd been very intent on seeing Cambodia but circumstances dictated otherwise. Eventually very hot and bothered I asked Nanc<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYPLVLNwyGVXzTbmooiRd49GNm739DqPuO9-qF8HtvzdZ51iiOlMsfxLbmMQf03xtIDS9pkRTgdZDwwAbcLp24G2nKl551aWNKIECsvfLLYLTdWRoTxteMWTUrE78K3cyt369MaenKQ/s1600-h/2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191715130125342610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYPLVLNwyGVXzTbmooiRd49GNm739DqPuO9-qF8HtvzdZ51iiOlMsfxLbmMQf03xtIDS9pkRTgdZDwwAbcLp24G2nKl551aWNKIECsvfLLYLTdWRoTxteMWTUrE78K3cyt369MaenKQ/s320/2.jpg" border="0" /></a>y to take me somewhere cooler. We ended up in a jewellery shop - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">argh</span>! She said it was a good place to look. I said only because you get paid for it. She confessed that she did and asked if I would visit one more before we continued. Fair enough I thought. Its not like I have anything better to do. Three jewellery shops later I was getting bored and I asked Nancy if she would take me to buy a suit for work. We tried three places and I eventually managed to beat an Indian man named Raj down to 50 pounds per tailored cashmere wool suit - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">that's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Matalan</span> prices! I took two. The cloth said it was made in Italy. I suspect that isn't true but it felt great anyway. They have retained my measurements and say they can <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">FedEx</span> new ones to me for 20 pounds in the future. Happy days - I must remember not to get any fatter. I've been measured up and have to return tomorrow for fitting. I also decided to have 5 shirts tailor made at a cost of 10 pounds each. Apparently they are made from Egyptian cotton - which I'm told is good - again it felt nice. I think I'm going to have to throw away a pair of shoes to stay under the weight limit. Although on my return I will try and put all the heavy stuff in my hand luggage. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>From there it was off to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">MBK</span> centre to buy a cracked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">PSP</span>. Its a games machine and games <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAp-hD_rRP0WiwUFx8T6ttBAdEFHkMYlaK2Y43xsU2wLJRM_jPrpH8cV4hp_EAeWGP7Ur94jZexgAgiJRcuHTQxM747OeWwx0q-SIX5nDtCw2DOGB9vRQWmKSIiFnPv2d4s5SzEiUgBw/s1600-h/3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191715138715277218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAp-hD_rRP0WiwUFx8T6ttBAdEFHkMYlaK2Y43xsU2wLJRM_jPrpH8cV4hp_EAeWGP7Ur94jZexgAgiJRcuHTQxM747OeWwx0q-SIX5nDtCw2DOGB9vRQWmKSIiFnPv2d4s5SzEiUgBw/s320/3.jpg" border="0" /></a>normally cost 30 pounds each. I have got over 200 games for it and now have the technology to crack <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">PSP's</span> a business which were it not illegal in the UK I'm would be very very profitable. Not that I'd ever do anything like that :-)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Tomorrow I'm off to the infamous River <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kwai</span> by train and then to the tiger temple in the afternoon before coming back for my fitting. Fun fun fun. </div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-30775601149110039142008-04-21T14:10:00.000+01:002008-04-21T16:11:49.541+01:00Return of the blogFirst of all appologies for not writing on my blog sooner. Its been a hectic week. The new year festivities here lasted almost a week. My friends and I took full adv<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZELiL26PRO9e-03AyRAUwm2_E_r0qC52uqKRmW2J63yqtUba2Wtjgyb1cCS5wN_tJoYf3qnjZzjqhv95wyIaw3CL862WiUnleFSccwcZvc_mQ7O0PEAM-fCTBbozc2oeyhQiufN4pA/s1600-h/P4170067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191695506419767122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZELiL26PRO9e-03AyRAUwm2_E_r0qC52uqKRmW2J63yqtUba2Wtjgyb1cCS5wN_tJoYf3qnjZzjqhv95wyIaw3CL862WiUnleFSccwcZvc_mQ7O0PEAM-fCTBbozc2oeyhQiufN4pA/s320/P4170067.JPG" border="0" /></a>antage of the festival to go to as many beach parties as possible. My arm had started to heal up, I'd made lots of new friends and everything was going really well.<br /><br />One night Johnny, Guy, Hugh and myself made our way down to a party on the beach about 15 minutes drive from the bar. I was driven down there on the back of a motorbike by Johnny it was bigger than the scooters I had been used to riding around on. I decided to leave early as I was pissed and sleepy. As Hugh was entertaining a young lady I decided to sleep down on the beach. When I awoke in the middle of the night I found I was surrounded by dogs. At first I was a little concerned by this as I thought they might want to eat me. I looked to my left. All the dogs looked left. I looked to my right and the dogs all looked right. I was the leader of the pack. If I heard a noise one of the dogs would wander off to investigate and come back and let me know everything was OK. I felt very safe. Then I thought maybe they have fleas and moved myself up to the seating area of the bar. The dogs followed. I was very sleepy so I just decided to let them sleep at my feet.<br /><br />When I awoke the next morning Hugh asked me where Johnny was. I explained that I had left early. He said no one had seen him since last night. We scoured the islan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMYuPR9Xwb6wfrr1xzSOBT79Xnu6kxj36yReaa0M5MpEiJ8vvFEIwcM4J6hRZ6GIQZbkMFIIQqgc6aaQi-_1BwXjLQ30fFroX5K6kfxd9VvNOAFUjaK3gR0Qfx5br_GYf-P0tVFHOnQ/s1600-h/dogs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191716259701741490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMYuPR9Xwb6wfrr1xzSOBT79Xnu6kxj36yReaa0M5MpEiJ8vvFEIwcM4J6hRZ6GIQZbkMFIIQqgc6aaQi-_1BwXjLQ30fFroX5K6kfxd9VvNOAFUjaK3gR0Qfx5br_GYf-P0tVFHOnQ/s320/dogs.jpg" border="0" /></a>d for a while looking for him and eventually decided to check the hospital as Hugh had said he drove past a crash on the way home the night before. <div><div><br />Sure enough we found Johnny in the hospital. I don't think that anyone was prepared for the severity of his injuries though. He had a large hole in his forehead above his eye, a gaping wound on the back of his head, broken fingers, deep cuts all over his knees and that was only what we could see.<br /><br />As Johnny didn't have his insurance papers on him at the time of the crash no effort had been made to get him to a better hospital - the Koh Lanta one is for little more than minor ailments. He had lay in the bed untreated for 10 hours before we provided the documentation. As soon as we did the wheels were in motion and Johnny was taken to Bangkok International Hospital - which strangely enough is in Phuket (not Bangkok).</div><br /><div>I wasn't able to go with him but decided to catch the next ferry over to see him. When I got there I found he was in the intensive care unit. This doesn't seem good I thought. I made my way up to his room whilst a helpful porter carried all of my luggage behind me. When I got there I found Johnny asleep. He had tubes everywhere, I mean everywhere. He was hooked up to one of those machines that goes ping. I tried to interpret the information on screen but with little success. He briefly awoke and tried to sit up - that was when I realised he had been restrained by ropes around his arms and legs. He let out a blood curdling moan and looked straight through me before passing out again. I found it very distressing. </div><div></div><br /><div>I asked the doctor what the problem was and she explained that he had a severe blow to the head which in addition to his cuts and bruises had caused a brain contusion. This is essentially a brusing of the brain matter - when you hit your head hard you generally get one on the front and back of the brain where it has rebounded off the scull. It wasn't bleeding - but it was swelling and this can easily fatal if not treated.<br /><br />The next 24 hours were a waiting game to see if things started to improve. I had a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V1pqlJUhd7YLEilHK97j8Li1dVb-0czTEHkZmdwTEl3hrN-L3fJByhsfJC0pU1M_H308GFpyOH0sayUWWpGiPYOfgYe4BNB9oGns_hqPIy8MCAHC32kCg5WhIiWQ6hXXx7WuOMM9SQ/s1600-h/P4190087.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191696266628978530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V1pqlJUhd7YLEilHK97j8Li1dVb-0czTEHkZmdwTEl3hrN-L3fJByhsfJC0pU1M_H308GFpyOH0sayUWWpGiPYOfgYe4BNB9oGns_hqPIy8MCAHC32kCg5WhIiWQ6hXXx7WuOMM9SQ/s320/P4190087.JPG" border="0" /></a>flight booked for the 20th and wasn't sure what to do if Johnny didn't start to improve. We started getting word that more people were on their way to see him and I deciced that in that case I probably would go - as there was little I could do to help and Johnny didn't even seem to know I was there.<br /><br />The night before I was due to leave we visited Johnny and he actually spoke to us. He explained that his head really really hurt and that he needed some paracetomol. Then he asked the time and asked if he could go home. I was very encouraged by this and slept better that night. Well I would have done if I hadn't sat up with a bunch of Irish girls all night. We had booked ourself in to the On On Hotel in Phuket. It was made famous by the film the Beach - its at the start of the film when Leo gets given the map. Conditions there were marginally better than in the actual film - but it was only 3 pounds per night. </div><br /><div>The next morning Johnny was finally moved out of ICU - a sure sign that he was getting better and I made my way to the airport to fly back to Bangkok. I arrived and booked myself into a swanky hotel. I have my own sink, toilet, washing machine, DVD player, stove, dining area and a nice double bed. Its been a while since I enjoyed one of them. I should really have slept as the previous few days I had had virtually no sleep and it was nearly 11pm - but instead decided to go out for a drink as this was the first time I had been alone since the holiday started really and in Phuket there was a total ban on alcohol whilst the local elections were carried out.<br /><br />I made my way down to the Ko San Road - a famous tourist hangout. I found a bar with two live acoustic guitarists. I sat and listened to them sing for an hour or so before I met a group of Irish guys who seemed very interested in my travelling stories. I sat and talked with them till 2am and then made my way back to the hotel where I watched the discovery channel till stupid o'clock.<br /><br />That was a bad idea really as I had an early start today. A day trip to the grand palace - it was complimentary when I booked my 3 nights at the hotel. It's something to do that doesn't involve a bar, I thought. They are actually a lot easier to stay out of when you aren't with your mates. I awoke early and pulled myself toghether. I made my way downstairs to meet my tour guide for the day. But thats another blog.....</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-28418668556194287902008-04-14T05:37:00.000+01:002008-04-14T06:06:18.782+01:00Thai New Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6RChTwNrUlIMYIwwa_BOe67t_sZ0BL07ZFFRIuEfiAnk6i1LGXhgK5K6vRqAkkCpPwbSfxM0dN1sBuMp6cJttneRKDm58sglENvmz8kYaSzWS03zyhOz4_bs8-u6TKjJ21_1x3sZkw/s1600-h/P4120431.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188962390312030562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6RChTwNrUlIMYIwwa_BOe67t_sZ0BL07ZFFRIuEfiAnk6i1LGXhgK5K6vRqAkkCpPwbSfxM0dN1sBuMp6cJttneRKDm58sglENvmz8kYaSzWS03zyhOz4_bs8-u6TKjJ21_1x3sZkw/s320/P4120431.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyvIlqm7JUbzyepyB1wfWkSR6US0ojFClEn5x1ibkOJ4BjFPcB3KySUR9d6qPJhmxGI4bptbACdi4dyd3NzMUWXgC-biN7nSgJ-C77_xOek7BvcylRD4ppP9OKUSzR6L6wnrw0MJfEA/s1600-h/P4120445.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188962398901965170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyvIlqm7JUbzyepyB1wfWkSR6US0ojFClEn5x1ibkOJ4BjFPcB3KySUR9d6qPJhmxGI4bptbACdi4dyd3NzMUWXgC-biN7nSgJ-C77_xOek7BvcylRD4ppP9OKUSzR6L6wnrw0MJfEA/s320/P4120445.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>The last few days are a drunken haze ..... The locals are celebrating the new year... Basically you throw water at people all day long and drink too much...Happy days...... </div><br /><br /><div><br />Yesterday the girls arrived. They were tired so didnt come out drinking ..... Im expecting them <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJGzn86IF7_7cCZckI3skyVvICKHtWT5awSAJQMBeb6dzKQ4Dh2EfQYdjc4BaA35JpV46jtt-MWdYlQJL_QUcKhQEtyrBIP8hYQUqGfTpvYkO1xu7UU-c0ne6yLGhICyGcu5t0TRNRA/s1600-h/P4130498.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188962411786867090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJGzn86IF7_7cCZckI3skyVvICKHtWT5awSAJQMBeb6dzKQ4Dh2EfQYdjc4BaA35JpV46jtt-MWdYlQJL_QUcKhQEtyrBIP8hYQUqGfTpvYkO1xu7UU-c0ne6yLGhICyGcu5t0TRNRA/s320/P4130498.jpg" border="0" /></a>at the bar today.... </div><br /><p></p><br /><p>Ive managed to damage my arm quite badly - after falling into a pond whilst pissed. There was lots of blood but it seems to be healing up well. Nevermind huh?</p><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruevkgN4H5cL1Xxt3VUprTB-UYgvSAGHrnDVCGjcKc4MiFiwGJejbxrEO0GJ20WblgPO46bF68oOURjbbSeByJRa8i4TxwiLtB5andZj4xbqZLELDlnx278KHCF6yLBIAHodVisK7nQ/s1600-h/P4130458.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188962403196932482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruevkgN4H5cL1Xxt3VUprTB-UYgvSAGHrnDVCGjcKc4MiFiwGJejbxrEO0GJ20WblgPO46bF68oOURjbbSeByJRa8i4TxwiLtB5andZj4xbqZLELDlnx278KHCF6yLBIAHodVisK7nQ/s320/P4130458.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Not much else has happened - which is the way I like it. </div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-19439226046861748772008-04-12T10:51:00.000+01:002008-04-12T11:16:53.612+01:00Hughs BarI'm currently quite pissed so I'll keep this short. I said goodbye to the group yesterday as most people were making there way to Bangkok. I took the ferry at 7AM to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ko</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lanta</span> having pulled an all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nighter</span> out of the bag. On my last night in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">phuket</span> I met some lovely girls from Switzerland. Their names escape me.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNp4jJAxu4d3RHpfbd2g1pj9ZmWCigmV3wZ9s03B9nOcv5bHZXXW58ERPlR95zgxXAovCPinybNF7JLXrDQLrPULqhotMuNwPzZAxoY4AVO-y5MDNy7xP_kZFEVx_e__Cfqd-IsOaOjQ/s1600-h/P4110400.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188299672725506834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNp4jJAxu4d3RHpfbd2g1pj9ZmWCigmV3wZ9s03B9nOcv5bHZXXW58ERPlR95zgxXAovCPinybNF7JLXrDQLrPULqhotMuNwPzZAxoY4AVO-y5MDNy7xP_kZFEVx_e__Cfqd-IsOaOjQ/s320/P4110400.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I'm staying at the bar - which means free <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaxbZkEPaHjJLWQ2XtOQiHfl1leqji6X34lqIsLiYWMrIJIpHVEj4zrBAdLcsXsnf_yO-bdItzqFOi6o1mAKB1A93GEJx5F4wYhRqW9IY0gLlYDyNbysszDd2LEsyjIzybs6EAwtuaA/s1600-h/P4100350.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188299651250670306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaxbZkEPaHjJLWQ2XtOQiHfl1leqji6X34lqIsLiYWMrIJIpHVEj4zrBAdLcsXsnf_yO-bdItzqFOi6o1mAKB1A93GEJx5F4wYhRqW9IY0gLlYDyNbysszDd2LEsyjIzybs6EAwtuaA/s320/P4100350.JPG" border="0" /></a>accommodation however it also means I'm going to drink to much. 25 bottles so far and its only been one day. Also, it is Thai new year tomorrow so everyone is up for a party. I suspect for me it will be just another day. Lets hope Hugh can keep me amused.<br /><br />Guy (Hugh's brothers) is out here too. We had several drinks before he went home. There is a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14yg63Nm9FYIWd6m0v1JivBLwJawF3vc78TuAsfym6T-r4XrjO31a42c8pvsZbHIUUzcKlrNj6FRxefcvVwq9BP7aqfc5rnAXieoWyfu8x9TdyyX25TWnd2RMWHMiBRVbn4U8HEJU8w/s1600-h/P4110377.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188299638365768402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14yg63Nm9FYIWd6m0v1JivBLwJawF3vc78TuAsfym6T-r4XrjO31a42c8pvsZbHIUUzcKlrNj6FRxefcvVwq9BP7aqfc5rnAXieoWyfu8x9TdyyX25TWnd2RMWHMiBRVbn4U8HEJU8w/s320/P4110377.JPG" border="0" /></a>great ex-pat community here and I have enjoyed the company of all Hugh's friends very much.<br /><br />I probably wont have much to report over the coming days as I intend to take it easy. I Hope everybody has a safe journey back and ill see them in a couple of weeks. Beer time! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPG4VYyfKiTygHweMeQLeoFM_hWtPHYBWiu8sA_qvRq3UIKb7O-BGNr61pHWAGM_E235Trp5gpzP9yYBCmhWUD0b1Bi0T927yqPJOjmPCSKawjgdgISCSXHHY9C0bXV9c6C8KR4nxjQ/s1600-h/P4100365.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188299655545637618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPG4VYyfKiTygHweMeQLeoFM_hWtPHYBWiu8sA_qvRq3UIKb7O-BGNr61pHWAGM_E235Trp5gpzP9yYBCmhWUD0b1Bi0T927yqPJOjmPCSKawjgdgISCSXHHY9C0bXV9c6C8KR4nxjQ/s320/P4100365.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7a_MEBDwNlwUOrIwaTJiY_hGp50ixatnTDg_XOfe65GXGyqzlt4KmOfqrtIkux8lyHIlOw0Yc-mbi8NkJzIZjhIVSv89X4rVpc9eFyyJBI9pw19c0CJKHEAzd2febzNlr5vykHxJYA/s1600-h/P4110374.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188299668430539522" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7a_MEBDwNlwUOrIwaTJiY_hGp50ixatnTDg_XOfe65GXGyqzlt4KmOfqrtIkux8lyHIlOw0Yc-mbi8NkJzIZjhIVSv89X4rVpc9eFyyJBI9pw19c0CJKHEAzd2febzNlr5vykHxJYA/s320/P4110374.JPG" border="0" /></a>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-31750171850513624752008-04-10T15:37:00.000+01:002008-04-10T17:07:43.031+01:00Phuket lobster and other animals.Today I arranged to go on a minibus tour of Phuket with Jan, Garry, Dave and Carol. We left the others behind to sleep off their hangovers. Lightweights.....<br /><br /><div>We were initially driven to an observation point that has <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUEMGslTk4fTy-OjePpOxf85dJP49Recr0w65Ci55zD_UICqShL86h375GSZSXxtJclAX0Xl1t8EfJj_8QR6gZXy4X0su9hppafNAVu9ajslIWKIYlMju4SqMpBS1mgBoqPd5oLcY-w/s1600-h/P4100135.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187644900666264194" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUEMGslTk4fTy-OjePpOxf85dJP49Recr0w65Ci55zD_UICqShL86h375GSZSXxtJclAX0Xl1t8EfJj_8QR6gZXy4X0su9hppafNAVu9ajslIWKIYlMju4SqMpBS1mgBoqPd5oLcY-w/s320/P4100135.JPG" border="0" /></a>spectacular views of the island of Phuket. We hung around taking loads of photos whilst bemused locals looked at us. I felt like the western equivalent of a Japanese tourist with their camera. We passed another sea eagle that was posing for photos and as it was a slightly better specimen that the one yesterday I paid out again to have my photo taken with it. </div><br /><div>From there it was off to a sea shell and fossil museum. I found this a little dull. However I was glad to get out of the oppressive heat and humidity. I was further disappointed that all the fossils were in fact collected in France and Morocco. Why? All of the islands here are made of limestone which is sedimentary. Surely they could have some local specimens. Alas no. I was also expecting to see the worlds largest golden pearl. It was unpolished and the nearest thing I could compare it to was a milk <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYy3RbRDQ2sIHPsDZ4pGqfVIOAzS-COXvnUIapzcST2vzk5TNcuoEMntVsx3NYgxi5_UWepp8khGFgDwWoSf96T16hAVesPhyphenhyphensF2ueCQnW6DzDGG8HxaLbmaf8kxOKl-anEU0YEV2P6Q/s1600-h/P4100165.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187644909256198818" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYy3RbRDQ2sIHPsDZ4pGqfVIOAzS-COXvnUIapzcST2vzk5TNcuoEMntVsx3NYgxi5_UWepp8khGFgDwWoSf96T16hAVesPhyphenhyphensF2ueCQnW6DzDGG8HxaLbmaf8kxOKl-anEU0YEV2P6Q/s320/P4100165.JPG" border="0" /></a>chocolate malteser. Pah!</div><br /><br /><div>After that it was off to a beach side restaurant that served a wide range of food from both east and west. I decided to indulge in the world renowned Phuket lobster (I'm told its not actually a lobster but a species of crayfish and as such it lacked the large front claws you see on other lobsters). There were several lobsters in the tank - I was given a large one. I became concerned that it was going to be very expensive as it costs around 4 to 5 pounds per 100 grams. I decided what the hell, My budget is 40 pounds per day - why not waste half on a lobster (10 years ago it would have cost little more than my companions meals. However, overfishing has depleted supplies). It was served steamed with garlic. I couldn't believe how much garlic they put in it. It tasted gorgeous. The girls are going to love me tonight. I was unable to finish all the garlic - there must have been around 10 cloves in there. Some stray cats came and sat with me and I fed them my excess garlic. Have you ever known a cat to eat garlic? I then wrapped a chili up in lobster entrails in the hope they would gulp it down to. They turned their noses up at it. Carol doesn't like cats (neither do I really, hence the chili). I think Dave and I might have upset her a little bit. After a quick Singha it was off to the jewellery store again. I'm getting pissed off with that place. However, I now have a better understanding of why I am constantly being taken there. They subsidise the minibus hire if the driver takes me there. Otherwise its an extra 16 pounds per day. They do a lovely free iced coffee so I suppose I shouldn't complain. </div><br /><br /><div>From there it was to a temple. The architecture was nice but I'm not really a fan of religion of<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnVsPFiIXMiQZHfEkeEoYPjabSDRDtZMoSIocMNS2Twc9bWHRqtZbob1XSeL1i_TdodVfq_ECLNbDCxYdF_iLlCXjxU2o0iWVKp2Juhx9awGcQ5XcbAe7H2fDtxFwJv6lmSvt_gHH2g/s1600-h/P4100174.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187644904961231506" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnVsPFiIXMiQZHfEkeEoYPjabSDRDtZMoSIocMNS2Twc9bWHRqtZbob1XSeL1i_TdodVfq_ECLNbDCxYdF_iLlCXjxU2o0iWVKp2Juhx9awGcQ5XcbAe7H2fDtxFwJv6lmSvt_gHH2g/s320/P4100174.JPG" border="0" /></a> any form. I must say the highlight was purchasing some gold leaf to help cover a non-gold Buddha statue. I did so and apparently good luck will come my way soon. </div><br /><br /><div>From there Garry and Jan went to a hotel to meet one of his golf buddies whilst Dave and myself who are keen aquarists went to the Phuket Aquarium to look at fish. I wont bore you with the details - but will say it was a great experience. All of the local fish are there as are some from other parts of the world such as phiranas (they were about 3 times the size of my own ones). We walked through a glass tunnel in a shark and ray tank and then encountered some huge fish who's names escape me. </div><br /><div><br />Finally we met up with Garry and Jan again who informed us they had been unsuccessful in their friend finding mission and returned back to the hotel.<br /><br />The idea was to round up people for a boat ride to a secluded beach to watch the sunset. The <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM607HL41JuTJV-h_0FQZdbVCBzt08qInNEDCb4yIcsSOZwEP7tQkCT2d9XkB2rL-PgQCj3nRiTiIRD5px0pCggtAMvZmbrxZ6-_zJaw2IMePk4O9VdjhtVQhg1ZMALuA6wMvfZdsDw/s1600-h/P4100175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187644887781362290" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM607HL41JuTJV-h_0FQZdbVCBzt08qInNEDCb4yIcsSOZwEP7tQkCT2d9XkB2rL-PgQCj3nRiTiIRD5px0pCggtAMvZmbrxZ6-_zJaw2IMePk4O9VdjhtVQhg1ZMALuA6wMvfZdsDw/s320/P4100175.JPG" border="0" /></a>only taker outside of the minibus group was Sara. Together we made our way down to Patong beach and hired the longboat for 2 hours for around 22 pounds. He took us a long way down the Phuket coast and we circumnavigated an island before returning. The sunset was great and I would have got some better pictures were it not for the constant spray from the side of the boats. </div><br /><br /><div>As we returned to the hotel I phoned my nan to see how she was. When we got back the guys had a beer by the pool whilst the girls had a new wave cocktail. Everybody left and Garry assured me he would be back in 10 minutes to have another beer with me. I sat alone and listened to the pianist. "Where you from? Australia?" he asked. So its not only Americans that think that I thought. "No, England" I replied proudly. Ah! he said "Princess Diana, Princess Diana!" and broke into song. It was that terrible remake of candle in the wind. I didn't have the heart to tell him I didn't care much for the lady. " Very good woman" he repeated about 10 times. I smiled nicely. Where was <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX_XteYbbFDfw8Ngb9cY2BiVilsDBnd9RBpiOJ0mLKBkDT2RHvPeoF8R_DNwo5BdY2lcsbdNDzeFoDBM__uBf0uxa9U7BhSgZKB2LdWqrP2NT7N0FQJk2VK5_BVMjhVJUypOVcObsUA/s1600-h/P4100230.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187644917846133426" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX_XteYbbFDfw8Ngb9cY2BiVilsDBnd9RBpiOJ0mLKBkDT2RHvPeoF8R_DNwo5BdY2lcsbdNDzeFoDBM__uBf0uxa9U7BhSgZKB2LdWqrP2NT7N0FQJk2VK5_BVMjhVJUypOVcObsUA/s320/P4100230.JPG" border="0" /></a>Garry? Then an Aussie called Scot came and sat next to me. "G'day mate!" he said. I looked at him and noticed he had shaved his entire head except a square section around the size of a playing card above his right ear. I decided not to mention it. We discussed the difference between transience and permanence and the nature of self in a Buddhist context for around an hour. He finished the conversation by saying "don't worry mate - you'll find love". Where did that come from? Where was Garry? At that point Dave came and rescued me by informing me Garry had forgotten about me and was in another bar slightly worse for wear drinking tequila. Thanks Garry.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM589MFseIJ1ljzupfTUIB70ySyMumqEe-0iQuG0yzn1kUYpVN_KPHgNFLv-znxbjovedv-izpQ5B6GUo4LbGWXWsG8dkeNrfFOOPD5mQOkyptA0AByq3JcnrjiZSh3x0zhjY-zehh5w/s1600-h/P4100290.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM589MFseIJ1ljzupfTUIB70ySyMumqEe-0iQuG0yzn1kUYpVN_KPHgNFLv-znxbjovedv-izpQ5B6GUo4LbGWXWsG8dkeNrfFOOPD5mQOkyptA0AByq3JcnrjiZSh3x0zhjY-zehh5w/s320/P4100290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187648830561340098" border="0" /></a><br />Im off to Molly Malones to say goodbye to everyone. We all make our separate ways tomorrow and I will be alone. Im going to Ko Lanta to stay with my ex work colleague Hugh. Im hoping we will enjoy a quieter 2 weeks than I have with my family. I'm going to miss everyone. But hopefully they will READ MY BLOG AND WRITE TO ME? I'll see them all again in 2 weeks. Don't forget to send me your photos guys!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-60746263888676283552008-04-09T13:10:00.000+01:002008-04-09T15:02:26.753+01:00Animal Adventures<div><br /><br /><br /><div>Yesterday we had nothing planned as a group. Janet was feeling the pressure of being group coordinator and Garry was getting on her nerves. I said goodbye to the girls and Garry and myself went down to the beach to hire a boat (to get out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jans</span> hair for a bit). Along the way we stopped at a bar, then another bar and another bar. We never hired the boat. I should have gone<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPj3fC1sTj_kIMEIIP-SKCwbvcWKcgHY2Ya73BblTN-I5CvIV9g5mZLIAu_hk4JcnlL_XpNg_41CgMiV-V2jNwbPKy4Acv3_rK40CfMkEShSkVgC01yMQJGXhNyEGqW99qnvSp_YpwzQ/s1600-h/P4090005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187236093196115010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPj3fC1sTj_kIMEIIP-SKCwbvcWKcgHY2Ya73BblTN-I5CvIV9g5mZLIAu_hk4JcnlL_XpNg_41CgMiV-V2jNwbPKy4Acv3_rK40CfMkEShSkVgC01yMQJGXhNyEGqW99qnvSp_YpwzQ/s320/P4090005.JPG" border="0" /></a> back to the hotel at that point and sobered up for the evening. However, I met the guys in Molly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Malones</span> bar and sat drinking with them whist we were entertained by the bar staff. A man called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Peepee</span> showed us magic tricks as we drank with the help of his assistant and barmaid Crazy. I'm told its not her real name - she just likes the word.<br /><br />I should have gone back to the hotel at that point and sobered up for the night time. However, the guys were going to a go go bar - and a powerful force inside me told me to carry on drinking. I haven't actually drunk very much at all on this holiday - it's hard to in the oppressive heat. That and the fact that bars close at 2am. This was a problem I was soon going to learn to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDYV-SDQ3SH9TOdsbJkMGdXAVQ0LQT80zdhNnPSRUhJe1t172ouApR8hScuOL-IFxVK5TuWizIfA4PTjl51GIm08FRLTU3aNy8PVAv7SaxgcjBZPzYuO3lICwVuuGk1pIFPYBp9IvZQ/s1600-h/P4090018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187244172029598914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDYV-SDQ3SH9TOdsbJkMGdXAVQ0LQT80zdhNnPSRUhJe1t172ouApR8hScuOL-IFxVK5TuWizIfA4PTjl51GIm08FRLTU3aNy8PVAv7SaxgcjBZPzYuO3lICwVuuGk1pIFPYBp9IvZQ/s320/P4090018.JPG" border="0" /></a>circumvent.<br /><br />We played <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">jenga</span> and connect 4 with the bar girls for a while and drank more. I started talking to a man called Stuart who lives over here. He gave me the lowdown on which of the bar girls were lady boys - I relaxed a little and decided to have a perv. "That ones nice isn't she" I commented. "That's my fiance" he replied. Why would you let your fiance work in a place like this I thought? It's essentially a glorified brothel. He seemed happy enough with the situation - I guess it takes all sorts. Every time you beat the girls at a game they get you a drink. If they beat you then you have to buy them a lady drink (any drink from the menu - it just costs around 3 times as much as a normal one). We won continuously Eventually sick of the go go bar we wandered the streets of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Patong</span> having a drink in a few different bars. I should have gone home at that point and got <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">some</span> sleep. However, we came across an ice bar. Essentially its a big freezer and inside everything is made of ice. The chairs, the bar and even the glasses. We had been to one before - but this one was a cool -17 degrees. After a shot of something apple flavoured we returned to the heat of the streets - I've never been so grateful for it to be so hot.<br /><br />After some more wandering we bumped into Garry, Jan, Sara, Ollie and Suzie. We drank more <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidq30v_cfmXXVZzbCJNP7KSWIjLIZsELI5M0AQD85-Yzs4hmeCIQ5OaDzGuUQwFF2shGfbXC7WGXRU28zhZZCTuxACYQjqKWZVt8BqSxznvWdmQgJkSzqnnxBz-aAcG3RI30ejZP6IuQ/s1600-h/P4090008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187236101786049618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidq30v_cfmXXVZzbCJNP7KSWIjLIZsELI5M0AQD85-Yzs4hmeCIQ5OaDzGuUQwFF2shGfbXC7WGXRU28zhZZCTuxACYQjqKWZVt8BqSxznvWdmQgJkSzqnnxBz-aAcG3RI30ejZP6IuQ/s320/P4090008.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Pe4t1SHQLiDaBVsYDjShXDEInXZ-epXWjImIO7mDytZc0SA9Q8uaKXYp3n8wRanEnuR8l1OlVq6lCSD-5rTAp0KV4ajsb3W0kd_pncG45tIt7kKPe_ljH41W4hLeGlfANy7PP5ig_A/s1600-h/P4090018.JPG"></a>with them and about 1.30am we had another torrential downpour. I bought a plastic poncho and continued with my drinking mission. The football was on at 1.45am and some of the guys wanted to watch it. We wandered around looking for bars that were still open to no avail. It was then that I came across a street vendor. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Oooooh</span>! these people sell late night <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Shinga</span> beer I thought and knocked back two more. Everything then goes black and I awoke the next morning in my hotel room. A little grin came over my face - I was proud of myself for making it home. Then the headache and nausea started.<br /><br />I changed my clothes as i was still wearing last nights outfit and made my way down to the hotel reception with thunder crashing in my head. Jan kindly gave me some paracetamol and I got into the minibus to enjoy a day sampling the activities you can do on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Phuket</span> island. Unfortunately due to another card error all last nights photos are lost. I was hoping they could have shed some light on where I went to.<br /><br />The first stop was the All Terrain Vehicle Centre. We arrived early and had to wait for the<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPh29_fGXQU3w2bnAYZ7Lz40FacpVAZ6jgrQ7eaMPPWAMKfP2ldfYq1CcO-uLSbmKHrz5APpeV5_qyBqK31jQTLnWHuIsRXhvJchebhfIRfx7fI82qLKasPJQ7o3M2hFTJsVcFzXdJg/s1600-h/P4090027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187236123260886130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPh29_fGXQU3w2bnAYZ7Lz40FacpVAZ6jgrQ7eaMPPWAMKfP2ldfYq1CcO-uLSbmKHrz5APpeV5_qyBqK31jQTLnWHuIsRXhvJchebhfIRfx7fI82qLKasPJQ7o3M2hFTJsVcFzXdJg/s320/P4090027.JPG" border="0" /></a> previous party to bring the vehicles back. As we were next door to a snake centre I decided to watch the show. A Thai man taunted cobras, king cobras and pythons as we sat and watched. Some of the snakes that bites contain neurotoxin can kill you in 30 minutes. The nearest hospital was 40 minutes away. I'm told that a snake charmer died last week - although that was in a road accident so it doesn't really count.<br /><br />I was sitting next to Carol and the snake man offered to wrap the constrictor around our legs. "OK" we said and they coiled the snake around my left and her right leg 3 times. I was reminded of the 3 legged race we used to do at primary school. It was a strange sensation - I could feel all the muscles in the snake as it wriggled around our legs. "Try and struggle" suggested the man. I did and the snake immediately upped the pressure. To the point where I nearly wanted to yelp in pain. I'm not sure how Carol tolerated it. As he unwrapped us he explained that through holding his head away from us the snake was only able to exert about 10% of its maximum pressure. I'm sure that that sort of force would have quite easily snapped my leg bone.<br /><br />Round the back of the centre there was an enclosure. I watched a few crocodiles, saw various other snakes and animals. When outside I decided to pay to have my photo taken with the Burmese python and a sea eagle.<br /><br />By the time I had done this the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ATV's</span> were ready. The instructor told me to follow him and we<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRzrP_a5X05GuhyphenhyphenMgLU-to4HcW_C9xZ3vF8qArz4NhUUhWJ-iSMo9aVJ1uPQ3-7m8VLAf8XDeO6RmRFF4TXnGK55ecxOmwEqF9Dn-8l0cs87j-M11ZNBEB7OH6xi9IsrPnBjYSMZ8vw/s1600-h/P4090044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187236131850820738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRzrP_a5X05GuhyphenhyphenMgLU-to4HcW_C9xZ3vF8qArz4NhUUhWJ-iSMo9aVJ1uPQ3-7m8VLAf8XDeO6RmRFF4TXnGK55ecxOmwEqF9Dn-8l0cs87j-M11ZNBEB7OH6xi9IsrPnBjYSMZ8vw/s320/P4090044.JPG" border="0" /></a> all sped off up the road. I was a little concerned that I was driving on a public road and don't have a license - but as no one had mentioned it I decided not to either. Also I was still half cut. I enjoyed using the ATV I just wish we could have had a little longer on the track we went to. I think were going to go again tomorrow. Fun!<br /><br />From there it was to the Elephant park. We watched a show where the elephants stood on their front legs, back legs etc....Then the entertainer asked us if we wanted to participate. Paul volunteered to go in goal whilst the elephants took turns at penalty shots. Paul didn't manage to save one. As he returned to the crowd the entertainer asked if anybody would like an elephant massage. I put my hand up immediately. I was asked to lay on my belly and let the elephant put its foot on my back. I was a little apprehensive. But this huge beast was very gentle with me. I can only compare it to being patted softly on the back. He then asked it to give me a kiss - which it did. It's trunk reached around to my face and it sucked on my cheek - nasty. The man then asked Paul to return to the stage. This time he had to lay on his belly. As soon as Paul was on the floor the man placed two bananas in each of Paul's short and the elephant went looking. I suppose if I had an elephant massage - Paul had the happy finish.<br /><br />Next it was off to the monkey show. I watched them ride bikes, dive underwater and collect <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheETjqphDHrushZKCeOs5xts8Ge285kJPv6D1rTo33UneUePBr7PtrRJc7dTj4Xzttu51dcB3OcYv3alXylPeybWxLbkuhHQrq3FeI044W6ju-gp15Vpry4aLweoO0HZbQzTQ7jm4Hdg/s1600-h/P4090060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187244416842734802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheETjqphDHrushZKCeOs5xts8Ge285kJPv6D1rTo33UneUePBr7PtrRJc7dTj4Xzttu51dcB3OcYv3alXylPeybWxLbkuhHQrq3FeI044W6ju-gp15Vpry4aLweoO0HZbQzTQ7jm4Hdg/s320/P4090060.JPG" border="0" /></a>coconuts from the nearby trees. The monkey thing is really starting to loose its appeal now. However, I still want one as a pet. An impossible dream in England but as simple as dog ownership in Thailand.<br /><br />I was starting to feel really hungry now - and was still under the weather from last nights frivolities. My mum phoned and we had a short chat whilst I got ready for my elephant ride. As there are only 3 single guys on this holiday I managed to bag an elephant all to myself. The others went in pairs one to the left one to the right. But I was able to sit proudly on the middle of mine. Someone commented I looked king like. It's about time people started noticing.<br /><br />After a 15 minute ride we dismounted. We were now going for a short jungle trek to a waterfall. Oh good! I thought - this will give me an opportunity to scope out the jungle where I intend to do a good stink of next week. I thought also that maybe the canopy would provide some welcome shelter from the overbearing sunshine.<br /><br />The jungle was not what I expected. I suspect that my previous perception of the jungle was romanticized by television and books like the Jungle Book. I always considered it a fun and exciting place to be. The noise of animals was overwhelming - there are insects there that sound like circular saws and have about the same volume. 5 minutes into the trek I started to become completely overwhelmed by the heat and humidity. The canopy does not provide shelter from the sun. It locks in all its heat and I don't think its possible for the air to get any more humid. We<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGB-hZvp15L3Y_OyUQnWmc_6GXsXY8aITCgILK3FEJjvwkTC2frh2tWWBNCt6XpQWcvoFFEz0VxT3j-PiXcWp4AXEg9eJ8daugXYn4kGjnNi1QqMQgdQgL4NzOtclr7jj4okWHZtv_w/s1600-h/P4090051.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187244683130707170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGB-hZvp15L3Y_OyUQnWmc_6GXsXY8aITCgILK3FEJjvwkTC2frh2tWWBNCt6XpQWcvoFFEz0VxT3j-PiXcWp4AXEg9eJ8daugXYn4kGjnNi1QqMQgdQgL4NzOtclr7jj4okWHZtv_w/s320/P4090051.JPG" border="0" /></a> wandered past a gibbon rehabilitation centre and I said hello to a few of its residents. By the time we reached the waterfall I was drenched head to toe in sweat and starting to become very confused and disorientated (I'm sure the 15+ pints I knocked back yesterday played a large part in this). I was disappointed that the waterfall was a slow trickle and they told me to come back in monsoon season if I wanted to see it in its full glory. I was assured there were no leaches in the pool under the waterfall and took a quick dip to cool off. As my brain returned to normal functionality I sat and watched Thai children jump from the rocky outcrop 30 feet above me into the pool I was sitting in.<br /><br />Feeling slightly better I made my way out of the jungle. It was mostly downhill back and the thought of a glass of water kept me going. I drank two litres when we finally made it back to the man village. I'm never going to return to the jungle ever again. It's an evil and inhospitable environment suitable only for billions of biting ants, nasty reptiles and snakes who you would not want a bite from and the occasional Thai person who is foraging or extracting rubber from the abundant rubber trees. I have cancelled my jungle trek and instead intend to enjoy the luxury of<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguELIEkRYVut4u3GUbYXXiBbu3iiksrSxwtlDj85jn7iYXq2M45a13-LRHQ-1puu6M7Yau8EaY5joZtZAIkoNpbP_HdNnDenyeyuoE596WEkOtapN88C1Mqboh6Qr_2BE2Bc401QJ2qw/s1600-h/P4090078.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187245215706651890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguELIEkRYVut4u3GUbYXXiBbu3iiksrSxwtlDj85jn7iYXq2M45a13-LRHQ-1puu6M7Yau8EaY5joZtZAIkoNpbP_HdNnDenyeyuoE596WEkOtapN88C1Mqboh6Qr_2BE2Bc401QJ2qw/s320/P4090078.JPG" border="0" /></a> a decent hotel for the next couple of weeks.<br /><br />We got into the minibus and set off to our next location to do <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">canoeing</span> in a local estuary. I was considering sitting this one out as I felt like death - having been unable to eat since last night and just having endured the horror that is the jungle. However, when we got there I was pleased to see that if you wanted a Thai person would do all of the rowing for you. It's more of a gondola type service. We set off through the mangrove swamp looking out for jumping fish, fiddler crabs (them ones with one big and one small claw) and them strange missing link type fish that climb up out of the water onto the mud flats and walk along on their stumpy limbs.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5sCir4fLtOy8Eda8lMk7MJcG9crhAiNA9vBjOPE3wssBLT8vrPW6ci-rAhVeWFV-334hEsFT35fV17D1XdcvQ3Mtd_8QfTlIf8b55bgvR7p8gQi8ZyFjgEi45M_bnBx4PPMK8hRWqA/s1600-h/P4090097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187245555009068306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5sCir4fLtOy8Eda8lMk7MJcG9crhAiNA9vBjOPE3wssBLT8vrPW6ci-rAhVeWFV-334hEsFT35fV17D1XdcvQ3Mtd_8QfTlIf8b55bgvR7p8gQi8ZyFjgEi45M_bnBx4PPMK8hRWqA/s320/P4090097.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div>On my return I went straight to McDonald's to rebuild myself. I'm feeling a little better now. But I'm absolutely shattered. Its an early night for me tonight. Although the boys are going out. Maybe I could have just one drink then?...</div></div></div></div></div></div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-25364594586459376172008-04-07T12:29:00.000+01:002008-04-07T12:55:33.137+01:00Budget Laundry and fun by the pool<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3ur0-YAeeHLyrYr7wF8qtVoVHRlOsY1CWoLrf6m4CDfx9QuabpXscCpGBVjG8dAKX9cREuAw8MbtjychO9AFLRTW27NBWtRgToDaR0Zv-UYBWlbdMWpRLPBV0Uq7Ouh81JHHwYrOLg/s1600-h/P4070749.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186469716411685938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3ur0-YAeeHLyrYr7wF8qtVoVHRlOsY1CWoLrf6m4CDfx9QuabpXscCpGBVjG8dAKX9cREuAw8MbtjychO9AFLRTW27NBWtRgToDaR0Zv-UYBWlbdMWpRLPBV0Uq7Ouh81JHHwYrOLg/s320/P4070749.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Today I decided to wash my clothes instead of just buying new ones. It's very easy to develop a throw away attitude over here. I gathered together two weeks worth of socks, underpants, shirts, t-shirts, shorts and jeans. Enough to fill two Tesco's carrier bags to breaking point. I could have used the laundrette or the hotels in house service. Instead at the recommendation of Janet I wandered down to a shop that will wash and iron your clothes for you. It was called happy simple smiley laundrette. Something like that anyway, lots of shops out here have funny names. There was a burger bar I passed yesterday called McGood's.<br /><br />She separated out my clothes, which really did smell. All that sweating really makes your clothes pungent. I was a little embarrassed to make someone else do this for me - but figured, what the hell - I'll never see them again - in fact I'm doing them a favor. </div><br /><div><br />My clothes will be ready tomorrow morning and the bill was 220 bhat. That's around 3.50 in <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqukLhfB__5vCHtpiBBTZ5P67hIdSF26jbk3J_-7FJf6gbZI67YBk6wnC59GWfmOdnISKgdGbQg3R0kZn9OQKew6f_mpDPUxaa_ySYuKvJ6ofl0wpWTpfR2b-Mu9BjLjwZuNKgWUF6A/s1600-h/P4070771.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186469707821751330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqukLhfB__5vCHtpiBBTZ5P67hIdSF26jbk3J_-7FJf6gbZI67YBk6wnC59GWfmOdnISKgdGbQg3R0kZn9OQKew6f_mpDPUxaa_ySYuKvJ6ofl0wpWTpfR2b-Mu9BjLjwZuNKgWUF6A/s320/P4070771.JPG" border="0" /></a>English money. I would use the pound sign but none of the computers have it round here. I pondered posting my washing to Thailand from England in future to get it done - but decided I should be less lazy. I considered getting my Tag Heuer watch repaired as a link was starting to come loose - but instead decided to take it swimming to see whether I was told the truth by the smooth talking salesman - who came down in price from 45 pounds to 8 when selling it to me. Sadly it steamed up in seconds. I suggest that if you decide to buy a watch that purports to be water proof - you go to one of the shops that sells them from an aquarium tank. Take it out - um and err about it for 20 minutes (giving time for any water inside it to drain). If it starts to steam up then walk away. The girls leave for Phi Phi tomorrow - I have provisionally agreed to meet them in Ko Lanta next weekend. Where I will be staying with Hugh - near his bar. Thus fulfilling Hugh's only request - 'bring girls'. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We have spent the day by the pool playing with water pistols and my underwater camera. We then made an attempt at spelling Thailand using our bodies (photos included). I'm off to shower up now and enjoy the last night out we will all spend together as a complete group. </div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-6464304542721513182008-04-07T07:48:00.000+01:002008-04-07T08:29:20.519+01:00Rain on Emmas birthday.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmenURk_w5YWHI8FJ_LI7DH2DbngJ48Uu3cilO3RcjTY-qdWtRnZcjAeCzmzgsWkzs058A5o4cDwd3KH3SwH3uXGoS3uMYw0ufyJ6EzYpx8ncWKLQI8toWvTYDmtOqSN8dnjL3zq5Huw/s1600-h/P4060720.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186401976187493378" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmenURk_w5YWHI8FJ_LI7DH2DbngJ48Uu3cilO3RcjTY-qdWtRnZcjAeCzmzgsWkzs058A5o4cDwd3KH3SwH3uXGoS3uMYw0ufyJ6EzYpx8ncWKLQI8toWvTYDmtOqSN8dnjL3zq5Huw/s320/P4060720.JPG" border="0" /></a>Yesterday we had our first intense storm. It has rained here before but normally the skies clear up within an hour or two. Last time I was riding a tuk tuk over the mountains surrounding Patong beach. I could see a brilliant double rainbow rising from my hotel and landing in the centre of the bay. I requested we be drove towards it as my friend Matt once claimed to have driven through a rainbow. Based on my understanding of physics I thought it to be impossible. I can now confirm that it is. Anyway the rain cleared up and I never found my pot of gold. Last night, however, was different. It rained constantly for 6 hours. The most torrential rain I have ever experienced in my life.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62h3DfNo4K6qfftBshW-vke3V4Pwp4hgzKTtakdqZ9rVM9Seq-itXJw2lf3jbnaQXAB5aQxqMyqSBqLZfa_dP9nP5aE_d1iF1pvXjbf57OkYJza537JL1ck9j25DPh7rvXFyM7A68BA/s1600-h/P4060722.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186401984777427986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62h3DfNo4K6qfftBshW-vke3V4Pwp4hgzKTtakdqZ9rVM9Seq-itXJw2lf3jbnaQXAB5aQxqMyqSBqLZfa_dP9nP5aE_d1iF1pvXjbf57OkYJza537JL1ck9j25DPh7rvXFyM7A68BA/s320/P4060722.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The rain coincided with Emma's 27th birthday celebration. The girls made their way to our hotel, looking particularly lovely, all dressed in sarongs. We had a drink there and then made our way to an Italian restaurant and 20 of us sat down for a meal. Paul and my good self bought her some roses and Jan later continued the floral theme and got her some fragrant orchids to hang around her neck. Flowers are cheap and plentiful out here. Jan got the orchids for the equivalent of 30 pence. I had a sirloin steak (very adventurous of me).I have found the meat products out here to be somewhat bland. Even the McDonalds tastes slightly different. It must be what they feed the cows on. After that the more senior members of our group went back to the hotel and we made our way down to a go go bar. We drank in there for a while until I became pissed off at having to pay 8 pence every time I needed the toilet and being pestered by the bar girls.<br /><br />As we drank semi naked girls danced on poles all around us often exposing themselves <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX9KDRXWbiH9wSpbE9mUFaHu5yh06_IfHKzHhqclLOhwLcmCsmuD_aGZaTPXtdw9qkP9QlBU3yRvcWS4IUCVm9wEQralKFCNO1e6fkYwjm0cfkR5m3GyjlBqmHPVXkRwPRH64l8RlJg/s1600-h/P4060725.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186401967597558770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX9KDRXWbiH9wSpbE9mUFaHu5yh06_IfHKzHhqclLOhwLcmCsmuD_aGZaTPXtdw9qkP9QlBU3yRvcWS4IUCVm9wEQralKFCNO1e6fkYwjm0cfkR5m3GyjlBqmHPVXkRwPRH64l8RlJg/s320/P4060725.JPG" border="0" /></a>sometimes even playing with themselves. Now, every man enjoys a good perv and there were some large breasted ladies in there. Normally I would sit back and enjoy the show. The thing is women don't really have large breasts here. Alarm bells started ringing in my head. I looked at their necks - to see if they had thin ones and if there was an Adams apple. However, I'm told that they can have them removed. I listened to their voices - it was again ambiguous. I started to feel uncomfortable. Thai people don't seem to have the same gender hang ups we westerners do. Anyway, we left and made our way to an Ozzie bar, and drank there till the 2am curfew.<br /><div><br />I staggered home - and decided to get a good nights kip - as today is a day of rest and relaxation. I might go and buy a genuine fake Armani suit later. They tailor them for you for around 20 pounds. If I go with the guys I'm sure we'll get a good discount. </div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-40318822068991007452008-04-06T13:12:00.001+01:002008-04-07T12:10:03.356+01:00Phi Phi Don<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT958IS_nTCtRSep60e3w7GkMoka5CIa6Y9dQBsJ9ZF3OAuSQ7sd5UxhP9k4EgQqRyTOKHw4ReIZjUyBEs9vfs6EiskePL5xwxHzrkj-cYY5ZTKKVtcpbp_C0Weefoy31GwZj4dVOfDg/s1600-h/P4060957.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186107126682622866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT958IS_nTCtRSep60e3w7GkMoka5CIa6Y9dQBsJ9ZF3OAuSQ7sd5UxhP9k4EgQqRyTOKHw4ReIZjUyBEs9vfs6EiskePL5xwxHzrkj-cYY5ZTKKVtcpbp_C0Weefoy31GwZj4dVOfDg/s320/P4060957.JPG" border="0" /></a> The second of the Phi Phi islands was Phi Phi Don. This was and is a popular tourist destination. However, it was completely devastated by the boxing day tsunami. Over 8000 people perished in Thailand. The two worst hit sites were Patong beach where im staying and Phi Phi Don. This was the site where my work colleague John (and wife Tracy) had died whist travelling over Christmas. Due to the islands shape the wave had been particularly high. It reached up to 10 metres in height. I'm told it was a kind of lens effect - there are two mountains connected by a strip of sand at their closest point. They forced the wave into a smaller space which increased its height.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uS7PNemgY3rVtJhqW2GvTlNgvt4nCjkgaA5JTBI_gzMOs6MY6mEDnfXBpEN6-7tcENz-8KaCRSWCSl1Qj9jWzhhD2dh6Un_MzyMeg3H_CfSw0LLgW6de4VyT-QMpRr-7JAj5lBRE7w/s1600-h/P4060960.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186109514684439506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uS7PNemgY3rVtJhqW2GvTlNgvt4nCjkgaA5JTBI_gzMOs6MY6mEDnfXBpEN6-7tcENz-8KaCRSWCSl1Qj9jWzhhD2dh6Un_MzyMeg3H_CfSw0LLgW6de4VyT-QMpRr-7JAj5lBRE7w/s320/P4060960.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>We never had a funeral for John. The main reason for it being that his body wasn't identified until months later. We had a kind of party instead where people could talk about John and get pissed. I think he would have liked it. However, it didn't really seem like a proper ceremony. One day John went off on holiday and he never came back - that was it. His ashes were scattered here in Thailand. I decided to buy some flowers and pay my respects.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Having seen the photos my father brought back from his visit to Phi Phi I knew the destruction was almost complete. (I have included a picture at the bottom of the entry + Patong beach). The trees and buildings had all been washed into the sea. I was shocked to see that the place had been completely rebuilt. Not only that, but trees covered the sandy beach which was worst affected. They stood over 30 feet tall. I spoke with our guide who explained that the trees roots had not been affected by the tsunami and they had all managed to regrow. That's around 10 inches of growth per month since the disaster. I find that hard to believe however, the climate here is tropical. The only noticeable difference on the island I'm told is the inclusion of tsunami evacuation routes. There are signs all over the island pointing you to safe places and distances in metres telling you how far it is to higher ground. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0uiO7mSo5PjTTUGhNmuO7FXYQJc5JjUhJy8AYVORgiwcfzvK4NMXa-HTeWFZd3RcMfPvGkhcm-VzcenCTiJjoSkpZf_t9RO5G_PMUO-og4S2cB18uIu9YGo3aQvbk7Orz74b5RXwFg/s1600-h/phi-phi-island-verwuestet-27.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186107736567978946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0uiO7mSo5PjTTUGhNmuO7FXYQJc5JjUhJy8AYVORgiwcfzvK4NMXa-HTeWFZd3RcMfPvGkhcm-VzcenCTiJjoSkpZf_t9RO5G_PMUO-og4S2cB18uIu9YGo3aQvbk7Orz74b5RXwFg/s320/phi-phi-island-verwuestet-27.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>I found a quiet part of the beach and I lay down the flowers and watched the sea come in and take them away. I still find it hard to accept that the event happened and that someone that I knew died. I suppose life is very fragile. Maybe it's time I considered doing a little more with mine. </div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div>Within an hour it was time to leave. There isn't much to do on Phi Phi anyway except sunbathe. We made our way to another small island - around 40 minutes away by speed boat and looked for reef sharks. I became irritated whilst snorkeling as all the coral fish were trying to eat me. None of them have teeth so you don't bleed or anything like that. It's just a very unpleasant sensation. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9A4l1oVbusLbzojqFgmfpXZyOzcRG4XPsql7FFXY0zZ-3i4lq95f07DDzeE_9nwl0KN7dBaIM2SIk1ID35NhlHac5wP_CfaxDVH989mgIUnDO0DXM__HDbAa3ZXi1awu5aoxFQB8WwA/s1600-h/phototour_tsunami_056.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186107517524646834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9A4l1oVbusLbzojqFgmfpXZyOzcRG4XPsql7FFXY0zZ-3i4lq95f07DDzeE_9nwl0KN7dBaIM2SIk1ID35NhlHac5wP_CfaxDVH989mgIUnDO0DXM__HDbAa3ZXi1awu5aoxFQB8WwA/s320/phototour_tsunami_056.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div>From there it was off home. It's Emma's birthday tonight. The group are going for an Italian meal. I've headed into town (pictured right) to use the net and buy a new outfit for less than 8 pounds. This place is also completely back to normal now. </div></div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-59133856198862776042008-04-06T12:23:00.000+01:002008-04-06T13:07:48.072+01:00THE Beach!<div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186097656279735138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbH7cX0NEMF_zpCoDx-5WugN_i06XuXbEQYxJ0_MnMVrT49n2frxZbVe-BaLotXwlZocf7vIrBB_OfCAG3rxwnEiZ4nWTn9WTqrsc7KMLmx_HV_GGknMvaxV6zE_10fso6zBhbpvfEMA/s320/beach-phi-phi.jpg" border="0" /> <div>Today I decided to visit Phi Phi. I had been to some rocky outcrops off of the southern coast of the island yesterday for diving and the place looked beautiful. Together with the others I made my way to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Phuket</span> town and we hired a speed boat for the day. The cost including lunch a driver and a guide was only 16 pounds per head. Happy days. The seas were a little choppy and our speed boat was constantly jumping out of the water and crashing back down with bone crunching force. It was like an hour long roller coaster ride on the high seas. </div><div></div><br /><div>We made our way at rapid speed to Phi Phi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ley</span>, the smaller of the two islands. As we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">maneuvered</span> round the island we were greeted by magnificent rock faces cave networks, trees full of sleeping bats and narrow waterways with steep cliffs on either side that led into the island.</div><br /><div></div><div>We pulled into a bay obscured from view from the sea by cliffs and I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">immediately</span> recognised the location. We were at 'the beach' from the film of the same name. You know, that one with Leonardo Di <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Caprio</span> in.<br /></div><div>In the movie Leo gets given a map of a secluded island and seeks a way to find it. Along the way he gets two travelling companions and also makes a copy for a couple of guys the night before he departs. When he arrives at the beach he finds a seemingly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Utopian</span> society of ex pats of many nationalities living there. They ask him if he made a copy of the map. He claims he <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">hasn't</span> and they explain it is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">imperative</span> he doesn't as others will come and spoil their beach. Eventually the copied map catches up with him and others do come - and the perfect community on the perfect beach falls <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">apart</span>.<br /><br />Now, what Leo's character did in innocence did spoil the beach in the film. However, the film has spoiled the real beach. Phi Phi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Leh</span> is uninhabited. However, there must have been 300 people on the beach - it was hard to walk. I have included a picture of the beach as featured in film above and also one as it is now below. I wandered briefly into the surrounding forest looking for where they put that man to die in the film. Either its changed a lot or only the beach was used for filming at that location. </div><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8nSwkS0oBVjBYLHtEK2kQo8j48jvKTKCXI_s0pc4H69xhCUGl3hemxyWeD3YaizB3eIELx11IVImgJQm6qPk6UrFMUs8UzXR2WTutmACRCKa8pWA7GjAlhl6FaucEckTJAp7JXMWVQ/s1600-h/P4060934.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186102389333695346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8nSwkS0oBVjBYLHtEK2kQo8j48jvKTKCXI_s0pc4H69xhCUGl3hemxyWeD3YaizB3eIELx11IVImgJQm6qPk6UrFMUs8UzXR2WTutmACRCKa8pWA7GjAlhl6FaucEckTJAp7JXMWVQ/s320/P4060934.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We made our way around the island to monkey beach. Its less of a beach and more of a cliff face with monkeys on. Those in our group who hadn't yet seen a monkey were very impressed. I have to say i was a little non plussed.<br /><br />We made our way to some shallow waters and I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">snorkeled</span> for a short while. On exiting the water I became aware id been stung several times by jelly fish. It was an annoyance - but no worse than a nettle sting.<br /><br />Next it was off to Phi Phi Don. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-33312825808629232262008-04-05T13:55:00.000+01:002008-04-07T12:13:55.604+01:00Finding Nemo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAr0awEXMYD1zZlWq2wA-14FPl7zX6qbfH4LsxtGoP4c4e8ORxIuPJ0ZVUXB4A9aEuKXsFKw18W2G9ffb3PWxQH8wbb2CvlkWgJGTlW4IWLKDlC0Se4vzwOVPEIb8KHPFm6hC3E5QfrA/s1600-h/IMG_1294.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185746482573744930" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAr0awEXMYD1zZlWq2wA-14FPl7zX6qbfH4LsxtGoP4c4e8ORxIuPJ0ZVUXB4A9aEuKXsFKw18W2G9ffb3PWxQH8wbb2CvlkWgJGTlW4IWLKDlC0Se4vzwOVPEIb8KHPFm6hC3E5QfrA/s320/IMG_1294.JPG" border="0" /></a>After getting 4 hours sleep the previous night I was intent on getting a decent nights sleep in. However, I became waylaid after finding a bar with a second rate Elvis <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">impersonator</span> in. I finally got in at 1am knowing that I had to be up at 6.30 to depart for my scuba diving. Paul and Beck got in at 3am and proceeded to have a long drunken discussion about Thai girls. Anyone that knows me knows its not a good idea to disturb me from my slumber - I have a tendency to become irritable. There are 3 beds in our room and I have the middle one. I had them in stereo till 4am and eventually managed to sleep in spite of their particularly boring repetitive rantings.<br /><br />This morning I was intent on leaving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Phuket</span> for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ko</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lanta</span> and actually enjoying a decent nights<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tU2hfuIZYl5SZmqcaB6N8ghKq0sU0Dq_cadWfI-xQjEzXPGHUv9vzu8HDbCQ7ZGO2kVF_ZA2oQSm8v_BUh8EtYeRJo18a_sh6qRElJlRAsUGWEaLwafie4gr6crokm3qknO4CyDRIg/s1600-h/IMG_1300.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185746491163679554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tU2hfuIZYl5SZmqcaB6N8ghKq0sU0Dq_cadWfI-xQjEzXPGHUv9vzu8HDbCQ7ZGO2kVF_ZA2oQSm8v_BUh8EtYeRJo18a_sh6qRElJlRAsUGWEaLwafie4gr6crokm3qknO4CyDRIg/s320/IMG_1300.JPG" border="0" /></a> sleep. However, as the day went on I my anger mellowed and I've decided to give the boys another chance. In fact we all have to get up at 7.30 am tomorrow. I have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">formulated</span> a devious scheme to get an early night and spoil theirs. I plan to get up at 3am - and have a very loud bath and shower - then put the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">TV</span> on. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">I'm</span> not sure yet <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">whether</span> I will enact my evil plan. I consider it Karmic redress for Paul and Becks inconsideration. However, after speaking to several locals about the nature of the universe they tell me that Karma should sort it out for me and that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">vengeance</span> is an evil act in itself (that and I don't want to piss off Jan). Its all very zen.<br /><br />We departed from the hotel this morning to catch the boat to the dive site. A combination of cost and lack of experience had reduced our party of 16 to only 3 divers, myself, Garry and Dave. The skies were clear and diving conditions looked good. However, the ride out there did seem particularly choppy and sea sickness tablets were distributed to the would be divers. The journey took 3 hours and I managed to read a significant chunk of Russel Brands 'My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Booky</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Wook</span>' - a compelling read and a man who I can relate to - odd that I always thought he was a bit of a knob. Anyway, I digress. We arrived at a small island off of the coast of Phi Phi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Leh</span> (The<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MkK50RHv36xWoPT3i1sx42breFd3AQIZPuWUeeXPAFKBHA36muIg0ukjbT5xFgMUljK4MLL7oqAbHi1f60D-lGkC5-t0HBLuFgjtrydb6_vNxCG2CilvRcZ_ySLABQ3FeF7YcPKb5Q/s1600-h/DSCN0253.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185746486868712242" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MkK50RHv36xWoPT3i1sx42breFd3AQIZPuWUeeXPAFKBHA36muIg0ukjbT5xFgMUljK4MLL7oqAbHi1f60D-lGkC5-t0HBLuFgjtrydb6_vNxCG2CilvRcZ_ySLABQ3FeF7YcPKb5Q/s320/DSCN0253.JPG" border="0" /></a> smaller uninhabited island of the two Phi Phi's). Two towers of what looked like limestone rose vertically from the sea to 30 metres above us. I'm not sure why but a lot of these islands look like this and actually seem to be a little smaller at the bottom than at the top - giving them that distinctive mushroom shape <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">I'm</span> sure you've seen in the James Bond movie - The man with the golden gun.<br /><br />We put on our equipment and ran through basic safety before departing to the boat. On our first dive I was plagued by problems that didn't become apparent until i had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">descended</span> to around 12 metres and the current had took me some distance from the boat. Every 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">th</span> breath I was having to clear my goggles of salt water and my flippers were so tight they gave me cramp.<br /><br />Despite these problems I had a great time. I got close enough to touch a leopard shark, Saw several large clams and some spectacular coral. I was hesitant on taking my camera (An Olympus 790<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">sw</span>) down this far as it says on the tin it is only suitable to depths of 3 metres. I suspected that it could in fact go much further than that and they were choosing a very conservative depth as the maximum. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">further</span> reasoned that it would not implode but the buttons would just end up constantly depressed rendering the camera unusable. As it turns out the camera was fine. The screen discoloured whilst at the deepest parts giving the viewfinder a kind of maroon tint to all the photos. However, when I returned to the surface the camera returned to normal. One problem I found was that the directional pad did become completely depressed and that made changing the cameras mode impossible - it was now simply a point and click device which suited me. Dave also brought his underwater camera as did our instructor -<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZDJ0fMvZmjrrPECHm7ElImO4WO076wI250BXOPUCE8QhmJNmi2Mcz1nFomTPuBiEOHtjyyw6VdDGjnwU4l3Jekwtnt0j1ffAldupEbVo2NR2QzVCjVWA5EcN2MwTL-zi1uwLr8eWLw/s1600-h/IMG_1309.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185746495458646866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZDJ0fMvZmjrrPECHm7ElImO4WO076wI250BXOPUCE8QhmJNmi2Mcz1nFomTPuBiEOHtjyyw6VdDGjnwU4l3Jekwtnt0j1ffAldupEbVo2NR2QzVCjVWA5EcN2MwTL-zi1uwLr8eWLw/s320/IMG_1309.JPG" border="0" /></a> Gareth from Liverpool.<br /><br />After 40 minutes diving we surfaced and returned to the boat for a traditional <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Thai</span> lunch. It was much appreciated. As we ate the boat <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">maneuvered</span> itself to the second dive location and I replaced my size 11 flippers for size 12 ones - I must be growing. I was also lent a new pair of goggles.<br /><br />Having resolved these niggling problems I enjoyed a much better dive. We saw another leopard shark and a large turtle larger than my torso!<br /><br />I slept the whole way back - making up some lost ground. and on departing the boat went straight to a bar. Does life get better than this?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-6325963973051126792008-04-04T12:28:00.000+01:002008-04-07T12:19:19.756+01:00The one that got away.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnkZ_AtbFTEGLGYmhOCLj7eYdL4inBza9LIyIbm-b5ozc2Ekxvecj5VTM-utn8OTWxpMX9YRGXF1lQ2A1IpX-BLn5RC1SJ0rxn5-UlmhB20FrpNIvqUmzGvogzVrKRX9nNDGnPjzA0A/s1600-h/P4040502.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185362014281276130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnkZ_AtbFTEGLGYmhOCLj7eYdL4inBza9LIyIbm-b5ozc2Ekxvecj5VTM-utn8OTWxpMX9YRGXF1lQ2A1IpX-BLn5RC1SJ0rxn5-UlmhB20FrpNIvqUmzGvogzVrKRX9nNDGnPjzA0A/s320/P4040502.JPG" border="0" /></a>After a day of rest and snorkeling at Patong beach I was planning on going to scuba diving today. However, due to some confusion regarding whether our group had PADI qualifications it was postponed till tomorrow. Not to worry, I thought and booked up a day of deep sea fishing.<br /><br />I awoke at 7am to make it to the boat - a particularly difficult task due to the fact Id drank several beers the night before and despite leaving the pub early, I was re awoken by Paul and Beck as they returned after a night out on Thai whiskey. They woke me up to tell me how drunk they were. "That's nice, now go to sleep" I said. "No Garry. you don't understand how drunk we are!" they replied. "I do, now go to bed". We went around in this cycle for around 2 hours until they eventually collapsed of exhaustion. As I left the room this morning I turned the climate control to 35 degrees in vengeance.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Dave, Ollie and myself got into our tuk tuk and drove around to collect people from other hotels who were going to be our fishing partners. Patrick and Fiona - a Scandinavian couple and also avid Villa fans (Ollie had found a new friend). Our other fishing companion was Natasha a Russian doctor.<br /><br />The boat made its way out of the harbour and Phuket started to get smaller. We passed at least 20 mountainous islands as we made our way to Ko Raya. Most where uninhabited with a few sparsely populated ones. First we started trolling. This involves going as fast as you can and dragging your bait along the water on the surface of the water. We instantly snagged 4 fish. They were kind of small but at least our mission had been infinitely better than our last fishing adventure in Cuba. Then as we got further out - the fishing seemed to die down. Our fisherman boat driver was smoking what he described as a 'bob Marley' cigarette as we watched Ko Phi Phi go by on the left. I was a little concerned by this but was sure he knew what he was doing. </div><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokBOhN02A_Vge5HvTc_WA5P3EbAMnL162Dk4qxpx-NrncmxVdtvVdqw_r21J8wVzf4ePElupGdu1gpnJ6v_K2ThzpskeNaBemD-rG7ngxNGPXiX4AlRU3sJCy5qY8jZ6bz0o51DA4Zg/s1600-h/P4040599.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185364625621392130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokBOhN02A_Vge5HvTc_WA5P3EbAMnL162Dk4qxpx-NrncmxVdtvVdqw_r21J8wVzf4ePElupGdu1gpnJ6v_K2ThzpskeNaBemD-rG7ngxNGPXiX4AlRU3sJCy5qY8jZ6bz0o51DA4Zg/s320/P4040599.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We arrived at Ko Raya. The sea was a brilliant turquoise and teeming with coral fish. We abandoned fishing for an hour and took the time to snorkel around constantly being harassed by curious fish. I noticed that most of the species were identical to those of the Caribbean. Strange that considering they are on different sides of the planet. </div><br /><div>After that was done we decided to go bottom fishing. This involves stopping the fish in deep waters and dropping a weighted line covered in hooks and squid entrails into the water. There was much talk of prizes for most fish, largest fish etc .... I partnered up with Natasha and we started fishing.<br /><br />Two hours later, having caught no fish, we returned back to Phuket a little disappointed - but excited by the prospect of a cold beer after 6 hours on a boat with only coke and water to drink and the sun beating down on us. We trolled back and alas the fish were once again conspicuous by their absence.<br /><br />Natasha took lots of pictures of me and talked to me the whole time we were on the trip ( I think she likes me). I have agreed to meet her tonight at 11 at the Banana bar. I can't have a late one though as its a 7am start tomorrow once again for the scuba. </div><br /><div>My plans tonight also include meeting an old school friend Neal. Who is here training as a Muay Thai boxer. I wonder what it will be like seeing him after all these years.<br /><br />Time to get ready now as I smell of squid entrails. </div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-82272509555645519612008-04-02T11:44:00.000+01:002008-04-07T12:20:05.253+01:00Planes, Trains and Automobiles.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkCV_7mMmn2bamYOnpX6Xr4r0WOWc29XNuVrJGN_tgcozWO9KsKMsoEhhkPeEOJ5JrDRAVceJD96AbHuw6pM0XaorpFeCA8jkNiogxCPxGwdCIL7z_f-uRmklcr8BH04hIWjn9ztz8A/s1600-h/P4020331.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nIDisA6Gn-jbBDr3hwkG6s_84doFgUWfl19SBZgk5TxmmvA7pG29C2ed-mcxG_t7F9y3_yNMju4fxLc_xN_I0_eRuCQpoZALHRcyzEIcXyfZOoB5N2niudlU9LUTtNWeylCdWsUoFQ/s1600-h/P4020316.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184606379210054338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nIDisA6Gn-jbBDr3hwkG6s_84doFgUWfl19SBZgk5TxmmvA7pG29C2ed-mcxG_t7F9y3_yNMju4fxLc_xN_I0_eRuCQpoZALHRcyzEIcXyfZOoB5N2niudlU9LUTtNWeylCdWsUoFQ/s320/P4020316.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Today has been a day of travelling. My destination was Phuket. The plan was to take the train as by car it would have been over a days travelling. After a little investigating, I discovered that there was no direct train line from Hua Hin to Phuket and in fact it would be 2 trains or a train and a car. Wanting to make the most of my holiday, I decided to look into the cost of flying there. To my suprise it was only 18 pounds. and the flight is only 1 hour. It did mean a journey back to Bangkok - but thats only a 2 and a half hour drive. And a driver for the day might only cost you 10/20 pounds. Between a group of us it works out to virtually nothing. As we came in for landing I saw island after island - all of which seemed totally undeveloped and completely uninhabited. The surrounding sea was a exquizite turqouise lapping at unspoilt white sand. I can't wait till we hire our boat.<br /><br />I've just arrived at the Patong resort hotel. A lovely 4 star hotel on the Patong Beach front. This place is full up with rich americans as opposed to smelly travellers. I'm not sure which I prefer. Still it makes a change. Rooms here are 80 pounds per night for a 3 bed suite. However, Our local guide (Auntie Bora) has managed to secure them for only 30 .... Once again Im sharing with Paul and Beck. It's just like Zante in that respect. I don't get much sleep with them about. But, who needs it? Sleeping is for wimps. I am yet to leave the hotel and explore the island I am on but will do as soon as I can a post it here. </div><br /><div></div><div>I have yet to visit a part of Thailand that was effected by the tsunami. I will be interested to see if there is still much resoration work still to be done. I spoke briefly about the tsunami to several of the bar maids who have worked at the various hotels I have been staying in. Everyone seems to have lost someone in it. A friend a family member. The barmaid at the Somerset lost her brother and best friend. As we travelled here I found myself thinking more and more about the events of boxing day 2004. In 3 days I am going to visit Ko Phi Phi where my work colleague John and his wife Tracy died when the wave came in. I plan to stay on the beach in a tent with the other younger members of our group - although the island limits the number of campers to 20 per night. I'm told the beach huts where John stayed were never rebuilt. </div><br /><div>The girls I met in Cuba arrived today - as soon as I've finished typing this up Im going to join them by the pool to discuss their travels. They have already done Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Singapore. The more I consider what to do over the coming weeks the less inclined I am to leave Thailand. Except for my excursion to Cambodia. This place has everything you could want at a price that you can't grumble at. </div><div><br />Right drink time! </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-83090894179039228402008-04-01T11:25:00.000+01:002008-04-07T11:40:35.744+01:00Jans birthday & Monkey Mountain<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8FCNG3HayDAVDFDmI1XoH9l1d058NcRLQRyYBeyhqUPbzFXBdSvjOGsZn6nkCb_LCdIAe1R2KCk-7oJ25W993B8R1EdxABVafq1opkcrQUI4gZ0gg_rqmD7G92LGY_LllV2zeh4fSA/s1600-h/P3300073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184234310488169138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8FCNG3HayDAVDFDmI1XoH9l1d058NcRLQRyYBeyhqUPbzFXBdSvjOGsZn6nkCb_LCdIAe1R2KCk-7oJ25W993B8R1EdxABVafq1opkcrQUI4gZ0gg_rqmD7G92LGY_LllV2zeh4fSA/s320/P3300073.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Yesterday was Jan's birthday. We spent the day around the pool drinking and after a quick trip to Tescos and the local fish market we had enough food for our BBQ. We all had a great time - except Paul who slept through the whole event. The drinking games went on till the early hours of the morning. At which point me and the boys decided to hit the karaoke bar we had frequented the night before. Despite the 2am curfew this place somehow manages to stay open. I was intent on singing My Way by Frank Sinatra.<br /><div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>There is little sex tourism going on round here - as I am told it is the home of the King. However, when you visit a bar you are instantly surrounded by girls - anyone of which you can take home without even paying. Within seconds of arriving a young lady was sitting next to me who said her name was Mai. She had a good command of the English language so I decided not to tell her to go away and instead bought her a drink - so that I could pick her brain about some of the questions I had regarding Thai society. Mai, last night told me that she earns around 3 pounds a day no wonder these girls are so eager to bag a man who will spend more in a night than she earns in 2 weeks on booze. In fact a beer represents 1/3 of their daily wages. At the end of the evening (around 6am) I decided to go home in a tuk tuk - she followed me - I told her she wasn't coming back to my hotel. "why you no want boom boom?" she asked.... "It's all a little too easy" I replied. She looked back at me with little puppy dog eyes and seemed genuinely upset. "Don't worry love, I'll buy you another beer tomorrow!" I shouted out to her as my tuk tuk drove off. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I awoke this morning feeling less than fresh - but the thought of seeing monkeys spurred me on.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0_DJZMftgztqFeU9ELmhKcGx_5DOOgkn1PC5EURNLDU8plDgj7zZgfLOENyK_SjMBkSx3R8zfDWk4hxe4itbGHU1DorOS1V5OCqNM2iiaRp2OgAilJqizLiisuma2m3xHgJ8NKz1YQ/s1600-h/P4010233.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184233275401050786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0_DJZMftgztqFeU9ELmhKcGx_5DOOgkn1PC5EURNLDU8plDgj7zZgfLOENyK_SjMBkSx3R8zfDWk4hxe4itbGHU1DorOS1V5OCqNM2iiaRp2OgAilJqizLiisuma2m3xHgJ8NKz1YQ/s320/P4010233.JPG" border="0" /></a> I got ready and together with Paul, Garry and David made my way to Monkey Mountain. I stood around and took some photos of these strange little creatures. Then I felt my bag being snatched out of my hand .... it was a monkey thief.... he ripped the plastic bag right open - however, there was only sun cream in there... I decided I would need a stronger bag before I went to look at the gathering of monkeys a little way off. I soon noticed that the tourists were feeding the monkeys bananas - and monkey nuts. I bought a whole bag for around 40p and proceeded to feed the monkeys. Within seconds I was surrounded by them pulling me, begging me, climbing on me. I was having the time of my life. After a while I decided that I was getting bored and it was time to torment them a little bit. I held on fiercely to a banana whilst a monkey tried to pull it from my hands. The little fellow was quite strong but no match for me - I pulled, he pulled and I watched his face turn from excitement to annoyance - then without warning the bastard punched me in the face. Needless to say he then got his banana. I've now learnt a lesson - don't annoy monkeys.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I walked back to town via a fishing village - I have never seen creatures quite like some of the crustaceans that I have seen there. The place smelt terrible. I made my way to a bar with Dave and we sat and cooled down to some icy Shinga beer. Thus far it had been a perfect day.<br /><br />However, all perfect days invariably go wrong - and this one started to when we got back to town. As I was down to my last 1000 Bhat I decided to go to to the cash machine. For some reason my card isn't working. fortunately I can tell I still have money in the bank and am with family who i can transfer the money online to and they can take it out on their cards - however, it is a major inconvenience for both me and them. The online banking failed the first 5 times - coming back with the response - Server too busy. The cash machine said communication error. I'm hoping it will work tomorrow.<br /><br />I'm out tonight with Adam, a man who has lived here for 9 years and is cousins with Ollie and Elliott. He works teaching English as a foreign language at a local uni. He speaks fluent Thai. Im hoping that he will be able to give me more of an insight into this strange land - and maybe tell me what those bar girls are saying when they are nattering to each other in Thai and giggling at you. </div></div></div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-57383770009857824732008-03-30T13:00:00.000+01:002008-03-30T13:25:47.140+01:00The Beach<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bjhR214RH2dyR31TdwuFf-1lnmD4LZEBlwLETMDKaOedzvxs3pT2cMLaAA5zVcx76rDu5Q6wA2iD4XFXZkmYXhBsVD8dagNyWgXvekxcOdcWJNo0oM0t5NX2ssF9VmNHAthX8tul-g/s1600-h/qwertyuiop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183508078763055746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bjhR214RH2dyR31TdwuFf-1lnmD4LZEBlwLETMDKaOedzvxs3pT2cMLaAA5zVcx76rDu5Q6wA2iD4XFXZkmYXhBsVD8dagNyWgXvekxcOdcWJNo0oM0t5NX2ssF9VmNHAthX8tul-g/s320/qwertyuiop.jpg" border="0" /></a>Hua Hin is a much nicer place to holiday than Bangkok. Everything is cheaper and the people are friendlier. There are no go go bars here and lots of westerners, mainly Scandanavians. After watching the football and having a few drinks. I checked my emails and found my house sale had fallen through once again. My larger travel abitions will have to be put on hold once again. I decided to drink myself happy at a local bar called Beer House. Everywhere closes here at 2am - but I was happy to go back to my bed in any case.<br /><div></div><br /><div>My feet have improved greatly and the purchase of some new flip flops has helped too. You would not believe how hard it is to find shoes that fit me out here - or swimming trunks for that matter. I finally found a shop that sold goods intended for the western market at western prices.</div><br /><div></div><div>Today I finally got to rest. I awoke early and made my way to the beach to read the latest ben elton novel. I was constantly approached by beach vendors who would just stand next to me showing me things until i told them to go away. I was getting irritated - but then realised I could use them to provide me with a little extra shade. My plan was ineffective though as I am a nice lobster colour now. The beach was not as nice as I had imagined although I am told that the best beaches are to be found on the islands and maybe down in Phuket. I had a swim in the particularly warm sea avoiding the jelly fish and found myself a small hermet crab to pester for a few minutes. The water here is not very clear and my camera is useless in such water. Im hoping to get some good photos whilst snorkelling next week. My most promising discovery was monkey mountain ... I could only see it from the distance but after asking around I was told that there is a temple full of monkeys up there. I intend to visit the place on tuesday. </div><br /><div></div><div>I spent the later part of the day in the pool as David and Carol have turned up for Janets impending birthday party tomorrow and we all went to meet them . No exploring for me tomorrow. Just the pool a BBQ and lots of Singha beer. Perfect. </div><div><br />Unfortunatley several of todays photos have been lost after my xd card failed - I do however have a spare. Lets hope this one holds out on me. Im off to dinner now on the beach for some seafood based Thai cuisine. </div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-31370403185740145382008-03-29T11:50:00.000+00:002008-03-29T12:29:55.075+00:00Goodbye Bangkok, Hello Hua Hin<div>Last night was a particularly late night out with cousin Paul looking for bars with travellers & <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLplNCp1whqbF-XgalwK6CPzTWi-5XwxkrtEDelI6JDhRcAX6maHQTZdlKMv7gVxSHB_W3jcAESoFfQHmPLA2kQ6Q91FdrRZrwdnrb5NnBZU87dHcwO_-NfFbZwzZGjFY5Oyiuy67RzQ/s1600-h/P3280070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183139145367296578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLplNCp1whqbF-XgalwK6CPzTWi-5XwxkrtEDelI6JDhRcAX6maHQTZdlKMv7gVxSHB_W3jcAESoFfQHmPLA2kQ6Q91FdrRZrwdnrb5NnBZU87dHcwO_-NfFbZwzZGjFY5Oyiuy67RzQ/s320/P3280070.JPG" border="0" /></a>western ladies rather than Thai prostitutes. The problem we encountered was that everywhere seems to close at 2am. I find this particularly strange that in a country where it seems almost anything goes you cannot get a drink anywhere other than your hotel - or an illegal bar after 2am. We asked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tuk</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tuk</span> driver after <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tuk</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tuk</span> driver if they could find somewhere for us to drink with fellow travellers - and once again instead of listening to us took us to go go bars. Eventually we settled on an inoffensive go go bar where most of the women had already been sold for the night - and there were a group of western girls standing outside with their boyfriends a little confused as to why the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tuk</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tuk</span> drivers had took them there. We chatted with a few of them and they advised us of locations they had got from the net for late night drinking. </div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpgobUD785ODVsTv4gkcwVly1SVYloeKF5xQo3G30oiYmoByBaUAxhQdl79W1gMbF-8vdne_KcoFVxZ8UMizP8elAKLXcXybs2mkQfBreR23K3pKzrQDzaSSzFtr9QSDzYSuYu_RUtg/s1600-h/P3280072.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183139153957231186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpgobUD785ODVsTv4gkcwVly1SVYloeKF5xQo3G30oiYmoByBaUAxhQdl79W1gMbF-8vdne_KcoFVxZ8UMizP8elAKLXcXybs2mkQfBreR23K3pKzrQDzaSSzFtr9QSDzYSuYu_RUtg/s320/P3280072.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I decided that taxi drivers were more honest chauffeurs and we hopped into one of the electric pink taxis that are plentiful in this city. He tried to find us a bar - but with little luck - after an hour of driving around our taxi driver explained that the no late <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">alcohol</span> law is a recent rule that has only come into force since the coup a little while ago. "That's no good is it!" I explained to the taxi driver..... he gave me a disapproving look I decided to let the matter drop and instead asked him to drive Paul and myself for some authentic Thai McDonald's (Open 24 hours, a third of the price and they deliver). I wasn't too disappointed that i didn't get to stay out all night. After all I was travelling to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Hua</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hin</span> the next morning - and had to check out early. I also managed to meet some adult elephants this time. Good stuff!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The journey to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Hua</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hin</span> wasn't too bad. About 2 hours. The hotel is nice and is around £8 per night per person, although it is nothing compared to the place that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Pauls</span> late uncle had built. We all had a dip in the pool there a few beers and decided to try out my underwater camera.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DR7jpBuZfolkoYBfgdMsLoKPm6AzJDx6ZWITQ4kiZafY5oGSCXfAUCP56KkFyIMs298C74hr2wvNJnCKyliRjcjhR43Z1DIIm23WYvHrD9Uk3ojw8HwTIdKoQ_QBRhfnAX-mzEqE0Q/s1600-h/P3290090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183139158252198498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DR7jpBuZfolkoYBfgdMsLoKPm6AzJDx6ZWITQ4kiZafY5oGSCXfAUCP56KkFyIMs298C74hr2wvNJnCKyliRjcjhR43Z1DIIm23WYvHrD9Uk3ojw8HwTIdKoQ_QBRhfnAX-mzEqE0Q/s320/P3290090.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I intend to inspect the town tonight. It is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">immediately</span> clear that it is a million miles away from the cacophony of people cars and animals that is Bangkok. I understand that it is primarily a golf resort and that the king of Thailand plays here regularly. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Hua</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Hin's</span> food and beer prices appear cheaper than Bangkok - I was told this was the case - and it has put my mind at rest that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Im</span> not going over budget. It gets very confusing handing over 1000 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">bhat</span> notes - it seems like it should be more money than it actually is (£16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">ish</span>). In fact I have only spent £115 so far and have managed to get some clothes. So <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Im</span> doing well. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVHdJrIUs-PPUTkDRy5qRHAYgiYHHejRUFuQ4lPdAI7Lvr5peDiqJpMRMtC4g4TBwcbXW2ZSmO6C4_xJvQMcXtUxUQvN0HDqbNpsv49V7M27YP7Iwd_sPLAY9eIEoem5BXefnQuZrrw/s1600-h/P3290099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183139162547165810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVHdJrIUs-PPUTkDRy5qRHAYgiYHHejRUFuQ4lPdAI7Lvr5peDiqJpMRMtC4g4TBwcbXW2ZSmO6C4_xJvQMcXtUxUQvN0HDqbNpsv49V7M27YP7Iwd_sPLAY9eIEoem5BXefnQuZrrw/s320/P3290099.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Apart</span> from that, I continue to be plagued by problems with my feet. As one is getting better the other is getting worse. I think a day at the beach might be in order tomorrow. Anyway, its time to eat now. Steak and chips for £1.50! Happy days. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-20491932994209078652008-03-28T05:53:00.000+00:002008-04-07T11:43:00.919+01:00Ping Pong in PatpongTrue to form, despite claiming to be tired I managed to pull an all night drinking session out of the hat. I have had 2 hours sleep since I got here and am absolutely shattered. Tomorrow its off to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hua</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hin</span></span> for some R & R on the beach.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div>Bangkok is a huge city - that isn't clearly laid out at all. There are several districts specialising in different things such as clothing, electronics etc.. but they are vastly spread out. There is no city centre. This place was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">definitely</span></span> not designed with the man on foot in mind. </div><br /><div>After speaking with the guys, we decided to check out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Patpong</span></span> - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bangkok's</span></span> notorious red light district. This is not somewhere you should go if you are easily shocked or looking for a quiet relaxing time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgrHs5W3S8OR2trJeEfMMMWs64S9YNWSABrbcV15J_cQacZxZ0_H7uERZlzqiUH4u9dQg-n4dkxHZLLskMzxjeHesgW7frr_GkpKm3JtWMqfNILjvGmwA3hNiaWuIEknTK992SEWf2g/s1600-h/P3270052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182671225860266498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgrHs5W3S8OR2trJeEfMMMWs64S9YNWSABrbcV15J_cQacZxZ0_H7uERZlzqiUH4u9dQg-n4dkxHZLLskMzxjeHesgW7frr_GkpKm3JtWMqfNILjvGmwA3hNiaWuIEknTK992SEWf2g/s320/P3270052.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />On arrival the first thing I was encountered by was a young elephant. Great! I'm very fond of elephants and monkeys. This place has both. I asked his owner if he was friendly and if I could touch him. The man agreed and very quickly another man appeared with a bag of food that i had to buy. Oh well, it was only 50p. I held the food behind me and gave the magnificent creature a single piece of exotic looking fruit. The elephant came up to me and started to rub me with his trunk - in way much more intimate than most of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Thai</span></span> street girls trying to grab your arse/attention. His owner explained that he gets impatient and I shouldn't hold out giving him the food in individual pieces otherwise he will go looking for them. I left with a smile on my face and continued down the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Patpong</span></span> strip. We were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">immediately</span></span> homed in on by lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">thai</span></span> men claiming that they were our friends and that they wanted to want to help us out. I have heard are on a commission if i have a drink in a certain bar or sleep with a certain woman. It started to become very tiresome - and we weren't getting in much drinking. Eventually we decided on a visit to a ping pong show.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><br />Once inside we were shown to our seats by the Mama. our beer was cold the price was right - and in 10 minutes the show was going to be on. The first lady inserted a pair of chopsticks into her private area and proceeded to pick up a series of hoops that were on the ground. Then she wandered round to every man in the bar and dropped one of the hoops over it. I decided at that point to hold onto my beer from then on. The second lady managed to suck up a half litre coke bottle inside her and empty it into an adjacent bottle. Also impressive. Next was the act we had been waiting for. The Mama walked round and handed each person a ping pong bat. I have never seen anything like that in my life before. She could aim it with an accuracy and range that would put even a veteran ping pong player to shame. If you managed to knock it back to her she would re-insert it and fire again. Paul got a nice rally going - i was less successful. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCF8GQukWuucooVrbn309PsgzznIbImUUK3Vyh055EBM95gk6LgQGM5kBKbh_Ui57XXY-vGdjMd3CdWnSLshwUh_RNSmD8SotaWI4d47E8t9keqf_cOQuXI3sEesaGL0paEet2uANInQ/s1600-h/P3270055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182677655426308626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCF8GQukWuucooVrbn309PsgzznIbImUUK3Vyh055EBM95gk6LgQGM5kBKbh_Ui57XXY-vGdjMd3CdWnSLshwUh_RNSmD8SotaWI4d47E8t9keqf_cOQuXI3sEesaGL0paEet2uANInQ/s320/P3270055.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Most of the girls in these places are available for hire and as soon as the act was over we were swarmed by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">scantily</span></span> clad Thai girls. Who were willing to tell you whatever you wanted to hear. If the Mama saw one of her girls wasn't having much luck with a man she would either replace her or shout at her in Thai - and the girls attitude would change completely. From <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">flirty</span></span>, to touchy, even to hostile. I quickly became aware that the exploitation runs both ways here. After having one of the ladies of the night lick my ear, I'd had enough of them sitting with us - expecting drinks. I told the mama that I wasn't interested. She said that if I didn't like girls - she could find me a man. I declined and we decided to check out next door instead. Bar after bar was the same. I was very concerned by how young some of the girls seemed and also how unhappy some of them seemed. After 2am in Bangkok its impossible to go for a drink anywhere other than a go go bar. We finally settled in a bar where the girls were dancing behind the bar with numbers on, seemed all to be old enough and had a smile on their face. </div><br /><div></div><div>I sat down and looked to my left there was a Scottish lady there with a pair of devil horns on. I asked her what had brought her to one of these places? She explained that she was here with her new husband on honeymoon. "What on earth <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">possessed</span> you to let your husband take you here for your honeymoon" I enquired. "Actually, It was my idea" she replied. Her husband promptly returned to his seat next to her with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Thai</span> girl on each arm. I decided to let the matter drop.<br /><br />Finally at 6am I gave up the battle to stay up till sunrise and we booked a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">tuk</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">tuk</span></span> back to the hotel. I didn't know they were so rapid. As we cleared a flyover I swear we had some lift off. Paul decided to sleep out on the balcony whilst I opted for the luxury of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">air conditioning</span>. It didn't seem to make much difference though as soon as my head hit the pillow I was being awoken to join people for breakfast. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3yYsp9J3jcrejnVFNqTXCflhcbgNnoPbf8Hji0TzMdJAe8YoOCpHVsj-JXlD8uaWd443fXIFU_5AQGyRxdSl-u-IvdBoHymoPdK2jxqtt0kOIjMlf1MLcx8tDJXgl_ycdtncdWivsQ/s1600-h/P3280069.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKqi0uOri8P-XGBoOcboVt8HBdWszG5yfhX1aJ1Ipcy_3TZhhIlTd_Ao1ceIy1wDuccFE8KhCYo8R60FV2TvF1yWhw2EMt3iC_q0fV8QIQm37RJO0T7FIM_UKRhd8k0qtjftBgImBRg/s1600-h/P3280069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182687499491351090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKqi0uOri8P-XGBoOcboVt8HBdWszG5yfhX1aJ1Ipcy_3TZhhIlTd_Ao1ceIy1wDuccFE8KhCYo8R60FV2TvF1yWhw2EMt3iC_q0fV8QIQm37RJO0T7FIM_UKRhd8k0qtjftBgImBRg/s320/P3280069.JPG" border="0" /></a>After breakfast it was clothes and electrical goods shopping. we went to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">MBK</span></span> center and proceeded to look around for cheap <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">imitation</span> clothes and electrical items. In this center there must be 500 shops all selling the same thing - I don't know why they just don't have one big shop. I got some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">t-shirts</span> for about one pound each and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Paul</span></span> bought a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">PSP</span></span> for a little less than you can buy it for in the UK. However, the real treat was that the games are one pound each instead of forty back home. As we left i noticed that this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">place</span>, much like several of the other malls I have been to do not have automatic sliding doors. Instead opting for door attendants. Either salaries are very low over here or sliding doors are too expensive. </div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">I'm</span> going to jump in a taxi now and head back to my hotel as I've managed to quite badly bruise my ankle on a piece of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">furniture</span> - and want to rest it up. I also need some sleep before I go exploring again tonight. Lets hope its a little less sordid this time. </div></div></div></div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-41133147187282270672008-03-27T13:17:00.000+00:002008-03-28T05:58:47.093+00:00One Night In Bangkok<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95ODmtuJxXnU6Kcm8mo0WOKD__KbpCZ7cl5n3JbupaIPPM4DeLEuZ9WkXGbhZ1hgeVUMbWV42Lph5Y_zKLh0TnaPCUzkgZ0rooKUENOInyxX6C9IrSoKykl60sTDJJT91vYnCgfbNMQ/s1600-h/P3270029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182415134140275186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95ODmtuJxXnU6Kcm8mo0WOKD__KbpCZ7cl5n3JbupaIPPM4DeLEuZ9WkXGbhZ1hgeVUMbWV42Lph5Y_zKLh0TnaPCUzkgZ0rooKUENOInyxX6C9IrSoKykl60sTDJJT91vYnCgfbNMQ/s320/P3270029.JPG" border="0" /></a> I departed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chingford</span> around 2.30pm <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">English</span> time and made my way to the airport for my 9.30pm flight. Everything went well and I slept most of the way there - after requesting an upgrade I got given the seat next to the wing which has no one in front of it, happy days! Sadly, I missed both the in flight meals. On <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">arrival</span> at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Suvarnabhumi</span> airport i was very aware the first things I needed to do were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">check in</span> to my hotel, find something to eat and then freshen up.<br /><br />We are all staying at the Somerset hotel - and due to a stroke of good fortune I have been upgraded to a suite - I have 2 bathrooms and 3 bedrooms - nice. I put my valuables in the safe took a quick photo from my 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> floor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-ao2zF5yAWVH3CXEH-EnhyQPG1FsC5gy3X55rlQ0Qk_bwo7IImaxeipe4A9qfV9EmcY8xaAbZVd78aX-ZTtaohtJQ79kULiANzliS5BIKhPrs1cqHWf_tgxQ2bpJCUcm8ofgkQ4POQ/s1600-h/P3270036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182413918664530402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-ao2zF5yAWVH3CXEH-EnhyQPG1FsC5gy3X55rlQ0Qk_bwo7IImaxeipe4A9qfV9EmcY8xaAbZVd78aX-ZTtaohtJQ79kULiANzliS5BIKhPrs1cqHWf_tgxQ2bpJCUcm8ofgkQ4POQ/s320/P3270036.JPG" border="0" /></a> suite and made my way downstairs to enquire about an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Internet</span> cafe. It soon became clear that the staff <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">didn't</span> understand my particular brand of English despite claiming to speak it. Not to worry, after a brief game of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">charades</span> I was back on track and a very helpful man who insisted on holding doors open for me and calling me sir a lot led me to his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">tuk</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">tuk</span> (a small 6 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">seater</span> taxi with open sides and a small engine on it.) Traffic in Bangkok is a nightmare - and the drivers are even scarier - if the traffic moved a little faster, I probably wouldn't have got on it. He took me to a place to buy clothes called the Emporium. After walking around Gucci and Armani shops for a bit I realised that I had not conveyed myself correctly to my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">tuk</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">tuk</span> man - I was looking for a Bangkok street market. Despite being alone in a strange city I decided to go wandering. It didn't feel like the other side of the world. I had his overwhelming feeling of being safe mainly because I am a giant here - and secondly that every 3rd shop is a 7 eleven or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Tescos</span>.<br /><div></div><br /><div>The first lesson I learned was how to cross the road. People here don't respect boundaries like pavements or red lights - anything goes. I'd been to a place like this before - Naples! I wandered for 2 miles following the route of the overhead <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">skytrain</span> - on the assumption that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">internet</span> cafe I so desperately required would be near a station. It appeared I was wrong. If every third shop is a 7 eleven then every 1st and 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">nd</span> shop is a massage parlour or go go bar. Eventually I found a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">McDonalds</span> and had myself as much as I could eat for around 1.50 UK money - met some helpful Londoners who pointed me in the right direction and made my way to the cafe. As I walked too it - I was very aware of noises and smells coming from everywhere. The trees seem to make noises like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">maracas</span> being shook very quickly - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Im</span> not sure if its an insect or a bird. The smells, come partially from the myriad of food stalls selling things that I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">wouldn't</span> even touch - let alone put in my mouth and there is also that sewage smell that seems to plague hot poor places. Bangkok is a place of real contrast, parts are very wealthy and affluent - and could compete with any major western city - but then you look to the right of a 50 storey glass skyscraper and there is a shanty town in its shadow. You wouldn't get that on Manhattan island. </div><p>The boys want to hit the town tonight - but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">I'm</span> not sure if <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">I'm</span> up for it. I do have another night here before travelling to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Hua</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Hin</span> - and probably a couple of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">nights</span> here before I finally return as I have to depart from the same airport. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">I'm</span> going back to freshen up now - lets see what happens. </p>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-75012974866346561012008-03-26T10:32:00.000+00:002008-03-26T10:39:14.194+00:00Rabies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUT06UEikNplGDJGxq9ws0imPP1sOoYE46uMaIk879XDr4pFPAKoWC2GAMqXL_Ozx3qKAldgrpRevCX6-pKPgIVnhnWlQ-ErdnnFMK3UkhuRNX577RerVQfnOpNOI1SJiRHDPIHuZAQ/s1600-h/rabies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181996623937018306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUT06UEikNplGDJGxq9ws0imPP1sOoYE46uMaIk879XDr4pFPAKoWC2GAMqXL_Ozx3qKAldgrpRevCX6-pKPgIVnhnWlQ-ErdnnFMK3UkhuRNX577RerVQfnOpNOI1SJiRHDPIHuZAQ/s320/rabies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I awoke this morning to do some last minute packing. I should be excited but feel incredibly feverish after my 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nd</span> rabies <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">vaccination</span> yesterday. The bags are packed now and the paracetamol has started to kick in now.<br /><br />I have hardly packed any clothes instead hoping to buy most of my clothing out there. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">I'm</span> told that there are lots of cheap imitation goods. Which should go down well with my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">chav</span> cousin.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">I'm</span> fully prepared with regards to phone and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">internet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">services</span> and am bringing along two cameras and a video camera - so i should be able to get some good footage up here.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ok</span> its off to work now to say a final goodbye to my work colleagues and then off to the airport. Lets hope I can sleep most of the 13 hour flight. I think we land at 9am - so getting a good sleep on the plane is going to be a must. I just hope I feel better soon. </div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160693204938126954.post-47028964570991261892008-03-25T12:51:00.000+00:002008-03-25T13:01:40.950+00:00First Post<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLX7aGGsy5BHAw0G6yHWPe62nuXBdQ_2ds5zuyXYROLPIfzl9dY0RmaasILKmOfp-YzLexmAqlcl17K0d0z5xNdyZFobr0q_iBHa72WK3D3J2sXRenpKwBUfG4kKTwymh0zWXBkRznqQ/s1600-h/GQGZOMGKTUGB.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181662814783805874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLX7aGGsy5BHAw0G6yHWPe62nuXBdQ_2ds5zuyXYROLPIfzl9dY0RmaasILKmOfp-YzLexmAqlcl17K0d0z5xNdyZFobr0q_iBHa72WK3D3J2sXRenpKwBUfG4kKTwymh0zWXBkRznqQ/s320/GQGZOMGKTUGB.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hi, as most of you know my name is Garry and tomorrow I set off travelling. I had the plan about a year ago, after becoming somewhat disillusioned with life in London and working in financial services. I have been working towards tomorrow ever since. </div><div> </div><div>This is my blog where I will be keeping everyone up to date with regards to my adventures. Im starting in Bangkok travelling with 10+ members of my friends and family. I should be making my way down to singapore stopping of at many places along the way. Then who knows? Im really excited about going - but a little aprehensive about leaving my house, my friends and my family for so long. The most I have ever been away for before is 2 weeks.<br /><br />My english phone number is 07970035540 if you need to contact me. I will post my Thai number as soon as I have one. To contact me by email please use the address: <a href="mailto:garry@mastersofcreation.com">garry@mastersofcreation.com</a>.</div><div> </div><div> </div>Garry Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519515883805229914noreply@blogger.com0