from peace and quiet to BANGKOK

Last sat we had a brilliant day diving Ko Rok a marine park off the south of Koh Lanta. The diving was ace like being in an aquarium. We saw lobsters and finally a turtle. As me and chris are usually at the rear of the dive we have missed the turtles on 2 previous dives.

We had our lunch on a beautiful little bay, crystal clear water absolutely stunning.

Sunday we rose early and took a ferry to Krabi port, Thai mainland. We then travelled and stayed in Ao Nang for the night in order to catch our flight the next day. Ao nang its self was really horrible and touristy.

But the beaches and views just around the corner were fantastic. we took a boat to Riley beach and Nang Pra - which were amazing. Beautiful beaches, with huge rocks that jump out of the water and go up and 500 metres, they over hang the water and it feels quite scary to swim under them. Tried to find a photo on the net but struggling!

Monday (yesterday) we flew with Air Asia - Asia's ryanair to Bangkok less than 30 pounds each cheap as chips and it was fine. Arriving in Bangkok was a massive shock and the total opposite of Koh Lanta's quiet beach life. It was actually raining when we arrived but changed to boiling hot sun in about 10 mins.

We are staying at Wild Orchid near Khao San Road which is the back packers area of Bangkok. Rooms in the area start from 1 pound but that will involve no window, shared bathroom, mattress on the floor prob with free bed bugs and lots of noise! We are in a superior room in the hotel but by most people's standards it would be basic. I quite like it though - after the 5 flights of stairs we have a lovely littel balcony and through another door we have our bathroom which is on a balcony too! you can sit on the loo and watch Bangkok or as i did this morning watch the sunrise! lovely. There are hanging blinds to provide privacy!!

Yesterday we went to the largest shopping mall - 6 floors, a mile long - yikes. I found it a bit overwhelming and actually wore my sunglasses some of the time because of all the bright lights. Chris had his hair cut and came out looking rather 'fabulous darling'!! heee hee

Sat in the bars and watched the world go by for the evening. Our bar at a certain time turned into sitting on the floor! The staff toook away our tables and chairs, put matts on the floor, we removed our shoes and sat on the matts. The prices of the drinks rose by about 10 or 20 pence as they then had to pay off the police to be able to keep serving alcohol!!! Funny stuff.

Not sure what today holds for us! Some more rides in Tuk Tuks i expect - hopefully today the traffic will be moving!

We found out the 'ecko' noises we hear are not geckos but a larger type of lizard which you can always hear even in bangkok but not see!

Lots of love
Anna
Chris - im off to wake him up!