Catch up...

Getting to the internet is never as easy as you'd imagine, what with all the obvious distractions, and the often crippling high price of an hour of cyber-fun (more than a couple of beers... hence many beers, no blog updates!) but rest assured we're still here...

So, I see that my last proper post saw us in Nha Trang, Vietnam. At the time I was quite ill with a tropical cold, and we left Nah Trang on a so called "Sleeper" Bus... well unlike the sleeper bus in Laos, these ones just constituted long reclining chairs that folded down. Unfortunately we got the back row. Now while Dave, Christine, Michelle and I might not have slept much, the cuddly Vietnamese man sleeping next to me did! Good job too because with the air-con set to "freeze your balls off" I needed his body warmth.

Anyway, we arrived in Hoi An, and after resting most of the day we did a little exploring...

Let me just say, that if you're ever in Vietnam, you have to get to Hoi An. Very cute, rows of little Chinese shop-houses, narrow streets, lanterns and a million Tailors and Shoe Makers... Michelle and I succumbed to the lure very quickly, both getting several items of clothing and some shoes made. For that alone its worth visiting this place, but its just so darned cute!

After several days there, it was off to Hue, the ancient Imperial Capital... I say ancient but although the various Dynasty's that rules Vietnam did so from Hue, most of the interesting sights are only a couple of hundred years old. That aside, the imperial city was unexpected and stunning...

For the facebookers, photos here

for others... uh, sometime soonish...

Then it was up to Hanoi - strange city, suicidal drivers, but it certianly has a lot of energy. We went out and saw the famous Water Puppets - an amazing experience, then we bid farewell to David and Christine as they headed off to Halong Bay and we took care of a few errands (getting our insurance claim from Southern Cross sorted FINALLY!!!) and rested up after the 2 weeks of hectic and constant travel.

Then off to Ha Long Bay... utterly stunning! We payed a little extra for a "Deluxe" Junk and weren't dissapointed. It was a great group of people, and a very enjoyable time exploring the limestone islets, caves and the famous Cat Ba island.

Finally we bid farewell to Vietnam (for now, we're definately going back!) and caught our flight into Bangkok, and undertook our most epic journey so far...

Taxi to Airport, Airplane from Ha Noi to Bangkok, Taxi to Hualumphong Train Station, Tuk-Tuk to MBK to get some food, Tuk Tuk back, then on the train for the overnight trip to Surat Thani, Taxi and Minivan to the pier and Ferry to Koh Samui, and finally Songthaaw to Mae Nam beach. That's Planes, Boats, Trains, Tuk-Tuks, Songthaaws, Vans and Taxis all in one trip.

38 Hours later we finally collapsed onto the bed in our Bungalow.

Koh Samui is beautiful and interesting, we stayed on charming Bophut beach most of the time, but rented moto's for a few days and explored the entire island, including the famous (and energetic night spot) of Chaweng, then it was off to the famous backpackers party island of Koh Phangan.

Which is where we are now. Maybe not quite as spectactualr as Koh Samui, it makes up for it with a laid back atmosphere and very cheap food and drinks.

At this stage I can't quite believe its all drawing to a close so quickly! In under 2 weeks we'll be in Blighty, watching the Beeb, and since the Permiership League is on at the moment, supporting Liverpool. All very exciting apart from having to find work...

Anyway, thats it from me, net time is up and a beer is calling my name!

Shout outs to Kyle, Darren, Tamsyn and Fran - wassup you guys, hope you're still getting in a few last BBQ's. Big HI and hugs to David and Chirstine, for coming half way round the world to see us, and for sharing some of the adversities!

Ok till next time!