AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS........or so

Hay everyone.

Left Bangkok yesterday morning. Took a 3 1/2 bus ride over to BaPhan, from here we got to ferry over to the island of Koh Samet. The weather is unreal, at the moment, its at 35 degrees, perfect for the beach......how's the rain back home????

Anyway this island was declared a national park and a place of outstanding beauty in 1981, however due to the locals building illegal resorts along the beach it was stripped of its title. I actually think it adds to the character of the Island. We booked ourselves into one of the resorts looking right out onto the beach. Amazing.

Myself, Niall and two English girls we met chilled out with cocktails on the beach last night. Talk about complete and utter relaxation. I tried authentic Thai food here last night for the first time ( I was to weary of it in Bangkok) and boy is it gorgeous.....and bloody hot!!

I've been hearing alot about a Full Moon party on the 29th in Koh Phangan, south of Bangkok, this happens to be the day I fly out to Sydney......should I stay or go???? Going to look into getting the flight tickets changed. Hopefully they'll be able to do something.

Just to make you all jealous at home the plan for today is to chill out on the beach and catch some Sun......being a typical Paddy I'll end up as a red as hell.

Here are a view photo's of Thailand. ( I found a way to go over my limit with uploading!)

Neil (from Ballbriggan) & Ruth (Manchester) on the Ferry to Koh Samet

In the gardens of the Emerald Palace

On the back of a TUK TUK

Emerald Palace again!

Right thats all for now.....beach time. Feel free to leave a coment (just click on the comment button underneath)

Ciao

Colin

Hay All

Well my impressions of Bangkok have not changed greatly since I posted last. I really think the best way to describe this city is a dirty, sewer smelling, clamy city that only wants to rip you off at every chance they get. There is really nothing to do in this city. It reminds me of Brussells. Feck all to see but plenty of bars. Apart from Siam Square, the various markets and the Emerald palace, bangkok has really nothing left to offer.

As I said earlier there is really not a whole lot happening here apart from a visit to the Buddha Temple and the Kings Palaces. Its really the only tourist attraction they have and its a very good one at that. Some of the art work and the monuments in the 'Emerald Palace' are amazing and seemed to be looked after very well. The gold spires of the temples and the colourfull artwork along the various walls around the temple gardens would make Michelangelo's work look amertureish.

The Markets now are unreal. You can buy cloths, shoes, runners, DVD's - anything.....you name and you'll find here in one of the many Bangkok markets and the best part of it al is that everything is dirt cheap....even if you don't haggle with then. I have'nt been to the night Market yet, Iheard some good things about it so I'll savwe that for my last night - which is tomorrow (Monday).

Tuesday I plan to leave Bangkok and head into the heart of Thailand. Have not decided were yet. I met a guy from Ballbrigan in Bullys Bar the other night. He's heading home on Friday but he wanted to see a bit of Thailand before he went, so we made plans to travel around the place with each other. It beats heading into the 'wilderness' on your own!

Wll thats all from me at the moment. I will upload photo's and videos as soon as I am allowed! ( I've reached the limit for this month on photo's so I haver to wait till August. What I will do is upload them to myspace or bebo and put the link here.

anyway thats it for now

Take care

Colin

Hay Everyone,

I arrived last night in Thailand after a very long and exhausting flight from London. Got a taxi in from the airport straight to the hostel ( it cost around 300bht + toll 70bht which works out at e8.90). I had lost track of time so I decided to head straight to bed. I got up early this morning at 2a.m., thinking of course it was much later. Could'nt get back to sleep so I took a wee wonder around the block. To my amazement the place was as busy as It would be during the day. Unreal. They don't really seem to care what they do for money....just wants they get it.

When back to the hostel at around 3.30am and that was mew out for the count till about 12 noon today. Last night my walk around the block in sandles did not do much for my feet as there was cuts and bite marks all over. I went to put the sandles back on and they seem to make things worse. So on with the runners and down to the market to buy something more comfortable. A pair of slip on runners/sandle style, a irish rugby top and a pair of 3/4 length trousers - all for 1220bht which works out at 30e not bad but I could of getting them cheaper if I really tried. I just needed something quick for my feet!

Right so its off to explore Bangkok today and tomorrow. After that I plan to head up along the coast of Thailand if I can get a good trip at a decent price.

Thats all for now

la-gon

Colin

oh yeah I heard this morning Joe has resigned as manager of Armagh. Damn I betcha all the experienced players will follow suit.

On Tuesday night, myself and my 2 room mates decided that sure we are all moving on tomorrow, lets say goodbye to London in Style. A vote was taken and Camden town was the choice for that nights drinking. On the way to Kings Cross Station to catch the tube we said we would kick start the evening with a quick pint in O'Neills Irish Bar (just up the road from the hostel and tube station). So 1 turned into 2, 2 turned into 3 etc., etc. "Right are we heading to Camden or what?", "eh no, its 1.30am!"

So it turned out without us realising that we had spent the night in O'Neills. Turned out to be a really good night.

Following morning was not easy, we only had about 5/6 pints and all our headings were, well not the best. Couple pints of water and were back on track. My plane was'nt till 10.30pm that evening so I had the entire day to spend in London. The only 2 places I never got to were Maduam Tussads and the Imperial war Museum.

Tussads was grand. More aimed at the young I'd guess. Kinded reminded me of the School tours to the Dublin Wax Museum. After that I caught the tube over to the Imperial War Museum. I spent about 3 hours in this place. I must say the Exhibition on the Holocust is something else. They have some really disturbing pictures and videos on Display.

Right thats it from London. I must say it is certainly an enjoyable city. Lots to do and see. I shall certainly be back at some stage now that I know the main tourist spots to avoid so you won't get ripped off.

Thats it for now

Take care

Colin

This photo was taken at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich overlooking the city of London. So close to the city but you would think you were miles away in the country side.