Hello Phuket

We've arrived in downtown Phuket after another marathon yesterday in minibuses, a ferry, coaches and a jeep.

This place is lively to say the least which comes as a bit of a shock to the system after spending a few weeks on comparatively quieter islands. There are lots of 'Sexy Lady Bars' here and those offering Ping Pong shows (don't ask)! I've never seen so many lady boys either, in shops, hotels, bars - everywhere! No one seems to bat an eyelid, except them of course.

It's expensive round here and everywhere you look there are English-run bars, pubs and restaurants. There are a lot of expats in the south of Thailand I'm told. I wonder what the appeal is in the long-term and how happy are they? Are they running away from something back home? Are their Thai partners happy too? Who am I to presume anything?!

The weather is a bit more temperate here which is something of a relief.

Today our mission is to find Ric a new pair of swimming shorts and book up some diving around the idyllic Koh Phi Phi.

We're itching to get back in the sea.