Its a small world

Hallo everyone,

Platten here, thought i'd let you all in on our next moves. Still in Ko Phangnan, moved down to Thongsala which is where the ferry port is, staying here tonight and leaving tomorrow morning. Originally we were going to check out Ko Tao, which is good for snorkelling and i really wanted to try it out there, also recommend by my good pal chloe. Unfortunately, prices have gone up to get there AND the weather/sea's are not in the best condition to get across on the boats, i think the woman actaully said "very dangerous, might get stuck on there yah? have to stay there for long time hahahahaha" i didn't find it nearly as funny as she did, but took her advice and thinking about making our way down south. Trying to find the best route, looking like the night train from surat thani - songkla - malaysia but need to check if those places are still ok to travel through.

Last night at our little remote bungalow place i had a strange encounter, bearing in mind, adam and myself have met only a couple of brits since being here let alone peeps from east anglia, most tourists/travellers appear to be german, aussie or brazillan at the moment. Anyways, sitting waiting for the norwich game to come on and this bloke opposite us starts making convo and we ask him ... "where abouts you from mate?" he says "oh erh place in england, probably not heard of it.....great yarmouth" "i'm from there!!!" i said, a bit over enthusiastically, probably the only time i have sounded enthusiastic about being from GY, "well actually its gorleston to be precise" he says........"no way i'm from gorleston!!!!" turns out he lives near the kevil arms on church road, literally 5 minute walk from my house, this may not seem like a big deal but being out here for a month and barely even overhearing a british accent and then that happens! Its a small world.
So things i miss about britain that i didn't think i would.......Queuing, what an excellent idea, it's ok if you are near the back of a queue, because at least you have that faith and certainty that your time will come! even in small convinient stores here, people do not queue - my inner brit found this hard to deal with at first but i'm learning to be a pusher (queue pusher, not drugs obviously). Orange juice, stuff here just tastes vile - can't even describe it. Oh yeah and toilet paper, they do sell it but like a few sheets for a fiver, i know that tradionally its all about the hand and scooping some water up, which is fine, if you install and sink for afterwards to wash your hands, if not....well green poo happens basically. So essentials for me have become hand sanitizer, tissue and mozzie spray, gone are the days my friends where eyeliner and lipgloss being top priorites in my bag!
This may all be a bit boring to read, but its good talking about the normal stuff. Other than that, everything is fantastic, weather is bliss, food is great and the people are friendly.
Really feel that we have had a good taste of southern thailand and "island life" really now looking forward to getting stuck into malaysia which is very different apparently. Kuala lumpa is where we are heading but stopping at few places on the way, which we will keep you informed on.
Until then, bye for now and have fun getting ready for christmas!!  Have some mulled wine for us, in a nice warm pub.
Love amy xxxxx