Attempt number two- as I spent an hour typing and then the thing crashed!
So since the last time, some really cool things have happened......
15/4
Didn't do too much today, tried to go out for some food without getting wet (still celebrating Songkran) but we got caught so we decided to go the extra distance for something we wanted and headed for Subway. Last day of Songkran today so hopefully we can avoid getting drenched anymore.
16/4
Tentatively headed out today hoping not to get wet and managed it. Spoke to Katharine on the phone today and that was really nice, miss you!!!! Got the evening bus (6.30) to Bangkok. We were told it was a sleeping bus but really it just had seats that reclined. We knew we were in for an uncomfortable night. It was strange walking around Chiang Mai today with it being so quiet after the previous 3 days of water fights.
17/4
Arrived in Bangkok at 6.30am and found somewhere to stay (with a roof top pool) and put heads down for some much needed/deserved sleep on a flat bed rather than a seat. Walked to Chinatown, wasn't really what we thought it was going to be like and then got a taxi back as it was so hot there was no way we could walk that far again in the heat. On the way we went in so many 7/11's to keep cool. Walked down the famous Khao San Road and due to the political situation decided to book the bus out of there for tomorrow. Turned out that 2 people were killed the morning we arrived. We saw the big army presence. It was a bit scary to walk past the soldiers with their M16's.
18/4
Up early today and on to Ko Chang (Elephant Island). Really boring bus ride and then a wait around before an hours ferry ride to the island. The island is a National Park. We found somewhere to stay that would do for a night and we would move in the morning to somewhere better. The bathroom was outside, seemed weird but it was cool having a shower outside under the stars and the trees. Tonight had the scariest storm I have ever been in. The lightning lit up the bungalow and the claps of thunder were something else so loud and on top of us. It was really scary. I hope I never hear that again. I don't think that the wooden bungalow we were in helped the matter!
19/4
Got up and hired a scooter and went down the island to try and find somewhere to stay. Ended up not far from where we were the night before. Same price for a bit of a nicer room and this time with a TV. The outdoor bathroom was better too. Found out that the place next door was showing the Grand Prix, so Ell was pleased. We headed there after I grabbed some stuff from the room to keep me amused if I got bored of the race. Scootered around for a bit in the afternoon and went to an Irish pub for a much missed Sunday roast. Gravy, stuffing and Yorkshire puds, yummy! After a good dinner we decided to treat ourselves to a good pudding too. Found the FA Cup semi-final on in our room so that saved money on drinking in a pub. It also meant that I could watch tucked up in bed and in my pj's.
20/4
Today was a late start, damn the footie going to extra time and then penalties and it turned out to not even have been worth it! Rode around the south of the island and found a little village "floating" on the sea. We then did what is possibly the most exciting thing so far, rode an elephant!! It was awesome and for some of it we even got to ride on its neck/head whilst going through the jungle! : ) Bit scary as there was nothing to hold onto when not on its back in the seat thing but so cool anyway! The guide was really good and got off and was taking lots of pictures for us and got some really good ones too.
21/4
Today we woke up late again. The only thing about having a TV is that it means we keep going to bed later. So eventually we hit the beach. We had given the scooter back so it meant we actually had to walk somewhere, oh no! We got another scooter in the evening, got a retro one, it's very cool, we even got a discount as we used the same lady. Had a curry and then had the fun windy road back in the dark.
22/4
Took the retro down to White Sands Beach, where all the posh resorts are. Really nice beach again and as it was so far meant the scooter was a must and it wasn't just us being lazy!
23/4
Took the scooter around the other side of the island today. Really awesome views. The good thing about having the scooter is that it means when we go round a bend and come across a stunning view we can just park up and enjoy it. Would definitely recommend that people come here as this island is beautiful.
24/4
Left Ko Chang on 9am ferry after getting a taxi at 8. Then had an hours boat ride back to the mainland before a 5/6 hours bus ride back to Bangkok. Found out in Bangkok that we could get a bus to Ko Samui at 6.30pm-result so a quick 1 and 15mins in Bangkok (well Subway and 7/11 anyway). The bus was late and turned up at 7.15pm. One of the problems with that is that they don't pick you up from a bus stop, just randomly on a road so that meant we were all sitting on the pavement with our bags for all the passing traffic to stare at! So finally we got on the bus and were treated to the film the Hostel- rubbish and then Blood Diamond. Another joyful night on a bus ahead, but it saves money on accomodation!
Starting a new entry for the rest to avoid loosing a lot if it crashes!
