"Don't Smoking" on the speedboat

Gemma and I had a great (if brief) time in Phuket with Claire Mc. Patong Beach area was not nearly as full of seedy Aussie yobbos as feared. Or maybe we are just Aussie yobbos ourselves, and didn't notice? Power lines EVERYWHERE - incredible. It's like Kathmandu I guess. People so friendly even when bargaining...

Phi Phi island snorkelling trip was lovely - We embraced the touristiness of it all, and wore our labels with our boat number and lunch table number proudly. We dutifully took photos of Viking coves and greedy monkeys. The water was magic. The fish were everywhere especially when I produced bread (part of the tourist package). Considering the number of tourists every day, the water was surprisingly clean. I didn't see any Tsunami memorials - the only reminder is tsumani evacuation routes signposted everywhere. Our trip guide Alex was great. We admired the firm but forgiving way he dealt with the people who didn't seem to know what "Be back on the boat in half an hour" meant, and were still swimming over an hour later... gggrrrr. He just suggested they get a private trip next time, it's more better. And remember - Don't Smoking on the speedboat!

Definitely got to get back to Thailand to see more!