Koh Samui, Thailand. March 3rd 2005

Hold on a second, I have to get myself comfortable. (pours large Bacardi). Hey why don't you get yourself one and settle down into the mood?

Its just cooling down for the day here in Koh Samui, I am sitting outside my deluxe wooden bungalow on the beach (a dog has just decided to join me) relaxing in the gently fading light and enjoying the cool evening breeze.

Its the start of the hot season here and it has taken me a few days to get used to the oven baking temperatures that southern Thailand broils its visitors here at this time of year. No matter, I have rediscovered the siesta, that underestimated use of the afternoon to get away from the heat. It has the added benefit of allowing late night partying as well as early starts in the morning so that is a win-win situation.

There are big similarities between Phuket and Samui but the difference is the age group, much broader here on Samui with a lot more younger backpacker and general tourists. They don't last that long on Phuket, which is a surprise because in my opinion so far it is a better organised island with lots of secluded beaches. I think it may have something to do with Phi Phi being so close to Phuket as a draw and here the Full Moon party is, of course, a big attraction.

So my first few days were spend doing a little touring and finding the best place to stay, that is if I was going to!

Order number one, get a bike. The bloody things are very dangerous but without them its hard to really hop around and see everything. My arse still has lumps after my last crash! Thanks Marten....you know who you are!

So with a collection of horses under me I was free to set off and explore Samui. tracking down alternative digs from the regular guide books wasn't difficult but they all seemed to be on the main road or costing a fortune. In the end I opted for a real backpacker hangout in Charlie's Huts just south of central Chaweng on the east coast. Its the best beach and the huts are really right next to ocean (see attached pics). I am splurging at the moment and going for a air con ensuite (with dog). If the budget deteriorates I can switch to a fan room, after that its a room no bath, after that I guess I have to sleep with the dog!

As one who has been travelling for a while I can tell you, other roadies know what I mean here, its the simple things that matter. If you can get one or two real important things done that is the moment you can say ok I am sorted now, the rest is easy. For some it's the room for others the food, different for everyone. I love my pubs, I always want to have a really good bar with a social atmosphere and a way to meet new friends. In Phuket the Irish pubs there were my living room, sometimes my bedroom as well but that is for another time! The band at the Irish pub were great and I could happily drink plenty of Chang beer and sing along, sometimes on stage with them so..... well you get the picture.

I found a good Irish pub here, Tropical Murphy's, a good old Irish name if ever I heard one and have passed the time getting friendly with the staff. They have a good band, fronted by some wild Pilipino chicks, not really my style although the music was good. So I had my pub and music, but not quite there yet. I was missing that final piece. Now some of you might have been around long enough to appreciate remarkable coincidences more than a few times but sitting at the bar last night who should walk in but Mick, one of the boys from the Phuket band. You guessed it, they start working here in a couple of weeks. So I guess I am staying.

Charlie's Huts here in Chaweng are really quite pleasant. Inexpensive and clean they are next to the beach and situated in a grass compound with lots of open space, shaded with trees, decorated with flowers. It's probably the last refuge in Samui so if you make it to the island this is the place to stay.

Yesterday I spent a few hours touring the dive shops and handing out my resume (whatever that is) I had a couple of bites so we will see what happens next week. If I find a good job I will stay for the season, that would be until October. If not then I will most likely head back to the UK for a month before heading off for Greece and Turkey for the summer. Either way I will be happy right now my main campaign is to get a tan and do some diving, hopefully for free!

The last few months were spent in Miami with my brother and up in Philly with Terry Maloney. Too much beer and too little sleep! Hell it was fun and Key West was such a blast we did it twice.

I had a great time over new year with Terry and the girls from Philly. Such a blast! I am hoping to have all the photos on my site soon....that should be fun!

Well that's me for the moment, I wish I could be everywhere all the time. I miss my friends all over and just because I leave it doesn't mean I didn't want to stay. A little hard to get that across sometimes. I will be having a drink and toasting you all at the pub. Be well and be safe.

Peter

Below two pictures from Charlie's Huts on Samui