Partying in Phi Phi

Anyone who has seen the film The Beach (filmed at Phi Phi and the surrounding area) can imagine how stunning the island and bordering waters are. Arriving extremely tired, and feeling the after effects of a rollercoaster of a catamaran ride, we worked our way through the maze of tourist shops and bars to our room - our first one with air con! I know what you are thinking...chic.

Besides the odd dive (more turtles but no sharks :( ) and some snorkelling, the majority of our time in Phi Phi was spent partying on the beach and getting ill! After two bucket laden stints leading well into the next day you will not be surprised to hear i was suffering - ear infection, eye infection and a body clock not knowing whether it was coming or going meant that the next couple of days were a write off. This proved to be a blessing in disguise as the two gumbys I am travelling with decided that they would avoid paying the price of a tourist excursion to Maya beach (the exact location where the beach was filmed) by commandeering a local fishing boat. When they arrived on the beach they were asked to present their tickets - obviously they had none and after some debate they were informed in no uncertain terms that they would have to pay the 20 pounds or leave the island. This is where the problems started - Andy and James were divided in opinion, James wanting to stay and pay the money, Andy wanting to cut his losses and leave. Andy, belied his inferior frame, and emerged as victor. Upon returning they realised they had nowhere to stay and two bags full of alcohol. So in true bohemian fashion (that is how James now likes to describe himself) they got smashed and stayed on the beach.

Now I was asleep, blissfully unaware of the turmoil from the previous night, when James knocked on my door. Drawing the curtains, allowing the morning sun to pour in I opened the door to see James stood there...face like thunder. " I have had a shocker" stated the morose Mr. Woodroof - thrusting his elbow towards my face. It was completely covered in bites - as was the rest of him - face, neck, torso - covered. Now for someone who had regularly taken the utmost care to avoid being bitten - this was hellish. And who did he blame for this monstrosity - none other then our poor little Andrew Taylor. For days wee man bore the brunt of James' anger - the two bickering like school children. Fear not though - the triplet was not yet ready to disband, these bickering contests were common between the two lesser members of the group; let me give you an insight into their love/hate relationship.

Just yesterday, at lunch, I had to sit through the stinkiest conversation ever recorded as they spent 30 minutes arguing about who was the greater photographer and why...yawn. Scouring through photos James mumbled something about background and foreground while Andy lamented James' wonky photo's....this bickering came to a stop when the conversation switched to personal grooming. Andy has been obsessed with his hair on this trip and is convinced it is too long at the back. It was as Andy desperately tried to catch a glimpse of the back of his head in the mirror that the scariest pact in history was made. James agreed to cut Andy's hair if Andy shaved James' back *shudder* All I can say is...it must be love.

After spending five days in Phi Phi and feeling very ropey we decided our time in Thailand had come to an end, it was time to move on. So now I am writing this from a new country, Malayisa. First impressions of the capital...awesome.