A Party in the form of an island - 2 days

Kho Pha-Ngan in 5 words is 'even better than Koh Tao', and at the time of me thinking that I was just scratching the surface.

Day 1 - Arrival on Koh Pha-Ngan (and toilet trip)

From the pier to my "resort", I felt very uncertain that my driver knew where he was going. This wasn't only because of the blank stare he gave me when I showed him the address of my accommodation, but more the fact that the only advice given to him on it's location, was by someone I would refer to as a 'cat-lady'. Nevertheless, he assured me it was OK and '100 baht!', and soon I found myself sitting on the back of a rickety moped-taxi, complete with my entire rucksack and sleep deprivation from my last night in Koh Tao (where I bumped into some people I'd met in Bangkok), panicking that I had just been whizzed off the comfort of the main road, and taken down the bumpy and puddle-filled side allies of this - slightly more developed - little island.
          However, on arrival, I was stunned. Not by the similar looking 'cat-lady' behind reception, but more by the beauty of my beach front accommodation. The view of Koh Samui (the third in the triplets of Thailand's Gulf Islands), was breathtaking over the vast ocean that spanned in front of me. And not just visible pleasures. As I settled in to have a 'think' about my next blog post, I noticed that there was a flusher on the toilet! Huzzah! Things were looking up.
          Pretty soon, my thoughts turned to the event on that evening that had brought me to that particular island, on that particular day; The Half Moon Party. Having little over 6 hours before the party started I was a quite anxious that I needed to meet some people, and befriend them enough so I wouldn't be turning up alone. It seems that this is one of the most common things that has been running through my mind since I arrived on my travels. Travelling alone. The three worst things about travelling alone are as follows; Firstly is as I have mentioned. Meeting people is easy enough once you get into the flow of it, but each different country or island, is as if you're starting from square one; new place, new people. Secondly, things tend to be more expensive. Rooms are paid for by you, not split between two. I personally feel more susceptible to getting ripped-off as I have no-one to bounce off of, and negotiate an acceptable price. And lastly, you can't put suncream on you're own back. Bits of it, yeah. But never the whole thing.
          Apart from all that, fuck it. Bring on the Moon Party.

Day 2 - The Half Moon Party

I woke up on the floor of my reception area in the hot sun. I had apparently lost my key. I have three deep cuts on my shin, and my mouth tastes like I'd been dared to eat a pint of sand. Apologising to the young girl at reception I asked for another key, which she grudgingly handed over, saying it was the last one. I thanked her and crawled back to my room.
          After getting out of bed properly at a cool 3pm, I staggered over the resort next door, Weangthai, (where I had wondered into the previous day, following a lovely young lady's behind. (Turned out to be the best decision I made as that is where I met everyone I was with for the Moon Party, and was now where I was spending pretty much all of my time)) to see if anyone knew more about my night than I did. They did not. Half Moon Party, fucking fantastic.

Sun, Sea and Scuba Diving (and awkward flushing)

When I wanted to go travelling, I wanted to visit a place like Koh Tao. White sandy beaches, turquoise blue lagoons, and streams of palm trees essentially sums up this 21km squared little slice of paradise. Best known for it's excellent Scuba Diving, and relaxed party atmosphere, I felt Koh Tao really was a place where I could spend a long, long time.

          Sitting on the deck of my resort's restaurant area over looking the sea, I'm getting ready to tuck into a home made cheese burger prepared by the excellent local chef, Tong...when nature calls. Annoyed that I have to rush my burger, but happy I get another chance for some thinking time for my next blog post, I chomp down the exquisite quarter pounder, pay and thank Tong and his family, and awkwardly jog to my little bungalow up the hill. In this situation, the first 30 seconds din't leave much room for thinking time as I hadn't gone number 2 since 4 days earlier, in Bangkok. Nevertheless, the rush was over and I sat back and thought about the island I was about to enjoy for the next few days.

          First thing was first, I had to have a little wonder around, talk to some of the locals about the best spots to visit. I then wanted to inquire about diving. Seeing as I am writing this after I had the experience of diving, I can safely say that it is the best aqua experience of my life (I know that the diving happened after my initial thoughts on the toilet, but I need to express myself). To just say one thing; I know that Scuba Diving is breathing underwater, but it's so fucking cool, to breathe underwater! And you know those pictures of amazing coral reef and colourful-ass fish? It's exactly that. In front of your face! There was one fish, I couldn't stop following because it was patterned with every colour on the rainbow in the most beautiful way. Mental.

          Anyway, after I had finished my business, I got my pack of wet wipes out, then looked for the flusher. But nothing. I scan the bathroom a bit until my eyes fall on two buckets; a big one filled with water and a little one floating on top. Using my initiative, I scoop some water with the small bucket and pour it down the toilet. Apart from a bad smell, apparently nothing happens. I try again, but my residue is still floating in front of my face, mocking me. So I decide to step it up a notch. Putting the little bucket down, I pick up the big one, and go to town, pouring the entire contents of water down the bog...Success! So in Koh Tao they use a manual flushing system, I think just throw us Westerners off guard, but still, quite clever. In conclusion, the buckets are as follows; little for piss, big for shit.

Burger King anyone?

I arrived in Bangkok about 5 in the afternoon yesterday, and my first impression was pretty much how I imagined it. A busy modern-day tourist attraction for young travellers. Walking down Khao San road, you hear the constant hum of mopeds and tuk tuks, see all the laid-back locals trying to get you a taxi or sell you some fake Ralph Lauren shirts, and smell the odd mixture of odours that fill you're nostril's. And it's hot. Very hot and very humid. I was meeting three school friends who were in Bangkok for one night before ending their trip and flying back home. After a mad first night (involving women, soft drugs and bottle after bottle of the local brew, Chang), they got on a plane back to London (after missing their first one) and left me to my own devices.
         Being alone in Bangkok is a lot different to when you're with friends. You feel more vulnerable and susceptible to any tricks or false information, and I'm still getting my head around how much you should actually pay for a tuk tuk. But overall I'm happy to be here and excited to crack on with my trip. It had been on my mind since I arrived as to when I would have some "thinking" time for my first blog post. It may have been my body subconciously protecting myself because of the lack of toilet paper in my guest house, but I managed to not need the loo until lunch time today. So after I finished my meal, I found myself sitting on the toilet in Burger King feeling a bit sorry for my lonesome self, and a little ashamed that I flew half-way round the world - to a city notorious for it's diverse and exotic cuisine - for an XL Bacon Double Cheese Burger.