BANGKOK: Part Two

BANGKOK: Part Two

You are all aware I am some what behind in keeping you up to date in my blog, yet there is so much to write about.  I do have a substantial amount of free time so you'd have thunk that I  would be all over it, some how I have got stuck in a bit of a cycle.  Birthday and Christmas has happened and New Year is very quickly approaching.  It is currently the 29th December 2014 and I am sat in the glorious sunshine after several hours at 'work' (definitely not WERK!), with a black coffee in hand, outside the coffee shop attached to my Sydney Hostel.  I am clearly describing a budget version of Carrie Bradshaw, don't expect any sordid tales of man trouble in this instalment, or shoe talk for that matter.

 Serving budget Carrie Bradshaw realness.

Anyways, as usual I have digressed. I am here to complete the Bangkok Story, the second and final chapter of BKK...

The KTK had gone and I, in true dramatic style, thought 'what on God's green earth am I going to do now?'. It was time to go it alone. Although I have had a very long drawn out process of integrating and commencing this Solo Travelling malarky. I woke up on the morning of the 17th November wondering what to do next. I already established I wasn't a fan of Bangkok and going out into the city in the heat, and to be honest I really don't think there was much more of the place left for me to see.  I was also slightly hungover from indulging in the cocktails the previous night, and on top of that I was in full mourning mode (loss of the KTK). I realised I needed to sort out transport to Pai, in Northern Thailand, this was a priority as I had finally decided that would be my 'spontaneous' destination.  I had three/four days that I could play with and I didn't really know what to do with them but Caz and Ange both had met various people who had either been or were going to Pai and nothing but praise had been uttered about it.  Seemed an obvious choice to me, and kind of what this travelling thing is about, right?

The previous day (16th) I had met a new roomie, Damien, a young Aussie guy who was also starting out his travels, his were specifically South East Asia/Asia. I saw Damien when I woke/got up from my mourning slumber and we chatted briefly about what he and I had been up to. We arranged that we would go out for drinks in the evening.  I left the hostel and decided to walk to Khao San Road,  thought this would be the perfect place to book bus tickets. Damien had already bought his ticket to Chiang Mai, and leaving the same day as I and he had told me it was in this area that he had booked his. It was a really nice day, weather was beautiful, it actually wasn't too humid and it was nice to walk and see some other sites. I took some photos of a collection of more Temples en route, this was called ROYAL PAVILION, situated along the Ratchadamnoen Klang Road.  Rather annoyingly though, and I have probably mentioned this in my previous post, but there is little to no English descriptions of these temples and the significance of the Buddha in which lies. I personally find Buddhism quite interesting and unusually, for me, I wanted to take an interest in the temples/buddha's and it's significance but was unable too, but at the same time, I have now seen A LOT of temple's and to the uneducated, like me, they look the same, covered in pure, and in some instances, grotesque wealth, given it's surroundings. To me, it seems more apparent in Thailand than it does say; the Catholic Church and England. The difference between rich and poor in Thailand is huge, and I imagine that is the same for the rest of SE Asia, there really is no middle ground, from what I saw anyway.  

 The Royal Pavilion.

Whilst taking snaps of the temples in the Royal Pavilion, en route to Khao San Road, a male approached me, he could see I was taking pictures, showing an interest in the statues etc. He started to talk to me and immediately I thought to myself 'What is he trying to sell me?' - given my experience thus far in Bangkok its not surprising. He opened with the usual questions of where I was from? How long had I been here? etc... I remained polite, after all a stranger is a friend we've yet to make, besides I am not a rude person and will always acknowledge a fellow man/woman. The male started to tell me about other temples that were in the locality and asked if I had been to any of them and if not he would tell me which ones I should go to.  He started to write down a list of places that I 'must' visit. I thought 'How kind is this?'....briefly! He was either a Tuk Tuk driver or he was the organiser of such transportation in order for a Tuk Tuk to take you to all these wondrous places listed on his piece of paper, all for a large fee.  Obvs when I turned him down he scrunched up this list of must see places and walked off. This sort of thing is so ridiculous in Bangkok, it's too much, all of the time - I must stress though this is my experience of Bangkok, I have actually spoken to people who have had much better experiences in this city.  I made my way to Khao San Road, where I passed DEMOCRACY MONUMENT which is situated on a roundabout, kind of ironic given the recent and historic political unrest in the country. I stopped at a McD's, natch, free wifi (and a large Big Mac meal - I've a hangover to nurse!!). 

 Democracy Monument.

I made my way to Khao San Road where I went to Fifty Five Travel, where I booked a bus from Bangkok to Pai, via Chiang Mai with them for 11 quid.  This was two separate bus journeys with a small layover in Chiang Mai.  Most people would go to Chiang Mai for a few days first then on to Pai, but as I was flying from Chiang Mai to Sydney, it was more appropriate to end in CM. The journey was going to be long, somewhere in the region of 18 hours. I opted for the VIP bus again, armed with hope and faith that it would be better than the journey from Koh Tao to Bangkok.

I made my way back to the hostel, a slightly different route. The royals of Thailand are plastered everywhere, there are murals and banners across roads, and on buildings of the royal couple. Could you imagine that in England or even in London? Very strange, but also quite arrogant I guess. The people of Thailand generally have a respect for the Royals, but interestingly they are not allowed to speak ill of them, it's illegal so when I asked various Thai people they are very diplomatic, I would love to have an open and free discussion with a Thai about this but no one was willing or able to, I tried though.

 Extravagant displays of the Monarchy.

The walk was about 6 miles in total, it was nice actually, and allowed me to just think about the rest of my trip doing a Jason Derulo (Ridin' Solo). I got back to the hostel and met with Damien again and we arranged that we would go out to Khao San Road that night, in true backpacker form.

It is quite tricky remembering the night, I did take lot's of photos of us pretty wasted, espesh, Damien. We started the night in a bar I had previously been in with the KTK which was good, it had a guy strumming his guitar covering classics such as Wonderwall, and other indie type music. Obvs we started with buckets, which is pretty much how we ended too. Buckets are equally amazing and dreadful, as is Thai's version of Red Bull, M150, I think it's called. We watched the street below us, and specifically; the people looking to sample the street food, the one minute they're there and the next they're not bars (bizarre), and the local delicacies such as cockroaches, scorpions and other delightful insects that Timone and Pumba would devour. Speaking of which both Damien and I did indulge in a spot of scorpion.  Pictures and videos (once I work out how to upload a video to follow), it tasted burnt but not horrific, I took it well, but I think in these cases it is very much mind over matter. The night continued with further buckets of Vodka and Red Bull and I am sure amongst other alcoholic beverages. We ended in a club just off Khao San Road, called The Cliff. From what I remember it was very good. I met a lovely girl from Amsterdam who was the perfect dancing partner, so many laughs, Selma Maroufi is her name - I hear you ask, 'How do you remember her name?' Well she wrote in the notes app on my iPhone followed by 'The awesome girl in Bangkok' - My type of girl right there! Hahaha! I will be sure to look you up when I finally get a visit to Amsterdam Selma!

We danced a lot. I remember hearing several Pitbull tracks, notably 'Timber' which followed me throughout Thailand, and for me the song of Thailand. Pitbull is incredibly popular it seems there. Anyways, here are just some of the photos from the night...

 Pre Scorpion feasting.

 Various shots of Damien, Selma & I.

 'The awesome girl in Bangkok'

 The mighty three.

Damien is a top lad, he is just 18, seems older, no bad thing, and a complete pleasure to be around and a total credit to his parents/fam. It is also nice to know I can keep up with the 'younger' ones still haha. The following day we were obvs hanging, poor Damien locked himself out of the hostel room, he did knock but I was obvs out of it myself and thus he had to sleep in the communal area. I think Damien needed some recovery time, as did I. I didn't venture out until the afternoon where I went for a Thai massage, I shan't go into too much information but put it this way, I got a brochure and a reward card. I left feeling rather rejuvenated. 

That evening Damien and I went on a boat cruise at night and then attended ASIATIQUE which was along the river. It was really nice there, very clean and it did not feel like I was in grubby BKK. It was a purpose built place with bars, restaurants, stalls, attractions and Christmas trees. Perfect way to spend the last night in BKK, for me. 

We headed back to the hostel where I drifted off to sleep ready for the final day. We needed to check out by midday, we had breakfast and got our shit together. By this point I am completely over repacking my already filled to the brim belongings, I packed far too much, it's ridiculous, but at the same time I still felt I needed it all in my life. On my final day in Bangkok I really didn't want to walk around a hot and humid city, getting my sweat on and being gross on my mammoth bus journey. Damien and I both had buses at similar times so we decided to go to Siam Shopping Centre and Central World, with the idea that we would be able to remain cool in an air con environment and not be too ratchet for our bus journeys. I checked out at about 1130hrs and needed to be back to collect my backpack at about 1700hrs. What I didn't consider was spending 5 or so hours in two shopping malls. It was arduous to say the least, it would have been OK had I been shopping, but even then I do not like shopping, I am a in and out type of guy, not a typical gay in that sense either! The shopping malls were huge. I think the last hour or two we just stayed in Starbucks, at least I was in good company! After spending near on 5 hours in two shopping centres and having nothing but a KFC, Chatime (MUST TRY Englanders - Bubble Tea, I was introduced to this phenomenon by my Brother, Shane and Lianna on our last night together before I left. Can be found in Chinatown, London. Also available all over Sydney as I have found!), and a Starbucks - so basically a full stomach and bladder - I went back to collect my big backpack from the Hostel. Both Damien and I got a taxi to Khao San Road where we parted. I have followed his journey since parting on Facebook and Insta. When I get to Brisbane I shall be shouting him up, he lives a bit out of the city but never the less it'll be awesome to meet up. Likewise when he comes over to the UK, assuming I am back by then.

I got to the Fifty Five Travel agency and waited to be collected. When I got to the bus I ensured I had my belongings on me as I had heard of various horror stories about these journeys. Unlike my first experience with a VIP bus this one wasn't too bad. The chairs reclined to almost flat, the journey was relatively smooth. There was about 9 backpackers and 3 Thai (presumably) people on the bus so there was plenty of room. We left Bangkok at about 1830hrs on 19th November and we got to watch one movie, which was at the start of the journey, 'Need For Speed' which stars whatshisface from Breaking Bad. Not a terrible movie actually, I quite enjoyed it. I fell asleep as most of, if not all did. We stopped at about 0100hrs on 20th November at a service station type place, for a 20 minute leg stretch and refreshments then back on the bus. I fell back to sleep. Sleeping on public transport is not something I do well but I was pretty comfortable and tired and slept pretty much most of the journey. I did get my iPad out of my bag which was locked. When I unlocked the bag the zip broke, I didn't think much of it, I thought I had broken the bag due to over-stuffing thus far on my trip, I was later to find out that it was probably not me that broke the zip but some filthy thief - more about that in a later post. At about 0530hrs we stopped in Chiang Mai, I was the only person going further, I was taken to a tiny back street and left outside an abandoned travel shop that was open, but no one was there. I was told I would be collected in two hours. I sat waiting, and found a toilet, which was vile. A feeling of dread was going through me during this time. I just thought that there was no way anyone was coming for me. Someone did though at 0730hrs and I was taken to yet another bus. I met a lovely couple from Belgium on this one, and after an issue over over-booking, 4 of us got our own mini bus and off we went to Pai, through the mountains, long and very windy roads, the scenery was stunning, I was playing nodding dog as at this point I had already been travelling for 14 hours. I arrived in Pai town centre, having passed my hotel and the driver not wanting to drop anyone off at their final destinations at about 1130hrs. Finally after 17/18 hours of buses I made it. It probably feels that long for you readers I imagine too. Apols for that.

My Pai update is to come, stay tuned loyal readers, for you will be rewarded...

BANGKOK: Part One

15/11/2014 - 17/11/2014 KOH TAO >>>> BANGKOK

I left The Simple Life Resort in the morning, 0900hrs to get the most to the mainland. The boat was proper chops, all the way, I was feeling a tad delicate too which obvs didn't help. It was just under a 2hr journey from Koh Tao to Chumphon on the mainland. It was there I met a lovely Thai lady who gave me a cold towel, she had been travelling for a bit around the country as she was visiting from New Zealand. She was heading to Pai as there is a beautiful flower blooming there at the time of the year, she did tell me what it was but I natch can't remember, after investigation it's called Bua Tong Flower. Our paths did not cross again, sadly but I did find that flower she was going to see;

Bua Tong Flower

The VIP bus was interesting, it wasn't at all VIP. I was not allowed to sit in my allocated seat, I find that sort of thing irritating. I was sat next to a leaking window. After about 3hrs I was told to get off the bus and was moved on to another one. I had no one to talk to the whole journey, it was pretty dire. I booked through Lomprayah who run the boat from Koh Tao, it was their bus, that reminds me, I must trip advisor this. Despite all this I did find myself arriving in Bangkok somewhat frustrated but excited to see the KTK once more.

I arrived a bit earlier than the KTK to BKK. As soon as I stepped off the bus a pack of taxi drivers descended on me wanting my fare. It was a bit much. They all claimed not to be metered taxis and I had previously read to avoid non-metered cabs. After about 5 minutes of being lost and confused I got a taxi with an apparent non metered cab, which turned out he did have a meter, but this was conveniently not working. He charged me 400baht (£8) to go what I now know is a 3 mile journey on a meter this would have cost no more than 50baht (£1).  I was just relieved to get to my hostel if I'm honest. So my initial introduction to BKK was not brilliant.

HOSTEL: I stayed at Boxpackers Hostel. This has a great concept, where you share with others, however the beds are in holes in the wall therefore creating the privacy people need. There were mostly Asian people staying here and they seemed to know each other. There was literally no atmosphere or socialising going on in the social areas. I was sharing with a female who appeared horrified that I was in the room, she stared and then ran out hahaha. My second day I met Damien who is an 18yo Aussie lad more about him a bit later. I wouldn't stay here again, it's not particularly near the main tourist hubs or anywhere of particular note. 

My first night involved meeting up with the KTK, we did this at their hotel, the Millennium Hilton Hotel which is along the river, about 6 miles from where I was staying. My journey there was incredibly frustrating, six taxis and two tuk tuk's later and I arrived. The cabbies refused to turn their meter on, or claimed to say it was too far away or that they didn't know where it was. One taxi driver even agreed a price with me and off we went, only to find a mile into the journey he had changed his price and the direction in which we were going. Needless to say I got the right hump and had a few choice words, politely of course, before getting dropped off God knows where.The tuk tuks were effectively saying the same thing and wanted no less than 400baht for the journey. I finally got in a taxi and it cost me 300baht (£6). It was such a relief and delight to see the KTK and we had only been apart for about 12 hours!!! We went out in Khao San Road, if you don't know, this road is full of backpackers, tourists. Cheap drinks, a bar to suit everyone, clubs, and these bizarre bars that just pop up on second and disappear the next, there was various other treats along the street, by treats I mean cooked food/insects. We didn't get out til quite late, we went to quite a good but grubby bar, where there was a one man band who was singing indie hits and playing his guitar, quite good actually, surprised Nichols didn't take over on the sight of a guitar!! We stayed their until closing, about 0200hrs, and the big finale was all the backpackers singing a song appaz called 'In The Morning'. Something I've yet to learn or here anyone sing in Australia, or any other part of Thailand for that matter, must've been a BKK thing.

We left the bar and it appeared everywhere was closing, I annoyingly forgot to bring out my lonely planet guide offering advice as to what is open later in the city. The only thing that sprung to our minds was a ping pong show. Yep. So with obvs not enough alcohol in our system we walked along Khao San Road until we were approached by a tuk tuk driver asking us if we wanted to see a Ping Pong Show, we went with it, that's what you do in Bangkok, right? 500baht (£10) for a tuk tuk to the venue, entrance fee and free drink. Nichols and I were in one tuk tuk, the driver was hilarious, and totes cray cray on the roads! It was exciting fosho. We ended up in this back alley where other tuk tuks were parked up and we waited for the others, who had left before us. We were told to keep our voices down, I also took a photo of Nichols outside a 'THAILAND' door, then got told that photos are not allowed. Something was clearly not right with this situ, but you roll with it, WE'RE IN BANGKOK! 

The only photo I got away with taking outside the PingPong Show venue.

Without going into too much detail about the ping pong show, what you think takes place, does take place, oh...and then some. A picture, balloon popping, banana exiting, candle blowing outing, a never ending ribbon, liquid exchange, ping pong balls flying (at me) and a stingy free drink later and it was the end. Kenickie and I were pretty shafted by the others, we sat in the front row whilst the other three sat behind us. The first night in Bangkok came to a very disturbing end, but totally hilare.

The next day we went completed the tourist things in the city. It was the groups last full day together and that evening would be our last night too. We met up at The Millenium Hilton where we got a boat over to the main pier. We first visited Wat Pho Temple with the famous Big Reclining Buddah. Oh my Buddah it was huge. The temples within Wat Pho were very impressive, and dripping in wealth. Go out into the streets and poverty is everywhere though. Is it any wonder the people of Thailand and the government are at odds? The thing about Thailand temples I have found is that all the information about them is in Thai, doesn't appear to allow for the vast majority of English/English speakers to learn about what each Buddah represents. We left Wat Pho and we got a taxi to the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market. It's said to be the worlds largest market. It's not what I had thought at all. I was thinking there would be a lot of tatt but actually some of the units were really very good, great clothing, I was natch tempted to indulge but of course I packed 28kgs of luggage, I think I could do without anymore. Great juices, food and other items were available. We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around and taking in the atmosphere. Nichols and I remained when the other left and we indulged in a spot of having our feet massaged, kinda painful, I can't lie but felt reinvigorated afterwards. We parted so we could get ready for our last night together. 

King Rama I ashes are buried within this Buddah. King Rama I is Thailand's first King.

I have no idea what this means.

Interesting gargoyle type statues.

Huge temples within Wat Pho's grounds.

Us boys keeping it real outside another temple.

Chatuchak Weekend Market. Must see in Bangkok.

We wanted a nice meal to end our KTK trip together. We met up, back at The Hilton, Nichols had to leave a bit earlier as he had an earlier flight so the gang had decided where we would have dinner. The tuk tuk's we spoke to had no idea where the restaurant was so we asked them to take us to a nice restaurant with good food. Off we went. We spent about 25 minutes in the tuk tuk which costed us 100baht per tuk which is very cheap, probably should have rung some kind of alarm bell. We had a tuk tuk crash en route too, made us laugh a bit. Unfortunately where they took us was so far away it meant less time with Nichols at the restaurant. The place we ended up was called SOMBOONDEE - Seafood Market. Inside it looks a bit like a cafeteria, it didn't look particularly great. Still we had very little time to waste so we cracked on with ordering. Caz and I ordered a bottle of white wine and we all ordered a few starters to share. Kenickie got to pick his seabass that he ordered, alive. I had a tiger prawn dish in sesame sauce. The food was quite nice actually. The KTK surprised with me an awesome postcard with a message for me for my onward travels, the postcard was from Koh Tao, and I was genuinely surprised and touched by the gesture!! Kenickie got me a phone case 'If I had a British accent I'd never shut up' hahaha it was fitting, thanks DD! 😉

LOVE THIS.

We had our final group photo taken and said goodbye to Nichols, it was said, the bloke is genuinely one of the nicest and funniest people a person can meet! Nichols left, and then there was four... 

We got our bill, which is pretty big, we couldn't get over or at least wrap our heads round the size of it. It basically came to £70 each. The wine itself was £40 for the bottle, and Caz didn't even like it. It turns out that when we ordered our starters they made enough for 5 to share instead of just their usual serving, in doing so they upped the price of them. In terms of the mains the price was agreed prior as it was worked out with the weight of the fish. The wine was a surprise as it was certainly not a £40 bottle of white, I'm obvs a bit of a wino these days, thanks to Tras and Roly, so I know a £40 bottle when I taste one, this was nothing better than a house. We grinned we bared it and we moved on.

The remaining four of us went to DOME Bar which is located at LEBUA HOTEL. You'll know this as the Hangover pt 2 Bar. It featured prominently in the movie. It was stunning. Cocktails were about £15 a pop which is reasonable given the location and certainly no more than you would pay in London. I had the best Long Island Iced Tea of my entire life here. It was stunning. We enjoyed the views and each other's company at one side of the bar, then moved over to the most iconic part which was incredible. The big dome and the wide and long steps leading to the glass barriers to take in the view of Bangkok at night. Bangkok looked great from 60 something floors up. After a few cocktails we bided each other a good night. 

Iconic Dome.

Ange, Nicky, and Caz.

Kenickie & I.

Amazing views - the best way to see Bangkok.

I got a taxi from the hotel to my hostel, this was the first and only time I got in a metered taxi in Bangkok, and the 5 mile journey cost 67baht (£1.20) - that's when I realised they take tourists as proper mugs in Bangkok.

We said our goodbyes in the foyer of the Lebua Hotel. It was sad. I felt very sad when I got in the taxi. I had made some incredible friendships with these guys, and it has elevated Caz & I's friendship. I've known Caz for years now and although we don't see each other regularly I've always known she is great company, and a lot of laughs so I had no doubts that our time together would be anything but great. I've made a true friend in Ange, Nicky, and Rich on this trip too. As a group it's a funny match, we were all brought together thanks to Keely & Ross' wedding and we leave having a bond with each other. Not once in my time with any of them did I get annoyed or frustrated or miserable. I genuinely enjoyed their company so much. I've natch remained in contact with them since we parted, which is now approaching a month later. I actually factually still miss the KTK. 

OBVS, a reunion is on the cards.

The KTK's final photograph of the trip.

KOH TAO // THE KTK // KOH TAO KREW

12/11/2014 - 15/11/2014 Koh Tao, Thailand

The day after the wedding the KTK members said there goodbyes to the newly weds. It was my goodbye to them and Finn too before I set off on my travels, it was sad on my part. I hope Finn doesn't forget me, or forget our thing, the 'fist bump boom yeah boi' thing but more so me. Assuming I'm away for a year or two, that's a long time in a child's world. I will miss Keely too, she's been in my life for 14yrs, almost 15, and if I ever need a laugh she is a go to gal. One of the funniest and kindest people in my life. Full of ❤️.

The KTK serving selfie nautical realness.

It was glorious wev when we left, and the sun shone brightly, and hotly, en route to Koh Tao. We all arrived pinker than we left. Basically the once a day sun cream does not do what it says on the bottle. Surprisingly I have not got burnt so far on this trip, but it may have something to do with the copious amounts of electric beach action I had before I left - I do love a cheeky 15 minute holiday! 

Inspiration taken from Geri Halliwell's 'Mi Chico Latino' video.

We all stayed at The Simple Life hotel, this was nice actually, the breakfast was not. I love Koh Tao, it is laid back, very chilled, very cool kind of place. It seemed quiet and I think it was quieter than it would normally have been had it not been for the recent murders in the resort we were staying. Kenickie and I were going to go diving but hangover took over and put an end to that, besides I at this point had also caught Caz' cold and was feeling very snotty and bunged up. It was really good to just chill on a beach for the whole day though. I'm not a beach person normally but this place was paradise, or at least the closest I have been to it. Clear sea, nice sand, amazing wev, and exceptional tuneage that married it all up. The nightlife is very cool, there's a bar that would appeal to everyone, and most have these fantastic fire performers at them. The likes of which I have never seen before. 

My competitive side came out with Kenickie/Danny Dyer on this trip, we ate at the Simple Life restaurant on the first night and it was an all you can eat pizza for 199baht (£4). I came out on top (TBOGN 😉), and not in that way - you filthy readers!, with a two slice lead. Kenickie would say, however, that had there been more pizza available then he would have continued but it ended at 2100hrs. He did boss me at the fire limbo though, still not over the flexibility he has - that thought keeps me warm at night, more about that shortly!

I'm 'seductively' noshing on my victory pizza. Kenickie can barely control himself.

Taxi boat, Koh Tao, Thailand.

We took a taxi boat to the island just off Koh Tao, it's a resort with a hotel - it's called NANGYUAN ISLAND RESORT.  

There's a zip line there! Did you know there's a zip line there? Zip line? Where? Over there!

Certain members of the KTK insisted on informing the rest that a zip line was on this island and this was repeated numerous times it became a joke but also built excitement.  Based on this imagine our disappointment when four of us, not Kenickie as the poor boy was suffering from over indulging on the sauce, arrived to be informed that the zip line no longer existed. Kenickie called Caz to find out where we were and he was obvs told we were on this island so he came in a taxi boat for one, Caz had also told him that we would wait for him before going on the zip line. The hilarity! What was on this island is a sand bar between the two islands, something I had never seen in real life, not sure if it was a man made one or not. The hotel resort seemed to spread on both islands, looked really nice as it goes. The second island had a view point trail/walk.  The walk took us to the summit of the island, if you pay any attention to Kenickie/Nichols you'd have thought we climbed a mountain, but those poor boys were paying the costs of a heavy sesh the previous evening. They were hot messes, infact I was too! The girls howevs made it look easy in their teeny weeny string bikinis!!! They looked radiant, as per usual! We did climb and got rewarded with a wonderful view of the islands. We took lots of snaps with the aid of the worlds best invention, surely Nobel Prize winning?, Selfie Stick! A selection of which can be seen below;

EPIC view.

What a beaut!

Natch a Selfie was required. #KTK bossing it.

On our way down we took more photos and a personal favourite of mine, bizarrely one that I'm not in is 😝;

After several attempts this awesome photo was taken! Actually ❤️ these guys!

Nichols loves this photo, appaz it's got the three levels you need for a good pic! He prolly won't like this version as I have filtered the hell out of it.

We chilled for the rest of that afternoon in the coral filled waters, not before another competition, this one was gymnastics based;

It's clear to see who won this competition, Flange completely owning it.

I'm pretty terrible, I'll stick to singing and dancing, like the aspiring popstar I am - did you know I once made myself cry from singing once? Totes emosh. My other talent is being a glamour model, check out;

Steve serving Katie Price // Grindr Profile Pic realness:

The similarities to Nicki Minaj is honestly unreal, right? Think 'Anaconda' music video.

Caz is getting involved too.

The pensive shot.

Sexual.

Too much? Not enough! Grindr profile pic sorted.

Blooper!

That's enough of that. Please comment below with orders and payment information for my exclusive 2015 calendar.

I've digressed somewhat, although those photos were all taken on Koh Tao, so kinda relevant. Anyways...

We eventually headed back to the main island for food in a Mediterranean restaurant. Pretty standard evening then on, drinks, drinks and more drinks, TBOG.

TBOG = Totes Blates Obvs Gen

TBOGN = Totes Blates Obvs Gen Natch 

Kenickie came up with both mnemonics. TBOG I'm allowing and TBOGN can be used under exceptional circumstances. He's not just a pretty face. I have to say I am impressed with his ability to shorten words. As impressed as I am with his fake voice which he 'does not have', still a sore subject? This is in reference to drunken abuse from me to Kenickie about the way he speaks, I'm just JEL, I'd love to speak with that ESSEX swag that he has. Even if his voice doesn't match his face. Danny fucking Dyer.

The evenings were pretty standard in Sairee Beach, various bars along the beach with different genres of music and various fire performers. Lotus Bar was a regular haunt for us, I did want to hit the infamous Koh Tao Pub Crawl but we weren't really feeling it the first night and the last night we were running late for dinner. Lotus Bar had by far the best fire performers I have ever encountered. INCREDS. Special shout out to Slow (actual name So) as he managed to make the fire appear to go in slow motion. We had a good old chin wag with him one night, same night I abused Kenickie. When I brought up the murders though, rather bizarrely he no longer spoke English! No one wanted to speak about them on the island. I partook in some fire rope skipping as did Nichols, I obvs stacked it after a few jumps and Nivhols survived a whole one jump but at least he gave it a good crack. Kenickie gave the fire limbo a go and well, what can I say? He is very flexible indeed, I was most impressed, and turned on, mad skillz though. I was not good at the limbo though. Must. Try. Harder. I was happy to admit defeat in this round. I got pretty drunk on this night, it's those bloody Long Island Iced Teas that are made so poorly in Thailand. Very very strong. 👍 

RIDIC skillz these guys have!

Flame thrower!

Nichols needed a light. Screen grab of the video.

Once I work out how to upload a video onto the blogs I will post some of the live footage of these guys. It really is amazing, I would love to give it a go, but I daren't.

This day was also the anniversary of Caz, Nichols, and Kenickie's friend, Grange's passing. We all toasted him. I didn't know Grange but if he was friends with these guys he was a top chap indeed. This was also something I could relate to myself whilst I was away and I'll save that for a separate entry another time. Again though, 'Here's to Grange 🍻🍻'.

The KTK visited the area where the two backpackers died, unintentionally (not really!) as we had came across the bar that it was next to, Fishbowl Bar, which excuse the pun was dead. We paid our respects in our own way. I'll say no more. You know me!! 

So on Koh Tao, diving was a no go due to Kenickie & I having a rare 'BASIC' moment...

...and kayaking never transpired, the only thing we did do that we said we would was going to NANGYUAN ISLAND RESORT. We did have a great day just chilling out on the beach though. In and out of the sea. I think we all needed one of those days. Before we knew it, it was goodbye to the island. I loved it there and at the time of writing it's been my favourite place in Thailand. (I'm currently sat in an abandoned travel office in Chiang Mai at 0650hrs waiting for a bus, hopefully, to pick me up and take me to Pai after spending 11hrs travelling here from Bangkok).

The guys were flying to from Samui to Bangkok and I opted for the boat and VIP bus package. It was cheap at around 1100baht (£22). I parted ways with the girls on the morning of the 15th November, feeling rather delicate, it was only to be several hours, yet I felt sadness that our time together, as The KTK was very quickly coming to an end.

Thanks again for reading. Next installment is Bangkok: Part One. Please comment and share. Lot's of love, Me x

LONDON ====> KOH SAMUI

I'll start my recapping the events from 4th November 2014 to 12th November 2014;

LONDON TO KOH SAMUI

4/11/2014 to 05/11/2014

I arrived at LGW promptly with a mini posse involving Tras, Roly & Kicks. It was very sad to say goodbye to them and seeing them drive away. I held it togev relatively well, until I was alone. It's tough, seeing your best mate cry is as hard as seeing your Mother cry, which I had experienced the previous day. At about 0900hrs in Gatwick I went to check in to my flight only to be told that check in was delayed until 1000hrs. At 1000hrs I returned to be told to go back at 1115hrs. Again at 1115hrs I was told the plane was missing a part, OBVS THE FALANGE! (Well done Friends fans - I'm still pulling this one as I travel). I was told to return at 1330hrs where we would be informed for defo if we were to be holed up in a hotel motel holiday inn over night. At 1215hrs I asked a member of staff about my connecting flights, and I was told they were opening check in. The MOS informed that as I was connecting to go to BKK (Bangkok) they were going to try and put me on a direct flight but didn't need to now as check in was open. Awesome. I checked in, I got the seat I wanted on the flight and I got air side. The flight was meant to take off at midday. At 1400hrs there was no new info, I happened to notice a large crowd forming at a information desk, I recognised some folks from my check in queue so made my way over to be informed that the flight had now actually been cancelled. We were all escorted out of air side, collected our belongings and informed any duty free purchased had to be destroyed/tax paid on them. I blagged innocence, I've one of those faces. 

Back at departures, I got talking to my very first travelling friend, or as I like to refer to her as 'NEW FRIEND - *NF' (it's my thing). I'm not sure if it's irony but Kat, new friend, turned out to be travelling alone for her first time, like myself, AND she was ex job (Police)! I did give a little chuckle at the what I thought irony of it was seeing as I too am in the Po Po, technically still am, just on a break. Anyways I digress, longer story long, Kat and I as well as 3 other backpacker types were placed on a Thai Airways flight direct to BKK but from Heathrow. At 1630hrs we left LGW for LHR where once we arrived it was practically smooth as. Despite the dramz of the day, I wasn't annoyed oddly, I thought it was quite fitting my adventure should start the way it did before I had even left the country. A few large glasses of Chianti and I was ready for the flight.

Kat's Journey can be followed by like her page on FB - 'Homeless Kat'

Initially I was flying with Vietnam Air and I can't rate them either way, although they could have handled this missing Falange (!) better. Thai Airways, however, was fantastic, a great flight that seemed to just er, fly by... And excellent quality of food, service, drinks, entertainment, although I only watched one film - 22 Jump Street. Oh a shout out to Bangkok Airways also, who moved me to a different flight without charge once I realised I was going to make my connection in BKK! 

05/11/2014 - 12/11/2014  Ko Samui, Thailand

Smile House was to be my home for the first two nights. I arrived at about 2100hrs, having been awake for about 36hrs due to the delays. I went straight to bed watching a Thai music video channel, a whole hour dedicated to 2NE1, I presume a Thai version of Girls Aloud. Amazing. YouTube them! I slept on and off for about 12 hours but woke a lot. The heat was quite increds!! 

Paradise.

The next day I had breakfast on the beach, beautiful hot sunny day and despite my zombie state I had a moment of 'woah this is paradise'. That moment passed swiftly as I had some errands to conduct. Firstly to try and see Keely, Ross & Finn - after all the only reason I was even in Thailand was for their wedding - I managed to meet Keely & Finn on the beach outside the hotel I would be staying in from the 07/11/2014 this was a surreal moment but wonderful! I then needed tickets to the FULL MOON PARTY for Caroline, known as Caz during the rest of this blog, Ange, and I. I was very excited about seeing them and obvs the FMP!

The tickets I acquired meant we got a speed boat to Koh Pangnan for the party which was thrilling natch (thanks Kenickie) but I being me was really concerned about the state of my hair upon arrival. Thankfully we had a boat back from 0100hrs onwards on the hour back should we had wanted it. Now most of yous will know what the outcome of attending the FMP was;

1. I gained some ink on my back,

B. I lost my iPhone 5,

3. I enjoyed Mushroom Mountain a bit too much, 

E. I thought I could handle 4 buckets.

1. The tattoo is specifically 'ESSEX' written in the font of  'The Only Way Is Essex' logo, I got Sopita - *NF, the tattoo shop owner, to print it from Google. I wanted it much bigger than it is at the time however Caz & Ange convinced me otherwise, thankfully! At time of writing I'm still a bit embarrassed by the tattoo but I do love it and I do not regret it.

I'll learn to embrace this! 

The story is that I had ESSEX painted in yellow on my arm and I had a moment of clarity (?) and just thought how amaze it would be having it as a tattoo, this then was affirmed by Caz, and the infamous Caz Effect took hold. Escalated to the show's logo and so on, so with a bucket of Long Island Iced Tea in hand and on a silver platter, natch, I got the tatt. Unsurprisingly I felt very little during the process. It's also important to mention that point 3, above, had some influence over my clarity.

Many photos were taken, and since lost from the FMP, on my part, but I'm looking forward to them going on FB Caz & Ange! 

Me, Flange, & Caz @ FMP!

 Caz & I, my face says it all.

Shout out to Mikko *NF, FINLAND!, who we met at the FMP! He's so ADORBS and sweet! He was a lot of fun and he continued to be so!! 

@migoster on Instagram.

Me, Mikko, & Caz. What a great guy! One of the best I've met on my journey so far. A lot of fun. #Finland.

Mikko clearly ❤️'s me!!

Mikko can be followed on Instagram - @migoster

Needless to say the morning after the night before was not a good time for me. I was not in a good place, the jet lag didn't help either. 

Thereafter I obvs continued to drink alcohol, not sure how I've managed too as I'm not used to this anymore from back home. 

I did go to PINYO'S Muay Thai boxing session with Ross one morning, it was an early start of 0600hrs and we arrived as the heavens opened and a force of rain I have never seen before. Monsoon season! The training session was great and I worked up a massive sweat. The trainer was clearly getting frustrated with me as he kept slapping my thighs when I wasn't getting the moves. Like a true boss I got there in the end and basically I was blates ready for a fight! Given.  The weather was pretty horrif all day so I then spent an extra hour in the gym after breakfast at my new home, THE PEACE RESORT. I had missed BSV back in Essex! 

Peace Resort is nice but very little put on for children, and really nothing particularly special from my perspective. It's based in Bo Phut which the Lonely Planet describes as the third busiest area on Ko Samui, with the Fisherman's Village which on a Friday is packed but where is everyone the rest of the time? It was soon apparent that Chaweng is where the party is at! 

The boys arrived, Nicky and Nichols, there'll be referred to as Kenickie and Nichols. 

Nichols (AKA Neil from The Inbetweeners) and Kenickie // Danny Dyer // Nicky. 

I was a bit nervewrack about hanging with them, due to my confidence issue which I hope to resolve on my journey of self discovery. I had met Kenickie before but several years ago and I probably have met Nichols too but I'd have thought I'd remember him had he been like he was here, after just a few seconds of re-meeting them I knew I had nothing to worry about. These boys are legendary, not a BASIC bone in their bodies....well..... Once they arrived The KTK assembled. KTK = Koh Tao Krew.

K T KAAAAAAAAAAAY!

We partied hard in Chaweng. Ark Bar a particular favourite on the beach. Buckets of vodka red bull! 

Buckets of Vodka & M150.

Dancing in the beach to some heroic tunes and and simply living my bloody mofo life. Dancing in the sea courtesy of the boys, and having magic moments that will live forever, thankfully I was on hand to take many a photo, kinda aides my memory of the nights outrageousness. Another haunt was the Absolute Samui Vodka Bar. I loved this place, great tunes, great layout, absolute vodka you name it, it was there. It was here Caz found FINLAND // @migoster. We went mental, it was so good to see him again after the FMP! He was with his mate, sorry friend I can't remember your name!! We danced a lot, tried to steal his cap as for memories sake but he was having none of it - got some great snaps that have convinced me that I must own a cap.  Something I may regret in a few years in a photographs kinda way. The night ended in a tuk tuk that drove past Sound Bar where what I can only describe as more than likely a ladyboy jumped on the back of it and ate my face then disappeared again, all very marvel-esque! Bloody hilare though! 

Awesome venue.

@migoster's cap // wasted.

 Caz & @migoster.

I believe this night was also when we accidentally filmed a selfie as opposed to taking one on a newly bought SELFIE STICK - you know it makes sense. The 3 second clip actually factually makes me LOL every time I watch it.  This video will be uploaded here.

The KTK seemed to gravitate towards Chaweng. The girls left early one night and it was me and 'my' boys! Well it was after a slight indiscretion on the beach with an Aussie off of Grindr, say no more....after though we hit the party hard, again. We went to Ark, Absolute and Sound Bar which are both open later than 0200hrs. Podium dancing and bucket drinking, not forgetting the moon off from across the club. We give good bum!  After wards we walked for what seemed like forever to find a KFC only to find that we had walked in a circle, en route meeting ladyboys, one who grabbed me and pulled me down an alley, the others got their tits out. It was all very funny. Again we saw FINLAND out again, that boys a night maker! We're obvs Facebook/Insta friends now. 

On one of the days, I spent it with Keely et el which was great, it was great to spend time with Finn, we had hoped to go to a water park but once we got there it transpired they had no power, as the rain had been coming down hard. We went back to the hotel via a Tesco Lotus and played in the pool in the pouring rain! It was very funny! Love spending time with that boy, he's one of the cutest/sweetest kids you'll ever meet. I'll miss him loads.

Keely's wedding was delayed by a day due to poor weather being forecast. The wedding actually took place on the 11/11/2014, Remembrance Day! The venue was stunning, really really beautiful, I was on filming duties, and CAN I GET A WITNESS? Duties! I have to say when Keely asked if I would be a part of her wedding I was so happy, I was really honoured.

A hot mess filming.

 That view though.

Keely & Ross tying the knot.

The stunning bride & I.

The KTK scrub up well, huh?

I was natch hungover, basically a theme of the whole time I've been away thus far. Hanging as I was, I was also looking forward to seeing Keely in her dress, I had made a point of not seeing it before the day. The girl was stunning, the dress was beautiful. Jaw dropping. The service was lovely as the sun was setting. The day's events included an elephant ride for the newly weds and Finn, elephant feeding, tree planting, flag raising, cake cutting, lantern lighting, fireworks, and the X factor shower of sparks. Drinks and dinner were to be had and I spent most of the evening playing with Finn which was magic to me. He got tired and then decided he wanted to sing a long to Frozen so 'Let It Go' it was for about 15 times, I do have the cutest video of him singing it though.  Awesome. The selfies that Kenickie took in the back of the minibus were hilarious, although not brilliant in terms of photography, they certainly capture the hilarity of that moment. Totes natch.

 Just a small selection of the hilarity.

This rounds up London to Koh Samui. Koh Tao is up next, a feast for your eyes. I hope you enjoyed this post. Feel free to comment & share. Love always, me!