Loboc, Bohol, Philippines 24th March 2009

Still at Nuts Huts. We both really like it here. Our kind of place.

This morning we got a tricycle to the local butterfly conservation centre. The butterflys in the Philippines are huge, like bird size and really colourful.

Our guide was really well informed and told us loads of things about butterflys. I held some huge caterpillars (David was too squeamish, although he won't admit this) and also some of the butterflys. David got a bit freaked out by one that was fluttering around his face - quite amusing!

Afterwards we stopped at Loboc church, which is one of the oldest in the Philippines. Nice, but a bit decrepid. And it had loads of creepy dolls dressed in religious costumes. Urggh.

I must say I have really liked the Philippines. It's a bit rough and ready at times, but everybody has been friendly and kind and genuinely nice and I think it's great. Everybody should come here. No, nobody should come here, then it won't change too much. Don't come here, it's terrible and everybody carries a gun. There, that should do it.

Loboc, Bohol, Philippines 23rd March 2009

This morning we got up early and treked up to the bat caves on the other side of the river.

Twenty minutes in and I was cursing David like mad as it was an almost vertical climb up the side of the mountain, covered in jungle and about 105 degress. I looked like I was going to explode.

Another hour (!!!) into the climb and we managed to get to the peak and into the bat caves. I must admit that it was pretty cool. Lots of guano everywhere though - very smelly.

On the way down, it was pretty steep but I only fell over once (pretty good for me) and I did feel very smug when we got back and they told us that we had broken the speed record for that trek. It normally takes 4 hours and we did it in 2 1/2 hours. Pretty good eh?

My thighs are going to feel it tomorrow though. And note how sweaty I am in the photos!

Loboc, Bohol, Philippines 22nd March 2009

We've made our way to Nuts Huts, which is a place recommended to us by other travellers.

It's right in the jungle, beside the river and has a really good feel to it. The food is pretty good and we've also booked a trek to the bat cave for tomorrow. Hope it's not too hot as today is really baking.

Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines 21st March 2009

Today we got a tricycle to Aluna Beach which was a bit of a let down. It's meant to be a great place but it was full of dive shops and the beach was full of dive boats. The water was really clear though so did have a little swim.

Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines 20th March 2009

A bit better today so made a visit to the Tarsier Sanctuary.

Very tiny, very cute, very weird. The look like a cross between ET and a gremlin! I would love to take one home but I don't think it would be too happy in Aveley. Probably not hot enough.

Found a great place to have dinner. The restaurant is staffed by deaf people and the profits fund education programs for deaf children. And the food was great.

Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines 19th March 2009

Have had bad stomach for the last two days, so have done nothing but lie in bed and run to the toilet. Not that I would want to eat anything anyway as there is only pizza or burgers.

I am desperate to get out and see something!

Apo Island, Philippines 17th March 2009

David had to go snorkelling on his own today as I have a nasty case of the two bob bits complete with stomach cramps and aching muscles.

David did state that the snorkelling here is some of the best he has seen on the whole trip with great coral, loads of great fish and really clear water. Just my luck!

Apo Island, Philippines 16th March 2009

Arrived this morning on the island. It's really small, with only a tiny coral beach and lots of tree covered hills. The locals are all friendly though and the water looks so clear. The snorkelling here is supposed to be great.

Damaguete, Negros, Philippines 13th March 2009

After our day whalewatching, we got the ferry back to Cebu (not so quick or modern, but did see wild dolphins) and then another ferry to Negros.

Damaguete is quite nice. Busy, fumy, full of beggars and tourists (mainly middle aged balding, fat European men with tiny, young Philippino girls) but still really nice.

Padre Burgos, Leyte, Philippines 10th March 2009

Yesterday, we caught a jeepney from Maasin to Padre Burgos to try to find a boat to take us whale watching, which is the main reason that we came to Leyte. Luckily, we met a Philippino guy called Sol who was also trying to find a boat and managed to book one for just the three of us.

So, today we have been whale watching. And what a great day! We had a bit of a stressful start, trying to find a bus or jeepney to get us here for 7am (Philippinos don't do early) but finally managed to get there and onto the boat.

We went across the bay to the point where the whalesharks have been coming to eat and picked up some local fishermen in their little canoes to spot for us and then settled in to wait for something to appear.

9am came, no sight. 10am still no sight. 11am not a peep. 12pm still nothing.

By 2pm I had resigned myself to not seeing any whalesharks when we got a shout from one of our spotters. We had a mad scrabble into our snorkel gear and jumped in!...

And right in front of me was an enormous (and I do mean enormous) whaleshark. Light grey with pale speckles on it. Big wide mouth open and sucking in food. And heading straight for me! I managed to swim out of the way and the shark glided gently past me. It was so graceful and looked as though it were barely moving, just a gentle swish of its tail.

And then another one appeared! They were both about 8 metres long. Which is really big when you are swimming next to them. Our guide duckdived down next to one of them and then we really got a sense of scale! He wasn't even as tall as the whales tail, let alone the rest of the body.

We swam with them for about 10 minutes and then the spotters found another, bigger whale a bit further down the shore. We swam over, but all I got to see of that one was the tail because it swam so fast I couldn't keep up.

It was such a wonderful experience and left me with such a smile on my face. In fact, I haven't stopped smiling since. This is one day I will never forget.

Oh, and sorry, I didn't have an underwater camera so got no pics of the whales. oops.

Maasin, Leyte, Philippines 8th March 2009

Our ferry journey here was a pleasant surprise. The ferry was modern and fast.

After arriving in Ormoc, we had a bit of a search and eventually found ourselves a bus (of sorts) to Maasin. This bus was just what I had been expecting, packed to the gills with people and parcels, but it was pretty quick (mainly thanks to the kamikaze driver).

Maasin is nice. Just a normal Philippino town. And no tourists (except us of course).

Found a really great place to stay, Ampil Pensionne, run by a really lovely lady called Tata.

We have also discovered that Philippinos love fast food. This seems to be all they eat! We are already done with Pizza, burgers and fried chicken and we've only been here a couple of days!

Cebu, Philippines 7th March 2009

Had a better look around this morning and Cebu isn't quite as grim as I first thought.

It is very poor and there are quite a lot of beggers in the streets, but it does have a lively feel to it. And everyone that we have met have been really friendly and helpful.

Managed to find ourselves a Lonely Planet guidebook and booked ourselves ferry tickets to Leyte for tomorrow.

Cebu, Philippines 6th March 2009

Hello Philippines!

Finally arrived in Cebu after a long days travel via Manila.

Because of delays, we didn't arrive in Cebu until 10.30pm and I have to admit that Cebu does not look it best at that time of night. In fact, it looked pretty rough, and I looked like a foreigner with my backpack on. A bit intimidating to say the least.

Still, we managed to find somewhere so sleep and all is well.

Kanchanaburi, Thailand 3rd March 2009

Today we went on the train across the bridge over the river Kwai.

The track is laid through a path cut into massive rocks which the men had to cut into without any machinery. The also built wooden bridges over massive ravines. The heat was incredible just on the train, so it must have been crippling to the men working on the line.

The were also ravaged by lack of food and medicine and many also suffered diseases and infections from the conditions in the jungle. Those that survived must have been either very lucky or very determined, or both.

Kanchanaburi, Thailand 2nd March 2009

Finally made it to the river Kwai. We are staying in a nice place right next to the river with a view of the bridge.

Went to the River Kwai Museum today which was very good. Also, very sad to see and read about all the young men who died building the railway.

We then went to the war graves cemetary which was really beautiful and poignant. I am always very moved to see the graves of unknown soldiers, and there were quite a few in this cemetary. Although it is very much a tourist attraction because of the film, everyone is still very respectful which was nice to see.

Bangkok, Thailand 28th February 2009

Saw Joanne, Ted and Izzy off at the airport last night. Had a few tears, but didn't blub too badly.

Miss them terribly already. Had a great holiday though. Thanks guys!

Bangkok, Thailand 26th February 2009

Spent today at the waterpark which was great fun. We all had a great time, especially Izzy.

Krabi, Thailand 23rd February 2009

Spent a few more days at the beach. Ted and I did a cooking course which was pretty good. I learnt how to make my favourite Pork with basil and chili. Mmmm

Krabi, Thailand, 21st February, 2009

Arrived in Krabi this morning and found a really friendly place with loads of kids for Izzy to play with. They also have loads of games and toys which is keeping her occupied.

Rai Lay, Thailand 20th February, 2009

Today we went on a boat trip and did loads of snorkelling. Izzy is getting pretty good at this.

In the afternoon we landed on a sandbar between two islands and watched the sun go down, followed by thousands of huge bats flying out of a nearby cave. Then, dinner on the beach, watched a wedding (on the sandbar, nice) and on the way home, stopped to swim in phosphorescent planktony stuff in the water.

All in all, a pretty lovely day.

Rai Lay, Thailand 18th February, 2009

Went by boat to RaiLay. The beach here is lovely, although we are staying in the back of beyond as this is the only place to find cheap accommodation.

Koh Lanta, Thailand 15th February 2009

Spent the last few days just playing on the beach, swimming and making sandcastles.

Spent the evenings playing Uno, to which Izzy has become quite addicted. She is now also waking me up at 7.30am to play a few rounds before everyone else gets up!

Koh Lanta, Thailand 13th February 2009

Took the ferry to Koh Lanta and found beach huts right on the sand.

Izzy was in heaven and was in the sea within 10 minutes of arriving.

Phuket, Thailand 12th February 2009

Today we hired a car and drove to the elephant trekking place and Izzy, Joanne and me rode an elephant. Izzy said it was more wobbly than a horse.

Izzy got to sit right on the elephants back which she loved even though she said it was hairy and prickly!

Afterwards we went to the Gibbon Sanctuary and swam in the waterfall.

A really lovely day. Oh, except that in the evening Joanne managed to stick her foot down a storm drain and made a really nasty scrape right up her leg. The tripping over/falling down thing must run in the family!

Phuket, Thailand 11th February 2009

Spent the day on the beach. Izzy is a real waterbaby and did not want to get out of the water.

On the way back we played crazy golf at the DinoPark. David won and Izzy threw a paddy. Just like old times.

Phuket, Thailand 10th February 2009

Flew from Bangkok to Phuket and finally found a cheap room.

Went to the beach which was lovely. Izzy was in her element and was in and out of the sea all afternoon.

It's so lovely to see everyone again and to play with Izzy and chat away with Joanne (and catch up on all that gossip!)

Bangkok, Thailand 9th February 2009

After very little sleep, we all went on a boat trip up the river to see some of Bangkok. Or really, because Izzy wanted to go on a boat.

It was a lovely day, completed by a wander round looking at the late night goings on (and weirdos)

Bangkok, Thailand 8th February 2009

Hurray!! Joanne, Izzy and Ted are finally here after months of waiting.

Meeting them at the airport was fantastic. After dinner and a night walk around the Koh San Road we went to be, except that Izzy was still on UK time and kept us all awake until 5am! Minx.

Koh PhaNgan, Thailand 30th January, 2009

Today we went to the north of the island with Onn and Adam and two other girls that are staying here.

Went snorkelling and chilled out and had a lovely day.

Koh PhaNgan, Thailand 26th January 2009

Still here at Onns place. Only moving from beach to hammock and back again.

It's been very hot but has rained a couple of times.

Jack got a wash today and was not a happy doggy. We thought it was funny though.

Koh PhaNgan, Thailand 21st January 2009

Have been enjoying the last few days hanging around on the beach topping up our tans.

David went to the Friday night party last night and got very smashed. Arrived back at 10am and this is what I found when I got back later that morning. Thats our mosquito net that he somehow managed to pull down onto himself. Has he ever looked better?

Koh PhaNgan, Thailand 14th January 2009

Went to the beach today as it is finally sunny after being cloudy since we got here.

I now have a strange rash all over my body which does not look nice. Hope no-one recognises me.

Koh PhaNgan, Thailand 10th January 2009

Got here a few hours ago and it is so nice to be back. On and Adam have made lots of improvements to the place and Jack (the dog) has grown loads.

Looking forward to relaxings and chilling out.

Bangkok, Thailand 8th January 2009

Arrived in Bangkok this morning after a terrible journey from Laos. When we got to the bus station from the islands, they said our tickets weren't valid because the agend hadn't booked them properly. All the staff then preceeded to dither until the bus was about to leave for the border so that they could stiff us over the ticket.

After ages arguing, I finally lost it and ended up calling the guy some very rude names. We then proceeded to get on the bus anyway and refused to pay any extra. Ha.

Then, our overnight bus to Bangkok was so packed that we couldn't get any sleep. I ended up having a major meltdown and a good few tears. Not a good few days.

On the plus side I did get to speak to Dad to wish him a happy birthday and also to Mum. That always makes me feel better.

Don Det, 4000 Islands, Laos 6th January 2009

Today we actually moved from our hammocks and crossed the French Bridge onto Kon Khon and walked to the waterfalls which were very beautiful.

I also had to walk all the way into town because David 'Shuffle Joe', the dodgiest shuffler in town dropped half the cards into the Mekong! Doh!

Don Det, 4000 Islands, Laos 5th January 2009

After New Year in Kon Khong, we got the boat down to Don Det. Found a great little bungalow (read shed) in the middle of nowwhere. It's a 45 minute walk to what constitutes a town here. So it's very quiet and peaceful.

We've decided to stay for a few more days as we really like it although there is only electric for a couple of hours each night and the laptop, ipods, nintendos and radio have all run out. Book finished so have only cards. (I'm thrashing David though he he he)

Dong Khong, Si Phan Dong, Laos 31st December 2008

After a nice overnight bus trip (better beds than some of our guesthouses), we are now in the 4000 islands. Met up with Kemi from Vang Vieng and spent New Years Eve at a local party. They had a local band playing which was quite funny and all the locals danced (quite traditional and all in a circle) and got drunk. A very strange New Year indeed.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL. HOPE 2009 IS A BLAST!

Vientianne, Laos 29th December 2008

Have now moved down to Vientianne which I quite like. Very french with good food.

Put our passports in for our long Thai visa which is lucky because we only just made the pre-new year deadline. We collect them tomorrow and then it's on to 4000 islands down south.

Today also marks the end of our first full year of travelling. Who'd of thought it eh?

Vang Vieng, Laos 25th December 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Had a great day tubing. Got pretty drunk on vodka buckets, then had a Christmas roast dinner at the Irish bar.

Phoned home, it was lovely to talk to everyone. Felt a bit homesick but still had a great day.

Vang Vieng, Laos 24th December 2008

Christmas Eve! (Will Santa know where I am?) Got drunk, rode round caves on bikes and swam in the river. Had PIE for dinner at the Irish bar and am now very drunk but had fantastic time dancing to Shakin' Stevens Christmas tunes. See, I told you the music was bad!

Vang Vieng, Laos 23rd December 2008

Had a great day today. Hired bikes and together with Caroline and Jessie, we went cycling to the cave 13km from here.

Hard going, but the caves and countryside were very pretty. With all the drunkeness and partying that goes on here it's easy to forget to look around you and see how beautiful this place is.

Feel very smug after my exercise.

Vang Vieng, Laos 21st December 2008

Have done nothing for the last few days except lounge by the river trying to top up our tans.

We've decided to stay here for Christmas because we've met a few great travellers and decided it would be nicer to have a Merry Christmas than just the two of us in Vientianne.

Vang Vieng, Laos 17th December 2008

Did nothing today except sit in the Smile Bar beside the river watching all the drunks getting back from tubing.

We forced to leave when they started playing Status Quo! The music here is really really terrible, but because everyone is really drunk before they even get here, they just dance anyway so the staff thinks the music is great. NO IT IS NOT!

Vang Vieng, Laos 15th December 2008

We went tubing today which was a great laugh. David got really drunk. Lots of bars along the river which pull you in for a drink as you float past on your innertube.

Some have swings and slides which are pretty funny (especially watching people doing big belly flops that must sting like mad)

Vang Vieng is very touristy and full of drunks but sadly I still quite like it.

Luang Prabang, Laos 14th December 2008

Arrived this afternoon after a very pleasant second day on the boat. Yesterday everyone was wearing T-shirts and shorts, today trousers and jackets!

It's quite pretty here, but very touristy and a little lacking in soul. We did a boat trip to the PakAu caves which are filled with Budha images and statues. Very touristy and a bit crap but it filled an afternoon. Also stopped at Whiskey Village where they make Laolao whiskey from rice. Real gut rot stuff.

Pak Bang, Laos 11th December 2008

Left Chang Mai by bus to the border town where we stayed one night, then in the morning, we got a little boat across the Mekong, which is the border up here in the north.

After a couple of hours wait, we got on the slowboat which will take us to Luang Prabang, stopping tonight in Pak Bang. It was a nice journey. 9 hours, good company but blimin' freezing!

Incidentally, whilst we were waiting to get on the slowboat, the organiser made a big speech about how long the journey was, how terrible Pak Bang was, how everyone here would try to rob us etc and how miraculously, the road to Luang Prabang was now great and the bus would get us there in 6 hours if we wanted to pay an extra 800Bhat! David and I imediately decided he was pulling a fast one and passed on that but a whole minibus load fell for it and paid up. We later met some of these guys in Luang Prabang and they told us that the journey took 12 hours over potholed terrible roads that made everyone sick and they arrived in Luang Prabang at midnight! Don't fall for it - the boat trip was fine!

Chang Mai, Thailand 9th December 2008

We hired mopeds again yesterday and took a long drive out of Chang Mai with Bee and Phil, a Canadian fellow traveller to the Dam which Bee had been raving on about for ages but we weren't that bothered to see. What a mistake that was.

It was stunningly beautiful. The dam actually holds a massive lake set in among the mountains and it was fantastic. There are a few little floating restaurants/guesthouses and a few fishermen and nothing else. Very quiet. No other travellers except a few Thai weekenders. We just sunbathed on the deck and swam in the lake.Lunch was once again tasty fresh fish.

When we got back we all went to another BBQ place and to the rooftop bar. A really great day.