Koh Lanta - Yay :-)

It's so great to be back on Koh Lanta, apart from all the development, Swedish families and concrete roads it's just like we never left. The Sanctuary where we stay is pretty much the same, i say pretty much as it was burnt to the ground early 2004 and had to be rebuilt. Even so it still looks the same except the restaurant is now on the right instead of the left. The people are practically the same too from 4 years ago. Hassan and Karen who are the owners are still here with their 4 children, one of which is just adorable. Her name is Lolita and is 2 1/2 and is so cute. Then there is Martin, a Dutch guy who works in the dive shops here, though is currently taking a long holiday. Dom, an English guy from London who is in his 50's and has many interesting stories to tell. Joe a Vietnam Vet who got shot in the war, Cathlene an American lady who spends a lot of time in Thailand, Cambodia and India writing her book and Mr Singha, a guy from Denmark who drinks a lot of Singha beer (i don't know his real name). There are others here to who we did not meet 4 years ago who are really nice, Eina a German lady who is a really good laugh, Sarah an English girl from Cambridge, great lass. Jo another English girl though not sure where she is from but she works in the Grove Garden Bar and is lovely and Rain, again English who lives here in a tent on the beach with her 6 year old daughter Maddy and makes great Chai.

There is also the Nottingham Massive here. Me and Billy, Peter and Debbie who are also traveling but we have met up here, Tony who is working in the Sanctuary for the season and Martin who has come out for a weeks holiday all of which we know very well from home. It's been great having friends around and being able to talk about stuff you would at home.

Last week was very eventful. Debbie had her birthday on Wednesday, her Hen night on Thursday and then Peter and Debbie got married on Friday. Following this was the Laanta Lanta festival which lasted 3 nights from Friday - Sunday and Martin arrived on Saturday. It's all go! :-)