11th Feb - 2nd day Ko Tao

Wednesday 11th

Woke up feeling OK. Very nice weather. Showered packed and got in taxi to ferry which took forever to leave. Supposed to leave at 12.30. As we waited I checked out the various diving courses. Basically if you do the PADI course its 8500 baht with free accomodation for 5 nights and I get my own room which will be great.

Most of the day was taken up catching the ferry which left an hour late. We were all a bit tired and grumpy from not much sleep after full moon party.

Did decide on Tommys as I had free accomodation for 5 nights thrown in with my PADI dive so a total of 8500 (about 170 quid - absolute bargain its like the chapest place in the world to dive!) and the girls got a room between them for 500 baht so they were happy as an actual structure rather than a wooden bungalow!

Have to say when I saw the room and the view I could happily have moved on - I havnt been here long enought to appreciate a solid structure ad kinda had my heart set on a beach front bungalow or something of that nature as out accom in Ko Pang Yang was also not on the beach - but the girls were happy so I was happy and later was glad for our choice.
Ate at DD's close by - we are basically situated right at the end of the most popular beach on this island. We were so hungry (it was gone 5pm and I had had nothing to eat all day) but we could see the sunset even though there were lots of flies around for some reason. Had sweet and sour chicken and rice which was nice but not big enough! Went back to room early as had to read chapters 1 and 2 ahead of course tomorrow. Found it hard to take in as was so tired. Went up to base so could connect to wireless (funny how rooms are advertised as having wireless but you cant actually access if from your room or reception, or anywhere within hopping distance!). A little Thai boy was obviously fascinated by my little netbook and the manager kept making chit chat. I sat at the only take which I had the impression wasnt normally used by the average punter. I would have sat on the grass but it was dark. Took a few attempts to connect then was very slow. Concious havn't contacted family or anyone much since arriving. I tried to text Mum and Gran through a free texting service I had found but it doenst work out here I can only presume. I did manage to update my status on facebook but little else because wasn't responding much. I noticed Dad had added me as a friend on facebook which made me laugh but is cool. Is it this netbook that is causing problems? I'm not sure. Gave up, did Chapter 1 questions for course and had an early night.

Worst thing: Much of day was taken up travelling to Ko Tao
Best thing: Arriving at Ko Tao. Can tell I'm going to like it.

Money spent: (free accomodation) 25 baht water, paid lottie cuppa tea 30 Baht 7/11 bread for breakfast and lipton 52 baht, dinner (sweet and sour chicken) 150 baht TOTAL: 257 baht (5.14)