Worldide

My Holiday o

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I left my footprints in the sand after finally growing tired of grey skies and the nine to five.

February 2011 / 18

I was welcomed by endless beaches, a crystal blue ocean

and friendly locals

Worldide

February 2011 / 19

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My Holiday o

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Lifetim

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A s I stepped off the plane, the warm air washed over

me and the sun beat down on my face. All the planning and months of saving were worth it, I was actually in Thailand. I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed as the rush of Bangkok surrounded me and a smile crept across my face as my eyes constantly darted around, attempting to soak in the beautiful views.

I wasn’t staying in a 5 star hotel but even so I was welcomed by a folded towel swan on my bed, a flat screen television and a gorgeous deep bath to relax in before I took on this newcountry, hardly the premier inn experience that I was used to.

If the day time seemed overwhelming then I had a big shock in store when the sun had set because the night life is far from quaint dinner parties. Think more hussle, bussle and extremely friendly locals trying to tempt you to for a drink with them. I must have been dreaming. Less than 20 hours ago I was standing in a grey airport in a grey country looking at grey suits... now I couldn’t turn my head without seeing a bright light, hearing the ring of a bicycle bell and the laughter of fellow tourists.

Although I wanted to stay in the heart of Thailand forever, my

eyelids just wouldn’t agree with me and it was time to head back to the hotel and slip into my squishy double bed.

After two days in Bangkok I travelled to Laos where I was stunned by the endless beaches, a crystal blue ocean, friendly locals and foods that I didn’t know existed let alone tasted before! My senses were alive and the warm sand engulfed my body as I laid back and didn’t think of England. Now Laos is notorious for it’s night life and it certainly didn’t dissappoint... there was no end to the bars that I could quench my thirst in for a pitence and dance the night away with my better half.

Fruity cocktails slipped past my lips while the ever graceful man in my life opted for a ‘bucket’, half a bottle of whiskey is emptied with a mixer and served... hardly a cosmo but when in Rome! Now let me tell you... I don’t think there is a better cure for a sore head than a laying on a beach with the freshest fruit that money can buy for breakfast, although there simply isn’t time to feel sorry for yourself with all the sights that need to be seen, such as the historic temples and floating markets.

Now you can’t visit Thailand without a trip to the islands such as Phuket in the Andaman Sea just off the coast of Phang-nga Province. Again it is known for being the host to some of the best beaches in the world, it’s like you can’t escape them.. as if you would want to. Also it was the set for the Leonardo Dicaprio film ‘The Beach’, such a shame he didn’t hang around...Phuket’s neighbouring island Phi Phi was badly hit by the Tsunami but very little evidence remains as they made a swift recovery, once again is the beautiful island that it was known as.

Now staying in Phi Phi was slightly different to what I was

used to, where was my folded swan towel for one? I quickly found out that the island does not contain a single hotel, but instead beach huts are

available at an alarming small price, which i definitely wasn’t complaining about. It’s an incredible feeling being able to roll out of bed straight onto a beach or to relax in a hammock under a palm tree.

As I soaked up the rays on the last remaining days of my holiday I had time to reflect on my travels. From the floating markets, the wildlife, nightlife, stunning views and white sandy beaches, there isn’t a way to not enjoy a visit to Thailand. Just don’t forget to take the sunscreen!

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