Andaman sunset ...

After spending most of the previous 3 weeks covering old ground in the Gulf of Thailand, we thought it was about time for somewhere different before leaving the land of smile.

So we headed over to the Andaman coast for a few short days, enjoying an out-of-season deal in Krabi at the resort of Ao Nang. Despite visiting during west coast's monsoon, we had clear skies and brilliant sunshine for the first 2 days. It was only when we arranged a speedboat day-trip to the islands Ko Phi Phi that the weather turned ...

The choppy seas made for a rather exciting boat ride, bouncing along off the top of the waves. So much so that by the time we made our first stop, already 2 of the 10 passengers we're throwing up into plastic bags - although speaking personally I quite enjoyed the ride. By the time we reached the beach (location for the film of the Alex Garland book) the storm really took hold - and the only way of keeping warm was to get into the increasingly violent surf as we waited for our boat to pick us up.

Mel will remember the day as the one when she overcame a lifelong fear of fish and tried snorkelling for the first time. After a slightly shaky start (running squealing from the water after seeing a small fish) on Bamboo Island in the morning, she persevered and in the end really enjoyed it (I think). As with eating grasshoppers, I know Robert and Jane back in Ireland won't believe it without clear evidence - so here it is.

Remarkably Mel is now even considering trying scuba diving. I think it must be the lure of the rather fashionable gear ...

You can see all the photos from Thailand and Myanmar (Burma) by clicking here ...