Koh Tao

Literally the sort of thing you see on postcards and in travel brochures!
The boat ride over was awful... I don't really get sea sick but I started new medication before we went travelling and I felt so sick...
It's okay to gag when you're in a private cubicle and on solid ground in a youth hostel, but on the open upper deck of a cramped boat that's acting trampoline for your stomach, not so much!
Thankfully I wasn't sick and someone fainted and totally stole my thunder, honestly, attention seekers! :P
Besides, it worked to my advantage because I got to move to the side and in minutes was fine (always the way) and had a great view of the island and the flying fish!
All this time I thought they were a joke, made up to tease, but they're not! Flying fish are real and completely awesome!
So anyway, got to ride in a 'taxi' - the back of a truck - to the hostel, Matt and Charlie looking like they belong in a mission impossible movie, and then headed out for breakfast.
After this we headed down to the beach, where, feeling tired, irritable and homesick (another thing that rarely happens to me), I insisted on staying whilst the lads went off to make plans for the following day.
I woke up just as they returned... Falling asleep on a beach like that it one of the most calming things I've ever done - highly recomended!
So anyway, we went back to the hostel where they promptly fell asleep and I took advantage of not having to considor others in decision making!
I got some money out, bought a pair of swimming shorts, bought a postcard, sat on the beach and wrote it, returned the shorts for another pair, back to the hostel, back to the shop to return the new shorts for the original pair, went for a paddle along the beach with my camera, picking up shells, diverted in between some buildings on the way back and walked along the main path that runs the length of the buildings with lots of vegetation, birds, a caterpillar, stray animals and motorbikes!
I think the locals are in competition with one another; who can kill the most tourists? Because renting a motorbike seems to be the most popular thing to do, other than getting sunburn! And I think the people that rent them have their own competition; how many people can you fit on one and whats the smallest gap you can squeeze your way through!
It's very entertaining, although slightly annoying as those of us who have no desire to be killed just get honked at constantly!
But the island is stunning! It's small, like me, too so everything is within walking distance. It's possible to find a reasonably secluded part of the beach and the water is clear! You can actually see your feet!
SNORKELLING TOMORROW!