Chiang Mai to Phuket 4 January 2009

Chiang Mai to Phuket 4 January 2009

Arrived back in Chiang Mai 3 and a bit hours before plane due to take off at 08.20. Just enough time to pack and get some money from a nearby ATM. Said a sad farewell to Pon. During our event packed and marvelously enjoyable 5 days, she had told me with some pride that her grandparents are of the Shan people - she is certainly very resourceful and inteligent and I guess she has inherited this from them. I would like you all to visit her new restaurant/bar in Chiang Mai, you can get flights for around 600 pounds and I promise you it will be well worth it, Pons cooking is excellent and she is very particular about quality and cleanlines.

Arived Phuket on flight 1 hour late, now 2 out of 3 Air Asia flights delayed. (Might be Bangkok Airport at fault of course). Met at airport, driven in very smart Toyota to Green Island guest house, very friendly and comfortable.

Met Tony and Paddy and Mrs Paddy in Green Island bar, the men run a waste collection, sorting and recycling busines out of Dublin. Tony is the boss and was very interesting to talk to. Flying back the next day though after 3? weeks here. Had too many Chang beers, hangover lasted most of next day.

Planning a quiet 3 weeks here, although will probably visit fi fi highly recommended by my australian friend David on Vietnam/Cambodia tour last year.

Will report rather less often during my stay here. Flying to Malaysia 27th?

All the Best, John