abode acrobat . net

This scenic island is an increasingly popular spot for the young crowd - indeed many young westerners seem to be manning the diving shops and other amenities, probably in conflict with visa regulations. Actually, a lot of them are leftover volunteers who helped clean up after the island was destroyed by the 2004 tsunami. In happier times, the island’s smaller sibling was the location used to film “The Beach”, and a snorkelling trip took us to see this up-close. Needless to say it’s not quite as good as in the film where clever camerawork hid the tour boats. Although, I think they all die in the end when their ocean liner sinks, so perhaps I shouldn’t complain.

Incidentally, I have discovered a new form of entertainment in the DVDs available for £1, potentially adding an annualised £365 to the travel bill.

Also, I accidentally managed to offend yet another American, ironically [English usage] by remarking how refreshing it was that - unlike previous encounters with Americans - I hadn’t managed to accidentally offend him yet. Could somebody please check with the Foreign Office that I’m on-message? With me loose in the outside world, Gordon can be free to spend his time worrying about things like car bombs and how to smile convincingly.