the newlyweds hit thailand

So here are some shots from our week long honeymoon on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand (apologies there are so many of them, I had a hard time editing them down as we crammed so much into our 7 days there!)

First up, here is the famous big buddha, (you can't really tell the scale of him from the picture but he is absolutely huge), which presides over a temple on the north of the island.

These are some awesome life size robots entirely crafted out of old car parts, which are for sale at one of the vendors stalls based at the Big Buddha (they seem to have no qualms about combining religion and commerce in Thailand...)

Ahh, Beer Chang, the excellent local brew!

We hopped over to the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan for the legendary Full Moon Party which happens once a moon, yes you guessed it, on the night of the full moon. It is basically a huge party which takes place on the beach, where lots of crazy revellers from all over the world gather to dance the night away while the locals showcase their fire dancing skills. One of the highlights of the event is the local alcoholic beverage of choice- a 'bucket', which is just that, a plastic child size bucket filled with a heady mix of rum or vodka and topped up with the local version of Red Bull. Intoxicating to say the least!

Here are a few pictures of the hotel we stayed at...let's just say we weren't disappointed! It was a cluster of private villas rather than a big hotel type building. Our villa was so beautiful and the butterfly shaped infinity pool, little private beach and gorgeous restaurant finished it off very nicely indeed.

We went on an excursion to a local waterfall which boasted some naturally formed pools at the bottom where you could take a dip. The refreshing swim was most definitely needed after the hard slog up there in about 90% humidity!

Here are a few scenic type shots of various other places on the island...

A typical Thai meal...

One morning we visited a butterfly garden which was located right behind our hotel. If you hiked right up to the top of the hill it was situated on then you were rewarded with a stunning view of the ocean and the island's scenery.

One evening while relaxing at a beach side bar, we bought a paper lantern which we released into the night sky (it's supposed to be a good luck charm) and we watched it soar off into the night. It rose higher and higher until there was just a tiny flicker visible and then is disappeared from sight. Where did it end up? We'll never know!

This is the welcome drink we were presented with on our arrival at our hotel...mmm, fresh coconut milk.

To finish- here is the obligatory shot of my new finger ornament!