After virtually no sleep at Andy’s, I was up just after 5am to walk down to Hammersmith and onto the Tube to Heathrow. Again. A virtual repeat of my trip earlier this year. My flight to Abu Dhabi was delayed slightly, but was enjoyable. My only quibble was the starter with the meal being fish-based. Yuk.

During the flight I watched The International, Pink Panther 2 and most of Escape to Witch Mountain before I fell asleep. A quick switch over in the UAE and I boarded the connection flight to Bangkok – which was also delayed. I managed to squeeze in Paul Blart Mall Cop and the newer version of The Day The Earth Stood Still and then the next thing I knew I was having immigration forms thrust at me.

The queue at Bangkok was the usual, and the single guard in front of me using his mobile phone didn’t speed the queue up at all. I was in time to catch the 9:00 flight to Ko Samui, which is a shame as I’d booked onto the 9:40 in case I had difficulties. The 9:00 one left bang on time, and mine – surprise – was delayed.

As a result I missed the earlier boat to Ko Tao, but ended up chatting to an Irish/Spanish couple and a family from South Africa who I’m meeting tomorrow night for dinner and drinks.

The dive shop and accommodation (Sunshine Bungalows and Sunshine Divers)was easy enough to find. It was nice to get a shower at last, and a change of clothes was well-needed especially after the humidity hit.

Plans for tonight are to grab some grub and crash. I’m in two minds about going on the morning dives as I reckon I’ll be awake early enough. I’m going to crash before 9pm for certain. There’s no wifi here though plenty of places in town I can use. I still need to get hold of the hostel in Dili and figure out what’s happening with KL. I think tomorrow’s my deadline for getting those organised. Not helped by not knowing exactly when I’ll get to Dili!