Dear All

We are now back in Thailand on the second biggest island after Pherket, Koh Chang. Its 30 x 8km and 75% rainforest. The name means island of elephants so a trek is a good idea. Today we have chilled at this lovely new resort almost on the beach - like Zanzibar only newer and nicer. Its still not crowded which is ace. The pool overlooks the sea. I have just had an hour long Thai massage next to it in an open sided hut. It was lovely. Every bit of me has been pummelled and pulled into shape.

It was all necessary as yesterday was gruelling. the journey started at 6am and we got here just after 6, 12 hours later. That was 5 hours mostly on muddy, potholed un made up roads in Cambodia to the border, where we had lunch in a huge casino!! presumably like Las Vagas but I've not been there. Then we queued for an hour at the Thailand passport control (the casino was in no man's land as gambling is illegal in Thailand! It was packed) while it rained and then eventually we got to new minibus and began the long drive to the coast, the car ferry and then 20mins to the Tropicana hotel. It is stunning here though. It seems like coming back into the west just from Cambodia into Thailand it is so much richer. Quite a culture shock in reverse.

By the way could you please ask Louise to put the walk next Sunday - is that the 16th or the 14th?- into the weekly notices for this Sunday please so people are prepared. We will be going to Black Park. Meet at church at 12.30pm.

I think my time is running out so off this goes. Nearly at the end now! Its seemed like a long holiday as we have done so much and it is all so different. All the cards have gone now. Who will get theirs first? Muriel's was the last to go.

Lots of love

Ruth and Peter