iaintait

Had a really nice laid back time on Koh Samet/Samed. Lovely bungalows with a friendly owner. Not hard to get to from Bangkok (bus and boat).

Ended up there just after the Tsunami hit Western Thailand so the mood was subdued but I got the feeling that this isn’t really a party island anyway.

Not the most amazing island in the world ever, but if you’re travelling through that part of Thailand it’s not a bad place to stop off for a while.

Such a shame about bombs.
Seems really unfair.

Go, and enjoy!

(As I’m writing about a US city should it be favorite instead of favourite – oh well). Anyway, I loved SF both times I’ve been there. I love cities that feel like they’re outdoors. And it does. Big enough to be a proper city, but small enough to get around and be managable.

Even though its not as big as it used to be you should still check it out on a Sunday. A nice mix of lovely foody things, small designer fashion stalls, places to eat and other stuff. Open from 9ish to 5ish.

There’s a new market just over the road in the Truman Brewery (just of Hanway Street) which makes up for the bit that has been chopped off by evil city developers. More of the same kinds of thing.

If you find yourself up early on a Sunday morning it’s well worth a visit – even if you’re not buying plants and flowers. Lots of cute little shops selling all kinds of stuff. There’s a nice pub – The Royal Oak, and a great little Italian cafe – The Globe.

Also it’s within walking distance of Spitalfields Market (http://www.43places.com/places/view/198428) which is cool too.

Nearest tubes: Old Street, Liverpool Street (or even Bethnal Green at a push).