Samui, an island of three, perhaps four, halfs

Yesterday, having had enough of the beach, we took a trip out to a Buddhist temple on Samui. The Big Buddha, as it is known locally, is a huge statue on a peninsular on the island. Having used our ever-improving bargaining skills to get a taxi there and back, we enjoyed a trip down into 'real' Samui, and were both astonished by the poverty that sits alongside the affluence of the hotel scene. The temple itself was lovely, a real moment of serenity from the chaos of the tourist areas, and an insight into the lives of the monks who worship there.

Walking back down the street to our hotel later last night, past the tawdry ladyboys (yes, they do exist) and the sunburnt tourists we realised there is a lot more to this island than meets the eye, and not all of it is nice.

A mention must go to potentially the most disappointing moment of the holiday so far: Sarah, fancying a healthy snack,. bought some mango from a 7/11. Sadly, it turned out to be pickled mango - looks like mango, tastes like gherkin. Truly revolting.