um pahars

Taxis are cheap by our standards and when they use the meter properly they are dirt cheap!! Problem is that many around the touristy areas start to demand a fixed price, which although still cheap by our standards is a bit naughty. If they don't use the meter, I reckon you'd be paying anything from 300 to 500 baht each way (£5-£9). Loads of people rent scooters (cheap and plentiful), but in my many travels to Thailand I have lost count of the number of tourists I have seen with a Phuket Lovebite (exhaust burn), bandaged up arms, legs and heads. The roads are terrible, pot holes, poor surfaces etc, they become treacherous after a drop of rain, roads can be full of people, chickens, dogs, cows etc, other road users are mental!!!!!! IMHO it's just a recipe for disaster. Much better off getting a hire car and staying safe (seriously until you see people on the wrong side of the road 5 up + chickens on a moped dodging a cow, whilst the water lorry swerves to avoid a pot hole in the pouring rain, you won't believe me). A car is much safer and driving in a car is actually alright, they drive on the left. Just don't hand your passport over (give them a copy if they insist). I also forgot to mention that maybe a trip up to Chieow Laan lake & Khao Sok Park could be on the itenary (have a look at Limestone Lake Tours). Probably my most wonderful experience and I reckon it's about 90 mins north of you. It's a lovely place with some fabulous scenery and wildlife. If you could stay overnight in a rafthouse then you'll really see why it's so special (although at th eprice you're paying for Amari, I doubt you'd want to pay again!!!!)

Maybe Turkish's mate would come up with something else, but I think you're only option for something a bit busier would be a trip in to Ao Nang. Most hotels do a shuttle in to town (or taxis are pretty cheap). Too far to walk and about 15 mins by car. But from memory even Ao Nang is fairly quiet, although there are quite a few restaurants, bars, ATMs and a couple of little markets. Krabi Town is quite a bit further (more like 30 mins+ from your resort).

Here's the webpage, haven't got a clue if it's a personal page or a group page. http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.104616896315459.9093.100003014481280&type=3#!/profile.php?id=100003014481280 BTW I don't do rowing, just like a good barney every now and then (plus I'm sure we'd get on in reali life away from the jousting on the interweb - as long as you don't wear that fcccking beany hat thing I saw in a photo).

LOL. We thought we were going to drown down that way when we stayed at Raillay. Left it late getting back from Ao Nang to Raillay one evening (only way in is via a boat) and with a big storm brewing no one was that fussed about taking us around the headland. Had almost settled for getting a room for the night, when a young lad said he'd do it for double the going rate (£1 each instead of 50p). We took him up on his offer, but halfway through realised we probably shouldn't have. Was the only time I saw the locals put their life jackets on with his mate bailing us out as we got in some choppy waters with forked lightning overhead. Won't mind admitting I though we might not make it, but with the usual Thia laughter we got through. Had the boat lads join us for some beers until it died down a bit and they returned somewhat drunk (saw them later in the holiday though!!).

Yeah, heard of the resort, but never been there. Comes with a very good reputation. Stayed at a resort about half a mile or so south of it (Elements). It's in a very quiet part of Krabi, just a few other hotels around, so will be very relaxing with a great beach (and wonderful sunsets). Easy enough to walk the beach to try out food in other nearby hotels, but otherwise a bit limited. Not much shopping around either (read almost none). Nearest "town" is Ao Nang, about 15 mins taxi ride away which has quite a few restaurants, bars and shops, but being honest it's a bit tacky. OK to pop in for a change of scenery in the evening (poor beach). Krabi Town itself is further south again (30 mins??) and I really enjoyed as it wasn't at all touristy (mainly a stopping off place for Koh Phi Phi & other places). Had a couple of great markets where the locals will happily let you sample their wares without any of the hassles at a more touristy place. There isn't a great deal to see in the town, but you will see how the locals live (particularly in the evening when everyone comes out to wander). As Turkish says, the Tiger Temple is close enough by with stunning views and scenery & caves. When we went it was fairly busy with pilgrims, but was no problem just wandering around by ourselves (cover up as it is a very religious place). I also really enjoyed the Thermal Springs near Klong Tom and a place called Emerald pool (a bit further away). You can do these places by yourself (rent a car and drive on the left), but could also do as a day trip (private or as part of a group). Quite a lot to do inland and a couple of national parks and water falls (depending on season), so would definitely drag myself away from the beach. However, I think the best parts of the area are out to sea with the various little islands, Hongs and beaches. the only problem with this is that they are so beuatiful that they are often swamped with day trippers from Phuket. A day out kayaking and snorkelling aroung Phang Nga, a speedboat journey down to Koh Phi Phi (taking in some other little islands), a trip to Raillay Bay and the Princess Cave, diving at Shark Point, all recommended but expect it to be touristy and busy. I doubt you'll be able to drag yourself away from the pool/beach, the beach massages and the lovely sunsets!!!! Thailand is very switched on for tourists, whether package or independent and it is pretty easy to do whatever you want. Some things may cost you a bit, but generally if you fancy something, then someone will be up for sorting you out!!! Flying direct (via Phuket) or stopping in Bangkok??? as that's a totally different ballgame.

Where/what is the resort called??? Been down that way a few times and have to say I really enjoyed it. Let us know where you are and I'll give you a few tips as some decent things are further south and some north (can make a bit of a difference). Rented a jeep for a few days and did a bit of independent travelling inland to a couple of great places, close by were some thermal springs and the Tiger temple-with monkeys!!, whilst further afield was Chieow Laan Lake and the floating rafthouses-probably best place I have been to in Thailand. As Phil says a trip around Phang Nga bay is a must, but there is a big issue about who you go with and where you go (can get very, very touristy) and the same can be said about heading south to Koh Phi Phi. I did it with John Gray and that was a really decent trip, but think I did it out of Phuket. Some good diving as well, there's a wreck of a recent(ish) passenger catamaran out there and only place I've seen sharks in Thailand.

I've got a fixture list and want to post it on our Club Facebook page and just trying to work out the best way to do it. I've not used Facebook before and just want to put it up there as a resource for people to look up if required through the season. It's quite short so don't mind retyping it up there if necessary and posting up there, just not sure where it would go (as it looks to me that things don't stay topical!!!!). Any ideas??? and thanks for the response. STEVE

Need to upload a small Excel file (fixture list) to a FaceBook account, but haven't got a scooby. Anyone know (and please keep any advice simple, I can just about use a computer!!!!!!!!!). CHEERS

The flats in Ocean Village are terrible, they really should have restricted it townhouses like the one I currently have. Having spent time in Ocean Village, I do think it was a poor use of port land and with ABP always on the look out, I would have no problem being compulsory purchased and the land out back to profitable economic use (assuming they pay me the £720,000 my pad is worth!!!). That said, I do think we could (and should) have made more out of The Walls, the Old Town etc. I know we were up against it after the war, but some of the stuff we did back then (and since) have been so short sighted and really play down our history.

Have to say that there's not much in the opening post I agree with, but that's football for you. Mnay Saints fans have been brought up on "relative success". Those in the 60's saw promotion to the top flight, holding our own and games in Europe. The 70's brought an FA Cup success, Wembley appearances and repromotion (how I fccking hate that Lowe word LOL). the 80's saw semi finals, Europe, runners up in the league (The Daily Express 5-a-side winners LOL). From then up until 2005, whilst not winning anything, we were better placed than 70/80 of the teams in the Football League plying out trade in the top league in the world (the place where every team aspires to be). It's only been the last 5 or so years that we have been "relatively" poor and even then that is somewhat playing down the recent success. So no, I don't see any reason to suggest that we are, or might be, afraid of success. Looking at specifics of the post there's no way we'll get £50m on promotion. I don't think we have the best academy in the country (yes it's great, but there are others that are better out there, after all where did all those England & England U21 players come from, we only produced one of them?). We haven't, nor will we have, the best training facilities out there (they're good and there will be even better, but have a look around and you will see others much better than what is proposed for us). We don't have the best staff (once again they're relatively good and Adkins has done well, but it's a bit of a stretch to suggest they are the best).

And within reason, I'm more than happy for it to stay that way. Upgrade Mayflower Park, look in to access and facilities at Town Quay, Ocean Village and the SWAC Centre and that would be it for me. The Docks are a working environment providing employment and a very big wealth generator for the City, not a playground or a place for a quiet stroll. Plenty of other areas to use with regards leisure and recreation along the other side of the Itchen and Test if you want a river frontage, but for me it will be a sad day when the docks stop working and are turned in to a "theme park".

He really was an absolute shocking PM. It was almost as though the Labour Party realised they would not be winning a fourth election and thought, fcck it he might as well have the job he's always wanted. That said, there was that window when he blinked and perhaps missed his chance of winning a snap election. However, I will give him credit when as Chancellor he took the lead in the first recession and helped to negate its effects on the global economy (but he then should have reined in some of the spending mind!!!). PS Despite being an absolute shocker as PM and signing his death warrant with that on microphome "bigot" jibe, Smooth Talking Dave stil couldn't pull a majority!!

I'm also not convinced it was a good idea and thought they were only going to just about get in to 4 figures with the attendance, but being unsure of its "commercial" worth is somewhat different than having a pop at those who actually gave it a go (in particularl th ccko waving with regards attendances). As for the owners just handing over the money, well as I said on another thread recently (can't remember which one) sometimes it is just as important in a more holistic manner to recognise where the donation came from and, "For it is in giving that we receive".

Whilst she was one of the first to really use spin doctors, IMHO Thatcherism did exist as a vision (even if some of it was transported in from others)

As further examples I don't agree with all they are saying or trying to do but Osborne and Gove have substance and a vision. I think both are flawed, but that's the policies not the men themselves!

I would argue it was the policies and not the person that people first hated. The hatred of the person manifested itself from the initial anger her policies provoked.

What the meltdown be about??? Her having substance or the substance itself???

But that's a different proposition than what DD was putting forward. There's a difference between pandering to a thickle [sic] electorate and smarming them and any politician of substance being torn apart just because they have substance behind them.

Margaret Thatcher

IMHO a ridiculous assertion. Of course we're used to politicians, of all persuasions, having substance rather than the PR slick edifice of Cameron (and Blair to a lesser extent).

Not sure what you're trying to say here (not being rude, just can't work it out, might be my fault).

I just can't take him seriously (not least for that Bullingdon Club photo). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1542634/Cameron-as-leader-of-the-Slightly-Silly-Party.html (BTW How do you get a piccy up here???) Having come across him in a previous life he is a super smarmy smooth talker (even more so than Blair before him, who at least had a vision), who was great at pulling strings and getting others point across, but as Boris Johnson alluded to yesterday, he isn't the most intellectually gifted or much cop at strategic thinking. His vision of a "Big Society" means nothing and will succumb to nothing. This country is struggling if the best we had to offer was Cameron v Brown last time around and Cameron v Milliband jnr next time!!!! What a dearth of talent.

And IMHO the "freemarket" has shown itself to be as abusive, divisive and unworkable as Communism/Marxism at the other extreme. There is of course a middle way that involves regulation (what that regualtion looks like and how far it goes is up for debate), but just saying the freemarket will work its way out is a tad naive. It wasn't the phone tapping that was the real issue for me, instead it was the undue and undemocratic influence that a handful of media proprietors had on the Government of the day (or the prospective Governments in waiting). And in a way this undemocratic and unaccountable influence is just as bad (if not worse) as the undemocratic influence of those in Brussels that we both seem to dislike.

But surely as the recent News International scandal showed, the media in the UK are a very powerful and influential institution. The main reason Blair got in was that Murdoch came out in support of him. And therefore you must recognise that the media will play a very important part in influencing both politicians and the general public and that their self interests may well come before that of the UK or its population.

And at £2 they should have got more through the gates???? Or at £2 donation each was it even worth hosting??? Maybe to both, but at least they did something. Pretty easy to snipe from the sidelines at what was actually a genuine attempt to help others less fortunate. There's plenty to rip in to Portsmuff about (including the non payment of charities last time around), but IMHO it's a little bit tacky ripping to to them on this one.