I don’t know if there is a term for this in English, but I’ve ended up in Syden. Syden – literally The South – is a Norwegian term originally meaning any Spanish (Med and canaries) holiday destination. It has since been expanded to include charter destinations all ocver the world
. Even Thaialnd have certain parts that qualify as being Syden – by no means a compliment to a destination.

Restaurant menus are in Swedish, Nordic newspapers are available at the newsstand and minor celebrities are used to advertise the services of local tailors. I just saw a lifesize photo of Ingvar Oldsberg being fitted for a suit. One place also had an aofficial portrait of the Norwegian King and Queen 🙂
This is Karon Beach, one of the Star Tour and Apollo ghettos on Phuket island
. I’ll only spend a few days here before being picked up to go on a four-day liveaboard diving trip

. I can’t wait to get off the island and beneath the waves. As the monsoon season is heading this way, the rains have started with a shower every afternoon. This also means reduced visibility underwater – from fantastic to the best I’ve ever seen, apparently. This also means more plankton floating around and an increased chance of spotting some of the local filter feeders, including such gentle giants as Manta rays and whale sharks

. Add to that the sea turtles that are supposedly abundant in these waters, and you have one very excited diver waiting to get out there. If I actually do see something, rest assured there’ll be a full report here sometime next week.