 |
| Our first dance together as Mr & Mrs D |
Happy Bronze Anniversary Simon!!!
Love you more with every year that passes
JRF
X X X
&
Wishing Roy a very Happy Birthday!!
JRF
X X X
&
Wishing Roy a very Happy Birthday!!
Tuesday 26 August 2014
25th August 2014
We're staying at the farm with Rosie, Charles, Robert, Tom & Muppet the spaniel whilst in the UK which is just lovely. Rosie had sorted out 'our' room and seeing we'd have a very long day and with the time difference etc, we managed to stay up last night till 11.30pm hoping we'd sleep well but poor ole Simon was up at 4am and couldn't get back to sleep so got up and did some work. I on the other hand, slept till 8am, not too bad.
The morning was spent unpacking and taking the dog for a walk and then in the afternoon, we went to Fiona & Chris's for lunch and caught up with the beautiful Chloe & Iona ..they certainly do take after their lovely Aunty :-D LOL
The morning was spent unpacking and taking the dog for a walk and then in the afternoon, we went to Fiona & Chris's for lunch and caught up with the beautiful Chloe & Iona ..they certainly do take after their lovely Aunty :-D LOL
It seems crazy that only 4 months ago, we were all together in Koh Tao!!
Sunday 24 August 2014
24th August 2014 - Time to fly...
Sitting in the BA Club World Lounge, I thought I would catch you up with the last couple of days.
The dentist.... A couple of days ago it was Jen final stage at the dentist... After 9 months of waiting, she was gettting very nervous and we turned up at the dentists nice and early...
After a quick walk from the Skytrain to the dentists... it was time for the big day...
.Jen even had time to knock out some chopsticks on the rather fancy piano in the waiting area before her appointment.!
The dentist.... A couple of days ago it was Jen final stage at the dentist... After 9 months of waiting, she was gettting very nervous and we turned up at the dentists nice and early...
.Jen even had time to knock out some chopsticks on the rather fancy piano in the waiting area before her appointment.!
A couple of hours later, and all was done!! Jenny seems to be quite happy as she is smiling a lot more than usual now.! Returning home it was time for the gym and swimming... Somehow I injured my ankle during the run and its quite sore... even a few days later....
The next day Jen and I went to Chatuchak Market... the biggest market in Bangkok... so easy to get lost in the maze of stalls... I was bored out of my head, but Jen enjoyed the wandering around looking at all the wares.
The next day Jen and I went to Chatuchak Market... the biggest market in Bangkok... so easy to get lost in the maze of stalls... I was bored out of my head, but Jen enjoyed the wandering around looking at all the wares.
That evening we packed for our flights the next morning, and woke up early the next day to enjoy our free upgrade to Club World... BOOM !!
Saturday 23 August 2014
Friday 22 August 2014
21st August 2014
Not much happening today.
Simon went to the gym and I did a few lengths in the pool. After a late breakfast and doing tidying, we decided to go out without a plan. A big mistake!
After walking for what seemed like hours (Simons favorite pastime ..NOT!) ..we ended up at the Siam Center where we've been to the fabulous cinema with reclining chairs, blankets etc, a few times. After checking out the films, non of which excited us we decided to skip the cinema and head back. Neither of us were in the mood for anything by this point.
On the way back, we stopped at a Mexican, food which was OK, nothing special and then we set off, stopping at the shop to buy a bottle of wine to go with our evening viewing :-D
Simon went to the gym and I did a few lengths in the pool. After a late breakfast and doing tidying, we decided to go out without a plan. A big mistake!
After walking for what seemed like hours (Simons favorite pastime ..NOT!) ..we ended up at the Siam Center where we've been to the fabulous cinema with reclining chairs, blankets etc, a few times. After checking out the films, non of which excited us we decided to skip the cinema and head back. Neither of us were in the mood for anything by this point.
On the way back, we stopped at a Mexican, food which was OK, nothing special and then we set off, stopping at the shop to buy a bottle of wine to go with our evening viewing :-D
Wednesday 20 August 2014
20th August 2014
What a morning!!
Leaving the apartment just before 7am I marched out of the gate, across the river to catch the Tuk Tuk that takes you to the BTS skytrain. Unfortunately I'd just missed it, I could see it in the distance, so walked to the station which took me a good 10 minutes. Arriving at Nana station I had to
take the train to Siam, change there and get another train Saphan Taksin station. I thought that all was going well until 2nd train I got in, only went to he next station and everyone got off!!
Anyway, after jumping on another train (the right one) I arrived at Saphan Taksin station where I exited and then walked underneath the station to the Central Pier. It didn't help that there were 2 piers and obviously I went to the wrong one first :-) So with the time ticking, I waited for the Chao
Phraya Express Boat. I must say that with various boats coming and going, it wasn't clear as to which went where but I managed to hop on the right one.
So once at Si Phraya Pier all I had to do was get off, turn left at the end of the alley and walk 200 meters and I'd be at Co Van Kessels office. EASY!!
8.20am and after Si and I checked map last night, the boat ride said 15 mins ..I was going to be sooo late. Stressed and texting Si, the boat stopped, passengers boarded and we were off again. Glancing up, I saw 'Si Phraya Pier' ..I'd missed my stop AGHHH!!!!!! Luckily the next stop was pretty close and I raced off the boat making my way back to their office which was very easy to find ..once there I signed in, was given a bike and a guide led me to the group who had stopped at a temple just up the road. So had not missed too much.
The 3 hour, now 2 1/2hr tour :-D started in Chinatown (next bit from the web page) exploring its frenetic
market environment. Winding through narrow alleyways, our senses come
alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of a community in motion.
We’ll pass by shop houses selling everything from Buddhist amulets to
recycled truck engines. Locals worshiping at hidden temples, ritual
paper burnings, and the omnipresent spirit house display evidence of a
culture centuries in the making. Crossing the Chao Phraya River with majestic views of the city
skyline behind us, we visit Thonburi, the historic third capital of
Thailand. Contrasting chaotic Chinatown, peaceful elements of local Thai
life abound as we cycle through diverse residential communities.
I really enjoyed the tour, you certainly get to see the other side of Bangkok.
Leaving the apartment just before 7am I marched out of the gate, across the river to catch the Tuk Tuk that takes you to the BTS skytrain. Unfortunately I'd just missed it, I could see it in the distance, so walked to the station which took me a good 10 minutes. Arriving at Nana station I had to
take the train to Siam, change there and get another train Saphan Taksin station. I thought that all was going well until 2nd train I got in, only went to he next station and everyone got off!!
Anyway, after jumping on another train (the right one) I arrived at Saphan Taksin station where I exited and then walked underneath the station to the Central Pier. It didn't help that there were 2 piers and obviously I went to the wrong one first :-) So with the time ticking, I waited for the Chao
Phraya Express Boat. I must say that with various boats coming and going, it wasn't clear as to which went where but I managed to hop on the right one.So once at Si Phraya Pier all I had to do was get off, turn left at the end of the alley and walk 200 meters and I'd be at Co Van Kessels office. EASY!!
8.20am and after Si and I checked map last night, the boat ride said 15 mins ..I was going to be sooo late. Stressed and texting Si, the boat stopped, passengers boarded and we were off again. Glancing up, I saw 'Si Phraya Pier' ..I'd missed my stop AGHHH!!!!!! Luckily the next stop was pretty close and I raced off the boat making my way back to their office which was very easy to find ..once there I signed in, was given a bike and a guide led me to the group who had stopped at a temple just up the road. So had not missed too much.
The 3 hour, now 2 1/2hr tour :-D started in Chinatown (next bit from the web page) exploring its frenetic
market environment. Winding through narrow alleyways, our senses come
alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of a community in motion.
We’ll pass by shop houses selling everything from Buddhist amulets to
recycled truck engines. Locals worshiping at hidden temples, ritual
paper burnings, and the omnipresent spirit house display evidence of a
culture centuries in the making. Crossing the Chao Phraya River with majestic views of the city
skyline behind us, we visit Thonburi, the historic third capital of
Thailand. Contrasting chaotic Chinatown, peaceful elements of local Thai
life abound as we cycle through diverse residential communities. |
| Recycled truck engines |
 |
| City skyline |
 |
| Crossing the Chao Phraya River |
 |
| Flower Market |
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| Largest gold Buddha in the world |
I really enjoyed the tour, you certainly get to see the other side of Bangkok.
19th August 2014
A quiet day for both of us today. I made Si a veggie bacon and egg sandwich for breakfast while I had banana and yoghurt, both very tasty.
After an hour or so on the computer we both headed down to the gym/pool where Si went running with Laura and I did some lengths in the pool and then stayed there for an hour or two, lapping up the sun. Its odd weather here in Bangkok. It's usually bright and sunny until early afternoon and then, I suppose due to the pollution, its pretty overcast for the rest of the day.
After watching TV and walk to 'Villa Market' supermarket to get supplies for dinner, we didn't go out at all. We did however watch 'Captain America II' which was quite entertaining.
Oh yes, whilst on my laptop, I booked a 3 hr cycling tour with Co Van Kessel Bangkok Tours tomorrow morning at 8am, so looking forward to that...
After an hour or so on the computer we both headed down to the gym/pool where Si went running with Laura and I did some lengths in the pool and then stayed there for an hour or two, lapping up the sun. Its odd weather here in Bangkok. It's usually bright and sunny until early afternoon and then, I suppose due to the pollution, its pretty overcast for the rest of the day.
After watching TV and walk to 'Villa Market' supermarket to get supplies for dinner, we didn't go out at all. We did however watch 'Captain America II' which was quite entertaining.
Oh yes, whilst on my laptop, I booked a 3 hr cycling tour with Co Van Kessel Bangkok Tours tomorrow morning at 8am, so looking forward to that...
Tuesday 19 August 2014
18th August 2014
8.30am appointment at the dentists today. So up nice and early and slightly confused when we arrived as the opening hours showed 9am -5pm ..so 20 minutes early, Simon and I sat on the step waiting for the dentist to open. taking pictures of the traffic.. 5 or so minutes later, one of the receptionist waved and ushered us to the main entrance which was open and escorted us upstairs ...fell slightly embarrassed but when you only use the side entrance all the time you forget :-D
So with a lot of screwing and unscrewing and my mouth on the limits of wideness ..I measured up and moulds were taken for my new teeth. I've now got longer metal bits in my mouth which I take it will be the base of my new teeth.
An hour or so later, we headed back to the hotel stopping only at the supermarket to pickup some essentials and then when we were back, Si went to run with 'Laura' (a NHS running program) and I went to the pool to do some laps and then read.
Apart from watching TV, browsing the internet, we didn't do a lot. We did however order a tasty Indian takeaway and a had some wine whilst watching a film of which I cant remember the name :-D
edit: The film was Maleficent.... SD
So with a lot of screwing and unscrewing and my mouth on the limits of wideness ..I measured up and moulds were taken for my new teeth. I've now got longer metal bits in my mouth which I take it will be the base of my new teeth.
An hour or so later, we headed back to the hotel stopping only at the supermarket to pickup some essentials and then when we were back, Si went to run with 'Laura' (a NHS running program) and I went to the pool to do some laps and then read.
Apart from watching TV, browsing the internet, we didn't do a lot. We did however order a tasty Indian takeaway and a had some wine whilst watching a film of which I cant remember the name :-D
edit: The film was Maleficent.... SD
Monday 18 August 2014
17th August 2014
Since there's a gym and a pool, we've both been making use of the facilities. I've been swimming and Si's been running. There is only so much TV and shopping one can do.
With regards to my teeth, I've only had tiny bit of swelling and very little pain so all good on that front. I was expecting an ever swelling face and two black eyes. It's funny because all I've been thinking about is food and what I want to eat rather what can I eat at the moment.
On a totally different subject, one of our friends Mark (Chinese speaking Mark) was passing through Bangkok on his way back to Koh Tao, so we arranged to meet in China town for lunch but we were unable to contact him, so poor ole Si spent a few hours walking around following me as I checked out all the market stalls. Simon's least favorite past time.
For dinner, we went out to 'Charlie Browns' a lovely little Mexican. We both had Quesadillas and shared a frozen pitcher of Margarita Yummy!!!
With regards to my teeth, I've only had tiny bit of swelling and very little pain so all good on that front. I was expecting an ever swelling face and two black eyes. It's funny because all I've been thinking about is food and what I want to eat rather what can I eat at the moment.
On a totally different subject, one of our friends Mark (Chinese speaking Mark) was passing through Bangkok on his way back to Koh Tao, so we arranged to meet in China town for lunch but we were unable to contact him, so poor ole Si spent a few hours walking around following me as I checked out all the market stalls. Simon's least favorite past time.
For dinner, we went out to 'Charlie Browns' a lovely little Mexican. We both had Quesadillas and shared a frozen pitcher of Margarita Yummy!!!
Sunday 17 August 2014
16th August 2014
We both had a good nights sleep and as usual, Simon was up way before me :-D
After doing a little food shopping when we first arrived, we were able to have Heinz Baked Beans with egg for breakfast. It was so tasty and I really fancied something hearty before my dentist appointment.
Anyway, talking about the dentist ..my appointment was at 1pm ...we arrived with 20mins to spare and the receptionists all welcomed me "Hello Miss Jennifer. How are you? How did they know it was me? So many people in and out all the time and I've not been there for 10 months. I know they haven't a picture of me, perhaps they recognized my teeth LOL
Sat in the waiting room, expecting a long wait, my name was called and I was escorted upstairs where I was given an attractive gown and headgear to wear and told to take a seat. By this time I was pretty nervous. I clearly remember the battle of Edward Scissorhands Vs The Hulk in my mouth ..not something I wanted a repeat of. To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure what was happening today but I didn't have to wait long before the dental surgeon came and explained everything and showed me pictures which I was glad to see, as his accent was pretty hard to understand and he spoke very quickly.
After an x-ray and a couple of minutes wait back in a waiting room, I was taken and took my place in the dentist chair. I was so nervous. After several mouth washes, facial clean and cotton wool numbing solution stuffed in my mouth, I was told to sit for a few minutes and then came the injections. The dental surgeon said "Relax Jennifer, you'll feel a lot of pressure and some small stings" goodness me, I would say small. By this time I was a little teary, luckily my face was covered. Sat waiting for the numbing to kick in I asked how long would the surgery take "around 30 minutes" my heart sank ..the injections wouldn't last that long would they?! Crazy how your mind plays with you.
The operation was pretty simple they said ..just cutting the gums open to where the screw implants where so they could attach/screw on the base/s for the crowns ...with a lot of pressure and tightening with a ratchet tool which felt really bizarre they complete the step one by one ...I have to say that the injections, prising my mouth open and them accidentally piercing my lip was the most painful thing.
Back home Simon studied the results...
I have an appointment at 8.30am Monday for the prep of my new fangs :-D
After doing a little food shopping when we first arrived, we were able to have Heinz Baked Beans with egg for breakfast. It was so tasty and I really fancied something hearty before my dentist appointment.
Anyway, talking about the dentist ..my appointment was at 1pm ...we arrived with 20mins to spare and the receptionists all welcomed me "Hello Miss Jennifer. How are you? How did they know it was me? So many people in and out all the time and I've not been there for 10 months. I know they haven't a picture of me, perhaps they recognized my teeth LOL
Sat in the waiting room, expecting a long wait, my name was called and I was escorted upstairs where I was given an attractive gown and headgear to wear and told to take a seat. By this time I was pretty nervous. I clearly remember the battle of Edward Scissorhands Vs The Hulk in my mouth ..not something I wanted a repeat of. To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure what was happening today but I didn't have to wait long before the dental surgeon came and explained everything and showed me pictures which I was glad to see, as his accent was pretty hard to understand and he spoke very quickly.The operation was pretty simple they said ..just cutting the gums open to where the screw implants where so they could attach/screw on the base/s for the crowns ...with a lot of pressure and tightening with a ratchet tool which felt really bizarre they complete the step one by one ...I have to say that the injections, prising my mouth open and them accidentally piercing my lip was the most painful thing.
Back home Simon studied the results...
I have an appointment at 8.30am Monday for the prep of my new fangs :-D
Friday 15 August 2014
15th August 2014
We spent yesterday finishing off our packing and tidying up the house before heading down to Crystal with our luggage. Simon had to make 2 trips, the first with our cases and then me.
After stopping at the ECO office to drop off peoples hard drives, full of tv series, we headed down to Crystal and had a coffee before we started our journey via sea and plane to Bangkok
I can't tell you how excited we both are to leave. We definitely need a break. I can't wait to get my teeth sorted (dreading it really) but to spend time together without any interruptions. I know Simon still has UK work to complete, but to for him to have fast internet and quiet time ...it's just bliss.
Last night was the first time in a long time that Simon said 'I feel so relaxed!'
We are staying in Matts (manager of Crystal) apartment which is brilliant. This is where we stayed last year. It's so convenient for the dentist and a little oasis in the center of the city, with gym and outside pool.
So, expect almost daily updates, since we are now back to civilisation, where the internet works for more than 5 minutes each day!
After stopping at the ECO office to drop off peoples hard drives, full of tv series, we headed down to Crystal and had a coffee before we started our journey via sea and plane to Bangkok
I can't tell you how excited we both are to leave. We definitely need a break. I can't wait to get my teeth sorted (dreading it really) but to spend time together without any interruptions. I know Simon still has UK work to complete, but to for him to have fast internet and quiet time ...it's just bliss.
Last night was the first time in a long time that Simon said 'I feel so relaxed!'
We are staying in Matts (manager of Crystal) apartment which is brilliant. This is where we stayed last year. It's so convenient for the dentist and a little oasis in the center of the city, with gym and outside pool.
So, expect almost daily updates, since we are now back to civilisation, where the internet works for more than 5 minutes each day!
14th August 2014
It's been pretty mental here on the island. We've been non stop with Open Water Courses ...going from one Open Water course to the next. I've even taught Chinese, obviously not on my own as my Chinese isn't that good yet LOL.
I (Jen) was suppose to finish on the 13th around mid day, after dives 3 & 4 but as one of the other instructors called in sick (very conveniently) I had to take their group ...so instead of an early finish, I was back in the water ..joy!!!
Not knowing the students is always hard ...you don't know their strengths, weaknesses. It was a shaky start as one Israeli girl refused to talk to me for the first hour or so and a Canadian chap was feeling sick after a late night out (I had NO sympathy) ..so I was not in the best of moods. Fortunately they were pretty good in the water, big equalization problems with the Canadian guy, due to congestion and being hungover ..but all n all a pretty easy group, especially when Si surprised me the next morning and helped out on dives 3 & 4. How lovely was that?!
I (Jen) was suppose to finish on the 13th around mid day, after dives 3 & 4 but as one of the other instructors called in sick (very conveniently) I had to take their group ...so instead of an early finish, I was back in the water ..joy!!!
Not knowing the students is always hard ...you don't know their strengths, weaknesses. It was a shaky start as one Israeli girl refused to talk to me for the first hour or so and a Canadian chap was feeling sick after a late night out (I had NO sympathy) ..so I was not in the best of moods. Fortunately they were pretty good in the water, big equalization problems with the Canadian guy, due to congestion and being hungover ..but all n all a pretty easy group, especially when Si surprised me the next morning and helped out on dives 3 & 4. How lovely was that?!
Monday 4 August 2014
3rd August 2014
Time is passing far too quickly for my liking. With regards to work, I'm still off with a bad ear. It doesn't hurt but it's still blocked and and my hearing is a bit disjointed (if that's the right word) I know that if I go diving, it's probably going to get worse, so more antibiotics for me.
Simon has been off too but saying that, he's got a massive amount of UK work to do in a very short time frame, so he's been working his socks off, It's been really frustrating as the internet connection at home has been really slow, which has resulted in him going out to get a good, speedy connection. I on the other hand have finally got around to clean my bike ...and properly too. I cycled into Maehaad to the cycle shop where I meet my cycling gang and whilst scrubbing my bike clean, the guys in the shop fixed my brakes, realigned gears and tampered with a few other bit all for free. I think I was there for a good 2 1/2 hrs. How nice was that!!
The next day, funnily enough, our friend Linda wanted to hire a bike and go exploring, so I took her to my friends shop (he was very pleased) hired a bike for 24hrs and then took her on a guided tour. Here are some of the places we stopped at.
A lovely afternoon spent exploring. I just wish sometimes that it wasn't so hilly! For someone that doesn't cycle every day, I must say that I was impressed with Linda's stamina ..I'm now trying to convince here to buy a bike :-D
Simon has been off too but saying that, he's got a massive amount of UK work to do in a very short time frame, so he's been working his socks off, It's been really frustrating as the internet connection at home has been really slow, which has resulted in him going out to get a good, speedy connection. I on the other hand have finally got around to clean my bike ...and properly too. I cycled into Maehaad to the cycle shop where I meet my cycling gang and whilst scrubbing my bike clean, the guys in the shop fixed my brakes, realigned gears and tampered with a few other bit all for free. I think I was there for a good 2 1/2 hrs. How nice was that!!
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| Some of my cycling buddies |
The next day, funnily enough, our friend Linda wanted to hire a bike and go exploring, so I took her to my friends shop (he was very pleased) hired a bike for 24hrs and then took her on a guided tour. Here are some of the places we stopped at.
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| Freedom Beach |
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| Shark Bay |
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| Panoramic shot from the reservoir |
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| View point looking over Sairee |
A lovely afternoon spent exploring. I just wish sometimes that it wasn't so hilly! For someone that doesn't cycle every day, I must say that I was impressed with Linda's stamina ..I'm now trying to convince here to buy a bike :-D
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