28th July 2015

It's been a few days since we arrived back on Koh Tao.  Nothing seems to have changed really, not that I was expecting many changes in the short time we've been away.

After our flight, boat trip back, we collected our bikes and headed home to unpack.  Kirsty greeted us which was lovely, she'd been off work due to a chest infection.  Packing seemed to have taken ages. I think Simon has enough veggie supplies to keep him happy for a long time :-D

On our first night back we popped down to the Crystal bar to say Hi and have a couple of drinks. It seemed pretty empty but we saw the people we wanted to and handed out goodies that were ordered from the UK :-D

Since being back, Simon and I have started our swimming routine again and I'm cycling, not that I've actually ventured out yet.  Si has said that rather than running, he's going to hike to view points on the island that we've not visited  ...so far, we've been to two.  The first was...John Suwan Viewpoint which was a pretty easy cycle to Chalok and then a 15 minute hike up through the jungle, clambering over rocks and finally we reached the top.  Stunning!!!

    Si had prepared lunch, so after taking multiple shots, we retreated to the shade, as it was mighty hot and sat on a rock and munched on our salads ...YUMMY!!!

The second hike was Leam Thien.  For this, we jumped on the bike to Sairee and then parked up.   We had just under an hours hike up/down  through the jungle on natural paths.  We dare not stop due to be eaten by mozzies  :-D

Anyway, finally at our destination Leam Thien there is resort which has been deserted, I think that the owners ran out of money and it's just been left, so a little odd walking around as you don't know what you're going to find.

All of the rooms have had their windows smashed, people have graffitti's all about the place and behind one closed door, there was a teddy hanging by it's neck  ...poor teddy!!

The beach there was lovely, mangrove trees, fantastic root formations, such a shame it's just been left.

It's odd living somewhere so small (7x3km) and not seeing certain parts, so this time, we are making the effort.

This morning, I slept till 10.30, Si had been up for hours and finally woke me with a cuppa.  We headed off for our swim and on the way back home, stopped to get supplies for brunch (boiled egg, Croissant & Coffee)  

This afternoon we are both in the office working,

x

JD

24th July 2015

So, a few days ago we began the journey back to Thailand.

We caught our first plane from Heathrow to Vienna, which was delayed by 40 minutes. This caused a problem with our 2nd flight which was due to leave 10 minutes before we landed. However, they delayed our 2nd flight so that we would not miss the transfer!

With the long haul flight from Vienna to Bangkok, we had some plush seats... For the same price as economy on British Airways, we were sat in Business Class all the way... it puts BA to shame, and they may have seen the last of me flying with them.

The food was amazing.... I had a delicious pasta... no idea what Jen had since I was too busy enjoying my dinner!

Eventually, we landed... and went to our hotel, The Banyan Tree... A lovely hotel which we spent 3 days of luxury...

We headed out only a couple of times. Once to go shopping for some bike helmets. Once to go to the cinema to see Antman, and once to go to the Vertigo Bar (59th Floor) before heading out for dinner.

3 days up, and it was time to hit the plane to Samui, and then ferry to Tao. Finally we arrived and unpacked, before heading out for a couple of drinks to catch up with everybody.

In bed early, the rain hammered down most of the night keeping me awake.... welcome back!!

20th July 2015 - Leaving again

Sorry its been nearly 3 weeks since we have posted..

Of course, we have been cramming as much visits and activities as possible.

So, to highlight some bits of the last 3 weeks. Attending a further 2 sports days for my niece and nephew was great fun, and the weather held out pretty well.

Emily was on one day, and Thomas was on the next, so I stayed the night in Welling, hanging out with the Hammonds at the local social club... I realised how crap I am at darts.!

Then a day or 2 later, We headed to East Sussex to stay the night at Jan (another of Jennys sister).

Wet weather kept us indoors, so we played alot of Tiddlywinks believe it or not!

After that it was time for a couple of final dinners with my family. First was a nice Chinese dinner with my Aunt and Uncle, Del, Mum, and Roy. Then the next day, travel to Dads for some Indian food.  Delicious!!

Then our final planned date, was a trip to the New Forest camping with Roy, 2 days of camping on some tough ground made the nights quite tough to sleep. 

We went to Go Ape to have some fun...

So, after climbing through trees, it was back to the tent for food, beer and fending off the very friendly New Forest residents.

Thats it.... time for packing and jumping on the plane...

So long UK... its been a lovely time...!!

xx

01 July 2015

We’ve been back in the UK over a week now and time is just flying.

We’ve managed to catch up with most of the family and friends but we’ve still got a few to go.

Seeing the new addition to Simons Mums posse is quite cute..

The weather has just been fantastic, couldn’t have asked for better.  I’ve been out on my bike most days and I actually joined Fleet cycling club last Thursday and did a whopping 64 miles.  I was the only person under 60 and on a muddy, neglected mountain bike, everybody else had sparkling road bikes.  I managed to keep pace but once off the bike, I certainly felt it :-D   Si wasn’t too impressed as I left the house at 9.30am and didn’t get back till 16.10    ..Sorry Simone!!!  

So, this week, we’ve been sorting out visa’s, bank stuff, driving licenses, change of address’s and all sorts. We’ve both been down to our lockup to check our belongings and to see what items we can Ebay (well Simon has)   ..he’s managed to get rid of a few electrical bits n bobs and I’ve just a items of clothes on.  

Simon has been down to Kent to see his brother and spend some time with his Niece and Nephew..

At the moment in Rosie’s garden, we’ve erected our big tent (6-9 person tent).

  We thought we’d get it out to air and use it this weekend as we’re going to the local  ‘Lowde Festival’ in Hazeley Bottom, just down the road.  Hopefully all the family will be going and camping back at the farm.  Eighties legend Paul Young is playing (not that we actually like him). There will be two stages, different types of music with loads of up and coming artists which have supported some big bands, so it should be good.  Plus there’s bars serving over 80 different types of ales, ciders , a mojito bar and cocktail bar  ..what more could one want :-)

Our first week back, Rosie and Charles were away in France  ..Rosie had left multiple notes around the house of which one said that we have a hedgehog in the garden, first time in 20 years and we were to feed it.  So we've been feeding it ever night, not that we've seen it and have now set up an infrared camera to catch it in action  ...so far, the camera has not worked it's magic due to settings, placement etc, so I'm convinced it's a rat or the cat that's eating the dog food put out every night.   Si, this afternoon strategically place the camera over the feeding area, so hopefully tomorrow morning we will have evidence of what's been eating the food.