10th May 2017

Birthday party & some old buddies

The Bangkok wedding brought a lot of the old Crystal Dive crew together from all over the world. Some of which we've not seen since 2009

Koh Tao to the UK

Lomprayah boat to Samui

A bit chilly  ..on our way to get the hire car

After picking up the hire car, our first port of call was Simon's mum.  His mum and Del were very pleased to see us.  We spent the day catching up and relaxing.   We both found it very odd that it was still light at 10pm compared to the usual 6.30pm on Koh Tao, our body clocks were totally confused and very tired but.  Luckily Roy had just come off of night duty, so after he caught up on a few hours sleep, met us for an early evening beer.  It was sunny but very chilly.

Beers  with Roy

We are staying at the farm while we're back ...THANK YOU ROSIE & CHARLES!!

It's always great to be back.  The end room is reserved for us as we have most of our worldly goods in there.  We are so pleased that we don't have to visit the lockup anymore :-D

So whilst we are back, we've had to sort a few things out, like passports, Thai visa's, eye tests, Dr's appointments, bank stuff and house stuff.  Simon has been driving everywhere  ..it's nice to get back behind the wheel but exhausting visiting everyone. Cuthberts been learning to drive but his legs can't reach the pedals yet :-D   The hire car that we picked up was new and only had 9 miles on the clock and I think it's just got under a 1000 now.  

Cuthbert at the wheel

Our trip to the passport office with Cuthbert.

Cuthbert having a cheeky pint while waiting for the express service at the passport office for our new passports.   We only had 6 hours to kill.  It was a very long day and being told nearly 2hrs after you had your application checked that you're passport picture's too bright wasn't the best news. So back to the passport office and what seemed to be half way across London we marched to get more photo's done.   Hey Ho!!

One of Simon's pictures from his walks

The weather has been pretty kind since we've been back.  Simon has been walking every other day and has taken some stunning photo's.    I on the other hand have been cycling as it's been the perfect weather for it.  I don't miss the hills of Koh Tao at all;-)   There's nothing quite like the English countryside for a good ole cycle

Pipper ..in training :-D

Mountain biking with Cuthbert

During our time back, we've been treated to some delicious meals out with the family, Simon has caught up with his best friend Chris and brother Mark, we've seen Roy's children Emily & Thomas and have caught up with Simon's dad.  All we need to do now is catch up with my big sis, Jan :-D
  
Shopping has been a novelty.  We've both been amazed to see the variety of veggie food that's available now.  So much choice!!    I've been out with Fiona doing a few shops ..mainly for essentials, it's been great fun :-D

Sleep over with Iona & Big Ted 

Simon's Niece, Emily

Roger & Kate

Sunday just gone, we went to see Simon's Dad and Kate. The weather was so lovely that we spent the entire day sat in garden just catching up.  Kate's parents even dropped in to say 'Hello' which was a real surprise  :-D