tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75667747230530853482024-02-19T06:28:45.853+00:00Matt and Nik YoungNik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.comBlogger1553125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-62504084746709623982023-09-03T10:44:00.003+01:002023-09-03T10:44:24.073+01:00Holiday: Singapore: Gardens by the Bay<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEkq0GuholTWj3fGywuPRASMUF-2qhPSBocq6J2D0HjCTo4LeRN9vUoyCLrnGMFIVxfWUW9YL0GC5cem_Cp5E6ZeZ4cFfF6oP4sJ7a5A82H9U_jnXK6ZrfQwHT7xRn5_uaZuilhoAzWEva8lWOY_soZDo4gnv4eNGB-jRJYCYTnoVitQXE9laIU2TX2c/s4032/IMG_4024.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEkq0GuholTWj3fGywuPRASMUF-2qhPSBocq6J2D0HjCTo4LeRN9vUoyCLrnGMFIVxfWUW9YL0GC5cem_Cp5E6ZeZ4cFfF6oP4sJ7a5A82H9U_jnXK6ZrfQwHT7xRn5_uaZuilhoAzWEva8lWOY_soZDo4gnv4eNGB-jRJYCYTnoVitQXE9laIU2TX2c/w400-h300/IMG_4024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We all had a good, deep sleep last night and didn't wake up until after 8am which almost unheard of.<p></p><p>This morning we did a bit of a shopping, I had found a chocolate mould place I wanted to visit, it happened to be just round the corner from Raffles Hotel, so we decided to do the two together. Raffles was looking as lovely as ever. We looked up how much it was these days for a Singapore Sling there, S$38, not worth it! So we took a photo at the front and left it at that.</p><p>We then went to Sun Lik Trading which was my baking shop. It was small, but had a bit of everything...I managed to pick up some Christmas chocolate moulds that I don't have for very little so was happy. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSgBv780o9PRnOuWzVimuNEN4W2xx-xAbbW9bf6pQV4OpQp7tqs-4SZEwq1QbjQOr9FpAQ1wJoTrjJ4sf8ht0swqKh9yGD4_zByPa-6v6jNvwE9ZsChkfyRAuARMCNkMRxLQGqP3L96bVdW2GhO2qYo6DIlRKQGFZ1EDiQjSp3-3qLg_WAMFcXl3JGpk/s7952/DSC00298.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5304" data-original-width="7952" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSgBv780o9PRnOuWzVimuNEN4W2xx-xAbbW9bf6pQV4OpQp7tqs-4SZEwq1QbjQOr9FpAQ1wJoTrjJ4sf8ht0swqKh9yGD4_zByPa-6v6jNvwE9ZsChkfyRAuARMCNkMRxLQGqP3L96bVdW2GhO2qYo6DIlRKQGFZ1EDiQjSp3-3qLg_WAMFcXl3JGpk/w400-h266/DSC00298.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Next stop was the Sony shop - Matt was after a new camera and had found a good deal. Lunch was a pretzel at a Swiss bakery. Then back to the hotel for a rest and swim. The plan today is to do Gardens by the Bay - but we want to do it at night when you get all the illuminations.<div><br /></div><div>So, at 4pm we headed out, got the bus down to Marina Bay Sands. It was gone 5pm, we were all a little hungry so we thought we would go in the obligatory shopping centre first to grab a snack and keep hunger at bay until we had tea. Oh my word, the shopping centre at the Bay is enormous, ENORMOUS. We were completely overwhelmed by it. All the shops were high end brands, so of course we didn't know many of them and we weren't dressed correctly to enter any of the shops anyway! It even had a canal going down it on which you could rent gondalas (idea stolen from Las Vegas I think!) </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXa2oJ1EE_E7toziYCPqUWdMV-yJEFCukr8pZkiz7SdrI_dQDUqJGIAfHMznAZ_o7UZr7d-cb_O68P7sZJtyDJabLgz2FY9COtIt-00KuPh8Lsn5S03GxY1ZScD8zOvKUQ_J4oD2oaieoWl9EU5-ZPBka7ogcN97eEiaKeBx4NFkSO6cg3IXJq6LpCZS8/s4032/IMG_7425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXa2oJ1EE_E7toziYCPqUWdMV-yJEFCukr8pZkiz7SdrI_dQDUqJGIAfHMznAZ_o7UZr7d-cb_O68P7sZJtyDJabLgz2FY9COtIt-00KuPh8Lsn5S03GxY1ZScD8zOvKUQ_J4oD2oaieoWl9EU5-ZPBka7ogcN97eEiaKeBx4NFkSO6cg3IXJq6LpCZS8/w300-h400/IMG_7425.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCKujakGAXR4sUV5qYEfCQbcRH0TjZAdQNdxNh62gdbepUW5u5uBIPqd1Pk3vJX2h0pKbmRMEgdtByJt4ILxtQi5PstKk5WJsQJR1zltGy9tmtr9340E-Qgj-FkYkWELKvcSWjzqSAlHeY_KdDspasfv6BQ3F1196zVsI180H8OZ9PwhcqhwItnQOKlU/s4032/IMG_7418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCKujakGAXR4sUV5qYEfCQbcRH0TjZAdQNdxNh62gdbepUW5u5uBIPqd1Pk3vJX2h0pKbmRMEgdtByJt4ILxtQi5PstKk5WJsQJR1zltGy9tmtr9340E-Qgj-FkYkWELKvcSWjzqSAlHeY_KdDspasfv6BQ3F1196zVsI180H8OZ9PwhcqhwItnQOKlU/w300-h400/IMG_7418.JPG" width="300" /></a>The food court, of course was right down the other end of the mall - it took about 10 minutes to get there. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were slightly concerned that the food might be high end too - but it was fine - it was a huge court full of an array of very reasonably priced food. We found a snack place and got a variety of 'puffs' (deep fried pastry things some with fillings). They were all very nice and very cheap. It was enough to fuel us to walk all the way through the shopping centre again and back to the Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHRGR0LQJMyhoFiOrEbKocKxJ9pW15uy-gG4K6N9sPR_eMkyqP3C6eqvdrjWvFbW6FBkCUPSAoWBZnep0pq7iMODlRh-4RF8UWK41A6Fp6W7JRhePkTum3s-IPcuvXNKDob_DnZchcGGYdCHlQ1uI3E9ouhZlVzSaCRyPLWWGodnUuur9GX4GyjBQOFs/s4032/IMG_7420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHRGR0LQJMyhoFiOrEbKocKxJ9pW15uy-gG4K6N9sPR_eMkyqP3C6eqvdrjWvFbW6FBkCUPSAoWBZnep0pq7iMODlRh-4RF8UWK41A6Fp6W7JRhePkTum3s-IPcuvXNKDob_DnZchcGGYdCHlQ1uI3E9ouhZlVzSaCRyPLWWGodnUuur9GX4GyjBQOFs/w400-h300/IMG_7420.JPG" width="400" /></a>We had bought tickets in advance just in case we got there and were told it was full. I don't think we need have worried. We weren't really sure what we had bought tickets for either - the information on the website wasn't the best. We didn't know if you needed a ticket to enter the area and what a 'ticket' would give you entrance to. Anyway, we found the way to the gardens - you had to walk through the Marina Bay Sands Hotel to get there (the hotel with the 3 towers with a surfboard on top of it) - it was very big and airy (and air conditioned which is always nice).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5QL__5euAnMZHpfCiFcCiuCGHb3u8gnk0Pgs7HbevRY5qqajgvC38ROlLcvZuzbLFj4RkJXdxpLAW8q3KSXWbjkd4QhJFOcleQ8PBCu_laghxuCZwE4ex4ICv_gj1XSSSIwfaULZm3ZgZ83vB7hWktlC3j52MBmROjwg06VpAiVlzO4SJ9Qxbya2bws/s4032/IMG_7405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5QL__5euAnMZHpfCiFcCiuCGHb3u8gnk0Pgs7HbevRY5qqajgvC38ROlLcvZuzbLFj4RkJXdxpLAW8q3KSXWbjkd4QhJFOcleQ8PBCu_laghxuCZwE4ex4ICv_gj1XSSSIwfaULZm3ZgZ83vB7hWktlC3j52MBmROjwg06VpAiVlzO4SJ9Qxbya2bws/w300-h400/IMG_7405.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />We got to the gardens and they were free to enter which was nice. We had tickets to the flower bowl so we headed to one of the glasshouses. This place is a bit like the Eden Project - it has two glass domes (one is the flower bowl, the other a cloud forest). We were wondering how it works. Obviously the Eden Project is a dome because it is trying to get as much heat as possible, here surely they would need less heat? We were hoping that maybe they were air conditioned...we went in...they WERE air conditioned - yay. There was an array of plants from South America, Europe, Australia etc. The main display though was of orchids - the national flower of Singapore and they had put on a great display. Even Tom thought they were great and took some photos!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqB6-ulT3NOj_3l_fPB6152JEwj3Luj-EhOrz23QaFOA1zGLLzFIKqnDBfvqrdBrl-OIFIo5K9bBgfbUb0vYRVxjoXgiZxa6rOCdViIVIvamH_ogjxS47R9K40aq-LRacUTqs5DXKg4GjccfD6k2aVEh66hrpx5usqpi8-im30QuuzL4Dymq1e02uZDMs/s4032/IMG_7432%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqB6-ulT3NOj_3l_fPB6152JEwj3Luj-EhOrz23QaFOA1zGLLzFIKqnDBfvqrdBrl-OIFIo5K9bBgfbUb0vYRVxjoXgiZxa6rOCdViIVIvamH_ogjxS47R9K40aq-LRacUTqs5DXKg4GjccfD6k2aVEh66hrpx5usqpi8-im30QuuzL4Dymq1e02uZDMs/w400-h300/IMG_7432%202.JPG" width="400" /></a>We then headed to the Super Tree Grove and the observatory tower - ie to the tallest of the super trees. These were inspired by Australian Eucalyptus trees and actually have a function: solar panels on top to generate power and they also release excess heat from the area - clever. </div><div><br /></div><div>We timed it for sunset - unfortunately there wasn't much of a sunset but it was nice enough. We then headed down, had an ice cream each (lemon mint sorbet for me - was delicious!) and then waited for the light display. Tonight's one was all about the moon - so some Chinese songs, some English songs all with sparkling lights. It was lovely, romantic, even with 1000's of others all around watching it. A lovely ending to our holiday. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy927H2_4DQChmyxrQ8tJoevN658_gQ8nf265Q1CiGdB5KfV2PCSrhWN3A93QqxSmUB--HlefLdI2718wZW1w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OMpvVQJKrvSMAMrJKkDlOEvTFC5EHJ5TmpSDRZVliwE6ZhU5k27IKa2bMnrr02l1kz3FsowW0Wte0xLW0mixx26A9dPbIuneDCdqHoJnBjjbXw1e_gdzpabh3wbPlVNfdKaKvt-d5PmOYoSf2QrSgsSG_vlHIjVYQ8OPafugvenW2o1MbVdT44qta8U/s4032/IMG_7438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OMpvVQJKrvSMAMrJKkDlOEvTFC5EHJ5TmpSDRZVliwE6ZhU5k27IKa2bMnrr02l1kz3FsowW0Wte0xLW0mixx26A9dPbIuneDCdqHoJnBjjbXw1e_gdzpabh3wbPlVNfdKaKvt-d5PmOYoSf2QrSgsSG_vlHIjVYQ8OPafugvenW2o1MbVdT44qta8U/w300-h400/IMG_7438.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UF9n7n9mAa4hN0Ax4EkJFnph-J8R-V4ygoBWbSw07BDAlm6pvJu1Y33EADAlvttflQOIMd0yYbbRmjuJcaB8G-DxJrZQleECt0C0ZMw3taUv6dquiQn017we0fqMqgfljJVBumk-vdx11I_auCiNiaxS9jPMxUDHEeFBEdeSYsgZsg7efV6tKWclu9o/s4032/IMG_7437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UF9n7n9mAa4hN0Ax4EkJFnph-J8R-V4ygoBWbSw07BDAlm6pvJu1Y33EADAlvttflQOIMd0yYbbRmjuJcaB8G-DxJrZQleECt0C0ZMw3taUv6dquiQn017we0fqMqgfljJVBumk-vdx11I_auCiNiaxS9jPMxUDHEeFBEdeSYsgZsg7efV6tKWclu9o/w300-h400/IMG_7437.JPG" width="300" /></a><div>We then headed back to the food court, had tea: cheesy Japanese curry for Tom (?!), Malaysian chicken for me and chicken wings for Matt. All very very lovely. Then straight back to the hotel for bed - we were all shattered - again!!!!!</div></div><div><p></p></div>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-39081581105662572562023-09-02T07:06:00.002+01:002023-09-02T07:06:17.915+01:00Holiday: Singapore: Little India and Night Safari<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNF54jZGOq49H365nDrR7rDAOEPWpdtECFJEJp3h7jGEwtlkWNn0bYYyj1a2NMTKSfgQjQqFhWRbRJ7jcznE8_iWXGokXsF_GdUqiGbHUcDVQNzL0SaLMhJL_RltqpXVlGuyTR2AxThYhU6VwRs-E1L3o6WzIBx6ZdMYAb9a1JIeKcdnJyNj5WEPXjro/s4032/IMG_4004.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNF54jZGOq49H365nDrR7rDAOEPWpdtECFJEJp3h7jGEwtlkWNn0bYYyj1a2NMTKSfgQjQqFhWRbRJ7jcznE8_iWXGokXsF_GdUqiGbHUcDVQNzL0SaLMhJL_RltqpXVlGuyTR2AxThYhU6VwRs-E1L3o6WzIBx6ZdMYAb9a1JIeKcdnJyNj5WEPXjro/s320/IMG_4004.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQSi8E5uRiiT5C6VQfapwTyuKT6rXItTj_m46v4vxtusPxVRmZisTgY5pbIKTUjN0-vagIbFst8Wtx1Kgx-Fhpu7W_44FoDlxLhaICfQosrU73qJ-gNxU-Q2l7EkZ5KawVcaM3ZR0qoDIJq4qmtye3hRckcpBIVE61EslGxxxyFVvb6iKP9g0x2llWyo/s4032/IMG_7349.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQSi8E5uRiiT5C6VQfapwTyuKT6rXItTj_m46v4vxtusPxVRmZisTgY5pbIKTUjN0-vagIbFst8Wtx1Kgx-Fhpu7W_44FoDlxLhaICfQosrU73qJ-gNxU-Q2l7EkZ5KawVcaM3ZR0qoDIJq4qmtye3hRckcpBIVE61EslGxxxyFVvb6iKP9g0x2llWyo/w400-h300/IMG_7349.JPG" width="400" /></a>We had a wonderful sleep last night - all of us were flat out for the night! Our alarm went off at 9am and we reluctantly got out of bed and down to breakfast. Shock, horror, this hotel doesn't do a buffet breakfast - there was a menu to choose from...</p><p>Tom had bacon, sausages, eggs and pototo, I had avocado on toast with feta cheese and poached egg and Matt went for the omelette. Hummm, mine was fine as was Tom's but Matt's arrived as a square block of jelly yellow bricks! It didn't look nice and apparently didn't taste nice! Oh dear. There were pastries and toast so he filled up on those but he was disappointed.</p><p>So we booked ourselves tickets for the night safari for tonight, so decided not to go too far today. I thought the boys would enjoy Little India - I remember going there last time. It wasn't too long after my actual trip to India and I found the place too sterile, but if you haven't been to India, it's the next best thing.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXxJ8lCFzWr_1aHynOUsnE6MDUc4BT5NwtDLfJ3EmhQKNxggPsS1aBec8p5BE7FVT55m5RdSuSwcdQERtvEDHbKoWgiw2FOgTnJ21CNcV5Q-7MVUdR6Md4UkaRA6459PLYU-A5JlZC1YR7CVH2t8TZJmiG0lo4P6P2HZ0bHppAhBmEjYmR3EmLVkMjxw/s4032/IMG_4003.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXxJ8lCFzWr_1aHynOUsnE6MDUc4BT5NwtDLfJ3EmhQKNxggPsS1aBec8p5BE7FVT55m5RdSuSwcdQERtvEDHbKoWgiw2FOgTnJ21CNcV5Q-7MVUdR6Md4UkaRA6459PLYU-A5JlZC1YR7CVH2t8TZJmiG0lo4P6P2HZ0bHppAhBmEjYmR3EmLVkMjxw/w400-h300/IMG_4003.JPG" width="400" /></a>We arrived and immediately our senses were awakened - we could smell spice in the air. The area is 'old Singapore style' - old 2 level colonial style buildings and lots of shops - mainly selling gold jewellery but also sari shops, cafes, souvineer shops, mobile phone shops etc etc. Pretty much every face was Indian - most are Tamil speakers here. There were murals on walls all over the place. It was an interesting area to wander through.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkTqA6x76n8OxM9xh5jNBmK5km_2_HRXltWjiHqGQFe8POSSKQEiF645r_9OO0L54H5CNSdtJVgSn0rtcZhSB3cT2HW5LSXJjrts8eKB8oAhNekyxbZaBIvnYch1cnhBZCxAVX_AXtYtUimGYLtnSC06yiGJjTNzSN7CNlug6ak_frKXDpjsoEUd9Ldo/s4032/IMG_4006.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkTqA6x76n8OxM9xh5jNBmK5km_2_HRXltWjiHqGQFe8POSSKQEiF645r_9OO0L54H5CNSdtJVgSn0rtcZhSB3cT2HW5LSXJjrts8eKB8oAhNekyxbZaBIvnYch1cnhBZCxAVX_AXtYtUimGYLtnSC06yiGJjTNzSN7CNlug6ak_frKXDpjsoEUd9Ldo/w300-h400/IMG_4006.JPG" width="300" /></a>We came across a great Hindu temple: The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, I had forgotten how colourful and covered in sculptures Hindu temples can be. The Buddhist temples in Thailand were ornate with gold and colour, but these are on another level. We had arrived at a busy time, there were people crowding everywhere inside, so we didn't stay too long - we weren't worshippers, just onlookers.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0X8BZNUVX0Mi9nNLxoSJi0QZtPuh164EvvctCytuLW3DrDW2X_YPDeIWCkHWX0dlLC9v6WdSiY5Bo5PvctuVqhHN31Z991DQ_6BEv9sGbbl3okb87LiYkZfjpMYgwpTc8lffXXNOdbEWFWrXWizDPFlY18SPTPvqc0MzEU9Y6omZxtY239JWsbI6UoLc/s4032/IMG_4005.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0X8BZNUVX0Mi9nNLxoSJi0QZtPuh164EvvctCytuLW3DrDW2X_YPDeIWCkHWX0dlLC9v6WdSiY5Bo5PvctuVqhHN31Z991DQ_6BEv9sGbbl3okb87LiYkZfjpMYgwpTc8lffXXNOdbEWFWrXWizDPFlY18SPTPvqc0MzEU9Y6omZxtY239JWsbI6UoLc/w400-h300/IMG_4005.JPG" width="400" /></a>We carried on our walk through the area and ended up in a place called the Mustufa Centre - wowzers, it was a massive, massive place. In contrast to all the shopping centres we have been in, this place was one store, and it was packed, PACKED with stuff. It was 6 floors high: electronics and sports in B2, shoes and clothes in B1, perfume, toiletries, clothes in Level 1, Level 2 was food, 3 was homewares, 4 everything else. Normally I get excited in a big food hall, but the amount of stuff in it was so overwhelming that I gave up looking! I did look for chocolate moulds etc in the homewares section, but no joy there either. I did get myself a rolling pin though, Matt got some tiny screwdrivers, a padlock for his case and another holiday T-shirt, Tom got a new wallet for his phone. We could have bought so much more though!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKWxWaQXwUdh4N7ayPnCDiKcbzkUtKwws60szff8_igMpoHPI4zzwzijSh2hzXKdNJGoIdqQEj6qRRTwJielsnCtgMGknWGW9gLiQLQpEvFozvOkGfhMiUsq2SnqRbOHKClMd8zxJ6DNYFj84grfM35I_UhVzUOF2TfnjPlrmno1l_lTeTn8FWZJO6os/s4032/IMG_7354.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKWxWaQXwUdh4N7ayPnCDiKcbzkUtKwws60szff8_igMpoHPI4zzwzijSh2hzXKdNJGoIdqQEj6qRRTwJielsnCtgMGknWGW9gLiQLQpEvFozvOkGfhMiUsq2SnqRbOHKClMd8zxJ6DNYFj84grfM35I_UhVzUOF2TfnjPlrmno1l_lTeTn8FWZJO6os/w400-h300/IMG_7354.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DavC6tvFfIfLXWHKfJ-Ovx4zGlNhLE31nANeJbDNNEiztcAYA9dIXLn7RDs87dCmnWLkBObTLGpKvmNvrQcP-iYEaPDJP2v2-Xn8a3B4Wmg_OGO3NVYkrpuHnivqOShQjtiV-zs9dAwY_vkKRo5rION4_CAmV3lV5UUDXv8zfL2crjp5P-mvtBpz9qo/s4032/IMG_7353.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DavC6tvFfIfLXWHKfJ-Ovx4zGlNhLE31nANeJbDNNEiztcAYA9dIXLn7RDs87dCmnWLkBObTLGpKvmNvrQcP-iYEaPDJP2v2-Xn8a3B4Wmg_OGO3NVYkrpuHnivqOShQjtiV-zs9dAwY_vkKRo5rION4_CAmV3lV5UUDXv8zfL2crjp5P-mvtBpz9qo/w400-h300/IMG_7353.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAEznv0jaijcKvmnLdQWaMLj0N5UnWBD6a4KuGZoVZz0UpulqLnONvisAeokW2QmvjfH3h31ZnejIICfBiRmz9B-96otbKF4yCxrIw7ENE36ofsWWs-sAccDKyslBQCYi2khwyaelqFksKQ81BUmiToEgeZQUlz_FpI3H-M5CXty_Zl94m4DuXH8TvU8/s4032/IMG_4007.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAEznv0jaijcKvmnLdQWaMLj0N5UnWBD6a4KuGZoVZz0UpulqLnONvisAeokW2QmvjfH3h31ZnejIICfBiRmz9B-96otbKF4yCxrIw7ENE36ofsWWs-sAccDKyslBQCYi2khwyaelqFksKQ81BUmiToEgeZQUlz_FpI3H-M5CXty_Zl94m4DuXH8TvU8/w400-h300/IMG_4007.JPG" width="400" /></a>Once we had finished there, we came out and looked for somewhere for a sit down and drink. We found a restaurant: Cafe Syed. They sold loads of juices - I went for sugar cane and lemon (they forgot the lemon - but to be honest we couldn't understand anything the guy said to us and obviously he didn't understand us either!), Tom stayed safe with a mango lassi and Matt had a Bandung Dinosaur (a pink milky concoction with chocolate powder on top?!) </p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4mfTa49Y0QMawn5oJQhWS3iY45LCJYbi0oT5P28JvuLScqZBE4LijSO3Tkj8tZVcRh-qYgMiZ0OIg2XMCrTlIm3G4Dl8dgJtbPLG7WFv9BzMRq8rJxicclhs8AyPtGow4PPico3--lvyTajwjFL4xkdCVPIv2rDQBz4GMI8IPkRdOYD5qwif5-Sszyw/s4032/IMG_4011.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4mfTa49Y0QMawn5oJQhWS3iY45LCJYbi0oT5P28JvuLScqZBE4LijSO3Tkj8tZVcRh-qYgMiZ0OIg2XMCrTlIm3G4Dl8dgJtbPLG7WFv9BzMRq8rJxicclhs8AyPtGow4PPico3--lvyTajwjFL4xkdCVPIv2rDQBz4GMI8IPkRdOYD5qwif5-Sszyw/w300-h400/IMG_4011.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafyJUUwEJpYDNfykQnhyGRbdqoSIwqNGpQSM5tupNc2XgkU5QtjeTQig6m9DEA06VqJYU-0wH9BSN9LR-5ZfxQ-8TvPH9yhvA7NQWWW9XpfFryBHcIZGk9rgpcjbADYQI8a0MV7VbZVVOTvBYVq_fu05ePYajonbflJC4W04CpvS5dT8HplHUeBrVr9Q/s4032/IMG_7358.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafyJUUwEJpYDNfykQnhyGRbdqoSIwqNGpQSM5tupNc2XgkU5QtjeTQig6m9DEA06VqJYU-0wH9BSN9LR-5ZfxQ-8TvPH9yhvA7NQWWW9XpfFryBHcIZGk9rgpcjbADYQI8a0MV7VbZVVOTvBYVq_fu05ePYajonbflJC4W04CpvS5dT8HplHUeBrVr9Q/w300-h400/IMG_7358.JPG" width="300" /></a> then realised it was quite late - well after 1pm, so we ordered some snacks for lunch: Mutton Coin Parata and Cheese Boom Plaster. We weren't really sure what they were, but knew they were small from the prices. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJ2mVOYkFBIvzKu6q0cHNmnirAzyD4dSGszKZ3z5Lx-XXIwKBqpNs3JoTg8fKQn1BGznEWm1Qdm8RCgtmm8JvjuncK3e0GG82jhyGuPhgCvJNt1me57E1NZKLZHeEfJ91L_FXJSzKrAkHMlMDsVOcNFoE_O_-acQ4Px2wP7KoQ-6xrRGV_NL5lfmkk9I/s4000/DSC00281.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJ2mVOYkFBIvzKu6q0cHNmnirAzyD4dSGszKZ3z5Lx-XXIwKBqpNs3JoTg8fKQn1BGznEWm1Qdm8RCgtmm8JvjuncK3e0GG82jhyGuPhgCvJNt1me57E1NZKLZHeEfJ91L_FXJSzKrAkHMlMDsVOcNFoE_O_-acQ4Px2wP7KoQ-6xrRGV_NL5lfmkk9I/w400-h266/DSC00281.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgil9UsMPwbwAZSsmphslRBu3iGG4vbkKYU-chsBl29bzsyNAeC7Psranw3My7YgI0dngkPNUG-2-ZtvM2BNk7zOiZ4MZtoYfeQWFRQoYJQbO8yQoh5m6wnzosTurUXLvRjhM-fOg5xqETV1IeYT0o_N8PY66xP1RmWKuse3JbngEXoTYvvjfWzigU9o/s4032/IMG_7360.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgil9UsMPwbwAZSsmphslRBu3iGG4vbkKYU-chsBl29bzsyNAeC7Psranw3My7YgI0dngkPNUG-2-ZtvM2BNk7zOiZ4MZtoYfeQWFRQoYJQbO8yQoh5m6wnzosTurUXLvRjhM-fOg5xqETV1IeYT0o_N8PY66xP1RmWKuse3JbngEXoTYvvjfWzigU9o/w300-h400/IMG_7360.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTGiebvKYPhg65v9KRUMvFhUVcYo2pYgTNknyvBGV5B31hYCdId0HngNgLQuElrTHEsNiDeMz_qVLafYNfdic3BFK0vSBlfTFeJt1H3yj1Z8gJxGhYY6HInScV-JC55aGg3ZXswk_mRYDOzfU9Ic4NAj-v4ZmLgaNPCBU8zOD-IV0WeXf7PTEr3URDCc/s7710/DSC00277.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7710" data-original-width="5140" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTGiebvKYPhg65v9KRUMvFhUVcYo2pYgTNknyvBGV5B31hYCdId0HngNgLQuElrTHEsNiDeMz_qVLafYNfdic3BFK0vSBlfTFeJt1H3yj1Z8gJxGhYY6HInScV-JC55aGg3ZXswk_mRYDOzfU9Ic4NAj-v4ZmLgaNPCBU8zOD-IV0WeXf7PTEr3URDCc/w266-h400/DSC00277.JPG" width="266" /></a>So the coin paratas were thin Indian bread with sugar inside that were twisted and fried. They were served with a mutton curry to dip in. The curry was delicious, but sweet bread and curry together - a bit strange, but when in Little India do as little Indians do. The Cheese Boom Plaster (we ordered it for its name alone!) was more of the same sweet fried bread but with cheese in the middle. It was also served with a curry - a vegetable one this time. Again delicious and a perfect snack - very glad we went authentic and ordered stuff we didn't know.</p><p style="text-align: left;">After lunch we went to see another temple - we dipped into a 'regular' shopping centre for the air con. This was a great place if you are a kid. They had strung up netting across the open space in the middle of the shopping centre - up all the levels and turned it into a huge soft play area for for children - think they had about 4 levels of soft play netting to explore. What a great idea - shame Tom was too old for it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwI3hSyIHSJ8JleqWITxwp-owTybHxQ__IDWxetSx8NP7fP6e4xqRX44DDE_4-DajuMuWGDFkWeIyyqcxgWzBneuZZi2vtiQsU2o1N54WpihXpFQjC9TiPBtdaYY352uwL3jnDddVP82fYak1H6H9cqcJSUDRhYhhUyZ4NpX-PagyiKKaVJDWoJoyouI/s7704/DSC00278.JPG" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5136" data-original-width="7704" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwI3hSyIHSJ8JleqWITxwp-owTybHxQ__IDWxetSx8NP7fP6e4xqRX44DDE_4-DajuMuWGDFkWeIyyqcxgWzBneuZZi2vtiQsU2o1N54WpihXpFQjC9TiPBtdaYY352uwL3jnDddVP82fYak1H6H9cqcJSUDRhYhhUyZ4NpX-PagyiKKaVJDWoJoyouI/w640-h426/DSC00278.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">We found the other temple, which was as ornate as the other one, but much quieter and then we got the MRT back to the hotel for an afternoon rest before the night safari.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXDYsiwTiMTl6flGNEdqqmVWW1abkhweS_estVpTjecI0tz8BgmkKb85mcNVNd-dPl27n3jRVhbZZt-4bpJhWyAaeMs-o7PHj2BD76G-TSuW5BL1pRwnjTL3etvNF7fNbd4nwvNRk2qhxpmQjWHY4xcDDOn8WHfqRd7me6QgsVT-tN3D1sezBomoPKvE/s2838/DSC00285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1892" data-original-width="2838" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXDYsiwTiMTl6flGNEdqqmVWW1abkhweS_estVpTjecI0tz8BgmkKb85mcNVNd-dPl27n3jRVhbZZt-4bpJhWyAaeMs-o7PHj2BD76G-TSuW5BL1pRwnjTL3etvNF7fNbd4nwvNRk2qhxpmQjWHY4xcDDOn8WHfqRd7me6QgsVT-tN3D1sezBomoPKvE/w400-h266/DSC00285.JPG" width="400" /></a>We headed out of the hotel to a sushi go round for tea - Tom was very happy with that. We then got the MRT up north to Katib from where we got a shuttle bus to the night safari. It took a good hour to get there. We arrived to a huge queue, it moved quickly enough but it did feel like half of Singapore were at the zoo. I went back in 2000 when I last visited and remembered a tram ride and a little walk, but certainly didn't remember the crowds and queues. It has developed big time. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yhB95FTXUAwBY4MLwyuu7zyEUnyg7p6yfQgBG6hFs9e0cnpzj3JkemA4Ep6RHQTkw1UOPefCqBqQLWWFjmnPA9MjHWMKxzc2XIYny5LxxAi0ese095c54OjGTwFOEYCdAoAOmpAzzxgFJdV0HeFHIEk3uRdjLFIJjDRrgm5p7UJE8iVkxJk3K9qBN-w/s2838/DSC00288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2838" data-original-width="1892" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yhB95FTXUAwBY4MLwyuu7zyEUnyg7p6yfQgBG6hFs9e0cnpzj3JkemA4Ep6RHQTkw1UOPefCqBqQLWWFjmnPA9MjHWMKxzc2XIYny5LxxAi0ese095c54OjGTwFOEYCdAoAOmpAzzxgFJdV0HeFHIEk3uRdjLFIJjDRrgm5p7UJE8iVkxJk3K9qBN-w/w266-h400/DSC00288.JPG" width="266" /></a>Think we had to queue at least half an hour for the tram ride - to be fair the queue was constantly moving, it was just very long. It was good and informative and all the animals were awake and doing stuff: lions, elephants, rhinos, hyenas, deer, babirusa, hippos etc. We then headed to the ice cream store to cool down, it might be night time but it was very hot and humid and we were very sticky! Next was an animal show where we saw a couple of eagles, turkey vulture, racoons, red river hogs, binturong (why have we never heard of binturongs before - they look like teddy bears!) a porcupine and owls.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTlCqsey1mBGaUQ_x3F2kYJ3Gu3JsKj7KbNiQADxZ91U3VIU52z9LffxAI0ZVoD-p4S8xmZYns5Wxj6tewlhBMnECfcPiU_ks7DV34Cgiw9z7oSn6COl4LjIBKMOnbdMD10wntwAbvuKEtrn4iSsO-sbDfLMqqFrMiJPjaDtNGgbrG04C4rM2gU_3YXc/s2838/DSC00294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1892" data-original-width="2838" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTlCqsey1mBGaUQ_x3F2kYJ3Gu3JsKj7KbNiQADxZ91U3VIU52z9LffxAI0ZVoD-p4S8xmZYns5Wxj6tewlhBMnECfcPiU_ks7DV34Cgiw9z7oSn6COl4LjIBKMOnbdMD10wntwAbvuKEtrn4iSsO-sbDfLMqqFrMiJPjaDtNGgbrG04C4rM2gU_3YXc/w400-h266/DSC00294.JPG" width="400" /></a>Next we did a walking trail around the park and saw loads. All those animals which are normally fast asleep in zoos were up and busy. We saw: fishing cats (very cute), leopard cat, clouded leopard, rhinos, tiger, porcupines, otters, civets, bats (massive, massive wings), owls, binturongs, Tasmanian Devils (although they were fast asleep), rhinos, ibex. It was really well done, there was soft lighting all over - just enough so you could see where you were going, but not too much so your eyes could adjust well to the dark. There was lots of info on everything. But mainly it was very hot and our feet were beginning to ache. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDyod2TM6Fqm-1qxbzLDugquZ5dgJgUFN2MH3oSUIMmcXvX_dexyVCQB4mgyBoIRJOJ29tAC0ylY23LZQ6vpRfdl362B7O5xr1CS83oX_GbM6dF1hlAm4-9KrY25vF5pyQYmKQG34HDPuMnDts72QCMscgg_J42xtU7I-vb3SotyXbvaoXQBETl--0EU/s4032/IMG_4022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDyod2TM6Fqm-1qxbzLDugquZ5dgJgUFN2MH3oSUIMmcXvX_dexyVCQB4mgyBoIRJOJ29tAC0ylY23LZQ6vpRfdl362B7O5xr1CS83oX_GbM6dF1hlAm4-9KrY25vF5pyQYmKQG34HDPuMnDts72QCMscgg_J42xtU7I-vb3SotyXbvaoXQBETl--0EU/w400-h300/IMG_4022.JPG" width="400" /></a>We decided to call it a day (night) and headed home it was 11pm. We had been there since 7.15 so it was a long visit. Didn't get back to the hotel until after midnight. We went straight to bed. Tom was asleep in minutes, we were asleep not long after. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-50245958496635318612023-09-01T01:47:00.004+01:002023-09-01T01:47:46.187+01:00Holiday: Khao Lak to Singapore<p>We had to get up at 4.30 in order to be ready with our cases for our pick up at 5am to Phuket Airport and our 9.25 flight to Singapore. Ouch!</p><p>It all went like clockwork though. We phoned reception to collect our bags - it was a long way to reception and although it was 4 in the morning, still very hot - too hot to drag bags around a hotel, plus we would have woken loads with the rumbling of the wheels! We walked to the lobby, where there was who I thought was a security guard fast asleep under a blanket. At 5am on the dot our car arrived and the girl under the blanket jumped to attention - she was our guide (although why you need a guide to sit in a car to an airport I don't know?!) We watched the sun rise and the country slowly awake as we headed to Phuket. The airport was our side of the town so we didn't see it.</p><p>We arrived before the checking in gates opened and before any interesting cafes opened (Matt had to go against his principles and get a coffee from Starbucks!) We could easily have had an extra hour in bed. Oh hum!</p><p>When we checked in there was a problem. Our flights were booked by our travel agent, they had booked a child's seat for Tom. However, as we have discovered, in Thailand Tom is not a child. They measure a child by their height - if you are under 1.2 meters you are a child, if over you are an adult - so we have had to pay for him as an adult everywhere. For this airline (Scoot) a child was under 11. They couldn't check him in, we ended up having to pay the difference in the ticket (we had loads of cash left over so it wasn't a problem) bit of a hairy moment though.</p><p>We went through passport control and security - no problem at all and into the airport where we tried to spent our left over small change.</p><p>Our flight was uneventful. It was a budget carrier and under 2 hours, so easy. There was food on board, but you had to pay for it and we decided we would have lunch once we landed. However, they came to us and said that our lunch was paid for?! We were each given Asian Treasure Rice which was actually quite nice. However, it had mushrooms in it so a certain someone couldn't have it. We were almost the only ones on the plane who were fed - we have no idea why? Maybe as compensation for having to pay for an upgrade for Tom?</p><p>We arrived, found our transfer and headed in to the city. Formula One are coming to town, lots of preparations are under way for it. We also drove past the new bay area which looks stunning. Our hotel is at the bottom of Orchard Road - the shopping road full of shopping centres. We checked in - it is quite an old hotel (for Singapore) but comfortable enough.</p><p>First stop was the nearest shopping centre and lunch for Matt - we found a basement full of food and went for Indian - Tom and I shared a portion too - it was really good, very authentic. We then walked up one side of Orchard Road dipping into lots of shopping centres and down the other side. It really is a shoppers paradise. Tom got a new Ghibli T-shirt (he is an adult large here!!!!!) we all had a 3 o'clock Japanese bread product from a bakery (yummy!) and found where we were going to have tea tonight (massive food court)</p><p>Our feet were beginning to ache so we headed back to the hotel, called Granma to wish her a happy birthday, had a dip in the pool and went out for tea - Vietnamse Pho for me (always been curious -tasted very like the noodle soup you got in Laos) and Japanese curry omu rice for the boys.</p><p>Then back to the hotel and bed - we were shattered!</p><p>Sorry none of us took a photo today!</p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-68195548630685339712023-09-01T01:27:00.002+01:002023-09-01T01:27:56.294+01:00Holiday: Quiet Time in Khao Lak<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-8NRYi5Gq_gb3xl66M0AWOJCozV34ZLSFEWyrWNLYIb4rC6midGSH93BeVqzpgxIzJFcjLRGxGovQX4kEN2D95QuF3j6EALb-dNxQdS4C9FjdPbXxi7V0Fr2tpZQD-2HQ2yj5fHPqEk5vNfr6EeBHrY9oGngvRM_hML7Q5I2DfAad3k95aPi2RSLdfo/s4032/IMG_7284.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-8NRYi5Gq_gb3xl66M0AWOJCozV34ZLSFEWyrWNLYIb4rC6midGSH93BeVqzpgxIzJFcjLRGxGovQX4kEN2D95QuF3j6EALb-dNxQdS4C9FjdPbXxi7V0Fr2tpZQD-2HQ2yj5fHPqEk5vNfr6EeBHrY9oGngvRM_hML7Q5I2DfAad3k95aPi2RSLdfo/w320-h240/IMG_7284.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dHEKMDI6hrI5DOT18lUv_ajRAhSqOfzxUpJUoZicHFMOSD2GJFw-MyPAhcNt_MvmBhxiMFFTh0QJwdVOipeXF02e5TgcL-cETEzDw3f2FoJfPy5sLawMHHu9ijG3PXvqbK6SzOhe27ry8X303oD8Whb8AVE_hQervm2mGNPbJrXrchwXx0DTf_Qjsm8/s7952/DSC00274%202.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GWdWv5HcsSfXUuNdyBSdYWgTvb4XFxwgQOTK6EnU70QWPpDxEpS-1RLO89yTyXU6-iVmClVsurj3GEyUHkF1vHCneBUHVRY6kofw1z4RQS3WK3h35IPRSVdqM2Adwohb_wXFaEUK7xsTLb89uZbxroGhretcNTNfyH0adYT1N_yv9-jS_wt-diYDsEA/s2025/IMG_3989.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2025" data-original-width="1350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GWdWv5HcsSfXUuNdyBSdYWgTvb4XFxwgQOTK6EnU70QWPpDxEpS-1RLO89yTyXU6-iVmClVsurj3GEyUHkF1vHCneBUHVRY6kofw1z4RQS3WK3h35IPRSVdqM2Adwohb_wXFaEUK7xsTLb89uZbxroGhretcNTNfyH0adYT1N_yv9-jS_wt-diYDsEA/w266-h400/IMG_3989.JPG" width="266" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="5304" data-original-width="7952" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dHEKMDI6hrI5DOT18lUv_ajRAhSqOfzxUpJUoZicHFMOSD2GJFw-MyPAhcNt_MvmBhxiMFFTh0QJwdVOipeXF02e5TgcL-cETEzDw3f2FoJfPy5sLawMHHu9ijG3PXvqbK6SzOhe27ry8X303oD8Whb8AVE_hQervm2mGNPbJrXrchwXx0DTf_Qjsm8/s320/DSC00274%202.JPG" width="320" /></p>So we had 3 nights in Khao Lak. We decided the first full day really should be a relaxing day - we had been fully employed with activities etc at Elephant Hills for our stay there, it was really very good, but we needed a rest. I also had to catch up on this blog and Tom his scrapbook, so we had a lie in each morning we took Tom shopping to find an inflatable and a ball to play with in the pool and we spent our days in the pool larking around, catching up on this, eating, playing cribbage, drinking mocktails and repeat!<p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfWkNGb9DcCQPMDIAtNSvWix2bzSa39H6pW9DVyhc8vaxrYjxEODAJdVXqy3Q-R_pHlN6v92RYHiWFTbgl2TBLA7e2z6qirF_f4ATOBZa5tNe-DfjXFwsObgeU-_oJBs_sJobCFe3ciZZa6Qyy165KimRI4g27CItVZfoQCuCP2aQ8675NRZso7RXwr0/s4608/P1030817%202.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfWkNGb9DcCQPMDIAtNSvWix2bzSa39H6pW9DVyhc8vaxrYjxEODAJdVXqy3Q-R_pHlN6v92RYHiWFTbgl2TBLA7e2z6qirF_f4ATOBZa5tNe-DfjXFwsObgeU-_oJBs_sJobCFe3ciZZa6Qyy165KimRI4g27CItVZfoQCuCP2aQ8675NRZso7RXwr0/s320/P1030817%202.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66aVMSVSoa54-C7eVz_6a-bIWVz72ozrkht3kVVN8gANsodbBrPdF9zbm3clfrLIejL_qceJIQ5tetQn7E6cCptTJ2AvHyq2z30fZd16jdBBYEIDVJBK9OurjFYiFRqxBhXzZmR9Gp9llFD70qQbIA78vFlS6yHIIRnmsRkuEKFXJM6jsOC7d2X8acoY/s4608/P1030832%202.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66aVMSVSoa54-C7eVz_6a-bIWVz72ozrkht3kVVN8gANsodbBrPdF9zbm3clfrLIejL_qceJIQ5tetQn7E6cCptTJ2AvHyq2z30fZd16jdBBYEIDVJBK9OurjFYiFRqxBhXzZmR9Gp9llFD70qQbIA78vFlS6yHIIRnmsRkuEKFXJM6jsOC7d2X8acoY/s320/P1030832%202.JPG" width="240" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsvNOtBjGAFEcEVlMmICqX-IStzKUsOQn2LzZLuYoVWgFjsxcgaX1hnFRFHpDGlUleAAEqXs-jIoI4VHeeIAC4-zUlGoNzCokt_2ca79XFfBC-UnEnfdEfP4VTMp4Z-Q-XFWPJ03kc1mMLsc1ihyBhlDcuixU_9_wWg4hnhn0IKvuu-3lJ2EWNoYSniw/s2025/P1030809%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2025" data-original-width="1350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsvNOtBjGAFEcEVlMmICqX-IStzKUsOQn2LzZLuYoVWgFjsxcgaX1hnFRFHpDGlUleAAEqXs-jIoI4VHeeIAC4-zUlGoNzCokt_2ca79XFfBC-UnEnfdEfP4VTMp4Z-Q-XFWPJ03kc1mMLsc1ihyBhlDcuixU_9_wWg4hnhn0IKvuu-3lJ2EWNoYSniw/s320/P1030809%202.JPG" width="213" /></a> </p><p>We did think that we would do something more significant on the second day, such as hire scooters and go to see the monument to the victims of the Boxing Day tsunami (this is where it hit Thailand - 5,000 people died in Khao Lak alone!), but in the end we didn't. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGhURYDFILfyh8bX1zc6OgoSQ4odCeEVU_9iTZI_Dr_yUVaD_T1e_zRyJpHCm6LoMcvDCOvPc7bMhCUhOBQvCSAnYmo5fMP1nFYsB9Q7SyUWS-4MYt1MhVKLOZoK_BjA9NIcFr8l2e_bsCXtKLgyK54pVVtkGadvBAN2KVd7EbSdFqCItb10L9YUsif8/s4608/P1030820%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGhURYDFILfyh8bX1zc6OgoSQ4odCeEVU_9iTZI_Dr_yUVaD_T1e_zRyJpHCm6LoMcvDCOvPc7bMhCUhOBQvCSAnYmo5fMP1nFYsB9Q7SyUWS-4MYt1MhVKLOZoK_BjA9NIcFr8l2e_bsCXtKLgyK54pVVtkGadvBAN2KVd7EbSdFqCItb10L9YUsif8/w640-h480/P1030820%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We got ourselves a Thai massage instead - Matt had a traditional Thai massage, I had a back and neck massage and Tom a foot massage. Can't say it was relaxing - spent most of it in pain as she pressed very firmly in all directions. However, I could move my neck much better by the end. Matt also was in pain but was happy with the result. They took it easy on Tom!</p><p>We also got our laundry done - we almost ran out at Elephant Hills. Loads of laundry places in the area, they do it by the kilo, probably 5% of the price the hotels charge, and it comes back beautifully packaged. We were all delighted to have some clean clothes! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdsn5TqrZ3HyGSnnM3a7WOC6ueQWIm6r_yAQWR14gHZZ8W1eG6KHhTDDl_53vIh91khIj2YbpUVi7liQRT072VXnAc-tLfAKqlEs00MDs1hnuMNckIPF_CrqfNGbj8QWSC4PmsJAcN4yX7FnzG6YlUYGf21wPC6WmOUk8fiHYt_b8No5YQwT3vCnvHrQ/s4608/P1030827%202.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdsn5TqrZ3HyGSnnM3a7WOC6ueQWIm6r_yAQWR14gHZZ8W1eG6KHhTDDl_53vIh91khIj2YbpUVi7liQRT072VXnAc-tLfAKqlEs00MDs1hnuMNckIPF_CrqfNGbj8QWSC4PmsJAcN4yX7FnzG6YlUYGf21wPC6WmOUk8fiHYt_b8No5YQwT3vCnvHrQ/w400-h300/P1030827%202.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nDWFX3mVnty89wN4IEBg3qBQX7ozv4bFcZIn2VKTTYNfmg3UhWytbwh1CrWbkgj2HlW-X849YBM8PiTAYVZ_Nq-UPqxIY_9QYl6vRMe39Yin5GxwvGWOoY0WPLfvwMAj36xdVJUkHtAtYiQ3Pu6UpNj5fi7Uc37v3Mx7jUQ2NnMmSZdtkqeEzVg-qxU/s4608/P1030821%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nDWFX3mVnty89wN4IEBg3qBQX7ozv4bFcZIn2VKTTYNfmg3UhWytbwh1CrWbkgj2HlW-X849YBM8PiTAYVZ_Nq-UPqxIY_9QYl6vRMe39Yin5GxwvGWOoY0WPLfvwMAj36xdVJUkHtAtYiQ3Pu6UpNj5fi7Uc37v3Mx7jUQ2NnMmSZdtkqeEzVg-qxU/s320/P1030821%202.JPG" width="240" /></a> </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47qF664zNd8PIwXgXztOqJbPnCWOCSO1oPy_RCsQ4owGyRkKlsyeejqrq9lgpsOJOoRgZQorzFm9wgxyNhEqahZuDqJxvT86RZO9b-AJLIOlksPYyeL43TG7Nl2UOetv1kqW0gHHLt69s6nJ7e2SBCclKCaFHR8ZX5msWYeRwNI4s-AYJDcUSsU3vKLI/s4032/IMG_7290.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47qF664zNd8PIwXgXztOqJbPnCWOCSO1oPy_RCsQ4owGyRkKlsyeejqrq9lgpsOJOoRgZQorzFm9wgxyNhEqahZuDqJxvT86RZO9b-AJLIOlksPYyeL43TG7Nl2UOetv1kqW0gHHLt69s6nJ7e2SBCclKCaFHR8ZX5msWYeRwNI4s-AYJDcUSsU3vKLI/w400-h300/IMG_7290.JPG" width="400" /></a>One night we decided to have a traditional Thai BBQ or Mookata for tea. We ordered it for 3: chicken and pork for 2 and seafood for the other - with the idea we would share it round. The food arrived - there was enough for an army! Not only were there 3 platters of meat, but also 3 platters of vegetables! We had over ordered. Then the BBQ arrived - this was a cook yourself type of a dinner. It was very hot, just what you need in the evening heat...more heat. Then they brought out another BBQ - oh no. We told them not to bother with a third. We were going to melt! The table next door to us were laughing at us at this point! With good reason! We did our best to put a dent in it - managed to almost eat all the meat - but we were all groaning with stomach ache on the way home! </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMI0IPCiEkJaoCrR_s2TXUyDIH_c-1-tShGKUehlNAcE8hEBKG2LOnPOd0r5d6JoivBC4gY2yP8k6cuRfk7EJiV5Dh_0C3Tp-xCRaG9uACoojkIlz_y5htnlBfu_NQJj6NntNZgD4pT69s1Ik1RLlD8glQeeksYUJEpHgXQ2x9Irvqx8y1EhFwAPhvmZ0/s4032/IMG_7287.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpUkpqmWXlhE5b_w9NBImlw9C321g0-LUwnrB4l58fnp8QV9Fxwfn7W-rcGKeUUc5uGVA4EDQKnztRzT_FLqzdYnRcDNYVMGlxSsV29bX6aVRg4A2Z7FOtBRCzp73QO2kzngtyQQeP94nnW-HTbSYlvC1u9w78BbQqvrFKdkpGq7YP7zEbJX4ROKLU-w/s4032/IMG_7293.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpUkpqmWXlhE5b_w9NBImlw9C321g0-LUwnrB4l58fnp8QV9Fxwfn7W-rcGKeUUc5uGVA4EDQKnztRzT_FLqzdYnRcDNYVMGlxSsV29bX6aVRg4A2Z7FOtBRCzp73QO2kzngtyQQeP94nnW-HTbSYlvC1u9w78BbQqvrFKdkpGq7YP7zEbJX4ROKLU-w/s320/IMG_7293.JPG" width="240" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMI0IPCiEkJaoCrR_s2TXUyDIH_c-1-tShGKUehlNAcE8hEBKG2LOnPOd0r5d6JoivBC4gY2yP8k6cuRfk7EJiV5Dh_0C3Tp-xCRaG9uACoojkIlz_y5htnlBfu_NQJj6NntNZgD4pT69s1Ik1RLlD8glQeeksYUJEpHgXQ2x9Irvqx8y1EhFwAPhvmZ0/s320/IMG_7287.JPG" width="240" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8mHv4GEr78ZibG6rfQR-7_XND2Rzl4XFvGPA_AalYN8xAlRvAk-XgM36Q3GZTXqjw7uB5jTHWuLhIknCJeuvaX7phly2bVKHHTcZBlCUCnViwaAznjY9rs87CKKxX538MpWwRFPlXnGFf-bf4QnjsPbZWIGCjs8Gz1jcnm9QtB2rRWKddrVyBQ_fA2E/s4032/IMG_7291.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8mHv4GEr78ZibG6rfQR-7_XND2Rzl4XFvGPA_AalYN8xAlRvAk-XgM36Q3GZTXqjw7uB5jTHWuLhIknCJeuvaX7phly2bVKHHTcZBlCUCnViwaAznjY9rs87CKKxX538MpWwRFPlXnGFf-bf4QnjsPbZWIGCjs8Gz1jcnm9QtB2rRWKddrVyBQ_fA2E/s320/IMG_7291.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47qF664zNd8PIwXgXztOqJbPnCWOCSO1oPy_RCsQ4owGyRkKlsyeejqrq9lgpsOJOoRgZQorzFm9wgxyNhEqahZuDqJxvT86RZO9b-AJLIOlksPYyeL43TG7Nl2UOetv1kqW0gHHLt69s6nJ7e2SBCclKCaFHR8ZX5msWYeRwNI4s-AYJDcUSsU3vKLI/s4032/IMG_7290.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We didn't go in the sea at all - it was too rough the whole time we were there. However, it wasn't a problem, the swimming pools kept us busy and happy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2p4faB7YkfCORM3rjqfTAsnzWpNMoT2MtSekDXm0AUG5zsaOeEmxQ5PK5ErV6gkXUBMDYm--EsqZuhtdPLu2XfSnB_hW8oBTOZFUP7YSuz2lfxs8UWOrmp8pKtbydNI1JKFpWOa6uAdZ0jBwN7MljR0n4DDZ6G7LgVTprP5tjQ1WrEswhg0P0P6N4eg/s4608/P1030825%202.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Rpc0Co9YFMb4-eUthjoY34oCfBT4bIbicIYQ7g6C-cIzL_Lfj7_d2vgKKEwgSpy023VATqZpdemKcBXXwvFYgy3QhDLuBImiQZF1sNkOaf7ZcogXKRuZcokgARyZXbL7PKkTZSCb5ymo0KMR5QoZK1kxb4bco5Ed-zWeuB2yUGDqPu7k1v4r9NahL68/s4032/IMG_3992%204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Rpc0Co9YFMb4-eUthjoY34oCfBT4bIbicIYQ7g6C-cIzL_Lfj7_d2vgKKEwgSpy023VATqZpdemKcBXXwvFYgy3QhDLuBImiQZF1sNkOaf7ZcogXKRuZcokgARyZXbL7PKkTZSCb5ymo0KMR5QoZK1kxb4bco5Ed-zWeuB2yUGDqPu7k1v4r9NahL68/w300-h400/IMG_3992%204.JPG" width="300" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2p4faB7YkfCORM3rjqfTAsnzWpNMoT2MtSekDXm0AUG5zsaOeEmxQ5PK5ErV6gkXUBMDYm--EsqZuhtdPLu2XfSnB_hW8oBTOZFUP7YSuz2lfxs8UWOrmp8pKtbydNI1JKFpWOa6uAdZ0jBwN7MljR0n4DDZ6G7LgVTprP5tjQ1WrEswhg0P0P6N4eg/w400-h300/P1030825%202.JPG" width="400" /> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtfl7-Cx-FEqrAmzl8tcLFzEH-0wVmGhE20Mp4CFLWt8LNuueR75776ZGvNJhHQwp4FER4cUUVOW2tA4xBO7JdawJRv3MhK74I45N3I6ZoNbHdeRyoH1eM5Aasjirg9YQNfZQfXw7iaR7pBoAAMx-GFODJVpDb3Y_6e2YVAJHLXqHgtrVzp-g5_F1khw/s7952/DSC00276%203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEiRgFuntUy2t-WxiE_NPqKp2-T34rXN1JBxyI8m4kY35-rfwAWW0Ves0HE8fy6BvlDNpM0nE2V15a-AvuFsMiDsPeLVBBx4c3zDvo128A2jtT8yacMjyQy_U81HmFS2v3lPwXejqh9Cd5e6m7GWnhg_be8kPbeshsJ0mqBnQvKw4lby493rUtX_aOAU/s4032/IMG_3995%204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtfl7-Cx-FEqrAmzl8tcLFzEH-0wVmGhE20Mp4CFLWt8LNuueR75776ZGvNJhHQwp4FER4cUUVOW2tA4xBO7JdawJRv3MhK74I45N3I6ZoNbHdeRyoH1eM5Aasjirg9YQNfZQfXw7iaR7pBoAAMx-GFODJVpDb3Y_6e2YVAJHLXqHgtrVzp-g5_F1khw/s7952/DSC00276%203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5304" data-original-width="7952" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtfl7-Cx-FEqrAmzl8tcLFzEH-0wVmGhE20Mp4CFLWt8LNuueR75776ZGvNJhHQwp4FER4cUUVOW2tA4xBO7JdawJRv3MhK74I45N3I6ZoNbHdeRyoH1eM5Aasjirg9YQNfZQfXw7iaR7pBoAAMx-GFODJVpDb3Y_6e2YVAJHLXqHgtrVzp-g5_F1khw/w320-h213/DSC00276%203.JPG" width="320" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEiRgFuntUy2t-WxiE_NPqKp2-T34rXN1JBxyI8m4kY35-rfwAWW0Ves0HE8fy6BvlDNpM0nE2V15a-AvuFsMiDsPeLVBBx4c3zDvo128A2jtT8yacMjyQy_U81HmFS2v3lPwXejqh9Cd5e6m7GWnhg_be8kPbeshsJ0mqBnQvKw4lby493rUtX_aOAU/w400-h300/IMG_3995%204.JPG" width="400" /> </div>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-76632660083516692602023-08-31T15:17:00.006+01:002023-08-31T15:23:15.829+01:00Holiday: Elephant Hills Day 4 and on to Khao Lak<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEA4NRNgbmzktm2AIXz4szikCHawap2ZGC6lw-IGeRqU2_CPYDVpc-jBMyymtjY4YdLJTqph0kPMbFILqS7V3iCdT3WZpSZqTq1AhZHFCKQlilpI8P7uyyTpbQmZtVkZvxqw0UC_i_5H8uu_cCv493yVvmRTKm0pjxopR0TEgMwFSVWcKPz9nVVHhIfU/s4032/IMG_3963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEA4NRNgbmzktm2AIXz4szikCHawap2ZGC6lw-IGeRqU2_CPYDVpc-jBMyymtjY4YdLJTqph0kPMbFILqS7V3iCdT3WZpSZqTq1AhZHFCKQlilpI8P7uyyTpbQmZtVkZvxqw0UC_i_5H8uu_cCv493yVvmRTKm0pjxopR0TEgMwFSVWcKPz9nVVHhIfU/w300-h400/IMG_3963.JPG" width="300" /></a>So, another good night's sleep, breakfast gong at 7.30n to wake us up (lovely way to wake up!) and our last breakfast and so our last taste of the amazing bread they have at breakfast time!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wgc2t5qI3HIHMNhSuKPO2oSNwuDwpknN1SgH__My82Af4J_8VAFuccZXYo4951Z_T8juCsTS86d3S3-OeUYRnwMarMiJyrT0MmhGtxLIyhGzELsgUT70iEcaq4JBm6bjKF4U4kiI7Wf_B2irzd175qHuxtJeosc8zY9Ky0QpsmBYYkmY1aPlZMySbYk/s4032/IMG_7253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wgc2t5qI3HIHMNhSuKPO2oSNwuDwpknN1SgH__My82Af4J_8VAFuccZXYo4951Z_T8juCsTS86d3S3-OeUYRnwMarMiJyrT0MmhGtxLIyhGzELsgUT70iEcaq4JBm6bjKF4U4kiI7Wf_B2irzd175qHuxtJeosc8zY9Ky0QpsmBYYkmY1aPlZMySbYk/w300-h400/IMG_7253.JPG" width="300" /></a>We met up with Nong at 9.15 (extra 15mins today to get our stuff packed). Today we had a jungle walk through the forest. We were each given a bamboo walking stick and we walked down to the river which we crossed by canoe and into the thick forest.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwwPQt_b2H7W1iv0xakzSM6vsJB7qoo9YQminvT0x2NbeMSAcZngaOrymI2XHrRla9lvaztVENHnKxGgg_QBH2hWzx42cbfIT2yHzJAVVvYYXFQW7_LrkjTTFD7ECyUeGMJ6qMBOzDPNmUxKgVNhhqxC6HAb8DwFhFmDLolv_zwXiRtwncMkBMZfe_Qs/s4032/IMG_3972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwwPQt_b2H7W1iv0xakzSM6vsJB7qoo9YQminvT0x2NbeMSAcZngaOrymI2XHrRla9lvaztVENHnKxGgg_QBH2hWzx42cbfIT2yHzJAVVvYYXFQW7_LrkjTTFD7ECyUeGMJ6qMBOzDPNmUxKgVNhhqxC6HAb8DwFhFmDLolv_zwXiRtwncMkBMZfe_Qs/w400-h300/IMG_3972.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiFi2PdE-fdRD2nL3kMIUzlblHePNC-B1SnGCm8dpfQN-Q1oRQwiu5KA133Uk2s4w8movWPDtXRSnQVCt78YmYWoofloZcGSC405NDSuDIQaWtz0c-TscfWhZczdTSEpPH04OSTnY-m8QXDn_DE7kw75r47mBD0ygxhRwhed6UpEUSn2XkUj-pZVyfDI/s4032/IMG_3977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiFi2PdE-fdRD2nL3kMIUzlblHePNC-B1SnGCm8dpfQN-Q1oRQwiu5KA133Uk2s4w8movWPDtXRSnQVCt78YmYWoofloZcGSC405NDSuDIQaWtz0c-TscfWhZczdTSEpPH04OSTnY-m8QXDn_DE7kw75r47mBD0ygxhRwhed6UpEUSn2XkUj-pZVyfDI/w300-h400/IMG_3977.JPG" width="300" /></a>It was only a 0.67 mile walk, but it took us 1.5hrs, it was mega hot, raining, and steep. Also there were some young children who basically had to get carried everywhere. We learned about butters roots - wide to keep trees upright (but can easily fall over in the wind), banana plants - every bit of a banana plant is useful: you can eat the fruit and flower, you can use the leaves in cookery or as roofing. I'm sure Nong told us about some other plants as well.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwS1FRcyHtYf7uawBDBAjnqMydICgw8q6bxaPFDGi5k4zoZwDrVIFQ_i1_7uaMjMEdK_3Rz3J37009umRL-iRuX01jvSHdCPcAsZwqNWA8IERQNaJhKjS3QQipnFQhxU13KDQqbfwV6j0ELCe0jY8wGaBEqcA6D-xWLWhXaM0_xkyMkyXtWUywpdnaqY/s4032/IMG_3979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwS1FRcyHtYf7uawBDBAjnqMydICgw8q6bxaPFDGi5k4zoZwDrVIFQ_i1_7uaMjMEdK_3Rz3J37009umRL-iRuX01jvSHdCPcAsZwqNWA8IERQNaJhKjS3QQipnFQhxU13KDQqbfwV6j0ELCe0jY8wGaBEqcA6D-xWLWhXaM0_xkyMkyXtWUywpdnaqY/w300-h400/IMG_3979.JPG" width="300" /></a>We heard plenty of wildlife but didn't see any, although we were pretty sure we were being watched!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBjw6pVb3KwwsbzNOFoFRHLRlxseyaUyndZxpTOv-ClVU17rmWT3rOD4ZPJ5F_OoBV5vLpSRXGekYRv-jp-kNKT8522TlC3p39_6vPBiAeKFyt7iT8ZLfmK2mkjh5wkSxqOgCDx-L8E5QC4RkzWtQHn-8c8YZykOvAWobnbc9ZguY2tlu6i_jdWVZdf0/s2025/IMG_3973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="2025" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBjw6pVb3KwwsbzNOFoFRHLRlxseyaUyndZxpTOv-ClVU17rmWT3rOD4ZPJ5F_OoBV5vLpSRXGekYRv-jp-kNKT8522TlC3p39_6vPBiAeKFyt7iT8ZLfmK2mkjh5wkSxqOgCDx-L8E5QC4RkzWtQHn-8c8YZykOvAWobnbc9ZguY2tlu6i_jdWVZdf0/w400-h266/IMG_3973.JPG" width="400" /></a>We ended at a hut, where we were given a cooking demonstration - coconut curry soup and Thai scrambled eggs. I went to the top of the class as I knew all the cooking ingredients: Kaffir lime leaves, turmeric, galangal, chilli, garlic and onion (everyone did know garlic and onion). They made the soup the proper way by hacking open a coconut, grating it and squeezing it with water etc. They then heated up the coconut milk and then added the spices and chicken - they didn't fry the spices or chicken first which I thought strange.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrQhCzJZAK1dpCxIzFK7yZ2S66zH8LMrr0c_0IKbO88g0NszJKtdXLl3Tz5jmGK-UrFiof9TLL75iRDdp4OQSHdxhGDaU43BnpnZ1IiAoyI6EMZ9zXGOnhVACJ7RyqXPFhrpAHTRUIMbfnxTXd3EDYrD7MUIaoF0zddFGRP7wk5u05Soyeif3LQJ8AKc/s4032/IMG_7258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrQhCzJZAK1dpCxIzFK7yZ2S66zH8LMrr0c_0IKbO88g0NszJKtdXLl3Tz5jmGK-UrFiof9TLL75iRDdp4OQSHdxhGDaU43BnpnZ1IiAoyI6EMZ9zXGOnhVACJ7RyqXPFhrpAHTRUIMbfnxTXd3EDYrD7MUIaoF0zddFGRP7wk5u05Soyeif3LQJ8AKc/w300-h400/IMG_7258.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwwPQt_b2H7W1iv0xakzSM6vsJB7qoo9YQminvT0x2NbeMSAcZngaOrymI2XHrRla9lvaztVENHnKxGgg_QBH2hWzx42cbfIT2yHzJAVVvYYXFQW7_LrkjTTFD7ECyUeGMJ6qMBOzDPNmUxKgVNhhqxC6HAb8DwFhFmDLolv_zwXiRtwncMkBMZfe_Qs/s4032/IMG_3972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>At this point - I was seeing stars, I had overheated and couldn't cool down, even though I was sweating profusely. I kept having to kneel down to try to stop the flashing lights. It worked but then every time I stood up again the flashing lights came back. Not a great situation! Luckily I spotted some water in the corner, and refilled my water bottle and remembering a trick from Israel, poured some cold water on my hat and put it on my head - it was instant relief! I stopped sweating and, calmed down, the flashing lights disappeared and I could join in. Phew! Guess I wouldn't be a great jungle explorer!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QZYZEfPcPBuZweAkCH5aiD3EEHPLduqCAdE9xrm3pls61djanU7WCi10dz1bF7qa3X5LPyXNj2g6xF0QJKfahcdd_DZy_6BZ75_TWbQLh-k_sWjSbkDRClp5FaFhaVTcc7ZK70dwpQ3K9SXjouEhoBaWKzvpoH7EVGjcfbQ2EE6Tew5HYq5lOYZIR40/s4032/IMG_7259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QZYZEfPcPBuZweAkCH5aiD3EEHPLduqCAdE9xrm3pls61djanU7WCi10dz1bF7qa3X5LPyXNj2g6xF0QJKfahcdd_DZy_6BZ75_TWbQLh-k_sWjSbkDRClp5FaFhaVTcc7ZK70dwpQ3K9SXjouEhoBaWKzvpoH7EVGjcfbQ2EE6Tew5HYq5lOYZIR40/w300-h400/IMG_7259.JPG" width="300" /></a>So we all had some roast monkey (pork), soup and eggs with rice and it was very lovely.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPMA4-87cY1MXc_oqJeGUWe42sK8oZG3Dq95skUXc-jx2_z-j9LWTOrfyT7spNS3ZR5EYsWrX5zebUVKFACa2PnvXw6XtQNXb9WbaM9C415WyYWgdJ6wVr18U-KXi0sdqAp4WYKcL3bqVNFf-VNmZUwexjJIPCn6NzxsJ_bkXZuDc6xMv7tVmPguDRuw/s4032/IMG_7261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPMA4-87cY1MXc_oqJeGUWe42sK8oZG3Dq95skUXc-jx2_z-j9LWTOrfyT7spNS3ZR5EYsWrX5zebUVKFACa2PnvXw6XtQNXb9WbaM9C415WyYWgdJ6wVr18U-KXi0sdqAp4WYKcL3bqVNFf-VNmZUwexjJIPCn6NzxsJ_bkXZuDc6xMv7tVmPguDRuw/w300-h400/IMG_7261.JPG" width="300" /></a>We then walked back a much shorter way to the canoes and the camp (I don't think we ever got that far from the camp - the forest is so thick that you can't see more than a meter or two! We jumped in the shower, packed up and left our suitcases for the porters to pick up (very posh) and went up to the dinning room to say thank you to Nong - she was a perfect guide, full of fun, knowledge and a very good and calm manner.</p><p>We then were shown our vehicle (air conditioned - yay) for our transfer to Khao Lak and away we went.</p><p>The transfer took 1hr 15mins, along lots of back roads - so a pleasant ride. We checked into the hotel - which was massive. Our room is super massive - Tom has his own big room off ours and is delighted. There are lots of pools, and it looks out on the beach. The rooms are wonderfully air conditioned too and our bed is massive. Think we will be ok here. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtzq4BAsiRZWTovGXvO2O1QdqLm07DdsmvJoc642PZA3pPDIxjLN2ZdGpJ56i1P9C389VKd3VqGHFPg2ATC4mtRLKtmNqgylhJHndy5p425bO6AVjWKLe-QxceXzdK5LDzp9KSgoMsNsPJm5VxKxQiyq9v93wDbw59W-1wJsPV-zV64Z0lC5eBHTyoEw/s4032/IMG_3967%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtzq4BAsiRZWTovGXvO2O1QdqLm07DdsmvJoc642PZA3pPDIxjLN2ZdGpJ56i1P9C389VKd3VqGHFPg2ATC4mtRLKtmNqgylhJHndy5p425bO6AVjWKLe-QxceXzdK5LDzp9KSgoMsNsPJm5VxKxQiyq9v93wDbw59W-1wJsPV-zV64Z0lC5eBHTyoEw/w640-h480/IMG_3967%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfVBDGEg1Jgyf_upzEgJQySlYpQHPFG15PdkVnr1pk1YvcT3IRyO_CP8eV9F46ZSBg8qaNmete15bNRzVnK9PygtwlcjHLJikfekAbk1Z9dwaZWg0Tek0zxkZXySvOLM1ZrFTGJbub3K7dHe_TOZKpCHk5kFfCBBM0hPfVZD8v0DcTXMa4sCSUlidVrk/s2025/IMG_3983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="2025" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfVBDGEg1Jgyf_upzEgJQySlYpQHPFG15PdkVnr1pk1YvcT3IRyO_CP8eV9F46ZSBg8qaNmete15bNRzVnK9PygtwlcjHLJikfekAbk1Z9dwaZWg0Tek0zxkZXySvOLM1ZrFTGJbub3K7dHe_TOZKpCHk5kFfCBBM0hPfVZD8v0DcTXMa4sCSUlidVrk/w400-h266/IMG_3983.JPG" width="400" /></a>We went straight out to buy some cold drinks, bit of a hiccup - we had both seen a mini mart from the taxi on the way in, but on looking again, we couldn't find it. Of course it was about 3pm so steaming hot in the direct sunlight. We gave up, walked back, bought our goodies from another shop and then when we were almost back at the hotel, we found the mini mart - argggggggggh.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQzMfPjf7BQKoADDTUsnPH8cnpQ22AXXZuZWKD7DXa2RL0Ixi-pvXaRXZ60Dd2G4RZw0l3vnM-0TOvLTMBeATA9DzWB9yiVRH1YqQfu55VytvmGAya4tF6euW0YTmpmd0YhFmFEHmKZZY1zuc5RVh2B6Y1StkkeQo22ijjzxJkWYhK2oKoNXSSyzOQsY/s4032/IMG_3987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQzMfPjf7BQKoADDTUsnPH8cnpQ22AXXZuZWKD7DXa2RL0Ixi-pvXaRXZ60Dd2G4RZw0l3vnM-0TOvLTMBeATA9DzWB9yiVRH1YqQfu55VytvmGAya4tF6euW0YTmpmd0YhFmFEHmKZZY1zuc5RVh2B6Y1StkkeQo22ijjzxJkWYhK2oKoNXSSyzOQsY/w400-h300/IMG_3987.JPG" width="400" /></a>We had drinks and then explored all the pools. Some of them are long and thin and the basement rooms have their own patio on them, they link together around bars, under bridges etc etc. There are some jacuzzi areas too. We found a second set of pools - the water in them was hotter - a bit like a spa - not sure `I would like that in this weather - you need refreshing water not hot water!</p><p>We ended up in the main pool just by the beach. There was a bar in this pool and next door a huge restaurant where breakfast is served. The beach is a lovely orange sandy colour, but the waves quite big. Not for swimming in, but for paddling only I think.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkoXFsbOVcRjwMXlcCdqDc0AJYv1QzPzbx7TlfKncjHZiZyWvtHnHXoVNjaYevMHI3-ABfNL-ICHEBHE2cu2sAsI24gtNHpyN7xBtyAGYKAW3Dt_raZLqrCI_akFgBouTZQLv0Eifmw5hAI3FF9GMc0upyYOJtCfOGWJDho5kGO2woZbtL-bx0SaycZM/s4032/IMG_3985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkoXFsbOVcRjwMXlcCdqDc0AJYv1QzPzbx7TlfKncjHZiZyWvtHnHXoVNjaYevMHI3-ABfNL-ICHEBHE2cu2sAsI24gtNHpyN7xBtyAGYKAW3Dt_raZLqrCI_akFgBouTZQLv0Eifmw5hAI3FF9GMc0upyYOJtCfOGWJDho5kGO2woZbtL-bx0SaycZM/w300-h400/IMG_3985.JPG" width="300" /></a>Anyway, it was an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. </p><p>Before heading for tea, we decided we would find a bar for a drink - we found one called Moose Bar with a huge Mousse's head outside - perfect! Tom and I were on mocktails whilst Matt had a beer and we played cribbage and found out about a new sport: Florentine Football, basically a huge boxing match with a football!</p><p>We then found a restaurant for tea - where Tom had a carbonara pizza - interesting and a little too rich, I had tamarind pork and Matt a big bowl of curry. All good. We couldn't wait for bed!</p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-91519024613642631262023-08-30T05:40:00.002+01:002023-09-06T13:25:10.455+01:00Holiday: Elephant Hills Day 3<p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaUTTSh1ycJTEq1rxRBtwnjt1K6nPiD5QWYjBI-s2tf9lXgVKCw6U-x-LZYeI5Jp9lYk7q45cBl8V6EwydbDCnmyJ3OV3afw7bwXculjC-PfQx6BPqaVXVhH2cjnZTSh38O6y3N_o601d-tq2cbI6mBOJxBZyYo2wY5mhF2LVEKxOOWTaDT14mUeb8SE/s3516/DSC00252.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3516" data-original-width="2344" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaUTTSh1ycJTEq1rxRBtwnjt1K6nPiD5QWYjBI-s2tf9lXgVKCw6U-x-LZYeI5Jp9lYk7q45cBl8V6EwydbDCnmyJ3OV3afw7bwXculjC-PfQx6BPqaVXVhH2cjnZTSh38O6y3N_o601d-tq2cbI6mBOJxBZyYo2wY5mhF2LVEKxOOWTaDT14mUeb8SE/w213-h320/DSC00252.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrZNswkG0eGKh5Qljkx9y1CMp7bNyQymtF786VAaGxDvhnOMp7efe-TtKEIQL2Eq8-sYENtTSdKUDXQifS--UA8kH5xHtgk5FE3LiB4xHxravjJ7NHEq3dXqj4fO2Qc5r-aVM5UUHsXhE2omKKjcv5gTnzlhqsLH6mXEOlI_vZxqyevv41aD4oNtf9eU/s4805/DSC00253.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3203" data-original-width="4805" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrZNswkG0eGKh5Qljkx9y1CMp7bNyQymtF786VAaGxDvhnOMp7efe-TtKEIQL2Eq8-sYENtTSdKUDXQifS--UA8kH5xHtgk5FE3LiB4xHxravjJ7NHEq3dXqj4fO2Qc5r-aVM5UUHsXhE2omKKjcv5gTnzlhqsLH6mXEOlI_vZxqyevv41aD4oNtf9eU/w400-h266/DSC00253.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;">So, another good night’s sleep - jungle noises and no air con seem to be good for sleep!</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOTilPo7D8n9P8aDMLuKNCcjcNkKUbdI-KmWKoB85ZNDW44r0fHO2OYANIA3j818ETyTfve0221k0mWfuT3cAjqKlMeBx7f2_8WgZhjlpiU1J_16oJ3p3EFX_e3GK0TXKqZcOK7qEhomi7PEMPzpvAIHYQ_L1Ps-IWW8vV8xJ5-M5AN94P1GY4UuXAkw/s4000/DSC00255.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOTilPo7D8n9P8aDMLuKNCcjcNkKUbdI-KmWKoB85ZNDW44r0fHO2OYANIA3j818ETyTfve0221k0mWfuT3cAjqKlMeBx7f2_8WgZhjlpiU1J_16oJ3p3EFX_e3GK0TXKqZcOK7qEhomi7PEMPzpvAIHYQ_L1Ps-IWW8vV8xJ5-M5AN94P1GY4UuXAkw/w400-h266/DSC00255.JPG" width="400" /></a>After another wonderful breakfast (with the best bread I have ever tasted!) we congregated at 9am to meet Nong for another trip out. This time we turned left out of the camp, went up a hill (turned cool) then back down again, past some more elephant sanctuaries to Takua Pa where we stopped to visit the market. We all dived into the 7-11 first: air conditioning - lovely and some cold pop. We then had a look around the market. Thailand may have modernised significantly since we were last here but there are still no refrigerators and lots of flies on the meat and fish. We ignored them, however I bought myself a small bag of mangosteens - for old time’s sake. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tasted as good as I remember! We then found a sell everything shop. Matt got himself T-shirt nu 5 of the holiday. It had a homewares section and had some moulds but of flowers I didn’t recognise unfortunately. It even sold scout badges - one had a paw print on it - wonder what that was for?!</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL6EUyqVVJ0QSrJ4yYDxtfiZxCYvuFYh_213yF9hdrZb1DzkeofkOVqlZa8ENz0vxexz9DZuMckLrVbxI0h5UMa7FadSQ3mtf-rE70jeNOmjzvtfAHvUOlfB6rIZyjSKRXrl21Sp9-gpfmrD4AkoZIrSqli3NyuiiZU41QljKvZPqfeHT_cNpz0SaLbk/s4608/P1030796.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL6EUyqVVJ0QSrJ4yYDxtfiZxCYvuFYh_213yF9hdrZb1DzkeofkOVqlZa8ENz0vxexz9DZuMckLrVbxI0h5UMa7FadSQ3mtf-rE70jeNOmjzvtfAHvUOlfB6rIZyjSKRXrl21Sp9-gpfmrD4AkoZIrSqli3NyuiiZU41QljKvZPqfeHT_cNpz0SaLbk/s320/P1030796.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qJbYUGdPUpB1jcw7JLfR15TOBuN5Y_pwkGdaLII5pY8r44HLB7sltwgE6hp5oVu806pk-4vDoKaMODtThZgGTj0qoMz0lsjH_ULloc6u9hM-3sML_grkxHvZIWnWObNLwbIMU0TNMMidevuqTWxIoHKtDxN9fmIBBvqCl8-HDpdbRsv5uRkk_5Kt49E/s4608/P1030795.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qJbYUGdPUpB1jcw7JLfR15TOBuN5Y_pwkGdaLII5pY8r44HLB7sltwgE6hp5oVu806pk-4vDoKaMODtThZgGTj0qoMz0lsjH_ULloc6u9hM-3sML_grkxHvZIWnWObNLwbIMU0TNMMidevuqTWxIoHKtDxN9fmIBBvqCl8-HDpdbRsv5uRkk_5Kt49E/s320/P1030795.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gYqyq-e9cAecXgqIHX8awIDjkcO9GFADZxmvSWX7JNDpLhynbrnMdi2lSHSnb7gXzHJfjpbYhrFeyGo0MdUM8IukO83M98uF0PQa3cML3euCdq6NE1426nUpOagFfE_JHDWXUDe3nKurIpgqn7IKovqbH_W958ldoP5v0ze2U269lRpT3448P4Qufec/s4000/DSC00267.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2352" data-original-width="4000" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gYqyq-e9cAecXgqIHX8awIDjkcO9GFADZxmvSWX7JNDpLhynbrnMdi2lSHSnb7gXzHJfjpbYhrFeyGo0MdUM8IukO83M98uF0PQa3cML3euCdq6NE1426nUpOagFfE_JHDWXUDe3nKurIpgqn7IKovqbH_W958ldoP5v0ze2U269lRpT3448P4Qufec/w400-h235/DSC00267.JPG" width="400" /></a>We then got on the bus to a pier Sapan Phra Pier to get on a speed boat along the Lat Tha Chi River. It was fast, nippy and (of course) very loud. Today we were exploring mangrove swamps. The speed boat took us to a floating pontoon, where we set up our base. We went swimming as soon as we arrived - the water was salty, we were just around the corner from the sea. Anyway it was very refreshing.</p><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirshobo42Apm2a0S5xDF4fgfJ9VlEpUjLQYYeHQBdd6pXrLUDjJY7dDgLnQXp-FwtzmWpgwomhVWO8gpunIS4h6nnn0sYVe3Y_ywghTJqRtUCvV_3pR8XW66n9s8R9BnNbWcMWdHUFhQJL61_85F9nJ-YUemfEpzuR_amtKg1gXaqG6T-_YDTiN1A5hhE/s4032/IMG_3961.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirshobo42Apm2a0S5xDF4fgfJ9VlEpUjLQYYeHQBdd6pXrLUDjJY7dDgLnQXp-FwtzmWpgwomhVWO8gpunIS4h6nnn0sYVe3Y_ywghTJqRtUCvV_3pR8XW66n9s8R9BnNbWcMWdHUFhQJL61_85F9nJ-YUemfEpzuR_amtKg1gXaqG6T-_YDTiN1A5hhE/w400-h300/IMG_3961.JPG" width="400" /></a>We had lunch: deep fried ebi, chicken katsu, the most delicious green curry, rice, veg and pineapple. We tried not to over stuff ourselves! </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Next activity was kayaking in the mangroves. Tom and I partnered up and we’re ok at it. Unfortunately we didn’t see much - although I did see a white egret.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Back to the pontoon for another swim and then back on the speed boats to another part of the river which is known locally as mini Amazon for its flora. On the way a Lesser Fish Eagle swooped over us. Very rich in vegetation, saw another Egret, a Kingfisher and a Woodpecker and a couple of snakes. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpjOQJyG0Doi1jzZLaEpqx4tiPb2T3DvH4BYmjMYqijmtCgiX8UVN8c55Kr61bbmtt5E1q4aSCAnQbl_jS40bUYqSNipjCxNx7Fvjzn2MzplOidqEuTs1T05lYRMoapU8SSgLnoxwdHe2_viV9xfEkmbqnsi7TBkk6SN96c1_F6VbdIqR-JG8tirL0z0/s4032/IMG_7239.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpjOQJyG0Doi1jzZLaEpqx4tiPb2T3DvH4BYmjMYqijmtCgiX8UVN8c55Kr61bbmtt5E1q4aSCAnQbl_jS40bUYqSNipjCxNx7Fvjzn2MzplOidqEuTs1T05lYRMoapU8SSgLnoxwdHe2_viV9xfEkmbqnsi7TBkk6SN96c1_F6VbdIqR-JG8tirL0z0/w300-h400/IMG_7239.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopZsTvjT8ZA382qcvAgrfQ9FoHppJD8SyjBSTBjsPl8FjzO4ykVyQt-GU5pecm1huxSf520cBojm_R2qZ7MJU9xciM4LNyL3yhJh7Z69zJPDiyP0G5uG82wWnBZlDzNwA_L2jYp_yxQAZlBRbdMp0fYXAbj1fpkz1LGMCqfpszVtAlI2DXvyv2vtZZdE/s4032/IMG_7243.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopZsTvjT8ZA382qcvAgrfQ9FoHppJD8SyjBSTBjsPl8FjzO4ykVyQt-GU5pecm1huxSf520cBojm_R2qZ7MJU9xciM4LNyL3yhJh7Z69zJPDiyP0G5uG82wWnBZlDzNwA_L2jYp_yxQAZlBRbdMp0fYXAbj1fpkz1LGMCqfpszVtAlI2DXvyv2vtZZdE/w400-h300/IMG_7243.jpg" width="400" /></a>Then truck bus back to the camp. A bit of a rest before a game of cribbage (I won - about time too!) and tea. Pad Thai and satay chicken skewers were on today so Matt was very happy. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R2aPcuMxYYrPUhZEzqG1UOFtC_FRwDBc4gPagx94o7xSJstMA9Y0ryXI_9Qgz-AHSBFiwYphbAGPuwHrIiwJcOfkvRkeaLb2ngZ12nOag2Z3l--EKNY0Lw3dm4xzc20xJ0FdXVsAfTWubHyxBJ9BFy0JnFqEHcE4ydrmpy5NXpZxOKFBPyjcLvJNvqw/s4000/DSC00266.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2668" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R2aPcuMxYYrPUhZEzqG1UOFtC_FRwDBc4gPagx94o7xSJstMA9Y0ryXI_9Qgz-AHSBFiwYphbAGPuwHrIiwJcOfkvRkeaLb2ngZ12nOag2Z3l--EKNY0Lw3dm4xzc20xJ0FdXVsAfTWubHyxBJ9BFy0JnFqEHcE4ydrmpy5NXpZxOKFBPyjcLvJNvqw/w266-h400/DSC00266.JPG" width="266" /></a>Spent the evening losing at Uno with Tom whilst Matt did his photos. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV77U2m1V8TG38YnzIRKAxkQFuoyI_pgyKP7IJ03J3HHQCdEBCGI0p6Vk8t9Cb881NBfQOdgmh4QzUVGUjnqK_En3oNFaGXiF01FNAfm5byL8dgYOUdOjRi_6s1OZ7gTtZ5tXvWoLw3KSgIfs8wn3obAzMLK76Kx_YjVgQSL9VbjpoW75X_ahZ4jJnzUQ/s1823/DSC00270.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1823" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV77U2m1V8TG38YnzIRKAxkQFuoyI_pgyKP7IJ03J3HHQCdEBCGI0p6Vk8t9Cb881NBfQOdgmh4QzUVGUjnqK_En3oNFaGXiF01FNAfm5byL8dgYOUdOjRi_6s1OZ7gTtZ5tXvWoLw3KSgIfs8wn3obAzMLK76Kx_YjVgQSL9VbjpoW75X_ahZ4jJnzUQ/w400-h266/DSC00270.JPG" width="400" /></a> </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGNL0vigYBZFl2bCWWgBFeXxebQWRV0defsJJIlp2P7bk5lyTBM1qV3-Py96R8-R3w7481oguiyPvfhuL6itr03iPTnPTZr_IJ7wcuhY9w1aZACL0WN9NtsuJ1ElZ6aVV5BTOFO6BzNEqLq4-D_D9Mte9-rHGeHq-uT-gWbSJa7AWLDQzvmTfY_EnV08/s7952/DSC00264.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadkIIupRZFwqN73Eqltxr2LUFemQ975jPFEyPkE8uNmVjitdxipUO6wfEx6ea3f7IwXryHS3LUJxe2E9cH2UvW3DnZpVeqwXBiNuliRDGb6G1AcUZbI8qx_b9DOQAx7vauOLmUZTQwwNy_gscsLpl9zJm-ogPBatwxTYEhBy61bcO1RA3qWaaO-k23aQ/s4000/DSC00258.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadkIIupRZFwqN73Eqltxr2LUFemQ975jPFEyPkE8uNmVjitdxipUO6wfEx6ea3f7IwXryHS3LUJxe2E9cH2UvW3DnZpVeqwXBiNuliRDGb6G1AcUZbI8qx_b9DOQAx7vauOLmUZTQwwNy_gscsLpl9zJm-ogPBatwxTYEhBy61bcO1RA3qWaaO-k23aQ/w400-h266/DSC00258.JPG" width="400" /><br /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="5304" data-original-width="7952" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGNL0vigYBZFl2bCWWgBFeXxebQWRV0defsJJIlp2P7bk5lyTBM1qV3-Py96R8-R3w7481oguiyPvfhuL6itr03iPTnPTZr_IJ7wcuhY9w1aZACL0WN9NtsuJ1ElZ6aVV5BTOFO6BzNEqLq4-D_D9Mte9-rHGeHq-uT-gWbSJa7AWLDQzvmTfY_EnV08/w400-h266/DSC00264.JPG" width="400" /> <span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGNL0vigYBZFl2bCWWgBFeXxebQWRV0defsJJIlp2P7bk5lyTBM1qV3-Py96R8-R3w7481oguiyPvfhuL6itr03iPTnPTZr_IJ7wcuhY9w1aZACL0WN9NtsuJ1ElZ6aVV5BTOFO6BzNEqLq4-D_D9Mte9-rHGeHq-uT-gWbSJa7AWLDQzvmTfY_EnV08/s7952/DSC00264.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx2TIg-OMScJ3IWIwsA53IK272JnZUuat9L25nib7fJJ_x_h6PnktFd50lp6g2hnSTH5zIg2OPSwZeoBxORYw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-64882314015608040412023-08-30T05:05:00.005+01:002023-08-30T05:25:57.085+01:00Holiday: Elephant Hills Day 2<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;">We had an ok </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZqQxS3EdGnJckjskFavIFXSMQJxBE3nBGa1a_XSvJz-QCc-VVbXXCNhBuejNwBOc6qayYNIoOLQzfufi2WrW8By4Pd2-yKzcoq6W8ZQnUDVApugklMNB3nRbkztASJt275CYvD59fylmRz0Xe6YHVJBtarsAdjrYORyB65okv6Hmba0U64Oa07C84ic/s4000/DSC00191.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZqQxS3EdGnJckjskFavIFXSMQJxBE3nBGa1a_XSvJz-QCc-VVbXXCNhBuejNwBOc6qayYNIoOLQzfufi2WrW8By4Pd2-yKzcoq6W8ZQnUDVApugklMNB3nRbkztASJt275CYvD59fylmRz0Xe6YHVJBtarsAdjrYORyB65okv6Hmba0U64Oa07C84ic/w400-h266/DSC00191.JPG" width="400" /></a>sleep considering we are in a tent in a tropical forest with lots of noises, especially the crickets which were so loud, they sounded like drills!</span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvH8UYE3LVIQxHfEv5CvI7EaukNS-DDcuyJMnaSM12Q8ne3eHUWgmjjwzW052Fha16UIORnPCLVKVLBlvQl3hR31HYGhovDzoPiZeq1Hq65DYZgDi7-BKlcDhsOpH2TfFzFiXgvgqLOA3VL7KF1-6B2q8dEn2Z8PwT6sdmP1_NyJ-mrvdb6q4mql7cK0/s4000/DSC00197.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2668" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvH8UYE3LVIQxHfEv5CvI7EaukNS-DDcuyJMnaSM12Q8ne3eHUWgmjjwzW052Fha16UIORnPCLVKVLBlvQl3hR31HYGhovDzoPiZeq1Hq65DYZgDi7-BKlcDhsOpH2TfFzFiXgvgqLOA3VL7KF1-6B2q8dEn2Z8PwT6sdmP1_NyJ-mrvdb6q4mql7cK0/w213-h320/DSC00197.JPG" width="213" /></a>Breakfast was good - pretty much everything you could want (as long as you didn't want a full English) including really, really good bread. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismdclxbCMOL2lYKDLA2xKyBDWYPNgoLfVz6Hlvh-oyjOL0vriGCbaWrAbeRg-WgAQzJUDmcT-aV_LcCFsfqFwcy44WbwtVGlDjM_ZZIAzNk9FXVTxvp5t07WsyMlMoKeSh4AQ2DYRv1Z8TwEFrE-YVPq7n4sabtPB1C1DLQgY7EID-5rchHZfdTCB_QE/s4032/IMG_7233.JPG" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismdclxbCMOL2lYKDLA2xKyBDWYPNgoLfVz6Hlvh-oyjOL0vriGCbaWrAbeRg-WgAQzJUDmcT-aV_LcCFsfqFwcy44WbwtVGlDjM_ZZIAzNk9FXVTxvp5t07WsyMlMoKeSh4AQ2DYRv1Z8TwEFrE-YVPq7n4sabtPB1C1DLQgY7EID-5rchHZfdTCB_QE/s320/IMG_7233.JPG" width="320" /></a>We got ready for 9am start for a day out on the nearby Cheow Lan Lake. It was an hour's drive in the truck. The lake was made by the Rajjaprabha Dam. Usual story that it flooded a number of villages - but the scenery was stunning - lots of sheer limestone cliffs covered in trees and jutting out of turquoise water. You do wander how the trees manage to grown on such an extreme landscape. We got to a viewpoint first so we could take in the scene - it was magnificent and the viewpoint was planted with lots of gorgeous scented tropical flowers. We walked up a tiny hill to see a buddha and within seconds were sweating big time - it was hot, hot, hot!</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53QLogwu17bfoKeEZssHF-DEn0Ui7LH9lZRF4EWhq8lSxigZ_CfurEPLYFHhAw-HVZv30lDhcXFUEIkOuPb1W_c8u_phJlDN7cgNrIdrCUN0PaDwE2-NO4_QquavqjIY3TMNDvrR7YfFOYBeRGyD48V1lVCraKlwpK1k0beYjYNVDw0x5aScQB6VL7GY/s4000/DSC00209.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53QLogwu17bfoKeEZssHF-DEn0Ui7LH9lZRF4EWhq8lSxigZ_CfurEPLYFHhAw-HVZv30lDhcXFUEIkOuPb1W_c8u_phJlDN7cgNrIdrCUN0PaDwE2-NO4_QquavqjIY3TMNDvrR7YfFOYBeRGyD48V1lVCraKlwpK1k0beYjYNVDw0x5aScQB6VL7GY/w400-h266/DSC00209.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVMVO3sGa4MO434Fc1rgL9gnJWVCjsFf2Ojv0iTkRVXVoRfBTHW-9H6srBCDKbujIoWN7wbxjp6vVpFfjmLcZ8vEESG0Uc57KetcIXf8sJoB5tDODMd8LBZidNojyWMGuynJteX5rub7QK_9U9GVRrGaPQkCjy3P2aqob_l1RPJ6z9aK1TUiI7aHeROo/s4032/IMG_3950%202.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVMVO3sGa4MO434Fc1rgL9gnJWVCjsFf2Ojv0iTkRVXVoRfBTHW-9H6srBCDKbujIoWN7wbxjp6vVpFfjmLcZ8vEESG0Uc57KetcIXf8sJoB5tDODMd8LBZidNojyWMGuynJteX5rub7QK_9U9GVRrGaPQkCjy3P2aqob_l1RPJ6z9aK1TUiI7aHeROo/w400-h300/IMG_3950%202.JPG" width="400" /></a>We then went down to the banks of the river and got on a long tail boat for a lake cruise. I had forgotten just how loud they are - conversation is impossible. However, it didn't matter, the scenery was magnificent, and every now and again we got splashed with water from the lake which was just marvellous. Tom likened the scenery to being in a James Bond film - it really did feel that way - I wonder if there are any secret installations amongst the mountains - we did see some solar panels above a cave...</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicW8B6j6iJFSi97wpqOnQjehihFNfK9dKBDqOP36kF6SM2EnBiUVl7f4FYm1vjZH_crznZhpyDnlvv7FSHcxfrqk_kdUyVn1y4PLhnzcuBxRsDNhkWTn21izErjuqMarplgz8KHRggQzyILFgNz9DSKF6CY7Nqbw0xQLQZAyu92Ngys2-o8nI6WnZa9mE/s4000/DSC00223.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicW8B6j6iJFSi97wpqOnQjehihFNfK9dKBDqOP36kF6SM2EnBiUVl7f4FYm1vjZH_crznZhpyDnlvv7FSHcxfrqk_kdUyVn1y4PLhnzcuBxRsDNhkWTn21izErjuqMarplgz8KHRggQzyILFgNz9DSKF6CY7Nqbw0xQLQZAyu92Ngys2-o8nI6WnZa9mE/w400-h266/DSC00223.JPG" width="400" /></a>Towards the end of the cruise a second boat broke down - so we had to rescue them - managed to get all the families with young children aboard. We then sailed on to Elephant Hill's Lakeside camp - floating tents. Once again an amazing place to wake up - although you wouldn't want to be a sleep walker. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggC_SBOHQiYxAvbGG0SAypMKfDQY9AlIl8zRldcy8ezfv3ZBN3SWxRzKu1hFQX75PWj5KonIFM2LaI8RIPZDqGbedvC3KHI16bF69Xhh16MObbnGtmmfCaWNmixSBBahjvKYaUnNWJdEfy35srM2-P9FuecOFmfng7jfSCMmUgBQcWY_B5GZmhhfYJ3yQ/s3627/DSC00207.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2418" data-original-width="3627" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggC_SBOHQiYxAvbGG0SAypMKfDQY9AlIl8zRldcy8ezfv3ZBN3SWxRzKu1hFQX75PWj5KonIFM2LaI8RIPZDqGbedvC3KHI16bF69Xhh16MObbnGtmmfCaWNmixSBBahjvKYaUnNWJdEfy35srM2-P9FuecOFmfng7jfSCMmUgBQcWY_B5GZmhhfYJ3yQ/w400-h266/DSC00207.JPG" width="400" /> </a>We arrived, got ready for a swim, then had lunch - oodles of curry and some amazing tamarind pork ribs with brown rice and some interesting Thai desserts - one called 'Tom Mudd'. Once lunch was over we jumped off the pontoon into the lake - such a relief to be in the cool water - we were made to wear life jackets as the lake was 20 meters deep. This meant that really you didn't need to swim at all but just float - was lovely.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There was also the chance to kayak around the lake shore, so we all got ourselves in one for an explore. However, it was very hot and very sunny, and we could feel ourselves beginning to burn, so we decided to go back and swim. It was the right decision, one lad didn't put on any suncream and didn't appear the following day because of sun burn!</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBQYEBQVk2sLOpI-WjbVCBcHFtC_7USJTBxKD67u-XSR8bgoe79oZkr4UaEKP_mdSANUW3mGGi1QDO0Uj_n7Hh6kyBioY-IS4HDf6J9XBmfLVq2JKYU3gtGczYzl-E933M2MgeoPCHeL9eyexrSI25PABPEMbupsFmDnj3mQUY3nsrtJ17fSOF_8Wghw/s6864/DSC00219.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6864" data-original-width="4576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBQYEBQVk2sLOpI-WjbVCBcHFtC_7USJTBxKD67u-XSR8bgoe79oZkr4UaEKP_mdSANUW3mGGi1QDO0Uj_n7Hh6kyBioY-IS4HDf6J9XBmfLVq2JKYU3gtGczYzl-E933M2MgeoPCHeL9eyexrSI25PABPEMbupsFmDnj3mQUY3nsrtJ17fSOF_8Wghw/w266-h400/DSC00219.JPG" width="266" /></a><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxK6QfyGD8hZcXcmYJc8-MJzd4ij9KjKeWbzWyRpf8hkTu0rhj2OOhr6NM0n9gu2WXCPJsEt59enf5KuR_edg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We did some top bombing - I of course was thinking I was 20 something again, joined in and 'bang' one of my ears went! Being old is no fun! I used the ladder to get in and out for the rest of the day.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZC7vcZQkTq3CE_4pQYbyBGTWWg_ohpAyKqvmAL3um88I_V-eZp9vy37fYoWneSJrDqazkAFDG09xN4F9vFP5CPUmXN2sL0FDj-Ts33FkpIrX9t3EO1IAWXUlc_wcxPToFFBrH9Wk0oos7i59KH7A_t-vX0Z9_M5emTpzrnOfiG7f1K6e-ruGn7vmtfEU/s7952/DSC00218.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5304" data-original-width="7952" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZC7vcZQkTq3CE_4pQYbyBGTWWg_ohpAyKqvmAL3um88I_V-eZp9vy37fYoWneSJrDqazkAFDG09xN4F9vFP5CPUmXN2sL0FDj-Ts33FkpIrX9t3EO1IAWXUlc_wcxPToFFBrH9Wk0oos7i59KH7A_t-vX0Z9_M5emTpzrnOfiG7f1K6e-ruGn7vmtfEU/w400-h266/DSC00218.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We got the Long tail boat back - much shorter distance this time, then an hour back on the truck - both Tom and I fell asleep! We had some pop corn on arrival and then had an hour to shower etc before the next documentary (about elephants) more Thai dancing and tea - more excellent Thai food: creamy coconut curry, tamarind. Passa fish being the best. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We played our evening game of cribbage - Tom won, then Uno - Tom won! </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We went to bed very tired!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA7rvmL9AeyDohzDLlRAWUxGjyQO5UZtXGMYZI4IVPFDUxK1uvYTexqPx9q14O6q9orgzfZO8lFkpRYH3gU_8Q5TEwBlxCBqt_J_PlKMhTBmaPfAug1occOhlwi3L763b6-KHUWPl0sc61dvpr7APFmXoginDG4bhQsiKTLuaiYfUtG--V0L9Gq__1GQ/s6120/DSC00227.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2190" data-original-width="6120" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA7rvmL9AeyDohzDLlRAWUxGjyQO5UZtXGMYZI4IVPFDUxK1uvYTexqPx9q14O6q9orgzfZO8lFkpRYH3gU_8Q5TEwBlxCBqt_J_PlKMhTBmaPfAug1occOhlwi3L763b6-KHUWPl0sc61dvpr7APFmXoginDG4bhQsiKTLuaiYfUtG--V0L9Gq__1GQ/w640-h230/DSC00227.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-24631871033052560432023-08-29T09:10:00.002+01:002023-08-30T04:53:16.951+01:00Holiday: Elephant Hills - Day 1<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4j6e1Bw1ItFjtRjT1b6UGhAIoQBSsIZehuny-My4VWDGCTC2ZLxz2LbMFYOMjyne-5LJxB1PYcwuSKmdrOXJ8VdH_bw0MlXlmwvXZyCKqjX3nvW4daItK1tXhF969RCGQbV5MqrDVGntqVj0usVeeVGzEVgdEtMZU1iwsuYkiY-m4Hn1Cg4BSuI8SwM8/s4032/IMG_7146.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi--YCFPegxbaRtEJtRZIEvs-kkWX51uUIMcDNDa4uG27lpHMa_etnxU1O6co55VYaAIgGc3qNNeCisErB8Bxy5qupNTuTwHscxQuGyCWd864eOkS-b-S4qE8IsK0CTF_Kq-IozH5Du-9lPppFUTp71N35iO3VnPwZIgjRdDAnv2QkJhMtQpWaAFzK35wk/s4032/IMG_7150.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi--YCFPegxbaRtEJtRZIEvs-kkWX51uUIMcDNDa4uG27lpHMa_etnxU1O6co55VYaAIgGc3qNNeCisErB8Bxy5qupNTuTwHscxQuGyCWd864eOkS-b-S4qE8IsK0CTF_Kq-IozH5Du-9lPppFUTp71N35iO3VnPwZIgjRdDAnv2QkJhMtQpWaAFzK35wk/w240-h320/IMG_7150.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4j6e1Bw1ItFjtRjT1b6UGhAIoQBSsIZehuny-My4VWDGCTC2ZLxz2LbMFYOMjyne-5LJxB1PYcwuSKmdrOXJ8VdH_bw0MlXlmwvXZyCKqjX3nvW4daItK1tXhF969RCGQbV5MqrDVGntqVj0usVeeVGzEVgdEtMZU1iwsuYkiY-m4Hn1Cg4BSuI8SwM8/w400-h300/IMG_7146.JPG" style="text-align: center;" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were up at 6.45 after a lovely sleep at Khanom. We walked to the restaurant where we were expected. We all went for Thai breakfast this morning: stir fried rice with either chicken or pork all round.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0Yvu7YFOnWuJHvwNZVczER2QHAlLk5e7dsjqve61gugioSH3HO-zvah3URjV_YI-JQbZfVk63yuWN2p590j_wtkp9a1mGtPwbY17xHTMPGVasMCEP7PGnsJSSuvwIV-2nBY0DMLgW_DnXF5rppoZ5nTahFKWujOsnoShVBt35oJeS0zTawsO_TyqkHs/s4032/IMG_3936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0Yvu7YFOnWuJHvwNZVczER2QHAlLk5e7dsjqve61gugioSH3HO-zvah3URjV_YI-JQbZfVk63yuWN2p590j_wtkp9a1mGtPwbY17xHTMPGVasMCEP7PGnsJSSuvwIV-2nBY0DMLgW_DnXF5rppoZ5nTahFKWujOsnoShVBt35oJeS0zTawsO_TyqkHs/w640-h480/IMG_3936.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />At 7.50 as expected the transfer to Elephant Hills appeared. We said a fond farewell to our exclusive hotel and got onboard. We were the only ones, so we spread out and enjoyed the 2.5 hour trip across the Thai peninsula to the camp. It was a very scenic ride - the country is so lush and green. We arrived and all the paperwork with our names was ready on the table for us to fill in - so efficient. We also received a pink drink each - no idea what it was?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiRfc5YdclG8Oi6AYq5KeV4wFUuPZHFnKwFCNhJ4JvXpFQ6Fjbj28fQgt35c5wkAcgiSbf6jC2RCi2NIWSnrZyYd-np5rXWyASX7s0PU_VpOO8bKbPZ9zJ9U2xwwLrr7Az5rjQvM5_fl0Iz0q87elPYocg6MeQOUHdo3XmMAcwvMhN-W5knLEYmR29TA/s4032/IMG_7160.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiRfc5YdclG8Oi6AYq5KeV4wFUuPZHFnKwFCNhJ4JvXpFQ6Fjbj28fQgt35c5wkAcgiSbf6jC2RCi2NIWSnrZyYd-np5rXWyASX7s0PU_VpOO8bKbPZ9zJ9U2xwwLrr7Az5rjQvM5_fl0Iz0q87elPYocg6MeQOUHdo3XmMAcwvMhN-W5knLEYmR29TA/w300-h400/IMG_7160.JPG" width="300" /></a>After a little wait, we were escorted to our tent - it is massive - and very well provisioned. A king sized bed for us and a single bed for Tom, a desk, wardrobe, dressing table and out the back a huge bathroom with shower and toilet. The main part of the tent was canvas, the bathroom cement. The whole tent was covered with a roof made of banana plant leaves and there were some hammocks and chairs out on the veranda. We had electric lights and fans. It was spotless and very comfortable. We may not have air conditioning, but it was as luxurious as it could be without it.</div><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kOGZ2brViaBESM10c6SODEki6G8rs8JpPzQiCyodD9-jHg8Q1A625-bgT_6v1jCRPxKZlW4JYFH8YYFnoBCe2DjOYspq4nYXYBWapemoiKDY8mwK0VR6VxxlQM4HvAWmMVGpRCN2plntpWDFyNovsFwkCOVgEK_hr8_M3x11EkFHNzfi2JLthoFqlkA/s4032/IMG_7163.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kOGZ2brViaBESM10c6SODEki6G8rs8JpPzQiCyodD9-jHg8Q1A625-bgT_6v1jCRPxKZlW4JYFH8YYFnoBCe2DjOYspq4nYXYBWapemoiKDY8mwK0VR6VxxlQM4HvAWmMVGpRCN2plntpWDFyNovsFwkCOVgEK_hr8_M3x11EkFHNzfi2JLthoFqlkA/w300-h400/IMG_7163.JPG" width="300" /></a>We were told to wait for the gong and then turn up for lunch. So, we heard the gong and set off to the dining room - we were in the nearest tent to it so were up first. Lunch was Thai - more fried rice with some toppings: chicken / pork / veggies. All very lovey and not too spicy.</p><p style="text-align: left;">After lunch we met our guide Nong, we got in a truck (reminded me a bit of an Encounter truck) and headed 10 minutes down the road to the elephant sanctuary. There were 11 elephants in total, all of which were female, their ages ranged from 17 to 79 (The 79 year old was called 'Not Young'!. All were rescued - mainly from logging operations. Each elephant has a buddy and a mahout. (I kept thinking Nong was saying there were baddies and was thinking that they don't really get on - but it was buddies!) </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4NCP2gA25bn3Od7aEv_qVCSJmmID5BKlBlSGa3n4HzBCPivmVVa4YWoiBsWvd6BVDpHCZwB9q4FdLLxQUSjbC7bCQJVeinD8fpqTgBF5NAv9_Ru-8WypU54GXu3KTK8gHzd3UGSzZL6vsRtt1y0xmMWsigDA9NS_2Q5KDe8bp6rgu5yS1ogLufzCgR4/s4032/IMG_7171.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4NCP2gA25bn3Od7aEv_qVCSJmmID5BKlBlSGa3n4HzBCPivmVVa4YWoiBsWvd6BVDpHCZwB9q4FdLLxQUSjbC7bCQJVeinD8fpqTgBF5NAv9_Ru-8WypU54GXu3KTK8gHzd3UGSzZL6vsRtt1y0xmMWsigDA9NS_2Q5KDe8bp6rgu5yS1ogLufzCgR4/s320/IMG_7171.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1A9eXbLpJnxV91-ls_9MHiA47FoxijZMUDu9AS0pckTua2EJz-bIIjR2Y42Cj_lGVAGPAp4hwiJTsNzC7-IZwr34M6FS2a4Ze5GwpUAbwsLOGmELRwH8zKvucgu8t-cUIx2a6zI8szUpGBJRQC3QentBtiGGETfBliTa9M-zpEXmPzJ-tcT-DpweNfo/s4032/IMG_7168.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1A9eXbLpJnxV91-ls_9MHiA47FoxijZMUDu9AS0pckTua2EJz-bIIjR2Y42Cj_lGVAGPAp4hwiJTsNzC7-IZwr34M6FS2a4Ze5GwpUAbwsLOGmELRwH8zKvucgu8t-cUIx2a6zI8szUpGBJRQC3QentBtiGGETfBliTa9M-zpEXmPzJ-tcT-DpweNfo/s320/IMG_7168.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YE06mB6S686PC8Ae8FRXB3mx3YOGGKtORz8R2tetVP3w-KsUjOfaV49IhO6S0R_uME5HgW4CwgwLZuJ1DNH2W-X9Z8DIHUL_m3LAohE2K2GmAyRsodo4CNq6el5UcnSvUc_6ZlRPM2rmWQcP7vi8frLkjOIVPNGcZfImIuISw73vN7Ac7byarV-nTAk/s4032/IMG_7170.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YE06mB6S686PC8Ae8FRXB3mx3YOGGKtORz8R2tetVP3w-KsUjOfaV49IhO6S0R_uME5HgW4CwgwLZuJ1DNH2W-X9Z8DIHUL_m3LAohE2K2GmAyRsodo4CNq6el5UcnSvUc_6ZlRPM2rmWQcP7vi8frLkjOIVPNGcZfImIuISw73vN7Ac7byarV-nTAk/s320/IMG_7170.JPG" width="240" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Some facts we learnt:</p><p style="text-align: left;">+ The trunk has 100,000 muscles</p><p style="text-align: left;">+ Asian elephants are smaller than African elephants and have smaller ears</p><p style="text-align: left;">+ Asian elephants have 1 finger on their trunks - African ones have 2</p><p style="text-align: left;">+ Asian elephants have 5 toe nails at the front and 4 behind (African have 4:3)</p><p style="text-align: left;">+ They weigh up to 4 tons</p><p style="text-align: left;">+ There are only 3.000 in the wild in Thailand (also 3,000 in captivity). There were 100,000 in 1900.</p><p style="text-align: left;">+ Their trunks can hold 25 litres of water.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz65wzCaYUCkv93Zfmr1Tna28m2u5822-eUqK34IKPfDFyli8vVFWvbHt4SArtxkiHH_QAijDj7lY2EXffIDbQk6cFoGtfJw4HTA7YgKFE0gkP0OT1dciulWof4V6PS7KhTZX3yVZU6IV0VAAsHUV-CjRg2ZmgkVHZRFPfD5nOwuPTgXvw22pjMwfWNU4/s4032/IMG_7186.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz65wzCaYUCkv93Zfmr1Tna28m2u5822-eUqK34IKPfDFyli8vVFWvbHt4SArtxkiHH_QAijDj7lY2EXffIDbQk6cFoGtfJw4HTA7YgKFE0gkP0OT1dciulWof4V6PS7KhTZX3yVZU6IV0VAAsHUV-CjRg2ZmgkVHZRFPfD5nOwuPTgXvw22pjMwfWNU4/s320/IMG_7186.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xW6ej2FYOnv9qUJ0ZX3sQLZhOIr2MnmCa1AAdEnZZrVcMTdES5D9WQ7tYOv314V7eoX8nh8ZWn6CnSh0w15FGkAbKpEm1VCNGQD63VeWLWHfyvYhk7WpkZI8ABdJYb2jQ_q0udJZK6pfvk1k04ZCNKET5isrsNMR1KnFvzvUEPztYfxAg8-sewD_024/s4032/IMG_7177.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xW6ej2FYOnv9qUJ0ZX3sQLZhOIr2MnmCa1AAdEnZZrVcMTdES5D9WQ7tYOv314V7eoX8nh8ZWn6CnSh0w15FGkAbKpEm1VCNGQD63VeWLWHfyvYhk7WpkZI8ABdJYb2jQ_q0udJZK6pfvk1k04ZCNKET5isrsNMR1KnFvzvUEPztYfxAg8-sewD_024/s320/IMG_7177.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmh3lKt9Q7O3IJh2g1aHRLm5a6np_qhg8b1AY21WVL94a9eKDgLuUewTzabd5CEgrfLg3oAT5sSRSJE2bCvUG1i-f0rCduD7D_Q1Nl7wljLe_QWxeExpAG9f_br8puR_g5Tiu_s9zTYG_huWG0MKonuYEHJUtcXI5miu-S5P8iDiYyHuyTG7DYbLx-stw/s4032/IMG_7182.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmh3lKt9Q7O3IJh2g1aHRLm5a6np_qhg8b1AY21WVL94a9eKDgLuUewTzabd5CEgrfLg3oAT5sSRSJE2bCvUG1i-f0rCduD7D_Q1Nl7wljLe_QWxeExpAG9f_br8puR_g5Tiu_s9zTYG_huWG0MKonuYEHJUtcXI5miu-S5P8iDiYyHuyTG7DYbLx-stw/s320/IMG_7182.JPG" width="240" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: left;">We could stroke them, their trunks look smooth but are spiky because of hairs growing out of them. They were very placid.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11TgDoPm8JD0BBC94X_0MaBVldR4LwcdaqCiWMv4v_l1iVRBxLsIOYRRaNnORTUGqNvQDNd8Jyu9Vcv0Qa5sBbSHq_TTIIun7xDytJR3OvY4bQOEkU0b0zCLbwCk-xv7fdPZcPUKRaaUKkn7HLbP3NcgC7zMVoKp0KrzXg06Q1m6_TaSawYj3vXn0e5o/s7952/DSC00151.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrNW1CGg8n1bDDTxJvp_7dslPmxWhu8WGJ-XaZ6khbCMZRlA5fnptlBYC1VGdMfa7sCIPalthhkMbObzoEf2wdJG9RzklhIiWgeEayA2BkED59U8W-4c8tHTTnplaMeBTJdQLV0_oBNcePb_HN20fFRR3IoqAxiR6ZKkhorFiLuXTSrXyV_4NdRSCxbQ/s4032/IMG_3949%202.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrNW1CGg8n1bDDTxJvp_7dslPmxWhu8WGJ-XaZ6khbCMZRlA5fnptlBYC1VGdMfa7sCIPalthhkMbObzoEf2wdJG9RzklhIiWgeEayA2BkED59U8W-4c8tHTTnplaMeBTJdQLV0_oBNcePb_HN20fFRR3IoqAxiR6ZKkhorFiLuXTSrXyV_4NdRSCxbQ/s320/IMG_3949%202.JPG" width="320" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="5304" data-original-width="7952" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11TgDoPm8JD0BBC94X_0MaBVldR4LwcdaqCiWMv4v_l1iVRBxLsIOYRRaNnORTUGqNvQDNd8Jyu9Vcv0Qa5sBbSHq_TTIIun7xDytJR3OvY4bQOEkU0b0zCLbwCk-xv7fdPZcPUKRaaUKkn7HLbP3NcgC7zMVoKp0KrzXg06Q1m6_TaSawYj3vXn0e5o/s320/DSC00151.JPG" width="320" /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrNW1CGg8n1bDDTxJvp_7dslPmxWhu8WGJ-XaZ6khbCMZRlA5fnptlBYC1VGdMfa7sCIPalthhkMbObzoEf2wdJG9RzklhIiWgeEayA2BkED59U8W-4c8tHTTnplaMeBTJdQLV0_oBNcePb_HN20fFRR3IoqAxiR6ZKkhorFiLuXTSrXyV_4NdRSCxbQ/s4032/IMG_3949%202.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sZKzqF657J25xfGy-qP1XmEXADagsPXeEfKOf_hmbIgSHckCsWLH4Blz3JpqwYZd-nZ0QizU_C4UIp6npkdNNJJCAr63WoTb-7pxXI0dIsp1HJhsfkkBIzidG6kkbUOyJEdEeuQEGygsaorULcYONM6rCZXjXpgmp8hr88YfCVRkVMZd2dYCng-k5ZY/s4032/IMG_7192.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sZKzqF657J25xfGy-qP1XmEXADagsPXeEfKOf_hmbIgSHckCsWLH4Blz3JpqwYZd-nZ0QizU_C4UIp6npkdNNJJCAr63WoTb-7pxXI0dIsp1HJhsfkkBIzidG6kkbUOyJEdEeuQEGygsaorULcYONM6rCZXjXpgmp8hr88YfCVRkVMZd2dYCng-k5ZY/w400-h300/IMG_7192.JPG" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">We made them some snacks: each person was given 2 pineapples and some sugar cane which we had to cut up with a machete - yes, kids included! We also had a big bunch of bananas to break up and then we made them a parcel with a bulb of tamarind, salt and rice husks, rolled up with a banana leaf. We then got to feed the elephants. It was fun. Some of them were choosy, only wanting bananas or pineapples, whilst others ate what ever you gave them. We all ended up covered in elephant saliva. A lovely experience. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe_IYcqJ3Qw0kyVVJvfs-OBKr0fCmJ-Ah363BfOyWvNOvOjNHIeE2fCgVK9-Zv6O5RdE-57w_S765RPrlmS8ghZ6QQjiIyhCtkiCDfjVyd7oYzfpd4mGtlzAWPhb1e4Ggyj2MAz4iSkgYX9C2LyobdoFnlV9L9RTq4SMADee-JBpKQtmINMVrmk9ZFwc/s3712/DSC00169.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3712" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe_IYcqJ3Qw0kyVVJvfs-OBKr0fCmJ-Ah363BfOyWvNOvOjNHIeE2fCgVK9-Zv6O5RdE-57w_S765RPrlmS8ghZ6QQjiIyhCtkiCDfjVyd7oYzfpd4mGtlzAWPhb1e4Ggyj2MAz4iSkgYX9C2LyobdoFnlV9L9RTq4SMADee-JBpKQtmINMVrmk9ZFwc/w400-h266/DSC00169.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />Afterwards, the elephants went in groups down to a pool for a splash. One pooed big time in it which was funny, but mainly they were having fun and we loved watching them. Could have stayed there all day.</p><p style="text-align: left;">However, we had other activities to do. First though Nong found us all some rambutans to eat - these were the mystery fruit from breakfast in Bangkok. They weren't lychees - but look and taste very similar to them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmFiUsC_PFZeiOvMH34SOXz3mVcBDpW2Ed_HpPTjOuEAtSvv2vMz3ZZqjWfo5ux3illSXvXYEiqaC-fEeADp-FTTi8dILqqL9N0VIEoD_2f_nx-DQgCEv9OBB_GFwT5MqF5Du2BXypqP3BooTPiiZxm4nX-tbLnrgZq20qzg_ZTH9LMYvwYruCHzO_14/s7830/DSC00159%202.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="7830" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmFiUsC_PFZeiOvMH34SOXz3mVcBDpW2Ed_HpPTjOuEAtSvv2vMz3ZZqjWfo5ux3illSXvXYEiqaC-fEeADp-FTTi8dILqqL9N0VIEoD_2f_nx-DQgCEv9OBB_GFwT5MqF5Du2BXypqP3BooTPiiZxm4nX-tbLnrgZq20qzg_ZTH9LMYvwYruCHzO_14/w640-h224/DSC00159%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_HTqFACuKINF-3V0frTt1ZxybV0hdGSG59F3FbnG9xE29DrOKgf7KNmDEWXjcm9_VofPgMoPDhhj3xhXS3GmV4P309XWYLStrhsBPwRGBQIIJ3Odo8pt-1PHKW6zsFFNabz5EogHqpTmZSsXB8KYeK3mU1fYWGNbVGE-RH5257-Fm3LGX5mqSfCqjUU/s4608/P1030773.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_HTqFACuKINF-3V0frTt1ZxybV0hdGSG59F3FbnG9xE29DrOKgf7KNmDEWXjcm9_VofPgMoPDhhj3xhXS3GmV4P309XWYLStrhsBPwRGBQIIJ3Odo8pt-1PHKW6zsFFNabz5EogHqpTmZSsXB8KYeK3mU1fYWGNbVGE-RH5257-Fm3LGX5mqSfCqjUU/w400-h300/P1030773.JPG" width="400" /></a>We then headed down to the river, where we got in inflatable canoes and were paddled down the river, by a guide who was looking for wildlife. We saw 2 x Mangrove Cat Snakes hanging in trees, 4 otters, some frogs, a snake in the water, some long tailed macaques, butterflies and the most amazing karst scenery: sheer vertical cliffs rising out of the rainforest. It was a beautiful, if sweaty experience.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtneit5ZiLC6hwjqD-EhIf6VIlzsD651_DVDftJbtYPAEwIT_OUc-Id2OLGMCZhdkfjGy99T0XguV7a6magSAGNxiyI493DBImVMtz4Ap40GH3LhyQAvkXY1I6aR8Ydw9HWXXR7iEPzwg5E9HswqnLH958hlI6vJPjbQdK3CMcl2MhJd7ogvx3tVvhh4Q/s7952/DSC00182.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7952" data-original-width="5304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtneit5ZiLC6hwjqD-EhIf6VIlzsD651_DVDftJbtYPAEwIT_OUc-Id2OLGMCZhdkfjGy99T0XguV7a6magSAGNxiyI493DBImVMtz4Ap40GH3LhyQAvkXY1I6aR8Ydw9HWXXR7iEPzwg5E9HswqnLH958hlI6vJPjbQdK3CMcl2MhJd7ogvx3tVvhh4Q/w266-h400/DSC00182.JPG" width="266" /></a>We then headed back to the camp, where we had a shower each, watched a film about the jungle, watched some Thai children do some traditional Thai dancing and had dinner - more rice with fried stuff and curry - all very lovely. We ate well.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CKU1OpnGvQnOyS-TiYBWcMddE-Ck1yd6dlNzJMAhNHk9OeCQdBnXiGjXS3jcIzKydyqBOdUXeWac-yOdhMEgFseoBUXC4O35wOZbaGepWtPtFZX3c2zAhSUr8qQlqY24W08wIrAjyb4lSSq7ip_nVY9ULwPkDcJ_mf8ejyitqziQ23-WLpm1f3F22Wc/s4608/P1030783.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CKU1OpnGvQnOyS-TiYBWcMddE-Ck1yd6dlNzJMAhNHk9OeCQdBnXiGjXS3jcIzKydyqBOdUXeWac-yOdhMEgFseoBUXC4O35wOZbaGepWtPtFZX3c2zAhSUr8qQlqY24W08wIrAjyb4lSSq7ip_nVY9ULwPkDcJ_mf8ejyitqziQ23-WLpm1f3F22Wc/s320/P1030783.JPG" width="320" /></a>Then a game of cribbage and to bed - we were all shattered!</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxEq4WUrycXk_LGWWYvIeRHthW9OFhOSbkFl_PgzFXqixQGSEpxVYpvHGrxQKQ4CU8YDBROpV7sZ2pZr4oekw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwM8TfKBAYhcHcdENaKWyDhZwygRv5864e-_VI4LuaX8YbUIhPpB-_4iKZfeojMSkpFKfBMMsb8x9Ki0oGfrA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gcMst8NgWIwYtKKEp61id8q-s5X9IhriLv5wShV8X6pM-d71mGrVv8PHoLKUF1NhP60J10aGeCDD-v0Vl1YmubogYa6RoUIJq3vRPJ9XPEuTV-2LslYGzzBfUi0ZZ2bJQVwwfpNdgh40qIFqQf2EeSsOcCG-jmWNp5C2fw1EK0GIA1NFn172CMqGqLU/s4032/IMG_3944%202.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gcMst8NgWIwYtKKEp61id8q-s5X9IhriLv5wShV8X6pM-d71mGrVv8PHoLKUF1NhP60J10aGeCDD-v0Vl1YmubogYa6RoUIJq3vRPJ9XPEuTV-2LslYGzzBfUi0ZZ2bJQVwwfpNdgh40qIFqQf2EeSsOcCG-jmWNp5C2fw1EK0GIA1NFn172CMqGqLU/w400-h300/IMG_3944%202.JPG" width="400" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-E6NSLpCky99mNQE1OfDNdGbXBs5rO7bYbHvtj66p54s0pI8YSAR7f86NE1loE0ICUifqwP4BGynmUZqw3tetYshkuGU9TVxX7amKdLth-ixeR_ST0DSAWWWzDUru3lejeZOT6mOGisTtrYOjgBzKL4Pv_n4Ny1jeeSfvTNG2lJZJLK_r8DbFr589dc/s6448/DSC00131%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6448" data-original-width="3026" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-E6NSLpCky99mNQE1OfDNdGbXBs5rO7bYbHvtj66p54s0pI8YSAR7f86NE1loE0ICUifqwP4BGynmUZqw3tetYshkuGU9TVxX7amKdLth-ixeR_ST0DSAWWWzDUru3lejeZOT6mOGisTtrYOjgBzKL4Pv_n4Ny1jeeSfvTNG2lJZJLK_r8DbFr589dc/w188-h400/DSC00131%202.JPG" width="188" /></a></div></div></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-5502757978921699442023-08-24T15:00:00.001+01:002023-08-24T15:00:15.380+01:00Holiday: Rest Day in Khanom<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BeysI0sQj2knOx42aB03x_viGeTTWQzDxGF0H6Ew32nad6ZN_ZW4dGWGrvbizuE4Oy4tF-LmsAG5EdeQn_JxklBdgC-UJAbdQSTCPfowR-CNkMW2S7j-kF1BIus3hLP2Ja0i6NsDIsmMtztLDjnHjdjQ5m1-_YfFhtmSvCv6Hx8E5TqUZp0Vv5bK5GQ/s4032/IMG_3923.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BeysI0sQj2knOx42aB03x_viGeTTWQzDxGF0H6Ew32nad6ZN_ZW4dGWGrvbizuE4Oy4tF-LmsAG5EdeQn_JxklBdgC-UJAbdQSTCPfowR-CNkMW2S7j-kF1BIus3hLP2Ja0i6NsDIsmMtztLDjnHjdjQ5m1-_YfFhtmSvCv6Hx8E5TqUZp0Vv5bK5GQ/w400-h300/IMG_3923.JPG" width="400" /></a>So we arrived in Surat Tani at 6am - just half an hour late. Our first problem was how we were going to get to our accommodation - as we hadn't been able to pre book a car or taxi. We needn't have worried, we were greeted by a whole load of people offering these services, we were first in line and within 20 minutes we were on our way in a private mini bus. The guide book was right - Surat Tani isn't a pleasant looking place - there was nothing there to make you want to stay and explore more. We were glad to leave. The taxi ride was a good 1.5 hours to Khanom. We were greeted with a lovely private bungalow right on the beach on the Gulf of Thailand with a swimming pool. </p><p>It felt completely deserted when we arrived, they were expecting us, so we checked in easily, were shown to our lovely bungalow, which we turned into a mess almost immediately, and ordered our breakfast - we were starving!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlD0Y4Ty96Lv6lgX8zag-bQSBrebUwydRwVt3Rjq2kkS6mEDXkieypuo6ua7vXKfRj8piluZNL-PrGp9wFdnRlOsf9VDTiwIZvbBaOFyVj7Usjdz0xG9rk7xKnDuMQtFkYTXsH9eCBI6AfKmMdPIB92OnxL2-dXAGYToo5kWVBWF1wCYz6I9aX9nIIAg/s4608/P1030769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlD0Y4Ty96Lv6lgX8zag-bQSBrebUwydRwVt3Rjq2kkS6mEDXkieypuo6ua7vXKfRj8piluZNL-PrGp9wFdnRlOsf9VDTiwIZvbBaOFyVj7Usjdz0xG9rk7xKnDuMQtFkYTXsH9eCBI6AfKmMdPIB92OnxL2-dXAGYToo5kWVBWF1wCYz6I9aX9nIIAg/w400-h300/P1030769.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The lady running the hotel was lovely and very helpful. I mentioned that it was quiet, to which she said we were the only guests. How strange, I have never been in the situation where we are the only guests. It is sort of nice but also sort of weird. We had our breakfast - stir fried rice for the boys and fried eggs with questionable pork products for me. Then we were straight to the pool to cool down - it was bliss. The morning was mainly spent in or around the pool until we were struggling to keep our eyes open when we went back to our bungalow for a lie down. <p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xk7FZbz2YjH_2iYEqXtsEY5l2YP7WA86425FBzcUBEmNaVUF2uE0KOPMNlH2yQEQzxgjln6ieVsqi_E-9EORK4x4DSmrmCKZLKolIfCzZHfPstW6RZojAeO6SLr_HZXdkGNsj7Kgh1UMhqItUj6nqE7jsaihKGbNqjxq3OpKVd0LLurw1bIzUFb0Crs/s4032/IMG_7137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xk7FZbz2YjH_2iYEqXtsEY5l2YP7WA86425FBzcUBEmNaVUF2uE0KOPMNlH2yQEQzxgjln6ieVsqi_E-9EORK4x4DSmrmCKZLKolIfCzZHfPstW6RZojAeO6SLr_HZXdkGNsj7Kgh1UMhqItUj6nqE7jsaihKGbNqjxq3OpKVd0LLurw1bIzUFb0Crs/w300-h400/IMG_7137.JPG" width="300" /></a>Then we had lunch - pork and ginger for me, stir fried stuff with nuts for the boys. Then back to our room for the height of the afternoon heat to catch up on photos/blog/scrapbook.</p><p>It is very beautiful here, lush green mountains hitting blue sea and lots of chickens scrabbling around. We noticed lots of chicken statues as we drove in, so assume they are a province symbol or something? We are getting very attentive service (some people pay A LOT of money for exclusive use of a resort). We aren't really near a town or anything so we will be staying here for the day, although I believe there is a fish restaurant in walking distance so we will go there this evening. We plan to go in the sea this afternoon.</p><p>So our plans changed, the wind got up so Tom no longer wanted to swim in the sea, so we stuck to the pool instead and taught Matt how to do an underwater handstand, after a bit of trial and error he got there and is now looking as good as me and Tom. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMU1qNr4wh9j_EX_4V-SLt-7kRY5jHjNvNGoE2ipFbnCTGSVlVdPf_YkpN3wpYdRWpggmjSidr2iVlv3WUfqVAC5aP-sX3k05IwH1IkT1nOUkCaDwxxCFJuQN8RvSUv_y9kQ40XCXS3qvI1YL-dN3kOZjP6Txw_ftE4CslEnH-X8MCfj1HZAjlkfbnjw/s3976/DSC00118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2652" data-original-width="3976" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMU1qNr4wh9j_EX_4V-SLt-7kRY5jHjNvNGoE2ipFbnCTGSVlVdPf_YkpN3wpYdRWpggmjSidr2iVlv3WUfqVAC5aP-sX3k05IwH1IkT1nOUkCaDwxxCFJuQN8RvSUv_y9kQ40XCXS3qvI1YL-dN3kOZjP6Txw_ftE4CslEnH-X8MCfj1HZAjlkfbnjw/w400-h266/DSC00118.JPG" width="400" /></a>We also didn't go to the fish restaurant as we felt sorry for the staff here - they have been sat around all day waiting for us to need them. The thought of the cook not being wanted for the night was too much - so we ate tea at the hotel. The lady set up a table outside on the veranda so we could watch the sea, which was good. Tom had a MASSIVE plate of Khao Pad Moo whilst Matt and I shared two curries: a Massaman which was delicious and a Yellow Sea Bass curry which was so spicy that it was almost too much to manage (they toned it down for us too!). In the end we fished out the sea bass and left everything else and drank A LOT of water to recover!</p>We then walked along the beach amongst scuttling crabs to try to walk off the food we have eaten today - A LOT! It was a very quiet, very chilled out day in beautiful surroundings, just what we needed after 4 frantic and very hot days in Bangkok and a terrible sleep on the train. <p></p><p>Tomorrow we head to Elephant Hills for 3 nights. I believe there isn't any wifi there, so don't expect any more updates until we head to Khao Lak.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMU1qNr4wh9j_EX_4V-SLt-7kRY5jHjNvNGoE2ipFbnCTGSVlVdPf_YkpN3wpYdRWpggmjSidr2iVlv3WUfqVAC5aP-sX3k05IwH1IkT1nOUkCaDwxxCFJuQN8RvSUv_y9kQ40XCXS3qvI1YL-dN3kOZjP6Txw_ftE4CslEnH-X8MCfj1HZAjlkfbnjw/s3976/DSC00118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-13765663716977765502023-08-24T09:24:00.003+01:002023-08-29T08:24:56.532+01:00Holiday: Bangkok Day 4 - goose shopping and sleeper train<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3x2Km6RohRRndMeD3guzjKFpyrMvHQufJK_bylhxnR0C1Mb4jsMZYhBwCeU1SoZyb8Lt5aVEuqd7YZsqq5fu5FJXAvSYnifsSCzRiRrGBB-bVmaC6nNtm_9d3J1k-sSQgrMHOccvQsD0cj2k_S0jGq98hQ7d0XLS3jR9aYrqzujt8FvviHKjxRFKLSUw/s4032/IMG_3916.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3x2Km6RohRRndMeD3guzjKFpyrMvHQufJK_bylhxnR0C1Mb4jsMZYhBwCeU1SoZyb8Lt5aVEuqd7YZsqq5fu5FJXAvSYnifsSCzRiRrGBB-bVmaC6nNtm_9d3J1k-sSQgrMHOccvQsD0cj2k_S0jGq98hQ7d0XLS3jR9aYrqzujt8FvviHKjxRFKLSUw/w300-h400/IMG_3916.JPG" width="300" /></a>Had a really bad night's sleep last night - not sure why, but couldn't stay asleep. Was actually pleased when the alarm went off at 9am and we all got up for breakfast. We had our usual array of all types of food - no mystery fruit today, the last two days I have selected a mystery fruit for us all to guess. Turns out both were lychees - but very different in looks. The only fresh fruit available today was boring melon!</p><p>We then went back to our room to pack up. Always a task, surprising how full our suitcases are looking already after just a couple of days! Matt went down to collect our laundry, as is always hotel laundry prices were outrageous but on the road the hotel was on were two laundrettes who were charging a fraction of the price, so we took our stuff there. It all came back clean, and neatly tucked (even our knickers). Money well spent!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpi-kGPARFVHsNjAQRvCUjBA3La9Kk9pntQHidlprOhCsPJlS8zZv7Z3tZgrp4wTlVjqveZ5763NsZFUYMh3vBxnewZ1WRHxqpjtOmOJVt2bEh-UZffW_jK-Dgn3l98sNqzqAqLL7MikuzKZh5sHL3Q3jy0QK6hM7CD3GGi_wtuynwBoz0OOICE3_zwNE/s3277/IMG_7266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3277" data-original-width="1332" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpi-kGPARFVHsNjAQRvCUjBA3La9Kk9pntQHidlprOhCsPJlS8zZv7Z3tZgrp4wTlVjqveZ5763NsZFUYMh3vBxnewZ1WRHxqpjtOmOJVt2bEh-UZffW_jK-Dgn3l98sNqzqAqLL7MikuzKZh5sHL3Q3jy0QK6hM7CD3GGi_wtuynwBoz0OOICE3_zwNE/w163-h400/IMG_7266.jpg" width="163" /></a>Once we had fitted everything in, we checked out, left our bags at the hotel and then went to do some more exploring in the city close to us. We got the sky train to Siam to investigate the MBK shopping centre which was a recommended explore. We spent a couple of hours there, having a good explore, there were over 2000 shops, most of which were tiny, but even so the place was enormous and sold pretty much everything you could think of (except chocolate moulds!). We split up into girl and boys so we all got to see what we wanted. As I have mentioned, there was a shocking lack of homewares, but never mind. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwPM4Y4mUM9cTgmA5D04LLsDCnm0lBK2S-ueiHuGE6KiDrGJsSNcpa0Pw1hhhK-7znLBAws1nPhIilZevEgPHzpd3zOzH3WCc0NP0kaML6QGXUj-EIc9GCUEoMRwqwnJU7RD1RecjernsPpc10zxsjaH8gBwkTWHi0IfwnZJezQpFe2GQbSi8F3N51Zs/s4032/IMG_7113.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></p>There was a huge Japanese shop there: Don Don Donki which was like walking into Japan - it had tones of food, stationery, clothes, homewares, laundry stuff, animé stuff, well pretty much everything - was fun to walk round and reminisce. <div><br /></div><div>Actually we have all noticed that there is A LOT of Japanese stuff in Bangkok: restaurants, supermarkets, brands etc in fact every other restaurant seems to be Japanese! Talking of which we had seen signs for Loft and Muji on our way to the MBK centre, so we decided to check them out. <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwPM4Y4mUM9cTgmA5D04LLsDCnm0lBK2S-ueiHuGE6KiDrGJsSNcpa0Pw1hhhK-7znLBAws1nPhIilZevEgPHzpd3zOzH3WCc0NP0kaML6QGXUj-EIc9GCUEoMRwqwnJU7RD1RecjernsPpc10zxsjaH8gBwkTWHi0IfwnZJezQpFe2GQbSi8F3N51Zs/s4032/IMG_7113.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwPM4Y4mUM9cTgmA5D04LLsDCnm0lBK2S-ueiHuGE6KiDrGJsSNcpa0Pw1hhhK-7znLBAws1nPhIilZevEgPHzpd3zOzH3WCc0NP0kaML6QGXUj-EIc9GCUEoMRwqwnJU7RD1RecjernsPpc10zxsjaH8gBwkTWHi0IfwnZJezQpFe2GQbSi8F3N51Zs/w400-h300/IMG_7113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>We spent quite a time in Loft, where Tom fell in love with a giant yellow goose! He walked away from it but then said he was going to get it...I thought he was joking, he disappeared for a couple of minutes and returned with the giant goose in a bag, he had only gone and done it! We each have 30kgs of luggage for this trip - but really, a giant goose?! It's going to be fun taking that with us across Asia!<div><p></p><p>After the purchase, I found one of those cute Japanese style photo booths, so we piled in with the goose for a laugh. We now, of course had a giant goose to cart around with us! We slowly walked back to the skytrain station (via a gift shop that was selling shopping bags from Lancaster and Heysham?!!!!!)</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr3xtB57SrKFkVECqd81jAJeBLz_h_sieYq7MGcnZWM9cda5Re0jfXAsGS0DUwFaXp-HsB77hl3dicwS3nWDiWOjwt9QjAy3B2qLRG6ULvtQTDdRucGvjevF6ZGJ6q9aDVUyNuR0m3FqYbmI8cwV9GO6APIJXFlxGh9XQg2e64LBEk5QKo-S-twQdvN4/s4032/IMG_3919.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr3xtB57SrKFkVECqd81jAJeBLz_h_sieYq7MGcnZWM9cda5Re0jfXAsGS0DUwFaXp-HsB77hl3dicwS3nWDiWOjwt9QjAy3B2qLRG6ULvtQTDdRucGvjevF6ZGJ6q9aDVUyNuR0m3FqYbmI8cwV9GO6APIJXFlxGh9XQg2e64LBEk5QKo-S-twQdvN4/w400-h300/IMG_3919.JPG" width="400" /></a>Next stop was Terminal 21 to pick up some snacks for the sleeper train (French bakery products and crisps) and then to @Palm 18 Bar just next door to our hotel for lunch. We were back to Thai food and decided to do it Thai style (ie place menu items in the middle of the table and everyone help themselves to it. We had prawns in a tamarind sauce, chicken with Thai herbs and stir fried pineapple rice in a pineapple (of course!). All very nice. We then got our bags back, i did a massive repack in Matt's bag to make room for the goose (which only just fitted!), we then loaded them and us onto the hotel's electric tuk tuk, which took us down to the end of the road for us, we then wheeled them to the Metro. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBRqClwY5IXkCvOu0VVk8qlEzER16JCaqYeK6JSqrsYR4k-jnCx2dmaSn8fvGNjG6GRlb36tpaYjZOXuUAEQ31svLqPqWrcg5v1OH7iaFU3WXtsrygEUk1Iaur31dhZWVzJ1S_qyRwByze_IDIwj9pSqvQKM1QPncmkk-nqeghdUGUI-WBc8VTpa81ak/s4032/IMG_3922.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBRqClwY5IXkCvOu0VVk8qlEzER16JCaqYeK6JSqrsYR4k-jnCx2dmaSn8fvGNjG6GRlb36tpaYjZOXuUAEQ31svLqPqWrcg5v1OH7iaFU3WXtsrygEUk1Iaur31dhZWVzJ1S_qyRwByze_IDIwj9pSqvQKM1QPncmkk-nqeghdUGUI-WBc8VTpa81ak/w300-h400/IMG_3922.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbudfUNEicIiRMVmAvu0RHExavFvv4tyT7IF6wzSuHrdL9al87lePzYs0o7arVQiJtH9z_9r1hjNKNaHvCO2gXSGN8Y8BuqH2yDNYrWMd0MKl4beqPwmOybFOKhKoxHwQ0g4Xo0O8tN3y_LfqoQ50567dlvunFGmvWVBD1H2Szhnogz1SRcr0qsv4m5o/s4032/IMG_7116.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbudfUNEicIiRMVmAvu0RHExavFvv4tyT7IF6wzSuHrdL9al87lePzYs0o7arVQiJtH9z_9r1hjNKNaHvCO2gXSGN8Y8BuqH2yDNYrWMd0MKl4beqPwmOybFOKhKoxHwQ0g4Xo0O8tN3y_LfqoQ50567dlvunFGmvWVBD1H2Szhnogz1SRcr0qsv4m5o/w300-h400/IMG_7116.JPG" width="300" /></a>We got the metro to Bang Sue and then to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal - a huge massive, and brand new train station which has been future proofed for lots of high speed trains and is currently very empty - hardly any trains and very few shops. In 10 years time I'm sure it will be bustling!</p><p>We boarded dead on time and got settled in our 1st Class accommodation. Tom and I shared a cabin whilst Matt was next door sharing with an old Thai man. We had interconnecting doors, so had them open to start with, but the old fellow went straight to bed so we felt we should shut them.</p><p>We left dead on time 5.30pm and slowly trundled out of Bangkok, we didn't see much of the city as we left because it was dark, cloudy and raining. Early doors the guard made up our beds, so we all sat on my bunk, enjoyed our tea and then got ready for bed.</p><p>It wasn't a great sleep - think I probably got about an hour in total - and that was in chunks of 10 minutes. The train vibrated, twisted and turned in its tracks, loud station announcements were made when we stopped at them, it jerked every time it started again. Also the air conditioning was set to quite cold. It was lovely to lay down for the night but it wasn't restful, but a great experience none the less. <br /><br /></p></div></div></div>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-30330508311584684032023-08-22T16:13:00.001+01:002023-08-22T16:13:08.473+01:00Holiday: Bangkok Day 3 - Royal Palace, Khao San Road, Tuk Tuk & Boat Rides<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkXNezEaiBDZB_nqZC-rFYMsEKSLuzSl_Mekl0bq6IpJ8Lj44MViDPEoVOdlB-IqOrOUxKWMzE0_kEy7u2uKRoI7stmoMiRTjNABgwKbhbZHzWyJs7dejyhZiKLKG-asw3k2ZL6C_QouLoo_ccQCG41zJs9a4yBeduUcNVkv_FyqCyMWdvolZVNu-ZFo/s4000/DSC00090.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2638" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkXNezEaiBDZB_nqZC-rFYMsEKSLuzSl_Mekl0bq6IpJ8Lj44MViDPEoVOdlB-IqOrOUxKWMzE0_kEy7u2uKRoI7stmoMiRTjNABgwKbhbZHzWyJs7dejyhZiKLKG-asw3k2ZL6C_QouLoo_ccQCG41zJs9a4yBeduUcNVkv_FyqCyMWdvolZVNu-ZFo/w264-h400/DSC00090.JPG" width="264" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVKTdfTgMH4-E8tzzfrUG3JgGWn7FrTvinOVd3wM81u1_AIhR9WIbKUunFFsw9NbpytYB0AopqfnxhAP-xAkT5KlV_ohKgmkACp97TmZGVcObZt7d1C_cPDulDklsnjeoEtkBJWHqInIFq2Qj_u0tDZLwivkkwsjaevVWGrUcZc9bgaOmPLV3XNrraTY/s4000/DSC00087.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2668" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVKTdfTgMH4-E8tzzfrUG3JgGWn7FrTvinOVd3wM81u1_AIhR9WIbKUunFFsw9NbpytYB0AopqfnxhAP-xAkT5KlV_ohKgmkACp97TmZGVcObZt7d1C_cPDulDklsnjeoEtkBJWHqInIFq2Qj_u0tDZLwivkkwsjaevVWGrUcZc9bgaOmPLV3XNrraTY/w266-h400/DSC00087.JPG" width="266" /></a></p><p>We all had a relatively good sleep again last night and woke up ready for the day ahead. We were all feeling better acclimatised to the heat which was good. Today's plan: Grand Palace, Khao San Road, Tuk Tuk ride, boat down the river, return to hotel via MRT. </p><p>We got up at 9, had another monster breakfast and then headed out. We dropped our stinky clothes off at a laundry on the same road as our hotel, and then headed on the skywalk to the MRT station. We got our tokens to Sanam Chai and this time walked past Wat Pho on the way to the Grand Palace. We arrived at the Grand Palace - me in my floaty new elephant trousers, Matt in his trousers, and Tom in his shorts. We knew there was a chance that Tom would be asked to wear a sarong, but he was happy to do that if it meant he could wear shorts for the rest of the day. He was asked to cover up, so we went in the palace clothing store and he was given a pair of elephant trousers. Although he said he didn't want any, when he tried them on he was really taken with them. They didn't quite go with his WBA shirt - but hey, Tom has never been into colour matching so he didn't care!</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifba7uwDFqm9V0P1DRSyTGyWbewkORiux4TCRW6ik9uZVEeb3Jhu217AjO8fxhIWrv-pa6GVOYgxN7yVaAz-mApXAiIvqPMRGTJ_kFwl7ENrcg8sTXo8iV2ANZh2e3OpjOKkeDLfWbRSmUQLk7bIFNOgmIP_Ds0PL3D4DGXsTPSFdZA6RTVMybR7RTrNs/s4000/DSC00095.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifba7uwDFqm9V0P1DRSyTGyWbewkORiux4TCRW6ik9uZVEeb3Jhu217AjO8fxhIWrv-pa6GVOYgxN7yVaAz-mApXAiIvqPMRGTJ_kFwl7ENrcg8sTXo8iV2ANZh2e3OpjOKkeDLfWbRSmUQLk7bIFNOgmIP_Ds0PL3D4DGXsTPSFdZA6RTVMybR7RTrNs/w400-h266/DSC00095.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some demons!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHoz4yfeDQ_iQyolANOXk4nHPrIkHlt4D3xdyaW1BkM03ZRpehttvOw6igznEX3DYENIkSysWZiEDIfEE_kiAl-0FpP3UE5_RxfTNO3zbNAE9F6kUd1OivMht8fOb9lqBC4qkQBEFta79fVsrkWEMMfJTX63cEhkzfjDKgM5Z9qXTj7a0fBdAwSpUnr4/w400-h266/DSC00092.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of gold</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHoz4yfeDQ_iQyolANOXk4nHPrIkHlt4D3xdyaW1BkM03ZRpehttvOw6igznEX3DYENIkSysWZiEDIfEE_kiAl-0FpP3UE5_RxfTNO3zbNAE9F6kUd1OivMht8fOb9lqBC4qkQBEFta79fVsrkWEMMfJTX63cEhkzfjDKgM5Z9qXTj7a0fBdAwSpUnr4/s4000/DSC00092.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtudjZN8MM1Wy2HOKz719zFspL1B9i4QwDoIn6PNaWlAE6KH5G6wMkzaiR_iwhrTXCGagvkAr6Uw0MGEfzXp72PrKsCrLg4jvSmOzIhgp5KVckoF2uP3aewHPyhkaVP6JXZ74klz8j1BA92k60fGnsGzSR1RDZ_uqq9BH_0fcpYtCPeyDhQRlw_NIUyf4/s4032/IMG_7098.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtudjZN8MM1Wy2HOKz719zFspL1B9i4QwDoIn6PNaWlAE6KH5G6wMkzaiR_iwhrTXCGagvkAr6Uw0MGEfzXp72PrKsCrLg4jvSmOzIhgp5KVckoF2uP3aewHPyhkaVP6JXZ74klz8j1BA92k60fGnsGzSR1RDZ_uqq9BH_0fcpYtCPeyDhQRlw_NIUyf4/w300-h400/IMG_7098.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decoration on the temple of the emerald Buddha</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IjKk59T_0LjX1UrC56Ntk-4JMhyXumZBRBiaMW9BlAAhwDdw7srWVjOu0Ui_8LmBp4hbH2N9KCp7TZO8dd4nC-EL8gbmw85qHi64fcdWP9niK52HpRmm2iq0RVQYyh30kM1WbqGpmWk7n3XP6XhDjp451gP1710QtWSekpOnCSi8kgi641pU6LQVPyI/s4032/IMG_7103.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IjKk59T_0LjX1UrC56Ntk-4JMhyXumZBRBiaMW9BlAAhwDdw7srWVjOu0Ui_8LmBp4hbH2N9KCp7TZO8dd4nC-EL8gbmw85qHi64fcdWP9niK52HpRmm2iq0RVQYyh30kM1WbqGpmWk7n3XP6XhDjp451gP1710QtWSekpOnCSi8kgi641pU6LQVPyI/w300-h400/IMG_7103.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A demon guardian</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We walked into another compound full of overly ornate buildings - loads of glittering gold, ornate rooves, scary looking demons etc. Plenty to see and discover. We went to the building of the emerald buddha and spent some time inside enjoying the shade and the very lovely ornate building it was in. We, of course had to remember no shoes, no hats, don't point your feet to the buddha, no photos, and be quiet. Think we managed ok, there were plenty of security around to tell you if you were doing it wrong!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7CCM1UVBEanZLy8t0DPyJEYfm1AXR2fo5mE_iP1iK0RcaQt8WDKS8bKF8095N-Kmv81HkOmMY8tqA4Xgn5UmPrTvlnlT5402ETWmXKn3hZz7CWxds8W-hPaEswSi436IDhZVRiVREIQdRwuR-H_vLW6s8qUZWnFekNzlDCiANxeawVVlticWLBG4z3w/s4032/IMG_3900.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7CCM1UVBEanZLy8t0DPyJEYfm1AXR2fo5mE_iP1iK0RcaQt8WDKS8bKF8095N-Kmv81HkOmMY8tqA4Xgn5UmPrTvlnlT5402ETWmXKn3hZz7CWxds8W-hPaEswSi436IDhZVRiVREIQdRwuR-H_vLW6s8qUZWnFekNzlDCiANxeawVVlticWLBG4z3w/w400-h300/IMG_3900.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of elephants!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We came out of the temple complex to find the Grand Palace, made me happy as there were elephants outside it. We took some time to look at it and then decided to exit and find a tuk tuk to take us to Khao San Road. Both Matt and I had been there in the 1990s as backpackers (at different times) and wanted to go back to see what had become of it. We got there and were slightly disappointed to find it was pretty quiet, clean and (almost) pedestrianised. Neither of us got any memory jogs from the place at all!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFVFEZefvrwXvdAN0cHcSUoQvfy4XWWxTpzMUO-qNigTvWIPdVTq11Px858tu-gFGi9IGMOv6bPGH6CAElU4hL6eq3MxiCWp4uV3qNtWlYEsyhylt4wXduyn3yNO1xnyU62QxtF5PHb7PIfB-lpn_-G3YDq2lfFFCa39F53-4Fq43Phmi5ZYutkkKP04/s4000/DSC00102.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFVFEZefvrwXvdAN0cHcSUoQvfy4XWWxTpzMUO-qNigTvWIPdVTq11Px858tu-gFGi9IGMOv6bPGH6CAElU4hL6eq3MxiCWp4uV3qNtWlYEsyhylt4wXduyn3yNO1xnyU62QxtF5PHb7PIfB-lpn_-G3YDq2lfFFCa39F53-4Fq43Phmi5ZYutkkKP04/w400-h266/DSC00102.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9IsFv-XoyH4qPSDVZA8-fSNSK3ji-bcQ8vSRR2RfRgajfHesRs5rqt2sEJ0_aC9G5ZS7hqtJbA7Sgq3V1G8OQCnJWZXCmepv5F4pY8MtC0OL1D0dEpg3ODHlKAXWbQc3iXZ1CjN4pLhKM1-0TPTTxlWPR-tyHBOwEkcwR1PRXswk0_tAGbX1Rw7P-74/s4000/DSC00103.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9IsFv-XoyH4qPSDVZA8-fSNSK3ji-bcQ8vSRR2RfRgajfHesRs5rqt2sEJ0_aC9G5ZS7hqtJbA7Sgq3V1G8OQCnJWZXCmepv5F4pY8MtC0OL1D0dEpg3ODHlKAXWbQc3iXZ1CjN4pLhKM1-0TPTTxlWPR-tyHBOwEkcwR1PRXswk0_tAGbX1Rw7P-74/w400-h266/DSC00103.JPG" width="400" /></a> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8QDzoMDfyACwdSauowYkGStkXwpaLg8hnCi87VpdQjI5tRX3jgk4nRXF2MuAMMlOfXuWdaKJQbl2w37E8XeADi71TbyjWLjz6nHy_ri2AFXd8HRSzR44CcR0oas1pmPkKRwyQ9lCZtJiu24m52rFRUh4lJF1WYkV5maGLqaMZJxkSt7Wdi-dfV8aZMA/s4032/IMG_7104.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8QDzoMDfyACwdSauowYkGStkXwpaLg8hnCi87VpdQjI5tRX3jgk4nRXF2MuAMMlOfXuWdaKJQbl2w37E8XeADi71TbyjWLjz6nHy_ri2AFXd8HRSzR44CcR0oas1pmPkKRwyQ9lCZtJiu24m52rFRUh4lJF1WYkV5maGLqaMZJxkSt7Wdi-dfV8aZMA/w300-h400/IMG_7104.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the tuk tuk</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUhw8NOk6VJr1ejSt38w5BpiTU4TU7udpmGcczkb0o2jFYAdcQTILAheSgMCDkfkiSsrLDhHX_kyeOBmCIRG2o901Wu-7uzNsVMD31pjd7Ylg17AQqytMGnzUC49PLrTMUJ2_At42PO1boSH3-_oDp-1zE1F4A4sIy-6oPlVUhDcsPKbXkD3EqleInFs/s4032/IMG_3902.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUhw8NOk6VJr1ejSt38w5BpiTU4TU7udpmGcczkb0o2jFYAdcQTILAheSgMCDkfkiSsrLDhHX_kyeOBmCIRG2o901Wu-7uzNsVMD31pjd7Ylg17AQqytMGnzUC49PLrTMUJ2_At42PO1boSH3-_oDp-1zE1F4A4sIy-6oPlVUhDcsPKbXkD3EqleInFs/w400-h300/IMG_3902.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuk Tuk Selfie</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmrUZ0acE8kHt4c8bDnC4-cnAOYaIMBE3Bk2RmsjePaeVqvU8FjFfUR4TBHle1LWh7ssW_gkS604_Ugj9NXJ76bAw9L5YFHu2OELIIRZY9Y2VDyBLfgTNzxgxMvFI-0AnQvK9q1MYgQnJ5tD5sRc4qG-7dST_KGrJNvZyC_U-lkDnilHbnOsRAPC8WPM/s4032/IMG_7105.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmrUZ0acE8kHt4c8bDnC4-cnAOYaIMBE3Bk2RmsjePaeVqvU8FjFfUR4TBHle1LWh7ssW_gkS604_Ugj9NXJ76bAw9L5YFHu2OELIIRZY9Y2VDyBLfgTNzxgxMvFI-0AnQvK9q1MYgQnJ5tD5sRc4qG-7dST_KGrJNvZyC_U-lkDnilHbnOsRAPC8WPM/w300-h400/IMG_7105.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mocktails in a bar in Khao San Road</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Oh well, we found a bar to have a mocktail and then did a bit of shopping. Sling bag for me, a rather splendid looking toy Tuk Tuk for Tom and a T-shirt for Matt. We then got another tuk tuk to Phra Arthit Pier from which we got an orange flag express boat down the Chao Phraya river. This was fun: the boats don't hang about, so you have to jump on/off quite quickly. It was nice to see the city from another point of view and to get the wind in our hair (and river water in our face - we clamped our mouths shut!). The river was busy with all types of craft whizzing up and down it. We got off at Rajinee to get the MRT back to Sukhumvit. We are beginning to suss this city and its transport out!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42DMh20rppUHgslltmi2Nur0D5druG2D_TfkDcSlogNCxXwjV9GhIm51EZUJmOc77CA-KPj9Rhx2YpeeHPmsSaWbZ83sreTYDtQj8DAafSN6qpX0VCV6h6En8M7Ye87YFLUi8ITRaqpcWj6-2x0LOW3wHTma62jMWGR8tS2_KBphUbfa4krsLWpP8aFU/s4032/IMG_7107.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42DMh20rppUHgslltmi2Nur0D5druG2D_TfkDcSlogNCxXwjV9GhIm51EZUJmOc77CA-KPj9Rhx2YpeeHPmsSaWbZ83sreTYDtQj8DAafSN6qpX0VCV6h6En8M7Ye87YFLUi8ITRaqpcWj6-2x0LOW3wHTma62jMWGR8tS2_KBphUbfa4krsLWpP8aFU/w300-h400/IMG_7107.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khao San Road today - clean, quiet, tidy?</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirkoyAxBUj_OgdEH1FUvbm5ncB4OU4Hwbt97kFhxqWWcnvkNmxOoYySFnctDebTKQBabXEKoFIW_SXawsR_ZgqOf-PIMGt-gRUr7jBcnUzoeTExv_RI3CqGYBwx3cOoj8xMeUMBbIsWOSKWJsq7zLly1KsZeEAdYvuhhREcb7Sk6QUIS7LCmLwhVyPgo/s5503/DSC00108.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3669" data-original-width="5503" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirkoyAxBUj_OgdEH1FUvbm5ncB4OU4Hwbt97kFhxqWWcnvkNmxOoYySFnctDebTKQBabXEKoFIW_SXawsR_ZgqOf-PIMGt-gRUr7jBcnUzoeTExv_RI3CqGYBwx3cOoj8xMeUMBbIsWOSKWJsq7zLly1KsZeEAdYvuhhREcb7Sk6QUIS7LCmLwhVyPgo/w400-h266/DSC00108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our boat</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We had a quick dip in the swimming pool on our return, just to cool down and then headed back to the room to catch up on our various chores: scrapbook for Tom, this for me and photos for Matt. We then headed out for tea at Pier 21. One thing we didn't notice yesterday was how cheap it is: most meals were around the £1 mark. Matt and Tom had roast duck, roast pork and belly pork with rice and sauce, I had stewed pork, pork intestines, pork crackling, rice, green veggies, boiled egg and gravy - it was very nice. We had to put money on a pre-payment card to pay for the dishes, as we had some left over, we then shared a pudding of coconut rice and mango which was really nice. The 3 meals, with drinks and dessert came to £6.20 in total - bargain! </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW6oBepEnm2AlohajgB47XtlVqlllTsrIM2Jrpx6nzK65sFcTR2lpO5O9OJcExUDI2coBKY4WNgCnUWlBwZ3sQLpXeGdQD3rRhIQ1ztA6-IIubTDouFluZjWfeCD2Y89rFATU1T1G8KtgM13HWw0S9GgwisOYhaoKKrEY98UC-W73n9RcDRAXSiFF-20/s4032/IMG_3908.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW6oBepEnm2AlohajgB47XtlVqlllTsrIM2Jrpx6nzK65sFcTR2lpO5O9OJcExUDI2coBKY4WNgCnUWlBwZ3sQLpXeGdQD3rRhIQ1ztA6-IIubTDouFluZjWfeCD2Y89rFATU1T1G8KtgM13HWw0S9GgwisOYhaoKKrEY98UC-W73n9RcDRAXSiFF-20/w400-h300/IMG_3908.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely bar</td></tr></tbody></table>We had another look around the shopping centre, we may have bought some donuts from Mr Donut and then we headed back to the hotel via a rather lovely bar that is on our road for a couple of mocktails (Tom and I) and a beer for Matt. All in all a good day: we have all acclimatised to the heat a lot better today which has helped with the sightseeing as we could do a lot more. It was a fun day with lots of different transport types, a bit of culture and some memory (or no memory) lane. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-88014117073162639542023-08-22T16:10:00.004+01:002023-08-22T16:10:53.046+01:00Holiday: Bangkok Day 2 - Wat Pho<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jijUldT9mamEaLfqt4kZSyEOzRmwGcKB3Z1LEUhly1zBP4-_cc8I-dR7EBxDIgvUJ-gN_jyxZUQ4_vifaaCGDIipbtG47Po5hJiPZoD-fT9_DE7QLLu8aPue9eWcTogoJvzMzSD2zj5prSzYzGGAmZE9JLOCbUMocwJmcujZh2HgD1E0my-IBUJ605A/s3976/DSC00082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3976" data-original-width="2652" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jijUldT9mamEaLfqt4kZSyEOzRmwGcKB3Z1LEUhly1zBP4-_cc8I-dR7EBxDIgvUJ-gN_jyxZUQ4_vifaaCGDIipbtG47Po5hJiPZoD-fT9_DE7QLLu8aPue9eWcTogoJvzMzSD2zj5prSzYzGGAmZE9JLOCbUMocwJmcujZh2HgD1E0my-IBUJ605A/s320/DSC00082.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgGEUmSZ0Q93hPYM4-FWKWw6RMPkikBqvbMZKsXCMHYFd6HotZrmUNZ-Q-qe1zY1zKC2XFUlIhH_mpINNtQo_IdANbTYrVoVqzkO6HymubwKLIqZ-gR8fqmVfnvUVGy22r9EcOpxYrTg4dEIEc4jOW-f8UiUnjFzglDpdKFnDsGEmAScW6y5b_YrMLjM/s4032/IMG_7069%202.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgGEUmSZ0Q93hPYM4-FWKWw6RMPkikBqvbMZKsXCMHYFd6HotZrmUNZ-Q-qe1zY1zKC2XFUlIhH_mpINNtQo_IdANbTYrVoVqzkO6HymubwKLIqZ-gR8fqmVfnvUVGy22r9EcOpxYrTg4dEIEc4jOW-f8UiUnjFzglDpdKFnDsGEmAScW6y5b_YrMLjM/s320/IMG_7069%202.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQevKSHepd1AChS1VBZV4AXqokUKWXrLkGowajIRWq7QdgnlJRC42uRTSgqlRP7rbrNu2SCFOBjlvEb10sjhdZsCmYDRO_FLhk0Srs-cMjOpggD2G-D8EB1xxhNPfQhKjdefmcOHgOySPUBU6H4liwv-bjPTZe9mLFMHcBBjkLR6Yr7PgjeKZ7ZECqDg/s4032/IMG_7065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQevKSHepd1AChS1VBZV4AXqokUKWXrLkGowajIRWq7QdgnlJRC42uRTSgqlRP7rbrNu2SCFOBjlvEb10sjhdZsCmYDRO_FLhk0Srs-cMjOpggD2G-D8EB1xxhNPfQhKjdefmcOHgOySPUBU6H4liwv-bjPTZe9mLFMHcBBjkLR6Yr7PgjeKZ7ZECqDg/s320/IMG_7065.JPG" width="240" /></a><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p>We all had a good sleep. Tom slept right through and we had trouble waking him up. Matt and I did ok - we woke through the night but managed to get back to sleep reasonably quickly each time.</p><p>Today we had a plan for the day: to go to Wat Pho to see the reclining Buddha and then see how we felt. </p><p>First thought - breakfast. Always look forward to a hotel breakfast. It was a good one...so there seem to be 4 main 'flavours' of holiday maker here: Europeans, Indians, Japanese & Chinese which means you get a great selection of breakfast items:</p><p>+ Full English type cooked food (bacon, sausages, eggs, omelette, beans, eggy bread, pancakes, eggs cooked to your liking etc etc)</p><p>+ Continental: pastries, ham, cheese, boiled eggs, waffles, yoghurts, breakfast cereals etc</p><p>+ Japanese: rice, fish, sushi, raw eggs, teriyaki chicken etc</p><p>+ Indian - vegetarian curry, rice, paranthas etc</p><p>+ Chinese / Thai - noodles cooked to your liking, that horrible rice porridge stuff, strange looking fruit.</p><p>We indulged. We were all starving, so we had about 4 courses each and were very happy.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQTito-gPfftSoip6W1ejUO0wo6psVsEjO43vq0F1Bn9SZbJblwKYiAUbBZ8MyggC3x19lmysE1MfJWYXr2X3XWU3q5kMq_u02ME1ul6ziyQ_hRY5twzg2Lv8yNpOS4PotUt_MyS2_3fL5wa8k7BJ9tQB593Xkhi5rjHN20gRjdEeiNAbOBdghzzm53U/s3976/DSC00069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2652" data-original-width="3976" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQTito-gPfftSoip6W1ejUO0wo6psVsEjO43vq0F1Bn9SZbJblwKYiAUbBZ8MyggC3x19lmysE1MfJWYXr2X3XWU3q5kMq_u02ME1ul6ziyQ_hRY5twzg2Lv8yNpOS4PotUt_MyS2_3fL5wa8k7BJ9tQB593Xkhi5rjHN20gRjdEeiNAbOBdghzzm53U/w400-h266/DSC00069.JPG" width="400" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTLwMjtTVvTjo6WbZ_oATmZtvXcGYDs3YUJn3JgHIKyHalW-KymxAf3kvux4ZUBmhGQw3O0Vh4PKelXnYiQe4z3R8wKjDmoKFYiKrzpjI-79nSO353TixXH63-WCcdlCBh4A8VEWpfo6UDrRmhRua4nxWP3xXuPf59kvifSojnQr-EMnsgyO_KxvWwq4/s4032/IMG_3883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTLwMjtTVvTjo6WbZ_oATmZtvXcGYDs3YUJn3JgHIKyHalW-KymxAf3kvux4ZUBmhGQw3O0Vh4PKelXnYiQe4z3R8wKjDmoKFYiKrzpjI-79nSO353TixXH63-WCcdlCBh4A8VEWpfo6UDrRmhRua4nxWP3xXuPf59kvifSojnQr-EMnsgyO_KxvWwq4/w300-h400/IMG_3883.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XvUNVTZrRlx6UzDnE264lFedcuPGEhb10Q-pi92aER0A7r9uKxdr6Rj6ZAuyYloi8fIB2gw5rtzwSWx3lNbDQY6A8pqlnUqr68W4KbfFj77EZKg05O3ydGRyMB_E-MXmhfTBJKuDEr4_7tv0jXXgUgcO78cacwQnXSRhhwl_3CJTu-scjTcVFPI2xig/s4032/IMG_7083%202.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XvUNVTZrRlx6UzDnE264lFedcuPGEhb10Q-pi92aER0A7r9uKxdr6Rj6ZAuyYloi8fIB2gw5rtzwSWx3lNbDQY6A8pqlnUqr68W4KbfFj77EZKg05O3ydGRyMB_E-MXmhfTBJKuDEr4_7tv0jXXgUgcO78cacwQnXSRhhwl_3CJTu-scjTcVFPI2xig/w400-h300/IMG_7083%202.JPG" width="400" /></a>We then headed out to try to find the MRT - the Bangkok underground train system. As always happens in a place you are unfamiliar with, we went the long way round in the heat to find it, but we got there ok and it was air conditioned - lovely. Both Matt and I had read that you could get a 3 day pass for the underground so we tried to get one - apparently no, they don't exist?! So we have to pay as we go. It is 36 Bhat for each trip (80p)! Tom is an adult because he is (just a little!) over 120cm! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF21zdiaxW7XaCYhDFHr6fHO9oplb2gCvyLoTv8s0CUFvt-BDAYAaG6jjb_2JhiR6lKNCSriVbJDDqceMQ9tgM3Vx-FwWTNywXk4upCYenR-7Vm4oGThXU5kvlvlcSwoeJEVqO4P3D_E6-Rdl6--6v0SSjuxDGUI5KEkIiOBn4gu2lQtm6T_siuyGdyOc/s4032/IMG_3886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF21zdiaxW7XaCYhDFHr6fHO9oplb2gCvyLoTv8s0CUFvt-BDAYAaG6jjb_2JhiR6lKNCSriVbJDDqceMQ9tgM3Vx-FwWTNywXk4upCYenR-7Vm4oGThXU5kvlvlcSwoeJEVqO4P3D_E6-Rdl6--6v0SSjuxDGUI5KEkIiOBn4gu2lQtm6T_siuyGdyOc/w300-h400/IMG_3886.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />We found the train to Sanam Chai and worked our way back to the surface to get hit by the heat all over again - Tom really wasn't finding it much fun! We walked the short distance to Wat Pho and headed in. </p><p>The architecture was amazing. Although both Matt and I had been there before, we were still wowed by it and although Tom was suffering in the heat, he said he was enjoying the experience. I didn't remember the buildings literally glittering in gold, but they were, you could only be amazed by it all. We took our time there slowly, sitting a lot, drinking a lot, loosing ourselves in the buildings. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEO8gc4rp7fKTrmGV_ZJLHvQMq_FATowzjyKxZTsV4y54eYAQTxI_eyvK_odTNIsz8seLEcc0LJO8mU2qcGtLf8QO24lrjFRNA8DQ-ak5XS12IT-3fKV5pVKolyMMokOAUd-ST0wUHXN7we570efuD0KWTzvaHAfnEJXQnvmS6j06YmYUQ8vn75YNuFs/s4032/IMG_3885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEO8gc4rp7fKTrmGV_ZJLHvQMq_FATowzjyKxZTsV4y54eYAQTxI_eyvK_odTNIsz8seLEcc0LJO8mU2qcGtLf8QO24lrjFRNA8DQ-ak5XS12IT-3fKV5pVKolyMMokOAUd-ST0wUHXN7we570efuD0KWTzvaHAfnEJXQnvmS6j06YmYUQ8vn75YNuFs/s320/IMG_3885.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYfbOM9mKXX6jAojWO-R2Emlf19IU8fx3AcNZJXIhLdfrPzY8aEFnrWNNh0672GwWdg0UaQyijsh3VVBIblZzIz8OlqjfA4dBeVy5U4tT4Q_epCW0Et2xQ67SuvnklPTspcNTvvvQ2KdGIFLncbvP6qmFWghBvzUE56x_kNbyoxmrIhEhBWAauUQE_2c/s4032/IMG_7078%202.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYfbOM9mKXX6jAojWO-R2Emlf19IU8fx3AcNZJXIhLdfrPzY8aEFnrWNNh0672GwWdg0UaQyijsh3VVBIblZzIz8OlqjfA4dBeVy5U4tT4Q_epCW0Et2xQ67SuvnklPTspcNTvvvQ2KdGIFLncbvP6qmFWghBvzUE56x_kNbyoxmrIhEhBWAauUQE_2c/w400-h300/IMG_7078%202.JPG" width="400" /></a>We went to see the giant reclining buddha - which was as impressive as before. So nice to be able to take plenty of photos now rather than 1 or 2 per venue in the bad old days of film cameras! It really is huge and it really is very gold.</p><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjc_Val_F3nl3CLPx2n4OKtbz9VX4RlhDcbj0ihteES6o_lgQqrF0xRZoKg55qX7wivWItBkfxEgIQZxaomkrQne2_c6jotce1Bq0r2qNIH_Wh0XgKwUERYa9QuFUIrjAI6UttaIKBzWYSWeoCv7WlOvktbUsbIcNI0I5hXnQ_Ux1Jx-LYDonepnQjd0/s4032/IMG_7087%202.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjc_Val_F3nl3CLPx2n4OKtbz9VX4RlhDcbj0ihteES6o_lgQqrF0xRZoKg55qX7wivWItBkfxEgIQZxaomkrQne2_c6jotce1Bq0r2qNIH_Wh0XgKwUERYa9QuFUIrjAI6UttaIKBzWYSWeoCv7WlOvktbUsbIcNI0I5hXnQ_Ux1Jx-LYDonepnQjd0/w300-h400/IMG_7087%202.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White and Red Roses...hummmm!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Once done we walked back to the station, stopping at a small van to buy some elephant trousers (for me) and elephant shirt (for Matt). I had read about a big shopping centre, Terminal 21, close to our hotel - on top of the MRT station we were using (Asok / Sukhumvit). We decided to go there for a look round - it was an interesting place as each level was designed for a different city/country. There was Jamaica, Rome, Paris, Tokyo, Istanbul, London and San Fransico. We got very excited when we found a Daiso and a Mini Sou in Jamaica. Both Japanese stores, so we had a good look and added to our holiday shopping. </p><p>Up in London, Matt managed to find a holiday T-shirt (elephant themed), Tom a new rubics cube. But mainly it was air conditioned and interesting to look around. We found an ice-cream place that did sundaes so stopped there to rest our feet and indulge. It was good.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb0mZdEtRSZ0sRLXILDRlEsix4a7_tUxAx9-dEQKz_W104ft_GjyThJNt_p0wLz_YQ5iWugUK1lvmNTBJwIOIzBn_XSl6qgtuCsetxr3c8b_Fsj0RBk1SDNqr_4-g-DPeFIPEyhil_v3CATVmFfHYCfvBuHJILYl0VE2VrtMyTmX3-VFMQpr3TqjPEE0/s4032/IMG_7093%202.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb0mZdEtRSZ0sRLXILDRlEsix4a7_tUxAx9-dEQKz_W104ft_GjyThJNt_p0wLz_YQ5iWugUK1lvmNTBJwIOIzBn_XSl6qgtuCsetxr3c8b_Fsj0RBk1SDNqr_4-g-DPeFIPEyhil_v3CATVmFfHYCfvBuHJILYl0VE2VrtMyTmX3-VFMQpr3TqjPEE0/w300-h400/IMG_7093%202.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We then went back to the hotel, Tom and I had a dip in the pool to cool down, whilst Matt processed photos. We then decided to get the sky train up to Mo Chit to a shopping mall from which we picked up our train tickets for Wednesday. We were going to stay there for tea, but there wasn't much choice, plus Matt had found an Co Co Ichiban - a Japanese curry restaurant chain at Terminal 21 and was keen to visit. We got the MRT back and popped straight into the shopping centre - we have worked out the lay of the streets in the neighbourhood now. Walk round the corner to Exchange Tower, then go up the steps to the sky walkway and walk all the way to the MRT / Terminal 21. Saves having to wait an age for traffic lights to change and it is shorter anyway! So, we all had Japanese curry for tea: with cheese and some prawns for Matt (eurgh!), with calamari for Tom and with veggies and a boiled egg for me. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCOU4GtS6C_6-JDgYNPCs0C7dRPvCWGS7tsNz_I0cw5oqCxTAxrNXRi8pNy02UtrKx-eTcloY0u-gdoywybrszm2BQu7N5EwHzuDxIQLNYLkSfmgp1oOfnyGePZtw9Cx9lfWzuf3J-OYAS1qHOMrPv2DgD6p7iCsE5wBbAfd0rjdEKxkPOudf_Z48EFk/s4032/IMG_7092%202.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCOU4GtS6C_6-JDgYNPCs0C7dRPvCWGS7tsNz_I0cw5oqCxTAxrNXRi8pNy02UtrKx-eTcloY0u-gdoywybrszm2BQu7N5EwHzuDxIQLNYLkSfmgp1oOfnyGePZtw9Cx9lfWzuf3J-OYAS1qHOMrPv2DgD6p7iCsE5wBbAfd0rjdEKxkPOudf_Z48EFk/w300-h400/IMG_7092%202.JPG" width="300" /></a>We then saw another escalator to 'Pier 21' and thought we would investigate - oh my word. It was food stall heaven. I have never seen such a huge food court like it. There were restaurants around the sides and then a huge seating area with dozens of food stands inside it. We looked around - every type of facet of (mainly) Thai cuisine was there - loads of noodles and rice dishes it was mega busy and an assault on the senses. We think we know where we are having tea tomorrow!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88eEtQjS7geaG2fOrD0ZkEc5HNnNWtXl-Sf3wf7q2foM_7buVpgaojxBCtCGhwMfd9qwbjgzryVoDBtULiwgtGVlqc68Cc32yDHNdGqkHXP_1YH91V2eDpOLbWa1_09FcgtarTmz-qROCuq3Wf_hTEvpcqDfauIn11LxmWwZtlxe2ax-9eRZOr1YSd0I/s4032/IMG_3890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88eEtQjS7geaG2fOrD0ZkEc5HNnNWtXl-Sf3wf7q2foM_7buVpgaojxBCtCGhwMfd9qwbjgzryVoDBtULiwgtGVlqc68Cc32yDHNdGqkHXP_1YH91V2eDpOLbWa1_09FcgtarTmz-qROCuq3Wf_hTEvpcqDfauIn11LxmWwZtlxe2ax-9eRZOr1YSd0I/w400-h300/IMG_3890.JPG" width="400" /></a>We headed back to the hotel via MaxValu - a Japanese supermarket I saw signposted in a nearby tower block. It was ok, but a bit small, so lacking a decent selection of your regular Japanese treats. Then back to the hotel, a game of cribbage in the lobby bar, and to the room and bed. A hot, steamy but good day.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-42093336479796092252023-08-22T10:54:00.003+01:002023-08-22T15:25:17.984+01:00Holiday: Bangkok - Day 1<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We all woke to our alarms up very very groggy at 12 noon. We knew we had to get up but it was so difficult. We got dressed in summer clothes and headed out to find some lunch. </span></div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbEWizSBwsPlNLxhaWTXmWemLIDhqr8WF-1xmfvNEhwnoxzMSQT1_Ncc0xMGJd7skOMamPVpwHJjbszww2r7qxlLT4eOMxumn6Jw0dAaiH2E9TwjygU6sW0eJ1kGaNYm5Nlr3Aaj3dQtIuYTOpzfkh_yWvakiPqC135RzWhVu5bXDm_Ym1Gfr4BkTzl0/s4030/IMG_3881.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2467" data-original-width="4030" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbEWizSBwsPlNLxhaWTXmWemLIDhqr8WF-1xmfvNEhwnoxzMSQT1_Ncc0xMGJd7skOMamPVpwHJjbszww2r7qxlLT4eOMxumn6Jw0dAaiH2E9TwjygU6sW0eJ1kGaNYm5Nlr3Aaj3dQtIuYTOpzfkh_yWvakiPqC135RzWhVu5bXDm_Ym1Gfr4BkTzl0/w400-h245/IMG_3881.JPG" width="400" /></a>Oh my word - the heat. As soon as you exited the hotel a wall of hot moist air hit us and we were immediately sweating. We had all forgotten what heat like that feels like and along with the jet lag, we all felt quite discombobulated, especially Tom who was really struggling with the heat.</p><p>We walked down the side road on which the hotel was located towards the main road on which we had come in. Happily there was a 7-11 at the end of the road, so we headed in - it was freezing with air conditioning which was lovely. It felt like we were in Japan again, except the lack of onigiris and other Japanese snacks. We all got a bottle of ice-cold pop to refresh us (19 Bhat each - about 45p - bargain!)</p><p>We then looked for a restaurant for lunch and pretty much went in the first one we found, which was a Thai restaurant: the boys had Pad Thai each (peanuts all over it - yuck!), whilst I had green curry which was super spicy but really tasty. </p><p>We had found on google that we were near a park and knowing that we had to keep on moving to stay awake, we decided to look around. It was fiercely hot - so we slogged around it, it was very nice, but the heat was so oppressive that we didn't really enjoy it (turned out it got up to 40 degrees - no wonder we were slow!) We did a lap of it, managed to avoid the water monitors and pythons and then decided that we really needed to go back to the hotel and check out the pool. This we did and it was just lovely. We spent a good hour just enjoying being cool and wet!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqZPCbpsIAa1p0hFRAWOFZiqW7y9WEuZAJY9e4dMi0UblAYSUVZK1inHcHDRgm86kq9_m6UcCiqP2luSZaXLVCDi7zo044NzQVkdazTcW0WrrSWLPxFa20rx7vq575LTuK-kpzNOb1Og8Y2ZwwzrknbbfKQ6Mkb5jqy7vAj4hhrt0m_ef5uEv5BrI_Yk/s4032/IMG_7063.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqZPCbpsIAa1p0hFRAWOFZiqW7y9WEuZAJY9e4dMi0UblAYSUVZK1inHcHDRgm86kq9_m6UcCiqP2luSZaXLVCDi7zo044NzQVkdazTcW0WrrSWLPxFa20rx7vq575LTuK-kpzNOb1Og8Y2ZwwzrknbbfKQ6Mkb5jqy7vAj4hhrt0m_ef5uEv5BrI_Yk/w400-h300/IMG_7063.jpg" width="400" /></a>Back to our hotel room, we had another shower each and then realised that it was the final of the Women's Football World Cup. It wasn't being shown here (not interested in women's football) so Matt managed to wire us up to the i-player via a VPN and we watched it whilst sucking on sweets to avoid falling asleep! It worked and although the Lionsses lost, they put up a good fight.</p><p>By the time the football had finished it was 7pm - high time for tea. We were all exhausted and the thought of going outside again was too much, so we decided to eat in the hotel's Mexican restaurant: tacos for Matt, burrito for me and an enchilada for Tom - guess who's was the biggest? All washed down with mocktails and we may have had churros and chocolate for dessert! As we were eating there were lots of flashes of lightening, thunder and train. This spooked Tom out to start with - especially the lightening - it is quite spectacular in a built up city, lighting up dozens of buildings as it flashes away. He was a bit jumpy with it all - but we just impressed on him how normal it is for this part of the world, and how exciting it is to watch.</p><p>We then dragged ourselves back to our hotel room and fell asleep immediately!</p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-70320124878357927422023-08-22T10:31:00.000+01:002023-08-22T10:31:04.606+01:00Holiday: Ingleton to Bangkok<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYI1Wd_Hq2vwxavqd4tqL0GmP6VSe3fvtgLphzZBfUXr-agAoiojHFDLvZBKNU0ii8-qTFsHEUKrV9ezKfGCYCMv_AMQuEazbzU7YV3PhcgKFQp0BkJOmOA4RM0Cf8x_iuSdQsUs3QWXLA49ZHzu4aSN3i2Qs6qom1TYv_X2d-IazChyAWoBgp8XtOjs/s4032/IMG_3875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYI1Wd_Hq2vwxavqd4tqL0GmP6VSe3fvtgLphzZBfUXr-agAoiojHFDLvZBKNU0ii8-qTFsHEUKrV9ezKfGCYCMv_AMQuEazbzU7YV3PhcgKFQp0BkJOmOA4RM0Cf8x_iuSdQsUs3QWXLA49ZHzu4aSN3i2Qs6qom1TYv_X2d-IazChyAWoBgp8XtOjs/w400-h300/IMG_3875.jpg" width="400" /></a>So, finally it came to 19th August, time to go on holiday. It feels like we've been waiting ages, but also we have had a full itinerary for all the summer holidays, that it has also gone quickly.</p><p>We set our alarms for 4.15 and were out of the house at 4.45! Dropped a lot of jumble off at the Community Centre and then headed on our way to Manchester Airport - it was free running all the way - which was great. We parked the car and got the bus with 2 other people to the airport terminals. </p><p>Baggage drop was very easy and quick and security the same - first time in ages that I haven't been pulled over. So, we had a leisurely but pretty average breakfast and boarded on time. We got onboard a Boeing 777-31H(ER) (obviously I didn't know that but Tom told me what to write - being the plane nerd he is!)</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtvDQ_4jXXmCeCwrBOWaDhugq1pisIcWtRPg9kJlW9YEWbKJpMG9i2mXs51x5xoU1vUeqd9jrG6BPOlhHD0NR4RzbBLnKAvOZRO0ztqpX7wUqSj5VS5OzknC20jvGUH4lJ0S2dFhs6J7OdyXnrQnD4leoGP1tcq_LSFNNAAy5_PX_fG4NJDKkv2oSQds/s4032/IMG_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtvDQ_4jXXmCeCwrBOWaDhugq1pisIcWtRPg9kJlW9YEWbKJpMG9i2mXs51x5xoU1vUeqd9jrG6BPOlhHD0NR4RzbBLnKAvOZRO0ztqpX7wUqSj5VS5OzknC20jvGUH4lJ0S2dFhs6J7OdyXnrQnD4leoGP1tcq_LSFNNAAy5_PX_fG4NJDKkv2oSQds/w400-h300/IMG_3877.JPG" width="400" /></a>The first flight to Dubai was 6hours 40 mins and as pleasant as it could be. All the frills you used to get with scheduled economy flights seem to have gone now. Normally you would get a toothbrush, socks, face mask etc, but now nothing. We didn't even get a menu - just got asked if we wanted meatballs or chicken, but there wasn't any chicken, meatballs it was then. Tom got served the children's menu - much to his annoyance - however, it meant he got macaroni cheese, so not all bad. </p><p>We had a couple of hours to kill at Dubai airport which wasn't too bad. Last time we went, I remember there only being 1 female toilet and an ENORMOUS queue for it - so I made sure I didn't need the loo when I arrived. Of course, that was 10 years ago and there were toilets everywhere, I needn't have worried! We had a good look round, lots of camels, chocolates, gold, designer items etc. Matt thought about having a beer but when he found out it was going to cost £13, he decided otherwise!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQULhXI5gXTdXpCBEBHva6fETuN-BcVJ3VDG1rsnvAmhWfVwf1Au8gNhJ9Pnz0aQJIjT6Teo-vBsncwgcIKqrRkwn1ePH-_X5BCR2hFMUdTRxc0nZ_10O39357i59aTKcQ8jd2HlGYFh7LCmHA5jxHpkiEsBmuwRNpegYUuL7FN5qA1cJRwTypHM7jQ8o/s4032/IMG_3879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQULhXI5gXTdXpCBEBHva6fETuN-BcVJ3VDG1rsnvAmhWfVwf1Au8gNhJ9Pnz0aQJIjT6Teo-vBsncwgcIKqrRkwn1ePH-_X5BCR2hFMUdTRxc0nZ_10O39357i59aTKcQ8jd2HlGYFh7LCmHA5jxHpkiEsBmuwRNpegYUuL7FN5qA1cJRwTypHM7jQ8o/w300-h400/IMG_3879.JPG" width="300" /></a>Our second flight to Bangkok was also as pleasant as it could be. This one was 6 hours 10 minutes. We were all served an adults meal this time?! We were asked chicken or beef curry, Tom and I went for chicken and Matt beef (he was told there were mushrooms in the chicken one). Turns out it was chicken and mushrooms or beef curry and the beef curry was delicious - we missed out! We all tried to get some sleep on the flight, but no luck for any of us (I have never been able to sleep on a flight!) We arrived a bit jaded, but very excited to have arrived. We scooted through passport control and customs and found a lady with a sign with our names on for our airport transfer - very exciting. </p><p>We seemed to go round and round in circles to get to our hotel - with 2 u-turns, but finally arrived at Hotel Rembrandt. The traffic close to our hotel is mad, loads of scooters, but hardly any tuk tuks. I had read that they are more for tourists now rather than a normal form of transport. Since we were both here they have built a subway and a sky train both of which has taken away the need for so many tuk tuks. We checked in and mercifully the receptionist allowed us in our hotel room early (it was 10am and check in was 2pm) We got to our room, had showers, and then lay down for a 2 hour snooze - such a relief to finally lay flat again! </p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-3603282254278625412023-08-22T09:54:00.000+01:002023-08-22T09:54:03.019+01:00When Jake came to stay<p> I will fill this in at a later date, but safe to say we had a wonderful time with him.</p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-51236476105390211952023-08-14T16:11:00.003+01:002023-08-14T16:11:46.043+01:00Bear Hunt<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluBD3O83r3pu_vUVajw7Ahv1l4xFx8X-idgNK7WeRsQ9uClsePnvrbK6h65p6WXyaxjub44Sh5eB5HrpN0_7mTXxt8eCo8A0PxThwZoP7zVMrtxCDTBrcLVaz4LTtBDS_UtGu3sPdO_0gOfjpeoiLbXYTb7lcHmnk9aZo0Gg5gVMDU76-HR6l6c2fC3A/s1280/366323501_10160632484609508_7438206123059136406_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluBD3O83r3pu_vUVajw7Ahv1l4xFx8X-idgNK7WeRsQ9uClsePnvrbK6h65p6WXyaxjub44Sh5eB5HrpN0_7mTXxt8eCo8A0PxThwZoP7zVMrtxCDTBrcLVaz4LTtBDS_UtGu3sPdO_0gOfjpeoiLbXYTb7lcHmnk9aZo0Gg5gVMDU76-HR6l6c2fC3A/w400-h300/366323501_10160632484609508_7438206123059136406_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>On Thursday we got the train in to Leeds. Not for shopping, but to go on a Bear Hunt. There were over 80 bears all over the city to find. As you know, we love bears in this family so we had to take part. It was all in aid of the Children's Hospital in Leeds which can only be a good thing. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt_Um33Q9qpIbTM8KHTYgFvFTs2AQQDQWCm0Bd1mjYNlQ9T-hAakr8uI2cKyHzTZOblW8GAyt84H0KWUQ7NHAoIKdAh3-n-b5dSURpp1a4gIBPa9vf5t6qzX8OAsaNPlzl_d0XhMnZY2hMUvpWwBF3sKSTK78fYroV3HT6leRU8wU_pftlI02PFTyzKk/s4032/IMG_6998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt_Um33Q9qpIbTM8KHTYgFvFTs2AQQDQWCm0Bd1mjYNlQ9T-hAakr8uI2cKyHzTZOblW8GAyt84H0KWUQ7NHAoIKdAh3-n-b5dSURpp1a4gIBPa9vf5t6qzX8OAsaNPlzl_d0XhMnZY2hMUvpWwBF3sKSTK78fYroV3HT6leRU8wU_pftlI02PFTyzKk/w400-h300/IMG_6998.JPG" width="400" /></a>As is the case these days, there was an app to download - it was pretty good, it had a map of all the bears, once you found one, it had a 4 digit code which you typed in, this meant that you had 'collected' the bear. You got all sorts of rewards as you went round from badges, to discounts in shops, to automatic donations to charity etc. It gave you all sorts of stats too. This meant it kept us all interested. </p><p>It also took us to parts of Leeds that we have never been to before, we discovered the Tetley Building, the Playhouse and some other areas too. </p><p>My favourites were the Yorkshire themed bears and the polar bear - this one had 12.6% of the bear missing to represent the amount of artic ice lost every decade. Once you collected this one, an automatic £1 was donated to an associated charity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDabMOceRYa2f_E0soY_TAmH1lG3mmFhHKhUv1z9Eat-FBxDK5X54stkky0oXMTbO9IHgV9BBjls8Zkj37kn3YYijyF0kuld4L450h4DTQgjDjw8lgXQHO8xA_ZnC7AOxE-DFuCrVmo4gXpK1oBg6v5M6tZJq1oymJE5xDe-oOx-mZ5RNp7l5y33d6yy8/s4032/IMG_6994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDabMOceRYa2f_E0soY_TAmH1lG3mmFhHKhUv1z9Eat-FBxDK5X54stkky0oXMTbO9IHgV9BBjls8Zkj37kn3YYijyF0kuld4L450h4DTQgjDjw8lgXQHO8xA_ZnC7AOxE-DFuCrVmo4gXpK1oBg6v5M6tZJq1oymJE5xDe-oOx-mZ5RNp7l5y33d6yy8/w400-h300/IMG_6994.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>It was a hot day, so we had to keep stopping for drinks (and maybe a bite to eat?!). On arrival we got the water taxi out to the Armouries and then walked back towards the city centre collecting bears as we went. We had two lunches - one at Bao Boy and one at Bundobust, the most amazing ice cream from a shopping centre and a cake at John Lewis. Of course we then took sushi on the train for tea. </p><p> It was a grand day out and we managed to find 76 of the 83 bears. All the ones we didn't get were way out of the city centre.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9qyFHC3RCUZE4h78lyvHqhhEUNuT3qBM7f4RP0edaXJGBoDTFJu_j9geqra7vFcBFGoaXp6B6I3iSxroA4XaEMrNabwrkkZw_YxpfXKO9bdEVzqZI5COkHkqB4aHbriNSFn081BbbPc1wJZYsf8HRXUd5gvpR9TDdhDMllvQoVV-6liGPT3UJSIiTCo/s4032/IMG_7005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9qyFHC3RCUZE4h78lyvHqhhEUNuT3qBM7f4RP0edaXJGBoDTFJu_j9geqra7vFcBFGoaXp6B6I3iSxroA4XaEMrNabwrkkZw_YxpfXKO9bdEVzqZI5COkHkqB4aHbriNSFn081BbbPc1wJZYsf8HRXUd5gvpR9TDdhDMllvQoVV-6liGPT3UJSIiTCo/s320/IMG_7005.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNSNM4TOAyvg5H8sGVYY6cyfXoNigXraK0pjL2Mozs3eRnvU1ABvogwhY11xa0-8hoRreVJqUyaR7vh-1f9mgcPg9i0jBZ6ADDJEUkWJyAWBeUInDJVbZl4248L2biSjapCxaHCEca7XXBrY_Ie-7GFPALcVYx8K3qBMtCi4Qh65lcvJioilNNjQ04vI/s1280/366267839_10160633446379508_6990145152076501669_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sHOxbd_bZxIxcGwsgmRA8b-ddohC6BH1Pdum0GA5AlLWQgptlvp1-iwq_av4ZO_k-y34S4Smf6nyjv0ILyedLm_PBCLrV3RspoKGpcMDhP4A5_tznD05cydnDo8Nk4DDlWezPFrWpZW8N0eeO6YuHW0wEkYBTG6KqNG_OVJKaqdsHiBS_pIu_PDT9uA/s320/366378387_10160633446469508_1425667862741341629_n.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6iZvx3BzrBL6ro3-txk7UMYNYfhFK2Ey0xt6ecnLS1JZGq2TLujs74LySu8LcXVgc99FpioCWegKnI1jJukuFacLf6h3_haxXwvigd_XHypTDkVHQLzm_Odo_1xM7TO3qCvjUIbdu9T4rkJ8J7Wasg-8NPr6KkXAo5UKk8JlDZ6JbFB-FH9shxlM6dA/s1280/366378358_10160633446194508_7423942805679882798_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6iZvx3BzrBL6ro3-txk7UMYNYfhFK2Ey0xt6ecnLS1JZGq2TLujs74LySu8LcXVgc99FpioCWegKnI1jJukuFacLf6h3_haxXwvigd_XHypTDkVHQLzm_Odo_1xM7TO3qCvjUIbdu9T4rkJ8J7Wasg-8NPr6KkXAo5UKk8JlDZ6JbFB-FH9shxlM6dA/s320/366378358_10160633446194508_7423942805679882798_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglslSlXudjOpeo45B42lNmPdLaAGDNcBU-2mxgctoOnegxPosr30X9bX_EpORkbWe8PyaDL2S9nDvIZmt4TX3aFSMG1B4Ixa5ZB0NSYBKZOymhMxszD_HufXrrqDcb-AAqVrF-_77RBiW3gLrQrY73DZF9euWFjP-djgFNLbUJRBwe_XrmgBJbnoMQoRQ/s4032/IMG_6996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglslSlXudjOpeo45B42lNmPdLaAGDNcBU-2mxgctoOnegxPosr30X9bX_EpORkbWe8PyaDL2S9nDvIZmt4TX3aFSMG1B4Ixa5ZB0NSYBKZOymhMxszD_HufXrrqDcb-AAqVrF-_77RBiW3gLrQrY73DZF9euWFjP-djgFNLbUJRBwe_XrmgBJbnoMQoRQ/s4032/IMG_6996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJ-4lATAeu3X_lvkpOqkEQb51SCz1bLuhRBb8ofQt4lJ2Ug-cQ0OAY2cuBBz6edFUH7a7kN_LBrug-1ZUIevvvKGsY2YNgzqZHPvY5QhLdLqN03cn6lBqNqUEIqEwuZF14R6w5tTPhAEtD-cWtuWzOhsNHpYHnndwB_JtOZz1EFn336oQ9ho1U5kTt1Q/s1280/366199144_10160633446284508_840018307704658125_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJ-4lATAeu3X_lvkpOqkEQb51SCz1bLuhRBb8ofQt4lJ2Ug-cQ0OAY2cuBBz6edFUH7a7kN_LBrug-1ZUIevvvKGsY2YNgzqZHPvY5QhLdLqN03cn6lBqNqUEIqEwuZF14R6w5tTPhAEtD-cWtuWzOhsNHpYHnndwB_JtOZz1EFn336oQ9ho1U5kTt1Q/s320/366199144_10160633446284508_840018307704658125_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6ewW77_SXYrvpIg0m3u21VzcOJwaKyfzTOX3Z43H6ZVm0_MFQC4qowdPxXMb-qWsQjk4Mn3KfLFCZ8Zuf1VlQ8PYbxfZwx_faCawfwAIDPqSSqhlsXys215Lupfx5PVuGL6UnOpigY0cEmERo1AESaxxjcC6QVCrZYDHOVFcRqfQgpSuQdloB1-PU7s/s4032/IMG_6992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6ewW77_SXYrvpIg0m3u21VzcOJwaKyfzTOX3Z43H6ZVm0_MFQC4qowdPxXMb-qWsQjk4Mn3KfLFCZ8Zuf1VlQ8PYbxfZwx_faCawfwAIDPqSSqhlsXys215Lupfx5PVuGL6UnOpigY0cEmERo1AESaxxjcC6QVCrZYDHOVFcRqfQgpSuQdloB1-PU7s/s320/IMG_6992.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmNsVmdCueRWx75EFNxcsqRsz3zL8Uh2LIgf2jxAvhy1tpZI4uXAZjKBxkj2mEKlLUkZoVvl_EhnVFvRnc1TXA66dxCpwZ0ITEy4s0p79vvCD5L66is-2K_E3hG8GH4FhIqSioXBduhFzBJLEKOpO3LrdDsfRyc6NWbsytUFVRAhSFMV_eYRdiyobYfo/s1280/366343580_10160633446329508_6955004135636347724_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinM05WqrwaQGhFm1Myi4cZjxGKZuwVpu_rTsAPHLADhcUxKcgGTh6S6ZyGOBO5YIV8GFnbqEz8MQGEBGfsPzngOQhKLxZsk1jbgSyHdvyXKRJfOeUyS0GO4rbwB01TEMubjzu36gAaJvHAqefKnSzc9b3_HG9txUsVRPP-Nvu35AhXDvJMrns21kpMtjs/s1280/366342804_10160633446404508_3357064454173169458_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmNsVmdCueRWx75EFNxcsqRsz3zL8Uh2LIgf2jxAvhy1tpZI4uXAZjKBxkj2mEKlLUkZoVvl_EhnVFvRnc1TXA66dxCpwZ0ITEy4s0p79vvCD5L66is-2K_E3hG8GH4FhIqSioXBduhFzBJLEKOpO3LrdDsfRyc6NWbsytUFVRAhSFMV_eYRdiyobYfo/s1280/366343580_10160633446329508_6955004135636347724_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmNsVmdCueRWx75EFNxcsqRsz3zL8Uh2LIgf2jxAvhy1tpZI4uXAZjKBxkj2mEKlLUkZoVvl_EhnVFvRnc1TXA66dxCpwZ0ITEy4s0p79vvCD5L66is-2K_E3hG8GH4FhIqSioXBduhFzBJLEKOpO3LrdDsfRyc6NWbsytUFVRAhSFMV_eYRdiyobYfo/w400-h300/366343580_10160633446329508_6955004135636347724_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinM05WqrwaQGhFm1Myi4cZjxGKZuwVpu_rTsAPHLADhcUxKcgGTh6S6ZyGOBO5YIV8GFnbqEz8MQGEBGfsPzngOQhKLxZsk1jbgSyHdvyXKRJfOeUyS0GO4rbwB01TEMubjzu36gAaJvHAqefKnSzc9b3_HG9txUsVRPP-Nvu35AhXDvJMrns21kpMtjs/w400-h300/366342804_10160633446404508_3357064454173169458_n.jpg" width="400" /> </div><p></p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-58562472456128205612023-08-14T10:48:00.002+01:002023-08-14T10:48:10.515+01:00District Cricket<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxuEOn-p9_VlRlBjABOlMdRe1VQ1oNx-Y6MqiYv_XJCavuTVCgu5bMXZV5uoJ7FOB3eBc-1h6IeVE-A3hmvzIjyGHGIkgPShz4xtKAH7Y2eeyGHvcYFWwCnvM8bJyHe-m8HBiI-ysQ5YVv8Ehm7GdRDe_BYkgR73WIf4RSfT4w3z2dgXi3vGHNMGYE_U/s2048/363454960_10160629497574508_4083899282448691188_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxuEOn-p9_VlRlBjABOlMdRe1VQ1oNx-Y6MqiYv_XJCavuTVCgu5bMXZV5uoJ7FOB3eBc-1h6IeVE-A3hmvzIjyGHGIkgPShz4xtKAH7Y2eeyGHvcYFWwCnvM8bJyHe-m8HBiI-ysQ5YVv8Ehm7GdRDe_BYkgR73WIf4RSfT4w3z2dgXi3vGHNMGYE_U/w266-h400/363454960_10160629497574508_4083899282448691188_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>So after training once a week all through the winter until Easter, Tom finally had a cricket match for South Lakes District. I never quite understand District cricket. They train religiously throughout the winter and then when summer comes - ie after Easter they do nothing - no practice matches, no outdoor training, nothing! Then when everyone is on holiday they give you short notice of the very limited games taking place, which of course is problematic because everyone has already booked their summer holidays! Anyhow, Tom was able to make 2 of the matches - and this was the first one, against East Cumbria which took place at Sedgwick which is a lovely cricket ground. Luckily it was a rare non raining day too.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KIEw42-6ZL_hu49MIOuXEj70XSofRRwID_R0h0RojopCFI1n8vz8As42Ax-qeiPLmdsuTLN85T5MLnbkPAZNqTHFa8kXXnPwHCFPPuIK7tK9jRwjkyiQbmJ3nQ4XDQlMERhUESfshI4CafX0aReUDno3EPmrvSZ07fpw8QNhug9dhKt_Vq3sPRoHgMg/s2048/366646857_10160629497499508_216845701589404036_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KIEw42-6ZL_hu49MIOuXEj70XSofRRwID_R0h0RojopCFI1n8vz8As42Ax-qeiPLmdsuTLN85T5MLnbkPAZNqTHFa8kXXnPwHCFPPuIK7tK9jRwjkyiQbmJ3nQ4XDQlMERhUESfshI4CafX0aReUDno3EPmrvSZ07fpw8QNhug9dhKt_Vq3sPRoHgMg/w400-h266/366646857_10160629497499508_216845701589404036_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The match was ok, but the other side had a county cricket player on their side (we were told this wouldn't happen this year!) and it completely skewed the result as he was far and away the best player on the field - of course he is, he has had game after game after game of cricket this summer, whilst it was the first game for the rest of these guys. If you took out his runs and wickets, it was a pretty close match. <p></p><p>Anyway Tom did well, he got a wicket, took a catch and scored 6 runs, was unlucky to get out.</p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-48292286303080188492023-08-13T22:29:00.005+01:002023-08-13T22:29:51.452+01:00Matt's Birthday <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeXx1J4g9srpeFa8-Lc_alHbIhArweffGlHvRF4ESwmYhYg9EQnZgJFMERhMRJd0oXJlMmkk8DF5f-bjQFHPcSwtj3JruJuqmBzozsN5jrRECFwL6kC9HEbTpNOBOopV3jrk2BjxOcB-Z9xmiUKdI5AHVgvrymlQkURRCRoSMhgLSXBVIM4yahaeWjBU/s4032/IMG_3752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeXx1J4g9srpeFa8-Lc_alHbIhArweffGlHvRF4ESwmYhYg9EQnZgJFMERhMRJd0oXJlMmkk8DF5f-bjQFHPcSwtj3JruJuqmBzozsN5jrRECFwL6kC9HEbTpNOBOopV3jrk2BjxOcB-Z9xmiUKdI5AHVgvrymlQkURRCRoSMhgLSXBVIM4yahaeWjBU/s320/IMG_3752.JPG" width="240" /></a>The day after we got back from Shropshire, Tom headed off to Scout Camp for a week in the rain. This meant that he wasn't around for Matt's birthday. As a result we decided to head away for the night. I looked around everywhere in the Lakes, Dales, Liverpool etc and couldn't find anything that was reasonably priced. Then Matt suggested The Quebecs hotel in Leeds and bingo - it was reasonably priced, so we decided to go to Leeds.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1A2gntc9mVdlaNUcuNUwCLdJjsoAnQZOzfpXuXh0RKKKD2UWIoXaSbnsbgCq9O4k8tBFr-u2_AmVs-xEhJ-VnnxoOYgQIiexWdBfQv8Kj7lnYCylwqmuJE5JPzBC_4ZA41TJQ2xnTuj1GzBbwDQcMJgvIZH24ZCwwrhCOja6a9IhmvEFz2a2n60oJ5Yw/s4032/IMG_3754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1A2gntc9mVdlaNUcuNUwCLdJjsoAnQZOzfpXuXh0RKKKD2UWIoXaSbnsbgCq9O4k8tBFr-u2_AmVs-xEhJ-VnnxoOYgQIiexWdBfQv8Kj7lnYCylwqmuJE5JPzBC_4ZA41TJQ2xnTuj1GzBbwDQcMJgvIZH24ZCwwrhCOja6a9IhmvEFz2a2n60oJ5Yw/w400-h300/IMG_3754.JPG" width="400" /></a>We had a lovely mini break: a bit of shopping, a LOT of eating and some great drinks too. The Quebecs Hotel is very lovely, the beds are amazing and it is very quiet. What more do you need?</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFDGwnHzGPn8CFtcyF6Ph0cDCDUhmquWCooGjgv4IlumrsNyvrE7GFRpble4kGN293kStCNqDbH2E5zehvgWz0wgrI8SOuMX6FEkU9iJ5PWg6fniUyu9cFPF_OLgjsyVEWc8hAzp4lz25mxy8R0TxOoKY1VYpsde9pAJbWkt_uC1yl2Pm_rUs60KsrJA/s4032/IMG_3755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFDGwnHzGPn8CFtcyF6Ph0cDCDUhmquWCooGjgv4IlumrsNyvrE7GFRpble4kGN293kStCNqDbH2E5zehvgWz0wgrI8SOuMX6FEkU9iJ5PWg6fniUyu9cFPF_OLgjsyVEWc8hAzp4lz25mxy8R0TxOoKY1VYpsde9pAJbWkt_uC1yl2Pm_rUs60KsrJA/w400-h300/IMG_3755.JPG" width="400" /></a>First stop was lunch - we couldn't decide between Bao Boy and Bundobust so we had a half:half lunch - one dish at Bundobust and one bao bun in Bao Boy. A perfect compromise. We then did some shopping, somehow, Matt managed not to buy anything in the Apple Store which is almost unheard of! We then had an afternoon rest in our room before putting some poshish clobber on and headed out again. First stop was the Alchemist for a cocktail - always fun and then we went to Cult Wings - a restaurant we found online. It sounded interesting - and Matt fancied wings. We made a booking and arrived to find we were the only ones in the restaurant. Oh hum. Nevermind. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdKJh_rE6LMZ4xOYrra_nIA3N0zDqQP5tpanFaWERfR7_J5_fFCaRHrJFjB1wpszWCkLJ46VTgZP8FBviobNdF-K8YaSCesSDUSkW4GEnnEWv_NqyDeVFNV4eEO5hfj4n6JsegIikJW3t9gsPfpKpCYJlr2xecrK6H2i0y177npE5O6zI11MuJEy1Ku0/s4032/IMG_3756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdKJh_rE6LMZ4xOYrra_nIA3N0zDqQP5tpanFaWERfR7_J5_fFCaRHrJFjB1wpszWCkLJ46VTgZP8FBviobNdF-K8YaSCesSDUSkW4GEnnEWv_NqyDeVFNV4eEO5hfj4n6JsegIikJW3t9gsPfpKpCYJlr2xecrK6H2i0y177npE5O6zI11MuJEy1Ku0/w400-h300/IMG_3756.JPG" width="400" /></a>We ordered a serving of wings each (one jerk flavoured and one lemon and garlic flavoured) and some fries. We weren't disappointed - the wings were huge and very very tasty - in fact I had trouble finishing my portion. It didn't matter that we were the only ones eating, we enjoyed it very much. However, I think we both over ate as we both suddenly became quite tired and groggy. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdx2mA_H7Cw-uTW5yL01U59ulJbMTOo1GVGy3Hxg2LeJ7djCRTdam3X2F1KY4dlmYOdAF-n5hyE5DdDhM8Jx8HE1qgn87mZKWHT_kB9w_rA_kJ_wOxJdThjMixtX4xse8Up9IQ9On9vkI063Qn0HxY6ZSydsYPTkBupk7HeEaJKnBWgAG9abEm_Q5wtV4/s4032/IMG_6913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdx2mA_H7Cw-uTW5yL01U59ulJbMTOo1GVGy3Hxg2LeJ7djCRTdam3X2F1KY4dlmYOdAF-n5hyE5DdDhM8Jx8HE1qgn87mZKWHT_kB9w_rA_kJ_wOxJdThjMixtX4xse8Up9IQ9On9vkI063Qn0HxY6ZSydsYPTkBupk7HeEaJKnBWgAG9abEm_Q5wtV4/w300-h400/IMG_6913.JPG" width="300" /></a>Oh hum, never mind we headed back to our room and lazed around whilst we recovered. Monday we did a bit more shopping and walking around before heading home. A nice, short break.</p><p><br /></p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-89308828032654932692023-08-13T22:07:00.004+01:002023-08-14T10:38:25.431+01:00Mum's 80th Get Together<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPy7ZN2esG3_xJ1BylGv-7FMALbxzEPJe1qMOBz6Dq8SNqMQPxV4RuLCCuTgv5jQnZVfEofQ2N_9lXf5bjezHVRhspbK_0XH6BSGeiyW7kquILNgifpSJUjEt0LRHEVWqetQ6et_fZf--ywKdTV6kIs3SdL4-dU4fWWfRVaP_rpKCZfqKX-1W3cocnAUg/s4032/Mum%20and%2080%20balloons.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPy7ZN2esG3_xJ1BylGv-7FMALbxzEPJe1qMOBz6Dq8SNqMQPxV4RuLCCuTgv5jQnZVfEofQ2N_9lXf5bjezHVRhspbK_0XH6BSGeiyW7kquILNgifpSJUjEt0LRHEVWqetQ6et_fZf--ywKdTV6kIs3SdL4-dU4fWWfRVaP_rpKCZfqKX-1W3cocnAUg/w300-h400/Mum%20and%2080%20balloons.jpg" width="300" /></a>So it isn't just me who has a big birthday this year, Mum does as well - the big 80! I think she was in part denial, she didn't want to do anything for it, but I didn't want it to go unmarked, and as we all tend to be away on holiday on her actual birthday, I thought we should arrange something earlier in the summer. As usual, I put the call out for everyone to help with finding somewhere, but no-one did and it was down to me. It wasn't easy, I was super busy in November / December so had to leave it until January - but there wasn't much out there to take 9 people for under £1,000 but after a lot of research I found a couple and left it to the others to decide...they decided on one in Shropshire - great for us as we didn't have to travel too far! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0bxWACTS63F8lEt1LD_Y1gOA9fTie19x9WLDjJmfQqv2H-bGVKpRzZWMUL8ZXg5BxCyRl_Wid26eMAn7lw8j7O5KXEf-cWsVyNTF2MVacmwcw56EQRXyLdsmSvZI5Gl-cF90SWZZq4_F5CG53dOjRLjr3yhZcU1lNvkAc50bOdh6QT7nHCCgrpndvNc/s4032/IMG_6856.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0bxWACTS63F8lEt1LD_Y1gOA9fTie19x9WLDjJmfQqv2H-bGVKpRzZWMUL8ZXg5BxCyRl_Wid26eMAn7lw8j7O5KXEf-cWsVyNTF2MVacmwcw56EQRXyLdsmSvZI5Gl-cF90SWZZq4_F5CG53dOjRLjr3yhZcU1lNvkAc50bOdh6QT7nHCCgrpndvNc/w300-h400/IMG_6856.jpeg" width="300" /></a>We couldn't arrive until 3pm, but we packed up early and hit the road deciding to take it easy, have lunch en route and maybe a little walk before we turned up. We found a pub in Chirk for lunch which was very reasonably priced and then we headed to the aqueduct for a little walk along the canal. It was very picturesque and just nice to be out in the countryside taking it easy.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb3NQ3ET9gpU3e_1kjAnSXTW13CKENThNvxOSY8u5Ru3Ybs4PDZ0cgUGFccrM_KYd2NFEaErpi17gZoy315vltutENnWk2rEwFmb6okRyons27B2WRkLqR7wsPU8FtOuSB5yFa5R8-bpdCPu1AvF0-PDH6R26eZsoq8Uq0jwn3EMkc9XYMYfj5CRjkYM/s3976/DSC09885.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3976" data-original-width="2652" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb3NQ3ET9gpU3e_1kjAnSXTW13CKENThNvxOSY8u5Ru3Ybs4PDZ0cgUGFccrM_KYd2NFEaErpi17gZoy315vltutENnWk2rEwFmb6okRyons27B2WRkLqR7wsPU8FtOuSB5yFa5R8-bpdCPu1AvF0-PDH6R26eZsoq8Uq0jwn3EMkc9XYMYfj5CRjkYM/w266-h400/DSC09885.jpeg" width="266" /></a>Around 3pm we headed towards the house, we got there to find everyone already moved in - they must have arrived dead on 3pm. I found it all quite disorientating arriving, and finding everything already full so nowhere to put our food, everyone had already taken their bedrooms and were settled in - we only arrived at 3.15! Oh hum. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFd4rmQZ6r0PAFyxDfA-42hovYxlEFyOKb8maQ4MeUJr4A_t3fjpiNCWKXib1JZ3k3WXoCVX_aD4cEhf1A4XMAacuQU29U2wnWp3Q32qcbyf0TNp6F_-fpw-3ZDBDG_5RbV3gmqh91XotYgASP-q8BAYrqyNFyZaMpncym_1-agVLvwqi_nFYsCHbJNj8/s4080/20230725_204050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFd4rmQZ6r0PAFyxDfA-42hovYxlEFyOKb8maQ4MeUJr4A_t3fjpiNCWKXib1JZ3k3WXoCVX_aD4cEhf1A4XMAacuQU29U2wnWp3Q32qcbyf0TNp6F_-fpw-3ZDBDG_5RbV3gmqh91XotYgASP-q8BAYrqyNFyZaMpncym_1-agVLvwqi_nFYsCHbJNj8/w180-h400/20230725_204050.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />I had organised what food we were going to have each day, so people knew what to bring, as well as activities for each day. I don't find this easy - food wise everyone has different tastes and preferences - for lunches: do we have picnics or do we eat out, if we have a bbq what do people think is 'normal' bbq food, if we have shared meals - what do people like, what don't they? And activities - what do we do, how to keep everyone happy? It is a mine field and I know if I get it wrong I'll be moaned at. Plus finding the time to do all the research, come up with ideas etc etc isn't easy. As it turned out we over catered and doubled up on quite a bit of the food, but better that than not having enough. I just wish that the others would have input rather than it all being on me! Right rant over - over to the break.<p></p><p>Everyone was happy to see each other, we lost Tom immediately to Jake which was good and the sun was out so we could have drinks outside on the patio. They boys were straight to playing football in the garden. Our hosts who live next door made themselves known to us and introduced us to two doggies - Amber was overjoyed. She LOVES doggies. They said that we could take them for a walk if we wished - she was up for it big time.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy089ypt7cV8bL80T8aLTYCQereJImto44QRsvN6kxucwezkPStUSjZ7FKP8ZcuWUw0YIRDnjUDdla3q8LAZGUWFIxKHXAetKQYdHqNo2SngpGSWoap3sgMbB1JjYLlBjEWHlE8bwx9HCJpHS5BCu2VwAMOP5r_SLDQHJzShMjUSqqbe5isr7FDIVcHv4/s3264/20230725_183651.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy089ypt7cV8bL80T8aLTYCQereJImto44QRsvN6kxucwezkPStUSjZ7FKP8ZcuWUw0YIRDnjUDdla3q8LAZGUWFIxKHXAetKQYdHqNo2SngpGSWoap3sgMbB1JjYLlBjEWHlE8bwx9HCJpHS5BCu2VwAMOP5r_SLDQHJzShMjUSqqbe5isr7FDIVcHv4/w640-h288/20230725_183651.jpg" width="640" /></a>I had suggested curry night for tonight. I had made a lamb curry, Simon was bringing their version of curry, I made rice, they did naan and we all tucked in. It seemed to go well, plenty got eaten, there was plenty of chat. We then all headed out for a walk into the sunset with the doggies. Mum stayed behind to rest - I think she was a little overwhelmed with the noise and bustle of 9 people being together - understandable - they are used to just the two of them rattling quietly around their big house. We got back and sat round with a couple of drinks before we all headed to bed.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8L2DV_6L0FXGQHDAZ3INVC7tlJtLiX8QWn7Phkji6iXzb1-7ZTC3pStKJHiBChMFMJm90cKUlPYhLdV753PvNvr4LiZJaTjhQw3Bmyl_NcW3Xhqyg5l8sfb42Ky8gPVGHNj8xifxIsFQIIQzEB_4t8zv7f6NjfLjZAv_PNpnaPQQrEtSEzWZ-5brBCc/s7952/DSC09891.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5304" data-original-width="7952" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8L2DV_6L0FXGQHDAZ3INVC7tlJtLiX8QWn7Phkji6iXzb1-7ZTC3pStKJHiBChMFMJm90cKUlPYhLdV753PvNvr4LiZJaTjhQw3Bmyl_NcW3Xhqyg5l8sfb42Ky8gPVGHNj8xifxIsFQIIQzEB_4t8zv7f6NjfLjZAv_PNpnaPQQrEtSEzWZ-5brBCc/w640-h426/DSC09891.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p>In the morning it was bacon and eggs all round, cooked by Simon and then we headed out to Chirk. First stop was the aqueduct that we walked across yesterday - it was a nice flat walk, so we knew Mum would be ok. Clare was a little nervous of the aqueduct and wouldn't allow anyone to lean on the railings, but that was fine. We walked along to the bridge and back again. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigNpFtAe5HudZr4SF0J-3Kgu5qqZ01l54O48iNrQtWywgL63WCFVDBkYUOdnjgF-AIe6iCnxTsxjW6xxtnyOs_VSS8TOogSNMD7yhOETC61EIcohiKuDmcxdfYk1HRgdrjJonaVjFR_Q7uk-CQwoklyM8lglvoZO3PKucglDoyrxg6yJ2MXNANsydMQ4/s4032/IMG_6860.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigNpFtAe5HudZr4SF0J-3Kgu5qqZ01l54O48iNrQtWywgL63WCFVDBkYUOdnjgF-AIe6iCnxTsxjW6xxtnyOs_VSS8TOogSNMD7yhOETC61EIcohiKuDmcxdfYk1HRgdrjJonaVjFR_Q7uk-CQwoklyM8lglvoZO3PKucglDoyrxg6yJ2MXNANsydMQ4/w400-h300/IMG_6860.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFPRklqH4M4N74UMzNhWLt9tIh-TWnezI1ET2C5o-XwFkS_DxDg0_4cyT2xbYXmDIoQa4UKjkKFPfpEkDp1Zlh9CYT-7P-NM8-Fzr_7v8BYSdJzVDvSE6E_mTjHik7DamnhWMmeitQBHuAEv1mwnWk-uETTBHxyvICQ9v0nZ5i1kjVj6BXJ9ZDUA8Aks/s4032/IMG_3737.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFPRklqH4M4N74UMzNhWLt9tIh-TWnezI1ET2C5o-XwFkS_DxDg0_4cyT2xbYXmDIoQa4UKjkKFPfpEkDp1Zlh9CYT-7P-NM8-Fzr_7v8BYSdJzVDvSE6E_mTjHik7DamnhWMmeitQBHuAEv1mwnWk-uETTBHxyvICQ9v0nZ5i1kjVj6BXJ9ZDUA8Aks/w300-h400/IMG_3737.jpeg" width="300" /></a>We then headed to Chirk Castle which is a National Trust property. We were all hungry so headed straight to the cafe and were lucky to find a huge round table to house us all. The food was pretty good and gave us enough energy to have a look around the castle, found the dungeons, the boys dressed up as knights etc. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC0CJmQ9AlJ-s_y1UuW11melCWteaRQ5qhuR-yAaDMj7RIIGnNwkQ_bVmXmF6kTiWd1olh3tAFWJJOUrkFkv5tI65oXuxb55alY43OR6Qnq05b76L0LsiRqfkuHh0YPsCEl2OFvIbSZXS1mfvZNoT3BEtrfLM0_3iXZHKBpEhRVCRALb_IIfhKxVbrLM/s4032/IMG_3736.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC0CJmQ9AlJ-s_y1UuW11melCWteaRQ5qhuR-yAaDMj7RIIGnNwkQ_bVmXmF6kTiWd1olh3tAFWJJOUrkFkv5tI65oXuxb55alY43OR6Qnq05b76L0LsiRqfkuHh0YPsCEl2OFvIbSZXS1mfvZNoT3BEtrfLM0_3iXZHKBpEhRVCRALb_IIfhKxVbrLM/w400-h300/IMG_3736.jpeg" width="400" /></a>We then headed out into the gardens for a good snoop until rain set in and sent us back to look in the formal rooms of the castle which were ok, as usual there were loads of paintings of regal people - we realised there was a soft toy in every room so that kept the kids interested and in the last room we were allowed to sit on the sofas which I thought was almost unheard of. There was also a film of a lady who grew up in the castle and described how it was - loads of games of hide and seek, sliding in the long room etc etc - sounded fun. We came out to more rain, so decided to call it a day and head back to the house. We were supposed to have a BBQ in the evening, but the forecast was for rain all evening, so we went down to the pub to see if they would change my reservation from tomorrow to today - it wasn't a problem - phew!</p><p>Before we headed to the pub we had Mum's birthday celebration. I had bought helium balloons as I figured Mum had never had them before and would like them, I had also made a cake - of course and we had got her a present which would be fun for her to open. We gathered in the lounge, had prosecco and bucks fizz and did the opening. We got her a hedgehog house - complete with food dishes and food (kitten biscuits which are recommended by vets as the best food for them). I got her to open the kitten biscuits first and got a great reaction - she (and Dad) thought for a moment that we had got them a cat - not helped by Tom making miaowing sounds - lol! Simon and family got them a treasure hunt in Exeter with a voucher for a meal out half way round. </p><p>We then went to the pub, it was ok - not brilliant, but good enough and the main thing was that we could all drink and eat and not worry about driving. Matt wasn't feeling himself, he said he was bloated and very tired. He only had one course, whilst pretty much everyone else had either 2 course or 3 courses, he even held back on the beer - so it must have been bad. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNIRpvs5rXdI_D0C2Vvzl9KIrpV9kMgPK93jgBLtK0YOZvo2K-4SY4vn_A-R_zmILztkevNoXVVPiWiOMvhTFJ_fhc5EYYIOIl7LIhajTAiEwC2C2MsRXzPA7ScWEWhFzbK7GwoCB3asxtTBAeLXd_xASt842sVvG0gzzC-i_iLapxyxHop0VqumL5O0/s4032/IMG_6894.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNIRpvs5rXdI_D0C2Vvzl9KIrpV9kMgPK93jgBLtK0YOZvo2K-4SY4vn_A-R_zmILztkevNoXVVPiWiOMvhTFJ_fhc5EYYIOIl7LIhajTAiEwC2C2MsRXzPA7ScWEWhFzbK7GwoCB3asxtTBAeLXd_xASt842sVvG0gzzC-i_iLapxyxHop0VqumL5O0/w300-h400/IMG_6894.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-qVqVzLs_R7FvvGdu29_MDUDPHv8_c9sgklds5fHbk_PjYOFYEbidIzsin6_rehPoUvPqFs8U3MufaLdBhj4kvjIMjCpmi0doHTXNRJAKZFjJ4afEvu40yP5R57W5e_y4kD1_i5FUN6WqMuD0jH40JM0VM44A3bR9E6DZfqzshNZX1XdCjK67CvO98c/s2560/20230726_215159.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-qVqVzLs_R7FvvGdu29_MDUDPHv8_c9sgklds5fHbk_PjYOFYEbidIzsin6_rehPoUvPqFs8U3MufaLdBhj4kvjIMjCpmi0doHTXNRJAKZFjJ4afEvu40yP5R57W5e_y4kD1_i5FUN6WqMuD0jH40JM0VM44A3bR9E6DZfqzshNZX1XdCjK67CvO98c/w180-h400/20230726_215159.jpg" width="180" /></a>When we got back to the house, Matt went straight to bed, whilst the rest of us gathered in the lounge to do birthday cake. We put some candles in it (that always pains me) and sang happy birthday. Dad then cut into it and everyone was allowed one piece before it got squirrelled away!</p><p>Thursday - we had just bacon or cereal for breakfast and then headed to Pontcysyllte aqueduct - the tallest aqueduct in the world. We parked nearby and walked across it to a marina and visitor centre. Most went down to the bottom to appreciate how tall it was, I stayed at the top with Mum and Dad, enjoying their company. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xbB1ynFjJI79XPOMHkvdJlbjWx8SXVz4qwct2Md2wma46MjRpMJcOemozCfV8bhaacBFyX2pagoO0-eiDUnqToVqu4zIHa8a9lA3Y26688n9BZ2Pq_vJIjslZIBbR22MLVxKlfjbyVAlD0Rnh_llXeXSe3dZQVlEtsUVFPjZOW9-J0OlDUtRC0deA5Y/s4080/20230727_113355.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xbB1ynFjJI79XPOMHkvdJlbjWx8SXVz4qwct2Md2wma46MjRpMJcOemozCfV8bhaacBFyX2pagoO0-eiDUnqToVqu4zIHa8a9lA3Y26688n9BZ2Pq_vJIjslZIBbR22MLVxKlfjbyVAlD0Rnh_llXeXSe3dZQVlEtsUVFPjZOW9-J0OlDUtRC0deA5Y/w180-h400/20230727_113355.jpg" width="180" /></a>We then split into two groups Matt and Tom decided to walk along the canal to Llangollen whilst the rest of us headed over by road. We parked at one end of the town and then walked in via the canal route. We found some benches by the canal which was good as we had a picnic today. By the time we had finished Matt and Tom turned up - great timing. We had found a town trail and Jake took it upon himself to be guide, so we all trooped around being lead by him. We found a Bearded Man Adventure shop - Dad went into it and started chatting - they tried to sell him some adventure activities - so funny, can't quite imagine him on a paddle board, or ghyll scrambling! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCm3wR6vWTkACN85xNYVadTDyswJPVcQ7nJ4KMzW65S4iWW5-Fu9cITelk7-y8ycIYQTsw7NQ1cCKnHObHwLUaRFYJPQGuyDRI9Yrfe8bDSwjaTaUcVsqxp8DkN2F7N3zadhSG_YXvZ_ah428KJZSKE7aNIViT8b-jf092Ep9YPctDa7As3yJrojrj2ew/s3976/DSC09909.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2652" data-original-width="3976" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCm3wR6vWTkACN85xNYVadTDyswJPVcQ7nJ4KMzW65S4iWW5-Fu9cITelk7-y8ycIYQTsw7NQ1cCKnHObHwLUaRFYJPQGuyDRI9Yrfe8bDSwjaTaUcVsqxp8DkN2F7N3zadhSG_YXvZ_ah428KJZSKE7aNIViT8b-jf092Ep9YPctDa7As3yJrojrj2ew/w400-h266/DSC09909.jpeg" width="400" /></a>We did a loop of the town and then headed up to Plas Newydd a beautiful black, white and stained glass house set in acres of grounds. A very pleasant place to spend some time. We then headed back into the town, split up to do our own things and then headed back to the house for our bbq.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLNnJ3svb8mjyNKCi1I9dq_FPR78BMsYw1Hte2eKwMilIYfPN7iZyeMnvT0Vrvek9sPPqmgZSOU_pKilIEUplopDs6-ZWbVDQwVMhzaZqrd3GFMHFzwqdsNh4UQZPMvUnI6zJKf21OCSxBi-tHKfWy19T5EoUWe9Dqj8FX8t9zjikUnXBLY4jzLGFRIM/s4080/20230727_181759.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="4080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLNnJ3svb8mjyNKCi1I9dq_FPR78BMsYw1Hte2eKwMilIYfPN7iZyeMnvT0Vrvek9sPPqmgZSOU_pKilIEUplopDs6-ZWbVDQwVMhzaZqrd3GFMHFzwqdsNh4UQZPMvUnI6zJKf21OCSxBi-tHKfWy19T5EoUWe9Dqj8FX8t9zjikUnXBLY4jzLGFRIM/w400-h180/20230727_181759.jpg" width="400" /></a>Simon was BBQ cook, I did a salad and Clare did other bits and pieces. I introduced everyone to Aperol Spritz - think it went down ok and it was (just) warm enough to sit outside and enjoy it. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsB4Q5lKDHR7_Hyz9Li5IhD_MR1HLN1EUrJu1gvrW7w5twQcDp8AjUtBCPxUd_EhNue0FV45qXikPny4GMq34hMZoAZ_Wm-Q32QerjE2DBDe6CftG2Skh7a0YfC908torTTiZwZTUmyJdrx7qZy4e691yAOA5Nrvm1G7a0j6vSzheFqQ7GNxXzdbK7O24/s4080/20230727_164918.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="4080" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsB4Q5lKDHR7_Hyz9Li5IhD_MR1HLN1EUrJu1gvrW7w5twQcDp8AjUtBCPxUd_EhNue0FV45qXikPny4GMq34hMZoAZ_Wm-Q32QerjE2DBDe6CftG2Skh7a0YfC908torTTiZwZTUmyJdrx7qZy4e691yAOA5Nrvm1G7a0j6vSzheFqQ7GNxXzdbK7O24/w640-h288/20230727_164918.jpg" width="640" /></a>The BBQ was delicious and expertly cooked by Simon - a very good job. We then had to pack up ready for tomorrow as we had to be off early. Everyone except me, Mum and Dad headed went for another walk with the doggies and once they were back, some more packing up and bed.</p><p>Friday - we got up early and headed out first. Tom had a 10am appointment at Manchester Airport to go plane spotting with Seb for the day. Tom's idea of heaven as in the last year he has got more and more interested (and nerdy) about planes.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCO_I_tQzfIAErQx2kckBVGDqNyeQHiOrebcJfP_FBrAAjVDfOYUv8p8OEtM6eqPRK9KcNzm_gVcwVC4mUyIqbnyTGZru1VrXxP-ODRCaGIPpWXEhGE8lkgBTpuDGbCxIVQdL9GEaUzi8LvEhkyEQH9ab5WT_IdKNeJdbux4uowvhmnb8_j90c1tUhcQ/s4080/20230728_091059.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1836" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCO_I_tQzfIAErQx2kckBVGDqNyeQHiOrebcJfP_FBrAAjVDfOYUv8p8OEtM6eqPRK9KcNzm_gVcwVC4mUyIqbnyTGZru1VrXxP-ODRCaGIPpWXEhGE8lkgBTpuDGbCxIVQdL9GEaUzi8LvEhkyEQH9ab5WT_IdKNeJdbux4uowvhmnb8_j90c1tUhcQ/w288-h640/20230728_091059.jpg" width="288" /></a>It was sad to say goodbye to everyone, especially Mum and Dad. They said that they won't be coming to visit us anymore as it is too far, which I completely understand. They are also nervous about having guests in their house too because of all the extra work. I also understand that, we need to sort something out with them where both they and we are happy. I'm sure we can get a system in place where we visit them without too much stress on them, we are quite looking forward to visiting them again in Crapstone, it has been quite a few years and it is a lovely place - I know Matt has missed his visits - he enjoys the location as well as the welcome.</p><p>I hope Mum enjoyed the get together and it didn't stress her out too much. It was a busy few days, but lovely and everyone more or less got on with each other. Plus the area was beautiful and the doggies next door a great bonus. I can't quite believe how far Mum walked - she might think she doesn't have much stamina - but she really does and she should be proud of herself for keeping up. Once again Tom and Jake got on really well - it has been over a year since they last saw each other but it doesn't seem to matter, they seem to naturally get on. Amber was much easier than last time we saw her as well, she even smiled from time to time and helped out with out too much persuasion. </p><p>It is good to all get together from time to time, shame we all live so far from each other that it becomes such a big mission to all meet up, however, we are all stubbornly attached to where we live, so it will never change. At least it happened and we had fun.</p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-73064183079316449542023-08-13T15:08:00.004+01:002023-08-13T15:08:37.309+01:00June<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf3fx2hb9Gs1wlnFnLcdiScM-5fK-trA5hRHKoreEOenmLeSY4H3jerh9F5e3M1TId73Sciqiosx6jnVf9gV0J_g5K4AkxfoPi9zdHmbl7PdGvAQz3lWdW9Jzn6JSSbj2oZNp6Su4RcexDXmHXSBD9vW3wFPGuARi2XT9d3_TuL9gAps4vgJcW6f5jMI/s4032/IMG_6480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf3fx2hb9Gs1wlnFnLcdiScM-5fK-trA5hRHKoreEOenmLeSY4H3jerh9F5e3M1TId73Sciqiosx6jnVf9gV0J_g5K4AkxfoPi9zdHmbl7PdGvAQz3lWdW9Jzn6JSSbj2oZNp6Su4RcexDXmHXSBD9vW3wFPGuARi2XT9d3_TuL9gAps4vgJcW6f5jMI/w300-h400/IMG_6480.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Not much else happened in June. We got invited to Y9 Awards morning as Tom had won 3 awards:<p></p><p>+ Chemistry</p><p>+ Effort</p><p>+ Cricket Player<br /></p><p>Was nice to go in and see him get them. Funny, last year Tom was one of the tallest in his year. This year he is average. I'm guessing he has stopped growing and others have caught him up.</p><p>Matt was in Japan for a week or so and Tom went to France for just under a week. Both had good times. I was super busy with work so didn't have too much time to miss them, however, I do find it hard to get to sleep when they aren't here.</p><p>Unfortunately when Matt was flying back home Bob was admitted to hospital with a suspected heart attack. It turned out he did have one, so I headed over to Airedale to check on him. He was absolutely shattered. Jude headed over as well so we hung out at the cafe whilst Bob got some rest. I was trying to keep it secret from Matt so turned my phone off, however, he had paid extra for wifi on board his plane and saw that our car was in Airedale and got in touch with Jude to find out what was going on. Oh hum, so I had to tell him what was going on. Bob wasn't in a bad way, but it was a scare. Turned out that he needed 2 stents which he had to have done in Leeds General Infirmary the following day. I was picking up Matt that day, so poor Jude ended up having to drive across and wait for him and drive him home.</p><p>That was it for June! </p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-61773297668765619162023-08-13T14:56:00.000+01:002023-08-13T14:56:25.240+01:00Turning 50! Leeds Weekend<div class="separator"><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3bZd_LH0oUbD_DlomeaEbHbv1RxxlNKeGal5ugKt23qGegl1QA4jVqlqAE4EilpmZYLXLiKIU-4usnvhloJ0sia8weY4oHZkYAovjMJbhjDIXd_kxusqNQ3on8JZMiRPI5sC8G_3lO3g_U7KObNVB6k6WS1wbTN4rK0xFSkYTOUVfNzFYkS5uDDzPUo/s1126/IMG_7035.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nNmhAxyJPTOvSBHZ1cOaZERSVqXYx7I5QlQrL7kfL67ikEVAO94cexVy3QEN6XVgZH3yWKT7z1-SxesK7AL23fSqDAaYW_r4PzbC8QEoV9rzvRvkRR6eKIg846mnYgw01JpPa8u88-LrqolFx68-kRXYB5aqO8m2YacrOaaYdi6d2eVRk9cSdwp8XRc/s2436/IMG_7036.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="1126" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3bZd_LH0oUbD_DlomeaEbHbv1RxxlNKeGal5ugKt23qGegl1QA4jVqlqAE4EilpmZYLXLiKIU-4usnvhloJ0sia8weY4oHZkYAovjMJbhjDIXd_kxusqNQ3on8JZMiRPI5sC8G_3lO3g_U7KObNVB6k6WS1wbTN4rK0xFSkYTOUVfNzFYkS5uDDzPUo/w640-h288/IMG_7035.JPG" width="640" /></p></div><div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">In June I had another celebration planned - a mystery night out with the girlies from Ingleton: Steph, Janine and Anne. We had met together to plan a date to go out to a city for a night to include drink, food and dancing and then they planned everything - I felt like this was a huge treat - to go away and not plan anything - very rare!!!!! </p><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">I was picked up and taken to Clapham Station from which we got the train to Leeds. We arrived and went straight to a restaurant for lunch and cocktails - a great start, plus it was hot, hot, hot.</p></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hnCjwR860txP5monYjWw9WoRTQuSoS-2WRAcT0Xz6PICpd0V8i5fNEyGU0ObuLIw8UzdPE0hDmHqLMbgZiTZCQWmi_NFiAQJdn0yjGq1BxmDSagHAg8j6CAAKBrcjsjjLJNq-y3PMcufducDGYqz_NLZjBIQfdgtNYZu1DCL4TLZn4vl8XsXGH1UzCc/s2436/IMG_7036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LEBo1Iezhya9s2_FZGICrQvVU7nSXqwhMHTm0btlO2dbmPCWYGM-aWZLqx63ddRkaq-xTA7YfPiVO4CHs0LT6tz1fzN2det9pI2RlovRGVlHteqANi42lDDoQQZUn2m2XvkXugtEiROkSiI3AZJwEb1cYNBkWfCK2bVaeyXzUSYAbg1Z40BxB_glLho/s4032/IMG_6416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LEBo1Iezhya9s2_FZGICrQvVU7nSXqwhMHTm0btlO2dbmPCWYGM-aWZLqx63ddRkaq-xTA7YfPiVO4CHs0LT6tz1fzN2det9pI2RlovRGVlHteqANi42lDDoQQZUn2m2XvkXugtEiROkSiI3AZJwEb1cYNBkWfCK2bVaeyXzUSYAbg1Z40BxB_glLho/w300-h400/IMG_6416.JPG" width="300" /></a> <img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hnCjwR860txP5monYjWw9WoRTQuSoS-2WRAcT0Xz6PICpd0V8i5fNEyGU0ObuLIw8UzdPE0hDmHqLMbgZiTZCQWmi_NFiAQJdn0yjGq1BxmDSagHAg8j6CAAKBrcjsjjLJNq-y3PMcufducDGYqz_NLZjBIQfdgtNYZu1DCL4TLZn4vl8XsXGH1UzCc/w180-h400/IMG_7036.JPG" width="180" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvhBw2Y9LQdAe_F9ujvfpY1FyftxTnDaUD-LU4bm5RYeENJPJFQiFdi7W2FD3y2vS8pV73u_8zjXf79DMg1yK0uE6ajMncuvZa3-0Pi7Me27N7WN9RwcScafZvGVMN_w54_Xgl3gQZm6ElB9dkQeQVHDsLZOpqaCfuCdEyW8RO05ja_ZBwMU89XAyzbg/s2436/IMG_7034.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvhBw2Y9LQdAe_F9ujvfpY1FyftxTnDaUD-LU4bm5RYeENJPJFQiFdi7W2FD3y2vS8pV73u_8zjXf79DMg1yK0uE6ajMncuvZa3-0Pi7Me27N7WN9RwcScafZvGVMN_w54_Xgl3gQZm6ElB9dkQeQVHDsLZOpqaCfuCdEyW8RO05ja_ZBwMU89XAyzbg/w180-h400/IMG_7034.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LEBo1Iezhya9s2_FZGICrQvVU7nSXqwhMHTm0btlO2dbmPCWYGM-aWZLqx63ddRkaq-xTA7YfPiVO4CHs0LT6tz1fzN2det9pI2RlovRGVlHteqANi42lDDoQQZUn2m2XvkXugtEiROkSiI3AZJwEb1cYNBkWfCK2bVaeyXzUSYAbg1Z40BxB_glLho/s4032/IMG_6416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAg7bMGsMQqIkUVSfYVT4ixp0NmfCKDQbVVt94Fb5MD_YMygtRK1ZMck6iMVZjhP_E1-AUTtu7ZHTTWCAUnH5eqHRYHEdcoJMHDZjVE5tM7gjGTF4AmGyT0cez4oh8ktKNesWTYwXDCLedAWcApfg-hP0ml96PtpFGF8IC5SFq-zo3n1n-ZllO6lTkWE/s2436/IMG_7033.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAg7bMGsMQqIkUVSfYVT4ixp0NmfCKDQbVVt94Fb5MD_YMygtRK1ZMck6iMVZjhP_E1-AUTtu7ZHTTWCAUnH5eqHRYHEdcoJMHDZjVE5tM7gjGTF4AmGyT0cez4oh8ktKNesWTYwXDCLedAWcApfg-hP0ml96PtpFGF8IC5SFq-zo3n1n-ZllO6lTkWE/w180-h400/IMG_7033.JPG" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SBZUpWhqm7OKsXe_7HCPATYo2Ooz_kA8dTPRAfyvSRPdmbhaCeg8HHOFEH5KAm4e3WjNTWMP_u1M89b8JyhdKhNoli_0OY4ekk24BFmVRqQiRtOVQYovwOXwsw5asNE4qc8tEvAS0F0SQmaWDX7QXQkwx6fnj2-zRXmIwLJLVFHVCrmqIkcvyQ3vJwI/s2436/IMG_7032.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SBZUpWhqm7OKsXe_7HCPATYo2Ooz_kA8dTPRAfyvSRPdmbhaCeg8HHOFEH5KAm4e3WjNTWMP_u1M89b8JyhdKhNoli_0OY4ekk24BFmVRqQiRtOVQYovwOXwsw5asNE4qc8tEvAS0F0SQmaWDX7QXQkwx6fnj2-zRXmIwLJLVFHVCrmqIkcvyQ3vJwI/w288-h640/IMG_7032.JPG" width="288" /></a><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Once we were done with cocktails, we did a spot of shopping - we were with Anne after all and she is a shopper extraordinaire! Plus we are all Mums and although it was a very rare girlie weekend away, we all had bits and pieces that we needed to buy for our children. Also I needed a pair of sandals for the evening - only having tracking sandals or daps which don't really go with a dress. We were all made to try some bits and pieces on in New Look - I haven't even entered a New Look for years, Janine the same (guess the Mums with boys!). We then headed to our accommodation for the night - a nice hotel across the river. We had a lie down and then got ready for a night out. I was told to go for the slinky dress - haven't worn it in many years - mainly due to being too fat - this was the pay off for all my dieting - yay!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-size: 12pt;">First stop was the sky bar overlooking the canal. The place had a great vibe and cocktails on the menu so we dug in, went out onto the balcony and enjoyed the view.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Leeds isn't in the most picturesque of locations, but it was a lovely night and a good view and excellent vibe. We all enjoyed it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw7jGqQLu7IFwVbLPHwC0GZ96qXtawy046TaHV25H8hD1PDE3MG9aWQ6n2KMKM7DzbWUZG19JzUV2J8B3-WaQ5ZpxUqr6LguKR5MyF2B-8IVT6Qei4EiRJJUM_zUOVnVvMIJpN3Iz6tnc1d9ZWoI-qEOR4SQqbfgesIyAePlxwgz2KJzCJH5f2KLzzMk/s1500/IMG_7038.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw7jGqQLu7IFwVbLPHwC0GZ96qXtawy046TaHV25H8hD1PDE3MG9aWQ6n2KMKM7DzbWUZG19JzUV2J8B3-WaQ5ZpxUqr6LguKR5MyF2B-8IVT6Qei4EiRJJUM_zUOVnVvMIJpN3Iz6tnc1d9ZWoI-qEOR4SQqbfgesIyAePlxwgz2KJzCJH5f2KLzzMk/w300-h400/IMG_7038.JPG" width="300" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Anne had booked us dinner in a very lovely restaurant serving Tapas.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNPQJ_K3W_BSYq0sIcgM7ZakENZFUMGOr3Zs2Kxb0a_GRS7VY74aYEnLfRsWO6rdur7WUaofoXSal5if-qqOFB2WtxqwxbVKwZy6vem1lJuZ8MihOAB42Gb4YweKWIZ_AdLD9Tyiap-iTjhdDA-YcWmqHMpLlBU59n9W9626iGoU0VU4DNrfktew2OCk/s4032/IMG_6418.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNPQJ_K3W_BSYq0sIcgM7ZakENZFUMGOr3Zs2Kxb0a_GRS7VY74aYEnLfRsWO6rdur7WUaofoXSal5if-qqOFB2WtxqwxbVKwZy6vem1lJuZ8MihOAB42Gb4YweKWIZ_AdLD9Tyiap-iTjhdDA-YcWmqHMpLlBU59n9W9626iGoU0VU4DNrfktew2OCk/w300-h400/IMG_6418.JPG" width="300" /></a>We enjoyed our dinner and then headed out on the town for the night. Anne had made a list of bars that we might enjoy, so we tried them one by one. Some were empty, some were playing the wrong kind of music, some were heaving. We found a couple that were fun and then we came across a bar playing 80s music - that will do, there was space to dance too.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5I5uSKBkTqdm-kFFgUOUlhhWlzKRzWg5gdmtscTo-w2QXev0Rd9Nq4XOdCAP5ZTdXEeYnQA7G3aWTV_6p9rO27ViIRqG-lq-IucigE1yyD7kP2e9qzDRL5AEJYnEfz5XLlECUqm5JfU2pIwM2lcsMGBXwZd3IrD35BADHmN9fzuz4X25sGitLmKDOPQ/s1125/IMG_7039.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5I5uSKBkTqdm-kFFgUOUlhhWlzKRzWg5gdmtscTo-w2QXev0Rd9Nq4XOdCAP5ZTdXEeYnQA7G3aWTV_6p9rO27ViIRqG-lq-IucigE1yyD7kP2e9qzDRL5AEJYnEfz5XLlECUqm5JfU2pIwM2lcsMGBXwZd3IrD35BADHmN9fzuz4X25sGitLmKDOPQ/w400-h300/IMG_7039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We stayed for a good time enjoying a sing-a-long boogie. It was a perfect evening of food, drinking and dancing, meaning we didn't get drunk but were happy enough to boogie along and have fun. Just what I wanted the night to be and I think the others enjoyed it too - it is so rare that we have girlie nights out.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">We spent most of the night giggling about nothing in particular and just being plain silly. Well you can when you are with friends and don't know anyone else around - we all let loose.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">We left the bar and then headed to a nightclub that Anne & Janine knew and wanted to visit - it has a drag queen show and they said it was a fun place, so we headed in. Unfortunately we missed the show, so we stayed for a bit of a dance, but it was rammed and very difficult to dance. We had all reached the end of the line for drinking too - the only drinks on offer there were WKD type pop, we tried it, but it is horrible, we all had trouble drinking it and in the end decided to head back to the hotel - it was 3am so we had stayed the course and had a great night out.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p48XcNg_8Zp6yo2FLZl7zStFSCTdC6THbI15AbnkYdcrOgUqI6b83lf5cLNvjK9JZnAxTapZIhncfzccnopBkAP4MrVsRNpKC-JaGAxXeFNI6eWevfBgxb8N3Yz7GDmUqht-4Gj9YlY21-mtRuz3aeWiqWdZyGaPEKBvpzzCqYwgBqeVP9J64sYC91Y/s1496/IMG_7040.JPG" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p48XcNg_8Zp6yo2FLZl7zStFSCTdC6THbI15AbnkYdcrOgUqI6b83lf5cLNvjK9JZnAxTapZIhncfzccnopBkAP4MrVsRNpKC-JaGAxXeFNI6eWevfBgxb8N3Yz7GDmUqht-4Gj9YlY21-mtRuz3aeWiqWdZyGaPEKBvpzzCqYwgBqeVP9J64sYC91Y/w482-h640/IMG_7040.JPG" width="482" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The photo of the night - our Bohemian Rhapsody cover!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We were all a little jaded in the morning, so had a long lie-in and breakfast. Then we lazed around in reception before a spot of shopping and the train home. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you girlies it was just what I wanted.<div><p></p></div></div>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-66858663074224612322023-08-13T12:52:00.002+01:002023-08-13T14:23:53.938+01:00Turning 50! Derby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qw78oBWUbZytyLN1LlgIO6lMZzz0I_L4xKLzWeDkx937ZpAZXvo42csuqJeB0HCi4yZda7kNEzGIiMsltgUp0ScXwCwYkHF1CRe9xS0dsvCBccihOGFPOM04auNi_sYAhsxcu1y5JaLKCLoDCk5oV7LuXQP3dQBr3vbiLyCMPkClIhkgxQY75k3q0Qk/s1600/73d1da44-cb14-44d8-aa07-f28280bc8035.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></a></div><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0g0DSX_uYUF2Vw-e5xufeUtR23CkcYcJjDlt59Xhm5fR83KbXYOzjP-Sg4grVBFX_zYEziIOKLKueWV8CYcSLMsNs7Cs4w87vbdz1BYNbqq3Rwte1LveSV1JNUdMWd3B6yFrXl89MsxjM7mtn0LZjkNzjHF4b45tp4v3wwjCNEOh2kjGhq3rgNGW-1h4/s2000/f08a7fb3-41bd-4b95-82f4-764704f8abc0.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0g0DSX_uYUF2Vw-e5xufeUtR23CkcYcJjDlt59Xhm5fR83KbXYOzjP-Sg4grVBFX_zYEziIOKLKueWV8CYcSLMsNs7Cs4w87vbdz1BYNbqq3Rwte1LveSV1JNUdMWd3B6yFrXl89MsxjM7mtn0LZjkNzjHF4b45tp4v3wwjCNEOh2kjGhq3rgNGW-1h4/w300-h400/f08a7fb3-41bd-4b95-82f4-764704f8abc0.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house in Markeaton Street</td></tr></tbody></table>So as part of my 50th year I thought it would be good to get back in touch with my Derby friends for a reunion as it has been over 10 years since we all saw each other. I keep in touch with Lou and Debbie via Facebook and have seen Debbie and number of times, but I haven't seen Lou and certainly haven't had any contact with the boys for ages.<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIa5Wm2Sybr3FyazCXZ2oSU8zWLIelxKjfhx756czHktOeU_v6rIwnz0wOoeqeVHjSB_P9PREx5y2xZfP3FEmBXGMgW1SEf0yfo1t1E1MtZ6c7JdVJsZO9EZ-t3aTNFlkEgz6DmVZZcvydlEddNqwyE6-Tr3gEDhdulQZCdzwxxCjPtdi2IrXlX8nKiQ/s1600/ec0980c5-9804-423b-9dc4-7b429fdb0c49.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIa5Wm2Sybr3FyazCXZ2oSU8zWLIelxKjfhx756czHktOeU_v6rIwnz0wOoeqeVHjSB_P9PREx5y2xZfP3FEmBXGMgW1SEf0yfo1t1E1MtZ6c7JdVJsZO9EZ-t3aTNFlkEgz6DmVZZcvydlEddNqwyE6-Tr3gEDhdulQZCdzwxxCjPtdi2IrXlX8nKiQ/w225-h400/ec0980c5-9804-423b-9dc4-7b429fdb0c49.JPG" width="225" /></a>I got in touch with the girls - Lou was up for it. Debbie less so, she is suffering from anxiety, so I had to go down to Wigan to try to convince her - it worked. We then tried to find a weekend when we were all free - there was one in the whole year where we could do it - and it was May so that was good. I then dug out the last contact details I had for Mark and asked him if he and Clive wanted to come too. I expected them to say no, so was very surprised when he got in touch to say that they would both come. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvj1uqxkR3pwb6ZeW6Yl_yG2eMqdtUDwm9TYE0Lae_Rd9zv9B5UN7F0XjbE4PjawCCEkWWJ7KJebexQcheSkSyWCBtS2KNC4oYhUw4Ndu4pTcn0Tky7Peo92Gc27zl1vq5sKT29u0lxVTNLGy8trj6OieL2KiJ4lAhFurSo9nExy7jL6Db9XHxKLd9L5g/s1600/32668050-6a13-48dc-8ade-1f8087d856b8.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvj1uqxkR3pwb6ZeW6Yl_yG2eMqdtUDwm9TYE0Lae_Rd9zv9B5UN7F0XjbE4PjawCCEkWWJ7KJebexQcheSkSyWCBtS2KNC4oYhUw4Ndu4pTcn0Tky7Peo92Gc27zl1vq5sKT29u0lxVTNLGy8trj6OieL2KiJ4lAhFurSo9nExy7jL6Db9XHxKLd9L5g/w400-h300/32668050-6a13-48dc-8ade-1f8087d856b8.JPG" width="400" /></a>It took me ages to find a hotel that would do a 3 bed room for us girls, it was out of town but as there was only 1, that is where we booked. I arranged to pick Debbie up from Wigan and drive us both over (she isn't capable of driving so far by herself at the moment!) Lou was taken up to Derby by Tim - was surprised to hear that Lou wasn't confident in driving up by herself either - where has everyone's confidence gone? Tim then headed up to see Jacob in Nottingham where he is a student.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3R6gWed4oFVVJx7nhj9mGDj5sRPyh1__mLkMekJDnTpGhpQ6j1uajWz6VCmoTZ37JF1lPWy_76GtCNdXDSKEmlRUdnkE36RuqLzW0B0rFjlAY4fTeXHa1S662Z87Jv2Dbs5cgQYOjKj1weuTcHCvEr5bFqND51b6sRJEx9lywW1g4kHAITkM1Hu5nq4/s1600/e181b810-b6d0-4328-8b08-134ef99528b3%202.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3R6gWed4oFVVJx7nhj9mGDj5sRPyh1__mLkMekJDnTpGhpQ6j1uajWz6VCmoTZ37JF1lPWy_76GtCNdXDSKEmlRUdnkE36RuqLzW0B0rFjlAY4fTeXHa1S662Z87Jv2Dbs5cgQYOjKj1weuTcHCvEr5bFqND51b6sRJEx9lywW1g4kHAITkM1Hu5nq4/w300-h400/e181b810-b6d0-4328-8b08-134ef99528b3%202.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnM8mZOa8o1y1o9b7zTCYpRcRTB4aej8fBOCEdPxxEmD7dLlWpFrZoPP_u9c9UTJUz1xsJYnWwyE2xycPD_Ms5BXa_Dm62yxkOL6QWQrlYaevmI3st059i4lqLvDxwB33T9pMcUTaURzyVHJ838GKJUQv_Iv-trlj2qhAEwdiXW3uAUUjakOtKepPlUE/s1600/02aceef5-c750-4eda-ace1-ce4dccb3ded8.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnM8mZOa8o1y1o9b7zTCYpRcRTB4aej8fBOCEdPxxEmD7dLlWpFrZoPP_u9c9UTJUz1xsJYnWwyE2xycPD_Ms5BXa_Dm62yxkOL6QWQrlYaevmI3st059i4lqLvDxwB33T9pMcUTaURzyVHJ838GKJUQv_Iv-trlj2qhAEwdiXW3uAUUjakOtKepPlUE/w225-h400/02aceef5-c750-4eda-ace1-ce4dccb3ded8.JPG" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRvzD989Er1qzuvbO0-rrfEckvAw04ajwgJ0bQDi7-5mw9TKHqThFp7YPUQP-ZGPwohI76OfPXurlC0YlVqCpIhFdfv_nlfuFStm22LSYxXPZc-K_kla0UyFN9itQV8K4Fo6aC4L1oSDn2CD4GRXSWaFba0kZGihNliyLyIwH_vJkC-v2HOIGHum3gdM/s1600/3b238f97-50b4-4a9b-b375-9e22b5df42f2.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>We met Lou at the hotel, and then I drove them both into the city. We found a car park and then headed to The Standing Order for lunch and to meet the guys. The pub was massive - we certainly didn't remember it being so big. Was it even a pub when we were there? We got ourselves a table and waited for the guys, they turned up. Everyone was looking a little older and fatter and in Mark's case balder (everyone agreed that I had looked after myself better - ie was thinner) We soon settled into our old banter, we had so much to catch up on and only really scraped the surface. Clive now works for the NHS in the liver specialist wards and loves it - putting something back rather than sitting at a screen making someone else rich. I had forgotten how gentle and kind he is. Mark works as Climate Emergency Programme Manager for Somerset Council - so is using his degree. Lou is in charge of Heath & Safety at a Vets. Debbie is on benefits for her anxiety and earns the same from benefits as she would if she was at work?! I am expanding my chocolate business - so probably earning the least and also the most Northern which no-one predicted!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCbaB09RsN4FrQ2xT5FD7tqxsM0fSF2wi-gBKovpLML4Kg0Jjhnn1EcEBeprvyhz38jLOUIg2MxK-zVkV4HoN9XnlOfn_laXI7cm0-dCe1Tw58TgIDjt23v3YTVrnV5twtJS50xfWtRMJ-BJpmfDVgFJDY94xq18VtATVtxNHsTYnII9azNZATWmfiKM/s2000/61ccaf9c-fbee-4e59-a0fd-073fea140426.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCbaB09RsN4FrQ2xT5FD7tqxsM0fSF2wi-gBKovpLML4Kg0Jjhnn1EcEBeprvyhz38jLOUIg2MxK-zVkV4HoN9XnlOfn_laXI7cm0-dCe1Tw58TgIDjt23v3YTVrnV5twtJS50xfWtRMJ-BJpmfDVgFJDY94xq18VtATVtxNHsTYnII9azNZATWmfiKM/w400-h300/61ccaf9c-fbee-4e59-a0fd-073fea140426.JPG" width="400" /></a>We were 3 hours in the Standing Order talking, talking, talking. I wanted a walk around, so Mark took us for a tour. Turns out he went back to Derby to live for a couple of years after our degree. He returns quite often so knows the place quite well. Just as well as we had forgotten quite a bit. We found one of our old houses, it hadn't changed but across the road, was a huge hole! Everything had been knocked down. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBxkkWFMVnBz3QWHInVnvGwx8OtwyN5wFJg8_NDzKAZZ9_t0u6vUth1r8bGepoB058jr0YmG64x78D0jRVZd58Sc3QpMpKoPRe_0Tb4xjsbJGSzpk-OOZ6OyraqbpU7UueFNCJNsYA2oxV2tjVZXhirl9u08PtOQFztZM6r55UFlQXiXSg07acu7Z4cE/s1600/75c8503a-8388-49f0-8e29-423f995ef53d.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBxkkWFMVnBz3QWHInVnvGwx8OtwyN5wFJg8_NDzKAZZ9_t0u6vUth1r8bGepoB058jr0YmG64x78D0jRVZd58Sc3QpMpKoPRe_0Tb4xjsbJGSzpk-OOZ6OyraqbpU7UueFNCJNsYA2oxV2tjVZXhirl9u08PtOQFztZM6r55UFlQXiXSg07acu7Z4cE/w400-h300/75c8503a-8388-49f0-8e29-423f995ef53d.JPG" width="400" /></a>Wow, Derby is down on its luck. When we were there it was a thriving city but it is old and unloved now. So many empty shops, pubs gone, night clubs gone, the Assembly Rooms burnt down and are now covered in fencing and graffiti, there is boarding everywhere. Certainly not a pretty place to be. There is a huge new shopping centre which has engulfed the Eagle Centre and killed off the city centre. We walked through it and it was empty too. So sad, we all have good memories of the place but the place is poor and unloved at the moment, certainly not one to visit unless you live there. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FLqZ770n_jgiwNxD_NOuexoF4P4w597JqUPQDoMkKpE7nAoKcR7QCt4tRglNFzPlkfTZTWp-R8221v7LairResBpPIr6aWq4UPMQtEm-OUJxN4J8_1Hxg5wPCwC_1t-XwGUOapPF0dmCRXHxq-hMoS5DUJ_2RM8DSYK9ktw06gIjSOmdO0ijcirY-DA/s1600/a2cf5d2c-aa26-4583-b36b-77c5385d4fc1.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FLqZ770n_jgiwNxD_NOuexoF4P4w597JqUPQDoMkKpE7nAoKcR7QCt4tRglNFzPlkfTZTWp-R8221v7LairResBpPIr6aWq4UPMQtEm-OUJxN4J8_1Hxg5wPCwC_1t-XwGUOapPF0dmCRXHxq-hMoS5DUJ_2RM8DSYK9ktw06gIjSOmdO0ijcirY-DA/w400-h225/a2cf5d2c-aa26-4583-b36b-77c5385d4fc1.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3R6gWed4oFVVJx7nhj9mGDj5sRPyh1__mLkMekJDnTpGhpQ6j1uajWz6VCmoTZ37JF1lPWy_76GtCNdXDSKEmlRUdnkE36RuqLzW0B0rFjlAY4fTeXHa1S662Z87Jv2Dbs5cgQYOjKj1weuTcHCvEr5bFqND51b6sRJEx9lywW1g4kHAITkM1Hu5nq4/s1600/e181b810-b6d0-4328-8b08-134ef99528b3%202.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>We went to the Keddleston Road campus of the university for a look - wow - that had changed too - it looked high tech, maybe all the money in Derby has gone to the university (although it still isn't known as a university town, so I'm guessing it isn't any more cutting edge now than it was then - it was certainly a university for those who never expected to go to uni when I was there - everyone was first generation to higher education and from state school) I certainly enjoyed my time there and I liked my course, but as an adult it is sort of embarrassing to say you went to Derby uni as no-one has heard of it - especially amongst Matt's friends and family who all went to top universities! Listening to other people's experience of university - ours was very different - not at all like the top universities, we didn't have tutors or sports etc but it was right for me at the time.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFVm2Pj_M0EFe5f4M2rzbx6tBg_WgPSkG4hxlyaPMhzuWYWzz4WalyV5nByVT_bCAFKxBMwberMpg8nGgv5JdH5M9JyXGrKx1wmQ5XYwlmflHMzYXm5gDENtHLEKS8BNQZj8g5500PxKWNwNDN1rQoA_jjnbb63VzIvIazUBxPHU2c3G03RRoL-8Lmnk/s1600/cbefa97e-65e5-4904-b511-5ef4f9b335b4.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFVm2Pj_M0EFe5f4M2rzbx6tBg_WgPSkG4hxlyaPMhzuWYWzz4WalyV5nByVT_bCAFKxBMwberMpg8nGgv5JdH5M9JyXGrKx1wmQ5XYwlmflHMzYXm5gDENtHLEKS8BNQZj8g5500PxKWNwNDN1rQoA_jjnbb63VzIvIazUBxPHU2c3G03RRoL-8Lmnk/w225-h400/cbefa97e-65e5-4904-b511-5ef4f9b335b4.JPG" width="225" /></a>We returned to the hotel for a rest and to get ready for a night out. The plan was to visit some bars and go for an Indian. All of use had brought Prosecco with us, so we cracked the bottles open (I had been driving so couldn't drink at lunch. Debbie and Lou had had plenty at this stage!) got ready and then got a taxi into the city. We went on a bit of a pub crawl, but didn't get to any old haunts because they had all gone. </div><div><br /></div><div>After a couple we headed to The Bless which was still going - we knew this as it was opposite the car park we were in earlier in the day. We walked in and it was like turning the clock back 30 years! The place hadn't changed at all - everything was the same - the decoration, the bar, the sticky flooring, and most importantly, the MUSIC. It was all 90s music: Oasis, Pulp, Blur etc etc. We really were transported back, so we stayed for the night - curry was out of the window! We had a great time, singing along, dancing on the stage, just being us on a night out. We all thought we were 20 again! Looking around the place there were two age groups - 20 somethings and 50 somethings. We were looking at the 50 somethings wondering for a split second why they were there, then realising we were them too!!!!! Turns out that 1990s music is 'in' at the moment, we were dancing on the stage amongst the 20 somethings - who also knew all the words to the songs, but they weren't even born when that music was in the charts!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwwlKRXeahT1-HKFjnFt_CObzkejPrj9b8tgXEL2MWMxN7KaFRCmQqzgWOFOUHWHcLi8rDlhasR7u2Tbi5NlA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div><div>We had the best time, but our age got the best of us and by 1am we were needing to go home. So, we went to a chippy for some food and then got a taxi back to the hotel. Then straight to bed - a great night out.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning Debbie refused to get out of bed, so we left her in bed and then went for breakfast with the boys. Then we got our swimming stuff out and went to the spa and pool to chill out for the morning. Not Debbie though - she still refused to get out of bed! It was a good morning. After swimming we said goodbye to the boys (they live in Somerset and Devon so had a long trip back). Debbie finally got out of bed, so we said goodbye to Lou (who was having to wait for Tim to come back) and headed back home.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRvzD989Er1qzuvbO0-rrfEckvAw04ajwgJ0bQDi7-5mw9TKHqThFp7YPUQP-ZGPwohI76OfPXurlC0YlVqCpIhFdfv_nlfuFStm22LSYxXPZc-K_kla0UyFN9itQV8K4Fo6aC4L1oSDn2CD4GRXSWaFba0kZGihNliyLyIwH_vJkC-v2HOIGHum3gdM/s1600/3b238f97-50b4-4a9b-b375-9e22b5df42f2.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRvzD989Er1qzuvbO0-rrfEckvAw04ajwgJ0bQDi7-5mw9TKHqThFp7YPUQP-ZGPwohI76OfPXurlC0YlVqCpIhFdfv_nlfuFStm22LSYxXPZc-K_kla0UyFN9itQV8K4Fo6aC4L1oSDn2CD4GRXSWaFba0kZGihNliyLyIwH_vJkC-v2HOIGHum3gdM/w400-h225/3b238f97-50b4-4a9b-b375-9e22b5df42f2.JPG" width="400" /></a>I had a lovely time, I was sad to see Derby so down on its luck. I would have liked to walk some more around the city to see other places I had lived, but Debbie was not up for it and it seemed that whatever Debbie wanted, Debbie got! She was quite badly behaved during the weekend, she hitted on Mark who was very unimpressed, she wanted to be centre of attention the whole time, she even took the double bed in the room, when it was my weekend and I organised everything! I was very close to loosing my patience with her especially when I had spent so much time convincing her to come as she was so anxious. I loved reconnecting with the boys and think that Mark and Matt would enjoy each other's company - Mark and his son, Tom, and his daughter play a lot of cricket too. Shame we live so far from each other.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnM8mZOa8o1y1o9b7zTCYpRcRTB4aej8fBOCEdPxxEmD7dLlWpFrZoPP_u9c9UTJUz1xsJYnWwyE2xycPD_Ms5BXa_Dm62yxkOL6QWQrlYaevmI3st059i4lqLvDxwB33T9pMcUTaURzyVHJ838GKJUQv_Iv-trlj2qhAEwdiXW3uAUUjakOtKepPlUE/s1600/02aceef5-c750-4eda-ace1-ce4dccb3ded8.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div></div>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-35074410901817256472023-08-13T11:17:00.001+01:002023-08-13T11:21:35.669+01:00Turning 50! Belfast<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">So, May was a big month for me, my 50th and I'm extremely lucky that there are no Covid restrictions anywhere any more so I could have a good one. So many of my friends had rubbish 50ths because of Covid.</span></div></span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIxSM6Iq5yfmcnq34BVm-lhPL7Y384PQEMP5irkrbpNgSVHuu2u51_05-8XRSxALtiz11oKkprSZBnZlcTh3b5GAQVekX6Gvwe-qXv-h_YchgXzHktHhAxvBIeOXAIYW4hpU6Xbmj0qPLchg8MYJ0-VEvEjDmNvBnJXvT51vMVi6KMptTAZLfVpzv_58/s1280/345329716_818644773155863_7612564422787771314_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIxSM6Iq5yfmcnq34BVm-lhPL7Y384PQEMP5irkrbpNgSVHuu2u51_05-8XRSxALtiz11oKkprSZBnZlcTh3b5GAQVekX6Gvwe-qXv-h_YchgXzHktHhAxvBIeOXAIYW4hpU6Xbmj0qPLchg8MYJ0-VEvEjDmNvBnJXvT51vMVi6KMptTAZLfVpzv_58/w300-h400/345329716_818644773155863_7612564422787771314_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I was also lucky in that Charles decided to have his coronation the weekend before my birthday, giving us all a long weekend, so I took advantage and we booked tickets to Belfast. Not a classic 50th birthday venue but I have always been curious and also there is a big Titanic Museum there which I thought would be good for Tom.<div><br /></div><div>We couldn't get across on Friday night as the last flight left before we could get there with Tom being at school. Instead we drove to Liverpool airport, via Miller and Carter where we spent our Christmas voucher from Simon & Clare ready for the flight first thing in the morning. The hotel was in walking distance of the hotel and had plenty of parking - so it all worked out.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I said, our flight was first thing in the morning - 7am to be precise, so just as well our hotel was in walking distance. Liverpool airport is lovely in that it is very small, meaning you get through it very quickly. Also 7am is pretty early so it was pretty much empty. We breezed through (although forgot about the whole liquid thing and had to buy a plastic bag and dig out everything as we were going hand luggage only!)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAovy9c0acenUy8uw33yr0q7saaQUY6icoxF5KKrF3A6Uozw7mRbfwcGAAzy3P7EVuyhy4_3nNOQoqUdgl86mtM4HZb-bHoTeiMaPrqDnY5VO0bT93tcL7Bi37BzeKpbyAQYwba_PdmJ8QjIIX_hPjLa7oM_hjjuStPowsegX8SnON7cjTqFae2fpiT4w/s4032/IMG_3348.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAovy9c0acenUy8uw33yr0q7saaQUY6icoxF5KKrF3A6Uozw7mRbfwcGAAzy3P7EVuyhy4_3nNOQoqUdgl86mtM4HZb-bHoTeiMaPrqDnY5VO0bT93tcL7Bi37BzeKpbyAQYwba_PdmJ8QjIIX_hPjLa7oM_hjjuStPowsegX8SnON7cjTqFae2fpiT4w/w300-h400/IMG_3348.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The flight to Belfast was comically short. We were welcomed on board and then welcomed to Belfast within 20 minutes - it was literally an 'up' and 'down' flight, taking only 30 minutes. We flew to George Best Airport which was right in the centre of Belfast, and even smaller than Liverpool meaning we were at our hotel (Hilton) before 8.30am! Wowzers! Luckily the receptionist found us a room that was available so we were able to check in right away. We went to our room and had a little snooze. It was a fab room - in the corner of the hotel with double aspect view of the river and docks. The shower in the bathroom was amazing and we also discovered that we had free access to the Executive Lounge which mean free food and drink through the day which was great.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzb8EIhDdJmYJSkNoJ7G7i3Qaaiq3WVbHkxeQYsDVyQ8vntAh7AreiBfbtR7pmUagVkyTdWcFCXD_C5Y-PbcW0VK5f9wBmCmqK97C-hoaz6uGouwHmQ6GzRfY6O6RLUFpEFdC3V2SHdoRdtUTSS7XyaiUTY_oxMJ2rwZwQAQIcl4XqhyN1QFr9M6drqI/s4032/IMG_6022.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzb8EIhDdJmYJSkNoJ7G7i3Qaaiq3WVbHkxeQYsDVyQ8vntAh7AreiBfbtR7pmUagVkyTdWcFCXD_C5Y-PbcW0VK5f9wBmCmqK97C-hoaz6uGouwHmQ6GzRfY6O6RLUFpEFdC3V2SHdoRdtUTSS7XyaiUTY_oxMJ2rwZwQAQIcl4XqhyN1QFr9M6drqI/w300-h400/IMG_6022.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUWu45dhkYc2KYbm-INzrH3eXEZFGbGRoZ8Rxk78rOm6LR8tXYb4gl6-wdkvVKJLYCjXLZVqMBuBRjjlLpOJq8g8PXa6slBHQZQz9675NY3tRgk4qjPwXrxW1rV-pBbJXnNPuTtToZ1yzoUKeCM0-5UtyIO59pfnq_Hch3a2B5egnLgEdFOCu1rWNP2A/s4032/IMG_6020.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUWu45dhkYc2KYbm-INzrH3eXEZFGbGRoZ8Rxk78rOm6LR8tXYb4gl6-wdkvVKJLYCjXLZVqMBuBRjjlLpOJq8g8PXa6slBHQZQz9675NY3tRgk4qjPwXrxW1rV-pBbJXnNPuTtToZ1yzoUKeCM0-5UtyIO59pfnq_Hch3a2B5egnLgEdFOCu1rWNP2A/w300-h400/IMG_6020.JPG" width="300" /></a>Once we had had a snooze we walked across to St George's Market which was just behind the hotel for breakfast - the place is famous for its food at the weekend. We had a good look around the stalls and all plumped for the Belfast Bap Co which was making huge breakfast rolls. Tom had the extra big one: lots of bacon, 2 sausages, 2 hash browns, 2 fried eggs and a piece of black pudding! Matt and I went for the smaller version - no hash browns, 1 egg and no black pudding - Matt went for a potato scone and I went for soda bread. The potato scone was amazing - I would have happily just ate that. As you can see from the photos they were all huge. None of us finished them!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtm-NXP_F6gONkJPO6MlQJ3nn361Y97pOVIGpWBBd3Vny4qOrFw9ykiVCmbhQRha3iFy6Aiur_inD4XFabc3EZOJk-_g54n8gvYAUNHat-vmU0I9RgFasORiFXbLaoFYnDJ4UUxjzoAtU3CXydbvuqikcF-aa76xeufWZG5oRXLugdg96ylPuKANGI_I8/s4032/IMG_6031.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtm-NXP_F6gONkJPO6MlQJ3nn361Y97pOVIGpWBBd3Vny4qOrFw9ykiVCmbhQRha3iFy6Aiur_inD4XFabc3EZOJk-_g54n8gvYAUNHat-vmU0I9RgFasORiFXbLaoFYnDJ4UUxjzoAtU3CXydbvuqikcF-aa76xeufWZG5oRXLugdg96ylPuKANGI_I8/w400-h300/IMG_6031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />After a good look around the market we looked at the weather forecast, it was looking like rain so we decided to head over to the transport museum to avoid the rain. This was a train ride away so that made the boys happy. We got to the museum, it was massive - way way bigger than we were expecting, so we ended up spending pretty much the whole day there. The place was empty as well - but with it being the Coronation, I'm guessing plenty of people were at home watching it all. </div><div><br /></div><div>The museum was good in that there was plenty to clamber around on and it covered all aspects of transport from bikes to planes and everything in-between. They even had a tractor on which you could fly around the fields of Northern Ireland and a to scale solar system in the grounds (all planets were tiny pea shaped except the sun).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ0BOFxgTzR8ZyXADKs23SludEXdZGHWu7ozZXUvbRSIKscjbTVMEJVsLgpE0X_boR9jSFWUScmAa_CcrGl2QUVBzm7FexDVjI-fyVJYxXBQn_tGKKaMH9Q5nGoNaNp8ZFRCDDalGTMkV2juXygr5nbQ6n1Lj9k8ESWofC-TxMKue9MqwZFtrX7GRsV8/s1280/345590267_1424108991679483_7651870529960240135_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ0BOFxgTzR8ZyXADKs23SludEXdZGHWu7ozZXUvbRSIKscjbTVMEJVsLgpE0X_boR9jSFWUScmAa_CcrGl2QUVBzm7FexDVjI-fyVJYxXBQn_tGKKaMH9Q5nGoNaNp8ZFRCDDalGTMkV2juXygr5nbQ6n1Lj9k8ESWofC-TxMKue9MqwZFtrX7GRsV8/w400-h300/345590267_1424108991679483_7651870529960240135_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>. We were all happy and impressed. In fact the only thing that stopped us doing anymore was aching feet! We certainly didn't need any more food!</div><div><br /></div><div>We took our weary feet back to the train station and to our hotel where we all had showers (most amazing showers) and rested for a while. </div><div><br /></div><div>We then headed out to explore the city a bit. We walked the streets, taking in the sunshine - the rain didn't really come after all that, walked past the City Hall which was very lovely with flowers, and then headed to the Crown Pub, which is actually a National Trust property for a drink. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Pbx-TFDz804LUocGGdlpNGrxKMJZseSlyvKKsbFaeVrEhyxu5cDLJs62r-xMyV6x0KUH0-f2t9dnbTJf69R7N1tQzCVneRFYjLhu8L2roQ55xhxomHpymTeSIeg4ph0XFsJG-XBEmmTrLj32RRXbpe1TRVRE3jttjAcfO3mz35zAvTp4MkjUBMMU30s/s4032/IMG_6039.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Pbx-TFDz804LUocGGdlpNGrxKMJZseSlyvKKsbFaeVrEhyxu5cDLJs62r-xMyV6x0KUH0-f2t9dnbTJf69R7N1tQzCVneRFYjLhu8L2roQ55xhxomHpymTeSIeg4ph0XFsJG-XBEmmTrLj32RRXbpe1TRVRE3jttjAcfO3mz35zAvTp4MkjUBMMU30s/w400-h300/IMG_6039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It was heaving, with good reason, the building was amazing - wooden panels, stained glass and lots of snuggly cubicles. We didn't think we would be lucky enough to get a seat, so Matt elbowed his way to the bar whilst Tom and I stood leaning on wooden panels. Luckily enough a door opened and a party left their cubicle and invited us in. Yay. What good fortune. As we had got ourselves a cubicle, we decided to have tea there. Matt had Irish Stew which was really good. Tom Macaroni Cheese and I had mussels. All very good and the portions small which was we needed and wanted so we came away very happy.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq3RNPQOtHCqJtoraaIp7rRT9EE8bO6CcRYlWDLaZrMkoEatiRhKPTFQ3dFu3QUfS22F_l0LnJ46A8aI8DFBmCo6gjLJxuPQffM8tmy15w6K5rlwXTAVEXbIAvgpDkkBbf0DixKrNiV6TJDITLOltVnw-DX3em9_pFUSSE0xkd_akTPO1k90kITrE1ao/s1280/345586828_973714930301768_8988737087839900135_n-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq3RNPQOtHCqJtoraaIp7rRT9EE8bO6CcRYlWDLaZrMkoEatiRhKPTFQ3dFu3QUfS22F_l0LnJ46A8aI8DFBmCo6gjLJxuPQffM8tmy15w6K5rlwXTAVEXbIAvgpDkkBbf0DixKrNiV6TJDITLOltVnw-DX3em9_pFUSSE0xkd_akTPO1k90kITrE1ao/w640-h480/345586828_973714930301768_8988737087839900135_n-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB94KGt6L9j3cBJnn4uh94FmBVYrG9RAfH_L-wEfsKzSi2covKdjpVGvn1IQTwQWLCHbX6nYcjFP9OGXsaUahlV3uJDfroPYgy0xAg8BQajfnS4x-WFSOI-A9FsaDU6swV15U3hNdP3na5yeu_b6dD-i-D_l7LIXZBfCm7laoliNaLN5twGTQgbk7yGA/s1280/345454471_1670234260084249_1528863387578934952_n-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB94KGt6L9j3cBJnn4uh94FmBVYrG9RAfH_L-wEfsKzSi2covKdjpVGvn1IQTwQWLCHbX6nYcjFP9OGXsaUahlV3uJDfroPYgy0xAg8BQajfnS4x-WFSOI-A9FsaDU6swV15U3hNdP3na5yeu_b6dD-i-D_l7LIXZBfCm7laoliNaLN5twGTQgbk7yGA/w640-h480/345454471_1670234260084249_1528863387578934952_n-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0lizRlmbpFMs5l0kTBaKyEW9T2-OtEXcdG522klc35yXXyAs3bnh5WQm0YcRTyw5X3gMuPUOXcDTho8kje1pTqgbn4Z9gemUx7pbtwLXB31gsKuCCwaaKOdwA1PW1Y02I_BF5YCYvdNZxUtKFGUvQYnZuTE2qp-wSTlkNr6iakS0cy5psi5WHov5K_g/s2048/345422280_1417771852312917_4609966678529333192_n-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0lizRlmbpFMs5l0kTBaKyEW9T2-OtEXcdG522klc35yXXyAs3bnh5WQm0YcRTyw5X3gMuPUOXcDTho8kje1pTqgbn4Z9gemUx7pbtwLXB31gsKuCCwaaKOdwA1PW1Y02I_BF5YCYvdNZxUtKFGUvQYnZuTE2qp-wSTlkNr6iakS0cy5psi5WHov5K_g/w400-h300/345422280_1417771852312917_4609966678529333192_n-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The next day we had booked tickets to go to the Titanic Museum. it was another lovely sunny day so we walked over to it. It was a very pleasant walk alongside The Lagan river, so much history has taken place alongside these banks. It has been gentrified with cafes, residential areas, university etc. At the end of it we came across the Titanic Museum which you certainly can't miss, created in the shape of an iceberg it certainly is very striking.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">The museum was fantastic - best museum I've been to outside of Japan. It starts with the birth of Belfast, its various industries: docks, linen, social history etc etc which I always find very interesting. They had done this thing of mixing old photos with footage of actors walking around them which made everything a little more real and less 'black and white'. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZ7s4KEnbYu8sqC5ELHei36yNf1cu9ueVphb2x1WjgZ8lEfKhT97mM2OvFCDeDl-B_0XJhKXzq_A0yoq_0-wRnzTZeGQQGSb_CJHTreCBqslPSUILuD63R69SKMDQE8KUNrFDoBNaCWkAavUpaZKEJpIEibdQTwXWcS8U_O-9MHgryHF9CqfR_19iP_o/s4032/IMG_6040.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZ7s4KEnbYu8sqC5ELHei36yNf1cu9ueVphb2x1WjgZ8lEfKhT97mM2OvFCDeDl-B_0XJhKXzq_A0yoq_0-wRnzTZeGQQGSb_CJHTreCBqslPSUILuD63R69SKMDQE8KUNrFDoBNaCWkAavUpaZKEJpIEibdQTwXWcS8U_O-9MHgryHF9CqfR_19iP_o/w400-h300/IMG_6040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">Just as were beginning to get tired, we took a lift up to the top of the H&W crane and found ourselves in a queue for a ride. Great - meant we could rest our feet, the ride took us around the docks so we could see boats being made and the techniques they used.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">Next up was an explanation of the making of Titanic from initial drawings to its launch (unfortunately there was no footage of it being launched which I find amazing - there certainly was a crowd there). The next part of the museum was dedicated to the interior of the Titanic, what all the different cabins would have looked like and the beginnings of stories of the passengers on board. Luckily one passenger who had a camera and took lots of photos of the interiors etc got on board at Southampton, went across to France and then onto Ireland. He was supposed to get off in Ireland, but a passenger offered to pay his passage across to New York. He wired his employer to ask permission and was told 'GET OFF THAT BOAT'. It is only due to him that there are a good amount of photos of life on board. Most photos in the museum were of the Titanic's sister ship as I'm guessing they thought they had ages to take some decent photos! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OOBuKzoR1_Zgqnh-QkJn4iX-Zif1m_ktHO32bRu7F1YAK6rFh8A1MEGtEMrWbczVBC13HvmELJV2vWnDJ5E12h49PsMLsOTJi_enEkvTiHOCN-gyviUFgcJhN0vBfbAmW8DbF_hvCfRsYNPF06okyh4tqooD2rnQUdrsHaNl6p2awmdY4Bm8tAEnZsY/s1280/345573882_581457173978533_5264370870641993471_n-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OOBuKzoR1_Zgqnh-QkJn4iX-Zif1m_ktHO32bRu7F1YAK6rFh8A1MEGtEMrWbczVBC13HvmELJV2vWnDJ5E12h49PsMLsOTJi_enEkvTiHOCN-gyviUFgcJhN0vBfbAmW8DbF_hvCfRsYNPF06okyh4tqooD2rnQUdrsHaNl6p2awmdY4Bm8tAEnZsY/w400-h300/345573882_581457173978533_5264370870641993471_n-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">The rest of the museum was dedicated to the sinking of the ship. There was a domino effect of all the mistakes made:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">+ No binoculars in the crows nest<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">+ Stubborn captain<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">+ Nearest boat to it had no-one manning the radio<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">+ Icebergs floating further south than realised<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">+ Boat going too fast<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">+ Not enough lifeboats<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">+ No evacuation plan<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">+ Water went over the bulkheads which were supposed to be water tight<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">At the end of the museum there was a huge wall with everyone's name on it and a line - above the line you survived, below it you died. It had a huge impact. They had a model of the Titanic spinning around and video on the walls depicting the story from beginning to end. It is hard to explain, but it was very moving and extremely well done. Definitely one to visit, I would happily go again.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikkVPqd8nvNLBOQCFAGJw0DeKOfWe_mZjsFN2diNTKZFWya5D8CamlcPD6fdCXiFKTXo2v1b88dqI_g3HAY0R1iUNWANl7AEhfscQT_qIfvy5yXadPx-swl29QGTTnF_eE9mIthuVvKYvCGFj6mYMX2IT_Xd3HQd7SbjT3evB0tzjPZchwyzGUcpCSo8/s4032/IMG_6044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikkVPqd8nvNLBOQCFAGJw0DeKOfWe_mZjsFN2diNTKZFWya5D8CamlcPD6fdCXiFKTXo2v1b88dqI_g3HAY0R1iUNWANl7AEhfscQT_qIfvy5yXadPx-swl29QGTTnF_eE9mIthuVvKYvCGFj6mYMX2IT_Xd3HQd7SbjT3evB0tzjPZchwyzGUcpCSo8/s320/IMG_6044.JPG" width="240" /></a><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">After that we headed back to the hotel and had a much needed lie-down before heading into town for a drink and tea.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">On Monday we decided to have some fun so walked up to where there was a crazy golf. We passed quite a few murals and plaques dedicated to people who died in the troubles. I think we may have skirted around an area where quite a lot of activity took place. We kept our heads down, our mouths shut and walked quickly!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWc0iaeovNQhmWiLrGz76ca93MOP_w1p9oF9VcmT52jYQrza1QogdQcjOYnZxrWoagZfz4MGeXImwX73IERxp8yq1c_T68dGx34mYl9wv7QbjtkDJXzvjxv_0P34w7P_JeJ_1kCe7azWHEL5EBEdPVeSdF9sErd-QhxJs2QloSqrgCfN_0bK6o4jtsjQ/s4032/IMG_6049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWc0iaeovNQhmWiLrGz76ca93MOP_w1p9oF9VcmT52jYQrza1QogdQcjOYnZxrWoagZfz4MGeXImwX73IERxp8yq1c_T68dGx34mYl9wv7QbjtkDJXzvjxv_0P34w7P_JeJ_1kCe7azWHEL5EBEdPVeSdF9sErd-QhxJs2QloSqrgCfN_0bK6o4jtsjQ/s320/IMG_6049.JPG" width="240" /></a><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">The crazy golf was ok. It was very well themed, lots of atmosphere, waterfalls, rivers, palm trees etc, but the actual golf was a bit boring - we really don't do crazy golf very well in this country! We went to really good ones in France and the US in the 1990s and still nothing in this country is even close to them. We had fun regardless, headed back into the city via a train to avoid the slightly dodgy looking streets and had lunch in a tourist restaurant, Granny Annies which looked good from the outside. However, as is true with most tourist restaurants the food was ok and the drinks a complete rip off - over £5 for a diet coke - which is a shame as it was the last thing we did. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92Rl6UP_IfOiSvYEeVuQxs7VM6qSt4zB6ZSJiKDzwL046Kxzbpwn5hpvVGocAnOgHG8gX0Y40kD0gfZKo5pBb4kuWIXrqXVYUTHRV_hlU3hDtmYPMUGkPg4WToDt8Vq-j8JqiqP-cl0ZaouRjufDX_ILlUt0R5LgfA88rozWj1JPrCJK6CnvbksbcO5Y/s1280/345585543_9332551276815827_7616880557899781104_n-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92Rl6UP_IfOiSvYEeVuQxs7VM6qSt4zB6ZSJiKDzwL046Kxzbpwn5hpvVGocAnOgHG8gX0Y40kD0gfZKo5pBb4kuWIXrqXVYUTHRV_hlU3hDtmYPMUGkPg4WToDt8Vq-j8JqiqP-cl0ZaouRjufDX_ILlUt0R5LgfA88rozWj1JPrCJK6CnvbksbcO5Y/w300-h400/345585543_9332551276815827_7616880557899781104_n-2.jpg" width="300" /></a><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">I really liked Belfast. It is a small city and welcoming. Still lots of signs of the troubles - with a heavily fortified Magistrates Court right in the centre of the city and lots of security everywhere. For example there was a footbridge from the station to our hotel which was useful, but it was only open on the Saturday. We asked why it was closed on Sunday / Monday - because the security guard watching it has Sunday and Bank Holidays off. It's something we don't think of in England. Quite a few of the pubs didn't seem to let under 18s in, so we didn't get to go in some other iconic ones. I certainly felt more foreign here than I do in Wales or Scotland. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="-webkit-standard, serif">I would happily return and would happily go back to the Titanic Museum again. It was a lovely weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-8910009675126476172023-08-12T14:59:00.000+01:002023-08-12T14:59:03.542+01:00Easter Holidays - Liverpool and a Beluga<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk52IWDAWGj_BycaXHQn8D8Z3HoK3yvrvMlctSx1b1c7iabuxKrfMSZZ6IpJVaJhi0vxoAMw2CGND7GTNYODE6o4O2EUBZGkn-6s1iXWmb8MVn5QWR6HrmXqe2sfr-xW6jEpZFCIr0eM-mISS1vbOoL_RxUdCpj_Rsp4myfEXa2QXzgiNz9l3LzJj0IAg/s2048/340641470_177076748136567_8467507080249109903_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk52IWDAWGj_BycaXHQn8D8Z3HoK3yvrvMlctSx1b1c7iabuxKrfMSZZ6IpJVaJhi0vxoAMw2CGND7GTNYODE6o4O2EUBZGkn-6s1iXWmb8MVn5QWR6HrmXqe2sfr-xW6jEpZFCIr0eM-mISS1vbOoL_RxUdCpj_Rsp4myfEXa2QXzgiNz9l3LzJj0IAg/w400-h300/340641470_177076748136567_8467507080249109903_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>After a fun Sheafstock, we all had a mini break. We took Tom to Liverpool to meet up with Jude and Craig. They then took him home whilst we stayed in the city for two nights. We don't need our arms twisting to go to Liverpool - always like walking around the city. We stayed at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool which is next door to the huge Stanley Dock with the biggest brick building in the world which is slowly being gentrified into residential and commercial accommodation. It is a little way out of town and doesn't have any public transport links so we had tired feet both nights when we went to bed. Our room was amazing though - huge huge room overlooking Stanley Dock. We didn't do anything specific in Liverpool - we just enjoyed being in a city and we did quite a bit of shopping - we had a list of things we needed. We also ate very well: including a visit to Bundobust, an ethnic food court (think we both had Korean) and a nice Italian. We certainly deserved our food - we walked for miles.<p>We met up with Jude and Tom at the Chocks Away cafe at Hawarden Airport. The main reason for that was to see the Belgua arrive as the cafe is at one end of the runway. It was a horrible wet and windy day and yes we stood in the rain and wind for a good 15 mins waiting for it to arrive, but when it did, it was worth it. Tom was made up...and soaked through.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzMO7twRTDgBnHAED_f6JCv5xWNQLmsgJqyE0e_g6Sps2HXgvm06UCLIXNtzpWOvZd7DKxtpaFkBZRUxf3xjA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566774723053085348.post-6475632368975932912023-08-11T19:07:00.003+01:002023-08-11T19:07:34.674+01:00Easter - Camping at Archers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp3kJ2ZsLQqTO59pXcXH81eKzbt_QHkEqwZjXNDPeLkV1Nc_Pu4R9L6bfQUjRG2jHbsvpNktE7Iqm5MIXVLFyWqpQay9qOVPbQ7dtwrW8-7eMmcMoZKiEB-dxvAgNCh-vaLNJx5YIWE1FIDzr9Qusq5IJx9T6aABKcOwgEjHvXBwt2pxmIj5HdTw-aaw/s4032/IMG_5669%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp3kJ2ZsLQqTO59pXcXH81eKzbt_QHkEqwZjXNDPeLkV1Nc_Pu4R9L6bfQUjRG2jHbsvpNktE7Iqm5MIXVLFyWqpQay9qOVPbQ7dtwrW8-7eMmcMoZKiEB-dxvAgNCh-vaLNJx5YIWE1FIDzr9Qusq5IJx9T6aABKcOwgEjHvXBwt2pxmIj5HdTw-aaw/w300-h400/IMG_5669%202.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Tom left Scouts at the end of March to join Explorer Scouts. He was presented with Best Scout of the Term award as he left which was lovely.<p></p><p>So on the 1st April right at the start of the Easter holidays Matt had 3 pals from University come to visit him. Tom and I decided we were surplus to requirements and went camping. We booked ourselves into Archers just north of Morecambe. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGplL9s54cOnA0ygitV9-B8K548qnMjhh34i6PRtsg2SFYqWTlIxeQgGrhjMFUvcqYEhSNLlXCZLjwrcpgmx4s4lcDCnhS-YiMVk-kOKe8trm95zkeva7_Mw4XAn8M27oNWvCARfqPFIoOVSfnyC9eEMOfONuvbQr55EGr7Q-rP-vZg_63CqvZlVSj-28/s4032/IMG_5675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGplL9s54cOnA0ygitV9-B8K548qnMjhh34i6PRtsg2SFYqWTlIxeQgGrhjMFUvcqYEhSNLlXCZLjwrcpgmx4s4lcDCnhS-YiMVk-kOKe8trm95zkeva7_Mw4XAn8M27oNWvCARfqPFIoOVSfnyC9eEMOfONuvbQr55EGr7Q-rP-vZg_63CqvZlVSj-28/w300-h400/IMG_5675.JPG" width="300" /></a>We packed up the van and headed over on Friday night after school. We spent the weekend beforehand reminding ourselves how to set everything up - just as well as we had forgotten loads of stuff and it would have been a task and a half if we had tried without a practise that Friday night.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9TSVfZ_qaH_7eE8qeN7p4nFzj0VsgkaiCVq7uP5i83w87JmVftK3BTsqAZW1wLBlKE-5Rl67MWNsBjqaPhnhFdkvKa4uwjdSxMFbxlidWRy16Mml0CPFf3x6PqZ4dXmuvwREiE-CShDRrgczq7s3a-5X75XroLsHoeEKAuwAEBXRlS6-gaFrz9Wrrik/s4032/IMG_5674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9TSVfZ_qaH_7eE8qeN7p4nFzj0VsgkaiCVq7uP5i83w87JmVftK3BTsqAZW1wLBlKE-5Rl67MWNsBjqaPhnhFdkvKa4uwjdSxMFbxlidWRy16Mml0CPFf3x6PqZ4dXmuvwREiE-CShDRrgczq7s3a-5X75XroLsHoeEKAuwAEBXRlS6-gaFrz9Wrrik/w300-h400/IMG_5674.JPG" width="300" /></a>We had a great pitch overlooking the bay on one side and the train tracks on the other side. Tom unfortunately had a bit of a cold so wasn't at his best, but he was excited to be camping. We had a big tea of creamy chicken pasta and were relatively early to bed. I was in the pop top as he was feeling bad. It was freezing but with our extra thick duvet and weighted blanket I was able to cocoon myself up and make a nice warm den for myself. On the Saturday we had a lazy breakfast of bacon sarnies and then walked along the bay to Archers and then on to Happy Mount Park in Morecambe for a game of crazy golf and lunch. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina2yU4QKXjTKFlNpiHF6_-xZufL7XYV2lOP-2a5TQYWsJpAjvS3zyT2onzcMPrLtjCQkXwE6TnuTmworyI4VaejtUVLimgGxl7dJ2axFHEBnsjktZmCBUePOMio3ahYMMXP3DRML1Z3sFCh19ZiXTlCOvHec7F6bVLhY5h4PSPmsD8rwIsFDWtsjrn00/s4032/IMG_5681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina2yU4QKXjTKFlNpiHF6_-xZufL7XYV2lOP-2a5TQYWsJpAjvS3zyT2onzcMPrLtjCQkXwE6TnuTmworyI4VaejtUVLimgGxl7dJ2axFHEBnsjktZmCBUePOMio3ahYMMXP3DRML1Z3sFCh19ZiXTlCOvHec7F6bVLhY5h4PSPmsD8rwIsFDWtsjrn00/w300-h400/IMG_5681.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />The plan was to head into Morecambe and go to the amusements etc and get the bus back, but Tom asked to head back to the campsite to chill so we did that instead - he had a very pleasant afternoon tracking trains. We tried playing Wingspan in the van, but it was very hard work - just not enough room in the van even with just the two of us. We had another big tea of sausage and mash, were treated to a lovely sunset and were in bed early. No bother to me, I always like to go to bed early. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSlLq-OlGpcU_L5bKFOpcleONWE4Mp24MCbDS_P3t_axPz_fe4cma-rNjWT0nOvEznanGInqS11Eiu5Ukg8a8cg5UbTPi4Vkz1KFPy-Q5aMCqMgdpxfEFEIRNejlhZQoSXDycHKncHsCQ8P0sBem_K8IlZ_glMuvpjrqMUo6dZJ6xw8KOsaP3sDj5CT0/s4032/IMG_5683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSlLq-OlGpcU_L5bKFOpcleONWE4Mp24MCbDS_P3t_axPz_fe4cma-rNjWT0nOvEznanGInqS11Eiu5Ukg8a8cg5UbTPi4Vkz1KFPy-Q5aMCqMgdpxfEFEIRNejlhZQoSXDycHKncHsCQ8P0sBem_K8IlZ_glMuvpjrqMUo6dZJ6xw8KOsaP3sDj5CT0/w400-h300/IMG_5683.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina2yU4QKXjTKFlNpiHF6_-xZufL7XYV2lOP-2a5TQYWsJpAjvS3zyT2onzcMPrLtjCQkXwE6TnuTmworyI4VaejtUVLimgGxl7dJ2axFHEBnsjktZmCBUePOMio3ahYMMXP3DRML1Z3sFCh19ZiXTlCOvHec7F6bVLhY5h4PSPmsD8rwIsFDWtsjrn00/s4032/IMG_5681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>Sunday we woke up late. We decided to head to Archer's Cafe for breakfast. We got a message from Matt saying that all his pals had left, so he came down on his motorbike and we ate breakfast together. I was very proud of myself having managed to set up the van and do all the camping without incident</p><p><br /></p>Nik and Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889964356949129933noreply@blogger.com0