Just a quickie to get the ball rolling really when it comes to my new life as a blogger. Currently sitting in a smelly cybercafe feeling very hung over. My one overriding memory of last night was attempting (successfully by the way) to escape from a surfboard case. Still paying for it today.
Busy trying to organise all the bits and pieces involved in upping sticks and moving overseas. Think we have now broken the worse of it but still have the dreaded packing to do. Realise its two weeks to the day that we fly out which is all very exciting and really just want to get out there now to see if we actually like it!
Also desperately trying to catch as many people as possibly before we go. If there are any of you we don`t make before we head off then sorry but time as we all know is finite.
Anyway better go my time is running out and I think my brain is slowly shutting down. Promise to write more and more coherently in the not too distant future but obviously don`t feel beholden to read any of this rubbish! Also promise to try and put up some photos of leaving do`s soon so do keep checking back.
Cheers all
We have zipped around the country saying more farewells. I didn`t really remember much post 8.30 at our leaving do but know I had a great time and I vaguely remember badgering the staff for Rock DJ.Thank you to everyone who came, it was brilliant that so many people made the effort to come out west...we really appreciated it. We then when off to see Hobbs junior in Pinner where Nick announced he was going to be a stuntman in Bangkok and to prove it spent hours throwing himself about and escaping from a surfboard cover, Houdini style. At my folks we had the Ashby flag raising ceremony...we saluted the Ashby crest to `Rule Britannia` and drank a lot of champagne. Faye didn`t drink as her baby is due in two weeks, we cellotaped a crown to Homers head. Doing a car boot sale with Ginger on Sunday...come and we will give a big discount! A week until we fly!
Hello all just a quickie to say we have arrived safe and sound and even more importantly so did all our luggage. Especially impressive as one of our suitcases was 50kg on its own which was our total allowance (we had four more!). We were met at the airport and whisked across town its huge and very impressive think we are going to enjoy living here. Flight was OK but no screens in back of seat and all the headphones broken. Luckily we had been to the bar so managed to sleep quite a bit. In a hotel tonight and met lots of new teachers (40 people in all) and had our first briefing. All very organised and have a busy few days ahead of us though busier for clare than me!!! Moving into flat tomorrow so should be able to give more news about contacts etc.
Nick and Clare
Have begun to settle into our palatial pad...3 bedrooms (all on suite), 3 balconies, study, kitchen and lounge come diner... very glam! Been out for food and drinks and my handbag is given its own chair by the waiters! School is outstanding as it has great resources as well as its own post office and travel agent! The staff all seem lovely and eager to help.Have accidently eaten entrails. Been on the sky train and mtro and visited Chatuchak market today...incredible, very colourful and no pressure. Found an amazing mall and thus got my Bose speaker! Still not managed to get online as yet at home but will let you know when we do. Gutted I missed the Big Bro final...thanks Helen for your update! Coping well with the weather and cigarettes. Love Clare
We are all skyped and up and running with the internet at the apartment. Been to school today and golly its going to be tough....all marking registers and profiles online. I click onto a child in my class and it has their tracked progress, shows me pictures of the family, occupations etc. It is up to date differentiated learning with lesson plans (online of course as well as powerpoint presentations, websites etc) to do with that particular lesson. 25 in a class though! Doing majorettes....they are making the batons and sourcing the cat bells for me!!!! There were 17,000 visits to the nurses last year and 400 clubs for the children to choose from... from an Avril Lavigne club to climbing. We had our first Thai lessons today and are off to the night market now. Getting up at 5.30 isnt nice though. Love Clare
Well it seems its been a while since our last entry so apologies for that (though I`m sure most of you are simply relieved not to have to wade through our ramblings. However, I should also warn you that the fact that we haven`t written for a while does mean you are in for a long rambling message this time around. As the title of this peice suggests its been two weeks since we got here and the good news is we are still enjoying it. I think I should temper that statement with the fact that I am probably enjoying it more than Clare what with the not having to go to work positive.
Clare started this week and after being slightly terrified by the school has realised she`s more than capable of handling the school and the kids. Still she is currently working twelve hour days at the moment while she gets settled in but hopefully that won`t last much longer. I have been trying to help out as much as possible and I am now an expert on the major supermarkets in the area and am also becoming a dab hand with a mop and an iron. We are in the process of getting a maid (thank god) so this sorry state of affairs shouldn`t last much longer. However, I have found an unnatural interest in shopping and seem to find an excuse to go one mall or another every day - today`s mission was bin bags and something that Clare wanted. Unfortunately I forgot what clare wanted but I did get the bin bags.
Anyway fascinated as I have become with rampant consumerism its probably not so interesting for everyone else and I should really tell you what we`ve been up to. Well despite Clare working ridiculously hard we have still found plenty of time to go out and play.
Last Tuesday we hit a place called Lumphini Park which happens to have a night market and great food places. It was quite bizarre with a giant central area akin to a beer cellar in Germany but with really nice food round the edge and lots of really awful Thai bands performing on a night stage. To top it off there was a giant ferris wheel on loan from France overshadowing the whole place. There is also a little market where you can buy lots of authentic thai stuff but we were both a bit too zonked to care and on the third attempt managed to get a taxi that could understand us to take us home.
The next night was the school pre-term party. It was held in a very weird `English style` pub called the Robin Hood. It was a good chance to meet all of Clare`s year group and other people from the school. It was with some relief that we discovered the Year 4 time are equally fond of a drink as us. We managed to be the first to arrive and last to live so we are making the effort! A great night if slightly hazy but I did seem to make friends. Apparently by the end of the evening we had signed up for Robbie Williams tickets, a PADI diving course, a comedy night and also to go away with someone but were not quite sure where!
Then after one day off we were out again on Friday night and went to a venue called the Bed SupperClub. This was a real culture shock after all the touristy places we`d been to before. The outside gives the impression that a giant spaceship has landed in a Bangkok side street and once inside it was all gleaming white walls and coloured lighting. The whole concept is you lie on giant beds (white of course) and are then served a four course meal whilst enjoying a feast for the whole senses. The food and cocktails were amazing the feast for the senses perhaps less so. One act consisted of a man falling asleep in a giant bed in the centre of the room for about an hour before being woken up by some thai dancers dancing to Bhangra music. Very bizarre especially as they were then joined by a lady boy for the finale. Entertainment aside though it was a really amazing place and definitely worth a visit though a bit pricier than our normal 50p meals! After the dinner the place then turned into a nightclub with some seriously good music and judging by the clientele obviously one of the places to see and be seen. This is of course why we were there and not a simple accident!
Somehow we managed to drag ourselves outta bed on Saturday and head into town for some sightseeing. After a short caffeine stop at Siam Paragon (an obscenely posh Uber Mall) we hit the river and jumped on a ferry north. It s a good way to travel as it was very cheap and very fast and as such unlike the Skytrain is used by a lot of normal thai people. Best of all it was rammed with monks which was our first chance to see them en masse. After sliding past the ultra classy hotels such as the Oriental and the Peninsular we headed up to the Grand Palace and Wat Po which are two must see places apparently. That probably explained the large numbers of farangs on the boat but at least we knew which pier to get off at.
The plan had been to hit both but our stamina was a bit lacking so we simply headed to Wat Po home to a silly large reclining Buddha. That was really amazing as was the whole surroundings with the temples and towers covered as they are in intricate coloured ceramics. We had a wander round the beautiful gardens and could really understand the whole Buddhist thing as it was so chilled and quiet even in the middle of such a big city. After seeing more Buddhas than you can shake a stick at (I got up to 75 before I stopped counting) we decided to call it a day but did stop at Tescos on the way back. Very bizarre having the same supermarket chain out here but that is definitely where the similarity ends. In fact the sheer strangeness of the supermarkets here does off an excuse for my constant visits. For a start they are all huge and sell everything you could possibly want in life ever, as long as its made of plastic and really brightly coloured. Secondly and less of a shock this one everything is in Thai so you have absolutely no clue what most things are. Chuck in the fact that they really do have very random tastes in meat, fruit and in particular sausages then it does make for a very entertaining day out!
After all this Sunday was much more chilled and involved some school work for Clare checking the fish I bought for the classroom were alive for me. Then we wander down the road to buy some plants to try and fill the vast empty spaces that are our flat. Should take some pictures of them before we kill them all with maltreatment.
God Ive just looked up and realised Ive been rambling for far too long. If any of you have got this far congratulations. Anyway better stop before I completely finish you off. Just to quickly say work wise for me is looking potentially promising. Met the publisher of one magazine yesterday and there might be some possible work first assignment could be reviewing all the English style pubs in Bangkok. Also some PR stuff I might get involved in. On top of that I had another publisher email me about some potential work in the next couple of weeks and still have the website lead to go and visit in the next couple of weeks. I dont think any of it will pay very well (if at all) but at least it will get my name around and keep me out of the supermarkets.
Apologise again for boring you but at least this way you dont get this mess coming into your inbox! Hope all well with everyone wherever you and do stay in touch.
Best thing that happened was we had our first tropical storm last night very lush. From our 5th floor balcony we could see it building up (see pics) and then it kicked off big style. Huge thunder and lightning. Think it might have really ushered in the proper rainy season as everywhere been wet and soggy all day today. Only downside was it temporarily knocked out ESPN from our telly whilst I was watching Barcelona v Celta Vigo still the commentary was so bad I may well have broken the telly myself if it had gone on much longer! Right promise I will shut up now.
Hi all just sitting here waiting for our new maid to turn up and that I would send a quick update which I promise won`t be as long as the last few. Well over two weeks in and still enjoying the place and had another good if tiring weekend. Clare was very relieved to finish her first weekend at school but all in all it went very well. Friday night led us to the Year 4 party at one of Clare`s colleagues flats. Stupidly we turned up fashionably late only to find you don`t do that here and everyone had actually been there from the proper time. It was partly my fault as we needed to buy drinks on the way. Despite having gone to the same supermarket for the last two weeks I couldn`t find it so we spent half an hour wandering around a very crowded mall. It seems this is the number one occupation for Thais especially at the weekends.
Still Clare quickly caught up and we had a great night getting to know the rest of the team better. They all seem really nice but also very keen for a beer and a boogie so we seem to fit in well. The party was in a twelfth floor flat with a huge balcony and stunning views over Bangkok so I spent most of the night wibbling about the view.
Got up saturday a little worse for wear and headed into school to catch up on some school work. This was a bit of a necessary evil but I must say my marking of the spelling was superb and I also did some very good sticking labels on things. I could make a classroom assistant yet. After school it was back to the flats for another party. Gorgeous day so I spent most of the afternoon drinking beer in the pool, lush. Then twenty of us headed down to the local restaurant for a slap up meal for a bargain £2 each! Clare and I ended the evening admiring a stunning 360 degree view of the Bangkok skyline from the roof of our apartment.
Sunday we stupidly ignored the option to sit by the pool and decided to head into China Town. This place is like a carboot sale on steroids. Literally hundreds of alleys all crammed with people and tosh to buy. Very specialised stuff as well one alley was solely dedicated to magnifying glasses and binoculars and another to paintball equipment! To be honest we weren`t really in a fit state for the place and after pushing through and along with the crowd for a couple of hours we conceded defeat. Despite this we still managed to visit three shopping malls on the way back each one bigger and busier than the last.
So another week has started and clare back to the grindstone. As for me I spent most of yesterday buying and building a laundry basket - its amazing how you can pace work. Still will definitely be more active for the rest of the week. Got up ridiculously early this morning to make sure the house was tidy for the maid?! then got to head off to meet a man about some work before zooming to the airport to pick up our first visitor Vas who is flying over from Hong Kong. All very exciting and I even went mad and bought some extra coat hangers especially. Right better crack on as we signed up to a PADI course which starts this weekend and I have to read four chapters by Saturday. Hope all well wherever you are do let us know what you are all up to. Also just to let you know there is an option to sign up so this site will tell you when we have more updates. I leave that decision in your hands. Cheers Nick
Well another week has gone somewhere and so another update from me a man who obviously has too much time on his hands. The week has literally flown by but I think it was greatly helped by the visit of Vas which in turn led, to my shame, spending a lot of the time either drunk or sleeping. Still it was absolutely great to see him as it has been a long while and I think the liver has just about recovered now. It was also a good way to find a few new places in town though somewhere quite definitely nicer than others, more to follow on that one though I promise its not as bad as it sounds for any parents reading this!
But before I divulge a bit more about Bangkoks very eclectic nightlife I should let you know I have been asked/ordered to write a bit about our first reflections of the place and some of the odder occurrences. I am sure there is enough to write a book but Ill save you that punishment and just give you a quick overview of what Ive noticed so far:
Kids they absolutely adore them here and I am not joking when I say if youve got children then this is the place to bring them. Basically if you go anywhere with children then to be honest you wont see a lot of them. Going to restaurants they will be whisked away to the kitchen so the cooks can feed them leaving you to enjoy an uninterrupted meal in peace and quiet. Their respect for them is probably best demonstrated on the sky train and Metro where if you have a child and no seat anyone and everyone will fight to give up their seat for you or even more weirdly just grab the child and sit them on their lap. I should quantify this point by saying we havent suddenly got children from somewhere just something I have seen happening. Perhaps more understandable is they seem to have the same rules for monks with special seats reserved for them but I am not sure what the pecking order is do children outrank even monks?
ATMS not the most thrilling of topics you would think but even they can be slightly different and in particular the one over the road from the house. I wandered over their the other day to get out the princely sum of 400bhat (about £5) and was slightly startled when after taking the money the machine decided to play incredibly loud pop music at me and then carried on for another five minutes (I know because I could still hear it as I walked away). Quite why a cash machine should want to alert people to the fact that you have just got some money out is beyond me unless its a cunning ploy by very lazy robbers who cant be bothered to keep a look out.
Elephants a cliché I know but it was still rather unexpected to see an elephant down my road when I am having my dinner. I appreciate that its actually a real problem in Thailand as many elephants and their Mahouts are out of work now logging has been banned but they are also illegal to keep in Bangkok. I also saw one slap bang in the centre of town the other day and the question that has to be asked is where on earth do they hide them during the day? Elephants by their very nature are not the easiest things to conceal.
Drink laws - well even though I have bored you senseless about supermarkets already, I have still managed to come across another fascinating fact on one of my last shopping trips. For some reason you are not allowed to buy alcohol betweens the hours of 2 and 5 any day of the week and especially if you are not within 500m of a petrol station or road. This would obviously make sense in terms of licensing laws if it werent gazumphed by the additional rule that this ban doesnt apply if you buy more than 10 litres of the stuff!
Anyway enough social commentary and more about what weve actually been up to. Unfortunately for Clare that has pretty much been working still doing the 12-13 hour days which is a bit of a bind but she definitely seems to be on top of it now and hopefully that will get less as the term wears on. She had a parents evening last night which went really well though she was asked what the policy on swearing was and whether they are actually allowed to swear in class these are nine year olds!! Still we went out again with the Year 4 team to another nice restaurant so I think she will enjoy the year.
As for me its actually been a fairly busy week, which has been good. Had my first business lunch in Thailand which went very well. After meeting the publisher he said we were going to do lunch at this incredibly swanky Posh American restaurant. And before you think thats an oxymoron the food was actually fantastic and even better I didnt have to pay. Though quite how Italian sausage with mash potato is American cuisine is beyond me. Even stranger the place had a walk-in humidor upstairs. The upshot was I have now been officially commissioned to write an article on all the English and Irish pubs in Bangkok. Wont pay very much at all but at least it will get me my first by-line and at the end of the day there are probably worse jobs out there.
Then as I think I mentioned in my last entry I had to head off and pick Vas up from the airport. Really great to see him after so many years (at least three) and good to find out how cheap it is to get to Hong Kong. Unfortunately the rest of the time he was here we never took the camera with us so this is the only photo!
After three years absence there was obviously a need to explore Bangkok so after some dinner with Clare we decided to hit town. This is where the problem started as I didnt actually know anywhere to go only having gone out in town twice. Rather fortunately Vas did as hes been over before.
So in the end we decided to head to a part of town called Nana which apparently has a bit of a reputation. This quickly became apparent as we were leapt on by a couple of girls walking down a side street and manfully forced towards a bar. Being light on our feet we managed to escape to a bar opposite where there was a much better ratio of normal people to working girls. After a few beers we felt it was the sensible policy to escape. We managed to sneak off whilst everyone was distracted by an elephant they have their plus points - and head towards more salubrious surroundings.
From there we ended up in a very cool little street bar where drinks were dirt cheap before hitting a very posh night club called the Bed Supper Club which strangely enough we had both been in before. It was really enjoyable until a lot of very tall Americans with the whiff of Marine about them turned up and we decided it might be better to head somewhere else. After a few bars and another nightclub we hit the dreaded early closing that weve heard so much about.
Being only 2 in the morning we werent giving up that easily and asked a Tuk Tuk driver if he knew anywhere that might still be serving. He said he did and so not only did we beat the system but I also got my first ride in a Tuk Tuk. Very entertaining it is too and also quite good at sobering you up if you have had a bit to drink. He proceeded to whisk us off to a venue in the back of beyond somewhere. After not being able to get in the first place due to a rather large police presence we were ushered through a curtain into a tiny room. The first thing we couldnt fail to notice was the rather large crowd of girls lined up against the wall and pretending to look happy. The second thing we noticed was they had football on their TV so we decided it was worth staying. So despite the slight distraction of the price of the beers and thirty girls trying to catch your eye not I cant say it was the worse place Ive ever been and Wales played very well. Eventually the game finished and I think we made it home about five in the morning just as Clare was about to get up for work.
Needless to say the next day was completely shot and neither of us surfaced until late afternoon rather wrecking our plans to head off and see a bit of the cultural side of Bangkok. Instead it was spent watching obituaries to Steve Irwin whilst dozing on the sofa. Both felt rather guilty when Clare got home after doing another fifteen-hour day so decided the best thing to do was to head into town again.
This time we had a bit more of a plan and headed to the Moon Bar. This place is simply amazing located as it is on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree hotel. Its completely open air and needless to say the views over Bangkok are absolutely stunning unfortunately I didnt think to take a camera so you will have to wait until I go back with Clare for the photos. I really dont think Ive actually been that high up before and you can even feel the pressure change in your ears in the lift. Bizarrely they are doing a vertical marathon their this weekend and before I visited I thought it might be a bit of a laugh definitely not now. Anyway it was really the height of poshness and price so after a single beer each we decided to head off in search of food.
From their on in we definitely headed down in terms of both beer prices and surroundings. First we hit the Lumphini night bazaar to enjoy the cheap nosh and karaoke before deciding to try and find somewhere to try and watch the England International. After an amazing thunderstorm we some how ended up back in Nana but for some reason the girls werent really interested in getting us a copy of the TV guide. Decamping to a German bar proved more successful and proved that for all our efforts we could watch it at home.
On the way back I spotted a tiny little bar just up the road from the school. We decided to pop in for a quick night cap only to be leapt on by the possible owner who spoke very little English and was very scary looking. To make matters worse it also turned out to do Karaoke in Thai. The owner also had the strange habit of pouring herself a drink from our bottle every time we had a drink but to be honest we werent to bothered at that stage and were just more pleased to get out of there without having to sing as there were only five songs in English and we would have to pay for the privilege. At least I think that was what she was saying to us interspersed as the Thai was with statements like love me love my dog. As expected the England game was rubbish and I fell asleep before the end anyway.
Still good to get our first visitor under our belts even if my liver was quite relieved to see him go! Well that seems to be about it for now best get off and finish studying for the dive course tomorrow. I think I am pretty much there just need to get up early though so Clare can explain how you tread water. Right hope all well and speak soon.
Faye had a lovely little girl last week called Ember...she apparently is not wrinkly but beautiful!! CONGRATULATIONS Faye and Steve...still think she should have been called Kipper though. We can`t wait to meet her, obviously we have had a little drink or two to her health and happiness! Granny and grandad say Faye and Steve are behaving like they have been parents all their lives...just wait till she is a teenager, ha ha! I think she looks like Steve although I expect she has better knees!!!!!!! WELL DONE XXXXXXX
Aha Robbie is playing Baqngkok so we have tickets for November!!!!! ROCK DJ in the flesh!!!! Crikey!!!!!
Have discovered after years of turning my nose up at pineapple that it is actually lovely.
Nick writes a lot doesn`t he!
Leave a message! Love Clare
Alright all just a quick update as its been nearly a week without us writing, I am sure you are all emotional wrecks with your regular fix. Anyway its been a good week and can`t believe that it means we`ve nearly been here a month. It many ways it doesn`t seem that long and in eithers it seems like a lifetime. Well the good news is Clare seems to be more on top of things and shock horror we actually went out last night on a week night which was even a bit of a rarity back in the UK. Must confess the trip was only to the scuba dive shop but its a start. So we are now both kitted out with state of the art flippers, mask and snorkel which is all very exciting just better hope we pass now! Final pool dive next week along with exams before we head off to Chumpon for a dip in the ocean.
Aside from that I have managed to keep myself fairly busy did some research for my pub article in the week which was of course very demanding. Also managed to land another assignment for a different magazine this time writing about the upcoming gay pride march in Bangkok. Fingers crossed and if all goes well could be some more work to follow including some proof reading which if nothing else would be regular income. Anyway off to interview the organisers this afternoon so that should be interesting.
Other than that spending a lot of time pottering. Going to head into town this morning to see if I can find a fan for the living room that`s not made of plastic and bright green. Also had a good wander around earlier in the week. Went up the infamous Patpong but I don`t think its quite the same at 8 in the morning. Also paid a visit to Lumphini Park which was very pretty (see pics) and was good to see all the people doing their exercises - jogging, tai chi and also ballroom dancing!
Right best be off better get out of the house before the maid arrives - think she is a bit scared of me. Going to a comedy club tonight which should be good and then the weekend which I think we are going to spend doing as little as possible for Clare`s sake. Been doing stuff every weekend and think she is quite looking forward to just relaxing. Speak soon.
Well they`re you go been here for less than a month and a coup happens. All a bit in the dark here and completely fine and safe. Was completely oblivious (shows what a nose I have for a story) until my brother (ta Chris) rang to see if I was alright. Flicked on BBc website and it was a bit like Oh. Anyway it does all seem to be kicking off they have closed down all the tv channels including BBC and CNN and are now showing the King doing stuff and some bloke saying something in Thai. School is closed tomorrow so meant I could wake up Clare and tell her so we are now watching the Simpsons as that seems to be the only channel they have left running. Not sure what it all means but it hope it doesn`t interfere with me getting my stories published as I`ve spent two days working on those. Will keep you posted though you may all know more than us, still its started to rain heavily so that normally puts people off anything too serious - no-one likes to get wet. Cheers all
Well needless to say this has been an amazing and very strange 24 hours. As you can see from the photos at the moment all is relatively calm and hopefully it will all stay that way. Luckily we are miles from town and miles from the problem so its all been very surreal. Anyway just wanted to let people know we are OK and hope to write more tomorrow in the meantime enjoy the photos.
Well after two bizarre days it seems that Thailand or at least Bangkok is returning to normality. After a public holiday yesterday the city was back to normal again just with a few more soldiers and tanks dotted around the streets. We first noted this as we got stuck in a traffic jam on the way into town - there are certain things to be said for coups and improving the traffic system was definitely one of them!
Anyway everywhere was open and busy and more importantly the Thais after a days holiday where back out on the streets in force. If we hadn`t gone back to see the tanks and hadn`t been reading/watching the news you really wouldn`t have known anything had happened. Which is all good of course and the hope is it stays like this.
Yesterday was very different being a fool I headed into town bright and early to see what was going on. The most obvious thing was the lack of people and cars around. After failing to find anywhere that was open selling OK magazine I got a message from my cousin Tristan that he was going to see the tanks. He is currently over here on a visa run however I am a bit suspicious as coups do seem to happen wherever he goes to visit - a couple of years ago he started one in Peru! Anyway I wasn`t going to miss out on this sort of chance and with everything being so calm in town we decided it wouldn`t be particularly risky! After a tourist boat trip down the river (which in itself was surreal as there was simply no mention that the country was under martial rule!) and a very confused taxi ride we managed to spot a tank a long way off down a closed off road. Jumping out of the cab Tristan, his friend Helen and I started to wander down the road. As we walked past the cameracrews and press having their lunch we did wonder if it was a particularly good idea to keep going but we ignored their quizzical looks and pushed on. I must admit though I was looking out for exit routes just in case. Anyway we kept getting closer and kept thinking they soldiers were going to stop us but they just didn`t. So we then started taking surreptitious photos which again we expected to be told to stop but nothing. It was then that a Thai man walked up with his baby and went straight up to one of the tanks. This made us realise they probably weren`t going to do anything and simply walked round the barrier and started really taking pictures. All the time we had assumed that the rather grotty looking building behind the two tanks was government house. After a while of taking photos and taking photos of all the Thais having their photos taken we decided to walk on up the deserted street. It was then that we realised we hadn`t quite been outside government house as you will realise when you see the photos of the giant white building with the big tanks in front of it. Anyway we spent more time here taking photos of the troops and tanks with flowers garlanded all over them. For some reason we had managed to get the wrong side of the barriers and could see a largish crowd who had come to wish the soldiers well. The soldiers were very relaxed and very well briefed smiling and posing for the cameras and basically being as camera friendly as possible. All in all it was almost a carnival atmosphere and all incredibly positive. Also meant I could get some very cool photos which was great. So all in all we had a fantastic day as it really was a very unique experience.
Anyway got home to catch up with Clare, who had had the day off school, and to revise for our dive exam. It turned out that all the teachers in the flats had decided to hold a hostages and gunman party at the flats. So the whole lot of them had been drinking since 3 in the afternoon. The reason for the party was school was off today as well so being dedicated educators they had all decided to get drunk. The better news came when we were told that our dive exam was cancelled as we couldn`t contact one of the people - great stuff so no excuse to stay sober. Luckily I am known for my lightweight nature and managed to catch up quite easily. This will explain why some of you may have read a very garbled message on here yesterday not a good idea to do a blog when you`re drunk. So its been a long but very nice day today revisiting the tanks and taking pictures of soldiers in hammocks. Clare was particularly pleased to get a photo with a soldier especially as there was a table full of guns in front of her.
So all in all a very peaceful and very very Thai coup and I guess we just have to wait and see how things pan out. The military rulers have introduced a few rather dodgy rules though so we will have to see how it pans out in the long run. For example there is a ban on political meetings and any gathering of 5 people or more - which by the way we broke yesterday with our hostages and gunman party. The other rule is they say they won`t hand over power for a year whilst they write a new consitution. Having previously been in Kenya where they spent the whole four years we were there trying to write a constitution we could have the generals around for longer than we think. Anyway the good news is upcountry seems to be quiet at the moment which is where Thaksin (the PM) has most of his support I guess the acid test will be if and when he comes back. However the story is his wife has cleared out the bank accounts here so he may become a more permanent resident of the UK - he can certainly afford it!
Anyway back to normality and back to school for clare and back to trying to find more work for me though I am going to the grand palace tomorrow. Cheers all and take care
Well I can`t quite believe that we`ve managed to control ourselves and not put up an entry for a whole 7 days. Also can`t quite believe where the 7 days have gone, time seems to be speeding up which I guess is a sure fire sign that we`re starting to get into a bit of a routine. After all the excitement of the coup things have gone strangely quiet which is obviously a good thing except for Clare as it meant she had to go back to work!
Still it was nice for me having my cousin out as it meant managed to get around a few more tourist attractions that I haven`t been too including the golden palace which is what all the photos are about this week. Despite it being the no 1 attraction in every guide book it really is quite awesome and doesn`t dissapoint. This could well be due to the completely over the top detail on every building and statue which literally has your jaw dropping every time you turn a corner. Perhaps the only dissapointing part is the emerald buddha just because its so small. However they chuck a load of gold all round him to make up for it. As we got a guide I could divulge plenty of inane facts about him but will stick to the fact that he actually has a different outfit for different times of the year! As it was the rainy season he was wearing a charming off the shoulder number. It`s the kings job to change him at the start/end of each season but apparently as he is 80 and it involves climbing a very long ladder his son does it for him now.
Clare and I also managed to have a nice relaxing weekend as a couple of planned parties where cancelled due to the coup. Still did make it to one on Friday where Clare was dancing with someones crutch (of the walking variety) to ... you`ve guessed it Rock Dj. Saturday saw us hit a place called Pantip Plaza its basically a computer geeks heaven with six floors devoted to all things computerized. The reason we went was to stock up on incredibly cheap DVDs and we now have an impressive collection with plenty of series to make up for the poor choice of telly out here. Sunday saw us head to lunch with the head which was unexpected but very nice and there is an outside chance of some work with the school though probably unpaid. We then met up with tristan before I zipped off to play my first football since I got here. Luckily it was against a load of school kids and even luckier I only had to do two bursts of twenty minutes as its quite hard work. We have our first league game on Sunday and apparently its against the best team in the league (we are the worst) so that should be painful.
After a leisurely stroll around China town during the day Monday saw me crumble to tristans constant badgering to go to the Patpong area of town infamous for its ping pong activities. Needles to say we were mobbed at the first place we went to and ended up spending the national debt of Kenya on drinks for our new friends. After managing to escape their we decided we`d seen enough and headed to the other infamous area of town nana plaza. After a few fortifying drinks we decided to try another bar. All seemed to be going well until we were informed that it was actually a specialist bar and the specialism was dressing up as stunningly attractive women whilst being boys - known here as Katoeys. I am not sure what tristan did or said (it may well have been the reaction on his face) but we quickly found ourselves very unpopular and were asked to leave. Still not sure it was an enjoyable experience but definitely interesting.
Tristan headed off on Tuesday only after I persuaded him to get a rather short haircut at the hairdressers down stairs so the rest of the week has been back to something like normality. Well as normal as you can get in Bangkok. Went to a fantasy football evening on wednesday which saw me get soaked in a monumental downpour, just miss out on winning killer pool and then having a vodka shot in a freezer room with a bar made of ice. Had our dive exam on thursday which we both passed Clare beating me by one percent - curses! More excitingly we`ve just booked our half term holidays to phuket which we are both really looking forward to. Right Clare has just got back from school so better go and open the wine for her. Speak soon and as always enjoy the photos. You`ll notice a more high brow tone this week as I had the guide book in front of me!
Time moving on apace here and time for another entry especially as I might not get to do this for a few days. All good here and still loving the Thai life. Had a great if a little drunken weekend. Friday night saw us hit the largest restaurant in the world believe I have mentioned it before - so large they are all on roller skates. Anyway it was a friends birthday and she insisted on Karaoke which of course Clare and I were devastated about. Not the best choice though as no Rock DJ or Suspicious Minds. Still we are nothing if not adaptable and clare went for a bit of Britney and I found out that I knew all the words to The Heat is On but could actually sing them in the right order. Still the brief illusion that I could sing was soon destroyed by me murdering Country Road and then House of the rising sun - Oh the horror. Instead of leaving it there we decided it was a good idea to go onto another bar called Noriegas. There was a great band on who even covered Oops I did it again for Clare as well as letting her have a go on the mic! We ended up back home at 4 which would have been fine if we hadn`t found ourselves locked out of the flat. Somehow the dead bolt lock had activated itself and of course the key was inside. Being conscientous neighbours we didn`t think to wake any of our floor mates and instead decided to sleep on the concrete. Two very uncomfortable hours later I woke and managed to find the school locksmith who clambered over our neighbours balcony and got us in. Unfortunately this wasn`t before all our neighbours and the guards had seen clare asleep on the floor. Needless to say all the guards now laugh at me everytime they see me. Saturday was spent recovering before we went to a very pleasant evening at the heads house in town. Apart from it taking an hour and half to get there and all of us being slightly weary a good night. The journey back was also entertaining as it involved driving down a small river which had previously been the main road home. The worrying thing is someone told me this isn`t even the proper rains yet so we could be canoeing our way around for the next month or so. Sunday saw my first game of footy coming on as a sub at 1-0 down I managed to have a shocker and helped in at least three of their additional six goals. Also nearly got an own goal but fortunately our keeper pulled off a stunning save to prevent my further embarassment. Monday night was another party a cocktail do to kick off the schools 50th anniversary celebrations. It was held in an unfinished tower block on the 44th floor so slightly unnerving but incredible views. The rest of the week has seen us both knuckling down to work. I have been thinking of story ideas for magazine articles and Clare has simply been flat out at school. In terms of work I have a meeting shortly to discuss helping out editing the schools 50th anniversary book, then a press conference this afternoon on gay pride and then two meetings tomorrow with two magazine editors. Its typical that all is quiet for a week and then it all kicks off still its promising. Talking of which best get on and prepare for my first meeting. Off to the beach and Koh Samet tomorrow so really looking forward to that as it will be our first time out of Bangkok. Hope to speak to people soon and enjoy the pics.
Just reading this again and realised how appaling the spelling is so decided to tidy it up a bit and finish it!
Well, we finally managed it after nearly two months of being here we finally escaped from the Big Mango and it was definitely worth it. We headed down to Koh Samet, which is a popular little resort for Bangkok locals and expats alike, with Clare and a few of her fellow teachers. The main attraction is after a car journey of a couple of hours and a twenty minute speed boat ride you step through the surf onto gorgeous clean white sandy beaches - its definitely worth it.
The journey down was quite exciting in itself as we have not really seen anything of the Thai countryside. First impressions are very green, very lush and lots of water everywhere but that might be because its the rainy season. We passed some beautiful little villages but I was also quite surprised how built up a lot of it wa. I guess the close proximity to Bangkok and the sea would explain all the industrial parks. But what was impressive was their service stations, they definitely put any in the UK to absolute shame. It was like pulling into a mini city with a km long stretch of cafes, restaurants, shops etc... Apart from the ubiquotous Mcdonalds, 7 eleven and Starbucks everything was selling local products (for local people) and weren`t charging a million pounds. Feeling adventurous we bought some random stuff packed in leaves. Despite it having the texture of rubber and being completely black it was surprisingly nice and possibly a combination of banana and coconut.
We got to the small port of Bang Phi which serves Koh Samet and after some brief haggling booked our speedboat. It was dark by this time so we were treated to a rather bumpy but quite exciting night ride to the island. Getting off the boat into the warm water with soft sand underfeet was a real treat. The place we were staying was right on the beach so it really was door to door service and definitely one of the most glam ways we`ve arrived anywhere. The rooms were not as glam but then for around a tenner a night with breakfast what can you expect. I particularly liked the toilet which for some reason was very high up. Once you had clambered onto it your legs dangled a long way off the floor making you feel like you were toilet training again. An added bonus was the loo roll was actually placed outside the toilet which called for a good memory.
I`ve just realised what time it is and unfortunately I`ve got to run afraid you will have to wait for a full recount of what we got up to but a quick precis would be: drank, went to bed, got up had a manicure/pedicure (yes both of us), lay on beach, had massage, had lunch, had swim, went for very nice meal, got very drunk (bucket cocktails), wandered around on beach, went to bed, had another massage came home. All in all a very chilled out and utterly relaxing break and much needed for Clare.
Other than that all well got a lot of work on which is great, Clare getting on at school better and we are off on further travels on Friday and then another week and its half term - lush. Starting to realise why we came!! AAGH spent so longer editing this thing that I have run out of time again just to say got more work coming in some through school and more with magazines plus someone asked if I was interested in a full time job but the money and the facts that have to work saturday mornings and get six days holiday made it slightly less appealing. Promise will write properly when get back to the ranch.
Speak soon all
Well its been a week since I last wrote and the main reason for that is `shock, horror` i`ve actually been busy working! Last week I interviewed Emily Eavis of glastonbury fame and so spent monday writing up the article. Also been doing some work for school on their 50th anniversary book. So with both of these on the go my life of lazing around has come to something of an abrupt halt. Fingers crossed long may it continue! And I can`t really complain as one week of working in the two and a bit months we`ve been here isn`t bad going. Plus its now half term so we are off to Phuket for a week! Really looking forward to it and Clare definitely deserves it we just hope the weather is good. The rains are meant to be finished by now but as nightly storms are proving it aint over yet.
Still we had a gorgeous trip out to Kanchanabri last weekend - home of the famous River Kwai bridge. This is going to sound very bad what with the suffering that went into it but the real thing is actually slightly dissapointing as its quite tiny! We went up for a year 4 recce as its where they take their kids on the school trip. This basically involved getting drunk on the bus up there singing Karaoke and then having a very boozy meal when we arrived. The next day we headed off to a temple and cave complex which Clare hated (see the photos) as she apparently has a fear of caves. 15 years and I am still learning. The caves were quite interesting but even better the temple was having a special event so we got loads of free food. It was then back to the hotel for some lunch before a brief river trip to see the rather underwhelming bridge. Perhaps the most useful part of the trip was discovering the hotel had a strange wild west themed night club so when we take the kids clare is going to dress up as an indian for three days!
Back in the real world of Bangkok Clare is finally starting to enjoy school which is a big relief and as I said we are gearing up for the holiday. Most exciting of all our shipping turned up which was lush. Miraculously all our glasses survived the journey and nothing got lost. It was like Christmas all over again and clare spent a very pleasurable evening placing everything round our mansion. At least it doesn`t look quite so bare now but still a few gaps that require some nice thai furniture in them. Still we had a party last night to christen it all and feeling rather bleary eyed as a result today. We`re heading out again tonight so looking forward to getting to the sanctuary of the beach to let my liver recover. Other than that went to see Glastonbury the movie at the weekend which was great but has left us both desperate to go next year. I did ask Emily Eavis but she couldn`t sort me out with any free tickets. The cinema was an interesting experience, like Kenya you have to stand up for the national anthem but unlike Kenya they have created a major motion picture to go with the anthem. Its rather odd and seems to include a lot of small children with missing teeth before going off on a weird tangent with some bloke swimming through the sea.
Right I guess I`d better get on as I need to finish this history before we go away. Up to 1990 so not to far to go! Well enjoy the next week and think of us facing the hardship of lying on a tropical beach as you make your way to work!!
Another week and another entry for you all to digest and I am afraid this one is probably going to be long so make yourself a nice cup of tea and lets begin
Well since we last spoke Clare and I have had the pleasure of a very relaxing week away on the tropical island of Phuket. As such we are both very chilled out and ready to face the slog up to Christmas. The rest maybe much needed (and much deserved for Clare) as we seem to have a very busy itinerary of events coming up in the next couple of months.
Anyway as usual I digress and before looking to the future should tell you what weve been up to. So Clare made it to half term and to be honest the last week involved plenty of nights out to celebrate. After our flat warming we then headed out on the Friday night to Vertigo bar. Its basically an open air bar on the 61st floor of one of the swanky hotels and the views are simply breathtaking. After agreeing to meet some friends there for one drink we ended up taking over the place and stayed for three hours. Very enjoyable though our wallet didnt feel the same - I ask you four pounds for a gorgeous cocktail with a backdrop of Bangkok at night its just not on! I am not exactly sure how safe the whole thing is though as when we were there an electrical storm passed over head causing everyones hair to stand on end. We had of course planned an early night what with flying the next day so as you would expect that meant going to two more bars including a slightly terrifying gay bar before rolling home at four.
Three hours later it was off to the swanky new airport that has opened since we got here. It sounds very similar to Thailands equivalent of Wembley incredibly late and incredibly over budget. There are lots of rumours that as it was built on a swamp the runways are sinking and also allegations of dodgy dealings over the new baggage handling and checking in equipment. Apparently the government shelled out an absolute fortune for the most expensive scanning equipment in the world and youve guessed it doesnt work either. To be fair to the place it does look visually stunning though I have a feeling the architect might have watched too much of Dune the movie and as its only half an hour away compared to the previous hour long journey we are not complaining.
The airport did give us our first experience of low cost airlines and in our slightly fatigued state we were a bit caught out by the stampede to get on the plane and bag a seat. I think I might have mentioned this before but the Thais who are incredibly polite 99% of the time seem to lose all manners when getting on and off public transport where it really is every man, women and child for themselves. Despite all this we were only delayed half an hour and did manage to sit next to each other so I guess we should consider ourselves fortunate.
The airport at Phuket is right by the sea and as you come in to land you pass over a deserted beach and are offered up a gorgeous view of the island and the crystal blue Andaman Sea.
After landing we jumped in a taxi to our hotel and the hour long drive gave us a chance to see what the island was all about. To be honest at first glance Phuket was something of a disappointment and whilst some of the soaring wooded hills and views over sandy bays were stunning the massive building work everywhere did leave a little to be desired. These feelings grew as we drove up to our hotel down a street that could quite easily have been lifted from Greece or Spain and deposited in South East Asia with the addition of tailors of course! Kata beach where we were staying seemed to be a mix of bars, restaurants and tacky souvenir shops and it did make us wonder if we had made the right choice of destination!
Fortunately the hotel we were staying at was gorgeous and for once actually deserved the title boutique. This word seems to be put in front of everything these days and I am not sure that anyone really knows what it means except that you have to pay more. One of the local airlines even uses it as their tag line and I cant really see how an airplane can be boutique! Still the hotel was as boutique as they get and we were both particularly impressed by a sliding screen that meant you could watch telly whilst in the bath its the little things!!
Having had three hours sleep we werent going to go out and paint the town red so instead had a wander down to the beach. After walking through the beautiful aroma of raw sewage the beach itself was stunning with the classic golden sand, azure blue sea and tropical island off on the horizon. On the down side it was also crowded with thousands of purple parasols, sun beds and there was a constant buzzing of jet skis and motorboats. I guess the problem is we have been spoilt before with trips to Indian Ocean but it really did just reinforce the feeling that we were on a package tour to the Mediterranean. The large numbers of Germans everywhere also helped this impression.
Anyway by that stage we were too tired to care and sloped off to bed to try and recover from the previous nights excesses. Clare who has been working twelve-hour days for the last two months had no problem dropping off but I was keen to watch the English footy. As a storm had knocked the hotels satellite signal out I was forced to find a local pub and proceeded to watch three games in a row. The bar staff were particularly nice letting me stay after closing to watch the Villa game even if the result was a disappointment.
The next couple of days we really did very little but sleep, eat, drink and sit on the beach with occasional forays into the beautifully warm sea. By the third day we decided that we were finally recuperated enough to head out on a trip and booked a day visiting the islands. This was a very good idea and very much reinstated our belief in the place. Whilst the tour itself was your classic package trip with thirty of us crammed onto a speedboat and then herded like cattle from destination to destination along with about ten other boats doing exactly the same thing. Still the places we visited simply overshadowed any issues with the tour and to be fair the guide was quite entertaining simply because he kept coming out with really quite strong English swear words. I am pretty sure he didnt really appreciate their full meaning especially on a boat filled with families but it gave the childish Clare and I plenty to giggle about.
We were actually the last boat to leave the port and then we had to go and pick our captain up from another island. In a way this was good as it meant we ended up arriving slightly later to all our destinations than all the other tours and therefore had a bit of time on our after they had all disappeared. The trip itself was a very bumpy affair which Clare didnt enjoy as we were bounced all over the place. But it was worth it as you approached these islands with towering jungle clad cliffs loomed out of the haze. Many of them really did look like something out of King Kong, simply stunning.
First stop was a gorgeous bay, which was used for filming the film the beach where we did some snorkelling. The snorkelling was good with loads of fish but with about five other tour boats already in the bay the water was probably had more people than fish! Next we paid a visit to a beautiful lagoon used in some James Bond film for a spot of swimming and then off to feed some monkeys at the cleverly named monkey beach. This was a slight misnomer as the tide was in so no beach to talk of but plenty of monkeys who seemed to appreciate us chucking bananas at their heads. Another quick zoom in the boat took us to the Viking caves where they farm the birds nests for birds nest soup. As we couldnt go in this was slightly pointless! As you can tell this was a bit of whistle stop tour we did all of this in about three quarters of an hour. Luckily we seemed to have achieved our quota of sights and the rest of the trip became more leisurely. We headed off for lunch on phi phi which was possibly the highlight of the trip (phi phi not the lunch). This island was seriously wiped out by the Tsunami and its easy to see why its almost bone shaped with two sandy beaches in the middle which take less than five minutes to walk between. Even so it was a hive of activity with a host of dive shops, souvenir stalls and the like as well as plenty of building work. One side was the main port but walking over to the other side of the island we finally found the type of beach that matched our expectations of a tropical island. We did briefly consider just stopping there and not getting back on the boat but I think it will definitely be somewhere we go back to especially after we have finished our dive course. The final stop on our tour was another proper tropical island with little more than a few rocks and beautiful beach. Also did our best bit of snorkelling here from the shore and saw some whopping parrot fish.
So all in all a good if rather hectic trip and it did give us a glimpse of what all the fuss was about. The next day it was off to Patong Beach which we had already heard rather mixed reports about with some people likening it to Blackpool in Thailand. Not having been to Blackpool I couldnt possibly comment but it wasnt the most appealing of locations. Nor was our hotel which was a perfect example of what you can achieve with a nice looking website and some carefully angled photos. Check out the photo of Clares expression and I think you will get the idea of how nice it was.
So the only option was to go into town and get drunk on cocktails, which we managed to achieve quite nicely. The one highlight was on the way back to the hotel we did come across an amazing antique shop that was like an Aladdins cave of chests, statues, doors and tables from all over South East Asia. Unfortunately everything we took a fancy too was indeed an antique and cost an exorbitant amount of money.
The next day we decided we simply couldnt face a day at Patong Beach and decided to head off to another of the many bays that are spread along the west coast. Very fortuitously we struck lucky first time and found Surin Beach which was what we had been searching for ever since we had got to Phuket. Not only was it incredibly beautiful it also had the added bonus of hardly any people and a couple of lovely beachside restaurants. Even better there was a man who would come round every half an hour to bring your drinks and brush the sand from your feet! It was hard work but we did manage to spend the rest of our time taking it easy there. So all in all Phuket was probably slightly disappointing and I think we both agreed that we preferred the smaller but more relaxed Koh Samet. But whilst its not somewhere wed rush back I think we found enough places to mean we could just about put up with it!
So its back to the reality of Bangkok. Clare is currently at school catching up on marking and I am getting into the zone for a footy game this afternoon. Not having played for three weeks and having spent a week lying on a beach I reckon I will be at the peak of physical fitness. Next week sees Clare back to school and me back to work and onto my next assignment which involves interviewing all the many womens groups in Bangkok. Also might have some extra work for another newspaper covering a new line of lesbian fashion I am definitely getting a reputation! Still its all good just got to chase them all to start paying me.
Next weekend sees us off for the open water part of our dive course and teacher from Clares old school is due to arrive at the end of the week. Its also Halloween which seems pretty huge out here and then at the weekend its Loy Kratong. This is a big festival throughout Thailand to celebrate the end of the rainy season. Apparently baskets of flowers and lighted candles are floated on any available patch of water so it should be a good photo opportunity.
Then the week after have my mum and dad out so busy trying to organise a few trips away whilst also trying to plan ahead and think about Christmas. Plan is to hit Vietnam and have a pile of travel guides to go through but if anyone has any suggestions ideas from previous trips please feel free to let us know (spot the lazy person here).
Right just seen how much Ive written so better release you all but please do keep in touch. Do promise to try and send some more personal emails soon when we get a chance!
Hello one and all yes it must be Thursday again as here comes another entry. The currently clockwork nature of these things happens to be a complete fluke so dont go setting your watch by them or anything. Right this is going to be a quickie I promise as my dinners on and I have a shed load of things to try and get sorted before tomorrow when my mum and dad arrive.
Well all is still good here but it seems as if I am quickly catching up Clare on the work front, which is all a bit scary. The 50th anniversary book is proving very time consuming as I attempt to track down people who were at the school forty years ago and are a) still alive b) still compos menses (apologies to those who can speak/spell Latin) and c) not blacklisted for past misdemeanours. Getting there very slowly and Ive also realised how poor teachers are at maintaining deadlines. You know its true all you educators!
As well as that I am still trying to track down all the womens groups in Bangkok being faced with a room full of Aussie and kiwi ladies is quite intimidating; do an article on tom boy fashion; help put together a magazines website; and come up with twenty new years resolutions and how to keep them. Clare meanwhile has been busy doing her first set of reports and so its all been a bit frantic.
Still its not all work work work. Last week my partner in crime Peter returned to the fold and we celebrated with a night on the town. It all started off well and we went to an art exhibition, which was pretty cool though everyone was a bit arty for my liking, and then to a very swanky bar/restaurant, which according to Clare is the Nobu of Bangkok. The price of the drinks certainly reflected this so after a quick one we found a grotty sports bar which much more to our liking. We then managed to find a Dutch pub down another soi (situated next to the Ship Inn) before getting some delicious fried beef from a street vendor. It was then back to the sports bar to watch the end of the cricket. It seems the trouble started after then as Peter managed to get run over by a motorbike which was very amusing for me but not for his wrist. We decided it might be safest to go home but somehow managed to stop off at one of our local karaoke bars whilst Peter was distracted by girls who could be his daughter I decided the safest option might be to start doing Karaoke but then realised that the particular bar had just the words and then the same super fast pop tune for every track. Still I managed to struggle through and I believe everyone was very impressed.
The next day I was a little bleary eyed but have discovered a fantastic hang over cure which is namely get on the back of a motor bike taxi and go shopping after the purchase of a big mac and a book shelf I felt much better. The motorbike taxis are really good fun though I am limiting myself to quiet back roads at the moment. Its particularly interesting when they go off road (i.e. the pavement) and start heading against the traffic. Whilst I am not going to make a habit off it if you are in a hurry then they are perfect for weaving through the traffic. Unfortunately putting the bookshelf together yourself is not advisable as it quickly gave me a new headache but at present it is still standing.
Now that all our shipping has arrived it means we can truly see how little space it fills up in our cavern of a flat. Buoyed by the successful bookshelf purchase I was feeling more confident and Friday went out and bagged myself a Tibetan Cabinet that is truly lush. Its actually a very belated Birthday present for Clare so thank god she actually liked it when it turned up (unless shes just being tactful).
Friday meant we finally headed off for our dive weekend, which seems to have been going on forever. The whole thing was really cool and at last we can go and jump in the ocean with a big tank on our banks on our own. However I think it will be a while before either us trust ourselves to go anywhere without at least one person who actually knows what they are doing.
We were both a little nervous about it and the first dive and it probably didnt help that we did out in the open water i.e. no land in sight. Things got worse when Clare found her new mask was broken at about three metres under water. This led to us all heading back to the boat for a new mask and then I spotted that my tank was floating loose. After all this faffing we had used up half our time and then on the second descent we all spent so long trying to descend that we ended up being carried off by the current away from the site. So all in all not a success but fortunately the next three dives where much better and I can confirm we saw fish and everything I could lie and say we saw sharks, turtles and the like but we didnt I did spot a very small crab and a flounder so well just have to do it all again. It was really cool and cant wait to have another go especially as we wont have to do stupid things like take our masks off underwater and pretend we have no oxygen!! It was particularly enjoyable on the way back thinking about the fact we were sat on the roof of a dive boat in beautiful sunshine and it was a Sunday in November. It was great to be with a really nice bunch of people and Clare actually got to meet some people outside of her year group. Steve/Spratt youll never believe it but Clare teaches with someone who not only knows Iringa but also knows the Iringa International Lodge!
When we got back we were absolutely knackered but as it was Loy Kratong we roused ourselves to get out and take a look. In very simple terms Loy Kratong happens on the 12th full moon of the year and is a Buddhist/Animist celebration to thank the water gods for the rainy season. The idea is to get a big floaty thing with flowers, candles and incense sticks and float it on any patch of water you can find. If you make a wish the god apparently grants it. All very cool and we ended up at a small klong (canal) just down the road and it was really nice as we were the only farangs there. It was very much a Thai community thing but we were made to feel very welcome and I was even given a free mini crab to try. The fact I was quite glad it was free tells you how it tasted. The most surprising thing was there were fish in this canal but they seemed to enjoy the disturbance especially as they seemed to like eating the kratongs many of which are made of bread.
Clare had also done it on the Friday which was the day to officially celebrate it in school and as part of this had to don a quite disgusting purple Thai outfit. Dont worry will upload it now but needless to say it was a cross between something Dame Edna and Crystal Carrington might wear think purple, big shoulder pads and lots of sequins.
So after another busy weekend the week hasnt got much quieter. Both been flat out at work and I seem to have been yo-yoing between town and the school trying to get things sorted before my mum and dad come out.
We also had Tony and Fiona come to stay Tuesday as they finished the Asian leg of their extended honeymoon travels. Fiona used to teach with Clare at Garden House so Clare took great pleasure pointing out the differences between the two education establishments! It was really nice to see them both and apologies that we were both so busy! Did get out last night for a few beers and after a Guinness at an Irish bar before a quick cocktail at the Crystal Lounge. This like many Bangkok bars is a very strange concept part cocktail lounge and part jewellery shop! Cocktails were very nice the jewellery was not though we were all suitably impressed by the crystal encrusted tuk tuk.
So another week has flown by and its nearly the weekend again. Off to the airport very early tomorrow to meet my parents and then a weekend of sight seeing around Bangkok for me. As for Clare she has a Halloween party tomorrow night and then a conference all day Saturday. Somehow we also have to find the time to book our Vietnam tour and I have to finish these articles. Talking of which Id best get on and write up my notes from my meeting with the International Womens group thrilling. Oh and if anyone has any ideas on resolutions please feel free to send them over. I was slightly disappointed with the Vietnam advice (current entries 0) so this week lets all try and do a little better! I could offer a bottle of Singha as a prize for the best entries but you will have to come out to Bangkok to claim it!
Have good weekends one and all.
Another Thursday another entry and if you ignore the fact that we`ve missed a week then I am bang on schedule. To be fair the last few weeks have been absolutely manic work wise for both Clare and I but we`ve managed to come out the other side so its all good. I now seem to have regular work with two magazines and with the school job still rolling on am actually earning a decent wage - or will be when the money starts rolling in. Next week promises a flurry of cheques of which I got the first today so all looking good on that front. Clare is now enjoying school loads I think it just took some time for her and her class to get to know each other but as I am starting to hear of the stupid things they do each day I think she is defintely warming to them!
Outside of the boring world of work life is definitely goood. The brief visit of Tony and Fiona was quickly followed by the arrival of my parents it was really lovely to see them both and I definitely think they prefer Bangkok to Nairobi!!! Had a nice time with them over the first weekend and managed to pack in a trip round the golden palace on the first day which was perhaps a bit optimistic considering their lack of sleep, jetlag and the fact that the temperature was about 35 degrees! Saturday saw us hit chatuchak which is truly the ultimate shopping experience before we headed back to our favourite cocktail bar in the sky which is becoming a dangerously expensive habit! Sunday was nice and chilled with a trip round the Klongs of Bangkok. Despite a couple of whiffy bits I really do think its the best thing we have done in the city. The canals are beautiful in themselves but are also packed full of countless wats as well as street (or stream) upon street of ramshackle wooden dwellings which all look like they are about to fall into the water. It was probably additionally spectacular as the river was so high so many balconies and front porches had the water lapping close to and in some cases over their edges into peoples front rooms. Anyway top tip for all and a very good relaxing morning and so different to the rest of Bangkok. Will duly bore you with photos later but have people coming round so for once I say I will keep this short but actually mean it. The trip took a couple of hours as we went for the quick option (no snake farm and no floating market) as I had to get back for a game of footy. Really starting to enjoy it again (must be acclimatising) but my presence wasn`t really needed as we lost 9-1 against ze germans. Still I did nearly score all be it when I was actually trying to cross the ball.
Anyway mum and dad then headed off to Chiang Mai which is way up North and full of beautiful mountains, hill tribe people, rebel burmese guerillas and you`ve guessed it lots of wats. Sounds like they had a fab time and definitely on our list of places to go!! As for our week it was really spent working so didn`t even get chance for my normal drunken night out so no tales of stupidity to impart I am afraid. Will attempt to make up for it next week especially as I will have money I actually earned in my pocket which helps to releive the guilt factor when buying the beer!
Mum and dad were back on the Thursday which was also when I finally interviewed my last women`s group and finally finally finished off an article that seems to have been dragging on for months. In between also went and interviewed two designers about a lesbian fashion label and wrote a piece on new years resolutions (talking about the pot calling the kettle black!).
Last weekend was spent in Khao Yai which is a nearby national park but best go and get changed and pour clare a drink of wine. Promise will fill you in on our gibbon spotting over the weekend - lets hope you can bear the wait! By the way Christmas is officially coming heard my first Jingle bells in the mall the other day god help us all. Still hear from my mum that you brits have had it for the last two months! Right hope all well and fingers crossed we can get some quick wickets in the cricket tomorrow. Cheers
Nick and Clare
Well as promised I wanted to finish off the entry started the other day relating to the last few weeks. Even better news is I will keep this brief as I have just got back from football and desperately need a shower before Clare kicks me out of the house. The first and most important news is we didn`t lose our game of football and indeed even came back from 2-0 down to snatch a much needed draw. Highlights included me getting someones studs raked down my leg and possibly the worst referee I have ever had the experience of playing with (or in this case against!). Anyway thats enough football talk and more of our extra-ordinary adventures.
If my memory serves me correctly we got up to Khao Yai national park which was great if very strange.... Basically I had been a bit rubbish and not really sorted something out early enough which meant all the nice hotels had gone so instead we had to suffer back packer heaven as our place to stay. The website didn`t exactly fill us with confidence as the home page included a large photo of people with beards and the photos of the rooms were from 1999 and they looked dated even then! Still they had room and they picked us up so it couldn`t be all bad. In fact they were only an hour late which was pretty good going and we found we had another traveller - Roger to enjoy the journey with us. Put simply he was a little odd and we found that he had a very good ability to stick to us pretty closely for the next couple of days. Anyway the drive up was pretty easy and we got to our beautiful abode by around seven. The first thing we realised was our room was around a mile from the reception the second thing was it was very very basic with a delightful red and green decor and then a big grey fridge plonked in the middle. At least it was clean and we didn`t have much other choice but the whole ambience of the place wasn`t helped by it being full of german backpackers, their being a large frog in the pool and all the staff being completely mad. There was one women in particularly who seemed to be in charge who had purple eyebrows, nails that were about six inches long and whenever you asked her for anything threatened to kill herself because it was such a difficult request!
Somehow I managed to persuade her to organise a tour for us for the next day and then found out that she had stuck our friend Roger in with us! It was therefore with some relief that we actually headed out the next morning on the back of the truck to actually go to the park proper. Khao Yai itself was stunning with a chain of forest clad hills and plunging valleys that gave some awesome views. The trouble was it was all a bit too well looked after. There were main roads everywhere which were very busy and then in the middle four giant campsites that were absolutely rammed with Thais. It was if the whole of Bangkok had all decided to go camping in the same place at the same time. It all didn`t bode well for seeing much but on this count we were pleasantly surprised.
But before we could do anything we were ordered to put on our leech socks, which you can see Clare and I modelling in the photo section. Then after a quite uneccesary tour round the visitor centre we could actually get spotting. First up was some amazing squirrels which were simply huge with tails that can apparently grow up to a metre. In fact they looked a bit scary really just because squirrels really shouldn`t be that big. Perhaps they should be introduced into the UK to sort out the grey ones? Then and probably best of all we caught a glimpse of two gibbons by the side of the road. They really are very cool to watch and put on a particularly good show for us by deciding that it was a good time to make baby gibbons - david attenborough eat your heart out! You`ll all be pleased to know that we did make lots of jokes about them being particularly funky.
After the gibbon sex show we headed off for a walk into the forest. The trouble with walking in the forest is you can hear lots of stuff but see absolutely nothing. However clare and I kept ourselves entertained by arguing about who was the best at taking photos. You will see two photos of dragonflies on the site and I would like people to vote please on which is the best so we can settle this once and for all! So after trekking through a very hot jungle for an hour and seeing nothing more exciting than a beetle it was back on the truck. It seemed that the road was the best place to spot stuff as we then saw two Great Hornbills which really were just that great. They are absolutely huge which makes me wonder if someone isn`t just breeding mutant creatures in this park and very impressive when they finally flew off.
Being a package tour we were on a bit of a tight schedule and were whisked off first for lunch, then to see a waterfall that had apparently been used in the Beach before going up to a view point. The view point was OK and we did see some birds but we were more interested in the group of people who seemed to be up there just to get lashed, and where on the fourth bottle of whisky! It was then we realised that we might have been slightly optomistic in our itenrary as the next stop was a bat cave which was an hour away outside the park and we had about forty minutes to get there before all the bats came out for the night. It meant a breakneck drive down potholed country lanes as we raced to beat the sunset. For some reason the bats were kind and decided to wait for our arrival and we were very grateful they did. Out of a tiny hole in the cliffside literally millions and millions of these wrinkled lipped bats poured out in formation. It really was stunning and definitely not done justice by my very grainy pics. Apparently it can take up to two hours for them all to come out and was really really a one off experience.
For some reason after witnessing this the guide was pretty adamant that we had to go back to the park for a night safari which to be honest we could have all done without. It involved getting into the back of another truck but this one had a giant spotlight and cruising around roads which were just heaving with traffic and other trucks with giant spotlights. Not surprisingly we didn`t see very much apart from a shedload of deer which were interesting the first time but less so the thirtieth time. Still all in all a very good if long day just none of us could really get our heads around how busy the place was and I guess as we`ve said before we`ve been rather spoilt with parks in the past.
Due to the high quality of our rooms it was obviously a wrench to leave but we had to get back to Bangkok for mum and dads last couple of days which were nice and relaxed though they did involve a lot of time at the tailors as dad had decided to have three suits made. It meant quite a few visits to the tailor who had made suits for both Elijah Woods and Ricky Ponting but they looked pretty good at the end of it so it was worth the bother. Their last day we did try and go to the botanic gardens and do something slightly cultural but it was shut so we came home and had a manicure instead! It was really quite sad to see them go but hopefully they had a nice time and don`t think it will be too long before they are out again!
Right I`d best finish up as I am starving just to say rest of the week fairly quiet though we did have people over for dinner Thursday (we got a take away) which ended up being a very late one and meant Friday was a very long day. The weekend has been a really nice one as its the first time in what seems like months we`ve actually spent in Bangkok. Clare had the slight distraction of the school Fun Day which involved her standing by a giant slide and watching kids hurl themselves down it and burning themselves on the way. I had sensibly decided to sit in the beer tent for the whole time so had a lovely time.
This did mean I was a bit drunk though by the time we headed into town which is never a good thing especially when you are going to a cocktail bar. In our attempt to go to every high rise drinking establishment in Bangkok we hit Scirocco Sky Bar which is on the 64th floor of the State Building very nice it was too though not quite as nice as the Banyan tree - we are experts of course. It was cool that we managed to get there during the day time and it finally gave us a chance to get our bearings as we could see where certain landmarks where. When it started getting busy we decided to head off and then realised we had been sitting in the wrong part of the bar and the other half was much nicer!
The aim of the evening was to give Clare a chance to have a night out in town and we managed to make the most of. First we hit cheap charlies which is a very inexpensive bar and then suitably lubricated we hit Nana Plaza. Nana is one of the dodgy parts of town where old white men suddenly become incredibly attractive to the opposite sex and you can witness miraculously feats with ping pong balls. After the initial shock Clare loved it and one of my last memories is being in a rather interesting club singing along to Hi Ho Silver lining with the madam running the place. Needless to say today has been very long and painful. Right I really must go hello to all and now things calmed down a bit hope to write a bit more regularly. And on that bombshell I bid you all good night!
Well for once my lack of blogging is less due to laziness but instead due to the simple fact we haven`t been up to much! In fact I dont even have any photos to show you!
After the general excitement of visitors, exotic trips and the like it seems Clare and I have been girding our loins ready for the Xmas holidays. To be fair its been lovely having a couple of normal weeks which has allowed us both to get on top of workloads and to finally organise our trip to Vietnam, well some of it at least. Plan is to fly to Hanoi on the 20th then head down to a place Hoi Ah for Christmas before its back up to the city for New Year. Still need to work out where we are staying in Hoi An, how to get there and get visas but these are mere trifles and we`re both really looking forward to it.
Clare has just five days left of school and after being assessed today now doesn`t have a lot left to do but enjoy the run in. Apparently she dresses up as a Viking for a day next week and then has the usual Christmas concerts for the remainder of her time. And teachers complain they have to work hard! Obviously only joking its been a hard term but she will have a week off after term to get out and about a bit in Bangkok. As for me I`ve finally broken the back of this school history, picked up some very dry editing work on a book about a bridge across the Mekong River and hoping to get some more articles written for January issues of magazines. Also had to spend the day walking around the school with the founders daughter very dull but at least I got to look important and got a free lunch!
Still it hasn`t all been work, work work and still enjoying ourselves in the Land of smiles. We`ve spent the last couple of weekends at home which has been nice and allowed us to explore the city together though I must confess this has mostly consisted of visiting shops and going to different bars - but they are different bars so exploration it is none the less. Had to work a little over last weekend but still found time for some Christmas shopping where we didn`t buy anything for anyone but ourselves, watching the cricket - groan, and visiting a new area for drinking. It wasn`t the most successful as we ended up in some dodgy joint. We should have been alerted by the fact that the entrance was done up like a 50s Cinema and then were whisked into some bar/lounge area that wouldnt have looked out of place in a Martin Scorcese film featuring Robert DeNiro. The only difference was the complete absence of anyone else except about 30 staff who all seemed to be laughing. We soon realised why when we saw who extortionate the drinks were and how little alcohol they had in them. We escaped from there and found another place which was a lot busier but equally more surreal. Walking in we were confronted by a sea of young rich Thais (known as Hi-Socs dont you know). It would have been fine, nice décor etc except for the fact that everyone and I do mean everyone was drinking whisky by the bottle. So all the waiters were doing was carrying around large bottles of Chivas with some water and coke mixers. Needless to say our beer and cocktail request nearly made the barman have a heart attack. Speaking to other people apparently this is the fashion out in Thailand as a) its cheap and b) it gets you very drunk. In fact there was a recent newspaper article which expounded the benefits of alcopops for youngsters in Thailand as it would wean them off the hard stuff. All in all very surreal and we didnt stay long.
Other than that not too much of note to report. We did have a very drunken night out for Clares Year group. It basically seemed to involve us going to a place and then taking it over. First up was a posh Italian restaurant where we drowned out the professional singer with our own show tunes before we then headed to the head of years local. Normally there was a band but they were absent and instead we decided to take it in turns to get up on stage and do Karaoke to the owners I-Pod collection. By the end of it there were about five of us on stage singing/shouting at the three other people left in the bar. We were finally ejected at three in the morning before getting a taxi in which our driver decided to sing everything we said right back at us.
The reason for the night out was the next day was a holiday in honour of the Kings 79th birthday. This was a very very big thing here and millions turned out in town to celebrate the big day. Looked amazing with them all wearing yellow but I only know that cos I saw it on telly whilst nursing a hangover and listening to us lose the cricket.
Well I guess I had better get on have to pop into town to do a final proofread the final pages of The Friendship Bridge II. A book telling the thrilling tale of building a bridge between Laos and Thailand did you know its made of prepress concrete fascinating.
Right have good weekends everyone will promise to write before we disappear for Christmas and hopefully will have done something a little bit more interesting!
The end of term did come in the end and what a relief!
The last week seemed to go on for quite some time...primary division party...kareoke...they didn`t have Britney but they did have Depeche Mode!!! Yikes it was truely dreadful and I cleared the dancefloor, quickly. The next day was Viking day, which was surreal but with all the staff feeling worse for wear it was extraordinary. I was dressed up and with no shoes on I roared at the guard and said I was a Viking, I even showed him my muscles but he still just giggled! My activities included viking clay runes and moustaches and beards! Did you know the Vikings only bathed once a week and each morning they stood in a line and would wash their face clean teeth and spit in a bowl and pass it on to the next youngest....YUK!
Then Santa arrived in school via a submarine, tractor and hovercraft. Class parties were great although I played the chocolate game with my class (Knife, fork wig, gloves etc) and they didn`t want to play as someone would`ve had the fork first, bizarre!
Congratulations to Andrea and David on the bump,
Faye for being 30,
Steph and Tommy for getting engaged and
Magnus Junior2!
And Will and Errie for their impending marriage.
I love good news at christmas! Has the Coca Cola advert with the lorry "The holidays are coming.." been on TV yet? If it has it is definitely Christmas. I am waffling now, but how was I am a celebrity? and X-factor??? Missing rubbish TV, still there is a lot of football on. AAAHHHHHHH.
We are off to Vietnam tomorrow which is exciting...(The Charlies are in the trees!) Flying to Hanoi then train to De Nang and a week at Hoi An by the beach diving, then back to Hanoi for New Year. I am sure you will get a bumper diary entry in January!
Nick has writing work set up until May so that`s good news.
It`s been a good first term, long and hard work but exciting, we are making friends too. Still we miss all of you, especially round Christmas so we will raise a glass to you on the 25th and probably all the way until the 1st!
We were spoilt by our families this christmas and gifts flown across the sea at great expense included glam make-up, Heat 2007 annual, feather boa, chocolate father christmas and penguin cocktail stirrers....don`t they know us well!!!
Have a WONDERFUL christmas and a very merry new year,
love Clare
AS you can see finally got Clare to write a message but obviously can`t resist putting my two penneth in. Just really wanted to say happy christmas to you all wherever you may be. Just been and collected passports which is quite a relief and now seeing whether we can get all our possessions into one tiny bag! It will be done somehow. Might also be taking some teapots to a friend of a friend in Hanoi apparently there might be a free drink in it for us!
Still not that bothered about the booze at the moment after two very heavy end of term parties. Almost as drunken as the Braeburn days but of course that is simply not possible. Realised I must be drunk at one of them though when even I thought I sounded rubbish on the Karaoke. Anyway its been good to have a couple of days to recover before the trip.
Its also big relief to get all the work finished off was up until 12 finishing off my last interview yesterday and can now look forward to the holidays - though I am writing an article on our travels as well. Can`t wait to open that first beer on the beach once we`ve survived the flight and then an overnight train journey should be interesting. Right best get on have a FANTASTIC CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR and speak to you all and catch up properly come 2007.
Cheers all
Nick
Well a very merry new year to you as we enter the Year of the Pig. I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday period and that Santa brought you all the pressies you could wish for. Now its the icing on the cake, yep you all get to hear all about our holiday to Vietnam I could say I will keep it brief but that would be a bare faced lie. As I had to take notes for an imminent article on the trip I now possess copious notes 90% of which are useless for the article so I am afraid you get both barrels.
So instead I will try and soften the blow by describing our two-week wanderings in instalments. Needless to say we had a fantastic time and Vietnam or at least the North, which was as far as we got, was a great place. Two weeks away from school and work where much appreciated and very very relaxing.
After getting all our respective work cleared out the way we were all set to go when I was asked to get involved in some tea pot smuggling. Basically a guy I do some work for had a friend who runs a very plush restaurant in Hanoi. For some reason he couldnt get plain white teapots in Vietnam and we were asked to take them over. Whilst Clare was slightly unsure about smuggling as a good way to start our holiday the blow was softened by a $50 off voucher for the restaurant. So on the morning of our departure we were stood at the end of our road with our suitcase waiting for a delivery of 24 teapots! The drop off went smoothly enough and soon we were on the plane with the contraband safely stored in the hold!
The flight was notable for the fact that it passed over Laos. Looking out the window the country seems to literally consist of mountains and valleys and nothing much in between. Pretty stunning stuff and definitely now on our list of places to visit. At times it was like looking at something out of The Lost World with the tree coated mountains shrouded in mist.
Shortly after we touched down at Hanoi airport and the first thing that struck us was how freezing cold it was!! A point should be made here Clare was never a fan of the cold and neither am I four months in plus 30 Bangkok has obviously not done anything to help this. Therefore freezing cold for us was a mild 22 and whilst we spent most of the time wrapped in multiple layers of all the clothes we had packed the other foreigners we saw seemed to be surviving in shorts and t-shirts!
The second thing was that this was still a communist country as was apparent from the efficient but unsmiling visa control people all dressed up to the nines in their military paraphernalia. Still the teapots got through unchallenged so we could breath a sigh of relief.
On the drive in from the airport we got our first glimpse of the countryside and the classic Vietnamese image of rice fields and people wearing the conical hats. We also spotted a man walking a cow on a bicycle (the man not the cow) and noticed that for some reason the Vietnamese liked to build their houses in the style of Walt Disney. So they were all ornately carved, brightly painted and incredibly tall but remarkably thin. But the overriding thing had to be the sheer number of motorbikes and their desire to keep their hands firmly on their horns. It really was amazing seeing these blaring waves of bikes weaving passed each other at every cross roads and intersection.
Arriving at what turned out to be a gorgeous hotel we dumped our stuff and after visiting the bank to get a couple of million dong out yes we were millionaires even if only for a couple of weeks we then decided to get rid of the teapots before we headed off the next day to Hoi An. The first thing that strikes you about Hanoi is it has a very different feel to any other Asian city Ive visited. It really does have a French feel thanks to its wide tree lined streets and its plethora of outdoor cafes at the foot of large colonial buildings. It also probably helped that the weather was very European and everyone was wrapped up like it was November in Paris. The restaurant called Bobby Chinns was situated about a ten-minute walk from the hotel right in the heart of downtown Hanoi.
This central area is dominated by Hoan Kiem Lake which is a beautifully picturesque stretch of water featuring two islands which both have equally photogenic pagodas built on them. The lake itself is known as the Lake of the Restored Sword after a 15th century story. Legend has it that the emperor Ly Thai was given a magical sword by heaven to defeat the Chinese. After the victory he was by the lake when a giant golden tortoise swam by and grabbed the sword and disappeared into the depths. Ever since the lake has apparently been home to giant tortoises that are spotted once every five or six years we unfortunately didnt see any except a very dead very large stuffed one in the pagoda on the island.
The other main attraction of central Hanoi is the historic old quarter. A bit like Chinatown in Bangkok this is a sprawling warren of streets selling everything and anything. Each street specialises in a particular brand of merchandise and has been named accordingly so you have silk street, Basket Street and even strangely enough clam worm street. However with the increase of tourism more than a few streets should probably be renamed tourist tat street.
Having dropped off the teapots and some duty free booze at Bobbys getting a nice free drink for our troubles we decided to dive in to the quarter for an explore. However before we could do this we had to come to terms with Hanoi traffic. As there is never really any break in the constant wave of bikes the idea is to simply step out and walk slowly across the road. The idea is by going slowly enough you give the bikes enough time to weave around you quite a unique experience and slightly unnerving the first few times you do it.
After a brief amble around the old quarter and a few glasses of nice wine (unheard of in Thailand) and some very strong Vietnamese filter coffee we called it a night mostly because we were both frozen.
The next day we were woken to the sound of the Hanoi chorus a cacophony of bike horns. We were off to Hoi An on the overnight train but not until 7pm giving us another day to wander aimlessly around the city. First up we popped into Pagoda island home of the giant stuffed tortoise mentioned above which was a little haven of peace in the heart of the town.
We then negotiated our way back to the Old Quarter we started out on what was to be our standard technique for the holiday wandering aimlessly. It was definitely the place to do it as we get coming across streets selling all sorts of weird and wonderful things including one dedicated to Christmas decorations and another to coat stands and dish racks!
It was great because whenever you got tired you could just find the nearest café situated at busy intersection and just sit back and marvel as we watched bikes coming from all directions somehow not hit each other. It was also amazing what they managed to get on their bikes whole families, a wide-screen television even a washing machine. They really did make Bangkoks bike boys look like amateurs.
It was then back to the hotel to chuck our stuff in a suitcase for the train ride. I was secretly quite excited about this as I think I might actually be a train anorak after my journeys around China many years ago. The station was actually relatively calm in comparison to some but we still managed to start running late as Clare went off to find diet coke. After a fruitless search we got onto the platform to find they had shed loads there.
We had booked the most expensive sleeping cabins a whole $30 for two of us but it still meant sharing with two other people. As it turned out it was actually three an old man with his three year old grandkid and a middle aged lady with her son who was actually staying in the cheaper seats. Luckily he spoke great English as we had no Vietnamese and really didnt know what was going on. The trouble was when he left we couldnt really communicate short of pointing and smiling. Still we didnt get a lot of chance to speak as once the train pulled out of Hanoi the PA kicked in. We were on the reunification express which goes all the way to Hoi Chi Minh (Saigon) and so we got the full propaganda spiel.
It was all very surreal with the sounds of a piano in the background we got a history of the glorious republic of Vietnam and the railway including references to defeating the imperial Americans and their evil B52s! At the same time the streets and shops of Hanoi were flashing past the window and more worryingly motorbikes were overtaking us. After the history we then got the rules of the train which including a ban on anyone with a contagious disease, drunks and the insane. You were also warned that you would be thrown off the train if you became insane during the journey! They also put in a disclaimer that it wasnt their fault if the train was delayed due to enemy destruction which suggested they needed to update the recording slightly.
The girl and the granddad ignored it all and just carried on munching away on snacks something they continued to do (except for a brief break for sleeping) for the 17 hours we were on the train.
As we had a three year old it was an early night for us all but I think she actually got more sleep than us as we were both still coming to terms with the cold. Any chance of a lay in was disrupted by the PA waking us at five belting out a musak version of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The scene outside was worth it though as we watched the sun come up over endless paddy fields dotted with little cemeteries some ancient and some more recent perhaps a symbol of the countries frighteningly bloody past. They basically seem to have fought and beaten pretty much all there near neighbours as well as the French and the Yanks not a country you mess with. As I was still coming round granddad in the bunk opposite decided that what I needed was a glass of rice wine and some peanuts. So I found myself drinking strong spirits at 6 in the morning with Seasons in the Sun playing over the loudspeaker.
At Hue a lot of the train got off including our female travelling companion leaving us with granddad and kid who were back to eating again. From Hue the landscape changed as we started to run along the coast on one side and high mountains on the other. As we started to pass through a series of tunnels the little girl decided she had obviously eaten enough and decided to bring it all back up again! Obviously this caused Clare to flee the cabin, as did the granddad leaving me to hold a plastic bag in front of her hoping she had finished! Fortunately she had and after some Vietnamese railway lunch (rice, dodgy meat and some leafy soup) we arrived at our destination of Danang. We got there at half eleven but the train and our travelling companions would not be arriving in Saigon for another day frightening.
We were met at the station and whisked through the streets of Danang, which like Hanoi was home to countless motorbikes. However we did also notice that here the girls were far more likely to wear the traditional Vietnamese dress of Ao Dai. This is a closely fitting tunic worn over trousers with long panels trailing down at the front and back. Whilst it looked beautiful it didnt seem the most practical outfit for riding a bike as they had to hold the trailing parts in their hands or mouths to stop them getting tangled in their wheels.
The drive to Hoi An also took us past China Beach a 30km long stretch of sand that was apparently a popular destination for US soldiers during the war. It looked lovely but it was still definitely not warm enough to think of going for a dip. This put a bit of a dent in our plans as the idea was to spend three days lazing by the pool and a spot of scuba diving. Instead it looked like five days in a small town we knew very little about woops!
We were actually staying in two different hotels in town the first apparently by the beach and river. As such we didnt initially see much of the place but were whisked off down a dusty side road into what looked like a partly built housing site. It was therefore with some relief that we pulled up at a decent looking hotel despite its rather tacky Christmas decorations. The room was also a pleasant surprise it was absolutely huge and overlooked a beautiful pool. Braver (more foolish) souls than us were even trying to pretend it was warm by sunbathing but we werent fooled.
And so we reach the conclusion of the first stage in my Magnus opus I realise I have only covered three days so far but I promise to speed up. Its been a while since Ive had to write anything so a bit rusty! Anyway have to write up Hoi An for a travel piece now and also see if I can get to be an extra in Rambo V but promise to write more in the next day or so.
Tune in next time for Hoi An horror or heaven??
Well its extremely belated but here it is the second instalment in our vacation capers. I must apologise again for being so slow last time but I think I was still operating at holiday speed. Well I think a week has passed since then so unfortunately I am now back to work speed, as a freelancer though I should warn thats not much quicker!!
So I guess I had better get on with the holiday stuff as I have rambled enough. As I left it we had just arrived in a rather chilly Hoi An. Wed been recommended it by some people at school as a beautiful town which also had a lovely beach nearby. Well the beach was obviously out so we were hoping that the town had enough to entertain us for five days.
Wanting to arrive in style we decided to take the hotel boat there and to be honest first impressions were rather disappointing as it half of it looked like it was going to fall down and the other half was under construction. Things didnt exactly improve when we stepped off the quayside to be mobbed by about twenty different hawkers. Before we knew it Clare found herself in a shoe shop designing some hand made shoes whilst I tried to learn some Vietnamese from the shop assistant. After ordering the shoes we then found ourselves being dragged to a tailors in the middle of this bustling covered market. The tailors was actually one of about thirty all contained in a large tin warehouse with towers of cloth of ever colour and material reaching to the ceiling. It was all a bit of a shock to the system after the tranquil bartering of Thailand but we managed to pull ourselves together to resist the temptations of a new suit and finally escaped into a quieter street.
Not a great start but once we had chance to catch our breath and looked around we realised that we were actually in a stunningly beautiful place. Hoi An was actually a major port during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries and was visited by different traders from all over the world. Fortunately it wasnt damaged during the Nam war and as such has these amazing ancient buildings, temples and assembly halls have all survived. It sounds really cheesy but this is really a special place its just so chilled and calm (despite the hawkers) and even though its packed with tourists and souvenir shops still retains an amazing atmosphere.
What we did find was there really isnt a massive amount to do here, in fact you can walk around the old town in about an hour tops we were here for five days!! Being ever resourceful we discovered an excellent way to spend our time wander aimlessly, sit down have a drink and something to eat, wander a bit more, sit down and have something to drink. There were so many gorgeous cafes and bars all selling cheap beer, wine and lovely food it was a real hardship. Though on the downside we did have to put up with hearing a dangerous amount of Jack Johnson and Creedence Clearwater on their stereos!
In fact we became quite expert at sitting out the front of cafes and watching the world go by. Religious processions wander by, schoolgirls dressed in Vietnamese traditional Ao Dais zoom past on their motorbikes, hawkers stroll along with their wares on their shoulders and boats constantly ply the river, taking people to and from the busy market. This really is a town where time seems unimportant. The first day we ended up a great spot called Tam Tam which had a great bar upstairs and then a little worse for wear managed to stagger home across a little bridge and through a housing estate to somehow find our hotel again.
Having settled into this rigorous schedule for the first day we decided to up the ante the next day and after a brief café stop headed off to get some clothes made. Even this was a cultural experience as the tailors was actually situated in an stunning 19th century building with beautiful stone murals on the wall and an ancient wooden gallery overlooking a roofed courtyard. The tailors was actually quite fun as we went through all their different types of cloth trying to find the right look. I was particularly adept at picking the cloth at the bottom of the pile and then deciding it wasnt quite right after the sales girl had dragged it out. Clare was in her element and ended up ordering two skirts, a dress, some trousers and a couple of shirts. Even I got carried away and ordered a whole shirt and a pair of trousers. All this came to US$120 And would be ready the next day! As we wandered off we foolishly passed too close to the other tailors we had palmed off the day before. Looking like she was going to cry she asked why we hadnt been to see her. Of course Clare crumbled and ended up ordering another dress. I entertained myself by watching a rat run around the floor. After all this excitement it was of course back to a bar to sit with a 10p and watch the ships coming in and going out again.
The next day was Christmas Eve so obviously over excited we actually made breakfast and were treated to a superb techno rendition of Christmas songs a great way to start the day. It was meant to be a cultural day but it started out trying on the clothes we had made the day before they all fitted perfectly which meant we could hit the museums. The idea is you get an admission ticket which allows you to visit a number of museums, ancient family homes and temples. Whilst the system is rather confusing basically one ticket for 75,000 dong (US$5) allows you into see one museum, one Assembly Hall, one temple; one old house and then two places of cultural interest including traditional music performances and the temple in the Japanese bridge. The system is rather haphazard with some places demanding your ticket and others simply waving you through. Anyway none of the museums where much kop but at least they were all situated in gorgeous buildings. We also went to an old house that was still lived in by a sixth generation descendant of a Chinese sea captain but after giving us some cold jasmine tea he just tried to sell us stuff. The highlights were probably an Assembly hall whose ceiling was simply covered in these huge incense cones all put there by people from all over the world and the folk museum. This was a beautiful wooden structure but we particularly enjoyed the female dummys dressed in traditional Vietnamese outfits. They looked frightening especially as they all had moustaches thanks a large layer of dust on their upper lips. After picking up all the clothes, and shoes (clare ended up ordering another pair and a new dress as well) it was back to the comfort of a river side café.
Whilst there Clare ended up getting bitten so requested some mosquito repellent from one of the hawkers. Being a resourceful girl she struck a price of 80,000 dong and then cycled off to buy it. When she returned about half an hour later she had some childrens mosquito cream with a big price sticker saying 10000 dong on it. Even then she tried to up the original price before realising the error of her ways and grabbing the money before Clare could change her mind. It was quite funny watching her and the rest of her hawker gang (all kids between 7-12) arguing over the spoils before they all had to leg it when the tourist police came by. All this entertainment meant it was time to head back to the hotel for the Christmas Eve gala dinner.
It really was a very bizarre event. The hotel was actually part of a chain in Hoi An and everyone had been invited meaning there was a large turn out. For our entertainment the hotel had set out all the tables around a large bonfire on the lawn outside (even though it was drizzling with rain) and put up a huge screen which they then proceeded to show Microsoft office Christmas screen savers on. Next up was some poor members of staff who had been turned into a choir and proceeded to sing Christmas carols in Vietnamese, at the same time a very skinny and viet looking Father Christmas came around to give out presents. It was all incredibly surreal especially as we had treated ourselves to some Vietnamese champagne. We should have realised it wouldnt be good when it failed to pop when opened but the taste of bad sherry when we drank it was really quite awfully bad. Even Clare and I couldnt finish it. After trying the equally bad cocktails I went for a beer. When I questioned the barmaid about why it was so expensive she laughed and said Yes it is but only for tonight! so you couldnt fault her honesty. The free food was a little better but we decided to skip the rather raw looking turkey. But just when we thought it couldnt get any better they pulled out the master stroke which was a quiz all about Hoi An!! It was made even more enjoyable by the fact that everything was also translated in French meaning each question lasted about five minutes. Clare being competitive attempted to answer a question right but then when she had the mic got the answer wrong. After this the evening became slightly satanic. The disco kicked in playing hard core techno and everyone was given sparklers. Then a load of staff and drunk middle aged French people proceeded to start dancing in a circle around the fire at this stage we decided to cut our losses and run to the relatively safety of our room.
So Christmas day dawned and it was time to check out and move to our other hotel. Feeling a little bleary we decided to keep things simple and resort to the original plan of wandering aimlessly. We ended up wandering into a handicraft workshop which was actually quite interesting as they showed you how silk was made and also how they produced these stunning embroidered pictures (I know that sounds bad but they were actually amazing). Of course at the end of it you were meant to get a suit made but somehow we managed to distract them and make our escape to check in to the new hotel. The room was not the most amazing but clean enough but we were slightly disconcerted by the thunderous noise of the road outside the non-double glazed windows.
By this time we realised it was time to start celebrating Christmas and after a couple of cocktails found ourselves in a lovely place called the Hai Café which as it supported the WWF meant we could get drunk for a good cause! We also made the waiters day by ordering a bottle of champagne he really was incredibly excited by it and kept saying he had never sold one before. Clare was now quite drunk and had decided that she needed to do a good deed. Over the past few days we had seen a man who was obviously not all there wandering round and round the streets in bare foot occasionally shouting incoherently at people. It was he who was to receive her good will in the form of a few thousand dong. Despite my comment that he probably wouldnt appreciate it she did try and then got shouted at her for her troubles. From there the evening got more random. First we ended up in a bar talking to man from Bingley which I didnt even know was a real place. Then at another bar we found out that James Brown had died on that bombshell and as everywhere seemed to be closing we got a motorbike back to our hotel. However just as we were about to go in Clare heard the sound of music and as if in a trance headed off down the street to find the source. It turned out to be the most bizarre night club weve ever been in and weve been in a few.
First of all the only women in there were the bar staff, secondly all the Vietnamese men in there were very drunk, finally and best of all there were around thirty men all dressed in what looked like state police uniforms standing around. This was about the same number as there were clients in the place. As we sat there we realised there were actually keeping order pulling anyone who looked to drunk off the dance floor. Clare also felt their wrath when she was physically restrained from asking for Rock DJ by two of these policemen. Whilst clare was dancing I ended up chatting to the manager who explained that they were actually bouncers and not communist officials stopping people having fun! Even so their number and their strictness both made for a strange end to a very strange night.
The next day we were awoken far earlier than we would have liked by the sound of the lambada playing over and over again. Struggling out of bed we found that it was actually the call tune of the rubbish lorry warning people that it was on its way down their street. So very very hung over we were forced onto the streets in search of coffee only to find it was actually a beautiful and hot day! Thoughts of a beach visit were curtailed though by the state of us so instead we settled on sitting in a beautiful courtyard for about three hours not moving very much. We then went on a boat ride down the river, there really wasnt a lot to see except a man feeding some geese, someone singing very bad karaoke and then one of the market ladies going to the toilet in front of us delightful.
Our fourth day in Hoi An had seen us getting very jumpy and as a result we just had to get out. Luckily we had booked a trip to a place called My Son. This is a series of Ancient Cham Civilisation temples situated in the heart of a beautiful valley surrounded by towering hills. The temples are all pretty much ruins thanks in no small part to the Americans bombing the hell out of the place during the war but even so it was still a stunning setting if very busy. When we got back to Hoi An we decided we should really make the effort of going to the beach and glad we did it was really pretty setting and quite quiet with just a few farangs sitting around in their swimming trunks. Even though the weather had improved we still marvelled at the fortitude of North Europeans to withstand the cold and remained firmly wrapped up in two layers. Still definitely worth a trip if the weather had been better.
After an hour at the beach it was back for our cookery lesson that we had signed up for whilst hungover. We found we were on the course with three lovely dutch people on a whistle stop tour of Vietnam. The course was great fun as we were walked through how to cook shrimps, spring rolls, fish in banana leaves and a gorgeous fish soup. We then got to sit down and eat it all and it wasnt actually that bad though I think I avoiding the dishes I made. It was a great way to end what had been a very very chilled time in Hoi An as it was back on the train the next day. It really was a gorgeous place but and really would say its a must visit if your in Vietnam. Still we were also ready to leave and might have gone slightly mad if we had stayed much longer!!
So that meant it was back to face the train to Hanoi. Had a minor panic when the train pulled in and our carriages werent there but after a good half an hour of faffing about they finally connected our cabin and it was back on the rails again. It was with some relief that we noted no small children sharing our room this time in fact we just had one lady in our cabin who managed to be asleep the whole time. In fact the only time she opened her mouth was to say goodbye as she got off at three in the morning. Clare and I pretty much followed her lead and dozed pretty much all the way back to Hanoi where we pulled in at a very bright and early 5.30am.
And on that bombshell I am off as its just gone five and I can now buy a bottle of wine from the supermarket. I will leave clare to finish off but enjoy the weekend.
After boring you to death with holiday tales just a quick update on what weve been up to since we got back to Bangkok. Well for the most part Ive been ill with food poisoning which will teach me to eat street food and drink glasses of beer costing 6p. Still it did mean a chance to visit the out patient section at the hospital where I had my own personal translator to walk me through the process. After testing my blood pressure and temperature which were both fine they were able to conclude that I had food poisoning (because I told them) and then gave me five different types of pills and potions. Not sure its helped but its kept my mind of things trying to work out which one to take at which time.
Last weekend we caught up with Nibs and Leela which was great. It was cool catching up with them both and hearing all about Kathmandu. Sounds like an amazing place but a little bit third world and cold for Clares liking. We went to a place called cabbages and condoms which is a thai place that supports HIV protection. Lovely setting, beautifully decorated open air restaurant and the food wasnt bad either plus you get a free condom instead of an after eight mint! Also lots of things made out of condoms which was fine but couldnt help thinking it would be more useful to give them to people to use instead of making dresses out of them. Anyway it was really good to see them both and that they both seem really well. Also popped for a drink at a place called Soi 8 which we then realised wed been too before and last time had been up on stage singing lots of smirking by the bar staff and manager at our expense.
Sunday was my first game back at football and of course we lost and I felt terrible but put that down to the illness.
Clare is now back at school and has so far had a great week (shes not home yet so it might have all gone belly up) and seems to be so much more chilled about school which is great. She also has the added bonus of disappearing for a week long school residential which should be fun. Was meant to go as well but stupidly got loads of work to do so will be home alone for a week. Still got this School book to finish and a shed load of other stuff so shouldnt complain plus I start one on one Thai lessons next week so hopefully Ill be fluent before you know it.
As a sign of how chilled Clare is at work we actually went out on Monday night to see Nibs again and meet up with a load of people from Kenya who all live in Bangkok. Very strange to see the Bishops, Jupps, Jill and Hugh again. In many ways none of them had changed at all but it was a fun evening and we got to see pics of all their kids and catch up on mutual the gossip about other Nairobi people.
Right off to bed have a good weekend.
First things first....CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER, what is the latest on Jade? PLEASE leave a message!!!!
Right its been far too long so I am finally sitting down to finish regaling you with tales of our holiday whether you like or not. Basically Ive started so Ill finish (RIP Mr Magnnusson) and I am sure this is a good cathartic thing for me even if its not for you.
Well cast your minds back to where we left off in this thrilling serialisation. I believe we had just stepped off the train into a misty morning in downtown Hanoi. After dumping our bags back at our old hotel but not being able to check in we decided to go for yet another wander despite the fact we both looked like wed been dragged through a hedge backwards.
This meandering took us back to the main lake in the middle of town where we were treated to the sight to the hundreds of people working out before work. Some were content with simply wandering around the lake itself (quite a few in their pyjamas actually) whilst others were being a bit more vigorous and partaking in badminton, mass aerobics, tai chi (with and without swords) and even a spot of ballroom dancing. It all put our sorry country to shame to see 80 year olds exercising just for the pleasure of it and not because they felt they had to!
We then decided to get a bit of a cultural fix and so I dragged Clare off to the Museum of Ethnography which was right on the outskirts. We decided to get a bus and very entertaining it was too. The bus ride itself was very easy and cheap and everyone was really helpful, especially one girl who wouldnt stop talking to Clare whilst stroking her hair and clothes. The museum itself also didnt disappoint though we first had to wait until literally thousands of Vietnamese school children had gone round before things quietened down. They were obviously all on educational trips but this seemed to involve walking round the exhibits very quickly paying them no attention and instead shouting hello at us wheres the educational value there! Still it was a relief that they did move so quick as we soon had the place pretty much to ourselves. To be honest the main exhibits were only mildly interesting as we were taken on a tour round the different tribes that make up the melting pot of Vietnam. However it really did seem like 90% of them lived in the hills in the North and often the differences between tribes was negligible. Still saw some good videos on shamans so wasnt all bad. But there were two further highlights that did make it worth a visit.
First of all they had a special exhibition about the time of Bao Cap (time of subsidy economy). This lasted from 1975-86 and basically seemed to involved everyone having to use ration books and no-one even senior officials having any money. Very interesting as it was such a sharp contrast to the consumer culture that Hanoi is turning into. We both particularly enjoyed the talking heads and one women explaining how she had to keep a pig in her bathroom in her third floor flat to earn a bit of extra cash. This 38sqm pad was also home to her husband, their son and daughter and the sons wife. The other highlight was outside where the museum has decided to rebuild a load of traditional style homes. The best were the Bahnar Communal home that stood about 50ft tall and a Ede long house that was forty foot long. All in all a top museum.
The rest of the day was spent doing very little as the train ride and clares stinky cold caught up with us and we just went back to the hotel to crash. I did find time to meet up with a friend of a friend from Bangkok and had a few beers. It was particularly useful as he gave me a lot of info about where to go in Hanoi and in particular the best bars and street food places to visit. He also told a very funny story about meeting the pope but probably shouldnt repeat that here in case I get the Catholic Church after me (Ive seen the Da Vinci Code).
The next days aim was to go and see Uncle Ho beloved ruler of de Nam in his mausoleum. Realising it was the only way of travelling we hadnt experienced we decided to get a cyclo. These are very similar to rickshaws etc and like the ones in Soho are only ever used by tourists. It was still entertaining especially as we cut across five lanes of traffic with nothing to protect us and an old man struggling to pedal us along. Once we got to the mausoleum site we quickly found out why we had got such a good price as it was closed. Apparently his mummified body is only on show until 11. Undaunted we decided to go to the Army Museum only to find that this too closed for a two-hour lunch break. Determined to achieve something that day we then tried the Temple of Literature, which was fortunately open and very nice. It was Vietnams first university and consisted of a series of peaceful courtyards and some lovely Vietnamese style pagodas. The great restaurant next door called KOTO made the experience even nicer. Its actually run as a training centre for disadvantaged kids to learn the catering trade (a la Mr Olivers five) and the food was great and service even better.
That evening we had our dinner date at Bobby Chinns restaurant and it was worth all the tea pot smuggling. It was a really quite stylish place despite the coach load of seventy Chinese tourists and the food was pretty special if a tad on the pretentious side. Even better was the superb wine selection, which we took full advantage of and the fact that Bobby accepted our out of date voucher and then paid for all of our booze. Clare particularly enjoyed the cappuccino-flavoured chillums that you could partake of after dinner. We both were a little worse the wear by the time we left which was demonstrated to us when we spent ages driving around Hanoi on the back of a motorbike trying to find our hotel again.
Still it was up bright and early the next morning to make sure we got a glimpse of HO and we were both glad we did for it was one of the most surreal experiences ever. This man is obviously highly venerated but getting into see him was like trying to get into a bank vault. First up we had to leave our bags at one counter, then we had to go through a metal detector thingy where they also removed my camera. It was then time to get queuing which is a bit tricky in a country that doesnt really understand the concept. Still after much muttering from Clare about rudeness we found ourselves at the gates of the mausoleum. Even then they were pulling people out of the line to check bulges in their pockets. So you enter this huge marble edifice surrounded by a stack of smartly turned out soldiers all glaring at you. You then see the man himself lying in what is really quite a small casket in the centre of the place bathed in a weird yellow light. Now whether it was the light or not but he really didnt look very real thus stoking the rumours that we heard that it is actually a waxwork dummy. Not that we had a lot of time to look as you werent allowed to stop and if you did you were forcibly moved along by one of the guards. After this it just got more surreal still in our endless queue we then shuffled around a couple of his old houses stopping to admire the Morris Minor and Peugeot he used to drive. It was then simply gift shop alley and the choice of souvenirs on offer was simply staggering. Of course there was a lot of Ho paraphernalia (shirts, plates, postcards etc ) but then a load of randomness that simply beggared belief. Quite why you would visit Uncle Ho and then decide you really wanted to buy a power ranger, a toy gun, a boomerang or the piece de resistance a 2ft tall Virgin Mary made out of sea shells was really beyond the pair of us. Final stop on the tour was the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Id love to tell you all about it but just after we went in all the power went off and so we couldnt see anything. There were some men with torches (so it obviously happens a lot) but they seemed to busy playing light sabres so we just left. Stoked up with Vietnamese patriotic fervour we decided to give the Army Museum another look. Unfortunately it was very typically an army museum with lots of old guns and things, sure the maps of battles would have been quite interesting if they had not all been in Viet and we could have understood who was he. The one saving grace was outside where they had a collection of French and US tanks, planes and helicopters they had liberated or blown up during the liberation wars.
All this culture and it was New years Eve very shocking behaviour and one we sought to put right with a night out in Hanoi. First stop was one of the street restaurants that had been recommended to us for some Bun Bao. Our two friendly motorbike taxi drivers took us there absolutely laughing their heads off all the way which was slightly disconcerting. The restaurant was actually a small covered alley off the main street with a series of low metal tables and benches. Ordering was actually very simple as the choice was Bun Bao or Bun Bao. Its actually a noodle dish made with beef, lettuce, pickled vegetables, garlic, onions and some nuts on top. It sounds disgusting but for some reason it was absolutely divine.
After a few drinks in very quiet bars we decided to hit the lake and check out the action. Things looked initially promising, as two big stages had been put up. One with Vietnamese rock bands playing, there was a big crowd round the stage but every single one was balanced on a motorbike they really love their scooters. The other stage featured a strange collection of performers including acrobats, roller skaters and then a man with a big snake. His trick seemed to be to get small children to come up on stage and then put the big snake on them. They freaked out and ran off and the crowd thought it was hilarious quality entertainment. There was also a huge market that was absolutely packed but the main products on sale seemed to be kitchen utensils and gas cookers. Having fought our way out of the stampede for domestic consumables we finally found the bar for us. Going up some incredibly rickety stairs we pushed open a door to be welcomed by the sight of a bar completely covered in silver cooking foil the walls, the ceiling even the bar was encased in the stuff it was quite superb. It was also slightly problematic when you wanted to find the toilet though as this door had also been covered entirely in silver foil as well. The place also had a great little balcony overlooking the street (without foil unfortunately) so we could sit and watch the New Year revelries whilst supping very potent cocktails.
The first sign that the locals didnt take this New Year business as seriously as us was when the cabaret stage closed at 10pm. This led to a stream of bikes fleeing the scene along with a Tourist Information Office that was being pushed down the road. As it got close to twelve we thought we should give the lake one more chance and left the safety of foil bar. Realising midnight was fast approaching and we didnt have anything to celebrate it with we panicked and raced back to Bobby Chinns restaurant and bought a bottle of moet. They very kindly lent us some proper champagne flutes so we went back out and sat down by the lake to watch the festivities. We were joined by a lot of people who were all picknicking whilst sat on their bikes staring out over the lake. We obviously made a strange sight as quite a few people decided to take photos of the weird farangs who hadnt got a bike and were forced to make do with the ground.
Someone had told me that there was going to be a good fireworks display so we were slightly surprised when 12 arrived and two lone rockets barely lit up the sky. We stuck it out hoping it was a bit delayed but then looked round to see everyone else had left. So a very odd way to see in the New Year if very funny and definitely one we wont forget.
New Years day passed very quietly except for news of the bomb blasts in Bangkok. Very sad but all seems calm again so fingers crossed it stays that way.
Next day fully recovered we were off on a day trip to the perfume pagoda. The drive there was another entertaining journey as the bus driver first went the wrong direction then proceeded to drive like a lunatic to make up for lost time. The town we were getting the boats from was also being dug up which meant we had to drive down a tiny strip of road barely wide enough and with the constant danger that we would a hit a dog/person/house or simply slide into the big hole. Still the boat ride to the temple more than made up for absolutely stunning scenery, line and line of weirdly shaped mountain ranges stretching off into the distance. The only slightly incongruous sight was a small motor boat chugging past laden down with cable cars to take people up to the summit. Oh and the screaming child and grumpy mum who happened to be sharing our boat.
The fact that the scenery was so good was a relief because the actual place was a bit of a let down. First of all we hiked for a good hour up a very steep hill to see a cave with a small and very garish temple in it. Then after struggling down again we went to the main pagoda, which would probably have been lovely if they werent rebuilding the whole thing ready for the upcoming Tet festival Vietnams real new year. Still the boat ride was even more beautiful as the sun was setting (and we didnt have to share it with the child and mother). If we thought getting to the place had been an adrenaline ride then the bus back was even better. First our driver managed to take a route straight through a local market Im sure we got at least one chicken and one dog and then drove like a man possessed to get back. Sitting at the front of the bus meant we had the best seats to enjoy the many near misses.
That evening we checked out some more street food including some chicken, which then had the fat ladled over it as well as a big bowl of crickets. The chicken made me feel slightly ill but the crickets were lovely if a little salty. The highlight of the day had to be stopping off for some bia hoi (fresh beer) which was lovely and only cost 10p a glass.
Our last full day in Hanoi saw the temperatures soar (or wed just got acclimatised) and with little to do we spent it doing some light shopping. Also managed to try another local delicacy Bahn Cuon which are wafer thin rice pancakes filled with pork and dipped in another gorgeous sauce. After purchasing an excellent propaganda poster we did our last touristy stop, which was a visit to the water puppets. The thing should be rubbish an absolute tourist nightmare but its actually really quite magical. Basically the stage is water and the puppeteers stand behind a big screen and move the different characters around using rods and cables whilst accompanied by singers and musicians. It was actually really good and both of us really loved it.
Next stop was another recommended local café, which for some reason had a table thats top was a homage to David and Victoria Beckham. Clare was obviously very excited about this. We then headed to the final recommended eaterie on our list. This place was one of only two that served authentic Cha Ca Thang Long, which is a river fish cooked on a hot plate in front of you and covered in greens, noodles and loads of fish sauce. Despite the fact that we were obviously disturbing the waitresses from watching their favourite soap they showed us what to do and once again it was absolutely delicious. In fact we both found Vietnamese food to be great and in many ways better than Thai simply because it didnt try and blow your head off with a million chillis but was still really tasty. But we are spice lightweights so what do we know. Our last evening was rounded off perfectly by a stop at another bia hoi shop (even cheaper just 6pm a glass) where we had a great chat with two very pleasant Vietnamese doctors. For some reason we spent most of the time comparing our two higher educational systems but it was more interesting than it sounds!!
So thats it the next day was just back to the airport and back to a quiet Bangkok so not a lot to stay. But a fantastic trip and Vietnam is definitely a place we want to go back to especially when its a tad warmer so we can actually go the beach!!
With that you can all breath a sigh of relief, as do I, that this is finally finished and written. Hope it hasnt been too painful but promise from now on will keep the blogs a little more frequent and a little less long. Cheers all and speak soon.
Well as I see snow is falling in the UK I thought I would really make you all jealous by letting you know we are off to the beach at Koh Samet this weekend. Should be around 33 and by the time many of you read this we should be sitting on the golden sand with a cocktail in our hand.
Saying that our planning has not been impeccable - basically couldn`t find anyone who wanted to come with us (billy no mates that we are) so have hired a cab. The only question is whether it will turn up or not. I booked it yesterday for 3 but for some reason my fantastic Thai seemed to confuse them and they thought it was for 3am. So after getting in at gone 12 last night we were woken up three times at 2.30 am by a man telling us the taxi was on its way. Finally he got the message that it was for today but who knows whether it will show or not. The other slight snag is we haven`t actually booked anywhere but never mind its not like its high season or the weekend or anything - doh!! So could well be kipping on the beach tonight - still there are worse places to sleep.
Anyway looking forward to getting out of Bangkok after all we haven`t been on holiday for nearly three weeks! Also could be the last chance for a while as things getting silly busy for me - I even have a job. Basically I am going to be acting as editor on a couple of client magazines (DHL and a shopping centre - how exciting) as well as updating an entertainment website. However, don`t worry too much its only two half days a week so I still can`t say I am properly working. Aside from that I have a load on with about six articles on the go at the moment for various publications and the school book just won`t go away but fingers crossed it should be with the designers next week.
Also started Thai lessons which I can`t remember if I told you or not. As proved by the taxi fiasco above I still have a long way to go. Getting lessons through a teaching assistant at school so its nice and easy as she comes to the house. In fact my first lesson was the day Clare left for Kanchanaburi so as she was gone I was inviting strange women round. Having one on one lessons really does help and so far have covered phone conversations, colours and the family - not that I remember half of it but at least its a start. Also she has me learning to read and write even though I didn`t want to but its actually proving quite fun. As part of this process she gave me a learning to write book which judging by the cartoons is obviously for 4 year old Thai kids still I`ve already mastered three of the 48 consonants and 30 odd vowels. The only trouble is finding time to do the homework and somewhere where people aren`t laughing and pointing at my childrens book!
Clare is good and has finally realised how to take it easy at school which is a big relief. Saying that she did have to spend the whole of last week on a residential trip to Kanchanaburi (Bridge over the River Kwai) etc... She had a good time but was absolutely knackered when she got back and basically slept for a day. It probably didn`t help that the day she did get back we ended up at a gay cabaret act until 2 in the morning. With the other half of the year away on the same trip this week I think school has been a little quiet.
As punishment for not going with the trip as I had originally planned I was made to go and play football with the kids for PE. Rather scary being faced with sixty kids so after thinking about doing some training I just let them all run around after the ball. I hadn`t realised quite how rubbish 9 year olds where at football until I saw this lot. Also didn`t realise quote how soft they were complaining that it was dangerous, their legs hurt etc... I didn`t let them off though - wimps! I particularly liked the excuse of one kid who claimed she couldn`t do PE because her maid had packed her swimming kit. Anyway its was fun but quite glad I don`t have to do it everyday.
Last night I also finally got to do my pub article for the first time and met the owner of an irish bar who happens to really be a BMW salesman. Not a man I would do business with but a good night which ended up in Patpong of all places.
Right best get on need to pack the bag in the hope that the cab turns up. Thinking of you all shivering away but have good weekends none the less.
Well a very happy February to you all even if it does sound a little bleak what with all the bird flu sweeping the nation. You want to be in Asia much safer for that sort of thing oh.
Anyway I didnt come online to talk about virulent diseases but tell you what weve been up to. Once again it seems that its been a while but unfortunately it sort of slips to the bottom of the priority list when theres work to be done.
So for those who read the last blog (apologies for rubbing in the beach bit) we did indeed manage to get to Koh Samet for a weekend of lazing in the sun and the taxi even turned up early (3am not 3 pm, keen!). The only slight problem was he had absolutely no idea where we were going and of course we didnt so I think the journey took about an hour longer than expected thanks to the need to stop at every other garage and ask for directions, some horrendous roadworks oh and being stopped for speeding. Still as the bloke was paying his bribe we did get to see two elephants walk by so it was worth it.
I think Ive said it before but really do believe Samet is our favourite destination so far beach wise it just seems to have that perfect blend of gorgeous beaches and laid back bars bliss. We even managed to get a room no problem in fact we didnt have to look further than where the speedboat dropped us and got a great little shack that had the perfect view down the full length of the beach. Sure we paid too much for what was basically a wooden box with a bed on stilts but the view swung it!
We did pretty much absolutely nothing much but laze on the beach and eat lots of giant prawns though I did also manage to just burn the inside my right shin which I think takes some doing. As you can see from a lot of these photos we also wasted a lot of time trying to get a lovely photo of us together, I think it took 9 shots before one was without double chins/droopy eyes and thus suitable for Clare. Coming back was equally entertaining as we caught the very slow ferry and then got a mini bus so we now have the means and knowledge to get there anytime we want so may well just turn into weekend beach bums.
Other than that Ive realised there is plenty of things that weve done that Id forgotten about before so this is a bit of a catch up. One thing I havent mentioned before even though we did it weeks ago was our first proper experience of clubbing Thailand style. Basically we had been meaning to go this nightlife area of town called RCA since we got here and a couple of weekends we finally got round to it with a few of Clare`s work colleagues. The place itself is bizarre as it is literally a street in the middle of nowhere made up of a series of two story units. Each one is either a cinema, bar or night club and as you can imagine its an absolute Mecca for young hip Thais.
Despite us being old unhip farangs they still let us in perhaps they took pity on us. The club we picked was something else. It actually consisted of a huge marble halled entranceway, which then led off into lots of different rooms (halls basically). One had a very energetic Thai rock band and was rammed, one was doing de hip-hop ting and was rammed whilst the main black and white tiled hallway was playing some thumping dance music. The hall was particularly impressive thanks to the fake Greek columns, padded walls, and crystal chandeliers. But the piece de resistance was the toilets. The blokes was massive and filled with big screens showing live premiership football (needless to say it was as rammed as the rooms), whilst the ladies apparently had a male three piece string quartet playing (well all have to take Clares word for that). All in all a great night out and made even better by being able to get some great noodles as late night snack definitely beats a kebab and a hell of a lot cheaper.
Compared to those couple of events last weekend was pretty quiet. It started off with what was meant to be a few drinks on the Friday but this did escalate slightly with a load of us all going up onto the roof to enjoy the view. Saturday we went to an old friend Jills place in town for a house warming. It was quite interesting as she was living in this huge block of flats that are meant to be popular for teachers. The reception was mad think 5star hotel and the flat was very nice especially the view from the 17th floor but just all did feel like a hotel to me. Unfortunately we arrived two hours to early as they had forgotten to tell us that the time had been put back, it all worked out though even if our host did nearly surprise us (and her) coming out of the shower. I spent the rest of the night watching football and Sunday we decided to go and check out the Koh San Road. Been there before and once again we were slightly under whelmed. It didnt help that by the time we got there we were both knackered so we ended up having something to eat walking up one road and then getting back in a taxi for another hour! A long way to go for an average Pad Thai! I think its just the sight of all the white people and all the crap on sale that puts us both off though I never tire of seeing white folk getting their hair braided it always just looks so good. However, determined to return at night as weve heard that the place really picks up and the Thais come out to play.
Talking of Thais or talking in Thai my lessons are still going though not sure if they are going well or not. I am sure if I actually had the time to revise properly I would be learning loads, but some bits and pieces are slowly sticking in there. Also now up to 10 letters out of the 44 in the Thai alphabet the trouble is about half of them all sound the same. Had quite a good lesson the other day, which involved me ringing up the hotel we want to stay at for Half term. It was going great until he started confusing me by saying he wasnt sure if he had a room or not and even my Thai teacher couldnt understand him either!
Last week was also quite monumental as I had my first day at my part time job. In fact I can honestly say that last week was the first were I actually had to work all day all week shocking. As well as the job I also had to do two interviews, write up two articles and then had an interview with another potential magazine, which went well. Whilst I wait for all your hearts to stop bleeding in my honour I can say some good came of it all namely that I finally bit the bullet and worked out how to catch buses home. I had actually learnt how to ask in Thai but when it came to putting this into practice the person I asked looked at me blankly and then said that one. Strangely enough he wasnt lying and I havent looked back except a slight mishap on Tuesday when I got off to early and then had to work up an 8-lane highway for half an hour. I think the main reason I love the bus so much is it gives me a further excuse to get the motorbike for the final bit of the trip. Its frightening how much fun it is but still making sure I keep to the quieter roads.
Right think Ive finished and will leave you in peace but before I go here is a bit of random thought written this morning when I should have been writing up an article.
Currently have a team of workers stripping the building we like to call Beirut outside my study window. Its called Beirut as it basically looks like its been hit by a ground to air missile and has been sitting untouched in splendid ruin since we got here. In fact if you are lucky enough to stay with us you get to have this beautiful wreck of an unfinished building as your view. Anyway it seems that now the school have bought it they might actually do something with it. A team of workers have been brought in to clear all the rubbish that somehow accumulates in these places. The difference between the UK and Thailand is 90% of those clearing the site are women. Indeed as I watch them its the women who seem to be doing all the heavy lifting whilst a man stands in the back of the truck pointing at things. There are two other men wearing hard hats that are currently hanging around in the corner talking about what they did last night.
We saw the same thing in Vietnam two groups both clearing a riverbank. One was made up of men the other of women. One group was working hard the other stood around chatting. I think you can tell which one was which. Oh more excitement the men have found a hole, now I understand their concerns that a snake might be down it but theyve just spent ten minutes throwing things down there and Ive just wasted ten minutes watching it. That in a nutshell explains the relationship between men and women in Asia the women do everything and get no respect, the men do nothing and get all the perks. Come to think of it thats pretty much the world over.
Right time to stop that stream of feminist consciousness; though I quite like the idea of throwing in completely random rubbish, I think it might become a regular feature. Speak soon and make a snowman for us.
Well I cant believe February is nearly over, apologies for not writing in a while. Basically a combination of being away in the idyllic Koh Chang for a mid-term break and work has prevented me getting in front of the computer.
Well I guess I better catch up on what we had been up to before we went away. Since we last spoke I was offered and then turned down a job at the Bangkok Post, which is the leading English speaking paper in Thailand. Whilst that might sound foolish especially as they paid very well and would sort out a visa there were also a lot of downsides. For a start it was working as a sub-editor on their business section, which is about as interesting as watching paint dry. Secondly the hours were Monday to Friday 3-8pm. Basically as these are the exact opposite hours Clare works and we would never have seen each other. Throw in the fact I would have to work every other Sunday and I think youll agree I made the right decision. I was also slightly concerned how desperate they were to hire me, offering me the job after a ten-minute chat and despite the fact that I have very little sub-editing experience and absolutely no knowledge of Thai business!
Anyway my workload has also exploded at the moment and in many ways I would prefer to keep freelancing for the time being rather than get stuck editing articles on stock exchange fluctuations. As well as writing for two magazines, my part time editorial role and the stuff at school I have also picked up some more writing for another magazine and might have some more in the pipeline. Its all good and I am also getting to do some fun stuff. I am currently writing an article about air pollution in Bangkok bad, just finished reviewing another pub good and have two articles tomorrow. One is interviewing a motor racing driver which is quite glam, whilst the other is taking part in a corporate boot camp at 6am, I am really not looking forward to that!
Clare saw out the first half of her second term and she is really getting to grips with the school and the teaching even if she still hasnt quite got to like her class yet. As a case in point we even managed to get out on Valentines Day for a great dinner at a place called Koi. It was proper Japanese style and really delicious making the hour-long journey to get into town worth the effort. In fact it played quite a big part in our decision of where to live next year. Whilst our flat is amazing it does have the down side of being right out in the suburbs. Going to town is an effort and there is nowhere nearby to just pop out for a quick drink or a bite to eat. Bangkok is such an incredible city it would be a real shame if we dont get to properly experience it.
So we now have to find somewhere to live and somewhere that will make Clares commute relatively easy. We have identified a couple of spots and once things calm down we are going to start looking in earnest. The only problem is we have to move out the first week after the summer term finishes. So I am afraid most of you wont get to experience the palace that is currently chez measures. Still we promise to find a place with at least one spare room and a pool so no excuses for not visiting!
In terms of fun we have had an interesting couple of weeks. We went to the British Club a couple of Saturdays ago which is a posh as it sounds. We were there for a surprise 50th birthday of a teacher and the husband put on an amazing spread with free drink all night. In fact I was given my own five litre flagon of beer to drink. The worse thing is the Thais have a cunning habit of constantly filling up your glass even if you dont ask for it with obvious consequences.
Last week we held a party for the Year 4 team, and even got in some outside catering very glam and a good night. The trouble was we were off on holiday the next day and after staying up until the wee hours tidying the house we were off at seven the next morning. Not having packed and then waking up at five minutes to seven it was something of a miracle that we actually remembered our trunks even if we did forget towels, sun tan lotion and mosquito spray.
At this point appreciate you might all be exclaiming another holiday?! After all the last time we spoke we had just got back from Samet but no excuses we just love the beach and as it was Clares half term we wanted to make the most of it. So with a load of other teachers we caught the minibus down to Koh Chang. We had heard very good things about Elephant Island and unlike Phuket we were not disappointed. It helped we had some insider information on where to go as some parts of the island are starting to get built up and turning a bit tacky.
However we had no such worries and after a 4 hour bus ride, ½hour ferry ride and finally another ½hour on the back of a truck we arrived at KP Huts. One of the teachers had stayed there over Christmas and the photos of wooden huts with bamboo roofs just looked to tempting. Despite an attempt in my Thai lesson to book the owner had refused so we turned up not knowing what was going to be available, a little dodgy as it was Chinese New Year. Still we neednt have worried and despite not being able to get a beach side hut we did get a place with a bathroom, hot shower and balcony for a whopping ten pounds a night!
It was also obvious why I couldnt book as they really didnt seem to care about who you were and how long you wanted to stay for! In fact the whole place had a slightly ramshackle feel but its beauty was it was so quiet. The beach wasnt huge and there were only two or three other resorts for the whole of the two-mile stretch. It made such a welcome relief to go somewhere where you could hear the waves rolling onto the sand rather than the sounds of jet skis, stereo systems and speedboats drowning it all out. Finally we had found a place that matched our expectation of Thailand. Night time was particularly special for the first time we could see the stars and the only light pollution was the line of squid boats lighting up the horizon really beautiful.
We settled down to some serious relaxation and really didnt do much of anything for the next five days. In fact the most notable incident was also the most unpleasant. As weve probably mentioned Clare has become obsessed with getting a bike to drive around Bangkok. Despite my protestations to the contrary she was dead set so I pointed out that she should probably ride a bike before buying one. So on the 3rd day we went and hired two little automatic scooters. Quite why they decided to let us rent them when we clearly didnt have a clue was beyond us but lend us them they did. After a bit of practice on a dirt road we felt we could handle the open road. Five minutes later and a stop at an ATM Clare was sprawled on the floor with the bike just missing crushing her. Fortunately she fell off road there was no traffic and she wasnt going very fast. So she now has some choice grazes up her arm and a very sore one on her ankle. The other good thing is she crashed outside a reggae restaurant where some very nice Thai people got us some iodine to patch up her wounds. It was a little bit scary and needless to say we didnt go much further on the bikes but fair play to Clare she didnt cry and did get back on for another twenty minutes.
The one positive thing is it does mean Clare has rethought her idea of getting to bikes and will stick to the safer taxis. This aside though we had a really blessed out time. It was really nice to get to know the people we were with all lovely and just the perfect spot to escape. We probably spent most of our time at a little bar/restaurant about ten minutes walk up the beach. It has a large wooden deck filled with triangular pillows and I believe we watched the sun go down every night we were there from a suitably horizontal position. The food was also amazing with the fish with garlic and pepper being particularly stunning. A lovely spot which probably wont be around that much longer and definitely a place we will go back to sooner rather than later.
All very very chilled and a great way to recharge the batteries. Think Ill need it though as I have four assignments to write this week. Coming back early did also give Clare a chance to pootle around Bangkok for the first time. Luckily she loved it and I gave her a guided tour of some of the places Ive been on Friday night. I think it shows the diversity of the place that we managed to take in a very swanky hotel cocktail bar, a vodka joint with its own ice bar (clare didnt enjoy the cold of this one), and then ended up a disco at a traditional English pub. Lots of fun and further convinced us that we need to be in town.
Bizarre observations # 1 Smart rabbit
I was sat at a café the other day watching the world go by when I saw a women walk by with a huge rabbit in her arms complete with bow tie. Why it was wearing a bow tie, where she was going with it I just dont know perhaps it had a job interview.
Bizarre observations # 2 Open air toilets
I think Ive already touched on the fact that you cant go into a gents toilets in Thailand without finding at least one Thai cleaning lady. But they also have a love of out door urinals. At every petrol station Ive stopped at the urinals have consisted of a line stuck on the back wall of the building regardless of its location next to houses, the road etc However, the ultimate has to be the toilet on the ferry back from Koh Chang. Basically a thin wall concealed you from the other passengers but not from an excellent view over miles and miles of the Gulf of Thailand.
Bizarre observations # 3 street insurance
Coming home from work the other day I walked past a load of street side vendors. Nothing too weird in that you say except I noticed that one of them was actually selling mortgages and life insurance. Not quite being able to read Thai I am not 100% sure this was what he was doing but it certainly did seem like it. I know HSBC like to say they have the local touch but street side mortgages seemed a little extreme.
I also wanted to update you on the story about them clearing out the rubbish from the building over the road. They have now finished it but it seems like it had the unwanted side effect of flushing out a load of snakes. Apparently there have been about six sightings around our flats of cobras and vipers but alas we havent seen any yet.
One thing we didnt do when we were away was go diving. It seems an age since we did our test and both of us are slightly nervous about just jumping in. Still we aim to rectify that next weekend when we go on a school dive weekend. Cant wait too see if I can remember what tube to breathe through.
Right off to play football, which I havent done for about three weeks. Perfect training for getting up at 5 and having an hours intensive exercise training from Miss Fitness Asia pray for me!
Just had a lovely weekend diving...not a bad life and there was a huge sky too! It was also the Bhudda`s birthday so there was Inset on Monday, great start to the week. Massive CONGRATULATIONS to Fergus and Tiffany and Steve (SSS) and Rhi AND Emma and Clint on your engagements, fabulous news, not sure we will be able to make your parties but will certainly try hard for the weddings. Last week was brilliant for me as I had book week (visiting authors, treasure hunts, dressing up etc) Nick worked from 8am -1 am interviewing racing car drivers and the like so it is all good! Take care and leave a message!
Well another seven days tick past and to be honest not a whole lot to report this week, especially as Clare gazumped me on the old diving trip. Clare did however have a cracking haircut in a bar...shampoo, chandeliers, blow dry and cocktail this weekend!! Still saves you listen to my flowery descriptions of what are after all just fish. We did see some cool stuff and swimming through the coral gardens was really like flying through an underwater city but no sharks, turtles or sting rays unfortunately. It was good to do it again though and remember which tube goes where and what bit to breathe through. Think we both feel confident enough to go off on our own and try dives elsewhere now and are even considering doing the advanced diving at Easter. But true to form not booked anything up at all. I did also get to experience my first telling off underwater when I accidentally caught Clares wounded leg with my fin - woops.
Well after last weeks work-a-thon things have quieten down a bit as everyone recovers from getting their various magazines out. As Clare said ended up interviewing a racing driver, the owner of an airline, doing a fitness camp at 6am in the morning as well as the normal part time stuff. It was incredibly frantic but a lot of fun in hindsight except the fitness camp which was just plain painful. Still I managed to keep my breakfast down and only stopped once so I must be fitter than I thought.
Was pretty knackered after that and then the diving so been recovering a little this week and trawling round for the next few jobs. Nothing quite as glam as racing car driver unfortunately but do get to interview a movie producer who also runs a football club and books all the top international artists to Bangkok so that should be good. Also have to rewrite the school 50th history for a magazine piece so getting paid for doing the same work twice nice.
Also have a new job lined up which is as a teacher!! I got a call from someone the other day asking if I would like to teach the people who man the information desk at the new airport English. I thought it would be easy so said yes but now a little scared. Found out there are twenty people to teach and was handed a huge manual not quite sure what I am meant to do with it as I was just going to chat to them. Think I might be a little over my head but will let you know how I get on.
Still having a bit more time on my hands meant I was able to get back to discovering bits of Bangkok. Best one of all was finding out that there is a proper snooker hall down the road from us so spent a pleasant couple of hours vainly trying to pot little balls in even smaller pockets. Its quite frightening how large proper snooker tables really are, definitely need to remember my glasses next time! But it is great to have a little place to go without having to trek all the way into town. Only weird thing was despite them having twelve full size tables they didnt seem to have enough red balls. Wasnt a major issue as it took us long enough to pot the ones we had.
My other little adventure was a trip on the klong taxis. Basically this place is filled with canals most of them very stinky and on the larger ones you can actually get these boats to take you up and down. Id heard that they were very quick as obviously dont have to put up with Bangkoks congested roads. Well Wednesday saw my trusted fellow explorer and kept man Pete and I try it out. Trouble was we arent actually near one of these ferrys so had to take a taxi for half an hour to get to the nearest terminal. After wandering around the back of a large shopping centre we finally found it. To be honest the whole thing was a bit manic. Because the canals are really that polluted the boats all come with these tarpaulin screens on both sides to stop the evil toxins splashing on you. When the boat draws up these are dropped very briefly whilst you basically have to leap on and then clamber over other people to try and get a seat. Somehow we managed it but it certainly wasnt the most comfortable ride. Apparently it also stank to high heaven but for some reason my nose seemed to be oblivious to the stench. It would probably be quite picturesque if it wasnt for the screens obliterating the view. It also makes working out where you are going very difficult and we ended up getting off at completely the wrong spot, still an interesting experience and might be useful if and where we move to in town.
Well I really do believe thats about it news wise. Think we are planning on a quiet one this weekend, cinema tonight and then I am off to get a tuxedo made tomorrow (as you do) ready for the Schools 50th Ball. Might also check out a new coffee house that apparently does an edible espresso. Looking forward to a quiet one all these holidays are tiring us out!
Right thats about it, just time for announcements:
Congrats to Toby and Farne for the birth of Sabina, happy birthday Langers and an especially big shout out to my mum who turned the tender age of 60 this week!!
Have a good weekend one and all and I will leave you to enjoy the photo of Clare doing a passable impression of Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka and she complains its hard work!
Well hello one and all and a happy end of March to you. Looking at the blog I realise Ive been very remiss and havent done anything in ages. To save time I will skip the usual platitudes of working hard, being idle etc and get straight down to it.
Well the benefit of not writing for a while means we have plenty to tell you even if we dont seem to have many photos to go with it. In fact the only relevant ones I can find happen to be an insurance photo I took of our smashed back door, which decided to shatter all over my study when the wind blew it shut. Saying that I dont know why I call it an insurance photo as we dont have any and I just had to pay for a new pane of glass. I also managed to get quite a bit of glass in my foot but until the maid told me to stop getting in the way and cleared it all up for me instead.
The other is Clare and her fellow teachers on Red Nose Day. Still despite the fact we cant show many photos I can at least direct you to a video Clare (she does a lot of good work for charidee) was involved in for Red Nose Day. You can view it here (http://www.patana.ac.th/PatanaLife/Video/?var_video=PatanaLife/RedNoseDay2007/M2U00295.flv&Title=Happy%20Feet&Description=Year%204%20Penguins%20performing%20for%20Red%20Nose%20Day) its not the best quality or the longest video but Clare assures me she is the penguin third from the front.
Anyway apart from saving the starving of the world by dressing up as her favourite animal Clare has been battling towards the finish line that is the end of term. Only a week to go and then its New Year celebrations again! This will be our third this year which is quite good going if you ask me, this time its for Songkran the Buddhist New Year. Apparently back in the olden days (pre-1980) this was celebrated by anointing monks and statues of the Buddha with water, these days its just an excuse for everyone to throw copious amounts of water at each other. Apparently there is a particular penchant for soaking Farangs (foreigners) so we will be in the firing line.
Because of work commitments I can only take a week of Clares two week holiday off but the plan is to fly down to an island called Koh Lanta in the deep South and do some diving. Just need to book a hotel but places wont be busy over the biggest holiday of the year oh Still sure we will sort something out we always seem to.
To warm us up for this beach living we are off to our favourite destination of Koh Samed this weekend with a load of the new staff. The initial plan was to recreate the legendary 70s/80s program Superstars a la Kevin Keegan and Brian Jacks with a weekend of activities on the beach. However this has been slightly dampened by the main organiser breaking his jaw by falling asleep in the back seat of a cab. A long story and no-one seems quite sure how he managed it. Anyway secretly quite relieved and will replace sporting excellence with a few beers instead.
Talking of beers we have had a couple of good weekends. Two weeks ago it was St. Patricks day which meant two consecutive nights of parties at peoples houses. Both were very entertaining especially the first where we met a top Canadian comic who was in Bangkok performing. Apparently he was very funny on stage but like so many a comic a miserable individual in real life.
The next day Clare had very kindly volunteered us to help out with a school sports event. For those who know me and my feelings towards school sports you can imagine the joy at having to get up early on a Saturday and time small children in the 60m sprint. It was actually quite nerve wracking as it was all very seriously but I only forgot to start my watch twice. Six hours of standing in the sun, watching pushy parents shout advice at their 12-year old child, later we were finally able to escape only to head off to another party completely dehydrated and sleep deprived. It was all very good but for some reason I spent most of the night having to comment on the hosts collection of photos.
For some reason when we got back home Clare for the first time since we got here decided it was time to go into the pool. So about midnight we found ourselves fully clothed practising hand stands. Clare has been in the pool since, the following Saturday evening, fully clothed etc etc
Right what else have I got to tell you On the work front I continue to be busier than ever. I now find myself working for five different companies/people. As a round up these last few weeks I have written about: the state of the property market (bad), wine investment (good), a new dating agency and radio show, a new piece of exercise equipment, a history of the school, the launch of a new company, an interview with some teachers and I also created an advert for Visa Platinum Cards and edited DHLs corporate magazine.
Nothing like variety being the spice of life but its hard to remember what I am meant to be doing next some times. In particular the launch of the company was great as I raced across town on the back of a bike to get there on time. Wandered in and then found myself interviewing the MD of a company, which operates in 60 countries without a clue, what they did. The first question was of course so tell me what you do Fortunately it was short lived, as he had to go and greet the French Ambassador! I still have plenty in the pipeline I just need to find the time to sit down and start the research!
I now seem to be known by quite a few PR people, which helps, and today I was invited to Ronan Keatings press conference. Unfortunately I cant make it but, much to Clares delight, might be getting some free tickets to the concert.
Funniest of all is my relatively new position teaching English to 16 young women who run the information desks and VIP lounge at the international airport. How I got the job is beyond me as I really dont know what I am doing. Its not helped by the fact that they can all speak very good English. My first lesson was a bit of a disaster in that everything I planned they already knew, this meant I ended up simply telling them all the different words for toilet, not really enough for a three hour lesson. This week the shambles of my first performance were demonstrated in the fact that only 8 turned up. Still I managed to entertain them by playing Robbie Williams songs and asking them to recite the words. I then taught them all the slang words for poor, police and angry before explaining why lots of foreign men kept winking at them. We finished off with getting them to study Hello magazine and presenting the synopsis of a story about Jennifer Aniston. Just one week to go on that thank goodness, still they pay very well.
The only disconcerting thing is it all takes place in the same airport building as the immigration department. I was particularly alarmed when as I was leaving the lift opened to reveal thirty immigration officers crammed inside, for a moment I thought they were there to get me!
Whilst the English might not be going so well at least the Thai is. I had a bit of an epiphany this week when I finally remembered the whole of the 24-hour clock. This is harder than it sounds as the word for 1am and 1pm are completely different and then for some reason at 6pm the time goes back to one! I also managed to read my first Thai book (for 3 year olds), not only could I read Blackbird looks at Crab (ega doo pooh {honestly}) but also how to say granddad watches uncle hit the snake with a stick. Both very useful!!
Meeting a very entertaining taxi driver, who I actually managed to have a good conversation with in our hour-long journey, also helped practise as many dont want to know. Not only did I find out that he likes playing snooker, football and swimming but that he enjoys singing very enlightening. I also managed to teach him some English but this involved him looking at his thai/English book as we barrelled down the expressway, which was a little worrying.
Talking of taxi drivers we had a weird one the other day. Clare and I got into the cab and imagine our surprise when the driver opened his mouth and proceeded to ask me where we was going in an accent that was an exact imitation of the late great film star John Wayne. We obviously mentioned this similarity to him and he confirmed that he had indeed learnt to speak his English through watching countless American movies, and had a particularly penchant for westerns. As we chatted we mentioned that we used to live in London and in a flash he switched to a very passable cockney, all be it one based on Dick Van Dykes character in the film Mary Poppins! Apparently a big hit when it was released in Thailand. All very weird and part of a very weird day.
As I think I mentioned last time around we have started looking at places to live in town. In our first attempt we managed to look at two places both situated right on the edge of the sleazy parts of town Nana and Soi Cowboy. Unfortunately whilst both were huge the owners had an obsession with disgusting built in furniture which was truly hideous. We had another look this week and did see some very very nice places but they werent exactly right for us as Clare needs to be near an expressway to get to school in the mornings. Still will get back onto it next week when we return from the islands. As we dont move until July we can choose to be fussy at the moment.
Anyway going back to our weird day we looked at four places being shown round by a bonkers Glaswegian who basically just talked rubbish the whole time it was off to a nearby thai fusion place owned by a Thai movie star. Very nice it was too if relatively expensive. Things went downhill from there as we found ourselves embarking on a mini pub crawl/shopping trip. First up I took Clare to the pool bar at the Conrad hotel (stunning) before we stopped off at the Diplomat Bar in the same hotel. Both were ridiculously glam and equally pricy. We then went and had a fitting for my suit whilst Clare ordered a dress to be made for an upcoming ball we are attending.
Next stop was seriously down market as we hit MBK this monstrous cavern of a shopping centre absolutely full of tat, mobile phones and knock off DVDs. Despite the general cheapness of the place we still managed to spend loads on CDs, a new shirt for me and Clare splashed out on Americas top model the complete third series, class!
From here we some how found ourselves wandering around Patpong (more CDs) before ending up on Soi 4 which is the gay capital of Bangkok. This was actually hilarious as we positioned ourselves at a bar at the end of this dead end street. The fun was watching unsuspecting tourists wander in and then guessing how long it would take for them to realise and quickly flee. Particularly funny were the groups of straight lads! We somehow ended up spending about three hours here and during the course of the day had blown over £150 which I can tell you is hard work in this town!
Mentioning funny bars we went to a great one the other day. It was called At Barber and is a bar/hairdressers. We must admit we got there a little bit early in that we had to wake up the bar staff and hair dresser but it was very funny. Clare ended up getting a trim whilst I sat there drinking beer a genius concept in my book and the haircut was very good too.
Finally I promise managed to see my first snake. The guards caught a baby king cobra outside the flats and I was able to watch as they poked it with a stick. They also found the mums skin, which was about three foot long, but no sign of her yet
Right I really better get on but before I go just a quick update on the football. In a shock horror event we actually nearly won a game last week. Playing the Japanese we were 3-1 up with five minutes to go but still managed to scrape a draw.
OK, hope everyone good and well and looking forward to Easter has that happened yet? best go and see if I can find somewhere to stay for the holidays. Apologies for length of message, and lack of punctuation/sense. Promise it wont be so long next time and email with news. And dont forget you can sign up for free email alerts to be informed when I actually do get around to putting something new up.
Hi all sorry for not writing in ages but busy busy etc etc Anyway this is going to be quick as currently packing to go away. Once again were off to yet another beach on yet another island of Thailand why did we come to this place. The excuse this time is clares holidays and the Songkran holiday which is basically Thailands new year. Its all to do with the Buddhist calendar and the cycles of the moon or something but I must confess havent really done my homework this time around. I believe the old ritual was to cleanse the Buddha/monks etc ready for the New Year but this has quickly spiralled into an excuse for anyone and everyone to throw water at each other and smear clay over other peoples faces.
As you can see from the photos Clare and I being good Buddhists (like a laugh) got right into the spirit of things. It was also a very different way to spend our sixth anniversary, it seems a long way away from Lake Naivasha!!
In terms of how involved we got it helped that Thais seem to like to target us farangs. So we headed to Khao San Road at the very heart of it all and had an absolute ball spraying anyway and everyone we could with water and getting it back twenty times worse. After a couple of hours we were a little too wet so jumped into a tuk tuk which was even more fun as you could then attack and be attacked by anyone and as we all now its harder to hit a moving target, though as you can tell from the water covered photo we did get a direct hit just as I was getting the camera out of its plastic bag!
After Khao San we had heard that there was a big party at Central World this mega shopping complex. However when we got out of the tuk tuk we were quite clearly the only ones who had taken it quite so seriously and everyone was dry, not covered in clay and more worried with shopping, oh and laughing at us. Making a hasty retreat home we decided the best thing to do was give the already drunk guards some more whisky and then we all stood by the side of the road throwing water at any passing bikes, cars, buses etc One of the guards was particularly into it all and also managed to stop quite a few bikes by standing in the middle of the road and covering them in talcum powder. The best were the pick ups that have twenty odd people in the back that cruise the streets soaking anything that moves. During a couple of running battles with these kidnap attempts were launched on both Clare and I and despite being hauled into the back of one truck we did manage to escape. In the end we left them too it as there is only so long you can stand around in soaking wet clothes even in a tropical country!! Still the highlight has to be the man on the bike wearing only a bra who stopped so we could really soak him and also being spotted by some fellow teachers who were thinking who are those crazy farangs only to realise it was us.
Right lots else to tell you after all its been a while but will do all that when we get back. But abridged is a big thanks to Faye and Steve for making us godparents of Ember though you might want to reconsider after these photos!! Also looks like we might have found a place in town. Great location, 2 bed/2 bath and happens to have a swimming pool on the roof. Put a deposit down today and need to go back after the holidays. I know Ive been here too long though when I am thinking is might be a bit small!!
Right will speak properly soon and bore you with everything else weve been up to hope all good and everyone well.
We headed south to a remote island for a week of chilling,fun and diving after signing up for a flat right in the centre of Bangkok. Obviously with it still being Songkran it took much longer than expected to get there...plane/ferries and a bus (with a bird, the feathered variety) but it was so worth it!! Gutted to miss out on getting the English papers though....Kate and prince William well I really was quite shocked!! AND Steph 7 months pregnant!!!! VERY chuffed for Steph and Tommy but poor Kate.
Arrived in Lanta, and hot and tired we grabbed the first hut on the beach (£30, extortionate but breakfast was included, YIKES dreadful the pineapple was crawling with ants,) and it came with the hugest cockroach you have ever seen and lots of other crawlies so we left. The following morning we found a bigger hut with hammocks AND on the beach and staff who were lovely so we booked in and didn`t really leave. Managed a massage, a few cocktails and lots of games of YAHTZEEEE which I won, roughly 35 to Nicks 6! Lanta is difficult to get to but that makes it more special and a lot less crowded and the atmosphere on the island is so laid back and lovely. Nick and I sat in little huts on the beach watching many sunsets (whilst playing YAHTZEEEEE) and enjoyed a week of stressfree giggling. We managed to motivate our selves away from Yahtzee and cocktails to go diving for the day...doing the two day advanced course seemed a little too much! It was a fabulous day and we dived around Koh Haa lagoon and saw a blue spotted ray huge shoals of yellow fish and a two headed moray eel ( It was actually 2 eels but I believed the divemaster who was kidding and I nearly spat my reg out!!!!) Met some lovely Dutch cousins who we dived with and went diving into caves after lunch and saw lots more fish.
Like Gazia I thought we would do a hot and cold section!!
HOT
Dutch people
Fluffy dogs
Rays
Fairy light bard on the beach
Fruity cocktails
COLD
Young Brits abroad who spit
Scabby dogs
Ray bans
Concrete
Lanta Coffee
Hope all is well with you all, do leave a message and hopefully see you soon!! School tomorrow but got two bank holidays in the next two weeks so fairly ok about it! x x x x Clare
PS sorry it is not as detailed as Nicks entries but I think the photos say a lot. If you go to `view all photos` it is easier.
Well despite attempts to keep this a regular weekly event weve failed yet again. I did actually start writing an entry last week but between the change in weather and excessive fun it got mislaid.
Indeed it started off moaning about how hot it was only for the heavens to well and truly open with some stonking storms to welcome in the start of the rainy season. The rain isnt such a problem (though it did mean I ended up stuck in a bar for two hours longer than I should be the other night) as its still nice and warm, but its the effect it has on people/the traffic. Basically Ive now lived in two places that experience proper rainy seasons but it seems each time it strikes everyone as completely unexpected. Thais like Kenyans seem petrified of the rain and will run like maniacs at the sign of the merest drop. Also traffic seems to simply grind to a halt despite cars being quite well designed for a spot of water. I managed to sit in a taxi for ten minutes yesterday that didnt move one inch, in the end I decided to walk and had to pay 50baht for the privilege of sitting there.
Anyway random rant over, things all good here and currently enjoying a run of random national holidays, May proving to be a particularly good month. After Songkran weve already had a day off for May Day and then have another on Monday in honour of Royal Ploughing Day. Not 100% sure what its all about but think its a bit like Groundhog day when the royal cow comes out and depending on what it does its going to be a good harvest or something. Will report back more when I find out.
Since we got back from Lanta have been busy as ever. Paid the deposit on the flat so thats akk done and dusted and they threw in a free washing machine as well which was nice. Both looking forward to moving into town and it turns out were living very close to quite a few teachers so should make Clare getting to school nice and easy.
Last weeks articles were: wine business in Thailand, Interview with media mogul, Anti-Aging clinic, Interviewing head of an airline, Interviewing a bank about mutual funds (thrilling) and a new gym where they do a full physical on you before you join. Apparently I am lopsided, my spine is out of alignment and I have no muscles but I do have great lungs! Clare has been off and on at work so only one random excuse to dress up which was India Day.
Other than that had lots of fun playing. I went Karting where my team came 3rd just, went to the opening of a new sports hall at school (free wine) and then went out some work colleagues which was good apart from they took me to a restaurant for pigs stomach soup, the soup was nice just wasnt so keen on the liver, kidney and pigs ear. Next night was a birthday party and a boys/girls night out which were both fun. Only trouble was after the boys night out I didnt wake up until 3pm and then had to go and play football in the pouring rain. It would have been fine except the rain obviously disturbed a swarm/hive of flying ants. It meant that as you ran around the pitch you occasionally ran through a cloud of these things, which proceeded to sting the hell out of you. It wouldve been quite funny if it hadnt been so gruesome. Still on the plus side it did cause a huge swarm of dragon flies to appear off our balcony, which was nice.
Finally as I have made a new years resolution to keep things short just tell you about the murder mystery we went to the other day. All very funny but it was almost as much fun picking our costumes. Clare was a show girl so I took her to a place called Pratnum Market which is a fancy dress lovers dream. You can buy costumes for anything from policeman to naught nurse and all at dirt cheap prices. Whats more its obviously where all the lady boys go to get their drag queen outfits so its absolutely stacked with sequined outfits and over the top head gear as you can probably see from the pictures. I was meant to be a detective/bar man but hadnt realized we were talking 1930s not Hawaii, circa 1980 hence the Magnum PI look. Great night especially as it was written by the host which meant the murders actually happened at the end of the night not the beginning so you had some chance to remembering who actually did it. Clare did a great mimed performance of Diamonds are a girls best friend before Eddie (former pop star) did a great rendition of My Way sung in a german accent (he was a nazi) whilst I started a fight with a colonel and then someone got shot. A very manic way to end it all.
Right best get on as approaching my word count, not up to much this weekend just off to pick up dress/DJ for next weeks school ball and then taking it easy as thats what bank holidays are for! Might go cycling around and have a European Young professionals night to look forward to next week 200baht and all you can drink. Hope all well and enjoy the hot/cold column this week.
Whats Hot:
Entourage
Dragonflies
Fancy dress
Dragon Fruit
Whats Not:
Flying ants
Stationary taxis
Pig intestine soup
Soggy Trousers
Greetings all, hope you had a good bank holiday Monday long live the workers, especially if it means we all get a day off each year. We also had Monday off but for different reasons it was Royal Ploughing Day as I think I told you last time. Unfortunately we missed the actual event but I did find out a bit more.
Sensibly enough its all to do with farming and working out how the season ahead will fare for the crops. Apparently this is achieved through parading some special cows around the royal grounds (Sanam Luang). Then the cows are given a choice of 7 tasty treats rice paddy, maize, green bean, sesame, hard liquor, water and grass depend what they eat determines what the harvest will be like for the year. The sacred oxen, chose rice, maize and grass to eat which apparently means there will be crops, grain and livestock in abundance this year. Hurray!
Anyway, enough about that and more about what weve been up to. Not too much to be honest in traditional style we pretty much wasted the long weekend mooching around. Our obsession with the TV show Entourage reached new heights as we watched a whole series on the Sunday, but in fairness we were also recovering from a late night out with Clares fellow teachers. We ended up in this mega club in the middle of nowhere. There are about ten on this one strip of road and each one holds about a thousand people. They all have these great Thai/Fillipino bands playing though I must admit that I did miss this as I fell asleep watching the football outside. Apparently when I was woken up I began babbling in Thai so the lessons must be going in subconsciously! Clare did manage to get up on stage for some podium dancing so the Measures honour was upheld.
But on the Monday we did manage to rouse ourselves to leave the house and paid a visit to the Ancient City. This is a rather bizarre theme park come cultural centre situated on the outskirts of town. Think Richmond Park meets Disney Land meets the Jorvik Centre.
Basically they have built about fifty different buildings and temples all recreating famous temples and villages from around Thailand. The whole thing is set in 300 acres of park land in the shape of Thailand.
After some slight problems getting there basically the taxi driver couldnt understand where we wanted to go. Despite me saying the name about 50 times in Thai he only got it when I changed accidentally changed the r in Muan Boran to an l (Muan Bolan) and then it was apparently obvious.
The Ancient City is great because its one of the few places you can actually go for a bike ride without being run over and the air actually feels remotely clean. Despite the bike owners attempts to get us on a tandem we did try but Clares constant screams from the rear of the bike suggested it might not be the most relaxing excursion we forced him to give us two rickety bikes from circa 1970.
It was a really nice day out, the cycling was good fun and as you can see from the photos some of the temples where completely hat stand. My personal favourite was the giant fish surrounding the temple. This is apparently a representation of the world dont you know. Clares however was one temple complex, which she recognised from Americas next Top Model series 5. You can imagine how excited she got and of course we had to take lots of photos of her pretending to be a model on the catwalk.
Really cool place though and strongly recommend it to visitors coming out. Unfortunately we didnt have time to go to the Worlds Largest Crocodile Farm© opposite but think we might have to go back. The brochure not only promised hourly crocodile wrestling shows but there was also a photo of an elephant riding a tuk tuk quality entertainment. The funniest thing was watching all the Thais drive around the place. Despite being an incredibly healthy looking nation they really dont like exercise. In fact the look of shock on my work colleagues face when I told them I had ridden around was priceless.
Tuesday night we ended up at a Young European Professionals evening. Very surreal it was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the EU or whatever it is called these days and we were all made to sing happy birthday! Still at 200 baht a head for all you could eat and drink I would have sung happy birthday to anyone they wanted!
So the rest of the week it was back to work, for me that involved chasing people for new jobs and money both very successfully whilst dodging the major storms that roll through every day. Also finished writing a speech for the Princess of Thailand last week, a long story but basically she coming to open a new sports hall next week and I somehow got the honour of writing her speech. Sam Seeborn eat your heart out.
For Clare it was an appraisal on Wednesday, which I believe went well. She did also manage to scare her class stupid by hiding in a giant Big Ben and then leaping out at them all and she calls it working!
As for this weekend its off to the ball tomorrow which should be fun though clare is still sweating on her dress. She had one made and the original tailors just didnt get what she was after. First of all it started out looking as puffed up as one of those classy 70s toilet roll holders and then they decided to take the puff out and add a nice doily hem to it class. In the end she just gave up with them and we have given it to our maid to sort out so well find out today how she has interpreted our hand signals! It could be a dash to the shops tomorrow.
Right best do some work have good weekends everyone and catch up soon.
Hot
Deer
European Young Professionals
Americas Next Top Model
Princess
Cold
Flooding
Tailors
Weather - a mere 26!
report writing
end of the pomello season
What a fabulous evening! An utter palava getting ready...dress not quite what I wanted but I have learnt that getting things made is often more hassle than it`s worth! The hair YIKES!! As you can see I looked like a solid pineapple was on my head lots of hairspray and pins, scary!! Think I went a little OTT with the tiara but nevermind!! Nick looked lovely in his tailored tux and it only took 2 internet sites a friend and 3 hours to learn how to do up his bow tie!! We arrived and had cocktails and champagne, I got the UKRAINE in the Eurovision sweepskate. Food was lovely and our table was great fun. The DJ played rock DJ and we danced and sang later around a piano....towards the end of the evening some navy officers gave us tattoos although I don`t really remember that bit!!
Well its been an interesting day and one of a few firsts! I had my first interview with a belly dancer actually a Japanese lady who is also a qualified Lawyer and Sommelier as well as a professional belly dancer. And the shaking theme continued when I went off to work. About half four I was sitting at my desk when I felt like I was wobbling. I noticed my leg was involuntarily banging against the table. Thinking I shouldn`t have skipped on lunch I got up to get a glass of water before noticing that everyone was looking equally confused. It turned out it was actually the effects of an earthquake in Laos. All very weird as we stood around watching the light fixtures sway and slightly disconcerting considering we were on the 21st floor of a rather decrepit tower block. Still all passed off OK and I believe no one was hurt but it did give a good reason for 3/4 of the office to leave for the day. Any excuse!
Right since I wrote this we added a photo and I really should explain it. Today was international day at school. No teaching but an exhibition of 40+ countries each with games, dance and displays followed by a gastronmic food fayre, from sushi, falafels, root beer floats and belgium chocolate to tom yam, olives and full on curries and stir fries. Everyone dressing up in their countries national dress to promote cultural understanding see www.patana.ac.th for more! Of course Clare saw it as a competition and had to try and be the best. The costume is actually courtesy of a waitress of a bar called the Londoner in town. Yes you`ve guessed it they make their staff dress up in these horrendous outfits as part of their theme - it`s a classy joint. What is perhaps more bizarre is the fact that when we there last week Clare asked if she could borrow an outfit. The waitress said yes and I could pick it up Wednesday. Now of course I didn`t expect her to keep her promise but when I went she was there and had packed it up already for me. She didn`t ask for anything in return as a deposit and just let me walk out of there. Only in Thailand would they have that kind of blind faith, it makes you proud!
HOT
Martha Stewart TV
Real sausages (found `em at last!)
Kenya stand at the expo....Java coffee!!
9ft Big Ben in classroom (I burst out of it at registration!)
COLD
school report writing and SATs marking
ANTS
Football fini
Nick not getting paid on time
Havent written for a while so apologies for that been a little busy and there hasnt been too much in the way of exciting news with no further earthquakes to report. However that might all change tomorrow as there is a lot of talk of a coup taking place tomorrow. All quite interesting as there is a court case to decide if they are going to convict the two main political parties of dodgy dealings at last years elections. Anyway a lot of the embassies are putting out warnings and the like as they think it might all the disgruntled supporters might kick off but we shall see how it all pans out. As long as it doesnt affect the airport as we are off to KL on Thursday for a long weekend!!
Other than that both been super busy working, still getting the work coming in and this weeks articles include an interview with the head of Harrow School Bangkok, a visit to a gated community full of Americans, and a really interesting chat with a guy who studies the worlds biggest freshwater fish. Apparently these giant cat fish live in the Mekong River, can grow up to 10m long and weigh 650lbs, however he seemed to think there might actually be bigger stingrays in the river with a wing span of up to 8m. Also got a new gig working for a magazine in Singapore writing about the hospitality industry in Bangkok now all I have to do is find out about the hospitality industry and I will be laughing.
Clare meanwhile has had to put the dressing up box away for a while and concentrate on getting her reports done which is a bit of a bind. Still once they are out the way she doesnt have too long until the end of term.
In terms of interesting things that have been going on number 1 has to be the fact that my football team finally won a game, despite nearly throwing away a three goal lead at half time we managed to hang on and win 4-2. Typical this was the first time we had won all season and it happened to be the week I had decided to temporarily quit drinking still the sprite tasted all the sweeter thanks to the victory.
The reason for stopping was quite a heavy weekend to celebrate my birthday. It started on the Friday with karting, which was great fun if a bit dangerous. I managed to break my kart by driving into a concrete pillar one bloke knackered his arm on the pit wall and someone else managed to break a rib. More dodgems than formula 1! Saturday we had a hunter-gatherer evening which involved all the men going down to the local market with 100baht each to buy dinner whilst the women stayed at home (drinking Boudicca poison, Clare even bought the Maasi spear so obviously took things a little more hunter-gathering seriously than everyone else). Of course we headed straight to the nearest bar and started sampling the local rice wine. Apparently different shots have different powers with some being good for the heart and some apparently having the same affect as viagra though there were no reported success stories. It was then down to the market to buy all manner of tasty treats for less than £2. I think I ended up with two lots of fried rice, a whole chicken, some grilled pork and a load of fish balls lovely. I did also try and buy two frogs but didnt know the Thai for frog unfortunately. The weekend was finished off in perfect style by a trip to the Marriott on the river. Basically they do a free flow buffet for £20 which includes fine wine, cakes, oysters, salmon, roasts, curries, pastas, sushi and sashimi and much much more besides. Clare despite being hung over spent a particularly long time enjoying the chocolate fountain, chocolate and ice-creams and cake!
The only other thing of note to tell you is the storms have gone up a notch out here. The other night I was woken up by a clap of thunder that was so loud it literally sounded as if an aeroplane had crashed in our back garden. It was accompanied by a constant lightning show and further thunder that made the windows shake very cool. Clare managed to sleep through the whole thing. So it does mean that everywhere is now flooded and traffic is ten times worse than it normally is, still worth it for the pyrotechnic displays every night.
So off to KL tomorrow for half term quite excited to see the place we nearly ended up and we are staying in a five star hotel (The Shangri-La) so should be nice SO GLAM!!!! Hope bank holiday weekend wasnt too wet for you all and will catch up again soon.
Hot
Thunderstorms
Coups
Big Fish
Madonna has the same bag as Clare (as seen in Grazia, apparently)
amazon
Facebook!
Cold
Reports still
Peaceful democratic elections
Booze
Well its been a very long time since I last updated this thing, I could blame it on a number of causes but I believe the time consuming addiction that is face book is the biggest culprit. As it has been a while youll be relieved to hear there wasnt a coup and even more relieved to hear that I am going to split this up into two parts so twice the fun for you!
Ill start where I left off which was fleeing the country for the safety of KL. Safe might be a good word to describe this place as both Clare and I were thoroughly under whelmed by the city. We both felt it was a little sterile, clean and new compared to Bangkok. The pavements were clear, there were no motorbike taxis or buses chugging out pollution and everything looked like it has been built yesterday. I think the main problem was there didnt seem to be a load to do except shop, or if there was we didnt really know what it was having to rely on a very poor guide book. The thing is shopping would be fine and the malls were impressive but Bangkok is more than blessed in that department and prices were about the same. Still Clare did manage to find her favourite deodorant and proceeded to buy every one she could find literally she bought around 10 sticks!!
On the plus side the Petronas Towers were very spectacular but we couldnt get up as you have to queue at some ungodly hour to get tickets. The hotel we stayed in which was equally spectacular and super plush. We had decided to push the boat out and stay in the Shangri La and I think it might have spoilt us for good. Not only did we have a lovely room overlooking the towers, complete with the nicest pillows in the world, but it also had the best breakfast spread either of us have ever seen including a chocolate fountain!! In fact it was so good it was hard to leave and must confess the first night we did indulge in room service which was great as the bloke had the wheel in trolley with a little oven and everything the height of glam as I ate my fish and chips in my bath robe! I also made use of the free shoe shining facility it was great but then I got rained on and it wrecked them again.
Still despite the fact we didnt know what to do we did have fun. Really enjoyed the monorail that was a mini version of BK skytrain but much faster and also leant a lot more round corners. We also ate in some nice places though didnt try a single Malay dish, went to the aquarium which was cool particularly the cheesy mermaid show and the sharks. Clare even got to feed some but they had a tendency to slurp the food down rather than ripping into a la Jaws. Also paid a visit to Chinatown, which was OK but a bit small and without appearing uncultured one Chinese temple is pretty much like another. Did visit a cool Hindu temple and met a loony man who just kept telling us how all Muslims are bad which was nice. But the highlight of them all has to be seeing the worlds biggest flagpole, which was quite spectacular and worth the trip alone!!
Also managed to find the worst taxi driver ever on our first night after a cocktail at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel next to the towers. As he went past the same building for the second time we had to take matters into our own hands and start directing him. It took about an hour to get back to the hotel and when we looked out our window we could actually see where we had come from. The next day we walked it and it took us 10 minutes.
We did also try and go to a few bars and found one seedy little strip right next door to the hotel. However Clare wouldnt let me stay around for their Mermaid show so I cant tell you what that was like. Also hunted down the coolest cocktail bar which was nice enough but completely empty when we went there at 8 pm. We asked the staff where everyone was and they told us that nobody goes out before 12. This proved to be the case but being the rock n roll couple that we are we were both knackered and went home to bed!
Malay people seemed lovely and all spoke fantastic English though I could swear half of them kept saying innit so perhaps there are few teachers from London over there. All in all it was a cool trip but were glad we didnt stay for more than a couple of days. In fact one of the highlights was the taxi drive back to the airport. It seems that pretty much no one lives in the centre of town but they all commute in from these suburbs, which are a collection of posh apartments and gated communities, all quite freaky. So you come over the brow of this hill and there are all these brand new buildings, which literally stretch for miles and miles very weird and definitely couldnt live there.
I reckon KL would be a good spot for first time visitors to Asia as everyone speaks de lingo and everything works. Still we were both relieved to come back to dirty, smelly and malfunctioning Bangkok and even happier that we ended up living here instead of there.
Right enjoy the photos best get on and do some work. Also Ive just realised that I am coated in grease which I must have collected on my motorbike ride home so I better go and have a shower. Will update again soon and have a load more pics to come.
Hot
Monorail
Shangri la pillows
Shangri la breakfast (smoked salmon, chocolate fountain, muffins, dim sum, omlettes, salad, sahimi, cooked english, noodles, 10 cereals, fruit bar...etc)
Cold
Racist gurus
Shopping centres
Rats (explanation to follow )
So well we seem to be running about two weeks behind in terms of Get Jealous, I blame the time difference! In an effort to bring things up the speed here is the latest instalment of what weve been up to since we got back from KL.
The simple answer is quite a lot. The week after touching down in Bangkok was all a bit of whirl and I didnt actually see Clare from Monday until Friday. Clare was hard at work with school and I was out playing the fool. A new job working for a Singapore nightlife magazine saw me visiting a new nightclub before dashing over to the launch of a new Art map for Bangkok. It was a bizarre affair with various artists performing whilst lots of arty types looked on. I noticed a particular prevalence of silly glasses, hats and facial hair. The performances were equally surreal involving one man cooking some purple water before drinking it and another summing up the current political situation in Thailand by wearing a mask and popping heart shaped balloons over his head. Needless to say I didnt stay long.
Next night it was the big game Holland v Thailand, live in Bangkok. Met up with a mate Graham and his neighbour who happened to be Dutch. She then proceeded to take us to this bar next to the ground, which was heaving with what must have been every Dutch person in Thailand bedecked in orange and complete with silly hats. We were particularly impressed with the lady boy who was wearing a full Dutch maid outfit. Getting into the spirit of things both Graham and I were wearing orange (my team happen to play in the Dutch kit) which did lead to lots of people thinking we were from the Netherlands and asking us questions in Dutch.
The game itself was a lively affair and the stadium was pretty impressive if stifling hot. To be fair the Dutch bossed it even if they didnt have many recognisable players. However my highlight was the Thai band, which played throughout. The only downside was Doug who was on holiday in Thailand didnt make the game thanks to my accidental misinformation that the game was at National Stadium not the New National Stadium that happened to be about an hour away from each other!
Anyway as penance I managed to meet up with Doug and his mate Andy the next night and have a few beers. Highlight of the evening had to be the bar we were in catching on fire. We only realised something was up when the girls started demanding we pay the bill. Once paid they then kindly informed us the building was burning down. Very comical especially when the fire engine turned up. No word of a lie it was a cross between a converted tuk tuk and a clown fire truck. Confidence wasnt helped by the fireman who, whilst wearing a proper fireproof coat and hat, also had on shorts and flip flops. Fortunately the fire just petered out on its own as we all just stood around watching.
Anyway this led to a rather late night in the go go bars of Nana and a very bad hang over for me the next day. Still recovering bravely Clare and I met up with Doug again the next night on top of our favourite place in Bangkok the Banyan Tree with its tremendous views, and lovely cocktails at its 61st floor bar. After this expense we changed tack abruptly for the next venue and proceeded to the Night Bazaar for some 40 baht dinner. After spending far too long buying hand bags for Doug we escaped to Titanium the ice vodka bar which will actually be at the end of our street next year. Doug and Andy particularly liked the freezer room claiming it was just like being back in the UK!
Anyway really good to see Doug and a good weekend was topped off with a teachers party at a four story mansion on the Saturday after losing once again at football. This was our penultimate game and started off a flurry of football for me with a primary v secondary game on Tuesday, six aside on Thursday and then the season was completed last Saturday with another loss to a bunch of students from the school which was rather hard to take. Still the whole team consoled itself with a night out which once again seemed to take in the seedier parts of town and introduced me to the delights of Soi Cowboy! Clare meanwhile was having a delightful time at a parents house!
Outside of fun everything else going well the work keeps pouring in for me and Clare, thankfully, is pretty much on the home straight in terms of school. Now getting very excited about moving and have booked the removal people and everything. Also very excited about all our various guests to Bangkok basically we have people arriving from now until November!! Particularly looked forward to a planned trip to Cambodia and Angkor Wat with my bro and sister in law.
It will be a little sad to leave this place but fortunately we recently got an additional incentive to move. I was out the middle of last week when I got a call from a rather distressed Clare informing me that there were two giant rats in our cupboard. As I was in the centre of town there was little I could do but tell her to shut the kitchen door and hide in the bedroom what a gallant gent I am! Next day we got the caretaker to bring in a rattrap, which quickly snared one of the critters. Despite being assured of their humane treatment towards the rodent I proceeded to look outside ten minutes later to see one of the soi dogs running around with it in its mouth!! We put the trap back and havent caught anything since but I think its a good time to be leaving!
This was also obviously the thought of our maid who proceeded to do one to Singapore the other day without telling us. This means we now have two ladies working for us and we didnt employ either of them as Khun Bee who was sub-contracted by Khun Aoy to do the ironing has know sub sub contracted the work to Khun Por!! Still they definitely seem better at cleaning than Khun Aoy ever was!
Right best be off see that I have exceeded my criteria for word count so none of you will read this anyway! Also have to prepare for an interview with one of Thailands top models apparently I have to go along to a sexy photo shoot to do the interview which will be through a translator its a hard life. Also off to Pattaya tomorrow where we have one free night at a hotel for another job now I remember why I wanted to be freelance!
Take care all, enjoy the pics and see you soon.
Hot
Asia Cup
Curb your enthusiasm
Thai fire engines
Cold
Rats
Ice bar
Tenants moving out of our place in London
Well anything to get out of starting work I thought I would be super efficient and update you on our goings on in the lovely seaside town of Pattaya. For those of you who dont know (i.e. not Doug) Pattaya has grown an unenviable reputation ever since it was a place for US soldiers to come for some R n R during the Vietnam war. As you can imagine this included some rather dubious past times and so Pattayas name as Thailands sex trade capital came into being. We had heard a lot of mixed stories about the place hence the fact that we hadnt ventured down there even though its just 1/ ½ hours away and by the sea.
The main reason for going down was an assignment for me to cover a newish hotel down there so always being up for any sort of freebie jumped at the chance even if we did have reservations about the place.
Once again we hired a taxi down there and my Thai must be improving as it turned up on time not 12 hours early this time even if once again the driver had no idea where we were going!! The journey was particularly eventful thanks to the mother of all storms and one bolt of lightning that I swear hit the car. Whilst this did slow us up the rubber tyres meant we got to our destination in one piece and without getting lost once which is quite a considerable achievement.
I guess travelling with low expectations is a good way to do things as we actually found the place not half as bad as we had imagined there werent naked ladies on every street corner for a start. Our hotel was also a pleasant surprise very cheap and cheerful but dont out very nicely and with a great view of the seafront even if the beach was covered in umbrellas and the bight of Bangkok full of rusty looking craft.
First night we were both knackered so after eating at a pricy Italian (no potatoes with your main course?) we wandered down the road a bit and found what claimed to be a wine bar. It did serve wine of sorts I suppose but definitely a place trade descriptions could take a look at. Still we didnt mind as we were entertained by first some dancing lady boys before a band came on and made clares night by singing three Boney M songs interspersed with German ballads and we are pretty sure at least one Hoff number. If that wasnt entertaining enough they also had their own fish pond out the back where Japanese diners were enjoying catching their dinner before eating it. Classy.
The next day we moved to our new free accommodation, which was handily just up the road. From the outside the Fairtex was rather unattractive and inside the main foyer the interior décor was definitely liberace style with plenty of marble, big mirrors, gleaming chandeliers and giant gold gilded chairs. The room was pretty much the same down out in a nice turn of red velvet but hey it was big, clean and most importantly free! The hotel is also a health club, gym, spa and weirdly thai kick boxing camp so we had the run of the facilities. Being the sporty outdoor people we are that involved laying by the pool all afternoon before it started raining and then we went and had an afternoon kip!
Still we more than made up for it with a very surreal evening that plumbed the very highs and very lows of Pattaya. First stop was the Premiership Bar, which as the name suggests had a football theme. This extended to the menu where all the dishes were named after footballers so you could have a Wayne Rooney Burger, a Henry hotdog or the one I plumped for Robbie fowler fish and chips. From this classy establishment we then found ourselves in Gullivers an English theme pub which for some reason had souvenir bears for sale. From there it was a move up market with a trip to the newest bar in town - Mantra. This is by with its Chinese fusion style this was a different proposition altogether and wouldnt have looked out of place in Central London very swish but relatively cheap. After that the evening went frankly bizarre and I believe Clare should take most of the blame as she suggested getting into a songtaew and exploring the seedy part of Pattaya. This basically is Walking Street and all the bars and clubs around it. Basically its patpong x 50 and is a very surreal place. Clare dragged me into one show which was frankly rude with lots of naked ladies including a whole bunch in a cage, girls with very big high heels dancing on tables (Ill let you use your imagination) and basically no other white women. Clares jaw barely left the floor the whole time we were in there. Next we went to a Muay Thai bar, which featured a proper ring in the centre. Despite a lot of posturing though the bouts were more akin to World of Sport wrestling than proper fights. After that we had a wander around walking street seeing various odd sights including a thai man dressed as a cowboy, Pattayas only bar full of European women before we decided that enough was enough. However as we were leaving we heard the dulcet tones of the King and a large sign advertising Elvis performing live. This Elvis was very much from the Las Vegas era in terms of outfit and hair but not size being quite a small Thai chap but he and his 8 piece band including violinist were actually very good. After Elvis had left the building the rest of the band continued with some cracking covers including their trumpet player doing a very good Louis Armstrong complete with silly facial expressions. They were then replaced by another band which we were a bit rocky for our liking even though they did play Robbie. When they started doing Santana (they did look the type) and a very angry German turned up we decided it was a good time to leave. A very surreal end to a very funny night just apologies that we dont have any photos of any of it to be fair it was banned in most places!
Next morning I unfortunately actually had to do the work I was sent there to do which involved interviewing the marketing head of the hotel and getting a low down on the joint. Thankfully he looked like he had had a later night than me so it was all quite painless. Still as we were doing the tour I did get introduced to Tata Young who is basically Thailands leading pop sensation (sold millions in Japan dont you know) which was funny. I also got a free Swedish massage, which was very nice.
So all in all a very funny weekend and whilst we wont be rushing back there definitely not the devils lair its made out to be and even those bits that are seedy are basically so amusing you cant feel too much outrage about the whole thing.
Talking of celebs Tata was actually my second in a week as I had previously interviewed the model who actually tuned out to also be a star of four films. As I only found this out as I was being introduced to here it made the interview slightly tricky not helped by her lack of English/my lack of Thai. Interviewing through a translator is not easy at the best of times but it doesnt help youre yours keeps answering the phone midway through a question. It also doesnt help when you ask a question they speak for ten minutes and then give you the answer no. In the end in true journalistic style I made most of it up but unfortunately they kicked me out of the shoot before she actually got into the bikinis.
So we are now in the penultimate week of term bracing ourselves for the move and a flood of visitors. Very excited about seeing everyone, catching up and moving into town though you will have to ask Clare how she recently turned down a chance to jet around the world this summer and get paid for it! Hope floods are abating back home and everyone enjoying Wimbledon a sure sign that summer is here (or there anyway). Enjoy all and see you on facebook.
Hot
Russians
Fowler fish and chips
Prison Break
Cold
Germans
Fishing for your dinner
Well apologies as we`ve been really rubbish of late and this isn`t going to be that informative or long I am afraid. Just to say after a whirlwind couple of weeks Clare is finished school, Val, Nige and the kids have been and gone, we`ve moved house, lost an ipod and my brother and his wife have now turned up. In just two days time we will be jetting off to Phnom Penh and the beauty of Angkor Wat really can`t wait, not sure what is most exciting seeing a wonder of the world (though it didn`t make the shortlist boo) or having two weeks off work!! Anyway just thought I would let you know we are still alive and very well, loads to tell you and loads of photos to share but they are all going to have to wait until I`m at home instead of pretending to work! New flat is amazing fantastic views, great location and we`ve finally got over the lack of size. Hope all well and all the gossip when we get back from `bodia!
Well its been three weeks since we last wrote and a lot has happened in the meantime. In fact there is so much to tell you it`s going to have be broken up into chunks I am afraid. First installment is the end of term and the visit by Val, Nige and the girls Zoe and Leah. What with trying to get all my work finished and Clare dealing with the end of term it was all a but manic but really great to see them. It was also an insight into quite how tiring having two small children living in your house can really be! As I said it was really great to catch up with them and we did manage to find some time to do some cool stuff. Clare and Val hit the Banyan Tree which any visitor to see us will be forced to experience as it is definitely our favourite place. Nige and I then spent the next night at the kick boxing which was really cool. It was quite a relief that I enjoyed it as I am currently trying to write a feature peice about the sport and it would have been a bit difficult if I didn`t like it! The atmosphere is quite electric once you get in there and the crowd really get behind the fighters whilst shouting and waving their hands to lay their bets. Definitely going to go again very soon and hope to actually follow a fighter as he prepares for a big bout.
The end of term had the usual parties to attend and a really good Year 4 day out where we went for a buffet lunch at one of the five star hotels very nice though the caviar wasn`t really to my liking! The only downside was the news that two of clare`s good friends at School John and Joe were leaving. Without going into details it all came about very last minute - it`s a real shame as we have had some good fun with the pair of them - and clare will miss her cigarette partner at school!
Still there wasn`t much time to worry about it because as soon as term ended we had the move to worry about. Fortunately took the sensible option of paying a removal team to come and do it for us. They were simply amazing there was a team of nine of them who proceeded to sweep through our house like a swarm of locusts even going as far as clearing all the food out of the cupboards and emptying all the drawers. In fact they were a bit too good packing the kettle and toaster which werent ours, packing all my shoes so I had nothing to put on my feet and even transporting a balloon and an empty box from one flat to another! They even put back everything as we had had it in the previous flat so it was a remarkably stress free experience and all for less than £150!
So to the new flat. It has to be said it was a bit of a shock to the system moving from four bedrooms to just two. The mood wasnt helped by the fact that there was some very noisy building work going on next door and the TV despite having 80+ channels only had three in English none of which we would ever want to watch. The worse part was no football for me. Still that is now being fixed and we have got all our bits and pieces where we want them and we both love it. The location is awesome with shops, restaurants and more bars than you could ever hope to visit in a week all within walking distance as is the sky train and underground. Its already made a huge difference to me not having to spend hours in the back of cabs travelling to and from jobs. Clare has been making full use of the rooftop pool and enjoying wandering around the local area.
We have also been able to test its ability to host guests thanks to the visit from my younger brother and his wife. We had a very cool time with them even if it wasnt without incident but I am afraid that will have to wait as I have to do some work. However I promise a full report on Cambodia will follow in the next day or so complete with many many pictures. Hope all well in flood ravaged Britain if its any consolation it has been raining here as well!!
As threatened its time for us to regale you with stories of our trip to Cambodia. Ive also noticed that my last five blog entries start with Well so at last the curse is broken!! Back to the trip the first thing we found out was our new place is actually closer to the airport than we imagined. This is obviously handy but would have been better if we had known it before we got up at an ungodly time in the morning only to get there an hour early.
Still the flight was just a quick hour and we particularly enjoyed having paid an extra 200 Baht to be allowed on the plane first very VIP! Coming into Phnom Penh it was obvious that this was no Bangkok style metropolis, it looked very sleepy and very low rise in comparison and it was amazing quite how flat the countryside was around it.
After a remarkably efficient immigration and visa check it was into a cab and out into the city. It seemed the sleepy look might have been a little deceptive as the streets were pretty busy but unlike Bangkok it is the motorbike not the car that is king in Cambodia. Bikes and scooters were whizzing everywhere often with as many as five people on the back of them. The bike craze reminded us of Vietnam and Phnom Penh definitely had more in common with Hanoi. The hotel we were spending our first night in was simply stunning. It was set in an old colonial mansion, which you reached through a courtyard garden, featuring enormous day beds dotted around a beautiful Romanesque pool. Entering the portico fronted reception draped with muslim curtains and packed with objets darts was like stepping back to another time, except for the computers in the corner of course. The rooms were equally impressive and impressively big. Our twin room, which included two large double beds, was vast, really tastefully decorated and all for just US$50 a night. After the early start none of us were that bothered about exploring Phnom Penh especially as we knew we were heading up to Siam Reap tomorrow.
Instead pool and napping were the order of the day. Jon and I did venture out to book the ferry to Siem Reap. The riverfront was nice but didnt quite live up to its description in the Lonely Planet as one of the prettiest in Asia. The Grand Palace and Museum are both impressive structures but I must confess to becoming slightly blasé about ridiculously ornate, beautifully carved temples and buildings already!
We did notice that Cambodians are a lot pushier than Thais and we were bombarded with offers of boat rides, Tuk Tuks, massages and Jon was even asked if he would like to fire an AK47! After a quick stop off in the Frog and Parrott (classy as it sounds) we decided to return to the sanctity and calm of the hotel.
That evening we ventured out to the salubrious venue of the Foreign Correspondents Club. Overlooking the river, and the crowds of locals who come out at night to picnic on the grass, its made a name for itself as a sophisticated setting to sit and watch the sun go down and the world go by. Split over two levels it was very nice. The second floor was particularly atmospheric, with its large comfy sofas, dark wood finish and old style ceiling fans. The menu was extensive and the tasting menu of local specialities was a great way to have our first sample of Cambodian cuisine.
Next morning it was another early start to catch the ferry for our six-hour ride up to Siam Reap. At $25 its pretty reasonable and unlike the buses you dont run the risk of getting stuck in traffic on the Tonle Sap River! We were some of the last to get on and I must confess I was getting slightly worried seeing the size of the boat and the fact that all the other tourists were perched on the roof. Fortunately it seemed they had sat their by choice and there were actually loads of seats downstairs in the air con cabin. However, it was low season and apparently it gets much more crowded during the busy months when travellers are much more tightly packed in. As the boat set off we were quite relieved to be inside not only was the sun very hot but thanks to our speed the wind was whipping up to gale force strength. Not surprisingly there were a lot of sunburnt farangs when we got off at the other end.
The first few hours were actually very pleasant as we made our way up river. We passed countless small villages made up of slightly ramshackle thatched, stilted houses. Each settlement seemed to be filled with naked children who raced down to the river bank to wave as we swept by. Fisherman were busy with their nets and farmers were toiling away in the fields it was quite amazing how rural the whole scene was so close to the capital.
From the cabin you could also watch the local bird life, large black and white Kingfishers sat waiting patiently for their next meal, herons flapped past and hawks drifted lazily upwards on the thermals.
With the steady drone of the engines it was very soporific and we all found ourselves drifting in and out of sleep. That all changed though when we hit Tonle Sape lake. The sides rapidly disappeared from view, the waves grew and the sound of the engine dropped an octave as the water beneath us deepened. After what seems like an eternity bouncing along the muddy brown waters we slowed to pull alongside a smaller barge. Behind it was the start of the floating village of Chong Kneas. After swapping boats and fighting off the flotilla of canoe born touts that were trying to sell drinks and fruit we were then given a free tour as we made our way to the dock. It really was quite amazing to pass through this sizeable settlement all happily floating on the lakes surface. It really seemed to have everything from family homes to shops, to snooker halls and schools. We even saw a basketball court enclosed of course to stop the ball getting wet!
Not surprisingly when we arrived the dock was swarming with tuk tuk and taxi drivers waiting for the chance of our custom. Many were offering a trip to town for just a dollar but then with the downside of having to remain your personal driver for the entire stay. Instead we plumped for a bit of air con taxi comfort instead and got Mr Gee who turned out to have great English which was a help as our Khmer was non-existent.
Once again the hotel wed picked online turned out to be beautiful and the extensive grounds were filled with Cambodian sculptures and water features, and once again we had a gorgeous pool to relax beside. The only negative things that could be said were the sculptures in the corners of the rooms were perhaps a little bit over the top (and scary) and for some reason I was definitely allergic to something in the gardens as whenever we got back to the place my nose started streaming and I started sneezing.
Siem Reap itself is pretty small but getting bigger by the day as developers rush to put up new hotels and cash in on the obvious tourist boom. Despite that it still has a relaxed unhurried feel to it all helped by the calming influence of the small river of the same name that runs through its centre. As we didnt arrive until early afternoon we decided to leave the temples to the next day and try and catch up on sleep due to two early mornings in a row.
So bright and early we headed to see what was nearly one of the new seven wonders of the world (I believe it ended up coming 8th) Angkor Wat. What I hadnt realised until I read the guide books was that Angkor Wat temple is just one of literally hundreds that are scattered around what used to be the centre of Khmer culture. You could literally spend weeks trying too see everything but we just plumped for a three day pass costing $40 which you get at the main entry gate. Your first glimpse of whats in store comes as you drive down a tree-lined avenue and catch sight of the extensive moat that surrounds Angkor Wat. It really is more a lake than a moat and gives you an idea of the size of the place.
On the first morning we went to Angkor Tom rather than Wat but we still got a chance to have a peek at the most famous temple of them all as we cruised past. Angkor Tom is entered by driving through the 20m high Southern Gate, which is flanked, on either side by giant faces of Bodhisattava. In front of the gate are 54 gods on one side and 54 demons on the other. The strangeness of this gate is just a precursor for the Banyon, which has to be one of the best temples we visited. Still relatively intact the many-towered multi-levelled temple is decorated with hundreds of giant faces each one blankly staring out into the surrounding forest. It really is impressive if not also a little creepy. Adding to the surreal nature of the place was the fact that there were loads of huge butterflies that kept trying to land on us to suck on our sweat some succeeded much to Clares delight. From there we explored the rest of Angkor Thom scrambling over boulders to view the different hidden delights. With most people sticking to the well-trodden routes and temples its quite nice to wander off a little and find quieter spots and just appreciate the immensity of the place. Every where you looked there are huge stone causeways and pools surrounding tumble down temples and enormous terraces with thousands of intricately carved scenes of elephants, battles and gods.
However the carefully manicured grounds and stream of tour buses did also give it a slightly national trust feel. There are also hundreds of hawkers everywhere you go trying to sell the usual collection of souvenirs, postcards and guidebooks but despite the persistence of some they certainly werent as overwhelming as other major tourist sites around the world.
That afternoon we decided to tackle the big one Angkor Wat proper. In terms of sheer size it definitely deserves all the attention and is an imposing site as you cross the huge stone causeway that leads across the moat, passed two libraries, to the gate of the main temple. Basically Angkor Wat is built in three ascending levels. With its mix of Buddhist and Hindu temples its crammed with intricate carving and reliefs which seem to cover every available space even the door frames. It does seem strange that such an amazing monument is open to anyone to climb all over with only a few areas cordoned off for repairs. As you climb up the incredibly steep and incredibly narrow steps the extent of the building and the sheer effort that must have gone into constructing it become apparent. The giant stone blocks used to build it were quarried more than 50km away and there are over 3000 heavenly nymphs carved into the wall and each one is unique.
The final climb to the main towers is definitely not for the nervous as it feels more like ascending a cliff face than walking up some stairs. But this was perhaps intentional as it was constructed as a symbol of the universe with the central tower as Mount Meru home of the gods. Its worth the trip though as the view from the top is quite spectacular even with all the crowds of Japanese tourists. When Jon and I finally felt brave enough to come down (Kate and Clare had declined the climb) we did manage to find a side gate and a much calmer and quieter spot. Its then you get a chance to reflect on it all. Still it also led to a close call for Clare as she nearly had a coconut fall on her head whilst we went off to look at some carvings!
To be honest it wasnt the best temple we saw but is still a definite must visit. We had expected swarms of crowds and whilst it did get busy it wasnt nearly as bad as expected.
In terms of Siem Reap there were plenty of places to eat and drink with most of them located near to the Market and bar street which as the name suggests is packed full of bars and restaurants. We were also spoiled with our hotel which had some great food beautifully presented. All the templing is quite tiring so must admit that the first couple of evenings we didnt do much but go out for a bite to eat then retire for an early night.
After the rigours of doing the two biggest temples in one day the following morning was spent visiting Ta Prohm. We all agreed this was one of our favourites. Unlike the others around Angkor it has been more overrun by the jungle with huge trees swarming over and through the temple roofs and walls. It does make it incredibly atmospheric and very good for photo opportunities as you can probably tell from our collection. We also got to see a snake, which added to the slightly mystical ambience of the place, and you could clearly see why they had used it shoot tomb raider. Going through some of the passageways you definitely had a bit of Indiana Jones moment.
After some more serious relaxing by the pool we then aimed to watch the sunset over Angkor Wat. This involved climbing up to a hill with another temple on top. Things didnt look great before we set out with some dark clouds looming but with two brollys between the four of us we pushed on regardless. By the time we had got to the top of the very tall temple, Clare stopping on the way to pet some elephants, the sky was almost black. After a quick peek at Angkor through a telescope while Jonathan and Kate were getting molested by monks the heavens opened with full thunder and lightning accompaniment. The dilemma was we were right on top of the temple with the now guaranteed very steep and worn away steps to try and ascend in a full on storm. We tried to take refuge in one small tower only to be told to get out of it because it was going to fall down by a security guard. Whilst Jon and Kate huddled in one temple Clare and I decided to be British about it and hide under an umbrella though of course we made sure we were only touching the plastic handle. Unfortunately the tempest swirling around us meant it was basically useless and we were soon soaked to the skin. In the end we simply had to give up on any attempt to stay dry and trudge carefully back down the hill and back to the waiting car. Mr Gee did not look that happy about letting four drowned rats onto his nice shiny leather seats. Needless to say we didnt get a classic sunset shot of Angkor Wat.
Right Ive just realised what time it is so have to go to bed. I also realise how much I have written I can only apologise profusely for that. I promise to stop now and finish up the trip tomorrow along with hundreds more photos that are far more entertaining than this. I also apologise that parts of this might sound suspiciously like a travel guide but thats cos they sort of are. I am working clever and using bits of this in a new article so sorry that you have to endure what is a very poor first draft.
Cheers for now will put you out of your misery tomorrow. In the meantime over to Clare to inform you of whats hot and cold this week:
Hot
Greys Anatomy season 3
Americas Top Model (1)
Jiu Jitsui
Visitors
spas
Cold
Being back at work
Tenants (or lack of them)
Singing into a microphone that isnt switched on
Traffic jams in the afternoon rains
Here we go again, round II of our travels around Cambodia. But before I start I would like to just take a moment to celebrate the 1st year anniversary of the blog. Not really sure where the 12 months has gone but its definitely been a fun ride since I first sat down to start this whole thing back in a smelly internet café in Acton. I havent quite managed the once a week entries but weve come pretty darn close. I hope you have enjoyed reading them as much as I have enjoyed writing them and even if nobody does read them then at least I have a means to check back on what we got up too when my memory starts to fade
Anyway enough sentimental claptrap and on with the Cambodian adventures. This wont make a lot of sense unless you are the one person to have read the previous entry but I will carry on regardless. I believe we left it on the 2nd full day in Siem Reap after a thorough soaking up the top of a mountain we barely managed to muster up the energy for a night out. However we did have an excuse for taking it slightly easy as we knew we had the following day.
The third and final day of temple hunting also marked Jons birthday so after some pressie giving from us a pair of hammocks and a golden cat that didnt work - we were ready for the final push. Unfortunately we did lose one member of the party (Clare) who had a bad case of temple sickness and decided that lying by the pool and going for a massage where more appealing than a two hour trip to look at some more rubble, the fool!!
The journey wasnt actually too bad as we did stop a few times for breaks. First stop was at Banteay Srei which was apparently built solely by women. This was probably deduced by the fact that it was very pretty, very small and was one of the few that had managed to stay standing. It was actually really nice as it was carved out of a different coloured rock and had some very intricate carving and the small size meant you knew where you were going for once.
After a short while back in the car we stopped again to see how the locals made this sort of sweet from boiled sugar cane. It was as you would expect very, very sweet, still the woman cooking did alright as she managed to flog a couple of scarves to Kate at the same time.
Next stop was the landmine museum, which was really amazing. It is basically run by this guy called Aki Ra who was conscripted into the Khmer Rouge when he was just 14, he then fought for the Vietnamese when the war got all complicated. All the time he was fighting his job was to lay land mines all over the country. Obviously the legacy of his and others like him is a countryside that is littered with these mines, which are still causing countless deaths and injuries weekly. However since peace finally came to Cambodia he has been set on undoing all his bad work and has now cleared over 100,000 mines in total. He has also set up an orphanage to care for injured kids and those whove lost their families. The museum was very basic but very well done and the most powerful part about it was the huge stockpile of mines that filled every conceivable space. It was very thought provoking to visit as despite being aware of the countries history it brought home how real the effects of it still are.
From there it was out into the proper countryside down a private road that was in very good condition thanks to the toll levied on anyone who used it. It was still quite amazing to see how basic the living conditions are for many Cambodians living in very basic wood and banana leaf huts with very little contact (in terms of TV and radio) with the outside world. Finally we pulled up at Beng Mealea the reason we made such an effort to get here was because this temple is well and truly off the beaten track and has almost completely been swallowed up by the jungle. There were very few tourists and no hawkers, which made a refreshing change from Angkor. So after quick meal at the one food stall we hired a rather reluctant guide who told us from the start that we would have to be quick as he was hungry we set off to explore.
It really was quite amazing as it was so overgrown with vines and creepers and probably 60% of it had already collapsed. To get in we had to climb over a wall and the route round it involved us climbing up rock falls and across roofs. It was really cool clambering down into enclosed courtyards and along crumbling ledges. Many of the passageways were pitch black as the thick vegetation had blocked out most of the light and the darkened tunnels were now home to bats and some very big spiders. We just missed spotting a couple of snakes despite our guides attempts to get them to show themselves by throwing things at them and a huge branch fell off a tree and nearly took Jon out at one stage so it was definitely the most exciting and most scenic temple we visited.
Back at the hotel we quickly showered and changed ready to celebrate Jons birthday. After a few drinks we hit a place called the Blue Pumpkin, which was Siem Reaps trendiest eatery. All decked out in white it was an imitation of the Bed Supper Club in Bangkok with the option to eat on daybeds. Unlike the bed supper club though the rather stark lighting meant you could see every stain left by previous diners who had found out like we did that eating lying down is rather tricky. The highlights of the place had to be the very camp waiter who seemed to take a particular shine to Jon and also to his look of embarrassment when we all sang happy birthday and presented him with a half frozen chocolate birthday cake. After that the night got a little blurry as we hit some bar come nightclub and proceeded to dance the rest of the night away on tables.
The high spirits of the night before were perfect preparation for the five hour taxi drive back to Phnom Penh. This was made even more enjoyable by the appaling driving of our new cabbie. Despite striking a deal with Mr. Gee to take us back he obviously couldnt be bothered so he had palmed it off to a friend. Not only did he have a nasty habit of trying to overtake when there was oncoming traffic but he also seemed to have his hand firmly pressed against the horn, which happened to sound like a squeaky laser gun.
Somehow we survived and made it back to the bustle of Phnom Penh but not before a random delay on the outskirts. For some reason our taxi driver stopped at the market and then refused to drive despite us knowing where we were going. Two or three others then asked us and then looked blank when we explained the name of the hotel. In the end one did get in and by a lot of gesticulating we managed to point him back to the sanctuary of the Pavilion. It was a pleasant feeling to be back which got even better when we found out we had the two best rooms in the house with large balconies overlooking the pool and even bigger rooms than before lush! Feeling a little cultured out we spent the day by the pool before finishing the day off with a slap up meal of pizza all round.
We were also steeling ourselves for the next day which was the very sombering and very emotional experience of visiting the Killing fields where thousands were taken and bludgeoned into mass graves. It was definitely a very weird feeling seeing all the skulls and hearing the guide tell us all about the men, women and children who were killed in what was very beautiful setting on the outskirts of town. The tower of skulls was obviously very powerful but even more unsettling was hearing children playing football and the local temples prayer chants as looked around the graves. Things didnt get anymore uplifting as we then visited Tuol Sleng Museum. This former school was converted during the war into security prison S21 and it was estimated that 17000 people passed through its gates between 1975 and 1978 only 7 survived. It was a very depressing experience made even more so by the run down and dilapidated state of the museum. Perhaps the most chilling element was the fact that the Khmer Rouge had taken photos of each and every person who was held here and in one block the staring faces of these prisoners is a really haunting, reminder of what went on there, especially those of the small children who obviously werent old enough to do anyone any harm but suffered anyway.
As our last day in Phnom Penh we decided to spend the rest of the day exploring the small side streets near to the hotel and came across some lovely restaurants and cafes. That evening we ended up at a restaurant called Friends which was the Cambodian equivalent of Jamie Olivers 15. It was very nice despite another torrential downpour, which managed to get past the covered awning to soak us all pretty well. This was despite the efforts of the attentive staff who must have moved our table about ten times in an attempt to keep us dry. Clare and I then finished the evening off in a swanky cocktail bar that hinted that Phnom Penh might also be a very fun place to spend a few nights out. Overall we really enjoyed its laid back attitude and would highly recommend it to people. Its definitely a place we will head back to especially now we have the hidden gem that was the Pavilion to stay in.
So another day and another plane and whilst Cambodia was great we were also looking forward to getting back to our flat and remembering what it was like. Unfortunately Jon and Kates trip seemed to get a little cursed when we landed as will soon be revealed. First day back Kate, Jon and I went and caught the new Harry Potter at the Imax cinema. This was my first experience of a 3D cinema and I definitely jumped out of my seat a few times during the trailers. The Harry Potter film actually only had the last 15 minutes in 3D so I cunningly decided to fall asleep for three quarters of the film and woke up for the finale. It was good but I must admit the glasses did just make me feel a little queasy.
When we got home we found that Clare had been really ill and that evening Jon was struck down with the same lurgy. Leaving him behind the three of us went to Jim Thompsons House and it was actually really pleasant. Tucked down a small Soi it is actually three old Thai buildings that the former spy, and promoter of Thai silk had transported down from up country. Under the direction of our informative if slightly strict guide we had a look around the main house, which was truly beautiful before being ejected in the direction of the gift shop. Somehow I managed to get Kate and Clare coming out with only a set of postcards between them, which I think, deserves some sort of award.
Next day we had a bike ride round Bangkok lined up. Its something Clare and I have wanted to do for a long time. In the centre of Bangkok is a small island called XX one of the Kings decreed that it would be a national park and nothing much was allowed to be built on it. As such its actually home to a spot of jungle and a load of plantations. After collecting the bikes and taking a rather frightening ride down a four-lane highway populated by huge trucks we made it to the river. Jumping on a boat we were ferried across to the island and quite literally to another world. It was just amazing that this place was in the centre of the capital, birds were singing, the air smelt fresh and everywhere you looked was lush vegetation. Basically because it is so low lying the majority of pathways are actually raised platforms that arent very particularly wide and rather twisty. You wind down these routes passing small homesteads, neighbourhood temples and plantations. It was really quite beautiful and a real gem in the heart of the city.
Unfortunately it was not without its risks and the canal towpaths are pretty tricky things to ride along. It was Kate who came off worse overshooting a corner and going over the side. Even more unfortunately her knee managed to hit a coconut and she ended up in hospital with badly strained ligaments. The one good thing is the hospitals out here are very good and relatively cheap so she was x-rayed and bandaged up and given plenty of pills for the pain.
Whilst she was at the hospital I had to dash to the airport to pick up Steve who was staying en route. We ended up giving him a whistle stop of the seedier side of Bangkok taking in a strip show, a lady boy cabaret act, a ride in a tuk tuk and a meal of grasshoppers, frogs and crickets. Not bad going for one night and we finished it off with a trip to the fish and chip shop.
Kates injury meant we werent able to make it to Chatuchak which is the great weekend market which was a real shame but at least we did manage to get to the all you can eat buffet. I did also have a night out with Jon which involved plenty of pool, some rice wine and ending up playing darts in one of the myriad bars, this one was called flaming mos, down the road from us. I hope the injury and illness that plagued their final days didnt put them off too much and it was really great having them here.
Despite Jon and Kates departure normality hasnt quite returned. Despite heading back to work for me, which is as hectic as ever, we have had a steady stream of visitors to keep us entertained. Steve and Rhi were here whilst Rhi ran a course for the National Museums of Thailand. It was really great to see them and we had some fun nights out and did actually manage to take them to Chatuchak where we all went on a slightly crazed t-shirt buying spree. Since then Steve has returned from Kuala Lumpur and Langers has turned up ensuring a rather drunk night out which was impressive considering it was a day when all bars were not allowed to sell alcohol. They have now headed off to Cambodia and are back in a couple of weeks.
So for the first time in a while we have the place to ourselves. Clare is making the most of this new found space and is now doggedly ploughing through Series 3 of Greys Anatomy. Since my return I have been very busy at work interviewing the BBC foreign correspondent, a former footballer and on Wednesday night had to attend a Jiu-Jitsui training session. It wasnt actually too bad except I had to wear a very smelly karate outfit and I kept losing against this 14 year old. Right that means we are basically up to date so peace and quiet for a while. Hope everybody well and catch up soon.
Photos of our flat! It`s not big but a little glam. We have no oven but we do have a microwave, 2 small balconies and a rooftop pool/jacuzzi. I like it!!
It`s been a while, and face book, school and NICKS NEW JOB are to blame!!!!
Since the last entry I`ve turned 34, YIKES!! Had a lovely night out at the Banyan tree followed by some less sophisticated (but just as much fun) cocktails in some little bars near us...they have kittens you can cuddle. I was utterly spoilt for pressies...`How to be a social Diva` book (I recommend it), oodles of lipgloss, Champagne, Thorntons, face cream (that works), pjs, glam earings and a smoothie maker...almost makes up for being 34!!
School started and what a difference compared to last year!! My class are lovely ... so far so good, I feel more organised and I am now not only looking forard to each day but I come home smiling and even the commute isn`t so bad!
Fat Steve and Langers turned up so we had a weekend of frivolity at Samet that did involve a bucket or two, Nicks cousins also came to play in Bangkok and Nicks eldest brother is here next weekend so we`ve booked an evening at a comedy club...UK comics (think it`s a jolly for them). Then all the school do`s started so it`s been great catching up with teachers and the new staff.
Nick applied last Saturday for an Editor of an English language sports magazine, which obviously was right up his street and I think he spent the day day dreaming about writing juicy reports on Villas win against Chelsea however, it is an inhouse club magazine for the poshest club in town!! No.1 requested golf course, Horse races, 50m pool...very high society. The mag has a circulation of 17500 and covers lifestyle items, polo results, club badminton tours to Singapore and the like. He was intervied on the Monday and started today....brilliant!!!!
With his old magazine (who offered him a post in Singapore) we went to a fashion launch/show on Friday night, very very entertaining. Hope you are all well. Happy birthday to Ember (who is 1) and my mum (who is not one).
HOT
4M!!!!!(my class!!)
Facebook (still)
Heroes
Americas next top model season 8
COLD
OK! magazine not out on time
Maids who don`t iron
Well there it is there after a year of blagging it I`ve finally gone and one the unthinkable and got a proper job. What`s more it`s actually quite a proper one as well as editor of an 84 page monthly magazine all very grown up and suprisingly interesting what`s more the money is good and the hours are quite relaxed in fact the only downside is the holidays - a miserly 12 days a year (not incl. hols). Still it`s all good so far but unfortunately deadlines actually matter so I better stop this and actually sign off on some covers and things before we go to press tomorrow! Will promise to catch up properly very shortly.
Well first of all apologies for the brief and rather curtailed entry last time around. I did think I had a spare half an hour to sit down and write a catch up note but it turned out to be five minutes and two days later I finally have the time to complete what I began. Well the good news is I have actually completed the magazine the bad news is it starts all over again straight away. Well nearly straight away as I have the accorded myself the treat of going off and seeing some elephants playing polo tomorrow afternoon. It`s just one of the benefits of this job in that I get invited to lots and lots of free events as suddenly people feel I am important now I no longer a mere lackey and actually have some (supposed) clout. I have only made it to one free function so far but the free wine was very nice and hopefully there will be plenty more of these in the future. I am also currently trying to get a trip to six star resort in the Maldives but this might be slightly optimistic and might have to settle for a freebie to a 5 star resort in Khao Lak instead. Oh how I suffer for my art. Anyway that`s enough about job as there are plenty more interesting things to talk about.
In terms of news it really is a question of where to begin because it really has been a very very long time since we properly wrote. As Clare mentioned a couple of entries ago there has been a lot of upheaval of late and plenty of visitors passing through our doors. It`s been good fun but slightly tiring what with having to work and play but hopefully shown every one what Bangkok has to offer!!
Can`t quite believe this but got to go again as final pages come through with some amendments. One day don`t know where and don`t know when but I will finish this thing!! Also promise to put up a load of photos as I do understand that is the only people visit really : )
Well after two aborted attempts I finally have the chance to sit down and write a proper entry without the distractions of people handing me final proofs. I hope anyway as I am sat at home and it should have gone to press on Friday!!! Anyway there is quite a bit to tell you since last time. Not least that our local shopping centre has been transformed into a rain forest. All very strange especially as Chris and I came across it when we were both slightly drunk. It`s all to do with their attempt at raising awareness about saving the rainforests and stopping global warming. The only trouble with that concept is the size of the carbon footprint they must have created by bringing in all the plants, lighting and bizarre collection of animals probably outweighs any positive change to people`s mindsets!! Not only has the foyer been turned into a wooded area but they`ve also populated it with Iguana`s, peacocks and something called Bintongs which are sort of a cross between a bear and a sloth. Inside they have a forest glad complete with running water and a greenhouse full of butterflies, a desert scene with hedgehogs and lizards and huge cages full of different types of parrots. All rather crazy and definitely something that could only take place in Asia as if you tried it in the UK. First of all there would be a huge public outcry at the waste of money and secondly all the plants (and probably animals) would be nicked in the first night. Really not sure approve of it personally especially one of their highlights which was four baby tigers who looked thoroughly depressed inside a greenhouse locked in some tiny cages.
Still we`ve included lots of pictures so perfect for those wanting to inform the RSPCA or would that be TSPCA? Anyway it`s going down a storm with Thais so who are we to stop their fun. Strangely enough it`s my second close call with some big cats as I think Clare mentioned having got the chance to cuddle a baby leopard the other week during a curious interview which was meant to be about Thai kickboxing. Unfortunately the guy was still drunk so I got very little for my article but he was kind enough to show me the leopard as well as its mother who was in the stable next door. Very bizarre especially when he decided to take it for a walk and it just kept trying to scratch him and escape. Needless to say random events such as this are slightly rarer in my new posher yet more sedate job. Nevertheless I have already been to watch an elephant polo game, been invited to about three grand openings of things and most impressive of all I managed to wangle the three free nights at a six star resort in the Maldivesfor me and Clare which I mentioned before!!! The only downside is getting there but already using the magazines clout to try and blag at least one free ticket with an airline. Really quite excited as it is a dream destination for me so plan is to head there at the start of 1/2 term. I would point out I am actually writing an article on it as well it`s not like I am not working!! Talking of work it`s quite amazing what having a job does to your employability as I have been offered three jobs since I started. One was in Singapore, one was editing a newsletter and the other was working for a travel magazine but quite happy where I am for the time being. Right trying to keep it short so going to leave it there but be warned I now do have the time to update regularly again so expect plenty more from me.
Despite the promises of writing more regularly I have already been slightly remise but for once I can firmly blame someone else in this case former Australian fast bowler Merv Hughes and you wouldnt argue with him! This is of course slightly stretching the truth slightly but after all I am a journalist. The real reason is that Clare and I were both nursing extremely bad hangovers last Sunday as a result of a rather lengthy drink on the Saturday. In our defence it was in honour of a very auspicious day in the calendar close to both our hearts thats right the Australian Rules Football Grand Final of Geelong vs. Port Adelaide. Again youve probably noticed a little white lie there, what we were really attracted to was the special event laid on at the Sheraton for the final. Basically it is an excuse for all the Aussie ex-pats (and quite a few from elsewhere) to get together and enjoy free flow champagne, beer and wine whilst indulging in an awesome buffet breakfast and lots of aussie pies throughout the match. Even though Clare realised quite quickly she had been tricked into attending a sporting event of sorts the Champagne softened the blow and it was a very funny day. Merv was the guest speaker and after the game had finished we managed to have a quick chat with the great man as well as take some amusing photos. The whole thing started at 10am and we werent kicked out until 3pm so we were fairly merry by then (as you can probably tell) but even so we decided to carry on meeting up with a bunch of other teachers and generally staggering around Bangkok until 10 at night. Needless to say we paid for it the next day not the best considering I had my first game of the season. As half my team had spent the previous day in a similar fashion it wasnt surprising that we ended up losing 1-0 to a bunch of 16 year olds.
It actually wasnt the first glamorous do that Clare and I had attended that week as we also visited the Intercontinental the previous Thursday as part of a special dinner for the leading editors in Bangkok to celebrate the opening of a new restaurant. For some reason I got an invite and was told I could bring someone. It was therefore rather embarrassing to find out that I was the only one to bring a partner to the do. Still it was good fun and interesting to meet new people, the highlight was the huge round table we sat around for the dinner which reminded us of a meeting of the dons in the godfather complete with revolving central bit!! The 12 courses of Shandong Cuisine wasnt bad either!! I then dragged Clare back from reality by taking her to The Black Swan (which is a rather grimy pub) which I had to review in my position of pub crawler. Found a perfect caricature of a English pub landlord who then proceeded to abuse us both whilst buying us free drinks made us all teary eyed for home!
Those sharp eyed amongst you cant have missed the title which also relates to the new trend Metrosexuals. The reason I mention it is my behaviour of the past couple of weeks is starting to display worrying signs of this craze. A couple of weekends ago Clare and I decided to enjoy our first weekend on our own for a while by heading for a massage at a new spa just down the road. However when we got there we decided to enjoy a little bonus wage Clare had received by going for a full on treatment package. This consisted of a head and shoulder massage, herbal compresses and yes I admit it a facial at the end. We were ushered into a private room and then told to get undressed, not an unusual request in these places, but what was slightly different was being told to put on some special elasticated and very brief pants. Needless to say we both looked hilarious especially when Clare also decided to don the shower cap they had also left behind. This had the effect of reducing Clares masseuse to hysterics so badly that she actually had to leave the room twice. The treatment was nice the massage was very good, especially as the last one we had undertaken had been a rather more brutal affair carried out by two sadistic old Thai ladies all whilst I was wearing some pyjamas that made look two. The compresses was not so pleasant as it involved them jabbing boiling heart bags of herbs all over our bodies which to be honest was quite painful. Finally it would seem that the facial was very nice as I managed to fall asleep with my mouth wide open as soon as it started, which I am sure was delightful for the girl applying the creams!
As if this foray into femininity wasnt enough I managed to top it this week at work when I visited a beauty clinic for an advertorial piece. Everyone (except me) in the office decided it would be a great idea if I underwent a treatment. After a consultation by the owner whose face reminded me slightly of plastic in which she told me how old and wrinkled I looked I was ordered to undergo a laser treatment. The first half involved having some electroplates taped to my back (think electro shock therapy) before having a device that looked like a pritt stick rubbed all over my face whilst it pulsed me with electro waves. At the same time the women doing it then scratched away at my face with something akin to a sharp soldering iron. It wasnt unpleasant but the electricity coursing through my head did mean my saliva tasted as if I had been licking batteries and my eyes kept twitching uncontrollably. As if this wasnt enough the 2nd half required me to have some ultra cool gel lobbed onto my aging visage whilst I was zapped with a laser. Apparently this helps stimulate the collagen in my face to work harder the lazy stuff! All very strange.
This is perhaps the strangest thing I have had to do at work so for which is panning out OK. Its been slightly odd as my boss basically found out that he has to undergo major surgery and hasnt been in for two weeks leaving me to just get on with it. Still the first issue came out without too many complaints and once I understand how apostrophes work and become fluent in Thai then sure it will be fine. To be fair the people in the office are trying hard to understand my English and slowly teaching me some key phrases which helps. Also got a nice routine going now which simply wasnt possible as a freelancer even if this was disrupted this week by a bout of food poisoning that kept me up all Monday night. To add insult to injury this meant I got the chance to watch Villa v Spurs live at 2am (in between trips to the bathroom) allowing me to witness our throwing away of a 3 goal lead.
Still under slight pressure this month as everything has to be completed early to allow me to disappear off to the Maldives on the 20th with Clare to write an article on a new resort. In the end got the flights half price but it is still costing us a bit but its a once in a lifetime opportunity I cant turn down. Which leads nicely onto the biggest perk of work my 1st pay check which I duly received last week. Very nice it was too even if we have spent most of it on a new computer (the 1st one weve ever bought) and the flights to the Maldives already!
Clare is continuing to love school and recently had her appraisal relating to contract extensions. Needless to say the observation went superbly and she has committed to staying for another two years. Clare also making the most of being in town managing to enjoy not one but two cocktail evenings this week she just keeps getting more glam! She has also found the time to break some kind of record in terms of killing a pet. Having a desire for her own aquarium she decided to buy what can only be described as a big vase and got two fish (described in the shop as very hardy). # hours later as I was heading to bed I decided to check on Kipper I and Kipper II only to find them floating on the surface. Still the vase looks very nice : )
We really are enjoying life here at the moment, Bangkok really is a great city and one that constantly surprises. Two quick examples are my recent experience in a corner shop where I was buying some mints. The woman serving me kept talking away and obviously not at me. Thinking this strange as she obviously didnt have a hands free phone on the go I peered over the counter only to see a man wrapped up in a blanket trying to sleep on the floor. The other was in the car the other day coming back from football. There was a livestock truck ahead of us from which a steady stream of liquid started to escape right onto the car next to it. Turns out it was a rather large pig relieving itself nice.
Anyway with that lovely thought better go and get ready need to go and stock up on carbs before the big game this afternoon. Hope all is well with everyone and will update you on the latest goings on from the City of Angels next week.
Hot
A computer that works
Alias (season III)
Merv
Collagen
Australia (so kind of them in the rugby)
Cold
Food poisoning
Botox
Dead fish
Weak ankle
Not much to report this week as it’s been fairly quiet on the Eastern front. Guess our relative lack of excitement is partly due to the steady down pours we’ve been enduring of late, with torrential showers every day. It’s seen me get a few soakings on the back of bikes on the way to work which isn’t nice as you always seem to get very soggy thighs plus my office is like a fridge. I could swear I’ve seen icicles forming… It’s got so bad I had to take a jacket with me to wear when I get to my desk and then take off when I got outside – there’s definitely something wrong there.
Still we have managed to get out and about a little and did partake in two spells of decadence this weekend. Friday night Clare wanted to test out her new Sheraton Card she bought the other night. Basically for around 100 quid it gets us a host of freebies including nights at the Sheraton, free meals and drinks and 30% off every time go there. So to make our money we went there Friday night for a free drink and ended up buying a bottle of wine instead. Still Clare does get points so I think it’s really a replacement now she can no longer use her tescos card! We had the wine in their swanky bar in the basement of the hotel. Very nice all low lighting and black décor. We managed to get a really nice booth area complete with its own curtains but the mood was slightly spoilt by the presence of a leaving do for Tony and Collenette who apparently worked for the lovely people at Chevron. Oil men don’t tell good jokes I can tell you that much. Still we had to feel sorry for them they were being posted to Nigeria which has to be a nasty culture shock after Thailand. After the wine we decided to try and find another swanky bar but somehow missed at and ended up at the slightly less classy Singha Beer Garden. Still it was nice even if we did get soaked during yet another downpour. Despite sitting under a very large umbrella the intensity of the rain meant it offered no protection. Still being English we stuck it out for as long as we could until the water started lapping around our legs then we decided it was probably time to go inside.
Saturday Clare spent getting her reports done in preparation for the visit of her parents and I spent mooching around watching sport, bliss (for me anyway). Sunday we went for High Tea at the Shangri La, yet another five star hotel, for a friend’s birthday. It was suitably posh and there was a fine selection of the very best cakes and a ridiculous quantity of salmon that we valiantly attempted to work our way through. But the real draw was on the dance floor. Basically for some reason this spot is incredibly popular for a lot of very well to do Thai ladies to come along and strut their funky stuff. For some reason their husbands don’t accompany them (I assume they are either on the golf course or already starting out on their new life cycle as a giraffe). So instead there are bunch of very young, very gay men who have obviously been taking ballroom lessons simply to escort this ladies around the dance floor. With the women displaying some heavy duty makeup, flamboyantly garish outfits and hairstyles that make Imelda Marcos look informal it’s a rather spectacular sight. They really go for it as well with a lot of shaking and rubbing going on. It’s all quite disturbing considering some of their ages but is a fantastic way to spend the afternoon and definitely has a gruesome fascination. My biggest concern was that there might be a spark from one of the sequinned outfits as I think with the amount of hairspray out there it could have been an inferno. Still you’ll be pleased to hear that they all made it through the afternoon without the need for a Zimmerframe or fire extinguisher.
Back in the real world slight concern over the King as he suffered a mild stroke over the weekend. It is really unclear what on earth would happen if he does pass on so a slightly interesting time. Noticeable that the number of people wearing yellow today was much higher than it has been for a while. Fingers crossed he pulls through as it’s his 80th birthday in a couple of weeks.
In the world of work Clare close to ½ term now with just a couple of days to go then we off to the Maldives. Haven’t really had chance to get excited as my boss has been off work for two weeks undergoing heart surgery meaning I’ve been left to my own devices to get the magazine finished. I am quickly learning that the biggest problem is my sales team who seem determined to make life difficult. Still the end is in sight and should be finished it all by Thursday, but before then I do have to write a three page story on the results of the Food and Beverage survey at the club. It’s thrilling stuff, for example one comment was there wasn’t a correct cheese knife on the cheeseboard so you not what… they bought a cheese knife. I may well turn it into a film script and novel at the same time and really cash in. If you’re lucky I might also put it up here!!
Anyway on the exhilarating note it’s time for my bed, after all I need to be fully awake to finish that article off tomorrow. Right could be a while until we write again what with holiday to exotic location and all that. Hope all good back home and you enjoying better weather than here.
Just a quickie update you all. As those who have experienced the wonder of Facebook will have already seen we spent a few days of last week in Paradise and a six star paradise at that. Our trip to the Maldives was simply awesome not only is the Maldives your classic island escape, white sandy beaches, crystal blue sea etc.. but the place we stayed in was simply stunning. The house was a whopping 300 sqm (that’s about six times bigger than our flat in London) and came complete with its own plunge pool, outdoor shower, indoor shower and steam room, open air bath and a wine cellar. Oh and of course the services of our own personal house master ready at the end of the line should we need anything at all.
It was truly an amazing place and completely out of our league but somehow managed to survive the four day stay without anyone rumbling us! All of it was made even sweeter by the fact that it cost us a mere $200 and that was simply due to the fine wines we drank. The island we were staying was but literally in the middle of the ocean and was a good thirty minute speedboat ride from the Capital. From our vast and private sun deck you just had endless ocean and not a blot of civilisation in sight, in fact only disturbances were the waves, some baby sharks swimming by and a moray eel attacking and catching another smaller eel. The water was so clear it was unreal. To be honest words can’t really do it justice and I am not sure photos can either but needless to say it was something special.
Of course I was meant to be working so I (unlike Clare) couldn’t spend all my time lazing in the pool having to go round the island and the resorts on the nearby islands pretending I cared what they looked like! Still managed to get it all done in a day and I can’t really complain. As we were reviewing the place we also got lots of extras thrown in which included an amazing Thai massage on our sun deck plus quite randomly a Thai cooking course where we got to eat the surprisingly tasty results. The rest of the time was spent deciding whether to lounge on the sun-bed, take a dip in the pool or relax on the daybed on our porch – very tough decisions. In fact, the only reasons we left were to wander the five yards over to the other side of the island to watch the sun go down in a blaze of glory! We did also get to experience all the different restaurants available on our island and those at the other resorts which were all pretty stunning. The best bit was we could use all their facilities but they couldn`t set foot on our enchanted isle, there was an even a large gate stopping them getting in on one side - terrible really but we were on the right side of the fence! Also did manage a brief dip in the sea by me for some snorkelling where saw some pretty cool stuff even though most of the reef was still suffering post tsunami. The only downside if I had to be really fussy was the last day it rained so we didn’t get to go on our planned snorkelling excursion outside the lagoon which was a shame as there was a chance to see Manta Ray. Still it did mean I got to order in a $50 burger instead which was very tasty. It also meant that the journey back by boat was a little choppy but a very small price to pay for a wonderful trip. Now currently dreaming of winning the lottery so we can go back…
So now back in Bangkok and got home just in time to welcome the arrival of Clare’s mum and dad for their first taste of Bangkok. Think overall they have been impressed. Clare has finally broken her duck and took them to see the Grand Palace and Wat Po, and we made them endure a day at the mega shopping centres. Their visit was also a good excuse to go back to the Marriot for their Sunday Brunch, definitely know they were impressed by that and got the ultimate accolade from Clare’s dad that it was the best meal he’s ever experience. That is high praise indeed I can tell you. As Clare and I are both at work they have now headed up to Kanchanaburi for a couple of days or at least we hope that’s where they are. They were planning on getting the train up early this morning and as we haven’t heard anything can only assume they made it. They get back Thursday and the plan is a lady boy show, the Night Market and of course our all time favourite drinks up the Banyan Tree!
As for us it’s back to earth with a bump back to school and back to the world of magazines. Still have trips to Krabi and Phuket to keep us going. My second issue came out today so we wait to see how many mistakes are in it!
Can’t believe we have been here over a year now but definitely feeling a lot more settled. Also getting a little bit blasé about things judging by my journey home today. Coming off the Skytrain I was momentarily annoyed because there was a baby elephant in the way, then on the back of the motorbike home started tutting because a man selling bugs from his bike got in our way. Quickly realised how lucky I am!!
Right that’s it for me enjoy the photos and if you do have a couple of thousand dollars you want to blow on a night in the Maldives do let me know as I can recommend a nice spot. Cheers all.
Hello from a frankly parky Bangkok, some nights we don’t even have to put the fan on anymore!!
Well I can’t believe its been so long since I last updated this thing over a month and counting. I am afraid this isn’t going to be much better as I have already been sat in front of a computer for 13 hours today and my eyes are going to drop out of their sockets if I continue starting at the flickering screen much longer. Anyway just really wanted to let people know WE ARE ALIVE just a little lazy and a lot busy hence the hiatus on this site. In our defence we have had visitors pretty much every week since the last blog and a mixture of holidays and a lot of work on have left us with very little time on our hands.
My other defence is that my new job means I am currently living too far in the future to know what reality is. Whilst many of you are considering Christmas I am already on to Valentines Day so the here and now gets slightly left behind… Anyway the light in the form of some days off is on the horizon so I promise to write a proper entry before the Christmas hols.
In the meantime some photos of various visitors, trips and holidays we’ve been experiencing and a mercifully brief run down of where and what we’ve been up to since we got back from the Maldives – now just a distant memory…
Aside from the pleasure of having both sets of parents out which involved plenty of good food and enjoyable trips we have also managed to squeeze in a first visit to Krabi, celebrated Loy Kratong, enjoyed the fireworks in honour of the King’s 80th Birthday, had two four day weeks in a row, caught up with both pre wedding and post wedding friends passing through and most importantly of all my team won their first game of football!!
Clare has just two days until she finishes school for the holidays and I have two days to complete half a magazine (which has also been completely redesigned for this issue) before we can get on a plane and head to Phuket for Vas’s wedding. Really can’t wait just need to fill in a tax form, chase three different jobs for money, buy all my Christmas presents and complete my Thai homework and I am a free man for three days. And on that note afraid I best get on. Enjoy the pictures lots more to come when I get some batteries for the camera I and promise that it won’t be two months until I update this thing again.
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Portable DVD Players
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Well, well here it is Christmas Eve sitting in Bangkok, the sun is shining and we are once again living in a democracy. How long this democracy lasts is anyone’s guess but I give it a couple of months until the new government try and sneak the lovely Mr. Thaksin back into the country and put the army generals on trial for last years coup… Should be interesting when it does happen if nothing else, though not sure it would quite get Thailand out of the economic morass it is currently slumped in.
To be honest it has all gone pretty smoothly. There has been pretty little trouble and we have been pretty unaffected by the whole thing. Perhaps the biggest influence was the decision to ban booze for the two weekends of the elections. Quite why people are not allowed to vote when drunk is beyond me but it is a bit of a bind when the ban happens to fall on the same day that Clare finished school and had an end of term party. We thought we would be safe when we headed down to the tourist filled island of Phuket the next day but even the five star hotel we stayed in kept up the same tight restrictions. It’s amazing how not being able to have a drink really does make you want a drink but anyway more of that later.
The only other noticeable sign that anything was happening where the thousands of posters all over the city featuring pictures of the different candidates. For some reason each one features at least three people, often quite strange looking people, and in the most part they have been placed in the middle of pavements and at busy intersections. Whilst this does of course mean high visibility for the potential pollsters it has also meant the inability to walk on the said pavements and an increase in car accidents with drivers unable to see what’s coming thanks to some ugly mug blocking the view!! Right that’s enough politics for now as I am sure you can get a better précis of what’s going on from the BBC/CNN or John Craven’s Newsround.
So what have we been up to since last we spoke well looking back at my last entry it seems that I also do owe a bit more info about the last few months. However, in the understanding that it is Christmas and I am sure people have more interesting things to do I will try and keep it as short as possible.
As I said last time out we have been blessed with a lot of visitors passing through the City of Angels of late. It all started with Clare’s Mum and Dad’s first visit to Bangkok. I think they were impressed with the city and really enjoyed Thailand. Our time with them involved eating at a lot of nice spots, the usual trip up the Banyan Tree and of course an un-missable visit to the Marriot for their all you can eat buffet. It must be good if Clare’s Dad terms it the best meal he’s ever had!! However, despite the culinary delights there highlight was a trip to Kanchanaburi where as well as riding on the Death Railway they had the chance to spend a whole afternoon cuddling with real life tigers – Clare’s mum was in heaven. We also took them to the Shangri-La for the ballroom dancing, I am not sure what they made of it really especially as there was one ‘lady’ though who looked truly frightening and could probably go ten rounds with Mike Tyson. Still very funny as always. They also very kindly treated us for Christmas with dinner at Vertigo...how spoilt and glam are we, (Clare has bought a dress for the event, she already has shoes to match thank goodness!!) So Christmas Day think of us dining al fresco 61 floors above the glimmering lights of Bangkok.
Hot on their heels was a visit from my Mum and Dad though to be honest we didn’t see as much of them as they were too busy gadding about. First up they headed to Cambodia and Angkor Wat which I would defy anyone not to enjoy. When they returned we all headed down to Krabi, a first for all of us. We had heard very good things about the place and to be honest when we arrived on the Friday evening I think we were all a little disappointed. Where we were staying was nice enough but was right in the middle of Aoh Nang a slightly seedy strip of tacky souvenir shops, tour operators and building sites. All these eyesores made it next to impossible to see the Sea or actually get to the beach. Fortunately we were distracted from our disappointment by the deafening noise of the Thai office party taking place by the pool of our hotel which had a magician and everything. However, the best bit was the end of the evening when the party guests were leaving. There had obviously been some kind of prize giving and we sat and watched as the lucky winners paraded their presents past us. It really was like the generation game with gifts including a microwave, a bicycle, a flat screen TV, a cuddly toy and of course a fridge freezer.
Next day after relaxing by the pool we decided to take a bike ride. Leaving my dad to hire the bikes might not have been the wisest idea as he got a special deal with the bell boy to borrow the staff bikes. To be honest they didn’t look too bad but as you know looks can be deceptive. After two minutes my chain came off and then my dad’s pedal kept coming unscrewed which meant he had to stop every five minutes to screw it back on. Clare’s bike later came apart, (one of those fold up bikes, it literally folded up on her around a corner). Still it was nice and despite finding every dead end in Thailand we actually got out of the town and found some really nice beaches. The best bit about Krabi though has to be the scenery the whole area is filled with limestone karsts (Cliffs) that jut out of the sea or tower over the landscape as if they had been dropped there by some careless giant, really is quite breathtaking. But, it wasn’t until the next day that we really got to experience the true magic of the place when we hired a long tail boat and headed out to the nearby beaches and islands. Despite them being a little crowded we were able to really enjoy the scenery, the brilliant blue water and some amazing beaches.
We left my parents there for a few more days and headed back to the less fun world of work still coming back meant I did get to catch up with Vas and his soon to be (and now actually is) missus Rosanna. It was the first time I had met her and needless to say she was absolutely lovely and of course far too good for Vas, a lucky man.
My parents return allowed us time to head off for a bit of Muay Thai viewing (well me and my dad anyway). Reinforcing stereotypes Clare and Mum went shopping instead. It was good fun really do enjoy it. We opted for the cheap seats (i.e. standing) and saw some good fights and a couple of knock outs.
Their visit also fell during Loy Kratong, which for those who don’t know is an annual festival where Thais create these things called kratongs which they then float on any water they kind find. The idea is to thank the water god for the rains and it marks the end of the rainy season and the start of winter here. Anyway it really is quite an amazing sight watching these things which are made out of banana leaves or pastry and then bedecked in flowers, sparklers and incense sticks bobbing around all over the city. We had considered going to the river but people at work assured me it got incredibly busy, and in fact one warned me that it was dangerous as there was a good chance of falling in. Having seen and smelt the Chao Praya River we decided that wasn’t an option. We also thought about visiting one of the temples but again we were warned that people liked to wear masks and go around swatting everyone with big sticks.
Instead we decided to go for the relative safety of the local park not knowing we would be witnessing a police crackdown and larceny on a grand scale. The police crackdown came about as we unloaded our bottles of wine ready for a little picnic and were informed that no drinking was allowed. Not being people to break the law we spent the rest of the night hiding from the police as we took illicit sips from the bottles stashed in dads rucksack. The larceny was due to the fact that it is meant to be incredibly good luck to place a piece of hair, a toe nail, finger nail and a 10 baht piece into your Kratong. The thing was as everyone was placing these into a pond they simply floated to the other side. It was here that a gang of faginesque children were busily pulling them into the bank and rifling through them for the 10 baht rewards. It was all very amusing to watch especially as a man with a big stick would come along and chase them every now and again. Not sure if either activity was very good karma but it made fro a great spectacle.
The departure of my parents saw the arrival of Steve and Rhi fresh from their wedding. As befits honeymooners they were staying in the luxury of the Banyan Tree so of course we had to meet them at the Moon Bar for a drink (it’s a tough life). Aside from catching up which was really cool as we hadn’t been able to make the wedding we also got a chance to see inside a room at the Banyan Tree - very very nice it was too.
They then headed off to Koh Samed for a well deserved chance to recover from the wedding leaving us the opportunity to get ourselves in order for the very big matter of the King’s 80th Birthday celebrations. Of course it was a wonderful opportunity to commemorate His Majesty’s long and dignified reign as the worlds longest serving Head of State and not just a great excuse for a day off in the middle of the week!!
Clare’s Year 4 team being what they are had planned ahead and decided that the day before this stately occasion would be the perfect opportunity for their Christmas party free in the knowledge that there was no early morning wake up call to follow. It was a very entertaining night. After a traditional Xmas dinner complete with silly hats it ended, as always seems to be the case with that lot, with some rather drunken karaoke. That would have been fine but we then somehow ended up going on to another party and found ourselves at a place called Wongs. This is a bit of legend of the Bangkok scene thanks to the fact that it is actually really tiny, quite grotty, and you don’t get served but have to help yourself from the fridge while the owner challenges all comers to Connect 4.
A very interesting evening but it did mean we didn’t quite get down to the Palace to pass on our best wishes to the King. Still we did get to enjoy the fireworks from the balcony. These just kept getting better and better, they were good on the actual day with displays going off all over Bangkok but these paled into insignificance when compared to the show held the next day at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. They were nothing short of spectacular and we were fortunate enough to have a clear view from where we were sitting.
We did also get one final chance to see Steve and Rhi on their return to Bangkok where we went on quite an impressive pub crawl ending up in the cities most glamorous night spot the Bed Supper Club. Don’t normally hang out in such salubrious circles so didn’t wash my hand for a couple of days afterwards so I could show off the stamp!
Their departure signalled the end to a steady stream of visitors to our fair city which started back in July and the final run in to the end of term/end of work. I had the pleasure of completely redesigning the magazine in two weeks and somehow getting it finished and Clare had a memorable moment when her mad bunch of Majorettes wowed the audience at the end of term assembly. Somehow we managed to get everything cleared out by the end of last week in time for the unofficial annual teachers Christmas party and of course Vas and Rossana’s wedding down in Phuket. The annual Xmas do was a remarkably drunken affair considering that the government had slapped a complete booze ban on the country and it was slightly sore heads that we found ourselves boarding a plane to Southern Thailand.
It was therefore not such a problem when we arrived at our swanky hotel to find the drinks ban was also in play there though we really couldn’t understand why. After all it was very doubtful that a bunch of drunk German and Russian tourists were really going to have much effect on the voting. Still at least we were pre-warned I think it came as more of a shock to some of the wedding party who looked devastated.
Fortunately the ban was lifted at 6pm Sunday which was perfect timing as it was just as we were heading off the golf course. After the way I had played a cold beer was seriously needed. Strangely enough not playing for a year hadn’t helped my game at all!! Still it was a very nice course part of a very exclusive set up. Basically the whole place was called the Laguna Resort and contained four different five star hotels all built on top of an old tin mine. I guess the closest equivalent would be a gated community in the US with beautiful lakes and carefully manicured shrubbery everywhere you looked. There were shuttle buses and boats to ferry you between the different resorts and a central system which allowed you to sign for everything and it all get put onto one bill.
The first couple of nights we opted for the cheapest of the resorts and despite it looking a little tired we had a lovely room complete with living room and fully equipped kitchen. Step out of the patio and we had a view over the 13th hole and a pool and Jacuzzi to enjoy which was kind of nice. Still next day it got a whole lot better when we moved to the Sheraton a different class particularly helped by the fact that we got upgraded to a luxury room. Saying that we (or actually should I say Clare) had to wait two hours until our room was ready. I on the other hand had chivalrously gone off for another round of golf. In sympathy for Clare I didn’t play much better that day either. We got back from the links and as a lot of Vas friends hadn’t been on the previous night out in Hong Kong the groom had to undertake that most foolhardy of adventures a wedding eve stag. About ten of us heady to the seedy delights of Patong and that’s about all I have to say on the matter except we (or at least I) didn’t get in until 5.30am and apparently I took a particular interest in rolling around on the carpet of our luxury room. In my defence I would say you don’t come across carpet in Thailand very often. The other amusing note was the fact I bumped into a fellow teacher in a place he shouldn’t really have been on his own but hey ho my lips are sealed.
Needless to say Clare got her own back the next morning by making me go to breakfast though I am not sure she was proud to be seen with me. We then went on a mammoth expedition around the Hotel pool. It was a monster full of channels that wound around the grounds and branched off into Jacuzzi. The highlight had to be the sand filled children’s pool which was awesome. Having sweated off the night before under a towel I was in some kind of state to attend the actual big event and at least the groom looked a hell of a lot better than a lot of the other people who had been out with him the night before. However special mention should go to the two guests who had woken up that morning in the back of a pick up truck after narrowly avoiding arrest thanks to the contents of their wallets – man they looked good!!
The wedding itself was held at a beautiful chapel overlooking one of the lagoons. We all arrived by private boat in the middle of a torrential storm which as I was told in Africa is extremely good luck. Rosanna looked amazing, vas didn’t scrub up too bad and the service was really special very intimate and very heart felt. Even the registrar was very cool but that might be because he looked like Robert Duvall in the Godfather. But despite the beautiful bride and lovely service Clare would be the first to admit that the highlight for her was the arrival of a baby elephant. Just a baby elephant would be enough but this one was talented and could perform high fives, hold your hand, do hand stands, sit down, play the harmonica and accept 20 baht notes – truly talented. I did have to point out to Clare quite strongly that she wouldn’t fit into our hand luggage. The reception was equally special with some great speeches (even if I didn’t win the sweep) and a lot of laughter which was carried on at the beach side Club where a certain DJ Cool was spinning the discs. DJ Cool was actually a 20 year old Thai lad so we took great delight in constantly requesting songs that came out before he was born much to his bemusement! All in all a superb weekend, lovely wedding and it was really great to meet a lot of Vas mates from Hong Kong, Australia and Exeter. Definitely planning a trip over to HK once the baby has got past the initial ugly couple of months (vas’ words not mine).
In fact the only downside was another flight in a hung over condition and even worse I had to get straight back to work. Fortunately the magazine had all been finished in my absence so it is all about looking forward to February’s issue now!! Do have to go into work boxing day but that is for the Christmas party so I guess that doesn’t really count.
Last Friday we had a chance to catch up with Nibs who is over from Nepal which was lovely and hope to catch up with her again after New Year. Then spent two very lazy days at home just enjoying doing nothing. Still we made up for it today with a trip to the Golden Mount. It was really nice actually, situated as it is on a big hill and surrounded by landscaped gardens. Lots of lovely water features though they were strangely filled with tacky things like plaster pigs, chickens and turtles. The climb was definitely worth it with great views over the city and amazingly peaceful considering it is right in the heart of Chinatown. We even walked round the top three times for good luck though Clare was too shy to throw the sticks to get her fortune. We did watch a Thai-Chinese family doing it though but they were blatantly cheating and throwing again when they didn’t get the answer they wanted. We also particularly enjoyed the three gay monks posing for some incredibly camp photos! Going crazy for new things we also decided to take the river ferry home which I enjoyed though not sure Clare was so enamoured with leaping from boat to jetty especially as we got off at the wrong stop and had to walk miles home.
And with those words that is probably going to have to be it have to go upstairs where the buildings owners are throwing a party and we said we would go. With the completion of this I can say the Christmas Chores have now been completed. All the shopping done, all the turkeys stuffed and can now just relax and enjoy the big day. Sorry we have been rubbish at keeping this up to date of late but promise one of my many new year resolutions will be to do it once a week like the good old days. In the meantime enjoy the photos, have an absolutely super wonderful Christmas and a spectacular and fun filled New Year. Not sure where we’ll be but sure it will be good! Hope to catch up with you as many as possible in 2008 we will be raising a toast to you all tomorrow.
Lots of love and good will to all men (and women)
Nick and Clare
Ps since I wrote this and before I got to send it we have been up to a party on the roof courtesy of our landlords. I must say as a Landlord it puts me to shame we were plied with alcohol and fed a extortionate amount of shrimp, crab and prawns plus some very tasty Thai sausages. We also met a lady and her lady boy friend who run two bars at my favourite sleaziest watering hole Queens Plaza – yes the perfect Christmas present. Unfortunately they were trying to force red wine down clare at an alarming rate so we have had to run because we knew we had to finish this. As a result we are now having to flee the building on the trumped up excuse of having to go and meet some friends who’ve just arrived from the UK. As I pointed out that there were cameras everywhere we do now need to flee the building just to keep our story straight. Because of this subterfuge and the need to keep up appearances no captions for now will do them later. Happy Christmas all.
Pps see if you can spot the lady boy a FIVER for the correct answer
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We spoke to most of you yesterday, I sadly fell asleep as Nick was chatting to his brothers, I am so sorry, I woke up at one am to speak briefly with my family , oopppsss!!!
We had a lazy morning and opened presents, wow!!! A brilliant collection of books, I have started Russell Brand (brilliant but he is bonkers) and the Sloane one talks about Garden House!!!! Singstar, Nick beat me, close though...luckily you can save your singing and play it back, yikes (I didn`t think I was that bad, Nicks Katrina and the waves was funny). We will play them all back for you at some point. (I am practising whilst Nick is at work). Lovely make up and creme de la mer...I washed several times to I could use the potions and eye de puffers (WAS needed!!!). We ate chocolate coins and I straighted my hair and after a little more singing we went glammed up to the Banyan Tree....WOW THANK YOU MUM AND DAD!!!
We ate like Kings and the food certainly lives up to the surroundings, amazing. We had 2 personal waiters who took photos and gave the in a folder at the end with chocolates. I had goats cheese salad with duck, Nick butter nut pumkin soup, I then had Tuna tartar with caviar, Nick had scallops,I then had snow fish and capers that melted in the mouth Nick had veal. There were sorbets and other little nibbles but it was dark so I can`t remember what they were, delicious though. Gorgeous wine and company!! We then came home tired, full and happy. (My lips were glossy all night)
Sorry not to have chatted on Skype much...the lines were overloaded I think. Hope you all had a great one , we missed you and raised our glasses to you a lot. Congratulations to Kate and Chris on baby no.3....you are very Posh and Becks now!!! Matt Hobbs arrives soon but think we will be calm (until New Year).
MUCH LOVE,
Clare, and Nick..he is working :( back soon though)
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http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=124
class blog if you are interested
Well despite my resolution that I would update this blog once a week it seems I have managed to fail at the first attempt. No excuses just that 2008 seems to be proceeding at an even more alarming rate than 2007 – perhaps it being a leap year means everything is quicker so they can squeeze in the extra day.
Of course the real reason is I am a bit rubbish. To perhaps perfectly highlight this point I actually started writing this last Saturday and somehow a week has slipped by without me ever getting round to finish it. Reading back over what I wrote I have since failed in my other resolution which was to stop drinking for a month, so that’s a whole paragraph of smug sermonising out the window.
To be fair both Clare and I did last two whole weeks and we only broke the pact this Friday after a very long very hard week and it was in celebration of meeting up with an old acquaintance who we haven’t seen for 7 years. Basically Lasse, who lives in Hanoi, was someone we bumped into during one of our biggest adventures through the backroads of Tanzania. We first met him at a safari camp three days from civilisation and then having an unforgettable evening with him in Dar Es Salaam for the Millennium New Year. Anyway, very good to catch up and he hadn’t changed a bit so we must confess to going a bit wild and having a whole glass of wine each!!
Still a temporary blip and think we will get back on the old wagon for the rest of the month despite our house being packed to the rafters with booze. Perhaps this has been sent to tempt us, or is simply due to the fact that we would normally have drunk it by now. I must admit it has been remarkably easy to resist but this might be down to the excess of Christmas making it easier for us to turn our back on the hard stuff.
As he is now longer here we will of course blame this on the visit of Matt who turned up on Boxing Day via Tokyo and Taipei. Of course this convoluted route meant his luggage didn’t come with him giving Clare the perfect opportunity to drag us to the shops where she proceeded to buy a digital camera and Matt bought nothing. We decided to stay in Bangkok for a few days whilst umming and ahhing where to head for New Year. This involved the usual trips to the Banyan Tree for the sunset, which we missed; heading down to Suan Luam Night Market where Matt and I went on a funky T-shirt buying rampage. Particularly cool were the retro tees emblazoned with Thai writing. The women in the shop couldn’t really translate them for us and my Thai reading is still not great so we didn’t really know what we’d bought. Instead we decided to just wear them and see how many Thai people laughed in our faces. In the end after a lot of research I discovered mine said Good but Jealous and matt’s apparently says beautiful lady – though he still doesn’t know this…
Aside from shopping we of course hit a few bars and on the first night proper took Matt to the fun filled venues on our Soi. This included the lady boy bar, Angel, which is packed with some of the butchest ladies in town, the street bar, before we headed to the Ice bar for a shot of vodka in their fridge. After that things deteriorated when we went in search of our new found friend, Meeow who we met on Christmas Eve at our the Xmas party on our apartment rooftop who just happens to own two bars in the Queen’s Park Entertainment Plaza; a rather dubious collection of shack like bars jumbled together in a maze of cat filled alleys. Somehow found her we did and very she was very pleased to see us, as was her gay lady boy bar manager Po Poo (I am not making that up). It was a very funny evening made even funnier when as we were about to head home a mini convertible pulled up in front of us asking if we wanted to jump in. As I pointed out to Matt it was not an offer likely to come up that often, even in Bangkok, so he disappeared to some underground night club in the middle of town. Unfortunately being his first day and all it took him rather longer to get back not least because I managed to sleep through his phone calls thinking it was just the alarm going off.
Despite our best efforts he did find his way home but not much was achieved the next day apart from deciding we were going to head to Koh Chang for New Year. That night Matt and I somehow decided going out again would be a good idea and had another rather random evening hopping from bar to bar. It also took in a tour of the Arab quarter of Bangkok and some of the more salubrious areas of town and saw us fleeing a go go bar in the early hours of the morning when it all went a bit strange.
The next few days are a bit of a blur but I am pretty sure we did actually do something cultural one day which involved taking a boat tour around the Klongs of Bangkok. I had done this before but hadn’t previously stopped at the Snake Park perched on the side of a backstreet canal. Fortunately Clare hadn’t come with us as it was an extremely disturbing place that could well be appearing soon on a PETA or WWF advert soon. I think we first realised something was wrong when we walked into see a baby gibbon wearing a nappy posing for photos with visitors.
It didn’t really get any better, the first exhibit was a small concrete pond that housed a very large soft backed turtle. For some reason people had decided that throwing coins onto his back was a good idea and as we watched him wallowing in his dirty water he proceeded to try and eat a 20 baht note. The rest of the place was a very depressing collection of rusty barred, crumbling concrete cages featuring all manner of weird creatures all looking as if they had gone quite insane from the complete lack of stimulus. Members of the animal insane asylum included a bald parrot, a pacing Siberian Tiger, two bears who were eating the paint of their bars, a cassowary who couldn’t stand up and perhaps freakiest of all were a cage full of rabbits and guinea pigs who judging by their offspring had spent their free time in ways that were clearly biologically and morally wrong.
Still it was a snake park so that of course meant there was a lot of snakes and more excitingly a snake show. They proceeded to lug out a load of vicious and venomous looking creatures and then antagonise them to try and bite them. The professionalism of the show was clearly low end and the proximity to the snakes about a foot was particularly worrying especially when the man decided to swing one around his head.
All in all a very surreal experience and one I don’t think I will be repeating in a hurry. It was definitely a case of the surreal to the sublime as we had arranged to meet Clare at the Oriental the number one hotel on the river. From there we had planned to go on a tour of all the high rise bars in towns but as it was we only made it as far as the Hilton also on the river. It was a very swish affair perched on a little pod on the top of the hotel with fantastic 360 degree views over Bangkok. From there we had wanted to go to Sciroccos on top of State Tower but we got no further than the lobby when they took a look at Matt’s shorts and my sandals. In a way it was probably a relief as I am not sure we could have taken another evening out.
Having finally made a decision of what we were doing for New Year we thought it might be useful to organise the finer details of how to get there and where to stay. After fruitlessly trying to get accommodation the transport was also looking a little pricy until we tried a car rental place which was ridiculously cheap. So a road trip it was and thanks to our early night the day before the drive down was remarkably easy, even getting out of Bangkok. Not quite sure what car what we had but it was black and big and quite fast the only downside to it was we had no CDs so instead had to make do with their pre-programmed mp3 player which only had very similar sounding Thai songs. As I say the trip was very uneventful compared to previous expeditions with Matt and the only thing of note was when we got on the ferry. Being the day before New Year it was packed with people and for some reason one couple had decided to bring their cat with them. Ok, not that strange but then the cat was absolutely huge and looked like it had been crossed with a Lynx so we kept our distance. The good luck continued when we got onto the Island. Not having booked anything we tried the place we had stayed before called KP Huts. This is a ramshackle collection of palm and corrugated iron shacks set in a copse of palm trees and metres from the sea. It’s a little bit off the beaten track which was probably in our favour as they had two rooms left for the princely sum of 7 quid a night.
The real reason I had wanted to stay there was the small restaurant down the beach. Set on stilts it has beautiful views over the ocean and I swear does the best garlic and pepper sauce in Thailand. Fortunately my memory hadn’t deceived me so we settled in on our axe pillow cushions for a night of yahtzee and a few beers.
The next day was the big one so the number one priority was finding the venue for the evening. Jumping back in the car we headed down the coast to Lonely Beach. Despite its name this was the top spot on Koh Chang for backpackers and the beach was absolutely crammed when we arrived. As we suspected there were a couple of bars promising New Year revelries and one boasted what must be one of the biggest stack of speakers outside of Wembley Stadium. As we sat having lunch they kept adding to this pile lashing this huge woofers together using rope – if it wasn’t loud it would certainly blow all the electricity on the island.
So after a spot of dinner we headed off to the party beach, hitching a lift on the pick up part of the way and then jumping on the back of a taxi. Koh Chang is incredibly hilly and as we climbed up these steep gradients we were treated to some stunning views over the Gulf of Thailand which was lit up with what seemed like thousand of squid boats.
When we arrived the beach was quite quiet but the sound system wasn’t so we settled in for the countdown whilst admiring the obligatory fire jugglers that seemed to be prevalent at any place in Thailand with a patch of sand. There was one dicy moment which nearly meant we didn’t get to see NY at all though. Basically the bar had put up lots of lighting rigged up on big poles around the beach. It was pretty windy and just seconds after I had headed to the bar for another beer this tree trunk decided it had had enough and crashed down onto the mat bisecting Clare and Matt and landing exactly where I had been sitting. So for once I have decisive evidence that alcohol is actually good for your health. New Year came and went with the obligatory count down and lots of fireworks most of which seemed to land on the beach but again survived unscathed. I then did the classic Nick thing of falling asleep whilst Clare and Matt partied on into the night. Even in their party mood they were thinking of me and Matt kindly found a couple of flags to drape me in to act as a blanket. All in all a very entertaining night even if we didn’t quite manage to see the sun come up we got very very close.
After another day of yahtzee and lazing on the beach it was time to head back to reality and work for me. As you can imagine work was a bit of a shock to the system and one I am still coming to terms with though we did have one last night out in Bangkok. After I completed yet another Pub review we finally managed to find this cocktail bar that Clare and I have been hunting for ever since we moved here. The fact we looked on the right soi for the first time did help quite a bit and it was worth it even it was empty – perhaps not surprising considering it was two days after New Year! Matt’s visit was topped off with a fantastic last meal at a Vietnamese restaurant. Set in an old Thai style house we ate in the front room and the food was amazing. I can really say that every dish we ordered (and we ordered about 10) was delicious in its own right and we’ll definitely head back there soon. The only slightly curious feature was the bathroom which was filled with some of the most graphically sexual cartoons and toys that I’ve seen outside Penthouse (not that I have ever read penthouse of course). Of course we all had to take a look whether we wanted to go or not.
So Matt’s departure ushered in the age of abstinence which has rather curtailed our activities. It also coincided with the death of Princess Galyani. She was basically the King’s elder sister and her demise (she had been ill for a while) has led to a major bout of national mourning. This has meant everyone now has to wear black (including Clare at school) for 15 days but I am pretty sure they actually extended that to 100 days last week leading to a lot of big events being cancelled. Not having any black clothes I have had to show my sympathy by having a glum expression on my face in public.
More importantly the national mourning meant we had to put her on the cover of her magazine and do a big feature which was fraught with problems due to all the protocols required and the insistence of the Sports Club of putting a really naff picture of her on the cover. 10 versions later we finally got approval and fingers crossed after a bonkers week the February issue of the magazine should go out the door tomorrow.
I did get offered another job the other day working for a publishing organisation I used to work for. It was tempting mostly because I really enjoyed working with the people there and the fact that they have offices all over SE Asia and China but it was really a sales post and after my attempts at being a sales person in Kenya pretty clear that that is not the route for me to take. Also enjoying my job at the moment, fingers crossed have a bonus on its way and know have two extra members of staff to do my bidding which should make life easier. More importantly I won a blender and a hair dryer in the staff raffle the other day so, being very easily bought, I’m there for life!!!
Meanwhile Clare has been getting to grips with a new kid in her class and back into the 5am starts. Still she is currently in a state of bliss having discovered a new DVD shop which is apparently the best one in the world ever, ever! Not only do they have all the reality rubbish under the sun but also deliver it to your house. Having spent a small fortune there a couple of weeks ago she is slowly making her way through Bridezilla, Spooks, Project Catwalk and America’s Top Model no 200 or something.
She is currently just finishing Project Catwalk before packing up for her annual week long residential trip to Kanchanaburi with the kids. So it leaves me home alone for the week but what with Thai lessons, work and footy think I can just about to survive.
Just realised I am on page 6 of this so probably should sign off now. But I’ve started so I will finish with a few general observations on Bangkok Life, promise to keep them short.
First up is my continued love of motorcycles when the sun is shining (quite a lot of the time) there really is nothing better than sitting on the back of the bike with the wind in your hair surrounded by all these towering skyscrapers. I guess it’s the poor mans convertible but with the sunlight glinting of the windows of these 30 story buildings I feel like I am in some kind of movie. The only disturbing part is that my reflection in the back of the drivers helmet reminds me of woody woodpecker – is this some trick of the light or do I really look like a mischievous cartoon bird?
The other day I had cause to go to the hospital, nothing serious just a sore throat, but you go to hospital for everything here. As they are all private they are all ridiculously plush with chandeliers in the lobbies, gleaming surfaces and more staff than patients (just like back home). However, the one I was visiting does also boast its very own branch of Macdonalds which somehow doesn’t seem right. Still I guess they are planning for the future and ensuring they have a steady stream of customers passing through the doors!!
During my Thai course my teacher, who is incredibly easily distracted decided to do my horoscope. Basically it seemed to work by adding up the numbers of my birth date then doing some sums to come out with a single number, in my case 2. In a rather specific two line prediction she told me this means I will have a long but not serious illness for many years but I will leave to a ripe old age – interesting if slightly odd. Still I am quite relaxed about it all as I asked her to do Clare who is no. 6. Apparently this is excellent as it means Clare will continue to get promoted throughout her career and earn enough money to look after me, her family and my family which is very nice to know and as I am sure a lot of you are already surmising quite true already in my case!!
Finally, I just wanted to say how sad we are about what’s going on out in Kenya really terrible to see a place that we loved so much being torn apart by the machinations of two equally corrupt groups of people. As a Kenyan friend said the other day it is not these people who suffer, they get to sleep peacefully in their gilded towers whilst those with nothing have to face displacement and violence. I only hope that everyone we know out and haven’t been able to get hold of is OK. Sorry bit of a downer to end on but just pray that things resolve themselves soon
Right I really am going to stop now, with the magazine finished for the month hope to add some more soon but will now hand over to Clare to do her regular Hot/Cold selection.
Dada da daaaaaa
HOT
Dvd shops called “Kitten”
Texts from home
Pupils admitting their mum isn’t at the swimming gala as she is having “a breast lift and pump up”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Spooks
Playing bingo with your class
COLD
Wearing jeans in the heat
Free D+G trainers (leopard print and GOLD Velcro…long story)
Being away for the week
Well after twenty plus years of thinking I was invincible on a football pitch and throwing my body around fate has finally caught up with me. Yes, as I sit here writing this I am now the proud owner of a fractured tibia or a sticky out bit of my ankle to put in layman’s terms.
It was of course completely avoidable but once again I found my brain switching off as my legs decided to attempt to block a shot travelling at light speed from point blank range. Anyone who has seen me play will perhaps be surprised that this is my first proper football related ailment but perhaps less surprised to hear that I squealed like a stuck pig.
So after two trips to the hospital and around six hours of waiting around I find myself with a lovely plaster up my right leg. I now just need to come to terms with six weeks hobbling around on a pair of crutches and an apparent three months before I can kick a ball. Timing is of course everything and it happened just as I was kick starting my new fitness regime which along with laying off the booze had seen my cut my cigarette consumption by half and got this close to considering joining a gym on Saturday. Well I guess that will have to wait and I should at least be thankful that I didn’t sign up as that would have been a serious waste of money.
So enough about that thought it does tie in quite closely with one observation I was going to make this week relating to state of pavements in Bangkok. I am sure I have moaned about this before but where they do exist they tend to be either a) packed with hawkers/food stalls or b) under construction. This has been the case for the road where my office is situated since I started my new job. Particularly intriguing is the fact that they have decided to do both sides at once which means aside from walking down the six lane road there is no way of avoiding the obstacle course of uneven slabs, piles of sand and large gaping holes. The best bit is they don’t close off the bit of pavement they are working on leading to plenty of close encounters with wet cement and welding sparks. There also seems to be a trend of bringing your children to work, so you will often see small kids playing with some loose rubble whilst their mum gets down to some serious trowelling.
The other thing I was going to talk about was the fact that the dog is king in Bangkok. Anyone who has been here can’t have failed to spot the hordes of mange ridden flea traps that wander around all the back streets. This in itself is not that amazing but instead it’s the powerful position they have and know they have. Despite being little short of pests they still get fed by everyone (good for the old karma) and more importantly seem to take great delight in going to sleep in the most inconvenient places possible – so middle of the skytrain stairs, doorways to shops, centre of the road etc…. Of course nobody attempts to move them (bad for the old karma) and instead have to manoeuvre around them leading to tail backs of both pedestrians and cars. I am sure this is something that could only happen here – after all think they eat them in all the surrounding countries; though I have also heard that a lot of the tasty canine treats served up in Vietnam do come from Thailand so guess someone has decided they can take a bad life, next life, in the pursuit of a quick buck.
As you can probably tell from the fact that I wasted two paragraphs on the above observations there hasn’t been a lot going on this week. Clare was away in Kanchanaburi with the kids leaving me home alone. As it was didn’t get much chance to actually be home alone. Finishing the February issue meant two late nights at the beginning of the week before Thai lessons and football concluded a rather busy schedule. The one exciting thing I did get to do was go to a blues bar which was very good and it was nice to listen to some live music that wasn’t cheesy cover tunes for once. I don’t know what it is about the Blues but it certainly attracted a rum bunch of performers, from a harmonica player who looked like a hobbit to a bass player who looked like he’d walked out of documentary on serial killers. However, sure it is just my jealously talking as they sure played a mean tune.
Clare got back on Friday and sounds like she had a great if extremely tiring time, despite three children being sick on the final night – she palmed them off to someone else. Though I can’t understand why taking away 160 8 year olds for five days would be tiring? Still they all survived so guess that’s the number one priority! Our busy weeks and continued booze ban meant another quiet weekend but think we both needed it.
However, and did very nearly forget this, Clare more than made up for it by making us go ice skating on Sunday. I say making us go, I will admit that I did just choose to sit on the sideline because (oh the irony) I didn’t want to injure myself before the game. It was very surreal going into a large room on top of a shopping centre and finding an ice rink even it was smaller than we had been led to believe. So plus 30 outside and a meagre 5 degrees inside. Clare was pretty good, only going over once but that was down to external forces, and really showing all the 12 year olds also using the rink how it was done. However I do believe the real reason she wanted to go was so she could wear her cape as there is not much call for wool ponchos in Bangkok.
And on that note think I am going to call it a day. Sure I did have a few other general comments to make about life in Bangkok but simply cannot remember them, though I will definitely blame the pain killers and the lack of sleep last night for that. Right I am off to try and have a shower without getting my leg wet should be interesting…
Hope all good with everyone wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Do drop us a line some time be great to hear what’s going on in the real world!
Hot
Ice Skating
Pain killers
Hermes watch strap
Cold
Crutches
Finishing the Christmas Chocolates
So a week has passed since I managed to knacker my leg in and end up with a stupid big plaster on my leg. So a case of one week down, just another 5 to get through. I’ll be honest, I think in some kind of very weird, very stupid, way I was sort of quite excited by the whole thing when it first happened what with never breaking anything before.
I can confirm that this feeling lasted a whole 24 hours until I realised that crutches are certainly not as easy as they look and having only one working leg really does get in the way. This first began to sink in last Monday when I nearly fell down the stairs at home on the way to the hospital to have a proper plaster attached and then had to wait three hours before they fitted this new fangled thing that blatantly isn’t made out of plaster of Paris. Very disappointed as its no good for people to sign.
This has since grown exponentially not least because of the frustration of having to get taxis everywhere. I shouldn’t really complain as they are ridiculously cheap and abundant but unfortunately both these facts means the traffic is very slow because of all the cars on the street. So my previous 20 minute motor bike/Sky train journey now takes a good hour.
I did attempt to try the sky train on Tuesday but got slightly disheartened after falling down the stairs twice. In fact, I was in such an exhausted state by the time I got to my Thai lesson my teacher sent me home!! Strange how tiring lugging your body round on sticks really is.
The other big downside is trying to wash. Obviously can’t get this plaster thing wet so the only way I’ve found to have a shower is to get a plastic picnic chair and then sit on that inside the shower whilst my bad leg sticks out the side. Not the most comfortable way of doing things and the plastic can quite slippy once I am all lathered up. Keep having visions of myself falling over knocking myself out and then being found naked on the bathroom floor by the maid (and no that isn’t some kind of weird fantasy!) Have also taken to wearing a plastic bag over the plaster at the same time but it keeps filling up with water so not sure I am doing it right!
Everyone at work has been very sympathetic about the whole thing, with a few laughs at my expense of course, not least of which is to call me Jing Jong which means Kangaroo in Thai. Being too lazy to pick up my crutches every time I want to move I’ve taken to hopping everywhere instead!
Anyway, can’t really complain now customised the old crutches and now feel more in control of them so who knows might try getting on the back of a bike next week!! (Only joking mum). Still am starting to get out and about again Friday, also saw the lifting of our month long booze ban (might be bad timing considering my mode of transport).
All in all we did pretty well only succumbing to 1 glass of wine and 3 beers for the month and Clare just doing the 1 glass of wine. Judging by the number of people who have got in touch asking me if I was drunk when I broke the ankle it was probably much needed.
So to celebrate getting off the wagon I dragged Clare to the opening of a new pub the other night as part of my bar crawling column. It was a sports bar called the Crossbar and as you can probably tell from the name and the fact it was a sports bar, not the most luxurious of surroundings. Still I suppose it did do what it set out to do even if they did potentially poison me with their sausage rolls. Plus there was 2 for the price of 1 on all drinks even if neither of us wanted the 2nd drink. We’ve become right lightweights and after three beers I felt rough all day Saturday. Didn’t too much this weekend the leg and gave me the perfect excuse to take it easy whilst Clare was forced to go out to the shops for us… So there are some perks.
I did leave the house today to get my haircut but made the mistake of going back to this very Thai place I’d been to before. The Thai ness is not the problem but the fact they like to give me a Thai pop star style haircut every time I go there. For those not in the know this consists of fairly big hair styled to within an inch of its life whilst leaving it long and fluffy at the back. As you can probably tell it’s a nice look got a bit of an Elvira princess of darkness thing going on and of course will have to go back to a proper hairdressers in a couple of weeks as they cut so little actual hair.
Other than that my only random thought for the week is the sight of two blokes fixing new phone lines the other day. Nothing too strange in that except for the fact that they were doing it whilst actually stood on the existing phone lines – no ropes, nothing, there was a guy with a ladder but he looked as if he was trying to knock them off if anything. Still they weren’t wearing uniforms so perhaps they were just stealing the wires…
Aside from that Clare had a slightly more chilled week at school what with half the year being away. Still she did also have the added excitement of her class raising the flag at school. Apparently every morning for a week one class has to head down to the flag pole and stand there as the national anthem is played and the Thai flag is raised by the guards. A very big honour, so big in fact that Clare had to be reminded by one of her kids that they were meant to be at the flagpole…
And finally you may be aware that Clare and I are lawbreakers. Indeed I would actually say Clare is a worse criminal than me in this front. Before you get too worried we haven’t quite descended to human trafficking or arms smuggling (though if you watch the trailers before hand we basically are doing both), I of course refer to our purchase of slightly suspicious looking DVDs. Actually we’ve just finished watching St. Trinians where the sound quality was terrible and the subtitles made absolutely no sense whatsoever. In many cases (and this was one of them) these subtitles can be as entertaining as the movie giving you a whole different perspective on the English language.
The other joy of these knockoff CDs is the packaging. I am not quite sure how it works as it blatantly isn’t just photocopied. The reason I know this is two recent DVD’s I was reading the other day. They had the usual reviews of the films on the front but not the usual high singing praise from some reviewer/magazine you’ve never heard off. No indeed, the first had the description “Despite a worthy motive this is an incredibly Flawed film that you should really avoid,” (after watching it I can concur with this review); the other simply had the four letter statement BLAND in big letters on the front it’s superb stuff and I must admit keeps me going back for more law breaking.
And on that outlaw note I’m off for my tea. Sorry had meant to keep this shorter due to lack of photos but rather ran away with myself (it’s the only way I can run at the moment). Finally, apologies for all the bad jokes I’ve been reading Frank Skinner’s autobiography this week and I think it’s contagious, not necessarily in a good way.
KUNG HEI FAT CHOI! Have a great Year of the Rat (who is charming, intelligent, active and tends to become restless if bored).
Nige is in town which is lovely...he has managed to blag an upgrade to include free club lounge drinks for himself and his party, we joined in and I left them heading with a hobbling Nick to the ice bar, coyotes mexican and then Nana!! Woke up this morning to a huge cockroach in our bathroom...yikes it was as big as my palm...honest.
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Hello all, just read this back and rather a random entry, do apologise but hope you enjoy.
Another week, another expense as I returned to the hospital and had my leg re-examined. The good news is I got a new cast which after three weeks was getting quite essential. It’s a rather embarrassing but unavoidable fact that wearing the same plaster item on your leg (which you can’t get wet) for that period of time in a tropical country is not good for your general aroma! It was with some pleasure that I got to wash it for the first time in a long time, even if it did look remarkably withered and pathetic once the cast came off. Also, and I can’t prove this, but I am sure they made me wash it in a giant bidet…
On the down side they didn’t turn around and say wow what a miracle recovery we won’t bother with a new cast your completely fine but instead plonked on a new slim-line version which I have to sport for another 3 weeks. Judging by how much my leg had shrunk already there isn’t going to be a lot left come March. Having the cast removed was also a bit of harrowing experience as they used a miniature buzz saw to take it off. Having been forced to watch plenty of medical based reality shows by Clare it was quite a nerve wracking experience as the Doc plunged in with this thing whizzing away. Still he lightened the mood nicely by threatening to chop off my big toe whilst he was at it.
Whilst there I did also manage to get a pair of super smart and trendy metal crutches to replace my wooden contraptions that I am sure had been around since Victorian times. I was called Tiny Tim by an acquaintance the other day so you get the picture. Still should be good as they cost a fortune.
Anyway after three weeks I am now a dab hand at getting around and these skills were called into question last week by the arrival of Nige and some of his school colleagues who were here on a ‘course’. I say on a ‘course’ as never saw them do anything but drink, coming from the dry country of Brunei they really were like kids in a candy store and of course Bangkok does have plenty of distractions.
As a bonus they were staying just down the road so it meant Clare and I could wander down to their hotel and take advantage of their free bar. For their first night which also happened to be Nige’s birthday we showed them the sights of Soi 22 (we are so clichéd/lazy). They were quite an unstoppable force and Clare managed to get out early after buying him a lighter that projected a naked lady. I lasted for a further shot of rice wine and a trip to the Ice Bar before I stuck them in a cab and sent them off in the direction of some fun venues while making my escape.
The one thing that did stick in my mind from the night was it was the first time we’d really experienced the smoking ban which has come into force last week and effects anywhere air-con or not that serves food. This happens to effect all the Irish/English/theme pubs so loved by expats and you can now see them all huddled around on the pavement - though I guess it is less of a burden compared to back home when its 26 degrees outside. It really is quite amazing how quickly, efficiently and effectively it has come in and with relatively little fuss from anyone.
Anyway the point of raising this was I was outside a restaurant when I met a Japanese man who was also having a cigarette. Now the one thing about the Japanese in Bangkok is they are not really that chatty but for some reason (probably all the drink) this man started ranting to me about how he hated the Thais and that they would stab you in the back any chance they got. Not really sure of the point of recalling that tale just that it was interesting to get a different less rosy view of the place. Still he did then start going on about the Beatles and how he could sing like John Lennon so he could just have been mad.
Fortunately Nige and his Brunei posse let us off the following night giving us chance to prepare ourselves for the Friday. This time we were joined by some teachers from the course including one from the Philippines who happened to be very good friends with FS (small world and all that). In full tour guide mode Clare and I took them to Cheap Charlies the perfect spot to start the evening before it all went a little wrong as we descended on Nana.
After spending a while taking it in turns to try and defeat the bar girls at Connect 4 we decided to head up the stairs and basically reinforce all the stereotypes that Bangkok has for being sleazy. For quite a while Clare and I have heard about this one bar with a rodeo bull and for the first time ever we managed to find it. Unfortunately my leg meant I was unable to give it a go but everyone else from the group did. Special mention should go to Clare who took a very different approach to everyone else, basically laying flat on the bulls back and holding onto its head – not the most elegant but quite effective. Nige on the other hand had to make do with a woman trying to hit him with a stick whilst he attempted to hang on.
After this classy spot we then went one step further taking them to a lady boy show next door, before ending the evening with a big of bugs for everyone to tuck into. A very funny evening all round even if I did get jumped on and snogged by a very big lady boy and found it quite difficult wandering around on the crutches after drinking tequila.
As Clare and I are really not used to drinking anymore this pretty much finished us for Saturday which gave us the perfect excuse to take Nigel and his headmaster up the Banyan tree for a slightly quieter night. Always good up there, though it was incredibly crowded helped by a tour party from Japan and a wedding and was really hazy.
Really good to see Nige as well think he enjoyed his time and will be seeing him and the family in a couple of weeks. One thing the visit did show me was that after a beer or two I could actually stand on my bad leg without any adverse side effects. Been working on this all week until this Friday actually went to work crutchless (had to be careful spelling that) which made a big difference as it meant I could once again get bikes and BTS to work rather than having to rely on taxis.
Clare and I did some wandering yesterday though and did start to feel my leg hurting so the perfect excuse to not do very much at all today. Talking of which Clare been on ½ term this week and has enjoyed a week of watching rubbish DVDs and laying by the pool. Due to my work commitments, the March issue of the magazine finished this week, we didn’t get away but do have a trip to Phuket next weekend to make up for it.
So a quiet week only really disturbed by Wednesday, when once again I dragged Clare to a pub that I needed to review for a freelance job. It was a place we were both unsure off Stuck on the corner of a very dodgy street it has a giant bronze bull outside, mock Tudor frontage and is called Bully’s - all factors not likely to make it a hit in our book. Still we were pleasantly surprised, of course it was full of white men and the décor was pretty tacky but then most pubs in Bangkok are, it was actually a lot nicer inside than out plus it had one of the best music selections ever.
Last week we also discovered a new wine shop/wine bar which was very chilled. Think there are some photos from this night out up already. The best bit about the place was you could choose to have a full glass, half glass or taster from a selection of about seven different wines very civilised. They even had an impressive pizza menu which was very tasty. It just happened that they had basically just ordered it from the place down the road and tried to pretend it was cooked on site! Rather spoilt this subterfuge by serving us the pizzas in the takeaway boxes they came in.
We had planned to give ourselves a weekend at the Sheraton where Clare is eligible for two free nights stay but for some reason when she rang up they said it was closed for the weekend!!! Still it is a dry weekend as we have elections for the Senate so that might have something to do with it still first time I have heard of a 5 star hotel being closed!!
It was nearly as good as the excuse given to us at Carrefour yesterday when went to collect Clare’s portable DVD player. It’s been broken for a few weeks and we did have a lot of hope that it would actually be ready of course it wasn’t. Apparently they couldn’t fix the original and they were going to send a new one but of course it was Chinese New Year last week so nothing could be done until next week. Considering how much the Chinese manufacture not sure how the whole world didn`t grind to a halt.
And on that note gotta go, already written too much and promised to try and keep these shorter plus Villa are playing shortly. Enjoy the photos though unfortunately don’t have any of Clare on the bull…
HOT
COLD
Well just to prove the old adage it’s a small world this weekend threw up a perfect example that the concept of six degrees of separation is probably true. Basically, Clare and I have not been out for a night on the tiles in a long while, so to celebrate the imminent removal of my cast (this time tomorrow I will be free) we had arranged to go out and meet some people from school on Friday.
It was a bit of a double celebration and Clare had also received the good news that she didn’t get the job of head of curriculum for her year group. Whilst that might sound perverse as soon as she had applied she pretty much realised she didn’t really want the job and the extra hassle and hours it would involve. Fortunately, her lack of enthusiasm was apparent at the interview and she escaped the extra responsibility though did get an amazingly complimentary comment from the head of school that she was the best classroom teacher in the whole of primary. You go Girl! Anyway getting back to the small world story we had agreed to meet these people at Cheap Charlies which I am sure plenty of you have been dragged too by us. One of the guys we were meeting had a friend out from the UK but I was on the phone when he turned up and didn’t really pay any attention. It was only when I had finished and looked at the bar did I realise that the guy stood there was someone I used to play football with on a Monday night in North London. Apparently Mike was a friend of Andy and so on and so forth. It was doubly strange as despite playing football with Mike for two years I really didn’t know him at all but the beautiful game had caused our paths to cross. I was basically playing with this group thanks to some friends, who knew someone who knew someone else who happened to know Mike. Still it gave me a great opportunity to catch up on the goings on at the delightful Sobell Leisure Centre in Islington – an idyllic place where you constantly ran the risk of having your bag stolen whilst you played. Glad to hear that the knees are still holding up enough for you to play Ali! All very surreal and I will use it in my defence as to why I got quite so drunk on the night out though the Absinthe we imbibed really didn’t help. I assume I must have been quite entertaining when I got home judging by the amount of laughing from our security guard when I saw him just now and he recreated my shuffling gait. Still he is our favourite guard always willing to have a chat and a joke with us, he’s been away for a while so I’ll forgive him his mocking. At least he doesn’t try to sell us porn DVDs like one of his replacements. When I pointed out that I had a wife so didn’t need any the guard in question made some rather bizarre hip thrusting motions leading me to flee up the stairs in fear. Anyway the late night meant we haven’t had the most productive of weekends hence my penance in updating the blog. Still did just have our first massage in a long time which was lovely. I felt a little bit sorry for the woman massaging me though as she did have to touch my manky cast and looked a bit confused as to why I wanted a massage. At least she had a mask on to protect her from the smell. Aside from that last weekend saw us heading to an island for a hotel review (still to be written). The resort was located on an island called Racha Yai which was half an hour South of Phuket. It was very nice but it turned out to be a very expensive junket. We were travelling down with one of my sales team who had organised the whole thing but the main problem was there were only three speedboats a day to get to this place. Because Clare actually had to work on the Friday it meant we couldn’t catch a flight down there in time to catch the last boat. Ever the gentleman I agreed to go down early on the Friday with my work colleague, Da and her 10 year old son Tiger with Clare joining us the next day. The problems really started with the flight to Phuket. We had gone with the cheapest option, Air Asia and you definitely get what you pay for. The flight was delayed for over an hour and once we had fought our way onto the bus, up some stairs and onto the plane we already knew we weren’t going to make the 2pm speedboat. Still my crutches did come in handy as they kicked somebody out of the front seat for me which was nice though I did have to sit next to a big German lady and there was some very strange smells emanating from her. To top it off when we arrived my bag didn’t and when we jumped into our personal limo the driver confirmed that we had missed the 2pm boat and we would have to wait three hours for the next one – oh and it was raining. Still the limo was very nice. After having some lunch me eating Thai and Tiger eating western food we didn’t have a lot to do except sit and wait for the next ferry in the resorts office – still it did give me the opportunity to beat Tiger at Chess which I was very pleased about. He was actually good fun and a great opportunity for me to try out my Thai. Finally, it was time to get on the speedboat. The island was actually a good way away from Phuket itself and took around ¾ hour to get to. I must admit that first impressions were a little disappointing compared to the website. Cruising into the bay we found ourselves having to weave between the countless speedboats and yachts and the beach of pristine sand was chocker block with sundecks and parasols. I know all that sounds very snooty but at the end of the day my standards have got rather badly skewed after the Maldives. I probably wasn’t in the best of moods either what with the bag and then having to hop down 100 m of floating pontoon which is quite tricky. The resort itself was the only one on the bay and in true Thai style was very chic and elegant - all white lines and reflective water. It was actually quite big with around 70 villas scattered up the hillside ranging from the ones where we were staying all the way up to a lighthouse with its own pool. Even our standard villas were Baht 10,000 a night and bigger than our flat in London. It was nice if a bit bigger and more commercial than I had imagined and the hills were a bit of a pain when it came to getting up and down between the restaurants and my room. The actual villa was lovely even had its own giant balcony overlooking one of the pools and also had an outside shower. Unfortunately without my bag I didn’t have my special big plastic bag to keep my cast dry preventing me from experiencing the delights of outdoor bathing. That night we met up with the PR lady for the whole resort who was lovely. However, she seemed pretty uninterested in selling the place to us but just spent most of her time playing with Tiger and insisting that we take lots of weird staged photos. You will see some of these on the site, it’s the first time I have ever looked like a giant in a photo!! Whilst it was excellent for my Thai to be spending the day with Da and Tiger I was looking forward to Clare arriving the next day. Unfortunately, Clare proved that she simply can’t live without me (I am JOKING) by sleeping through her alarm and missing her flight. So it meant she had to fork out for an extra flight and I was free to distract myself for the morning until she turned up. After spending some time by the pool I decided to hop down to the beach. I must have looked quite a strange sight, a bloke on crutches wearing jeans and a formal shirt sitting on his own sweating profusely. When I got down there I realised that this island is obviously one of the stop offs for day trippers from Phuket as wave after wave of speedboat pulled up at the pontoon and divulged the next batch of tourists. Again setting my snob alarms ringing!! Finally, my bag turned up allowing me to get out of my jeans and blend in with the other tourists before have some lunch with Da and Tiger who had spent his morning working out in the gym – he’s 10 the nutter!!. By the time we had finished Clare had arrived about six hours later than planned and we finally got the opportunity to test out the pools. The big attraction was the fact that they played music underwater something I can attest to after lying on the side and sticking my head under – very strange experience but rather cool. We spent another pleasant evening with the PR lady Aey which involved some Thai dancing and a game of pool with Tiger - I let him win this time. The aim was to get up early to make the most of the resort before we had to head back Sunday but after another spell by the pool the speedboat times meant we had to leave by 12. All in all it wasn’t quite the long relaxing weekend we had originally planned thought it was helped on the way back by further delays to our flight. However, despite sounding quite negative about the place it was actually very nice and sure Clare and I will try and get back to the island as there are other beaches on the other side of the island with a much cheaper resort and not a soul or a sun shade to be seen. But, it is definitely a place you need to spend at least three or four days at just because it is such a hassle to get there. OK, I’ve blabbered on enough about the weekend away its time to look to the future. Some of you maybe aware of this already but basically we are COMING HOME in July for a whopping two weeks. Still to organise where we are going to be when but our dates are the 5th July to 19th July, hope to get things worked out a bit better soon so we can tell people when we are going to be where. Both very excited it will be two years since we been home so I guess it will be a bit of a culture shock – do you have flying cars yet? Anyway hope to catch up with as many people as there seems to have been something of a baby explosion since we went away so plenty of new arrivals to meet. Back in Bangkok there is nothing too much else to report except I did receive a very interesting job offer the other day. It’s working for a company that I used to freelance for and they basically offered to match my current salary to get me to come and work there. Still mulling it over as there are pros and cons to both jobs but have until Thursday to decide. Will keep you posted. Other than that you will all be aware that Mr Thaksin is back in the country. To be honest after a media scrum on the day of his arrival he’s taken quite a backseat at the moment - wonder how long that will last. Still think the whole country has had enough of coups so things shouldn’t go too awry just yet. Right best sign off as Clare needs to do some work but just time for some quick observations. First of all my last Thai lesson proved rather interesting. For starters when I arrived I had the pleasure of witnessing one of the teachers all out wrestling with a student – I am pretty sure it was all for fun but slightly off putting as you are trying to study your word list. Then, once my lesson started, an Indian guy came in and began screaming and shouting at all the staff because he didn’t get a discount. It was the first time I had really seen someone lose it in front of some Thais and it was quite painful. For a start it obviously really really freaked out my teacher who gave up all pretence on teaching and just watched what was going on obviously incredibly embarrassed. The two poor Thai girls getting shouted out also just looked really uncomfortable but just smiled back at the guy which I am not sure helped the situation. It did also lead to my first experience of racism here with my teacher telling me how all Indians are sneaky and tight. I don’t think she really bought my attempts to explain you couldn’t say that and it was rather a sweeping generalisation. I then pressed her to sum up what Thais thought of English people but the only thing she would admit to was that we were economical. I of course pointed out she hadn’t met Clare. Talking of Thai lessons it was with some disappointment that I discovered Penelope Cruz can speak better Thai than me. I know this is the case as I recently saw her on Ad for skin cream on the Skytrain and can confirm she sounds almost exactly like a Thai though her mouth does seem to move at slightly different speed to the words – very strange. The only other incident of note I can think of before I really do sign off was something that happened to me in the local supermarket. Basically, it has one of these reward card things and by owning one you sometimes get discounts on stuff. I don’t have one but Clare the magnet for store cards does. Anyway, I was paying for my shopping and the Checkout girl asked me if I had a card as I could get a whopping 50% discount of my mangoes. I said I didn’t but my wife did though I didn’t know the card number. This didn’t put her off as she asked me for my mobile, Clare’s mobile number, home number and then address. Finally, the address managed to bring up a name which blatantly wasn’t Clare’s. I told the lady this but she didn’t seem to care and said I should use this persons name anytime in the future. Something tells me they wouldn’t do that in Tescos… Right and on that very boring story about supermarket shopping it is clearly time to stop. Have Val and Nige and the kids out next weekend which should be great and I will be facing up to life of two legs not one. Hope you all well and enjoying the onset of spring.An interesting couple of weeks to say the least which is partly excuse for not writing sooner.
First up I am now a free man sans le cast which is great so I am now strutting my stuff all over the shop like some big cock of the roost. This is not just to show off but because I was told to do lots of walking as part of my rehabilitation. In fact it was the only suggestion I received from my ever so helpful doctor. I need it as my right leg currently looks a pale (literally), skinny shadow of its former self and is being positively mocked by the tanned muscled left leg. So walking it is which has been timed perfectly to coincide with the really really hot weather…
It is such a relief to be able to wash normally in the shower and god did my foot need it. Even the nurse, who must see some pretty grim sights, said my leg smelt particularly bad when she was washing it. In fact she obviously felt it smelt so bad that she decided to stop cleaning it and just chuck a load of talcum powder on it adding to the ghostly hue. Now I just have to wait for all the dead skin to fall off and I can be seen in public again.
And that is probably enough gruesome details so I will save you from any further stomach churning descriptions.
Talking of stomachs one thing I have been doing quite a bit of recently is freebie eating courtesy of work. Last week I even managed the spectacular feat of having two free meals in one evening which was probably over stretching it slightly, and certainly over stretched my stomach. It wasn’t planned but somehow a last minute change of plans meant I found myself having to do a restaurant review and a pub guide in one night. This normally wouldn’t be a problem as I tend not to eat at the pubs but this time they had decided to lay on a smorgasbord of samples from their menu for me to try. So after consuming a very nice three course meal half an hour before I found myself with a tray of cottage pie, shepherds pie, steak in gravy and a Cumberland sausage with mashed potatoes in front of me. As you would agree all nice light bites!! Somehow I managed to eat enough to not be rude before they then wheeled out the piece de resistance a giant sherry trifle – I really did feel like Mr. Creosote where one wafer thin mint would have finished me.
To ensure I don’t let my stomach shrink back to its normal size I also over indulged yesterday enjoying a ten course meal for lunch. Again another very tough assignment for my job but it could well be my last freebie. I might have mentioned last time that I had been offered a job elsewhere. After much fretting and frowning I did finally choose to accept it but things have gone slightly askew since then.
Being the upstanding man that I am I had discussed the whole situation with my current boss to make sure I didn’t leave them in the lurch. He was very good about it and agreed that I could leave at the end of next month giving them time to find a replacement.
With what I thought was the deal sealed I proceeded to blithely tell everyone at work that I was off. So with my bridges well and truly burned – they have already found some one to take over – it was off to pastures new with a clear conscience on my part. This was all fine and dandy until yesterday when I got an email from my future boss saying could I come in for a second interview, woops… After a panicked email he did tell me that it was just a formality but his boss, who I am going to meet on Monday, is clearly taking it seriously asking me to bring in samples of work etc.... I am sure it will all be fine but there is always the potential that I have managed to mess things up in spectacular fashion and be looking for work come next week. That will teach me to be honest… On top of that everyone at work here has been lovely making me think I have made the wrong decision. Whatever happens, it seems there is a chance that the cliché a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush might come along and bite me on the bum.
To add to the irony of the situation I also received my work permit last week. I am wondering if there is some kind of record I might be able to win for shortest time that it is actually valid. Saying that it was an absolute dream getting it, from past experience in Kenya and knowing how potentially difficult it can be to get things done in Thailand I was expecting to be regaling you with tales of bureaucratic minefields and countless hours sat in dingy offices. Alas, it wasn’t too be, in fact the only thing that did live up to expectations was the concrete monstrosity that housed the Ministry of Labour which was straight out of Soviet Russia circa 1965. But the whole process was over in five minutes and, apart from having to sign my name on 30 bits of paper, incredibly painless. So I now have a shiny blue book that makes me legal to be doing what I have been doing for the past year and a half though I might not be doing it for much longer – nice.
(note to mum: I am hamming this up for comic purposes I am sure it will be fine, after all who wouldn’t want to employ your lovely son?)
Anyway there has been some welcome relief from all those thoughts with the arrival of Val, Nige and their two girls Zoe and Leah (2 & 4) for the weekend. Things didn’t quite get off as planned. They arrived on the Saturday and we were all under the impression that they were staying just down the road from us in the next soi. So armed with their room number we headed down to the apartment complex and entered reception to ask for directions. When we said the number and the name they just looked at us blankly, before suggesting that they might be staying in one of the other wings – there were four in total. So we proceeded to go round each one only to be told no they weren’t staying there or even that the room didn’t exist. By the time we got to the fourth and final one I was adamant that this was where they were and that there must be some mistake.
After much scratching of heads and texting with Nigel it transpired that they were actually staying somewhere completely different but that did have a very similar name – doh!! Anyway it was great to catch up with them properly the next day even if spending a day with the girls was astoundingly exhausting (I can hear all those with children nodding their heads in smug satisfaction). As well as spending time in the pool, we also managed to do lunch, meet some giant Chipmunks, watch a bizarre talent show for little girls, do some walking, go to the park, feed the turtles, get attacked by pigeons, go to another park, go for another swim and watch a bit of The Chipmunks before they were finally tired out. My hat goes off to all of you, Clare and I were absolutely knackered by the end of it. God knows how we are going to survive two days straight.
Before I move on, special mention should go to the Talent show it really was like something out of Little Miss Sunshine. We had actually seen a bit of it on the Saturday when we were there shopping but Sunday was the Grand Final. I have no idea how old these girls where but I can guarantee that some of them were far too young to be wearing the costumes and doing the dance moves that they were doing. Still Zoe and Lea had a good dance even if Zoe was slightly disappointed that the Chipmunks didn’t come abseiling down from the ceiling – I blame Clare for putting that idea into her head.
Aside from the exhaustive powers of small children its been a packed week or so. Clare has been dressing up as a sexy beefeater/waitress in an English Pub for International Day again which I am sure entertained the older male members of staff in her year group. We also enjoyed Graham’s 40th birthday last week – surely the only man to take two days to get to his own party only to turn around and disappear back to Tajikistan the next day; the things people will do to get presents!
OK about time for me to stop now, there is just time to celebrate the high health and safety standards in Thailand in the form of the Thai way of cleaning drains. This seems to consist of making someone strip down to their pants and then chucking them into the sewer. It offered me the spectacular sight of a disembodied head apparently floating in a stinking, filthy pool of water whilst everyone else just stood around and stared. I am not quite sure how effective this really is and don’t really want to have to find out.
Finally, finally, an insight into some interesting legal facts about Thailand. For starters the legal age for smoking and drinking is a sensible 18, but for some reason the legal age for sex is still at a horrendous 12. Maybe it is my western principles but surely they’ve got that a bit twisted up haven’t they?
What’s even better is there is apparently a law that you can’t enter a snooker hall if you are under the age of 20. Apparently this is because Snooker is seen as a terrible evil and that people only play the game as an excuse to gamble – a very heinous crime in this nation of err… gamblers. Having said that, and having been to a few snooker halls, it is completely true that the gambling seems far more important that the actual outcome of the game.
Right must stop now as we have to try and work out what on earth we are going to do for our upcoming Songrkan break. We had originally planned to go to Laos but I have less time off than expected so need to rethink – I don’t know who I am kidding though we will probably end up at a beach somewhere as usual. Hope everyone got our plan of action for our home coming and of course have a very happy Easter weekend.
p.s. in a radical first you will be pleased to know I actually edited this so hopefully it will make a little bit more sense than normal.
And the worlds your....BUG! Emma and Clint passed through BKK after sunning themselves on tiny islands, it was fabulous to catch up with them. I broke up for Songkran 2 weeks ago (we worked through easter which was rather strange, especially as I had to change my class easter egg hun into the songkran chocolate hunt...doesn`t have the same ring to it!)
It has been a good term, hectic and very busy but good fun...check out the class blog for updates. http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=124
After having a lovely time with the Barrats (who we did do easter egg hunting with) our next visitors were the Lamonts. I loved hearing all the news from garden house and we enjoyed chatting so much we talked for an awfully long time infact we started chatting at the Banyan tree, very elegantly I might add and then Barsu and Glow and then oops, cowboy which is where the bugs, elephant, orange bear and highly intoxicated German were....I do believe we finished the evening playing pool in a little bar too. Golly! Nick was working so couldn`t come but Emma and Clint had to catch their flights the next day. I bought some DVDs to watch and celebrate being on holiday, THEN how super is this...you can watch TV for free on the Net, the hills, pimp my ride the real worl, everything. Nick and I then flew to Vientiene and I will let him tell you about that, it was a lovely short break and we did nothing but chatter from one cafe to the next so that was relaxing and what we needed. We returned to the news that Matt and Lorna had got engaged, who better to celebrate with than us! We showed them a fun night!
It was my Dads birthday a few weeks ago and there should be a little something winging its way towards you very soon. Also this Friday Dad retired, obviously I wish I could have been there to party with you (and not eat bugs) but we can celebrate your retirement very soon (July!) I hope you have a much better than average retirement full of fun, health and the odd glass of red! xxxxxx
Once again it’s been a woefully long time since I last updated the blog so apologies. There is of course lots to tell you but as I’ve noticed that the longer blogs are not quite so popular I might split it all up a bit (note sorry didn’t turn out that way after all got a bit carried away again). As a brief summary since last time it is with some relief that I actually did get the new job I talked about last time. I start at the beginning of May, and I am actually very excited about the whole thing which is a good sign. Recently enjoyed having 5 days off for Songkran (more later) and I’ve just finished what will be my final magazine. It means I am now easing down at my current place, and just have the stress free task of helping my replacement ease into the peculiarities (of which there are many) of the magazine. Unfortunately this warm glow of idleness was dealt a harsh jolt the other day when I got a phone call from my boss to tell me that one of my colleagues had died suddenly. Weirdly we started on the same day, he as the editor of the other magazine the company produces. He was a half American, half Thai, script writer based in LA, but over here to escape the writer’s strike - very funny, very loud and a very good guy to work with. I last saw him in the office on Wednesday and he was on usual wise cracking form. It turns out that no one spoke to him again, his mother (based in the US) had tried to call him for a few days before they got the caretaker of the flats to open his apartment where they found him. Still not sure of the cause but at the end of the day it doesn’t make a lot of difference just very sad about the whole thing especially as he was really excited having just finished a film script that a couple of the studios were very interested in taking further. It was certainly sobering stuff and obviously feel for the family who had to find out in such a cruel way. Meeting his family made for a very strange first day back in the office which culminated in the cremation ceremony at the temple that night. Even this was an odd experience, we were told that it started at 5pm and I went along expecting lots of incense and monks chanting. Instead, when we got there it was all over he had been put inside the big metal oven and there wasn’t a monk in sight. Still I did make up for it by honouring his love of life and Hunter S. Thompson by getting drunk that night - RIP Richard. Well having brought everyone down I guess I should try and bring you all up again. As I said above we did have a great few days off for the Songkran and we did make it to Lao even if our trip simply reinforced the fact that Clare and I are the world’s most disorganized travelers. While we had made the effort of buying a guide book we probably should have read it before we got on the plane. If we had we would have realised that a) Vientiane where we were staying was very, very small; b) they go just as bonkers for Songkran in Laos as Thailand; and, c) it was going to be scorching hot. a) meant we probably should have spent a couple of days in Vientiane and headed somewhere else; b) meant we got drenched every time we left the hotel and c) when we weren’t soaked in water we were soaked in sweat thanks to the 40 degree temperatures. Despite all this it was a lot of fun even if Laos, and its capital Vientiane, is definitely a lot slower paced than Thailand and Bangkok. To get there we ended up flying up to the border town of Udon Thani in Thailand and then heading across the mighty Mekong River to Laos via the Friendship Bridge. It was pretty stress free as border crossings go and thanks to an early flight we were in Vientiane by ten in the morning. Hitting the street on the first day we quickly realized that there wasn’t that much to do as we walked from one end of the centre of town to the other in a matter of minutes. We also discovered that while the city is situated on the banks of the Mekong River a giant sandbank meant it was actually a vague outline on the horizon. It was slightly strange as the edge of the sand bank was lined with local bars and restaurants but instead of a view over one of the world’s most famous waterways we were confronted by a vast desert-like patch of scrubland which seemed to be full of people milling around and/or playing football. As we were enjoying this surreal view I also learnt that whilst Lao and Thai are similar they are not quite the same. This led me to order a giant fresh coconut instead of a bottle of water!! It also gave us a chance to try out the local Kip, I am still not 100% sure but we reckoned it was around 10,000 kip to one dollar. As the largest note was 20,000 Kip it meant you ended up wandering around with vast bundles of cash and, like Vietnam, could easily take a million out of the ATM which is always a nice feeling. After enjoying the coconut we carried wandering aimlessly and stumbled across a number of random temples, palaces and even bumped into a teacher from school and her boyfriend. The strange thing was I had actually given the boyfriend some writing work before but never actually met him so it was nice to finally put a name to a face. From there we headed down to the river front to watch the sun go down. By walking a long, long way we just about came to the end of the sandbank but even then the river was surprisingly quiet with very little in the way of traffic save for the occasional fisherman. Still it was nice to enjoy some good wine and good food sat out shooting the breeze. Next day, we embarked on the walking tour of Vientiane, this involved visiting the concrete triumphal arch perhaps the major site of the town. When you consider that the information sign put up to describe calls it as a concrete monster you will appreciate the paucity of jaw dropping sights. Weirdly you could climb up to the top but on the way every floor was stuffed with tacky tourist gifts and t-shirts for sale. Still the view was pretty impressive from the top. It was then onto the local market which packed full of washing machines, mobile phones and gold, and Wat Sisaket - home to thousands of Buddha statues. The heat led us to take plenty of opportunities to stop for drinks and despite having a few more temples on our itinerary made us decide to cut short the tour short and experience the delights of a Laos massage instead. Very nice it was too much gentler than a Thai massage – so gentle I fell asleep – and much cheaper! Suitably relaxed we treated ourselves to dinner at a posh French restaurant in the central square. To be honest both of us were rather under-whelmed by the place especially considering the number of rave reviews we had read and heard from different people. I also think we had rather higher hopes of the place than it could live up to. Due to the French influence I guess we had imagined a cross between Hanoi and Hoi An in Vietnam which we both loved but it just didn’t quite have the class of these places. Still the people were a lot less surly and a lot less pushy than Nam and there were some beautiful old colonial houses even if most of them looked like they could fall down at any minute. So another lazy day slipped by and another dawned heralding the start of Songkran. I guess all the water pistols for sale should have warned us what was to come but we just weren’t really prepared. In hindsight it was certainly not the best day to go and visit a Buddhist Park in the back of an open sided tuk tuk either! The journey took about an hour and started off dry enough but then as we turned off the main road onto the dirt track the deluge began. Just in case you are unaware Songrkan is all about a traditional bathing rite ceremony where you are meant to pour jasmine soaked water over Buddha statues in thanks for the oncoming rains and to pray for prosperity in the year ahead. Instead this has actually turned into an excuse for people to get roaring drunk for three days whilst throwing or squirting water over anything that moves, with farangs being a particularly attractive target. The poor state of the road meant we were a prime slow moving target and by the time we got to the Buddha Park we were drenched by countless buckets of water kindly applied by hundreds of small children much to the hilarity of all the other tourists who had come in a proper bus. To top it off it turned out that the Park was just plain bonkers. Opened by some guru about twenty years ago it consisted of lots of statues of Buddhist and Hindu deity’s sculpted (often quite badly) out of concrete. Highlights included a giant locust having its leg pulled off and a giant with a dead women in his hands. To make the scene odder the start of the holidays had seen a mini fair, stalls and a stage with massive speakers set up next door which was sending out the most deafening Laos pop music as quite a lot of people got slowly drunk. With our ears still ringing we cut our losses and fled back to the city. Having kind of dried out at the park we proceeded to get soaked again by the growing army of water flingers. We stopped off at another giant gold stupa temple on the way back which was nice enough until everyone started pouring water on us there as well. As we headed into the river front area we realized that Songkran is not the time to be in Vientiane if you like to keep dry – especially as it is small size means there is nowhere to hide from the gangs of roving kids with dyed hair travelling round on the back of pick ups dancing. Unfortunately for us there was two more days of this to come!! As a means of escape from the madness we had planned to spend the next day visiting the house of Kaysone Phomvihane, the former Laos President. It sounded quite cool as it was also the site of a former CIA compound and had been left relatively untouched since his death. Unfortunately it was another example of our lack of organization as when we got up we realized it was shut the day we wanted to visit. Instead we had to put up with the prospect of another day on the soaking streets of Vientiane. To avoid the worst of it we took refuge on the sandbank. All of the time we had been in the town we had witnessed a steady stream of people heading across the bank to a straggle of tents on the rivers edge. Now was the perfect time to investigate. When we got there we discovered why.Despite the very suspicious colour of the water this was where the locals came to cool off in a weird parody of Brighton beach. Aside from the screaming kids and the multitude of inflatable sellers perhaps the best sight had to be the two soldiers complete with AK47 paddling through the water – we assume to keep control. At one stage one of them did just drop his gun on the beach and jump in to cool off. On the way back to the hotel we stopped off at a restaurant by the main road to watch the songkran festivities from a safe/dry distance. On the menu were something called dragon’s eggs, now I had heard about a particular Laos delicacy which was some type of bug inside an egg like case and thought this might be it. How wrong I was, what we ended up with was ten fertilized eggs to enjoy. With stomachs heaving we both managed one bite each which was more than enough!! After spending most of the day hiding out in the hotel we finally felt brave enough to hit the streets one final time. With most places closed our last night was spent in this rooftop bar overlooking the river. After two days of hard drinking most of the people there were more than a little the worse for wear and it was perhaps unsurprising that a fight ensued on the street outside. But, just when it seemed like everything had quieted down this Laos man came sprinting up the stairs followed by three guys with guns. It ended up calmly enough with one guy being led away but still and exciting end to a quiet surreal stay! A very funny trip but definitely think we will be looking to other parts of Laos on our next visit. Apart from going out to celebrate a friends engagement a quiet time since we got back until last night. We had just got home from the supermarket when we were waved over by the security guard and the caretaker of the flats. It seemed they were having their monthly celebration and pretty much forced us to join in. It turned into a really funny night as we sank a few Beer Changs, ate loads of ridiculously tasty and cheap mussels, and not so tasty pork neck. It gave me the perfect excuse to practice my garbled Thai whilst Clare looked on non-plussed. It was also a great way to meet a load of people from our flats as they came in and out – never seen any of them before in my life – but not quite the quiet night in we expected. And, on that note and having written far too much once again I really better stop. Sounding very middle aged we are now off for a walk. A friend showed it to me the other day and it basically takes you through all the back lanes and canals to the main park. Really cool insight into the other side of Bangkok and hope to bore you with photos next week. Take care one and all and speak soon.
At last, after nearly ten years of trying my hands at various careers, odd jobs and a lot of good work for charity (OK the last one might not be true) it seems I have fooled someone into giving me a proper job for a proper publication. And, whilst it is still early days (3 to be exact) it seems that it might be one I actually really, really enjoy. Yep, since we last spoke I am now officially working for BK Magazine, in my own very humble opinion the best weekly English Language magazine in the city of angels (well, there are only two so it’s a pretty safe call). It has been a bit of a long term ambition since I first got here so for once in my life it seems I have shown some ambition and gone out there and got what I wanted (Alan Sugar would be proud).
But, as I said and before I get too carried away it has only been three days so I am still basking in first week naïveté and still full of relief that I no longer have to write up the dull goings on at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. It’s certainly quite a shock to the system to go from penning a story about the new IT policy at the Club to editing stuff like an interview with Thailand’s leading pop star, and an editorial piece attacking the lovely Mr. Thaksin. I am also probably blinkered by the fact that my first week coincided with their bi-monthly party and you all know how easily swayed I am by free booze. Next week I have a whisky and cigar tasting to go too and some time soon I have test drive a new BMW – not at the same time I hasten to add.
The only downside to my new job (Associate Editor, by the way) is I do worry that they will realize that I am really not cool enough to be any kind of zeitgeist guru informing the young and hip of BK what’s hot and what’s not but hey I’ll give it my best shot. It’s also a slight concern to realize that people actually read this stuff and I actually have to check facts and things!!
Anyway, that’s enough about that so if you want to find out more then check out http://www.bkmagazine.com which is the online version.Of course starting a new job means I have had to leave my old one. It was actually really quite sad to go as the people I worked with are definitely a lovely bunch. They really did take care of me, feeding me, teaching me Thai and making fun of my attempts to speak Thai back to them and I will definitely keep in touch with them all. Still we celebrated my leaving in style, (it happened to coincide with a national holiday the next day) and as you can see from the photos it wasn’t an early night. I managed to juggle the leaving one job and starting another pretty well as it coincided with two national holidays. It also meant that rare occurrence a time when Clare and I were actually on holiday at the same time. To celebrate this fact we stayed in a five star hotel in Bangkok! In fact it is so close to our house you can see it from our balcony! Whilst that might sound like a mad indulgence there was a reason. Basically, Clare had signed up to become a Club member of the Sheraton Grande and as part of the deal she got a book of vouchers giving us various free deals and money off offers. Despite only costing about 100 quid this included two free nights (weekends only), a load of free meals and 50% off at the Spa. Needless to say we made full use of facilities. After roaming around our massive room for a bit this included partaking of high tea, using the lush pool with hot tub, dining at the International Seafood Buffet and then enjoying an awesome two hour massage at a very posh spa. It was also really handy as when we realized we had forgotten something we could just jump on a bike and go and get it from home. It was definitely a very decadent and chilled out way to spend the weekend. The highlight had to be getting fed fruit whilst lazing in the hot tub!! As for Clare she is very well though currently facing up to that nightmare time of year for all teachers – the dreaded reports. She has already assigned some Science books for me to mark but does seem to be preparing by watching an all day special of America’s Top Model on TV. In other news we’ve been looking at possible places to live but think that after all we’re going to end up staying where we are. Most of the flats we looked at where either more expensive, had horrible furniture, smaller or had a worse pool. Everyone had something good about it but about five things wrong with it. We did get very close to moving too a place just over the road which ticked all the boxes by my powers of persuasion on Clare couldn’t get past the negative influence of the dead rat by the pool!! So I think it’s a question of grass is always greener and we should stay put, especially as they have offered to cut our rent by 10%. Another strong factor that we only discovered yesterday is that we live next door to an awesome Japanese restaurant. To be fair it opened about six months ago but we never got around to going in. First impressions are we had walked into some kind of seedy backstreet laboratory full of young Thai girls. However, it turned out it was actually a restaurant and the plastic bottles lining the walls where actually filled with Sake saved for the next time the owner came in. Now I’ve not been to Japan and I am no expert when it comes to their cuisine but everyone of the eight dishes we ordered was gorgeous and the whole meal came to less than a tenner. It does also fill you with confidence when every other customer there is Japanese. A great find and definitely one we will go back to. Indeed yesterday was a day of great finds as we finished off our night with a trip to a night market I had read about. We did have a bit of trouble finding it (I made us walk in completely the wrong direction for twenty minutes when in fact it was right next to the station), but Ratchada night market was well well worth it. It takes place every Saturday night and is simply the Thai equivalent of a Car Boot Sale but with cool stuff! There is also a particular emphasis on antique motor parts and accessories and there were simply stacks of really funky motorbikes and scooters for sale which fortunately I managed to stop Clare buying. But alongside all this were some really funky vintage pieces, second hand toys, old radios, phones, and TVs, clothes, shoes and records all very cool. It was also pretty interesting to see what Thai’s have in their attics compared to us Brits – I always said they have more style than us. Anyway all very chilled and again a place we will head back to. And on that note I better stop as I’ve written far too much and I need to get on with my marking before Clare tells me off! Hope all well with everyone wherever you are. HOT
COLD
Right it’s nearly 11, I’ve been at work for 12 hours but also realise that I haven’t written for a very long time. To assuage my guilt I will now give you a quick précis of what we’ve been up to for the last month and for once it will be quick and even better I have given you a picture of a dog with lights on its head.
To start with the job, it seems to be going well despite the long hours even if I do feel slightly too old and slightly too uncool to be working on one of the leading lifestyle magazines in Thailand. I am still not entirely sure what I am meant to be doing and if I am doing it right but hopefully that feeling will pass!!
On the plus side it is a lot of fun and also comes with some interesting perks. So far these have included a night tasting whisky and cigars, a free trip to Hua Hin to stay in a swanky hotel and even the opportunity to drive round the streets of Bangkok in the back of a BMW as part of a convoy complete with police outriders. This actually sounds better than it really was. After you’ve screamed across the third set of red lights with everyone staring at you the novelty kind of wears off. Two hours later it’s positively boring especially when you just want a beer, and everyone else in the car is Thai and doesn’t seem to want to chat. Anyway it probably showed that this kind of VIP transport is not for me. For the record the idea was a press trip to test drive the car but as I haven’t driven for about six months I didn’t think it was wise to get behind the wheel. Plus we don’t write about cars in our magazine either. No I am not sure what I was doing there either.
The hotel was better but to be honest it was only really an excuse to get a free trip down to Hua Hin. This was part of my 35th birthday celebrations and my sad attempts to pretend I was getting any older. This was rather spoilt by me going to bed at 10:30pm on the actual day of my birthday but was picked up by having two very lates in a row. One featured watching Thailand All Stars Vs Man City (All Stars won) which was a very bizarre game. Most people seemed to be there to support Mr. Thaksin and it was quite empty. Then at half time thousands of people poured in – mostly girls with shopping bags – suggesting somebody might have wanted to fill out the stadium to make it look better on the telly – I wonder who? Watching the FA Cup that night wasn’t much more entertaining, noticeable by the fact that I spent the second half with a group of friends looking up funny videos on You Tube. Still a late night followed by an early start to go on this junket – god knows what the members of the Thai press thought of the dishevelled farang lying on the back seat… After spending the afternoon sleeping instead of going to any of the specially arranged events I turned up at the grand gala party ate lots of lobster, drank some champagne and then disappeared into town to meet my friends. Despite being the royal beach resort and very popular with Thais Hua Hin was certainly not my cup of tea – but it might have had something to do with the tastes of my two acquaintances who didn’t seem to move from three streets full of pool bars and lots of young thai ladies. After finishing the night at a Karaoke bar it was time to wobble back to my luxury pad on the back of a motorcycle. This of course meant that I missed all the activities the next day, turned up at lunch (looking even more dishevelled) and proceeded to sleep all the way home. The PR people must have loved me, still at least I did actually write about it!!
The reason that Clare wasn’t around for any of this was she was finishing her reports which she now has. Having also seen the successful performance of her Tudor play complete with Madonna tribute she is now easing down to the end of term – three weeks and counting I believe. She is definitely counting the days it’s been a long year if a whole lot more fun than last.
So after my blow out the last two weekends have been quite quiet though Clare would argue that the opening of Top Shop is the event of the year. She of course went the day it opened and said it was pretty mad with lots of celebrities (Thai ones) wandering around each with their own photographer. Other than that we’ve been see Indy (bit too cute/silly/far fetched for our liking) though the 60s cinema was cool and only a quid, stocked up on DVDs at our little shop, had a massage yesterday. I did also managed to put Clare through the punishment of visiting the 4th Thai T-Shirt Festival. It took us over an hour to get there, was full of really young thais with really silly hair cuts, was really crowded and really loud. As if that wasn’t enough to put Clare in a good mood there wasn’t even any very nice t-shirts.
Other than that it has been raining a lot and very hard – basically any time I step outside. It’s so bad it has knocked our satellite out completely so we’re reduced to watching the Australia Network and Zone Reality on TV. This means we are pretty oblivious to any coup talk though someone at work was complaining they have to take a detour to get to the office at the moment thanks to all the protesters lolling about.
And you know what I am going to leave it there, sure I’ve missed lots of things out but perhaps Clare can fill in the blanks. But, most importantly I hope you enjoy the picture of the dog with lights on his head – what more do you want in life.
Only 2 weeks until the Measures arrive in Blighty! We are SO excited!! Only 4 days left at school for me, I shall be very sad to see my old class go, they have been lovely and my new class sound interesting, I meet them on Monday for change-over activities, ummm they sound quiet! This last few weeks have been bonkers, Tudor day, busking day, cinema trips, making chairs (!) flying helicopters (paper ones) and writing on scrolls (my classroom stinks of coffee!) Take a look, you may want to click on ‘view all’ for the photos that are a little older.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=124
Nick has continued to do bizarre things at work, I often get a text and know where he is…golf putting on top of a tower, a premier (I went to that actually and got a photo on the red carpet!) etc. He is loving it and his colleagues sound lovely and one of his designers has taken a real shine to him (He is a man). Nick got a letter from a reader yesterday asking if he could have a writing job on the magazine, he is a native English speaker with time on his hands, actually a prisoner in the ‘Bangkok Hilton’ for drug smuggling, (40 year sentence), Nick considered giving him the travel section!
Topshop opening was great…I tried everything on and spent hours in there, didn’t buy anything but enjoyed myself…I forgot Nick was waiting outside and as there was a teen band playing he was surrounded by young Thai girls kissing posters of said band and taking photos of themselves. Very funny.
We have had quite a lot of rain here but we have still managed to see the earth from above photography exhibition. We were looking for the world press photo exhibition but as Nick got the dates wrong we were directed to a dog painting competition…hilarious, check the photos! We went up Bayioke Tower which in its day must have been spectacular but 15 years on it is a strange experience. There is a lift to the 77th floor where you can have photos taken on hot air balloons, wooden elephants etc then as you move up you can see aliens, listen to cliff Richard, release birds and wander around a revolving restaurant. It used to be the Jonny Walker tower but as they have banned alcohol advertising it is now covered in giant BMW posters.
We can’t wait to see you all properly and make the most of our time with you.
OUR PLANS (as I remember...may have got a few days wrong so don`t panic...this is off the top of my head!!!!)
5-7th July London
8-11th Huntingdon
12-14th Oxford
14-17th Askham
18t-19 Leeds
Fly back L
HOT
COLD
School finished with some cracking end of year do`s and there were some sad farewells. We took Year 4 to the cinema for popcorn and Prince Caspian, unfortunately it was the day after the staff do...at least I remember getting home and I certainly didn`t kiss any other staff!! I was well behaved some weren`t but what a gossip and fun filled evening...so I slep through Prince Caspian. We had our staff Yr4 Yr4 do out in town which was lovely and we said cheerio to Eddie. We started the night at Cheap Charlies then moved to a tapas bar and later to the ice bar at Thaitanium, which is where we all got lost some ended up in the Kareoke bar then Angel (ladyboy) bar then Soi Cowboy (we were in this group) the others went to Glow. I sang Rock DJ (but was a little pie eyed so couldn`t really read the words), Nick of course did suspicious minds, very well too I think. I later did the crab in the angel bar...ladyboy did it too! It was also sad to say farewell to Fiona who is going back to the UK and we did a Marriott brunch in her honour followed by the Dubliner. There was even more chocolates this time! So a quiet few days now before we leave on a jet plane, 12 hrs ahhh!!!! We are trying to get upgraded! I have downloaded Allen Carrs easy way to stop smoking and I am listening to it each day sat by the pool and a little present shopping in the afternoons....requests???? I also moved our fridge so our living room seems so much bigger.
Lovely news that Kate had her third baby boy, Max Ivan and both are very well, great! CAN`T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL!
Nick will edit in his bits later, I apologise for my boring approach!
We had such a brilliant time catching up with family and friends and our whistle stop tour went far too quickly. The first weekend we were in London and met up with various friends in Primrose Hill, we made a little creche for all the new offspring we hadn`t met, George, Hugo, Rosie and Phoebe. It was a lovely afternoon spent catching up, sadly it just seemed a little whistelstop and we would have loved to have more time. Maybe next visit we will hire a cottage so we can spend longer really getting to see people properly. We saw Andrea and David, Steph and Tommy...good luck with the wedding, Jonny and Sam, Fergus, the Foxes, Joe and John fresh from pride, Martin and Ali, Matt and Helen and Matt Hobbs dropped in as a surprise, icing on the cake. We played Kub, I was brilliant and then spent the evening rolling around on primrose Hill drinking Champagne! Nick then ran off to the top. Sunday was rather hungover and I was cold. We went to a pub in Hampstead and Matthew Kelly was there...GOING FOR GOLD! Matt and Gemma popped in and it turned out very convivial! Later it was back to our hotel in Knightsbridge and we saw the Goddards who were on good form. Monday I went into Garden House and saw the girls they were taller but nothing else had really changed. We then headed for a bit of culture (and warmth) in the Natural History and Vand A museums, passing the Spooks door on the way.
Next up it was off to Huntingdon to see Nick`s Gran and uncle. The Tuesday was spent in Suffolk with his brother Chris and 3 boys, Max was just a week old and lovely...I wanted to kidnap him! We had a divine lunch at the Wyken and drank Moonshine which was a delicious English sparkling wine. Nick played golf with his dad and Jonathan who had a club with a very big head the next day, Jen and I went shopping in Cambridge. It was wet but lovely for us but the boys got soaked playing golf that`ll learn them.
We then zoomed down to Oxford and saw the Hobbs` plus Liz and Gemma, Gemma is great friends with teachers I work with here...small world! We played civilized games and drank and had a curry (I think) Steve had 1 picture shared onto 2 screens, that tickled my fancy! A fab night. Saturday was Helen and Michaels wedding, it was a huge secret, we only knew as we obviously had to buy flights! But wow what a perfect day!
It started with a car rally, a treasure hunt with clues. We met in a layby and given the instructions, Nick and I got to number 3 and went very wrong had an argument so opened the top secret envelope to find the final location. Headed there and had a hungover nap while waiting for everyone else to turn up! The final checkpoint was a beautiful ruined chapel in the middle of rolling countryside, stunning. There they were in their finery, looking very glam and serving champagne! As people turned up they calmly informed them that they were off to get married. We eneded up heading off in convoy to Henley registry office. The gentleman in charge had married her sister the year before! Nola did a burp in a quiet bit and there was chaos as all the children ran around. It was one of the most hilarious and moving ceremonies I have witnessed! We then went back to theirs for the wedding breakfast. Salami`s, pastas, olives, breads, cheeses, strawberries and pastas, and lots of fine wines! Mr and Mrs Boddy had decorated the garden beautifully had booked childcare, taxis and hotels. SSOO well planned and then speeches! Helen finished hers with ..."Hit it girls" and her mum, sister and I danced a little routine to "hey Mickey" I expect it will be on You Tube! It was a lovely day and the rain stayed away. Helen and I obviously did America by Neil Diamond later in the evening, but she was in a better state than me!
After a quick stop at Bicester Village for some shopping and to catch up with Martin and FS it was on the train to my folks. Unfortunately it was here that my camera packed up so no photos. Shame but it was a happy few days as I finally got to meet my niece Ember. Mum and dad had also moved into the new house that they had built...beautiful and even tastefully decorated! Really smashing, the bubble jet bath in my bedroom was splendid! The Thai and union jack were flying. Ember was so so so cute we played in a park, went to Pets corner..she wasn`t impressed with the water ride but loved the tractor ride. In some ways it had changed so much in the 20 years since Faye and I used to play there and others it hadn`t! Auntie Sue and Uncle Chris came down and lots of chocolate mousse and wine was had. Ember was delightful, she danced to her music, didn`t cry, ate fayes weird biscuits, splashed in the swimming pool (like mad) and was captivating, very sad and difficult to say goodbye.
We then headed up to Leeds to meet up with Jonathan and Kate and had a great night out followed by a game of dumb silly fool...I am sure it was Jonathon who was dumb?! Friday the boys spent watching the cricket and the girls shopped...nice shops in Leeds. We went out for dinner but actually ended up with a delicious Chinese! Saturday one last goodbye to my folks and Nicks mum and dad took us to Heathrow. I bought all the magazines in Smiths and then promptly fell asleep on the plane.
A great whistle stop tour but not long enough. Since being back I have cultivated a little garden on the balcony (well someone delivered the plants and I arranged them), went to a gym every day one week..super TV channels whilst jogging and cycling AND there was a whirlpool in the Ladies, was very glam! Reading lots of good books by the pool. Nick has been busy at work and I met his colleagues last week at a sophisticated do, they were lovely.
HOT
Seeing everyone in the UK
Gyms with whirlpools and lots of lotions and potions to use
Rambutan fruit
UK Book shops
COLD
Camera breaking
Short holidays!
Just wanted to say a quick hello and apologise for the slight technical issue with the website - or more truthfully not actually paying for it to be renewed. Anyway we know it`s been a really long time since we wrote but been super busy since we got back from the UK. Me at work, Clare going to gyms (yes I did say gyms) and of course heading back to school. All is very good, both settled back into BK life very quickly even though it was great to be back in the UK. Will write more very soon and promise to upload some photos but really need to go and get some tea. Also need to see if there is a coup or not as it all going down at the moment with a bunch of protesters invading government house - very exciting though not sure if much will really come of it. OK speak soon, probably once we get back from our weekend away at the islands. Take care one and all.
Sooo, its been a while hasn’t it, a good two/three months by my reckoning. For this we are of course humbly apologetic but I would also say I don’t really know where the time has gone. We do sort of have an excuse photos, or rather the lack of them. Unfortunately one of the results of England was we managed to break our camera – something to do with it not enjoying being left in the rain. As a result we haven’t been able to chronicle our escapades like normal. As I am aware that this is what people really want to see, and not read this drivel, it’s kind of put me off updating. Easily done when I am very lazy which is also why we haven’t quite got round to getting a new camera or getting the old one fixed. The other excuse is it has been raining a lot, like every day, very hard for the last three months. I know it’s the rainy season but this has been silly. For some reason this excess rain has meant I feel less inclined to write, stupid I know but its very true. Kind of a problem at work though as that’s what I’m meant to do for a living. Anyhow that’s enough excuses and lets cut to the chase. We are both very well, though we seem to have been working like lunatics since we got back from England. After a slight wobble Clare has managed to whip her class into shape and is once again back in the groove at school. Just in time for half term in a week. As for me still on the endless treadmill of a weekly publication but its good fun, and really enjoying it now doing more film and food reviews so it could be worth. Also got to interview a former Miss World but she wasn’t that pretty if you ask me. Despite the long hours it helps that working with some entertaining people which makes the day go quicker, it really does resemble an asylum at times. Indeed it is thanks to these people that we have photos to show you. All these are taken at a 25th birthday party (we felt old) and the last couple of glam chams our bi-monthly do to thank our readers and clients but which tends to end up with all the staff getting drunk. The last one was at a place called Parkbridge which is actually in a skybridge above Patpong – yes that Patpong. Very funny but there is apparently video of me doing the Measures Shuffle which is worrying… Otherwise we’ve had a few trips: me to Pattaya for the company retreat, Clare to Ayutthaya for a special Thai cultural course she had to do for school; and one where we actually got to go away together to Koh Samed which was lovely. Hopefully plan to head up to Chiang Mai at some stage soon as I can blag free rooms at a hotel up there. Think we could both do with a little break for Bangkok. Did have an invite to a wine tasting weekend in Hua Hin but unfortunately clashed with Clare’s trip which was a tad annoying. And what else have we been doing for the last three months? Good question I am not sure I can remember. Well we did get cable so that probably explains a lot of the missing hours. Clare very happy about it, especially with the 24 hour entertainment channel – it’s packed full of insightful programming. Other than that we did join a gym for a month (we both went twice), been to a comedy club, spent a lot of time exploring the latest wine bars (for work of course), visited the new art gallery here (actually pretty impressive) and even, get this, went to watch a contemporary dance performance last Friday – it was actually really good. This weekend we are off to wine bar anniversary and have a murder mystery to attend on Saturday night. I just realised that since we last wrote we’ve got a new prime minister, the last one was thrown out for appearing on a cooking show, which is nice though nothing really changes. Not helped by the fact that it is Thaksin’s brother in law the reason for the problems in the first place. So we still have protesters squatting in government house, still have police not doing very much about it (despite today’s tear gas) and still everyone else just goes about things like nothing has changed. On the plus side it has been very entertaining and makes writing sarcastic political asides for the magazine very easy. There’s no end in sight but I believe, from our dropping advertisers, that the credit crunch has finally caught up with us here so maybe things might get a bit more serious. On a serious note hope everyone cool with it all back home, hasn’t seemed to stop people here building more luxury hotels and condominiums. What else, ah yes back playing football and the leg standing up to it. Our record so far is one win and one loss so can’t complain. In a bid to get fitter I’ve even started playing tennis the occasional morning, though saying that I haven’t done it for about a month. Still doing my Thai lessons and can now read more Thai but still can’t understand what I am reading. More excitingly we are attempting to give up smoking and start hypnotherapy in two weeks. We had a trial run last week which was odd but we decided to go for it so keep everything crossed that it works and we don’t end up clucking like chickens. And on that note I guess I’d better stop really do hope everyone well and really sorry we’ve been so rubbish. Please do email, facebook etc… and tell us what you’ve been up to think we both feel we’ve lost touch a little of late. Right speak soon, byeeeeeeeeeeeeee
As we are still without a camera and I only managed to pinch these two off Facebook I will keep this brief. Just to say we both very well indeed thank you very much. Indeed we are not only well but both smoke free (10th day and counting) which is pretty darn good even if we say so myself. As I reported last time, we took the plunge and went under with some hypnotism and something called tapping or emotional freedom technique. Not sure about the tapping aspect (because I am so cynical and it is slightly new age) but together that and the hypnosis have definitely helped a lot. Still have the odd craving but seems pretty easy at the moment (touch wood).
So after writing this I will retire to bed to listen to my hypnosis CD. I would tell you what it says but I keep falling asleep after five minutes so I never really got past the you must relax stage, though it must be doing something to my subconscious or else I’ve paid quite a lot of money to be sent to sleep every night. As far as I am aware I haven’t committed any crimes while in a trance or anything. Clare has made sure she quits by taking the drastic action of having her teeth whitened so she know has gleaming pegs that Colgate would die for.
Currently staying in a litle more or going to the cinema to control the urges but we both seem as busy as always. Been to a murder mystery (see the photos of us in character) which was good fun though once again I have now idea why the person committed the murder. I really must pay more attention.
I did manage to discovered a great part of town recently called Pra Athit. It’s very near the infamous Khao San Road but very Thai area full of great little restaurants, good bars with live bands and lovely old shop houses with really quaint architecture. Went there with a Thai friend from work and then ended up going back the next week for a review. Currently hope to take Clare there this weekend along with my parents who’ve been out for a visit to go to a restaurant I read about.
With my mum and dad out its been the perfect excuse to do a few touristy things which we are normally too lazy to bother doing. So last weekend saw us head to the Teak Mansion, which was nice enough even if the tour was a bit weird. Personally I preferred the fact we were quite near the protests and could hear them shouting but wasn’t allowed to take a closer look. Then on Sunday me, mum and dad went to Ayutthaya on the train which was really cool. It was actually quite pricy on the way there B240 (nearly a fiver) but very comfy, if a tad slow. We found that the windows were so dirty in first class that you couldn’t see out which was sort of the point in travelling by train. Then we proceeded to take an hour to travel a distance that would take 15 minutes in a taxi. Still it was good fun watching the officious ticket collector and the cleaner mop the floors every five mins even though it wasn’t dirty. Ayutthaya was also fun, it’s an ancient Thai capital and has loads of old ruins, chedis and temples to visit. We just hired a tuk tuk who took us round all the sights and it as was very nice and relaxed even if I did get sunburn and we all did get a bit of temple fatigue by the end of it.
The train back was perhaps the best bit though. B20 each for 3rd class and though we didn’t have seats we did have a great view as all the windows were wide open and had a nice time just watching the world go by. They have been up in Kanchanaburi this week, heading back tomorrow for a couple of days before heading off to Australia. Oh to be retired…
So another week slips by can’t believe start thinking about Christmas I get quite a bit of time off which is great so we are going to try and start planning a couple of trips now. Right starting to ramble and my hypnosis is calling so better go. Hope everyone else is well, thinking of you all wherever you are and hope to have some photos for you soon.
Hello all well hopefully you can see a whole load of photos from my recent trip to Sydney. It was all very random and came about very suddenly through work so got to spend a week in Oz for free staying at 5 star hotels and doing lots of great stuff. Actually spent about fours days longer than expected as I got stuck trying to get back because of the airport closure in Bangkok and had to come back via Singapore.
Anyway will write more when I put up the rest of the pictures but wanted people to get a taste of what`s to come once our internet at home starts working properly.
And no Clare didn`t get to come with me hence her absence from the pics but she does finish for Xmas this week so you shouldn`t feel too sorry for her.
Sorry internet still playing up and its now time for my beauty sleep, so I am afraid that you`ll just have to wait for a real update just a little bit longer. In the meantime so more photos from my trip...
Well at last after three days of trying I have finally managed to upload all the Australia photos for your perusal though going through them again a lot are very dull, so apologies for that. It seems that a loose wire was causing our internet glitches so I now have no excuses for not giving you a full and frank update to my adventures down under. Which I will do but it will have to be in the next day or so because I have just eaten a huge meal for a food review and have an early start tomorrow. Anyway in the meantime enjoy these pics of my last few days in Sydney ( no money left hence the visits to gardens and churches both free to enter), a couple of my day stop over in Singapore and finally to prove that she is still alive a couple of Clare from our recent trip down to Hua Hin which was very nice too. Cheers all hope everyone well and promise there will be a proper diary entry this weekend.
This is finally honestly going to be the message I`ve been promising/threatening for the last couple of weeks. For starters of course we want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a super happy New Year. We hope that wherever you are and whoever you`re with you have the bestest time and that Santa brings you everything you could possibly want.
As for us well we’re getting ready to head up to Chiang Mai on Christmas Eve, all very exciting as neither of us have been there before. We are both quite relieved as we had horror stories of it getting as cold as 5 degrees but it doesn’t seem to be too bad just a pleasant 16 instead. So plenty of mooching around temples, coffee shops and a trip to see the pandas in the zoo lie ahead really can’t wait as it’s been a crazy few weeks since I got back from Oz.
Talking of which I guess I should put you out of your misery and give you a (brief, honest) run down of what I got up to. So the reason for being there was the fact that Tourism Australia gave loads of money to Baz Lurhmann so that he ended up calling his film Australia. So the plan was to create this campaign to get people to come to Australia after watching the movie. As part of this plan me and the editor of Hello Thailand as well as people from Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia and Japan were shipped in to get a sneak preview of the movie and a feel for the country. As a result I found myself flown to Sydney and put up in 5 star hotel with fantastic views of the harbor all free of charge for a week. Well it certainly beats working anyway.
As well as going to see the film (a little bit over long but you’ll just have to wait to my film review on www.bkmagazine.com) we were treated to a nice meal by the opera house, a harbor tour with free champagne and then an invite to a premier attended by Sydney’s rich and famous – I didn’t know any of them… but I think all the free champagne might not have helped.
On top of this red carpet treatment the idea was to have a “themed” holiday around the theme of Adventure because the film had adventure in it. This was great for me as it involved going on a bike ride around Sydney on the back of a Harley, indulging in some surfing on Manly Beach (I actually managed to stand up first time then it got worse and worse) which was excellent.
The next day I was met by my hippie guide Duglass who took me off to the Blue Mountains. There we spent two days bush walking, spying kangaroos and when the mist and rain lifted enjoying the spectacular views. But by far and away the best part of that trip was heading out under cover of darkness on a bush walk down into the valley floor led by this guy called Tim who was some kind of super expert on the Blue Mountains. The mist and torch light made it even more eerie even if we couldn’t get the star gazing bit but it didn’t really matter. No the real purpose of our trek was to spot glow worms and we did, in their thousands. It was really magical to turn off your torches and be surrounded by this thousands and thousands to tiny blue pin pricks of light. It really really was one of the most amazing sights I’ve been lucky enough to experience.
It was all a lot of fun and made me realize that I do actually miss the countryside a bit being stuck here in Bangkok. Anyway after just two days it was back to Sydney. Heading back to the city also made me begin to take the whole airport closure thing a little more seriously. Still this was the Wednesday so I was sure that they would be out before we flew on the Sunday. The rest of the time in town was spent visiting spots in the suburbs like the bohemian Surry Hills, climbing up the harbor bridge, having dinner up the Sydney tower and along Cockle bay Wharf, a personal shopping trip to all the designers, visiting all the markets like the Rocks, Glebe and Paddington and hurtling around the harbor for the Oz Jet whitewater speed boat experience – excellent fun.
Indeed it was only when I got a call on the Friday from our contacting in Thailand explaining that our flight was cancelled that it sunk in that I couldn’t get home!! The solution in the end was to fly to Singapore on the Tuesday and then catch another plane from SG the following day to the military base down near Pattaya that they were using as an emergency airport. So instead of getting home on Sunday it was now going to be Late Wednesday night.
On the plus side it meant more time in Sydney doing what I wanted to do, also I got a free day in Singapore and of course less time in the office. On the downside, I was slightly bored of my own company, it was more time away from Clare and I was also running low on money!! So the next few days were spent pounding the streets, Sydney is great for walking and visiting the parks, and museums that were far too boring to be on my original itinerary.
All in all it is definitely a beautiful city with a really nice vibe. I can certainly see why people rate it so highly and why so many people end up moving there. But, and I still can’t put my finger on it and maybe it was because I was traveling on my own, it just seemed a little safe and boring. Who knows would definitely go back and visit again though especially with Clare. Also I need to do the Hunter Valley and taste all that wine!
So it was back to reality with a bump. U-Tapo Airport was surprisingly efficient and after a two hour bus ride I was finally back home. I had timed my return to perfection, coming back for one day in the office before getting a day off for the king’s birthday – result. It was great though as it meant Clare and I had a chance to get away to Hua Hin a small resort town about two hours from Bangkok. I had been once before for a press trip and hadn’t thought much of it, but it’s incredibly popular with Thais so we thought we had better go and check it out. We were both pleasantly surprised though it did help that we were staying in some gorgeous accommodation with a huge deck area, living room and two bathrooms. Hua Hin itself was nothing amazing just a nice, quiet, sleepy little town that had an OK beach and some nice seafood restaurants but it was a very relaxing trip and nice to be able to catch up.
I also liked the waves which I have now become addicted too since my surfing lesson. The only problem was the water which with all the horses riding up and down the beach using it for a lavatory was not the crystal blue you might imagine.
Since then Clare has finished school, got some lovely presents and some bonkers presents and spent her first week off recovering from one of the longest terms in history. I, on the other hand, have simply been flat out trying to help get four magazines finished in the time that we normally do two. We still have two to finish next week so it’s going to be fun. None of it’s helped by the general gloom hanging over the place courtesy of the, political uncertainty, the economic issues and of course airport fiasco which has simply ripped the heart out of the tourism business at its busiest time of year.
Still it’s Christmas so we refuse to let it get us down and can’t wait to head up to Chiang Mai. Also enjoying the cool weather which means the city streets are currently bearable. In turn that means beer gardens popping up on every street corner, and lots of street events like the ones we went to this weekend. The first, and the one were Clare is pictured with penguins and vacuum cleaners, was an International Street Festival featuring loads of top acts. It was really cool and it was quite amazing how many people turned up for it. So much so that Clare even had to buy a periscope to see what was going on.
We then went on to a vertical ballet put on by one of the local Department Stores. It was pretty impressive stuff though we were influenced by the free ice cream and beer!! So on that note and with just three days to go this is probably a good time to end. I am sure there are hundreds of things I’ve forgotten but hey ho they can’t have been that important.
So just have a fantastic Christmas and an excellent new year and hopefully catch up with some of you soon either here or there.
We don`t do things in half measures!
We are absolutely thrilled about expecting two bundles of joy in July. We celebrated the most sober christmas and New Year this year but know we have the best 2 presents ever!
For once we have an excuse for putting this up late, we wanted to wait until 3 months had safely passed. Obviously this Christmas has been quite different from our past explorations which generally include going somewhere new and stumbling from bar to bar getting to know the area and having a giggle. This year was sober and we wouldn`t change it for the world.
We have had three scans and heard healthy hearts and seen them them flutter about, the babies are not identical and are growing fast. We had a third scan just before Christmas where the Dr whooped and shouted "and look there`s another one!" the nurses and waiting room soon heard from him too! Dr / patient confidentiality is quite amusing here! We soon got over the shock and now are doubly thrilled.
We went to Chang Mai on Christmas eve and the hotel was lovely, breafast was especially tasty and as I am continuously hungry I gobbled everything. Although quesy by lunchtime and exhausted by tea time I am on top of the world. And enjoying having breasts for once!
Chang Mai is colder than Bangkok, sleepy, quirky and very very nice. There are lots of night markets and street fairs, coffee shops and unique shops and temples...there is a zoo (with Pandas...one of which has no manners and went to the loo in his bamboo) and a temple where legend has it some relics cloned themselves and were carried there by an elephant who dropped dead and thus they buried the relics at the site and built a temple there.....which has a cable car, ATM, TV screen and lots of thais chatting, eating and occasionally praying!
There were numerous restaurants and antique shops to explore but I was in bed by 8, Nick watched aston villa play on his own in a bar around the corner so Christmas was a quiet affair, the highlight being telling our families about their new nieces or nephews or cousins. Lots of happy tears.
We returned to BKK where I discovered a craving for ham, not slices but chunks of honey roasted ham, one particular time my basket was full of ham and just ham we bumped into friends, goodness know what they thought! New year we had friends round for cocktails and nibbles and it turned into a very amusing evening, they, along with Nick left at 11 and went to the river and blagged a free trip on a boat and happened to be in the middle of an incredible firework display seen from all over BKK as the clock struck 12. I was snoozing. Nick returned at 3.30am, and had heard the horrid news of the Santika fire, what an awful start to 2009 for some families.
Now we are both back at work and enjoying Bangkok`s cool weather and plodding on. We have just had a Kenya reunion (there is a giant international teachers job fair on at the moment) which has brought back lots of memories and it`s lovely to see that we are all only ageing slightly.
Hope 2009 is a wonderful year for you...and drop us a line and visit if you are in Asia at all.
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It’s actually been really cold here of late, honestly, I even had to wear a jumper to work though it probably didn’t quite warrant the hat, scarves and gloves that I saw one girl wearing on the skytrain – it was around 16 degrees at its very coldest!! Still people have been dying up north because the temperatures plummeted to 12 degrees C. Well the papers claimed it was due to the cold but when you read the story one was a drunk man who fell into a river, and one was a 90 year old monk so I think the “freezing” weather was a bit irrelevant.
Unfortunately, the cold snap really just signaled the end of winter which is particularly sad as it means a goodbye to the beer bars of town. These are great they just spring up all over town, are sponsored by individual beer companies, sell beer really cheap in giant 3 litre towers and have live bands playing every night. I will definitely miss them especially one great spot on top of a shopping center called Greenspace. Had a great view and very cheap beer. Still I did manage to pay it one last visit last week with a couple of friends which was good fun. Especially as after we got kicked out at midnight we stumbled across a really random but excellent ska band playing in front of the shopping center (as you do). Nothing like a good bounce/ shuffle about to end the evening.
So it has been a couple of weeks since we unleashed our rather interesting news to the world and a massive thanks to everybody who has been in touch with congratulations. We really appreciate all the messages and it was a great way to catch up with people, though maybe just emailing more often might be a less extreme way for us to keep in touch! We have tried to reply to everyone and hope we haven’t missed anyone and so sorry that we are so rubbish at this communication malarkey normally. Anyway, as you can probably tell from the photos, Clare and the babies are all growing well, Clare particularly well. We had another scan yesterday and everything is progressing as it should. It’s a big relief as we had a scary moment last week that saw us rushing to the hospital. Of course it was absolutely terrifying at the time but as Clare pointed out a good preparation for parenthood. Anyway despite the blind panic the doctors were great and we went again yesterday, and touch wood, cross fingers, eat lucky clover etc… everything seems to be back on track. Now I take a break and hand over to Clare so she can wax lyrical about them both (but I would point out that unlike the last time we went for a scan I can actually see them and they do now look like babies):
So the scan shows that the babies are big, they have strong hearts, 2 hemispheres in their brains and today judging by the calendar they grow hair follicles , let’s hope they get those from Dad! (Yesterday was tooth sockets, last Monday they even produced bile, I am proud of them all ready!!!!!). Kipper one likes waving (reminds me of those lucky Chinese cats!) Kipper 2 is chilled and looks like it’s in a hammock at the beach. We shall have regular check ups and next visit is in a month’s time.It’s been funny telling both works as well, Clare’s school have been marvelous, her year group basically banned her from going on residential and have even taken over her duties. She is definitely very lucky, but it doesn’t hurt that the head of school loves her!
On the other hand my work was just bemused. To be honest me being married is a novelty in the office so a member of staff having children is just off the chart. Which is good in a way as I think I can create my own paternity leave policy. My Thai teacher is particularly happy and claims that twins are actually reincarnated couples from a former life, which to be honest is a bit weird. Still she also said Clare should dream of diamonds which I don’t think will be too hard for her. We now currently discussing (arguing) over names even though Clare thinks its two girls and I think it’s two boys. Of course we don’t have a clue. And that is probably more than enough about babies, very very boring of us.
Outside the world of maternity life does go on and we been having fun, while we still can! A couple of weeks ago we had the chance to catch up with a lot of people from Kenya. Dunny, Maggers and Nibs were all over for a Teacher recruitment fair so it was a great opportunity to meet up with them all. Needless to say their visit coincided with a few nights out and a particularly notable evening with Dunny, Graham, a bucking bronco and a ladyboy bar. Unfortunately Dave didn’t realize it was a ladyboy bar until one of the “ladies” started talking to him but he had got to know her pretty well before then. Still his reaction when he found out was priceless. A lot of fun, if rather tiring doing it two nights in a row so it was some relief that we had a weekend drinks ban due to yet more elections. This time it was for the new governor of Bangkok, the last one managed to stay in his job for one month before having to resign because of corruption charges. Anyway, it was a great chance to take it easy and we had Nick come over to our place and catch up on three years worth of gossip over a few bottles of wine. It was great to see him and we even managed to do a food review together which was fun. During their visit I also met the entire senior management team from the Dulwich schools of China which was funny. I won’t say where we ended up but I think I should be able to wangle a job for Clare if we ever fancied it!!
Other than that Clare’s condition has meant we are taking things relatively easy. So aside from visitors it’s pretty much life as normal just with the added incentive of trying to work out what you do with babies (need bigger house) and trying to play enough football to get rid of a little stomach I seem to be growing. I would try and pretend it’s a sympathy pregnancy but actually believe it’s down to eating too many biscuits now that I am off the cigarettes, I managed to devour a whole packet of jammy dodgers the other day-woops. Right I’d best get on have to pop to the supermarket and get Clare some more ham – she can’t get enough of the stuff – and me some more biscuits before footy.
Just got time for some messages, Major congrats to Steph and Tommy for brother/sister to Hugo, congrats to Paul C for engagement/wedding news and also super great news for Val and Nige who are Manila bound – get ready for our visit this Christmas – Boricay here we come.Have great weeks all and take it easy. N and C
Well really just a quickie to say hello to all. On the baby front it`s a case of no news is good news. Indeed the only change has been the size of Clare`s ever expanding stomach. It`s been quite funny seeing the look on people`s faces when she says she is only four months.
It`s been so nice not to have to pay a visit to the hospital for a while which as you can probably tell from the pictures gave us a chance to escape to Hua Hin. Obviously have to make the most of it while we can!! It was all very very last minute but it worked out well as I managed to get a great deal at a new resort on the outskirts of the town. So we have just got back from spending a very pleasant weekend in our own 2 bedroom villa with private jacuzzi pool. It was perfect as obviously not going out for the wild nights at the moment so very nice to just kick back with a spot of sun bathing and the occasional dip.
Apologies for you all shivering away in the UK but to be honest it`s just too hard to resist... We had also planned on catching up on movies as we have about five to watch, but somehow we managed just one and Clare fell asleep twenty minutes after it started. So the wildest thing we did was by some different mayonnaise (can`t find Hellmann`s ANYWHERE! ) and a trip to night market which was a little disappointing- crazy days.
Back in Bangkok it has been similarly quiet, I’ve been out to a few free dinners which have been OK, went to watch a load of bands the other night which was fun and generally been quite busy what with both the other editors being away. Still they back so fingers crossed things will get back to normal if that is at all possible at my place. I did also manage to drive straight into a huge protest as well when out on a night out in Kao San Road. We were getting a taxi there just as they were deciding to go on a march. In the end we had to get out and walk through them all but in typical Thai fashion it was all very well behaved. Just lucky we weren’t muslim immigrants though as we would probably have ended up in boats with no engines floating in the Andaman Sea.
Anyway, the protesters have given the new PM until next weekend to fire himself and the foreign minister and arrest everyone who invaded the airport so expect either a) nothing to happen b) more elections c) a coup d) further protests. What it does mean is we still can’t really wear yellow or red t-shirts without showing some kind of political allegiance. However, I did find out today that I had met one of the heads of the red shirts a while ago and he offered me a job at the time so I guess I better root for them.
For Clare she is managing to cope with the long hours at school but they are certainly tiring her out. Still she did get her proper class back after they had spent a week on residential. Once again School great and covered for her so she didn’t have to go. http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=124 for her class blog (you may have to save target as...blah blah. She is currently very happy watching entertainment channel. Redcarpet Grammy’s just finished and now it’s the BAFTAs (red carpet) she’s in heaven.
And on that note it is time to be off. Hope you enjoy the photos of our palatial pad, (and only B4.5 million [80 grand], to buy with a guaranteed rental each year) just wish we actually lived there, still, we are looking to move. OK, hope everything great back home or wherever you are and we will be in touch with more news soon.
For once it`s Clare writing this as she has been on half term this last week.
I must admit I have loved doing absolutely nothing except a little shopping, the occasional visit to the salon, and lunch with some lady friends...It is just like being a footballers` wife and I really think I am quite good at it. It`s a shame I am back to school tomorrow and 5am starts.
The babies started kicking on Valentines day...that more than made up for not getting a card!!!!! What a fabulous day, bizarre but lovely and it makes it so much more real. Nick could feel them immediately and we`ll never forget it. They haven`t stopped and regularly knock for each other to come and play. This week according to the calendar they are making finger prints and tooth enamel. Last week was sweat glands. Nice. Still nervous of course as a long way to go, but we had a 17 week scan at the weekend and to our delight they are both active, correctly sized and thriving, phew! Dr Kamthorn said one was even smiling, I bet they both were.
I have had each and every symptom so far from nosebleeds, itchy hands, heartburn and ugly shoes and pants, (it is almost like someone has been pregnant before), I have only hemorroids and stretchmarks to look forward to. Val swears by extra virgin Olive oil ( the girl who made me cellotape chives, there wasn`t any basil in Kenya, to my breasts in order to make them grow huge, this of course didn`t work even after 4 days) so please think of me each evening with the olive oil, rubbing it in...I apparently smell like tomato salad.
I could of course carry on talking babies but I won`t. Val came this Friday for a weekend get away which was terrific and good to catch up, relax and chat non stop. We had sophisticated nibbles on Friday, Saturday we went for a pedicure and lunch at Minibar Royale a beautiful Parisian street cafe with a 50`s bicycle and the most luxurious loo in town. A parent from school (an MTV presenter no less) was also lunching and took a photo of me to show her son, odd! We then headed to the shops and wandered around with Val, visited the hospital where obviously Val was quite overcome with the hotel like foyer, restaurants and staff (it is quite bizarre...not at all NHS like, your medical includes a light lunch with a glass of sparkling wine). Relieved and proud of the kippers we celebrated with a drink at Long table (they had elegant cocktails I had a cranberry juice. We then headed to a beautiful Thai restaurant around the corner from our house which is full of personality and gorgeous food. I recommend the sweet hairy pork, honest it is actually nice.
This morning we bought some nibbles for Val to take back to Brunei, cheeses and cured meats in Emporium and then headed to the Peninsula on the river for an all you eat buffet of very elegant food. There was free-flow champagne and I enjoyed a lot of chocolate, Nick enjoyed everything and Val enjoyed a lot of champagne. The river side setting was gorgeous and it wasn`t busy at all. There wasn`t too much food to choose from but everything was delightful and cooked to perfection. We are now torn between there and the brunch at the four seasons, not a bad life!!!! We popped over the river to the Shangri-La to watch a little of the Hi-so Thai elderly bouffant ladies dancing with the gay men, all the same characters were there and the high kicks were coming thick and fast. Val felt the floor moving (it was the champers) so we went home, giggled a little more and said goodbyes, next time we meet up there will be 4 Measures` as well as 4 Barratts! We are hoping to meet up with the 4 Magnus` (or Magni) too, between us all we could start our own school!
Strictly Come Dancing is on....I think Emma Bunton might win but we bith love Anton Du Beck, so will write a little more later. Hope all well with everyone and congrats to foxy and jess for their twin news, I guess it`s like buses you wait for one to come along and then four at once...
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Anton is out, grrrrrrrrr!!!!!
This is a real quickie as I`ve uploaded some photos but it took so long it`s now time for bed. I will finish this tomorrow honest. But just briefly to say Clare and growing twins are all good as you can see from the photos from 18 and 19 weeks. I am also well having one of the most entertaining weeks ever. As you can see it started with me dressing up as a giant sting ray and ended with a free meal from a Michelin star chef and a house warming party. Anyway enjoy perusing the pics for now promise I will add some proper explanations tomorrow after our first ante natal class, or is it a pre natal class? Well I guess I can tell you tomorrow. Cheers all.
Clare here, Yep we went to the class...all interesting although during one of my back exercises Nick had to put his hand on my tummy and accidentally uttered the classic line, "Oops forgot you were pregnant," we all stared at him! It looks like our hospital are going to put together a package for twin births so we may not afterall have to change doctors. We did however look at flats. Saw one flat great location and pool and garden, quiet soi near shops but the actual flat wasn`t up to much, who has the second bedroom with a glass wall off the living room?? They need changing rooms or 60 minute makeover here.
I ran a science day in school today:
Year 4 celebrated SCIENCE week on Wednesday 11th March. It was an exhausting but terrific circus of investigative fun. PHEW!
Year 4 proved themselves to be curious and inquisitive scientists.
Each class visited all laboratories and completed a series of practical experiments. The children focused on their Science one skills and had to be able to predict, fair test, collect results or draw conclusions.
A terrific morning was had by all, happy birthday Charles Darwin!
But it was upstaged by Yr 3 and 4 getting shut down at 4pm!!!!!!! Yes, an outbreak of HAND FOOT AND MOUTH disease in my class (2 cases) has led the thai law to close us down. Staff have to go in though and teach through the eclassrooms (we scan work up , mark it electronically, have chat forums etc) so actually not off at all. However, I was worried about the twins, rushed to my doctors who then sent me straight to infectious diseases. I thought the maternity wing was glam but this was something else...very very decadent which actually made me cross as I now know where our money is going...restaurants, outside lifts with service, marble floors and self flushing loos. Still I was sat next to a monk in the queue, didn`t wait long and the infectious disease doctor said not to panic but signed me off anyway...he was more worried about the fumigation spray in my classroom.
A surreal day. Children are thus back NEXT Thursday!
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=124
So I am now in charge of booking our last weekend away as a couple...somewhere not far with a wallow pool. Maybe Hua Hin!
Had a lovely chat with Faye about breast pumps and pushchairs and monitors and cots...still so excited but rather shellshocked about all the logistics! What an adventure!
Alright everyone I promised I would get back to you to explain the photos of me dressed up in a giant sponge stingray outfit. Well actually it was not a sting ray but a spotted ray but I am not sure we should really get too hung up on such details when I was really a giant six foot bit of sponge. Anyway the reason I was doing it was for a story at work. The idea was we would all do something different for one day and then write about, hence the day in the life title. After not getting a reply about being a stunt man I decided on being a mascot for the day at the local aquarium and to be honest it was an absolute scream.
Unfortunately though it;s been a tough week so I am going to plead laziness and just give you the version I ran in the magazine. I wasn`t going to tell you that but as the story is written in the present tense I thought you might think I had gone insane if I didn`t explain myself. I did take out all the rude words though so it is child friendly : ). Anyway enjoy and will do a proper post soon:
When the first thing you see when you get to work is fifty dancing cooks you know you’re in for a weird time. But then, I guess dressing up as a giant underwater sea creature is a pretty surreal way to earn a living. In fact surreal, pretty much sums up the whole experience. It’s like entering a another dimension where everything looks like normal but it’s also slightly off kilter. How else can I explain being stuck in a lift with an otter, a shark and a cheeky penguin (It’s a tight fit by the way). Or playing Jenga with a mermaid. Or discovering that Siam Paragon (a luxury shopping mall) has a secret canteen filled with hundreds of coiffured shop girls in different colored uniforms doing karaoke.
That’s what you get though from being a mascot. You get to see things from the other side of the coin. You’re behind the scenes looking out, and let me tell you things look pretty strange when you peering through the downturned mouth of a giant sponge eagle ray, called Mr Murray. That’s me for the day, Mr Murray. I decided to be a mascot because I thought it would be fun. And it truly is, but I didn’t realize how much it would mess with my head.
I meet my fellow mascots in a windowless room filled with old props: couple of penguins, a giant plastic polar bear and an angry looking husky. My bemused colleagues stare as a middle aged white guy tries to get into a shark suit. Turns out I’m too tall to be Marc the shark so a spotted ray it is. That’s when they tell me about the dancing. I don’t do dancing, let alone dancing wearing a giant rubber suit that makes me resemble a seriously unhappy frog.
Too late, it seems the life of a ray involves quite a bit of dancing, six shows a day no less. The rest of the time is split between wandering around posing for photos and, fortunately, a lot of down time which gives me the chance to learn the steps from Rom and Max. Having been Mr M six days a week for the last three months these guys are the pros. As I stumble over or just plain forget the steps I can tell that they are worried.
It’s a relief, when we don our suits and get to head out of the room, accompanied by the minders. They are there to steer us ungainly foam creatures up escalators, into lifts and perhaps most important keep over enthusiastic kids (and adults) at bay.
The first time out is fun, people stop and stare as I glide up on the escalator squinting through the sweat and flapping my fins. It`s fun making people`s lives a little weirder. The downside is, despite the mall`s ice cold air con, it’s crazy hot. The only way to cool down is to get my minders to pump my chest like a bellows. But, I survive unscathed and definitely enjoy the strange mix of attention and anonymity that comes from wearing this outfit. It’s a kind of invincibility everyone can see you but no can see what you’re up to. I confess, I have the urge to run amok, especially when I spot a five foot tall rabbit, is he stepping in my territory? Maybe this is a common occurrence, perhaps that’s what the minders are really for. I also notice that it seems to make you more appealing to attractive women.
However, all too soon I’m herded back downstairs and then I realize I stink. The suit has clearly been around a while, and I find myself marinating in a lovely pool of sweat stained sponge. Still I haven’t got time to worry about that, I’ve got a dance routine to learn.
So the day slips into a rhythm we go out meet the crowds, the pros do a show and then it’s back to our lair where I continue to murder the dance steps while everyone else relaxes sleeping, eating or playing board games. It`s not a bad way to spend the day, and while I might not be very good at dancing I am superb at Jenga and I won snakes and ladders.
With the big show approaching I’m hit by stage fright. Jesus I’m going to be doing a dance routine in public. I can feel the tension rise, even the mermaid Aey, looks nervous. What if I screw up, do they get punished? Do I get punished? Will I be fed to the sharks? Before I know it I’m back in the costume and it’s then I realize. I haven’t done the routine in the suit, I can’t move my arms, or see my feet. God, how am I going to get up on a stage when I can’t see my feet. It’s too late, I’m in the foyer and that damn music starts. The next few minutes are a crazed blur, I somehow stagger onto the stage without falling on my face but my minds gone blank. I forget everything I was taught. Instead, I opt for running wildly around the foyer waggling my wings and then my bum. Confused I stop running and realize that I’ve missed my cue again. What’s happening, get it together. Finally, I get my rhythm, even manage to wiggle my fins in time with the others but the only mark I hit is the last one. It’s a pitiful, travesty of a performance but I don’t care. I’m absolutely buzzing, I loved it and want to do it all again.
Unfortunately, that’s it. All too quick my fifteen minutes of fame are over. All that’s left is one final walk around the shopping centre before I pull off the costume for the last time. It’s been harder than I imagined, but it’s also so much more fun. My sting ray might have looked pretty grumpy from the outside but inside I was loving every minute.
Happy Chakri Day everyone!
I hope this blog finds everyone well and looking forward to a good break over Easter. It certainly finds us well as I have a day off and Clare is now on her easter break.
After a hectic few weeks everything is shaping up well here and in particular Clare`s midsection which is growing at an alarming rate thanks to a couple of karate kicking loons who seem to spend their waking hours jumping around. I must confess I find it a little scary seeing the bumps and ripples on Clare`s stomach. I guess it makes it a little bit more real, or maybe I just watched too many horror films.
So, as the pregnancy continues apace (23 wks and 4 days), we are trying to get ourselves sorted out before our lives go completely bonkers. For starters, Clare has got herself a credit card ready for the spending spree to come when we begin purchasing cots, changing stations, nappies etc, etc... But before we can do that we need to move to somewhere bigger which we hope will be sorted out very soon.
After about three weekends and a fair few evenings seeing a whole heap of flats, some nice, some nasty and some just downright crazy it looks like we`ve whittled it down to two in the same apartment block. Honestly, you have to wonder at some of the places we’ve seen from red lacquer sofas, bright pink bathrooms and dead seahorses in a jar. Flat hunting is of course doubly difficult when you have to live up to Clare’s high standards on a tiny budget. Still, fingers crossed we might have done it, but don’t want to jinx things just yet so more news on that when it all becomes official.
Other than that Clare has been valiantly heading to work every day though she is absolutely cream crackered and this break couldn’t have come soon enough. Fingers crossed doing nothing for two weeks should give her enough energy to get through the final ten weeks. It hasn’t helped that it has been crazy hot here (over 35 most days) which makes me light headed so not surprising it hits Clare even harder. Still we making sure we do very little walking, thank goodness for cheap cabs. Also started ante-natal classes and sorted out which hospital we going to have the birth so slowly ticking off the list of things to do. The hospital was a right palaver as at one stage it looked like we were going to be facing a bill of around 6000 pounds for the delivery but we shopped around and got a very good price, at a very good hospital and with our current doctor so it all worked out in the end.
Next week we plan to head down to Hua Hin again for a week off as we celebrate the Thai New Year. I managed to get some special deals through work so staying in two extremely lush places (www.yaiyaresort.com/ & www.akaresorts.com/aka-huahin/hua-hin-resort.php - well this website is called Get Jealous) far from any water fights or drunken goings on. Even more exciting I am hiring a car so we can drive down, should be good as I haven’t driven since last year, hopefully it’s like riding a bike. Still, I have borrowed a friends GPS system so should be nice and easy, yeah right.
Other than that, work keeping me super busy as always and I am still loving it though I haven’t had the chance to dress up as anymore sea creatures which is a shame. In terms of what I have been doing I guess the biggest thing is I’ve started going to the gym!! Very grown up and makes me feel like a proper American business type as I go before work and then have a smoothie on the way to the office. I’ve even started doing weights, but very little weights as it hurts my arms, ready for lugging the twins around.
Had a few nights out with work and friends (making the most of it while I can) including a free wine tasting and a nice event at a hotel with free oysters. There was also one evening where I ended up in an after hours gay cabaret show. I am positive I could never find it again as it involved creeping down a corridor using a phone as a flash light but what I remember was both very odd but also very entertaining. I also showed I am not completely past it by going to a club the other night, but of course it was very loud and I did need a sit down at one stage.
I’m sure there are loads of other things to tell you but to be honest my mind is blank, or maybe I am still shell shocked from watching villa lose again last night. If I remember then I will add later and as I said hope to have news of flats soon. In the meantime I will pass you over to Clare, take it easy all.
Happy Songkran/Easter! It’s water spraying, but we won’t be doing the water pistol thing this year. I will of course be eating easter eggs though however melted they may be and spending a lot of time taking it easy. The last couple of weeks have been hard at school: http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=124 and I really intend to do nothing this holiday and fingers crossed I can then keep cooking these two for ten more weeks. I plan a manicure and pedicure…I can’t reach my toes anymore and watching some DVDs, I am addicted to Brothers and Sisters (season 3) and just can’t stop crying. I have taken a few days off but hopefully next term will fly by. Faye’s new baby was due yesterday, she sounded incredibly calm when I spoke to her but she is a pro…and we will keep everything crossed! Dad’s birthday too, he enjoyed a pie and wine! Funnily enough our Christmas presents arrived last week which was thrilling, I will now dress sophisticated (a la Gok Wan) and look Declore moisturized and enjoy my chocolate snowman…who is a little melted and droopy! Sadly the lovely calendar of Ember had to go straight to April.
Earth hour here was a little disappointing, we turned our lights off but the rest of Bangkok seemed very fluorescent. I have reviewed a few restaurants with Nick for the magazine, I think he is a little harsh but I think I maybe I am too soft, I can’t possibly do it honestly without fear of upsetting people, even if it is anonymous!
We are now off to look at cheap furniture for our new flat…need a sofa which ever one we go for so we are meeting some of Nicks friends for lunch, a magazine writer from Robin Hood`s Bay, who is lovely, although his girlfriend and I agree that the men are quite a bad influence on each other…they won 3,000 baht before their first drink on Friday hence we didn’t see them till the very early hours of Saturday morning!
Sadly mum and Dad lost Freckles this week, I can`t believe the lastime they were catless was when I was 7. The house must be quite empty, very sad. Freckles was the cat with the famous bottom and if I remember I correctly she liked the vicar, a lot. I have pregnancy jelly brain, which has meant that I have flushed a pearl earring down the loo, real too, grr! But at least I didn`t put crisps and pegs in the fridge like Nick did.
So must pop into the shower (I am still using olive oil on my bump each evening, so far so good!!!) and make myself half decent. Take care and enjoy egg rolling…we don’t do that Ashby tradition here, bit stinky and there are not many hills in Bangkok! xxxxxxxxxxxx
Just a quickie to say even if you read something on the news we not anywhere near Pattaya and not wearing red shirts, or yellow for that matter. No on the day that a state of emergency was declared we were signing a two year contract for a new flat and shopping for sofas - images of someone fiddling while Rome burns come to find- but we did find a lovely sofa thanks for asking. So at least it means we have somewhere to put the two little monkeys once they arrive in a couple of month`s time. Anyway it`s a lovely flat with a big kitchen (very rare for thailand) a good size living room/dining room, three bedrooms, a swimming pool, playground, fitness center and a great wrap around balcony. And for some reason it`s less than our current place...
And if you don`t believe us then you can just check out the accompanying pics but only if you promise to ignore the furniture which will be removed on Clare`s strict orders. We actually do the moving thing the beginning of May (9th) and the new address is 26/16 Richmond Palace, Soi Sukhumvit 43, Sukhumvit Road Klongton-Nue, Wattana, Bangkok, 10110.
To recover from the excitement of furniture shopping and the streets of Bangkok being full of red shirts we`re back off to Hua Hin for yet another quick break tomorrow. This time we get to enjoy a full four days for the Songkran holidays. Wish me luck its the first time I`ve driven in Thailand for about a year and a half and, unless you count a go kart, the very first time i`ve driven in Bangkok. Thankfully, we have GPS to guide us just hope it`s able to identify random UDD roadblocks. Think they are heading back up to cause mischeif on Sunday, so we`re best getting out the way. To be fair they did a good job on Thursday but the government got round it by giving everyone an extra days holiday-hearts and minds. Even then I had to go into the office and finish off the magazine so fat lot of good it did me.
On that note, I guess better get packing, I obviously need a holiday have a great Easter hope you all get a decent break (I get a whole blissful week) and we`ll catch up soon.
GIANT CONGRATULATIONS FAYE!!!!!!! Well done Steve too! WONDERFUL news and he is adorable. LOVE the photos and can`t wait to meet him! I love your dress Ember...a good choice young lady!
I made it to the end of term by the skin of my teeth...I found out that I was so fatigued due to anemia, so I spent the Songkran holiday chomping iron and now feel like a new person. The baby kippers continue to grow and are very active which is wonderful. We are hoping for another 10 weeks and then they are allowed to arrive. I am 26 weeks so today they open their eyes...on Wednesday apparently they can cry, which is quite heartbreaking to think that they can cry and they aren`t even born yet! Over the holidays I suddenly grew, I don`t think it was easter eggs but iron!
We had our last holiday as a couple and spent 4 days in sleepy Hua-Hin...away from the protesters here in Bangkok. We are not wearing red or yellow. We hired a car and drove to a new resort called Yaiya which was lovely (when we got there...we used GPS and ended up circling Victory monument, the scene of the burnt bus later that day! It took us an hour to get out of Bangkok we were so hoplessly lost, fun though). We had a suite in the resort and they had thought of everything from Pyjamas to art. It was a lovely place and the owners invited us to supper, where nick and them finished 3 bottles of wine and put the world to rights...I enjoyed the music (they had robbie williams on the ipod) and the spinich gratin. We then left to go to AKA where we had a 2 bedroom villa and 10 metre very private pool. Which sadly was a little tired...I told them a spruce up, coat of paint could do wonders. But it was really gorgeous. We were totally cut off and their spinach was the best I have ever had, I told them that too. We discussed our future offspring and how we were going to bring them up, we couldn`t decide about discipline so have come to the conclusion they won`t be naughty. It was here we got the news that my nephew Coean had arrived. Whilst we were leaving a catfish fell from the sky! True! We put it in a pond, hope it lived.
Sadly we returned to Bangkok but ordered a sofa for our new flat, found white shelves and went back to work. It is the hottest time of year and has been 38-40 every day this week so even we have the air con occasionally! I look forward to the rains. School has been good this week but I am finding that I am very slow and I tend to waddle everywhere now. The Kippers are particularly active in maths.
The credit crunch can`t be that bad in Poets Court (where we rent out our flat, number 7) as we recieved an email this week asking if the owner of the porshe could move it as it creeps across into someone elses parking space. The porsche wasn`t ours. But obviously someone in our block of flats is loaded!!!! There was a photo too.
Take care...got to go and check my spinach gratin...I have tried making it for the first time.
xxxx
Yep we are in!
We moved on the 9th but it has taken until today to get satellite (quite urgent, was missing Martha Stewart and it has been the American Idol finals...I wanted Chris to win, the other man`s trousers were far too tight). It took Nick endless phone calls to get the internet, but we logged on last night, hurrah! The curtains will change eventually as they are ugly but it is looking nice now our bits are in, we need to sort balconies out and voila done!
Finally feeling more like home now. My journey to school is quite glam, I phone reception for a taxi and by the time I have cleaned my teeth, it has arrived and takes me to school. Our new maid is excellent and for 5 pounds a pop does all the cleaning , ironing and watering of plants. Brilliant. School is going well although hectic, once I have these next two weeks out of the way I will certainly be able to relax more but it is Optional sats, reports, assemblies to prepare etc. I am 30 weeks now and school have been superb I don`t have to teach ICT anymore and they deliver my lunch to the staffroom!
Nick had his birthday last weekend...he went out on the Friday with his drinking friends and has seen the photos on facebook! He received playstation games from his brother so has turned into a happy 10 year old again playing star wars. On his birthday I wrapped his presents in the Tiffany colours (he obviously didn`t notice) but Kate Geddes Measures you would have been proud....bows and everything! We went for lunch, ummmm spinach and then then the docs...all is good, apparently if I can carry them the next 2 weeks there is no reason I can`t go to 36 weeks. The kippers are kicking and fingers crossed quite happy in there. My bellybutton has disappeared, but thankfully the olive oil is still working!
The rains are here and we have some awesome views. Still miss the old flat but here it is full of little children here, even taekwondo classes and yoga downstairs in the playroom. A lady called Jean asked to be my friend in the lift....she said we could swim together!!!??????
Anyway I must do my reports now and put my ankles up, my feet closely resemble a hobbit`s.
Our new phone number should you need it is 02260 9847 but I think you would need a Thai code first.
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Paste into a new tab for a map of where we are!
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Bangkok,+Thailand&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=11.957247,28.125&ie=UTF8&ll=13.73234,100.573826&spn=0.019177,0.027466&z=15
We live at the end of soi 43
Well it seems like an incredibly long time since we wrote and especially since I wrote which is pretty rubbish really considering I am meant to be a writer. I do emphasize that I am only meant to be a writer.
Can’t really believe it’s been two weeks since Clare last wrote days seem to be zipping by at the moment as we countdown to the big day. We looking at beginning of July but as Clare potentially felt her first contraction this morning who knows what might happen.
I guess there comes a stage when her bump simply won’t stretch anymore. They already look pretty crowded in there and seem to take great pleasure in crawling under Clare’s ribs and regularly kicking her in the pelvis. It all means she is finding it really difficult to sleep at the moment and I am not quite sure how she is getting through long days at school. Still, on the plus side, she has finished all her reports and is now officially on baby sitting duty for the rest of term (three weeks and counting).
We’re still enjoying the new flat and think we have bought everything we need. Well I think that, I am sure Clare thinks different but at least we pretty much know where everything is now. We even discovered that the guard has a shopping cart to wheel anything heavy to your door for you. Our maid is also proving to be extremely handy with a brush and iron so that’s one less thing to worry about. It’s a tough existence.
Somehow we are pretty much sorted and ready (yeah right) for the arrival, and after some interesting negotiations with customs have now managed to acquire cots, nests (like baby hammocks we want them to be chilled out), car seats, slings etc… The nursery looks even more like a nursery and I have become highly skilled in using a screwdriver and reading instructions, or at least taking direction from Clare. She even had a sort of surprise baby shower courtesy of her class where they bought her a giant blue and yellow elephant (or maybe it was for the babies).
Finally in terms of baby talk we had our final scan the other day and pleased to say everything is apparently looking good. I say apparently as Clare and I couldn’t work out what we were looking at – just a load of grey blurs- but of course we lied and nodded along with doctor. He seemed happy so I guess that’s all that matters. I have put up some scans so good luck working out what’s what. We head there again next Saturday and I guess we’ll get a better picture of what, when and where.
And this is where I have to apologize that we don’t have many photos of clare or the bump but just lots of me. Unfortunately our camera ran out of battery before I could take some snaps this morning so you’ve just got to make do with lots of me. As you can probably tell from these photos I am in complete denial that I am about to become a father preferring the whole blind ignorance approach to the read books and actually have an idea what’s coming. To be fair my argument is sound I have a feeling there’s no way you can prepare for what’s coming so instead I am focusing on drinking beer while I still have the energy.
Also in my defence the photos here are from my company retreat so I had no choice but had to go and spend the weekend sampling wine at a vineyard, riding on an elephant and then drinking whisky for two nights straight. I was just being a good employee. The vineyard and the hotel where both in Hua Hin (yes there again) and it was a fun time though it must be said it was quite tiring trying to think in Thai for 72 hours. The highlights, well it was the first time on an elephant but I felt guilty as soon as I got on him and even worse when I found out he was 55 and near blind – he kept walking into the vines and I did enjoy being one of the last standing – that’s quite a rarity for me. Everyone seemed to have a good time which was a relief because I picked the resort – it was where Clare and I stayed for Songkran.
I should also explain why I am wearing muay thai boxer shorts in one photo and a green mask in another. Basically \ the last few weeks at work has seen us playing the buddy game where you pick a random name from a hat and then you have to be nice to them – buy them presents, leave them notes etc… The retreat was the finale where you had to guess who your secret buddy was and buy them a special present. Mine got me the shorts and I got him some pants and a mask so it worked out well. I did have to bribe someone to find out who it was though. I tell you what though if anyone needs to lift morale in their office try this game it does the trick.
Other than that we’ve really been pottering along, work going OK considering nobody is advertising at the moment. Football has been a little more sporadic but I have played a few games recently (even missing a spectacular open goal) but it’s the last game of the season next week. Think it will see me hang up my boots from this team but I may well join a veterans team next season (yes I am that old) as they only play once a month. Right well I think that’s probably it for now. We will try and stick some photos of clare up soon and of course keep you posted on any developments. Wish us luck something tells me we are going to need it…
So, somehow we’ve made it to 34 weeks. In a lot of ways the time has flown by but in others it seems a lifetime ago since we first saw two little blobs on the ultrasound. I think time is going particularly slow for Clare at the moment. As you can see from the picture they just keep growing and the bump just keeps getting bigger.
What this does mean is Clare is constantly aching from the extra load and they still seem to take intense pleasure in burrowing into her ribs and giving her a good kick in the lungs every now again. Perhaps they are just preparing her for the sleep deprivation to come?
Of course I am feeling pretty useless at the moment. Short of rubbing Clare’s feet and doing the shopping there’s not a lot I can do. Still I do think reality is finally dawning, I woke up in a cold sweat the other night…
I can’t complain though, when I consider what Clare is having to put up with including getting up at 5am for school every morning. Luckily she only has one week of term to go now and school have been nice enough to give her two days off. So 3 more early starts and then she can spend the rest of the time until they arrive in bed.
We should know more about exactly when they will be arriving come Wednesday when we go back to the doctors. We went last weekend and our doc seemed remarkably blasé about the whole thing, but then he’s not having to carry them around or give birth to them, and is fairly confident they’ll go the distance. So that means around the 8th July.
I promise not too go on about babies any more but obviously Clare not really being able to walk has meant we haven’t exactly been going bonkers hence the lack of photos. As you can see though we are still getting awesome storms which are particularly impressive from my office window as I am up on the 22nd floor.
My work is actually going good, though desperately trying to clear the decks before I disappear and the other editor heads off to France for two weeks. I currently seem to be undergoing numerous anti aging treatments at the moment. I am not sure if this is related to me playing in my first veteran’s football competition the other weekend (yes I am now that old)? Fun but very very tiring.
So last week saw me get intense pulse light treatment which involves having cold gel stuck on my face and then being zapped with a laser. Then today I’ve been for a caviar and motoxly facial – apparently motoxly is the tropical botox!!? I found it really soothing though until they pulled off the mask – teach me not to shave first - and it was very unnerving to see my face sitting on the side afterwards. Again no effect that we can see yet but I might wake up tomorrow and find I can’t smile.
It’s actually been a weekend of firsts. I bought my first baby bottles and sterilizer yesterday (I went for the one that looked like a spaceship), and had my first Colombian food last night while doing a food review. The place was great but the cocktails were definitely more impressive than the South American cooking.
And on that note I think that’s probably enough from me coz I seem to have rambled on again. Still promise to keep you updated on news and fingers crossed also work out a way of sticking this up on Facebook. Still as I only found out about RSS feeds the other day don’t hold your breath people.
And… before I really do go I just want to say a BIG THANKYOU to everyone who leaves messages on the message board thing. We do read them all and we love getting them so please feel free to add anything you want. Now I sound like a Radio DJ definitely time to stop. Oh and happy 1st birthday Max on Thursday.
Right take care all and byeeeeee.
Really really quick message as the tennis final is about to start and I need to go cook my tea! As we get closer and close to D Day just thought we would update you after latest visit to hospital.
Despite Clare really suffering now, not being able to sleep, walk, sit or lie down and generally aching all over, our bonkers doctor has said we've got to stick it out another few days. (you can see a photo of Dr Kamthorn below - fills you with confidence doesn't it!!!!!!!). So unless they decide to come out early which doesn't seem likely as they seem pretty contented in there we will finally find out whether its boys, girls or a bit of both some time on Thursday. It's what we expected though it does mean my final boys night out before I become a sensible father was a little premature last night.
Its tough on Clare but at least she now has me home for the next three weeks. Thailand has three days holiday and then my paternity leave kicks in. So I can distract/annoy her and take her mind off things.
So better go as I can here the williams sisters warming up. Thanks for all the messages and apologies for my drunken message causing a false alarm on facebook. I had just seen a very good band from China and was over excited. And as we count the days here's some photos of Clare and her amazingly expanding stomach, our mad but lovely doctor and one of me with Ronald Mcdonald, and yes this is inside the hospital. Take care byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Wow is perhaps the best way to describe it, currently staggering around in a sleep deprived ectstatic hysteria after my two sons Hector (2.8kg) and Noah (2.08kg) decided to make an unexpected arrival at 1:20am and 1:21am last night. As a result apologies that this is going to be short and probably make no sense but will write properly later if they ever let me (give it about twenty years). In the meantime will let the photos do the rest.
Just to say with clare's waters breaking at about 11:30pm on Wednesday night, a rapid taxi drive to Bumungrad hospital led to an even faster caesarian operation and the arrival of these two. Despite spending today completely spaced out Clare doing really well and of course the boys are both absolutely gorgeous and already have their own personalities.
We are simply in awe and have spent the day staring at them and being told what we should be doing by a team of superb nurses at the hospital. The dcotor seems to think we should be home by Sunday but are currently terrified at the prospect as still learning how to put a nappy on.
And on that note I am off to dream of feeding times and take advantage of the fact that this could be the last uninterrupted nights sleep I get for a very very long time. Thanks to everyone for all your messages really is much appreciated.
Spent in the company of:
Hector Thamini Ashby Measures born at 1:20am on July 9th weighing 2.80kg
Noah Mii-kaa Ashby Measures at 1:21am at July 9th weighing 2.08kg
Their middle names mean PRECIOUS, Hector’s is in Swahili , Noah’s is in Thai.
As boys are lucky, twins are lucky and the number 9 is incredibly lucky in Thai I guess we are all quite lucky!!
The time has gone so quickly but it’s been brilliant and it has been so special the 4 of us getting to know each other. After their dramatic entrance we all spent 4 days in the hospital being cared for by a fabulous team of doctors and nurses. My room was a huge double suite complete with two flat screen tv’s and fridges….with a mini bar! A little different to the NHS. The room was right opposite the nursery where we were taught bathing and breast feeding tips. Both my doctors visited each day and the boys were thoroughly checked over by the paediatrician daily. The team of nurses kept checking in with us and were always there if we needed them or were concerned about anything (we have turned into the most neurotic parents ever, a day with out a poop from the boys was terribly worrying and caused me to phone the nursery twice…next morning they both made up for it and we even took a photo of the poop!). The nursery even phoned us when we got home to make sure we were ok. The nurses loved Hector and Noah and in true Thai fashion they were swaddled when we left (sorry, checked out) they both looked like the cutest maggots.
Being home was surreal and it took Nick and I 1.5 hrs just to bathe them, we got maybe 20 mins sleep the first night and only a little more the following evening. But it is more than worth it, we constantly watch them, Nick sings to them, I chatter! They both can breastfeed and love a warm bath. They have a better wardrobe than me and have been utterly spoilt by our friends who have all visited them either in hospital or at home, Lorna and Matt even cooked us dinner (which had been our first proper meal in 5 days!).
We have been overwhelmed by all the congratulations messages, from old family friends to phone calls from Tanzania, we will get back to you all, eventually! Granny and Grandad Ashby arrive on Sunday, (they certainly won’t be having an exotic restful holiday but will be desperately busy, in fact I am quite concerned they’ll need another holiday afterwards!) Nick goes back to work on Thursday and I am not quite sure how’ll I manage without him. If you are in Bangkok (or just passing through) then do come and visit us, we‘ll even give you biscuits.
I have just been told off by Nick, apparently it isn’t right to make the supermarket delivery people come in and look at your babies! I know every parent is biased but ours really are lovely and I bet the delivery men loved them too.
Enjoy some more photos of Hector and Noah (there will be more to follow along with some video if we can work out how to make it smaller)!
Sorry it has been a while but here are some photos to keep you updated. Hector and Noah have kept us very busy...how does something so small and cute produce such huge piles of poop nearly continuously! We have had a few looong nights but fingers crossed they seem to be getting down a little quicker now. They are such different characters, Noah is thoughtful and hates having a dirty nappy, Hector looks naughty even when he is asleep and he is quite happy to sit in his own poop for ages. They have been spoilt rotten and had lots of visitors.
We hope they will be great friends but I reckon there will be some huge fights too. We think Hector will get into mischievious scrapes and Noah will come to the rescue.
Granny and Grandad Ashby arrived on Sunday after traveling business class for an emotional union! They bought a glam pushchair and so many outfits and toys and a singing bear gym. Thank you to everyone who sent such gorgeous cards and presents with mum and dad, thank you cards are on their way and the boys are thrilled to bits...and looking very handsome! Their wardrobe is fantastic and full!
We have had a few litlle jaunts out and generally where ever we go we get mobbed! Nick got saluted by one man, received a round of applause from the motor bike riders and people flock from everywhere to peer into the pushchair, they always ask which one was first, and Hector looks very pleased with himself!
Both boys have put on weight and are growing up too quickly, I wish they could stay like this for a lot longer. Still I can't wait until they are talking. Oh no Noah has woken up and hector is already crying will write in more detail soon and already have another batch of photos lined up for you!
xxxx
p.s. Read this !!!!!!!
http://emailsfromcrazypeople.com/2009/07/23/the-infamous-pider-drawing/
Can't quite believe it but the boys are now three weeks old. Somehow and with Granny and Grandad Ashbys help we are surviving despite quite a few sleepless nights - very difficult persuading both of them they want to be asleep at the same time!
Still at least they are now legal as the boys birth certificates have arrived. All four of us are born in the year of the ox and apparently the boys are born in the 2nd waning of the moon too. Thank goodness we got an english translation too! This is the second attempt as the first ones claimed Nick was an American so he wasn't too chuffed.
Granny and grandad Ashby have gone for a long weekend in Chiang Mai which I hope they are enjoying, it is cooler there and I think mum will enjoy the countryside and the peace and quiet, city life doesn't suit them. However, they have enjoyed Lumpini park and dad has taken a lot of photos of the meals he has eaten, so I guess they are enjoying the food. Mum has suffered with the humidity but can certainly change nappies and cuddle the boys to sleep. A little delayed but here are some photos of home in UK, the stork and bunting was put out in the boys honnor on the 9th JUly, along with the thai flag.
Hector continues to eat everything in sight and Noah still likes clean nappies. Both are very good at telling us when they are hungry and need burping, Hector has done some spectacular burps and also managed to be sick out of his nose yesterday. Noah can giggle and turn onto his tummy. Hector really enjoys nappy rash cream being rubbed into his bottom and Noah likes staring, (not at Hectors bottom but stares at everything,) Noah loves swimming in the bath. Both are brilliant boys and even after 2 hours sleep a little smile makes up for it! I think they are going to get away with a lot.
Yesterday I planned Christmas and their stockings and where we would leave santa's mince pie and rudolph's carrot. As nick pointed out we need to get through the next few weeks.
Enjoy the pictures and videos as not sure we'll be getting much chance to write a lot for a while!!
x x x x x
A few more photos....
I celebrated my first mothers day here in Bangkok, the boys wrote a lovely card....g and t!!!!
Gifted and talented....not gin and tonic
Had a boozy birthday and a Sunday brunch at the 4 seasons....a good send off for the grand parents who left last night. It was VERY sad to wave goodbye, I am not sure how we would have coped if at all during the first 4 weeks wirthout them. I hope that the boys don't change too much before they see them again in February.
Hector and Noah went to the doctors for their first check up, both had put on just over a kilo in a month and so are now 3.9 and 3.3 kg respectively. They are growing up very quickly and are much more alert and can lift their heads up and are much stronger. Their bottoms continue to be quite explosive and they are now sleeping in cots and napping in the nests. We were worried about two lumps that appeared on their bottoms and amazed they both had them in the same place, turns out they are their BCG vaccine marks! Doh! paranoid parents.
They do like to go out and are well behaved....different at 3 am though! My old class visited on Saturday and cuddled them and squashed dad's nose, he has no cartilidge.
School started today so it is strange not to be there I feel like I am skivving. Highlight last week was the boys gurgling at their cousins back in UK over skype....a world of dribble between Hector, Noah and Coean!!!!!!!! Faye has been fab with top tips on everything!!! Nights are slowly getting better and still breastfeeding both saves money on formula but still getting through 15-20 nappies a day, crikey!
Huge thanks to those who have agreed to be god parents....obviously we hope it is not required that the boys live with you but you may want to take them for a BEER WHEN THEY ARE OLDER, AND nICK SEEMS OBSESSED WITH TAKING THEM CAMPING, i AM NOT SO YOU CAN DO THAT!!! Opps caps lock, didn';t mean that. THANK YOU god parents it really is lovely of you.
Hector
Noah
Oh golly they have woken....will write more in a minute
Welcome to our world, we might only be 6 weeks old but you'd be suprised what a packed schedule we have already. For starters we have to get up at around 7 to get ready for a bath. To be honest we could do with longer in bed but we have to say bye and say bye to dad before he heads off to work.The bath is fun though, Hector thinks swimming is cool and is particularly talented at gurning, Noah loves splashing and being clean. Then it's the toughest part of the day deciding what day time outfit to wear. We try and be co-ordinated when we can. If we are going out for the day then our favourite outfits are definitely our Elvis numbers, we love those huge collars. If we just chilling at home then our panda tops and the fish and alien onesies are comfy but cool.
We might have been good in the night, we might have been quite noisy, either way we wake up ravenous! After breakfast we usually go back to sleep (only after a good burp). We then get up at 11, again absolutely parched! We then have a play, a rattle can entertain us for ages, we also like music (David Bowie is awesome and Hector also likes a bit of ska) and books about trucks and fish. After all that exercise its time for a well earned rest and we usually nod off in our nests.
After a late lunch at 2 we often pop to Tops, sadly we can't purchase anything (like beer) just yet but we make sure Mum gets in plenty of Mammy Poko nappies, wet wipes and cotton wool. Because we create SO much washing we have to make sure there is enough washing powder at home too. Noah usually wants batteries for his electric chair (one that swings it doesn't electrocute him, he hasn't got into capital punishment ). Hector sometimes has to go to the pharmacy for his flatulance medicine. Shopping takes a while because everyone wants to peer inside our pushchair and look at us, they always ask who was first, Noah sometimes lies and says him.
When we get back home we watch the lights on the ceiling have a cuddle and then another nap. At 6 we have a sponge bath, this time we don't have a shampoo and set, just clean winkies, eyes, ears and noses. We have a big formula feed with dad when he gets home then we get swaddled and off to bed in our big cots.
We try to only get up every 4 hours in the night but if we feel like cheeky monkeys (like today) then we may get up a lot more. We know mum and dad are watching on the flash monitor so we like to cry and just when they get up to see us we stop. If one of us cries it usually wakes the other one up too! We have a laugh about it when we hear mum and dad grumbling!!! Before you know it, it's morning again and we wake up for another bath at 7. It is hard life!!!
We are going swimming on Sunday. We can't wait as we have mini boden swimming shorts and matching caps, how glam are we!
I still feel like I am skiving! Maternity leave is great though. So far our adventures this week have been to the park, the boys slept through feeding the fish and looking at the sculptures. They woke up at the perfume counter in Emporium though. We have been to Villa supermarket too, our next challenge is the inflatable shop to get a paddling pool, but there is a chocolate shop on the way so we may get distracted. We had playtime on the balcony and there was a humming bird, I also saw some magpies and was totally worried that they may come and steal the babies, how big would a bird have to be to carry 3kg?
We abandoned swimming at the weekend as it was a little chilly. We did go out for Sunday lunch...within 15 minutes I had poop, sick and soya sauce down my outfit. Sushi was lovely though. Still we have lots of visitors coming this weekend and fingers crossed interviewing a few nannies on Sunday.
Hector and Noah have really started smiling, using their hands and generally being the most perfect babies ever...although nights can still be long. We have worked out that maybe they sleep a little too much during the day but I try and keep them entertained and even my singing doesn't keep them awake....makes the maid laugh though.
This weeks highlight has to be making page 9 of the Retford Times...not quite OK!~ or Hello but funny nevertheless! Dad contacted the paper about his wooden stork and unbeknown to mum they came round to take photos the day before they left to come here. Brilliant!
Thank you to you all for leaving such lovely messages, thanks to twitter and facebook people other than family now read it!
Hector and Noah are seven weeks old and getting even cuter and even more adorable. They are sleeping a little more but still behave rather like hamsters are are prone to being nocturnal. Trying to keep them awake during the day isn't an easy task, I even sing to them. Hector doesn't like thunder and Noah has a dodgy stomach sphincter and suffers from reflux (gets it from his dad). They are both growing, 3.9 kg and 4.4kg. Noah is nearly as big as Hector. They are smiling and flirting with visitors and just brilliant.
We do do other things apart from watch the babies and play with them but I can't remember what! So here are a few photos for those of you who aren't totally bored with them (If you are I totally understand, we are just a little obsessed and will get back to chronicalling other events other than the children soon, promise!!!)
We are social butterflies! Lots of people have come and met the boys and here are just a few photos...sadly we didn't take any with Merran, Peter, Hockers, Keri, Angela and many others you will just have to pop back and see them again...and eat more biscuits.
We live down Soi 43 opposite Emporium in Richmond Palace if you fancy popping by.
Just a quickie, Granny Yai and Grandad Poo (yes really....Thai for paternal grandparents!) have landed and are on their way round so the boys are very excited.
They have survived a weekend with mum... Nick was on a stag do in Chiang Mai which involved paintballing, a bungee jump, a lot of drink some kebabs and Nick getting 8 stitches in a street brawl...the Brits abroad eh?!!! Actually Nick wasn't brawling, but attempting to stop a fight, that will learn him (he promises his side of the story soon). Whilst the cat was away .... we played, the boys can now grab things (including hair and play on their tummies...Hector likes this more probably as his tummy is bigger. Their friends came round and we all went swimming. Hector and Noah didn't take to the pool but did look glam in their outfits, they are going to Hua Hin next week so will swim properly there with dad to help they only do 5 star pools!
They have started playgroup and are the youngest by at least a year but enjoy being the centre of attention and gurgling. They have had their injections so fingers crossed they will be ultra healthy...especially as it cost 300 poounds for this first batch!
We went to the zoo today with the twins group, the boys were rather oblivious to the bear, hippo, anteater and deers.....they slept through everything. I am sure we'll go again. Currently Noah is in his electric chair ( a swing) and Hector is at the gym!!!!!!! (his bear playgym)
Got to dash and make bruchetta for the grandparents. Getting a nanny in 2 weeks, I think she'll be fab!
Take care and thank you for all your LOVELY comments
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The main purpose of this update is so you can enjoy the new videos....the one of Hector swimming is just gorgeous!
Sometimes the boys are so lovely I actually cry. The boys continue to grow too quickly, they are 12 weeks now, a quarter of a year old! As well as getting bigger they can now grab things, lay on their tummies and have the common decency to only wake twice in the night now at 1 am and 4/5 am. Perhaps more importantly they are going to sleep easier which makes a big difference to our sanity. Although Hector appears to be afraid of the dark.
We even managed to enjoy our first holiday in Hua Hin and stayed at the Sofitel with Granny Yai and Grandad Poo who gave the boys LOTS of cuddles. The place was gorgeous and colonial. Hector loved the pool, Noah enjoyed the topiary in the gardens and Nick managed a bad round of golf on a beautiful course. The boys looked rather dashing in their swimming togs but didn't enjoy being smothered in factor 50.
They have also started twins club which was brilliant, they are the youngest there but I am sure they won't be for long - Bangkok seems to be full of twins! It was great to see what ours will be up to in the future! Baby massage is next week and I think we are doing baby yoga on the Wednesday. I can now take the boys to all these fun things as Wandida our nanny started on the 1st October and is already a big hit with the boys (and me), they smile when she comes in! She is wonderful and I got an hour by the pool on Friday! She is just responsible for the boys no cooking or cleaning and she obviously likes us too.
As well as his parents, Nick's brother visited us too which was lovely although his trip was quite short he managed to be here for his birthday...and bring the unauthorised biography of Cheryl COle and the Heat diaries, golly I love trash! Nicks folks are partying in Sydney and Cairns and back for the teddy bears picnic next Saturday...they are bringing the teddies as well as swim pants as we discovered that normal nappies just exlplode in water!
I popped into school and was swamped but it was lovely to see everyone, Noah enjoyed being the centre of attention Hector slept through the visit! In my class there is one child from a set of quads, triplets and 4 sets of twins! Meanwhile Nick keeping busy at work, had his stitches out (13 in total) and is currently willing his hair to grow to cover the bald patch.
Next week we look forward to lions, bat eared foxes and tapirs in Emporium our local shopping centre (yep real ones), baby massage, yoga, twins club and playgroup. Also I have to get an outfit for a hen night (umm it will be quite a night, my first night out...will have to take the breast pump though!) and pack a picnic for the teddy bears on Saturday.
Brilliant!
Busier than when I'm in school!
Hector and Noah are 13 weeks old and have enjoyed yet another action packed week, their social diary is far busier than mine. Hector loves his massage and Noah is enjoying the yoga and exercise...he needs it, he is not the scrawny little thing we brought home from hospital anymore, he has manboobs, yes!
I enjoyed Saturday the boys were oblivious! We went to the Teddy bears picnic and I had decorated everyones plates even Granny Yai and Grandad Poo's (who very kindly gave the boys the softest teddies to take to the picnic, they too had decorated plates) The boys had wooden vegetables and fruit and wooden lollies and hamburgers. Next year they will love making the honey sandwiches and facepainting but this year it was for me! I didn't get my face painted though. In the evening I went to the other extreme and it was Lorna's hen night which was terrific. I enjoyed wine, dancing, some rude dares and lots of flouro fun...nice to speak to adults too!
Wanida and I took the boys to the Emporium shopping mall safari...evwen the Kenyan embassy had a stand...I sang Jambo Bwana to the poor lady and discussed the Java House coffee and the politics. It was so so wrong, there were monkeys, turtles, lion, tiger, hedgehogs, ducks, meerkats, ostriches, elephants, parrots, NO PANDAS! A shame the boy's first experience wasn't a real safari but they slept through most of the visit anyway!
This week we are again doing twins club, massage, singing and yoga and fingers crossed if the weather clears we will go swimming with granny and grandad. The boys tend to feed at midnight , 4am and 7am, we have 2 baths a day and 2 2hr naps in the nest so the routine is getting there, we finish the day with a sensory walk where we sniff flowers (mostly Jasmine) and listen to the water fountains, swing on the swings and feed 4 puppies, we don't touch them they smell, cute though. Both Noah and Hector continue to be absolutely adorable and yes the photograph wall has grown and I still cry tears of joy!!!!!
Enjoy the video of the boys at playgroup and listen for Noah's chatting...he particularly enjoys howling like a wolf.
A busy week as we saud good bye to Nick's mum and dad. Nick was best man for Lorna and Matts wedding and it was a really lovely day. Despite some ominous sounding thunder the weather held out and the location was gorgeous. The ceremony was outside in the gardens of Suan Thip, a really picturesque traditional Thai restuarant 40 mins outside Bangkok. The bride looked absolutely stunning, as did the groom and obviously the best man. Hector and Noah wore dapper outfits with 'Congratulations Mr and Mrs Tighe' sewn on, and looked very swish. Wanida came and helped tremendously so we could enjoy the day. She took the boys home for the reception which was held on the Chao Praya river and the champagne flowed! Nick's speech was very funny and he got a huge round of applause and then got very drunk as he was so relieved to get it finished.
It was also Wanida's birthday on Monday and we celebrated with a cake, singing Happy Birthday, wearing party hats and blowing blowers. Hector and Noah wished her many happy returns and bought her a Liverpool shirt with her name embroidered on.
The end of the week saw Jonathan and Kate turn up so had a couple of nice days with them before they head up for an adventure around Chiang Mai. Nick just left them at Chatuchak so hope they find their way home safe.
I have my contract renewal interview next week so fingers crossed we'll sign up for two more years here plus it is Halloween so I have already bought the pumpkins and currently making their outfits....can't wait for christmas!!!!
We have just been swimming, Hector loved it and Noah was made to enjoy it ! The water was a bit cold but there weren't any poop accidents, thank goodness. Uncle Jonathan enjoyed it too. A successful first dip in our pool.
We have reached 16 weeks and will be 4 months old on the 9th! Ahhh it is all going by too quickly! Hector has started teething, OUCH and Noah will I am sure follow quickly!
Nicks brother Jonathan and his wife Kate have been to see us which although too short has been lovely and they did manage to make us super jealous with their adventures around Northern Thailand... they took in Pai and Mae Hong Song before finishing with Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai where they witnessed all the lanterns in the sky...plus three burning trees (I think the wind was strong) and three days of explosions thanks to all the fireworks.
We celebrated Halloween and I even decorated outside the flat with pumpkins ( they were plastic but they did light up) I even had a pumpkin hat and halloween party blowers and a massive bowl of sweets. NOT ONE trick or treater came so I had to eat the sweets myself.
For Loy Krathong the boys dressed in their Thai outfits and we went to Patana. We took them in the new pouches and they were brilliant. The boys smiled at everyone and floated their krathongs, it was a lovely morning and they got to do it again at night at home in the swimming pool too!
The pouches are good for walking round they can see and we can go where the pavements don't exist now (quite a large part of Bangkok) which is handy. The pushchair is still top travel method number one though! Especially as they can now sit upright in it.
As if their schedule wasn't busy enough they now do a playgroup on Wednesdays at Patana so when I return to work in January I will see them at lunchtime and maybe I will have time to give them some pureed carrot. As Hector's first teeth has now started to arrive I think we will start weaning over christmas if not sooner!
A splendid week! Although it didn't start well, we visited the hospital again...I know I am neurotic but this time I really did think Noah had gangrene and Hector swine flu. Both of course just had colds and were fine, coughing and spluttering but fine. Noah's birthmark has got a little infected but it is clearing up now.
Nick had some time off this week so, without Wanida, who was having fun in Hong Kong, we had lunch out at our favourite sushi place...they make the rolls into smiling caterpillars and dragons. The boys were impeccably well behaved and it was great to do something a little more adult that wasn't a trip to the supermarket. Tuesday was a lazy day at home and due to an outbreak of swine flu at school the proposed International day on Wednesday was postponed. Instead we all had a family trip to Patana playgroup before visiting the doctors on Thursday for the latest round of jabs. I intially was going to go on my own, phew! I am glad Nick came as both boys had complete meltdowns when injected, even Dr Oradee was quite scared. To recover he went out to see an Irish band called the Coronas play but bizarrely ended up seeing them two nights in a row. Once at a whisky tasting and once at a proper gig. Nick says it was a rare chance to see some original live music in a town dominated by cover bands. On Friday the boys and I played on the balcony as it was quite cool and we have set up a little play area out there, complete with bright yellow reindeer/dog thing.
Being super organised we have already had our christmas cards printed which are suitably fabulous....if you would like one and we don't have your current address PLEASE email it to me, I would love to send you the first Measures christmas card.
Thanks to Joe I know it is CHristmas now!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogetBqMgau0&feature=related
:) I am so excited I have started the boys stockings already and I want to put the tree up now!
19 weeks! Hector can now completely roll over and Noah continues to be full of mischief which keeps us good and busy. Both have their favourite toys and can pick them up out of a selection.
Last weekend we went to our first art exhibition, the art work was "interesting" but Hector loved it, Noah fell asleep. The funniest thing is we can't tell you anymore about why it was "interesting' as we might get arrested. Still carrying on with our hectic whirl of different playgroups and it's a great way to meet people. We have also found a fish pond down our soi so we enjoy feeding them. It's finally turned cool here, heralding the start of an all to brief winter. So cool infact that people are wearing jumpers it is after all a chilly 26/27 .
Still the change in weather does mean we are going to head to the park for a picnic tomorrow (and to feed the turtles).
The Chiang Mai Pandas must be loving it (it's screened 24/7 on channel 18 - it sends the boys to sleep) although they put a red (plastic) reindeer in their enclosure for Christmas which looked highly toxic and as baby panda Lin Ping was eating it I am not sure how long he (or the show) will last!
In terms of the weekend we went to do a food review at a nice arty cafe before I (Clare) went for a boozy Sunday brunch with free flow champagne on Sunday which was just fab. I came home to find 3 very happy boys, but I suspect I was probably happier!!!!! It was really great to catch up with friends and have adult conversation and I did persuade people to watch Grand designs (but I think really the ladies wanted Kevin Mcloud, the thinking womans crumpet!). BK magazine had their 'Glam Cham" bi-monthly do (networking supposedly) so I even found time to do the red carpet thang.
Feel I should be reading about vampires this week as Bangkok has gone New Moon crackers. Still, we have a ghost in our flat, the stereo mysteriously turns itself off and on and pictures have jumped across the room, true.
Have managed to watch a little of the latest America's Next Top Model....does anyone know why Amber left mysteriously? Plus I have a stash of Hello and OK! magazines going free to a good home...just come and pick them up and they are yours!
Am planning to decorate and put up the tree on Thursday, I reckon the boys are going to love tinsel. They have their first advent calendar and christmas outfits courtesy of Granny Yai and Grandad Poo, I can hardly contain myself. In more exciting news we are getting a microwave tomorrow! Nick however is more of a grown up and getting very excited about being on the guestlist for the buzzcocks who are playing live on Saturday.
I enjoyed the photos from my folks back home (who aren't flooded) but it took a lot of explaining to Wanida why there were photos of mouldy tomatoes and a fabric flame (dad is apparently sending that one to Boris to persuade him to have a fake olympic flame and thus think of London's carbon footprint!) It was good to see Coean's christening and Ember's third birthday.
Have a splendid week.
:0)
A brilliant week, no colds and lots of fun. Feeling VERY christmassy, even wore my musical reindeer socks and put the tree up, sent christmas cards and bought the boys a stocking each! They have christmas music in their room and an advent calendar...we just need some tinsel (which I hope they don't eat) and some fairy lights (which at 99 baht I hope don't set the flat on fire).
We went to a baby group on Monday, Patana on Wednesday and Twins club on Friday. Hector was an incredible flirt with Carrie...honestly he fluttered his eyelashes, and she is older! Noah still loves his hands and has discovered tricycles. We went out with Gregoire for Sushi on Thursday and went to the BK office, where the boys got mobbed! Plonchit fair on Saturday and we have a free champagne brunch on Sunday, terrific! On Tuesday it was wintery here (26 degrees) so we walked to the park and fed the catfish and turtles. Both boys appeared to enjoy themselves but Noah particularly was mesmerised by the pigeons.
Both boys are complete little tinkers and have really started to interact with each other, chewing each others hands and stealing the coveted rattle off one another. They still like to touch toes in the bath.
The boys are 21 weeks and 5 months old on the 9th. We are getting ready for me having to go back to work in January, so I am not breastfeeding quite so much. On the plus side this meant I really got to enjoy the freeflow Verve Cliquot champagne brunch the other week, which ended with all 4 of us falling asleep on the bed when we got home. For various reasons, we have decided to get another nanny to come and help out in the mornings. It does mean the boys can really enjoy playgroups, swimming and the park. So we have interviewed a few people this week and had about hundred people call about the job, still fingers crossed we hope to find someone special soon.
The tree is up, stockings bought, mulled wine made (and drunk). It was fathers day on Saturday (the kings 82nd birthday) so we all wore pink and even the sunset was pink. The boys made Nick a card and bought him his own beer tower....3 litres it holds. We also had some friends round on Saturday which was lovely and a little boozy. Afterwards we all did some drunken family dancing. The boys particularly enjoyed dolly parton's Islands in the Stream, ummmmm, actually they looked quite embarassed by their father's dance steps - nick always did dance like a dad. Hope to go and see Santa next weekend....I have been a very good girl this year. Nick also has thursday off so plan is to go to Lumpini Park to see a load of street performances that are taking place, as long as the weather stays cool, if not just enjoy chilling with the boys as they are super fun and very entertaining. Hope everyone else looking forward to Christmas.
Before I go just a quick Happy birthday again to Faye hope you got the text.
We have had a busy week. Hector and Noah are 5 months old and Noah can now lift his head whilst on his tummy and Hector can roll. I sent an email the other day and returned just 3 minutes later to find the little monkey had rolled into the kitchen, he can't roll back but it won't be long before he is making the tea! I have bought 2 playpens and attached them together for a world of play and exploring...Wanida has decorated it beautifully!
I went into school briefly last week and obviously missed the boys, I told Wanida that the first week back in January will be tough, she smiled and said she still misses her son each day and has to speak to him daily, he is 18 so golly I thought it would only be difficult for the first week!
Friday was the Twins club Christmas party with Secret Santas and pin the nose on Rudolph. The boys looked particularly fetching in their outfits. Monday was the Bambi First Steps party....same outfit and game, Wednesday was Patana's Christmas party, I washed the outfits first and the boys were pro's at pinning the nose on! We missed Santa's arrival as we were stuck in traffic but we met him, this year he arrived by Ferrari (last year Vietnamese cyclone, year before helicopter...elephant tuk-tuk). BUT we were the first to sit on his knee!!!! No one cried, Noah tried to eat his beard and Hector asked for some hair, both boys have been good this year so we shall have to wait and see what he brings! I doubt it will be hair though.
I went out on Saturday and got quite bat-faced, the first time in well over a year, yikes. I ended up on stage giving it large with an cardboard guitar and was certainly not very elegant! Whoops. I thought I was desperately ill the next day and nearly convinced Nick to take me to hospital but it was just a hangover so I don't think consuming so much wine and pretending to be Britney is very good!!!! I even brought the guitar home, I will return it. In my hungover state I left the camera at the Maddens so I will add the pictures of that later.
A lovely lady from twins club gave us a frame to sit both car seats on so we are more mobile when there is just one of us....so we are testing it out in Central world when we will visit Santa again.
We are off to the Sheraton at Pattaya tomorrow for a few days (we have hired a bus to fit our things in and have a glam suite booked!). The boys have packed their trunks and we will return to sing carols and wait for Father Christmas. Enjoy the videos, particularly of Hector and Ling Ping the Chaing Mai panda.
So it seems that we have a pair of water babies on our hands. We discovered this after spending several happy days at a lovely Sheraton that had 3 pools and the best bath in the world (Nick reckoned you could almost get a football team in there it was so big). Hector and Noah just loved it, it didn't matter if it was warm or cold, bubbly or still, in inflatables or just being dragged around, they just squealed, splashed and smiled and other stuff that you probably don't want to know about. Hector could kick like a frog in the water and Noah was quite dainty.
This is all the result of our recent trip to Pattaya. A chance for a quick break and an escape from Bangkok before Christmas as I wanted to do the stockings, mince-pie and carrot thing at home this year. Obviously, there are much much more salubrious spots in Thailand than Pattaya, (even the tourists looked a little dirty) , it really isn't the nicest of places, but the hotel was something else. The service, staff and food (there was a chocolate fountain) were just lovely, and it's location out of town and with uninterrupted views over the islands meant you didn't know where you were. The boys were spoilt rotten by everyone and even though they are well and truely teething they knew when to put on the charm (i.e. in public)! All the staff knew their names and the boys just loved the attention.
It was a very laid back affair with us spending most of the break pool hopping and having family baths, between sleeps. All of us were in bed by 7 most nights, (but then we were up again at 4.30 and 5 and 5.30 and....) Grrrr teething! Maybe Hector will get 2 front teeth for Christmas!!!???In fact the only time we left was when we ran out of nappies and went to the new shopping mall, nice it even has Top shop and Topman. GAP IS COMING TO BANGKOK IN FEBRUARY!!!!! AND IT HAS GAP KIDS, golly with Ikea and Next and M and S it is just like the high street in London, nearly. I digress, the holiday was really really lovely. We had a gorgeous seafood buffet (where one of the waiters who is obviously still learning english told me I had a nice arse...how do you reply to that???!!!!) with lobster and chocolate fountains, there were fireworks too which both boys looked quite confused at but they did enjoy the cocktail shaker man's Tom Cruise-esque display obviously take after their mum, (liking cocktails not Tom Cruise).
Hector managed to scare us silly by arriving at the pool with blue lips, I thought he needed resucitating but it turned out he had actually been sucking Nick's beach bag. We came home to find the house immaculate as Khun Joo had even cleaned our fridge. The boys missed Wanida who has bought them a huge present for Christmas, they are totally spoilt I have never seen so many presents under a tree and NOT FOR ME!!!! It is brilliant, old school friends of mine and children I have taught have all been round to drop off a little something, we/they are very very lucky!
We had no electricity today as it is the annual inspection of the transformer/generator in our condo so we decamped to centralworld to look at the decorations and play in the new childrens area...there is a corner devoted to Pingu and lots of arcade rides, the boys liked the helicopter. It is the last twins club tomorrow and then we are having a family outing to sit on Father Christmas' knee on Christmas eve, sing some carols and put a carrot out for Rudolph and a glass of sherry (wine probably) for Father Christmas on the 24th. Christmas day will be terrific as we have the champagne chilling and the delivery sorted and friends coming round for mulled wine in the evening....yes I now know that peppercorns are NOT the same as cloves. So can't wait.
Which just leaves me to wish you all a very merry christmas wherever you are, thank you for the christmas cards and we'll post christmas photos soon. Keep warm and drink lots of hot toddies and be careful not to slip on the ice. Thank you for leaving lovely comments too on the message board.
HO HO HO!!!!
We wish you a very very happy Christmas with lots of festive fun
ALL our love,
Clare, Nick, Hector and Noah
PS This time last year we found out it was twins! What a difference a year makes!
What a magical first Christmas! We woke up and Father Christmas had left 2 huge stockings in the boys' cot. Crikey! He had also left crumbs from his mince pie though he didn't leave any of his cointreau. Rudolph had left crumbs from his carrot but we think a bird might have eaten them before we woke up. We got up slowly, unwrapped lots of presents, managed to stop the boys from eating tinsel and paper, ate chocolate and pastries and drank vintage champagne before all indulging in a little nap! Christmas lunch involved ordering in delicious food (Nick had roast, I had sushi), we played with our new toys (including Nick who loved his new PS2 game). before going for a nice stroll around the neighbourhood for some ice lollies.
After skyping all the family to wish them a merry christmas we had bathtime which was extra fun with the new squirters and the exhausted boys fell asleep quickly. Then Adam and Por popped round for some more fun (and more wine and some interesting cocktails) to end a terrific day.
Boxing Day was super cultural with a visit to an art gallery (BACC). I was a little slow and disturbed by the moden art but Hector and Noah loved it, Hector carried my shopping and Noah dribbled everywhere.
We hope you all had a very splendid festive season wherever it was and look forward to hearing all about it. Take care and have a wonderful new year
x x x x
Happy New Year! We hope your 2010 is absolutely brilliant.
We had a splendid start to the new decade. Hector's first tooth appeared and Noah managed his first food (baby rice with banana) and both can sit for at least 5 seconds before wobbling over.
We spent the last week of my maternity leave swimming in our pool and going to Lumpini park, there we played pooh sticks (Noah won) and saw lots of monitor lizards that were huge and looked like dinosaurs, the boys were oblivious.
Hector and Noah can now choose the toys they wish to play with and shiny things that make noises are firm favourites. They love their big penguin that they kick and enjoy their bedtime stories...Guess how much I love you is a popular number.
We celebrated the new year with some pink champagne and went to some friends to see in the new year (however, two little monkeys had different ideas so we came home and watched the fireworks from the balcony). Nice waking up without a hangover!
School on Monday so this won't be updated as often, where has the time gone? AHHHHH
I am SO nervous about going back and I will miss the boys so much...I bet they won't realise I've gone though! Wanida and Khun Joo will have fun with them so I know they will be safe and happy.
I went back to work on Monday, I cried in the taxi there, at school and all the way home again. Only to find the boys quite oblivious to me not being there! They are more than happy being looked after by Khun Wanida and Joo who are just brilliant. Everyday Wanida videos what they have been up to and takes lots of photos so I can see what they have been doing and hear the boys giggling. Hector has TWO little downstairs front teeth and Noah has one. Do you think Hector has a hint of ginger? Noah is still bald.
They came to Patana on Wednesday and I ran over to see them, this week Hector was doing yoga on a fitball and Noah was as always in his little DJ booth. Wanida and Joo may take the boys swimming tomorrow. Knowing they are well loved, safe and happy being cared for by Khun Wanida and Joo makes school easier. It was children's day this weekend and our apartment block was blessed by monks and has string around it, all the museums were free so we avoided those and went swimming and bought them some more books for night time, they really like story time now. They are eating well with more food going in than being dribbled out, oh but the poop!! AHHHH!! Hector and Noah have two meals a day now usually 2 or three courses ranging from organic and homemade squash, pumpkin, apple, banana, sweet potato and papaya (though not all together).
My new class seem lovely and although I couldn't even find the register on Tuesday it is surprising how quickly it all comes back! I am up at 5 in school at 6 and home by 5 in time for playing splashing, feeding, story and cuddles before putting them to sleep and then doing my marking. The year group teachers have made my return very painless and lovely.
It is winter here so feeling a little pastey but it is still 28 degrees and obviously not snowing. Saw Nick Magnus (my head from Kenya) yesterday so that was terrific to catch up over a glass of wine. Also caught up with Lasse, met his wife Jenny and there son Jules as they moved here ready for their birth of their next baby.
Our favourite pastime of putting the boys on the bed and betting who will topple over first is now over. They can sit, Friday they were wobbly and Saturday they could manage 30 seconds and by Sunday they could confidently sit for a length of time and even grab toys off each other without tippling over like a weeble. Noah did fall when Hector bit his head though.
Looking at the photos it appears like they are quite bare but honestly they aren't chavvy, they do wear clothes, and quite co-ordinated ones too. Noah fell asleep during his supper yesterday and Noah did an enormous burp in the supermarket, very uncooth.They have had their 6 month injections (all 500 pounds worth) and were given a clean bill of health from Dr Oradee. They are small for their age (yes even Hector!!) but on their own weight track considering their birth weights. Hector is 7.5kg and Noah 7.2kg
Weekends are very precious now so we spent it together at a street fair in Silom, at one point Noah found some sequins and we stopped to play and at least 10 people took their photos, it really was like being papped and I did feel like Victoria Beckham (although I suspect she would have been carrying a Hermes bag and not a baby in a pouch) . Both boys had their first kiss, an older woman too, she was 1 and had cute hair. We also took time to feed the fish in the park, until a swarm of pigeons came and our date night was a little disastrous as we fell asleep by 8.45
Wanida and Khun Joo still video and photograph their adventures daily for us to enjoy every evening and I get lots of books from the school library. Noah likes the fish books and Hector tries to eat any book nearby. They both particulrly enjoy broccoli and banana (not at the same time). School is good but I miss the boys and get home as soon as I can. Granny and grandad will be here in 2 weeks (with teething powder, phew!!!!!!!!!!) and they can't wait!
This week the boys have enjoyed pretending to be sheep and a giraffe, we do have the lion and elephant ears too but that can wait until next week's installment. Hector and Noah are enjoying their teeth and being able to sit up, a whole new world of fun!
I can't say I am surprised about Brad and Angelina sad though it is. Hector and Noah went to their first birthday party and although they couldn't enjoy Archie's cake mummy and daddy could! We had a lovely family weekend and on Sunday all 4 of us woke up (some earlier than others) and we danced (yikes to Bonnie Tyler and Boney M??!!!). The weather was miserable but we went for a walk and the boys loved the rain! It was the first time they had got wet. Hector and Noah got their passport photos done ready for Songkran in Manila, they look very handsome so I don't think they'll be too upset at having to keep them until they are 5.
It was residential week at school last week so my class disappeared off to Kanchanaburi and I was deployed around school. Golly year one can't even sit still let alone put their hands up, quite an eyeopener. We are on the hunt for two high chairs as Noah jumped out of his chair at the weekend. They both enjoyed mango today.
Granny and Granddad Ashby will be here in 2 days so we are all very excited!
Granny and Granddad Ashby arrived this week so playgroups have been even more fun! Noah was the first to poop in the bath and low and behold Hector decided to exactly the same thing the following evening. We shall hold off on the spinach again for a while, maybe it was a little too much for their small bottoms.
We have watched the aquarium show which Hector found hilarious...especially the lifesize ray. They have been spoilt rotten with tricycles and puppets and books and tractors to play with. THe boys have enjoyed being out and about on the skytrain and being cuddled a lot. Whilst granny and grandad top up their tans in their personal pool in Samui this weekend the boys will go swimming themselves and possibly get a highchair or two as Noah jumped out of his bouncy chair last week. Maybe another trip to the aquarium might be good fun.
Wooo-Hoooooooo I am on half term and I am loving the week with the boys.
Granny and Granddad returned from their Koh Samui jaunt thoroughly relaxed and tanned, mum had taught herself to swim. They had a private pool, not a communal one and I can't imagine Dad in swimming shorts, but I am assured he had a go splashing! They had a corking time and returned to meet our new lovely nanny. Wanida has left and the boys will miss her dreadfully, but sadly, for a whole host of reasons, too long and complicated to go into, it just wasn't going to work out. Still, I think she'll make an excellent photographer. I feel quite foolish about the Bambi magazine article now. Every cloud has a silver lining and as Nick had to take time off work to look after the boys he really enjoyed himself at the playgroups (nearly as much as the boys)!
Let has come all the way from the chocolate hills in the Philippines and is already a huge hit with Hector and Noah. She can make them giggle and smile easily, she is going to fit in well! Let is a qualified nurse and so gentle and bags of fun. Everything happens for a reason! Another full time nanny is starting next week so fingers crossed our two little boys are going to be spoilt rotten for cuddles!
Hector and Noah enjoyed Chinese New Year in matching outfits, courtesy of Wanida, and they had real jade broaches too (which of course Noah adored!) so glam! They were even given chocolate money in red envelopes by my class! Happy Year of the Tiger!
They enjoyed posing at the Chinese new year assembly (with real Chinese dragon/lions!) and for their first school photos at Patana . We also visited the Funarium (a ball and soft play area in Bangkok) the helpers loved them so there were lots of flashes and Asian salutes! In fact, there was so much giggling and fun at the funarium that we went again a few days later, it was nearly as fabulous as the visit to aquarium. Hector kept nuzzling the giant furry ray and they loved the fish, sharks and sea horses and of course the gift shop! It is really Thai there is even a real car, fridge and micro wave with fish in! And lots of penguins, a tip top afternoon.
Noah is still lactose intolerant and as Hector came up in a bumpy rash after his first weetabix the hospital think he may be allergic to gluten! Cripes, the youth of today!
Granny and granddad have enjoyed bathing them and I am pleased they didn't have any poop accidents! Sadly, mymum and dad leave tomorrow (their silver lining though is business class tickets!) and even I have noticed Hector and Noah grow this last three weeks. Noah can't stop chatting and Hector is loving being so mobile in his car, I take him down to the big room and he can bomb about in a crab fashion quickly, he loves the other little boys in the Condo and will move towards them and giggle loudly. Hector has a third tooth and his hair is beginning to grow. Noah still studies everything, he is going to be a designer and Hector we think is going to be a motorcyclist, he moves his wrists like he's revving engines. When the boys get excited they shake their arms and legs uncontrollably and look like absolute lunatics. This happens quite a lot.
It is true but Hector and Noah are even cooler and cuter than last week and really do just get better and better with age (a bit like decent wine!)
Nick is currently out with Dunny an old friend from Kenya so he will enjoy his day off tomorrow recovering! We are all off to twins club and know it will be just as much fun as today at the British club playgroup. I wish I was 7 months old again!
HOT COLD
pumpkin chickpeas
sweet potato sweetcorn
papaya apricot
mango banana
carrot working
It has been a fantastic last few weeks. My parents had a wonderful time but it was agreed that actually it wasn't long enough and really they should move closer (business flights would therefore be cheaper!!). They continue to love and appreciate what Bangkok has to offer and thoroughly enjoyed the restaurants, bars, cocktails and shops that we visited. The weather is too humid for them but they get used to it more and more, by next year they will be pro's! Nicks parents (AKA Granny Yai and Grandad Poo) arrived a few days later and have had tremendous fun with the boys and, like the Ashby's, they have been well behaved and attended all the playgroups and managed to keep up with Hector and Noah's busy social calendar!
Granny and Grandad Ashby will forward on their photos of the boys as our camera broke whilst they were here and they have some lovely photos of Hactor and Noah in their ownfunarium and out and about Bangkok. They also turned into real grandparents by sneaking money to pay for the ballpit to Nick, naughty! They'll be magicing chocolate out of their sleeves next like my grandparents!
We have enjoyed an oyster, scallop and champagne brunch for a BK review (I gave it top marks), met new baby Taus which made me utterly broody for more, had a sumptuous champagne brunch at the Peninsula and are getting ready for our trips to Manila at Songkran/Easter (the boy's passports are on their way) and Samed and the speedboat in a few weeks.
Let (our new nanny) is still absolutely wonderful and when she and Nat (our other temporary nanny) arrive in the morning the boys squeal and shake their chubby little legs like mad. I can no longer bear to kiss them goodbye at 5.30am but I love hearing their giggles from the moment I get out of the lift at 5pm! Let tells me EVERYTHING they have been up to that day and who is winning the poop count (usually Noah, although Hector has had some dramatic moments with Nick in the morning!!!!!) The boys clearly adore her and I can't praise her enough, we have found someone very special.
Steve Hobbs turned up briefly which was just superb, what a lovely man. He got to meet his godson and scare the nannies as he was still in his pants when they turned up. Nick, Steve and Lasse managed to have fun and come home at 3.30am, I dread to think where they went but they had fun.
Been to the Science museum with the boys (well Noah is GandT!!) sadly most things were broken but there were lots of shiny things and for 20baht it wasn't bad plus there was a free aquarium which always thrills Hector. Unfortunately, the gift shop was closed.
They now sleep through the night so from 7pm to 6.30am we have our lives back, which is very odd! I may get to see Martha Stewart again, catch up with ER and see the latest America's Next Top Model. Or in reality just do my marking and try and get some sleep.
HOT COLD
potato and garlic (yes really) rice rusks (Hector is still allergic to gluten)
mackerel having ears cleaned
pumpkin (still) Rice and water
being tickled in the armpits with a hairbrush being bitten by your brother
I am making the most of having a day off, due to political rallies school is shut and we are teaching through our eclassrooms. All playgroups are cancelled too but I may take the boys to the park for a game of pooh sticks and spot the monitor lizard.
Actually I spent my unexpected day off at the hospital where Noah was diagnosed with bronchitis and had to go on a nebuliser. He seems a little better now but the poor chap is unwell. Thank golly Let was here, she knew exactly how to hold him and help with the flem and wheezing, I was in bits and wanted to cry she however was very calm and brilliant. We had to laugh at the doctor though (who was good) but he had obviously been playing a computer game when we were rushed in and whilst in his consulting room he lost all his lives and game over, I could see the charachers falling over! Fingers crossed Noah will be a little more perky tomorrow. Coean, Noah's cousin is also unwell. Poor boys. Give him a cuddle from us Faye. x x x
Noah has started to crawl, well he can go from sitting to lunging himself forward and flat out he is quite impatient and itching to be off exploring. He is though still happy to sit and play/study a toy for ages on end without being interrupted. However the big fellow likes to stay put and thrash his arms about in hysterics and bulldoze anything within reach. He still loves to steal anything that Noah has but Noah as good as gold will just happily (at the moment) let him have it. They can make each other laugh and their favourite part of the day is watching the CD go round in the player after bath. (They have other favourite times too.... they giggle when Let and Net arrive and when Daddy comes home and when the puppets on Baby genius start moving, actually the only part of their day they don't enjoy is having their nose and nostrils cleaned!)
They hate avacado, we won't try that again but garlic went down a treat and mackerel has been eaten again tooPeas are their favourite food this week. Strange, the majority of their diet I don't think I had heard of until I was in my 20's let alone taste!
The boys have excelled themselves recently by having little poop accidents in the bath, we actually found a dollop just outside the bath too! They are simply just getting even more fun, I love them to bits and actually now I don't need to cuddle them but just looking at them from the kitchen makes me cry.
Let is still wonderful and I love hearing what they have been up to, she is very creative so she and Net take the boys off to meet friends at Baby Genius and they dress the boys up and play different games everyday, no 2 days are the same and she writes everything down....these are examples of some excerpts
When the boys have girlfriends/boyfriends oh the embarrassment I could cause.
Nicks folks sadly left on Monday it was great having them here and we will see them soon. BEWARE the Measures massive will be appearing in the UK soon (early July actually so don't book your holidays then we really really want to see you all)
Fingers crossed for peaceful demonstrations this weekend (but at least our school 'snow' days are warm!!)
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As you can see from the photos, he will be fine!
Noah continued to be sick and have a very bad chest so we took him back, on Sunday, to Samitivej hospital which is 5 minutes away, he immediately had a chest x-ray which confirmed pneumonia in both lungs. However, he still managed to charm the radiographer and nurses who all got out their phones to take photos of him, when they heard Hector was waiting outside they all followed and had their pictures taken. Noah was given medicine and we asked for him to stay at home, the Dr agreed but we had to return later to check his progress. By the afternoon it was clear he wasn't any better so he was admitted.
The poor little mite was carried by me in a wheelchair past intensive care (so you realise how lucky you actually are) to have a drip put in and given lots of drugs. I only cried twice. Hector curled up with him so in the end we all decided to stay and as the rallies caused school to close early I spent the day with Noah. Hector went home with Let and Net for some play, bath bubbles and sleep. Let did offer to come in the night before to sit with Noah, how lovely is that!?
I have left the three boys in the hospital and have come home to prepare for school, it is soooo quiet without them, eerie. When I left the twins were asleep and Noah had had his drip removed and apart from some explosions from his bottom he was much better, he is still wheezy but is no longer being sick. FIngers crossed he'll be out tomorrow.
Thankfully it wasn't mother's day in Thailand!
x x x x
It has been a busy couple of weeks. Sadly, Net the nanny left as she was only temporary and Som has started work here and what an unbeatable team we now have! Noah and hector have the most awsome nannies and so they are just happy little smilers all the time. The only toccasion they get a little worried is when I pull something out of the freezer that I have obviously made a few days previously and we don't know what it is as I haven't labelled it! Ummm carrot, apple and cinnamon anyone? Noah has recovered from pneumonia well, they may drop quickly but they soon bounce back which is a relief and he is back to his old tricks of pooping in the bath and giggling when being tickled and still enjoying his peas. Hector is still a hooligan and can destroy most things within reach. Both boys are a little mobile and can shuffle on their bottoms, I think next week could be the crawling week, my money is on Noah, the race is on.
We went to Koh Samed which, although a lot of hassle for 2 nights (Nick was reviewing a hotel) it was lovely. We went on a speedboat, a songtow, a ferry and a bus all within 48 hrs. Hector managed a solid sausage poop in the pool which we got away with and both boys had an absolute ball splashing and swimming, they loved the jacuzzi and not jars of food, ha! Can you believe it they prefer my cooking to jars, HONEST!!! I doubt that will last long though!
We are sleeping through from 7-6.30 most nights although a certain little man is enjoying a teething cuddle around 2.30 at the moment. It was Let's birthday this week so the boys made her a card and a gift basket and threw her a party. Let wrote the sweetest thank you letter which made us cry. We are so lucky. Net and Som are truely fabulous (Nick and I even get out on a Saturday now!) Oh golly Sunday morning can be difficult! 3 glasses now seem like a hundred! We love Net and Som, nearly as much as Hector and Noah do!
The red shirts have been peaceful and Bangkok has heated up, it is the most humid part of the year and even I am finding it hot. Although it is snowing (DAD will get that it is April 1st!!!)
Check this out http://www.patana.ac.th/PatanaLife/OurMission2010/ IT IS WORTH IT!!!!
Let and Som have taken the boys for a picnic in the park, to the funarium and to a Splash party at the British Club as well as their normal hectic social calendar! We have taken them to an art gallery (which they loved), to a birthday party and swimming. No wonder they sleep at night!
I have had parents evening twice this week so for the first time I didn't see the boys (awake ) for a whole day. http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 But I have had a good few weeks at school, songkran splashing, watching wallace and gromit for literacy, measuring angles and having smile day where we raise money for cleft palets. We are packing for Songkran in the Philippines and our reunion with the Barrats (frenchy and the Kiwi to my dad) so we are unbelievably excited!!!!!! The boys have the nicest passports too, I am however concerned with the amount of luggage we are taking AND the fact that none of it is for me!
HAPPY EASTER and Happy birthday dad AND happy proper retirement....although now you have no excuse to come out here more often now!!!!!!
I now have to set up an easter egg hunt for the boys. Have a splendid Easter and if you are egg rolling, HARD BOIL YOUR EGG (dad)
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Our Easter holidays started with an Easter egg hunt for the boys and Let and Som, however you cannot buy chocolate eggs here ANYWHERE. Steve Hobbs managed to bring some creme eggs but they melted all over his clothes so I did an Easter cookie hunt for my class instead and then set one up at home. I tried to be Martha Stewart and so bought some home made looking cookies and tried to write names in icing on them. But they ended up looking a trifle mad so I turned the writing into pink spots....so the eggs/cookies actually looked quite nice. Martha would have been proud. Noah found his first (naturally) it was in his bumboo chair, Hector when he eventually woke up found his in his tricycle. Let and Som enjoyed their cookies too although I suspect they think I am bonkers.
When term finished we pretty much headed straight off to Manila in the Philippines to hook up with Val and Nige and their two lovely daughters Zoe and Lea (if you scroll back to the very first diary entry on this blog it was Lea's christening in France). It was brilliant to see them and we ended up really liking Manila too, LOVELY shopping, even Nick went shopping twice. They were so thoughtful and had 2 cots ready, the correct formula and Val had even cooked their favourite pumpkin and John Dory fillets!!!! She had even bought the boys a half moon charm from Tiffany's. (Put them together and you get a full moon, ahhhhhhhh!!!!) They will wear them for their first birthday party which is only 3 months away....where has that time gone?!
We all went to the island of Boracay which was lovely, not too quiet as Easter is popular in the Philipines, but powder white sand (which Hector immediately ate) and crystal clear water. It was idyllic. The journey there was an adventure in itself an hour long plane ride, then a motorcycle side car, then a ferry, then the back of a bus. Basically they took it all in their stride sleeping most of the way. In fact, I think we were more nervous about the landing.
The boys turned on the charm and enjoyed splashing, floating and swimming in the pool, the Ferris wheel and eating out every night. They loved Lea and Zoe too and If the boys grow up half as nice as those two we'll be very proud! The boys were an absolute smash with the locals being photoed and videoed everywhere they went. Nige and Val were super hosts and we decided to holiday every year together.
Whilst we were away, mum went to Iona for her retreat dad partied with his air force mates in Scotland , Coean turned one and Fat Steve got married. I didn't read a magazine whilst we were away so I am not sure about the celeb gossip. We loved the hotel the staff were lovely and helped in every way they could even arranging the boys toys in different places everyday! We had sun downers (some nights maybe more than one!) we found a stage, a bar ran by ''hobbits" (little people), visited Fridays bar and restaurant...a Starbucks, lots of nice walks along the beach, pools to play in and it was just great.
We worked out the other day that it is ten years since the infamous Railways football tour to the Kenyan coast! Quite fitting that we met up with Mantzy then in Manila. He and Louise looked brilliant and hadn't aged at all and the British school in Manila has a really good set up, walking round it seemed like a smaller Patana. Val and Nige have obviously done well with the posting and their girls are thriving there. They have a great driver and nanny too. Nick and I really liked the Philippines, quite different to the protests that were going on back home. Today it is day two of Songkran so people are in their flowery shirts and squirting water pistols and having fun. I think the red shirts are having a break for the holidays from protesting and have gone home. Therefore the white shirts and pink shirts that were protesting against the red shirt protests have also gone home to squirt water so Bangkok is quiet and I hope it stays that way.
Tomorrow we are off for our 9 month check up and injections with Dr Oradee after trip to Twins club at the funarium in the morning. I am also having a Pimms and cake afternoon on Sunday. What a lovely way to finish the holidays.
Hope you are all terrific too AND beware we have booked our flights and the Measures are landing in the UK on the 2nd July-18th, roughly our plans are a week with my folks a week with Nick's family and a few days at the end with friends....we'll arrange a get to gether and REALLY want to see you!!!
Oh and finally and not sure how we forgot this until the end but Noah is now crawling. He first started at 3am on val and nige's bed as he tried to get to the DVD player but that's a story for another time. Needless to say it's made life more interesting.
19th May
I wrote the following before the events of yesterday unfolded. We are indeed OK but in utter shock, yesterday was horrid and we watched the news live and heard it outside and followed the rampage on twitter. Modern news is quick. Let and Som arrived and almost straight away things started to happen. The army went in to clear the protestors the redshirt leaders fled later and a few redshirts went on the rampage and burnt Bangkok as they ran. I managed a few school reports, Nick interviewed the Ladyboy of the year, and the rest of us popped out and whilst in Segafredo coffee shop Nick called us home and by lunchtime we could see fires burning, hear the occasional gunfire and watch the helicopters. Let couldn't get home and stayed over and SOm got home before the curfew. You could just hear the hum of air con which was very eerie at 10pm. So centralworld and Siam have gone and there was even looting. Our friends all seem to be OK so fingers crossed Bangkok may recover. I suspect it will take years.
18th May
Thanks for all your messages and obvious concern. We are all ok just very sad at the recent events in Bangkok. We are some distance from the epicentre of trouble and just witness the occasional plume of smoke. Fingers crossed things will soon come to a peaceful end. Nicks office has been closed since last week and school closed for a few days, opened today (and is now closed tomorrow, just got the SMS message from school). In a weird way it's been lovely as I spent extra time with the boys and had quality time with Let and Som who are also lovely. I now feel I really know them properly and golly we are so lucky! To have 2 girls who love the boys so much they come in when we don't need them or ask them to is just unbelievable! They even came in on a bank holiday and so Nick went out on a date but we spent the whole evening talking about the boys then doing impressions of them and then thinking we really are daft.
Hector and Noah are still terrific and love crawling (Noah zips about quickly whilst chattering to himself and is obsessed with cupboards and drawers. Hector is like a giant slug who slowly gets from A to B and still loves nothing more than a fluffly toy (preferably his giraffe). They can wave and on day one of waving did it for two hours straight (this may have had something to do with their first sugar rush....jam. As you can see we have updated the photos after having no camera for a month...we have got through 4 this year. We intend to get decent phones (with cameras) so expect more pics soon. In the meantime Duke, Nut, Greg and Por came round to take pictures of the boys and they certainly came up trumps! So cute! THANK YOU. Both boys have a new trick though, they can flash. Yep, they can undo their nappies and then giggle profusely at each others winkies, for ages too!! They do like entertaining themselves.
My mum and dad have worked out how to Skype without using a phone at the same time as the computer so that has been lovely! We are looking forward to several parties and catching up with everyone come July, I just have reports, a Tudor production and the end of term to go....it is frantic especially with exams and school closures at the moment. Still I did a science day which was enjoyed by the children which was good.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Nick turned 37 amid all this trouble at the weekend and I am afraid I didn't make it special. Unfortunately it was a girls lunch on the Saturday and I forgot I just can't drink like I used to and the bubbly was so cheap and lovely that I overindulged, got home several hrs late (not by 2pm as I had promised) and grazed my elbow. I fell asleep and felt very poorly the next morning, Nicks birthday, (I didn't even get him a cake). Whoops.
Take care and I promise I won't leave it so long next time!
xxxxxx
I tried to choose a select few photos this week but I couldn't resist ! So there are just as many photos to plough through again this week and I am sorry! At least there aren't any of burning buildings and there are some of the aquarium as that thankfully survived. Hector loves corners this week. He will scoot over to a corner, any corner shuffling on his bottom and then giggle, loudly. Noah is sleeping with his bottom high in the air. The end of term is three weeks away so we have our ROmeo and Juliet production to perform (6 days of rehearsals only!), obviously being 9 years old we have gone for the Carbonaras vs the Mozzarellas! My class are the piece de resistance...the statues in the tomb at the end (I actually think they are fab!)
http://www.patana.ac.th/PatanaLife/Year4RomeoAndJuliette/
http://www.patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220
The traffic is busy and slow once again so Bangkok is back to normal. We did go past central world though and I had tears in my eyes, what a sorry state (and Gap has gone). Still lots of good things have happened.....Let and Som have taken the boys to Wat Arun to the temple and to see the big reclining Bhudda, apparently it is not bad karma to have your little ones crawling all over the religious artefacts!!!! They have had picnics at the science museum and played at playgroups. Every day I come home I can hear squealing and giggling as soon as I get out of the lift! The boys even popped int o see see Nick at work and me!! It made my day, they turned up with their shades on and crawled around and smiled and were just gorgeous! They have painted a table with their feet and hands and been swimming a lot. We even took them to chatuchak market which they loved...well they loved the attention they got. Hector still shuffles about on his bottom and Noah zips everywhere. They make each other laugh especially playing peep po. They are spoilt rotten and their favourite things this week are curtains and a spoon.
We will be in the UK in a month and can't wait to see you all! You'll love Hector he really cuddles you and he loves anything soft. Noah has an infectious squeal and is full of personality. It will be a different trip compared to two years ago! See you soon
xxxxxxxxxx
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/expateducation/7763989/Expat-guide-to-Thailand-schools.html
Pah! The world cup! Usually at this time every 4 years we strangely get a new TV, not this time (just a new aerial)! I was thinking this morning that I haven't bought a magazine since Christmas. True.
I never ever dreamed I would enter a bonny baby competition but when Samitivej held one recently I sent in a picture of lovely photo of Noah in his hospital gown when he was recovering from pneumonia. Ahhhh!! Then I thought that was rude of me, what about Hector so in the end I spent a small fortune entering both of them....and they won: third place and first!!! Though I can't tell you who won what can I? Won't that cause them to need therapy later on?! Anyway an entertaining morning recieving prizes (including dinners, yoga, gymboree etc!!!) I am still embarrassed (and very proud).
School is closing in just under 10 days and in the meantime I have a trip to the flying chicken restaurant to look forward to (yep it is true a chicken can land on the spike on your helmet and then you can eat it, apparently some customers do it on a unicycle too, not me, I can't even catch with my hands). Plus immigration tomorrow, meeting new classes, cinema trips and class parties. phew! A weeks holiday and then we are back in the UK!!!
Hector is enjoying curtains this week still. But mostly he loves pointing. If you touch the end of his pointed finger he will laugh hysterically. He is still shuffling and we are enjoying laughing with him. Noah will pretend to give you something like a bread stick and then take it away and will crack up laughing this can go on for 20 minutes. Noah is enjoying wheels and anything he can bang. I had to climb out of the kitchen into the living room as he was banging and screeching at his shadow on the kitchen door today.
Yep the boys are bonkers and still like licking. I worry occasionally that they are strange but we still adore them and they are certainly not dull!
Enjoy the videos!
Provsional plan for the UK We can't wait!.......
1 JULY Land @9pm John and Jennifer 2 John and Jennifer 3rd Kimbolton reunion 4th John and Jennifer 65th birthday party Race course
5th John and Jennifer
6th London day trip
7th John and Jennifer
Travel to Ashby's 8
Chris and Elaine 9 Boys birthday
Chris and Elaine 10 Party!
Chris and Elaine 11 (World Cup Final)
Chris and Elaine 12
Chris and Elaine 13
Chris and Elaine 14
Chris and Elaine 15
London16
Kenya reunion 17
John and Jennifer 18
Fly BKK 19
xxx
Yep term is nearly over and as I can barely keep my eyes open that is a good thing. We met with immigration (who stamped our passports) and we made them pose for a photo (they didn't need much persuading though). We had my year group leaving do at the flying chicken, yep that's right. It is unique and could only be found in BKK. Basically you order a chicken and it costs about a pound. It is cooked and then catapulted towards a unicycling waiter who catches it via a spiked helmet on his head. They then pop a flag in it and deliver it to your table. I had a go (if you catch a chicken you win a plastic chicken, ohhh I wanted one....I tried three times and whilst I didn't get the chicken I didn't drop any wine either (I was still holding my glass, in fact that might be why, one glass too many and I didn't know the man had actually catapulted my chicken). Then towards the end a 2 year old boy appeared....and caught a chicken. grrr.
W said a sad goodbye to the Springs and drank some Fijiian root bark drink, it tasted like mud but tingled your mouth. Let and Som have been great and have been very funny. They spotted a problem with the kitchen floor phoned Nick and got themselves in a state thinking there had been an earthquake or the floor was falling in! They are brilliant and have been playing continuously with the boys, who are desperately going to miss them when we go back.
This week Hector has learnt to pick his nose and say up a lot. He can also giggle profusely especially if you rub his tummy, actually if you keep rubbing it for a minute or so he will botty - burp. Noah has been scooting around and nodding like a donkey, he has been laughing at Hectors sneezes. They rarely get grouchy and that is only usually because they want a drink (just like their dad). Their favourite toys this week are wheels and keys. Both have now taken to sleeping with their bottoms in the air.
They will love meeting you all in England.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
We made it through the 12 hour flight there and back again! Som our nanny came to wave us off we wished she could have come too! To help get them through it I had prepared 6 little presents for each little man to unwrap (Nick wasn't impressed with a few as I got carried away and they were rather large and wooden!). I had even made a variety of sock puppets with wiggly eyes (again Nick wasn't best pleased as I used his new socks) Eva Air were brilliant and as the flight wasn't full we were sat together with a row at the front all to ourselves. It meant the boys actually had room to play...not with the toys we had bought to entertain them but the plastic cutlery!
So we made it tired but without too many dramas at Heathrow in the early hours of the morning were we were welcomed by a Measures committee and I had a large glass of wine! The boys put on their cardigans but weren't impressed with sleeves and tried to take them off. We got home to Nicks family and relaxed and slept. First outing was obviously to Tescos, where I bought lots of magazines and wandered around for ages.
We then had a Kimbolton get together with Steve and Liz, Matt and Gemma....even they are getting grown up with Liz expecting a baby in September and Matt and Gemma buying a bling house. We also caught up with Vas (and family), Paul and Will too which was brilliant and the boys were spoilt with toy cars and books! They started the day dressed as a ninja and a pirate and then changed in the afternoon into spidermen, unfortunately they were grumpy as jet lag with 1 year olds is a messy business - especially as they also had their dad's horrible cold as well.
John (Nick's dad) then had his 65th birthday at the racecourse where the boys got to meet the whole Measures clan and my sister for the first time they even had a bounce on a bouncy castle. A lovely day.
Next up a trip to London where we caught up with Steph and her 2 boys which was brilliant. Really excited about the news she going into teaching know she'll be fab. After trying a bendy bus we decided to skip the hassle of the tube and went for London black cabs instead (amazingly the pushchair fits). Sadly London taxis are a bit more expensive than Bangkok ones. Still we managed some shopping at the new Westfield and Hamleys and I paid 1.75 for a can of diet coke!! AHHHHHH I had forgotten how expensive it could be! We did manage a return visit to London later on in the trip without the boys which was a bit more sophisitcated. As well as popping in to Harrods and Hermes on Sloane Street we managed to squeeze in a champagne lunch in Harvey Nicks and a champagne supper in Selfridges! We did also see the Goddards too and met little 5 day old Bryn, sadly I wasn't allowed to steal him. The boys had a great time without us with the grand parents and fed some ducks.
We had a great day in Suffolk with Nick's older brother and his gang and Kate was brilliant with food advice for H and N. Nick got a boomearang stuck in their tree and a football trying to get the boomerang down. We then went up to my folks where we were greeted by theThai flag which flew throughout our residence. The boys had a great birthday and Faye had organised the perfect day for them.
They opened their pressies and were spoilt rotten...how were we going to get it all back to Thailand? They got membership at the funarium from grandparents and clothes and books and all sorts. We all went en mass to a working farm. (Nicks folks had given us a car AND car seats which saved the day! THANK YOU!) We saw horses, donkeys, smelly cows, pigs sheeps the lot! We went on a tractor and it was great! There was indoor play and even birthday buns for the boys we sang loudly and ate cake. We then went back to Faye's fro tea...WOW! There was rainbow jelly, sausages on sticks, cheese, crisps and sandwiches, party rings, balloons and even a big one cake with special glitter on. TERRIFIC! I can't believe Hector and Noah are one! Where has the year gone? They can do so much now (not walking though) and make us smile everyday, I can't imagine life with out them.
On the 10th Mum and dad threw a fantastic family and friends party and I can't believe the lengths people went to come. It was really brilliant to catch up with everyone and even meet several new offspring. We saw Eddie and Lois with William and Lucia (super cute) and Andrea and David with George and Kirsten (ahh!) and Jess and James with Phoebe and twins Maisie and Millie (gorgeous girls - Hector was particularly keen). Langers and FS and Ali also came which was great. Unfortunately Noah had a tummy bug and was terribly sick later Hector got it and several days later Martin, Faye, Steve, Ember and Coco all got it. So sadly I didn't get the chance to speak with everyone as much as I had wanted to and Nick - thanks to Noah - got through 4 changes of clothes. It was splendid to see lots of family friends too some of which had even been to our wedding in Kenya so seeing them 10 years and 2 children on was great. I also saw my cousin Joanna and her new husband and Auntie Sue and Uncle Chris which was very special as we don't get a chance to be together a lot.
Mum and Dad know how to party and it was terrific, thank you. We chatted well into the night and Faye had organised for a photographer to come the next day to take some family shots....poor photographer the boys weren't smiley and still a little ill, tired and grouchy - I hope there was one good shot! We went to playgroups with Ember and even her last one as she goes to big school in September and a magic show. Sad that Ember, Coean, Hector and Noah won't spend more time together.
Jonathan came down and whisked Nick off up to Leeds for a day of fun, I had a phone call that Nick was on the train and would be in Retford for 9.30pm so I drove to pick him up...not there, the next train was at 11 so I went home did a few jobs and went back, still not on that train either, so went home, dad not there he had come to get me. Nick had phoned and after rather a lot of beer had fallen asleep and woken up on the way to London. Dad came home and we thought Nick might turn up the next day but he managed to make friends with a guard (will taggart thanks!) and managed to get on the very last train back to Newark where he managed to haggle with a taxi to get back at 2:30am. He couldn't get into the house or a car to sleep so had to phone to get let in. Ha ha ha we won't let him forget this in a while.
Then finally returned to Huntingdon and saw Nicks family for the last time before setting off for Bkk. A shame the 2 weeks went by so quickly and it'll be 2 years before we are back again :(
We got back to find Let had returned to the Philippines, she went back to be with her boyfriend and under sad circumstances she never said goodbye, this has been hard on us all especially Som, Hector and Noah who keeps looking for her and all of a sudden doesn't like to be left alone. We all miss her and hope she is happy.
The boys have been struggling with jet lag but fingers crossed recovering slowly and at least we have a four day weekend to get over it all thanks to buddhist lent. Just want to say thanks again to all the people who came and saw us and a big sorry to all those we didn't get to see. Of course you all welcome out here any time.
Holidays are nearly over :(
We may not be walking but today the boys (kind of) fed themselves, Hector pooped on the bedroom floor and Noah snoredlike an old man, my boys rock!
We have got back into our little routines and Hector and Noah are full of fun again and now jet-lag free and have lots of new teeth. However, Noah still has the annoying habit of waking up at 3am wanting a cuddle (or some toast like this morning) Both boys say Dada and Mama which is lovely and Noah woke Nick up this week by gently patting him on the head. They are really playing with each other now and can follow and chases each other for at least 20 minutes before they start scrapping/hugging just a little too hard!
We went to build-a-bear as our present to the boys was a bear for their first birthday. We recorded a message in their paws and the boys (kind of chose the teddy), they put the hearts in, stuffed them and dressed them and then received birth certificates. I think I enjoyed it more than them to be honest. Their uncle Jonathon gave them a wooden rocking horse which was a huge hit.
I now have an iphone and I am amazed at what it can do....I read the Metro, OK! magazine have a kitten lick my screen clean and it is a pedometer, a baby entertainer, a pub quiz machine and of course a Martha Stewart cook book and shopping list. I am not using it to it's full potential! My number is 0855578557.
Malou has started working with us and so far has been to Kanchanaburi to see some tigers and has witnessed the boys going bonkers in the funarium and eating their first chips at the British Club. She too is Filipino so calls us Ma'am Clare and Sir Nick so we feel very grand!!!! She is very lovely!
Ginger Helen and her family (Micheal, Oscar and little Alex ) are here on Holiday so we have had great fun and adventures catching up...the last time we saw her was at her surprise car treasure hunt/wedding ( see July 2008 for the photos!!!) We met them off the plane on Saturday and celebrated with bubbly and on Sunday went to Funarium to see the magician, balloon maker and singers, we played and ate jelly too. Then we went to Lumpini and saw some Lizards, grrr! there were a lot of them and the night market where Helen and Oscar had little fish clean and nibble all the old skin off their feet.. Monday we went on the river and to Wat Po to see the giant Buddha, I fell down the steps (it rained holding Noah, but he was OK, he now has a tuft and a bump. Tuesday we hired a van and went to Kanchanaburi to see the tigers...not a totally pleasurable experience a very money making scheme and rude staff I felt. I don't think the tigers were drugged but I didn't like it. Malou had a new t-shirt as hers was red and the bull therefore might eat her! We couldn't have that! We then went to the river Kwaiand had lunch before crossing the bridge and getting stuck in an awful traffic jam (4 hrs!!!!!!!!!!) as a storm drowned Bangkok. Poor Som and Malou didn't get home until 10.
I have 10 days before school starts again and already I miss the boys! They have become quite chatty and this week have enjoyed tuk-tuks, a chip,hair brushes and their first dressing gowns. They like eskimo kisses and their new high chairs. Hector continues to point at everything and Noah still gets over excited with wheels. Both boys like their bath but HATE a shower (the hot water broke for 2 days).
From the photos I have mostly been wearing stripes and there aren't any of Helen so I will rectify this when they return from Koh Chang...I think I will take them to the aquarium and a shopping mall food court? Maybe ancient city (Park where they filmed the final of America's next top model.....or the Siam water world park (this wins I think, everyone loves a slide).
The biggest hit this week was using our prizes from winning Bangkok's bonniest baby, we did the family one on one yoga session (golly I am not co-ordinated at all!!!) Very funny not sure how serene we were but great family memories!!! And we won Gymboree sessions which was great fun... we plan to use the drinks vouchers one night sooon...well done boys! :)
Clare (resident stalker!!!!!!!!) is getting married on Friday 13th AUgust to Tom CONGRATULATIONS and we wish you all the happiness in the world, great choice of date too...9 years ago we got married on Friday the 13th too...only 9 years ago!!!!!!!!!! Top date!!!! xxx
This is a rushed episode as I am now back at school and desperate to get some sleep! Unfortunately we bought a new keyboard as 2 little monkeys trashed the old one but this too seems to have got sticky keys very quickly, so the poor spelling is in fact due to sticky keys and not my tiredness!
I am still in love with my iphone, I can now watch celebrity come dine with me on it!! YES I have even watched the WAG special come dine WITH ME TOO, brilliant!!!!! It was funny, SOm even laughed at the Thigh menu (the Thai menu...WAGS!!)
I can't believe the summer is over already. The boys are 13 months old and still make us laugh everyday, their newest game is to put something on their head and this is very very funny to them, they can laugh a lot when you put something on your head too. I hope this is normal.
We have had a strange end to the holiday as nanny gate continues! Malou sadly fell over after an action packed session at Funarium and I think maybe she didn't think the job was for her so she left so now we have the lovely Lisa as one of the boys nannies, this is in fact great as she already knows the boys and Som so fingers crossed this will be the final line-up! My summer of fun with the boys and time for me by the pool happened twice this summer! Still I can't complain as I have spent a long time enjoying the boys and really getting to know them again, which makes going back all the more difficult. Still, I have a lovely class this year.
My birthday was lovely and even our nannies gave me flowers!! I was very spoilt for presents...lots of wine and chocolate and lip gloss (I was quite shocked at how kind friends were) and I am now 37. AHHHH. It was then mother's day and Helen came back from Koh Chang and we spent an action packed day at Ancient City http://www.ancientcity.com/en which was superb... although I was feeling dreadfully worse for wear , when will I learn? Helen and I went on a rampage around Bangkok....a civilized one! We started with Champagne cocktails at home (after all children were bathed) and then we went to Long table (with panoramic views of BKK...and a swimming pool) we then decided that to travel all the way to SIlom without a glass of wine would be dreadful we therefore decided to buy a bottle and 2 glasses and drink it on the way...??? WHY!!!!! It is 20 minutes away!!!!! We then got in a tuk-tuk and shared the remainder of the bottle with the doorman. We then enjoyed a few cocktails on the 73rd floor at Vertigo bar...I don't remember much although I took 63 random photos mostly of peoples feet!!! Including Helen's...she had flip flops on so had to wear their nice shoes !!!! Um mm.
To end the holiday we hired a car, as it is mothers day here for the Queens birthday Nick had time off so we went to Ampawa and what a gorgeous break it was! Once we got out of Bangkok...we got lost and did 4 u-turns to eventually get on the wrong bridge. The boys were asleep. Ahh it took 2 hours to get across the river and it is only an hour away. Worth the stress though. The floating market is SO quaint and cute and real, hardly any farangs at all. A bit hot but the boys were happy and even found a cat to stroke and I bought the LOTS of windmills for the balcony...see photo. We then went down the river to see the fireflies...WOW! Real Asian Christmas tree fairy lights, magical. Unfortunately Hector snored through the fireflies but Noah has eaten and did enjoy an anchovy, yes an anchovy.
I recommend Ampawa to everyone this is where we stayed http://www.baanamphawa.com/ It was so nice we went back the next day and much of the market was still open and the boys ate crab rice. We were to late to visit the Siamese twins museum but we did have a trip to Safariworld.
WELL OH MY GOLLY!! You have to go for the surreal nature of the place, it is bonkers and not really us especially after living in Kenya but I really can't believe these places are allowed...real chimps dressed as spiderman, toucans on bikes, life size buxom statues squirting water from nipples, dolphins in red and yellow cowboy hats....the mind boggles. http://www.safariworld.com/
Rainy season is here and I expect it is drier in the UK.
Is it rude to eat your children's chocolate?
Yep the highlight of this past fortnight is that they can walk! Hector can stumble 5 steps and land giggling in your arms and Noah can manage 3 if you are lucky...he can do more he is just a little lazy and so speedy on his knees he really doesn't see the point. Still, Noah can also dance, so we spent most of the weekend laughing with/at his moves. Both can wave their arms in the air and grab their heads Britney stylee. This is very amusing and a party piece.
School is going well and my new bunch are quirky and fun check out our blog and see what we have been up to: http://www.patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220
It is soon Indian Mela day (even the boys have Indian outfits to wear...they wont be eating curry though). We have our IB learner day, trips out and lots more going on but I am enjoying it, even if the 5am starts are a little pants. Still I have watched several episodes of come dine with me, location Location and Masterchef on the way to work on my iPhone which is great as I don't have time at home. Noah 's coloured his tummy inin felt-tip.
We now seem to have settled nannies, Lisa and Som are great friends and are perfect with Hector and Noah, I am so happy! Every day Nick emails me to say when they got up to in the morning before he goes to work... I know I am sad. Yesterday, he wished the girls a fun day and Lisa replied that it was everyday was a fun day with the boys, I was so proud I cried. Then again maybe I am just mad because last weekend I cried in Emporium when I bit Hectors finger...by accident. I was more upset than he was.
Recent expeditions have included a trip to the Bangkok Arts and Cultural centre, Noah of course liked the French exhibition as there was some Louis Vitton luggage and Hector enjoyed the plug sockets in the photography exhibition. Then we went and bought some dodgy while Hector playd with Ken Hom. We aslo visited the nearby TCDC and saw an exhibition about spirits...I thought it was scary and ran out but the boys didn't mind it. We have also discovered a new play area and have been to funarium where we enjoyed a retelling of the story of red riding hood in song.... with a bizarre version of the birdy song and a sexy looking wolf wearing hotpants-clearly the dads appreciated this more than the babies! Which reminds me that the twins club is now somewhere new and the teacher is called Miss Winky!!!!!! Hector is very excited!!!!!! They will do art, yoga, music and dance!!!
Noah is enjoying his bread rather a lot so we have rationed him to one breadstick a day as he would happily eat them all day long. This week they have discovered cheese and we have given Noah a tiny bit to...so far so good. They like lentils...I should label the frozen portions I make as Som and Lisa thought they were feeding the boys beef where as in fact for 2 days they were little vegetarians!!! Hector also ate his own poop, I left him with Nick and his partner in crime, Adam for just a couple of hours to come back and find he had actually eaten a finger of ****. YIKES. We since learnt it wasn't the first time.
Nick and I have a night out this weekend which will be great and we will try to talk about normal things. Happy birthday Granny Ashby ( I told my new class I was 21 and they believed me!!!) on Sunday and Happy birthday Ember and Lucas...Ember I hope you love school and your mummy doesn't cry too much.
We are mostly watching the wiggles and Oh no I have just remembered it is the fashion police at the Emmy's, got to dash.
I missed it but it will be repeated...didn't think I had any photos to upload...golly actually lots!!! Will do video of their first steps soon.
xxxx
PS Congratulations Matt and Gemma on your new house, engagement and baby (not a bad month's work!) And come on Steve and Liz we can't wait !!!
This week has been great, the boys have got a fine set of teeth and have started to wear their shoes. I think we put them on the wrong feet though and they do look a bit like special shoes but I love them and Hector and Noah are getting used to them. Their hectic social lives continue to be jam-packed however Twins club this week was cancelled due to illness so they had fun in the park instead...enjoy the photos! Last week's twin club was held in a school and the teacher was called Miss Winky!! Hector and Noah enjoy cleaning their teeth but this week Hector cleaned his winky with his toothbrush, it is a very soft toothbrush thank golly! Lisa and Som have had a good week too and the boys now have some very cool dance moves.... and we just have to sing a chorus to get them excited and bobbing about. They both still adore the Wiggles, I can sing a long too. Hector ate sushi today and Noah likes ham sandwiches. Lisa cooks a variety of rice dishes for them (Som and I watch her, we eat takeaway!) The boys managed to lock me in the kitchen and so I had to climb out of the window. I have finished a recent series of Location Location with the lovely Kirsty and Phil on my phone and a friend has downloaded the 'Say yes to the bride" and "Mary queen of shops" to watch which is heaven really!
School is great and I am really enjoying this year, class are funny and I know the boys are happy at home too so when I am in school I can think school. http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
SOunds like Mum had an amusing birthday as Dad took her to the wrong restaurant not the one he had booked so and it was full.
This week Hector has mostly enjoyed dogs and lego, Noah cars and bread. Noah made friends with a little girl at Funarium and she rubbed his cheek, Hector puts things inside things so we are finding all our belongings in strange places, if we find them.They both wave at any form of transport. Last weeend Lisa and Jet and Clarissa baby sat whilst Nick and I went out, this time we didn't just talk about them. They are finding curtains and anything you put on your head funny.
Just a quickie this week as I am tired but cute photos!
It has been a while!
Our weekends are rather more chaotic than they used to be! As the boys are scooting and scuttling about and curious about everything we have to have eyes in the back of our heads! So far I have found a variety of things stuffed into Hectors nappy including plastic toys and alarmingly a nail file. He recently phoned China and is proud of himself when he takes his nappy off, so happy in fact he will cuddle and kiss it. The mind boggles. Noah likes colouring in everything. He has eaten a crayon. They are now enjoying sausages for breakfast and ham sandwiches. Noah will go and get his biscuits if he is feeling peckish and they chase each other around the flat. Thankfully they find this highly entertaining and can chase each other for quite a while. They are still mesmerized by the wiggles and even dance when the dinosaur appear, Hector still prefers Wags the dog though. Even Nick sings along now and we have family dancing sessions (and the twins have surprising rhythm!!!)
It will take a while to load but you can follow what 4M are up to
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
School is busy but good, my class are quite bonkers but lovely to teach, check out our blog. Leave a comment!!!
Half term next week, hurrah! But it will be a hectic one...reports, Bollywood videoing and organising, Lisa in Laos, a night at the Kapinsky in town...(glam new hotel). Fingers crossed I'll get a chance to sit by the pool and recuperate (I have started going senile and putting my bank number in the photocopier, brushing my teeth with face wash, and grazing my knees). Inset for 2 days before the holiday though...enjoying the courses http://www.patana.ac.th/PatanaLife/TeacherINSETDay2010/
THANK YOU for the photos Faye xxxxx
Both boys have been teething recently so they have been waking up a few times in the night, on Tuesday they took this to a new level though and at 3am they had put their nursery rhyme CD on, were half naked and dancing in ther cots, umph. Funny but not at 3am.
Lisa and Som continue to be brilliant and tell us everyday who the boys play with and what they all giggle at. Apparently I walk like Hector!? Lisa and SOm are lovely and often meet me at Tops where the boys point at all the things in the shop and say "cat". Everything this week is "cat", even me.
The weather is cool so we have been to the park a lot, we have fed catfish, turtles, seen lizards and dogs. We even went to the zoo last week where the boys mostly enjoyed the climbing frame, everything is still a dog to Hector. Noah has been well behaved and can survive without his dummy for the day and both have enjoyed sausages and watermelon.
School has been hectic...reports and directing 175 children in a Bollywood production is entertaining, especially as it is in a state of the art new school theatre...2 light/sound digital boxes!! http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 for what I have been up to in school....may take a while to load!
These are from the school site, Ahhhh! very proud of year 4!!!! And Hector and Noah...their starring first film roles!!!!!
http://www.patana.ac.th/Gateway/PatanaNews/NewsItem.asp?VolumeID=13&EditionID=10&NewsID=396
http://www.patana.ac.th/PatanaLife/Diwali2010/
Half term was lovely, I spent a lot of time playing with Noah and Hector...we went up Bayioke tower, Nick and I stayed a night at the Siam Kempinski Hotel which was gorgeous, there was an egg shaped bath and Lisa and Som stayed the night with the boys...I am not sure who had more fun, Som and Lisa or Hector and Noah! The boys have eaten from dog bowls this week as they have proved quite sturdy and with lots of compartments.
We saw Dr Oradee for the last time and some more injections, the boys must be vaccinated against everything now! We use the reins when taking them for a walk now as they are quick little movers.
Anyway have to go now as we are dressing them up as pumpkins for Archie's Halloween party.
I wanted to put the Christmas tree up last weekend but Nick said it was too early. I am very excited. The boys have been well behaved so I expect Father Christmas will be good. We are not sure where we will be at the moment maybe here in BKK, maybe Malaysia. I was rather concerned that Father Christmas might not find the boys but Nick pointed out who Father Christmas was, doh.
Been bonkers here, busy busy but good fun, Nickole, Let's cousin visited and had fun with the boys and they played at funarium, went to the flower market and bought me some flowers (thanks Som and Lisa) and came to school for International day, unfortunately Noah was sick down the union Jack but he perked up a treat in the international food hall.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 for bits on school life.
The boys mostly enjoy playing in curtains and with their toy garage. Noah eats anything with ketchup and hector eats anything...including glitter. He has just made krathongs for Lisa and Som and Bo and Dear at school and covered himself in glitter, Noah laughed at him but of course didn't get any on himself. They now can eat real food instead of pureed mush which makes life easier and they are learning to sleep with the air con off. Phew.
Hector ate soap last week...I don't think he will do it again in a hurry and he laughed so much at Pingu he fell over. Noah loves playing round and round the garden and frequently licks your face.
Nick and I have started date night again so everyone is happy. We even have a new TV courtesy of our new landlords so we can watch/sing children's tv in bed on Sunday mornings...with the boys, Nick and I aren't weird.
Lisa and Som still love and look after the boys well, they took them to a flower market this week and a pet shop (Hector was in Heaven)
I will add the Loy Krathong photos soon.
xxx
We put the Christmas tree up several times yesterday as Hector and Noah enjoyed pulling it down, they discovered the chocolate baubles too whilst we were busy with the tinsel so that made the afternoon even more chaotic. Hector recognises balls so he kept saying ball ball ball at the christmas tree which I thought was quite clever, Noah enjoyed wrapping himself in tinsel. They like their paddling pool and the garage is still their favourite toy.
T'was good fun and as they have learnt to kiss Rudolph has been slobbered all over. We did some Christmas shopping at Plonchit fair, although we bought the traditional bottle of champagne to drink we ended up bringing it home as the boys were either obsessed with bag pipers, chips or charging everywhere so until they got drowsy it was bonkers. We finished off the day with crepes and french cider at Paul-Emiles 2nd birthday and then Nick and I had a night out, we were exhausted but went to the most bizarre bar...nestled in a haunted house mall....nice cocktails and the menu was on an ipad. We didn't go in the haunted house but giggled at all the people taking their photos inside. Take a look...will it catch on?
School is good, three weeks left and one of those is a 3 day week due to the King's birthday, no snow days though! http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 for what 4M have been up to. Nick and I are taking the boys away for the long weekend for their first proper beach break...the first when they won't actually eat sand?
We have had to remove a lot of the baby stuff...hammocks, bath seats etc so I am sad. They are getting big and quick now, they say ball a lot, and understand sit down and their favourite books make animal noises. Turning Hector upside down guarantees a giggle and playing round and round the garden makes Noah hysterical, sometimes he laughs so much he botty burps. I offered Hector drawing yesterday or a biscuit and he took the crayons and promptly ate the yellow one.
Now starts the Christmas parties.....
I am pleased Kate is marrying William but I would be a bit gutted about the ring. Camilla's is gorgeous.
It was the Kings birthday so we had a long weekend, his majesty is 83 and everyone wore pink...he isn't yellow anymore as he was born in Swiztzerland so he was actually born on pink day not yellow due to the time difference. He is quite well at the moment and came out of hospital to say thank you.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 for what I have been up to in school....scary Clare in a PE uniform!
Whilst you have been quite cold, we have had sports day, my class came 6th. BUT I came LAST in the sack race how humiliating. I don't even own trainers let alone sharts and t-shirt so I bought a child's one, why didn't I just get one from lost property?
http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/guest/2OuLSv1zS23RsfhOK8R-BA
I left my bank card in the ATM again, the money comes before the card here. COngratulations to Sarah Gascoine on the bouncing birth of Patrick! AND we look forwasrd to your wedding Matt in Appril 2012...the day after our 11th wedding anniversay! (golly)
The King's birthday started with an assembly at school and then we packed for Hua-Hin, we hired a car and for the first time we DID NOT get lost, hurrah! We took 3 hrs to get there (rather than 3 hrs to find our way out of Bangkok). The hire company drop off and collect the car so that is easy, plus it is only 2 pounds a day to hire the car seats as well. We stayed at the Marriott Courtyard which was lovely and very child friendly, there is a huge pool some fine sand and a brilliant kids club with cots for napping a ball room with slide which Hector hurled himself around and computer pods and a wooden toy room and a painting clay room...there was even a dressing up box and a pink castle/house that Noah took charge of. https://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/hhqcy-courtyard-hua-hin-at-cha-am-beach/
Our room was lovely and the boys didn't eat too much sand infact they weren't too fussed about the beach and loved the walkway which they charged up and down. It is quite shocking how quickly we can arrive at a hotel and completely trash a room, 20mins I think and that is being kind. Our first night after kids worls and beach fun Nick and I polished off a bottle of champagne and the boys slept. We thankfully took a copy of the wiggles for the morning! It was nice not having to clean up after the boys when they had eaten breakfast...ketchup everywhere. Is this amount of mess normal? Hector really is foul. The boys made Nick a card with glitter and sponge paint printing, it is quite creative, they also chose some nice books for him to read. Happy father's day to the best daddy in the world! (as well as my dad) In the afternoon we went to the most delightful market, so cute and as it was the kings birthday everyone lit pink candles and sang and there were fairy lights everywhere. The market was lovely and the boys were super lovely, they waied and waved and gave out lots of kisses. We then got stuck going back to the hotel as the roads came to a standstill and everyone stood in the middle of the road and once again we lit pink candles anbd sang to the kling, half an hour later everyone got back in their cars and left there were some giant fireworks too. Hector then woke up with a cold and toothache for most of the night so I walked him around the hotel at 2am and 4am, we had forgotten the calpol. At 5am my school alarm went off. Grrr.
Hector and Noah are full of cold but enjoying the run up to christmas especially advent calendars, parties and secret Santas. They have some new toy cars so they are very happy. They haven't attacked the christmas decorations too much and luckily I bought a 4ft father christmas skittle which they pummel and thus not the tree. Hector has eaten more chocolates off it though.
It is a 3 day week as Friday is holiday too, but, it is 2 parents evenings so at school until 7, with 5am get ups it is good that the week is just 3 days long.. Then one more week of school, woo-hoo.
Happy birthday Faye, you are the day after the king and unfortunately we don't light pink candles for you but we thought about you a lot :)
A three day working week! Still in that time I have managed to loose my new hair straighteners...found in my bag, and my keys...they were in the fridge which is rather more daft. It is constitution day tomorrow which is lovely as I have the day off school and after two long but successful parents evenings it is needed. My brain is mush. Still Christmas cards are relatively done and most pressies bought/ordered. We have been watching father Christmas on the Internet so the boys don't get too scared when they meet him but unfortunately they are still more interested in their toy camper van and mini...what is it with wheels? Both boys can do the Thai wai beautifully now and blow kisses at everyone, dreadful flirts, the guards at our apartment are particular favourites...men in uniforms?! Som and Lisa have been splendid this week and sometimes I worry they have too much fun with them and not us!
Hector and Noah still enjoy pumpkin and pork, mango and apple juice, unfortunately chocolate Christmas decorations are proving a favourite, Noah chases them Hector eats them.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
School has been great class still fab and excited about Christmas too. Advent calendar bonkers too. The boys came to school on Wednesday which was a lovely treat, I have now registered them...they start in 12 months!! I will be the neurotic mother spying on them! I can see the foundation stage pirate ship from my classroom!
We have a Christmas party, the street fair (a tiny bit like Glastonbury), Springy turning up AND Dunny (who is married now to a lovely girl!!!) arriving. A great weekend :)
Loving my iphone even more now I know it is 59p per app for ever not monthly...doh!
Off to go on itunes!!!!!
x
It is Christmas eve and I am so so excited!
The boys have been good so I think Father Christmas will be kind! I have really enjoyed the first week of the holidays but I am very relieved that I still have 2 weeks left! Som and Lisa have again been just terrific at entertaining the little men...they have been to the planetarium and funarium and we have taken to having tea in the park...no clearing up! Hector and Noah will miss them as they are on holiday for 10 days, we'll miss them too. I have done the shopping, Nick has been promoted and I actually made it to the pool a few times so really we are very lucky and happy. Hector and Noah continue to laugh out loud at Pingu the naughty penguin and eat sandwiches. Today we had a family party with Let and Som which was very funny...we introduced them to the English traditions of mulled wine (my creation...not bad too), mince pies, Christmas pudding and setting fire to it and smoked salmon. We had crackers and party poppers and I think they thought we were quite bonkers. They totally spoilt the boys with a wonderful photo and of them selves and the twins framed for the kitchen! AND a padded toilet seat!! How gorgeous!
We then had friends round for more mulled wine and mince pies...in the depths of Bangkok you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find 28 crackers and 28 mince pies but I did AND I found squirty cream. Everyone got Christmas happy and the boys enjoyed candy canes and crisps so it was no surprise they went to bed at 8.30. We watched the snowman so Christmas is really here. I hope you all have a wonderful day full of fun.
Happy Christmas from us all xxxxxxxxx
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Christmas day was lovely! The boys woke up (not too early which was appreciated) and Father Christmas had been and gobbled up the mince pie and Rudolph had eaten his carrot and the mulled wine had been guzzled. Rudolph had even pooped on the balcony!
The boys were ecstatic with their presents and beeped the horns of their cars for quite some time, we are quite looking forward to the batteries running out. They were spoilt rotten with GIANT keyboards, wooden airports and cars and trucks and a blackboard, we could open our own playgroup, they even got a goat for some people in Nepal, how cool is that! We managed to skype Granny and Grandad Ashby and open our presents together, they had just got back from midnight church. They were happy to play but we had a bath ( with new water toys and put foam and bubbles on our heads) and then went via tuk tuk (a real one) to funarium to say theank you to a very tired looking Father Christmas...who was wearing trainers as he was obviously suffering from blisters. Both the boys were TERRIFIED and screamed, so much so that the official photographer accidently cut Noah out of the photo! Still it was bonkers...Unusually quiet the boys had the run of the place and watched in awe at the christmas parade which consisted of 20 adults dressed in surreal outfits...quite what a fox and owl and alien have to do with christmas I don't know! Still there were life size polar bears penguins and other cold /ear muff wearing animals. Hector and Noah enjoyed a chritmas feast of chicken, rice, chips and a lot of ketchup and some popcorn. They slept for quite some time too whilst we cracked open the champagne and ordered takeaway, Nick once again had the full roast and I had sushi. perfect. We then played in the afternoon and skyped family and friends. We were spoilt too, I got a gorgeous brtacelet that was an old fork, some make up and a tailors dummy, Nick got lots of DVDs and trousers and some cash to splash.
Boxing day we attempted a 10 take off but actually didn't do too bad at leaving at 11.30 for the beach, our beach! http://www.ban-krut.com/ We were the only ones on it! WE went to Baan Krut and stayed in a Thai hotel where people went to breakfast in their pyjamas and the staff were lovely we found a quirky hotel and went there for supper a few times but mostly we ate on the beach played in the sand and splashed in the pool. We discovered the boys are wild, they both hoovered up a lot of fried food and crawled about in the sand broke a lot of things and chatted/shouted gobbledegook at each other. Sometimes they got so excited they had accidents on the hotel room floor. On the way home we had fun with Scarlett ( and Joe and Katie who had rented a villa in Hua-Hin) the boys were particularly impressed with their washing machine, a front loader.
Swasdee pii mai
Have a terrific 2011!
xxxxxxxxxx
School http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Sawasdee pii mai!!
It is the year 2554 here now as Thailand has a bonkers calendar, the future is good. The year of the rabbit! Nick and I had a great new year which consisted of several bottles of champagne, yatzee (a bit of cheating) and some funny glasses. In fact one of my favourite New Years in a long time. Today however, has been long.
I hope 2011 brings you everything you desire,
Lots of love Clare, Nick, Hector and Noah
School http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Granny and Grandad Measures arrived just before the end of the Christmas holiday .... just in time for a lovely long weekend in Phuket. We stayed in a suite and made the most of the pools and sea. Hector and Noah made friends with a goat but weren't too impressed with the giant elephant. Whilst we had a wonderful time, on the penultimate day Granny fell and broke her wrist. Dreadful, but she was brave and didn't cry and even had an ambulance (with sirens) to take her to hospital and have it pinned back together. No cast but it looks painful. We hope it hasn't ruined her trip. They leave for a quiet break from us on Monday - escaping to Vietnam for a few days. Whilst Jen was in hospital Nick cleared their room, in their safe Jennifer had put a packet of Rowntree's fruit pastilles and some immodium.
We got delayed at the airport but Noah and Hector graciously entertained the passengers on the flight as they ran round blowing kisses, shaking hands with anyone in uniform (and there are lots in an airport...security, pilots, shopkeepers, cleaners, they all had to shake their hands) It took quite some time to get through once baggage was collected due to the shaking of hands and their other new pasttime which is waving at trains, as there is a the new train link (which is brilliant). There are lots of pictures of trains to wave manically at. Whilst on our balcony this is fine but when they have Thomas the Tank engine on their cutlery it gets messy and takes ages to eat. We put their new training pants on too the other day and that was fuuny as they had Thomas on too so they literally spent 20 minutes waving at each other's pants. This was very funny. I might put them in them again just for fun.
Hector and Noah are speaking more, ball, cat, broom etc.....They understand a lot and will take things to each other and fetch bits and bobs, Nick has put Hector in beer from the fridge training. They still kiss pictures of cats/kittens, and recently entertained Tops by kissing the tins of Whiskers cat food, all 50 tins.
Hector had a pooping accident in the pool and they have enjoyed playgroups again. They are visiting their new doctor on Saturday (we are moving hospitals closer to our home...the one where they won Bangkok's bonniest babies, well 1st and 3rd). Great to catch up with Maggers from Kenya/China and have just booked a villa in Hua Hin to share with the Barratts in April. 9 weeks to the next holiday!!!!!! There is also a Martha Stewart market/shopping experience/event this weekend, fabulous.
School is good http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 we are studying explorers and doing a new creative curriculum and teaching through inquiry so it is certainly different!
Floods in Australia and riots in Tunisia, horrid.
Sadly, Som told us tonight that she is leaving to look after her father who is ill with diabetes, we are devastated. We understand why she is leaving to go home but obviously we are heartbroken. Hector and Noah thank goodness do not understand. Som will be greatly missed.
Oh no :(
We thought last week would be nice and serene but we all got a violent vomiting bug, as Hector got it first we blame him. Two days after meeting the new pediatrician we had to go again. However, we are all OK now and the boys have gained the 600g they lost.
I had a dreadful hair cut, it isn't quite a mullet but the lady (and I still tipped her, why????) hacked off chunks and I clearly said no layers. I am glad she didn't do my leg wax!
My class are away this week in KanchANABURI and golly I miss them!
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I have been teaching K1-Yr 2 (4 yrs to 6 yrs) and crikey it is tough. One little boy asked to see my knickers, another got up and tried to eat a banana and I did PE YES PE!!!! K2 was hilarious I looked after one class who are learning about things that fly and all I had to do was get some children their passports stamped, a ticket issued and onto a plane with suitcase...a little girl was a pilot (but she wondered off and became an air steward) The check in lady then disappeared, then all the passengers escaped to the other side of the playground I asked them to come back to the plane but they were adamant that they were at the hotel. Exhausting. Still I paper mached some islands today which was a little more successful. Phew 4M are back tomorrow.
I should learn to text properly. "Fell ripped stomach": is a lot worse than "felt tipped stomach." Nick phoned immediately in a giant panic but obviously I was confused and staring at a bright orange Hector.
The boys are loving having their grandparents coming to play and there is a lot of giggling. Today we all met up in the park for tea, where the boys ate the lot (except a few crumbs which they threw at the pigeons). They had tuna sandwich, pork rice, fruit cocktail and strawberry milk loaf and half a white chocolate dinosaur.
Som is proving impossible to replace and everyday we try but I don't think anyone (apart from Lisa) comes close. Twins club tomorrow as the IPC is open again!
John and Jennifer loved Vietnam and the food and the junk boat and the silk farm, they had a great time. It is nice to have them back though! Jennifer had the stitches out of her bionic arm and is much more movable. They ventured to the river and the Mandarin Oriental today, I was quite jealous.
The boys are currently enjoying hiding chalk, I have found it undigested in their nappies, in cupboards, in the toilet and laid neatly in my shoe.
Skype is proving difficult as we had a virus but hopefully we'll get the computer sorted soon
Hector and Noah enjoyed brushing their teeth tonight, their toothpaste is pink, smells of bubblegum and has glitter it. Surely it can't be good.
Nicks parents (AKA Granny Ya and Grandad Poo...it is Thai) have sadly gone and the boys genuinely point at their photograph on the wall frequently and gabble loudly, they are probably trying to say "please push us in our cars , please chase us, please tickle us etc." Sad to see them go but thankfully they see them on Skype every week. Our last few days were action packed with a Chinese New Year assembly which was complete with Chinese dragons and a lot of Kung-fu. I was on break duty after wards and thankfully there weren't too many accidents and attempting to high kick and shaolin monk style somersault. We also went to Playtime in Ekkami which is a new funarium with cars and dinosaur excavation, trampolines and ball guns for toddlers. Terrific.
We have also found a new nanny, Khun Nung who seems absolutely lovely and has worked with twins before. She and Lisa seemed happy and we will all miss Som but over half term Nick is going to Kuala Lumpar with work and I have 3 nannies, how decadent! We'll all be fighting over who gets to carry them !!! Actually I shall make the most of it and go to the pool for a couple of hours at least! We'll have a little party for Som and I expect the twins will shower her in wet kisses.
Their personalities are really shining through at the minute, I turned her back for a minute and found Hector naked and covered in cat and car stickers and Noah laughing. Noah was looking guilty and Hector's nappy was suspiciously close. Today though Nick taught them mooning and I was rather worried going around the art exhibition that we would have some inappropriate gallery etiquette ( from the boys not Nick), but luckily they just ran amok.
My class are back from residential, one boy looked particularly messy, "Did you wash?"
"No. "
"Did you clean your teeth?"
"No but I brushed my hair with a telephone."
These parents are paying a lot for this education. You'll be pleased to know that they went swimming everyday so they can't have been that dirty.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
School is great and even better because at present we are on half term.
CONGRATULATIONS to the baby boom, Clare 'stalker' McNeil, Katie Andrews, Victoria Beckham and Shiona
xxx
An entertaining half term! Someone has turned the heat up and it is HHhhhooooottttttt. Sticky.
Val arrived from Manila and we had a blast. We spent the first night chatting into the early hours and drinking champagne. On Saturday we went to Funarium and sang the birdie song and went on the bikes and slide. After a little saunter around Kvillage the boys slept and Val and I went to Hyde and seek for a couple of cocktails and a browse around the shops. I asked Nick to get the sushi and chocolates out of the fridge and apparently we had eaten them the night before, Braeburn bar again. Still at least Val didn't make me cellotape chives to my breasts telling me that would make them grow. (It doesn't work and anyway she said it is watercress anyway). A trip to Agalico for coffee and splash time in the bath. Val spoilt the boys rotten with a wooden ark and cars and soft puppies, "woo wooo" which they cuddle and kiss a lot, thankfully they haven't been put in the toilet yet (unlike wooden tuk tuks, cars and a whole box of ear cleaners). Val and I then hit Thonglor, we went cocktail drinking in WTF, Iron Fairies, Blue Velvet and Tuba (where in our drunken haze we managed to book a party venue for 200 people, this was after trying to buy a dentists chair. Sunday was slow motion and we all got the express train to the airport where Noah and Hector waved at aeroplanes (and of course trains). We are hiring a villa with the Barratts for Easter/Songkran so it wasn't a sad goodbye.
Nick worked in KL Malaysia this week and we missed him but we did family dancing and Noah can spin and Hector has started goosestepping so I actually look co-ordinated and cool in comparison!
The boys have had terrible chests and didn't eat for three days and then Hector started vomiting so after Noah's pneumonia last year we took them to hospital late on Thursday night, listless and wheezing like smokers we were very concerned however as soon as we got to hospital they brightened up and ran all over and giggled and threw themselves down the slide. How embarrassing, the staff must think we are neurotic lunatics. However, they did actually want to admit Hector but we felt he was OK to be at home and they are fine now. Phew.
Today we went for a play downstairs and to shake some hands but at the last minute decided to dash to tops and get some tea. I was in my pyjamas and thought it would be quiet and no one would notice. We saw everyone, my head of year at school, goveners, parents and school children, MORTIFIED. THEN Hector pulled my pyjama bottoms down. How can I go back? I nearly ran home but Hector weighs 11 Kg now 11 KG!!!!! Porker. Noah is 9.8kg. He still likes Ketchup.
We said a very sad good bye to Som, :( We had a little party for her, Hector and Noah gave her a camera and a photo album of pictures, we will all miss her very much. Pi Nung started on Monday so at the beginning of the week we were three nannies and me...so we fought over the boys and they were spoilt rotten. We hope Pi Nung is happy to work here!
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Nick has started taking photos of his food. Sausages and broccoli?! We are eagerly waiting for baby Hobbs news.
Boys now say
They understand
Phew Steve made it through his colon operation, we have been thinking about him an awful lot and wish Steve a speedy and thorough recovery. How Faye has coped with the worry and the children I don't know, superwoman. It is great to hear he is on the mend.
Phew baby Harry Hobbs was born a few days ago, 8.11 lbs which is splendid.
Phew it is hot. The weather has gone up a few degrees recently, it is humid and sticky, which is all the better for paddling in. We intend to get them some swimming jackets soon so that they can paddle and potter more safely however, as Hector likes to wear nothing at all I am not sure how wise that 60 pounds x 2 purchase will be?
Phew! Busy at school, viking crazy ! http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
The twins are bang on trend, Hector is sporting the Justin Beiber look and Noah has a Mohican. They really should be asleep now but are having too much fun pointing at fish and 'ass (that is Thomas the tank engine). They are even more gorgeous now and when not eating or scooting around in their cars or playing with their wooden tuk tuks they do play together. This weeks game is copying each other. Good fun, Noah is better at movement, he can turn, but Hector can play for A LONG time. They will then bop each other on the head with something which isn't so nice. You can usually spot it coming though. Noah is currently sporting a split lip and bruised forehead due to an over enthusiastic Hector. They have both taken to stuffing things in their nappies. I found 100 baht in Hector's. Pi Nung Is lovely and the boys adore her. Her and Lisa have turned the flat into a hotel and I love having my facecloths rolled on a plate. Lisa and Pi Nung get on well and are just brilliant. I came home today to hear them all giggling in the paddling pool, all of them waving at birds (and the neighbours) and generally all 4 of then squealing and laughing. Terrific.
Phew 5 weeks to Songkran and we have hired a villa with the Barratts. http://www.villarenters.com/rent-villas/thailand/khao-takiab/baan-thai-villa--hua-hin-60059
My soi motorbike riders have lovely smelling hair, is it rude to ask them what brand of shampoo they use? Zooming down the soi on the back of their bikes and their hair smells gorgeous, it isn't Dove or Pantene!
Noah still loves his books, this week it is Richard Scarry, he is very sensitive and cries when someone on tv falls over or wears a wig. Hector will rub you head if you say "sorry" and will flutter his eyelashes if you say "beautiful eyes". They are hugely entertaining. Noah is good at dancing, he has rhythm... he doesn't get it from Nick or myself. Hector likes Pingu.
The news from Japan gets more sad each day but I am thankful I have got in touch with the people I know there, Noriko and Hisa, Some people haven't been so fortunate
www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 School continues to be good fun and with 2 weeks to go it is great! We have a Songkran water splash/fight booked in as a year group, a 4M Easter egg hunt and Viking raid on another class to look forward to.
Pi Nung and Lisa are tremendous, I don't think Hector and Noah have ever been so happy, every day I come home to giggles and tales of what antics they have been up to, it makes me sad I am not there all the time but I am so so happy to know they are well loved and looked after. Lisa has cooked some new dishes for them including macaronie cheese and poached fish, they liked them Noah obviously still likes everything with Ketchup. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYCBffzOLWw for a giggle.
Bangkok recently was very cold, uncharacteristically so. I had to wear a jacket and the boys wore their coats, it was around 18 degrees and the whole of the city were wrapped up...but offices and malls still had the air con bellowing. I actually opeded my classroom window and there was a birds nest.
Nick Magnus came to visit this weekend as he was recruiting new teachers for Dulwhich China, was once again lovely to catch up with him and the boys enjoyed a bottle of wine or two and a food review.
I went on a Hen weekend last Saturday and golly...I have only ever been on two but it is rather dangerous on a boat when you can't escape! Great fun though but the guests at the Shereton must have been a little confused when a boat load of ginger wigged girls docked looking for the hen (who thought she was having a sophisticated dinner) and scooped her up!
I realised in maths last week I am a year older than I thought I was, I shouldn't have celebrated my 36th! Nick and I did celebrate 20 years together though last Friday!
Hector can fit a lot of rice up both nostrils and Noah likes to say pingu for most of the day.
They used the potty for the first time last week, it was hilarious. Noah was not that bothered, didn't really like it but sat there bemused. Hector however is such a pudding he managed to break the potty and fell through to the toilet, which did scare him. Sadly there was such an audience and lots of laughing that there first toilet experience was as undignified as possible. And we have the photos. Poor twins when they get married.....
For Granny and Grandad Ashby...if you haven't found it here is the link again http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYCBffzOLWw And Happy birthday Grandad Ashby!
Both are still hugely entertaining but Hector likes to throw things at the moment which is annoying, and embarrassing when you are out and other people get pasta thrown at them, Noah of course is too tidy and neat to do that. They have fun scooting around on their tricycles and still shake hands with random strangers.
I felt the earthquake, Nick was out playing squash and the doors swung open and the building creaked. The same evening someone drove off the second floor car park in our apartment, I don't think anyone was hurt but the wall is still being repaired.
As it is still very cold we took the boys on the sky train to Mo Chit and we explored the big park there, it used to be the railway workers golf course but now it houses a lake, cycle paths and a big butterfly enclosure. The boys weren't particularly bothered about the butterflies but we now know how much they love puddles and slopes. We could have been anywhere. They also like street food and try to be patient watching it be cooked, thankfully a lot of cars go by that they can wave at.
Lisa and Pi Nung are still wonderful, they get on well together and adore Hector and Noah who in turn love them.
School still busy still good. We raided another year 4 class (we are studying the Vikings) and we plundered their marbles, glue sticks and 6 thralls (slaves) to sharpen our pencils.
www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
April fools day at school, excellent. http://www.patana.ac.th/patanalife/klongtaxi/
Happy mother's day (and Grandmothers day!)
xxx
Wooo-Hoooo it is nearly holiday time and it couldn't come soon enough.
I have a Songkran assembly and an Easter egg hunt to do in school tomorrow and then yippee a picnic in the park with the boys and the holidays begin!
www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 for Songkran splashing and making compass'
At the moment the boys think all animals with 4 legs roar (especially cows) and flushing toilets is wild. It still takes a while to get past bus stops due to hand shaking and high fiving.
A quick write up as I have to decorate easter eggs in a Martha Stewart style quickly and I am about to fall asleep (double parents evening). Enjoy the photos.
Happy Easter/Songkran/Royal wedding...Val, Nige and the girls arrive soon and we are off to Hua-Hin so I am not sure when I will be able to load photos, we all have Songkran shirts and water pistols so brilliant.
xxx
We went to the beach with Val, Nige, Zoe and Lea (Frenchie and Kiwi to you DAD). What a wonderful week by the sea in Hua Hin. We hired a house that was a minute from the sea and it had a pool and a superb cafe...they would even drop the food off at the house and clean the plates too. We lived like kings with tempura, tom Khak gai, fresh fish, chips, ice cream and lots of pork and Thai food. Hiring the school bus worked a treat and Noah was sick only the once (too many cheese balls I think!). Traffic was good and we stopped off at Villa supermarket for essentials...mayonnaise, diet coke, ham and wine and beer!
Although the beach isn't pristeen it is easy to get too and having a house meant the boys could nap we could chat and everyone had enough space to play, yoga and make a mess! Zoe and Lea enjoyed horse riding, Noah and Hector didn't eat sand but played in the sea. BLISS. The girls were gorgeous with the boys, we are discussing their weddings, apparently Zoe has bagged Noah, Lea and Hector are great together too...can you imagine the reception!!!!!!!!!!!
Songkran with the nice shirts and water pistols was good fun, we went into town on a songtow and didn't get too wet, we made it to the centre just as people were getting revved up with the clay and water pistols we snuck into the inter continental and had fun in their pool. We went to the cicada market at night where there were performances and mango sticky rice and we also had a great day on the slides at the Hyatt hotel (and strangely our next door neighbours were there).
SAWASDEE PII MAI! HAPPY NEW YEAR
It is a shame the Barretts aren't in Bangkok but as they are in Manila it is great meeting up for these yearly beach holidays. Hector and Noah grew in confidence and loved jumping into the pool...Hector forgets he can't actually swim! Hector and Noah missed Pi Nung and Lisa and smiled when they came this morning, delighted in fact. Giant hugs all round!
They have some new words...moon, row row row your boat and were very good at Wai-ing Thai's and shaking everyones hands....including mine when I got them up! Shaking your parents hands! Normal? Still you get kisses and licks too.
Happy 90th Birthday Nick's granny, Happy 2nd birthday Coean and Happy 10th wedding anniversary Nick! xxx
PS LOVE the chicken outfits for egg rolling Mum, CLASSIC!! We'll try skyping later xxxx
I am off to build a fire truck...long story.
Sadly we said goodbye to the Barretts after a splendid 10 days together. They gave us a frame of photos and the twins keep pointing at it and screaming Zoooeeeeeee llleeeeee.
This Easter weekend has been terrific, we skyped all grandparents, decorated eggs, rolled them (and DAD, no one sat on theirs or opened and sprayed yogurt on themselves...and some of us aren't even 2 yet). We went to Funarium dressed as Chickens (the boys...Nick and I looked normal (disheveled)). Lisa and Pi Nung partook in an Easter egg hunt, they were quite puzzled but nevertheless enjoyed Easter eggs and chocolate lollies from the Mandarin Oriental. After our Christmas party they must think the English are totally bonkers so I think they will be really flummoxed by the royal wedding and crumpets and sausages and cheese on sticks. I won't tell them about Charles and Di's when we did the royal wedding route 2 days after and Whiskers the cat pooped in his cage and DAD threw it over Buckingham Palace wall...and mum stood on the tomb of the unknown soldier when we were admiring Diana's bouquet (which was quite curled and brown if I remember).
I spent the rest of the holiday pottering, I had my hair cut by a lovely lady-boy, we watched some spectacular storms and I have got over excited about the royal wedding. I am currently trying to get hold of Union Jack flags and bunting as I am planning Friday afternoon with friends, Pimms, Champagne and cucumber sandwiches. I have got the twins some red white and blue outfits and myself also. I am sure Nick is secretly excited too but he has yet to show it.
Back to school tomorrow but I have several 4 day weeks to look forward to and a press trip to the beach in Rayong :) And report writing :(
Loved the wedding, thought Kate looked beautiful and so did Pippa, I thought Westminster Abbey looked spectacular too.
I nearly didn't see it as traffic was dreadful in Bangkok and after the festivities in my classroom (we did wedding maths, I married a pupil, we made bunting and the piece de resistance was plasticine models of William and Kate made during Golden Time...I do teach educational lessons too, but not on the day of a royal wedding , and the end of exam week), anyway, I digress, I had to hop on a motor bike and zip across Bangkok in order to make Pimms, collect ice and get the boys dresses, hence somewhere between Bang na and Phrong Phong I lost my Union Jack, and my hair got sticky with lip gloss. Still it was worth it. I and some friends enjoyed a night of Sparkling wine, crumpets, scones and even Scotch eggs. We watched and analysed, Hector wore some pearls and Noah was quite bemused. As was Nick actually.
School has been busy...A trip to Ocean World and 2 4 day weeks, tests done and marked, just reports to go.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 Click on the link and do have a peek!
As it was a long weekend and Nick wanted to write a travel story we went to Rayong, just past Pattaya, we hired a car and drove down stopping at a zoo on the way. Only Thai people could build a zoo where you drive to each enclosure. We took photographic evidence of the tigers, you could pay 20 baht to put meat on the end of a giant fishing line and try and feed them...bonkers. It poured with rain and we got trapped in the DNA exhibition which wasn't up to Noah's expectations. The boutique hotel X2 was lovely although as child unfriendly as possible, we found out the twins are not ready for beds yet, if any of us got more than a few hours sleep I would be shocked. I woke up to find Noah thankfully asleep, but with his whole hand in my mouth, Hector however tried his very best to destroy everything in the room. We removed ipod docks, fish bowls and locked doors but he still managed to break things and stick things in the DVD player etc. Whilst there we visited quaint old town Rayong, the beach, pool and fish markets and fruit farms. It was lovely and even better when they slept in their cots/cages back here.
The boys are enjoying chatting (mostly in their own language but still they can clearly say shoes, one more, poop, our names, PINGU (this is their favourite). They tell you what they want...generally biscuits and mango. Their new trick is not shaking hands or blowing kisses now they like to salute, yep salute! They will salute anyone.
Lisa and Pi Nung are splendid, they are taking the boys to playgroups, and enjoying playdates with Yam Yam, they are teaching the boys some table manners and how to say if they need the loo...although potty training appears to be a way off yet! Hector and Noah are happy little men who know their routine and how to play nicely most of the time. They give Lisa and Pi Nung giant kisses at hometime and salute.
It is very hot here, the storms are quite amazing but the amount of bugs and cockroaches around is scary.
Have a lovely week and a big thank you for those lovely blog comments...Kiri and Clare they make my day!!!!!!!
xxxxxx
Hector and Noie (that is what Hector calls him) have had a lot of fun this week; playgroup, twins club, swimming, funarium, painting, playdates and a spot of shopping. However I have being doing reports and Nick has written a magazine in three days, More bank holidays next week. They are still saluting and want "one more" of everything. Their life is lovely.
School is great http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 for photos of what we have been up to.
Had to pop these photos up because they are so cute. No news really.
There are several places in Bangkok we can't visit for a while...today we stopped for sticky rice and chicken in a little shop, it was lovely until Noah decided it was time for his tiger to roar at the top of his voice at every customer, Hector found the light switch to the restaurant lights and there was a cat so they me owed very loudly. We left a big tip. Apologised. Another place we went to had an on the table grill (we didn't light it) but the boys liked the buttons, they also liked the smoothie that wound them into a frenzy...they screamed "car" for about 15 minutes. Noah has learnt how to blow raspberries on your arm, again loudly, so everyone in a cafe thinks it is you, very embarrassing. Napkins they can shred into tiny pieces but it does keep them quiet, when will be able to go out and enjoy lunch with friends?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LaoZVjU8J8 for a short video of Hector and Noah saluting and chicken dancing.
This week they have particularly enjoyed dressing up, tigers, princesses, footballers....
School is good http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 I do know the Haiku link doesn't work. But enjoy the tadpoles.
Nick celebrated his birthday, the boys enjoyed his new flip flops and his cakes. I think he liked his salt and pepper grinder but it isn't the world's most exciting present hence he treated himself to a PlayStation 3...this keeps him out of trouble...will it work with the twins?
Hector and Noah had their interviews for Nursery, they won't start until February but they had a look round the classrooms and loved all the toys and books. The class will be made up of lots of their playgroup friends which will be great. Their teachers didn't seem concerned that their favourite words were Pingu and car and roar. Phew! Maybe school will teach them how to eat elegantly and politely.
Happy birthday Grandad Poo! We hope you like the card!
This week Hector and Noah have enjoyed playing together, they were Pocahontas and a dinosaur at twins club, they caused chaos at the BACC (art gallery) they weren't looking at the art but giggling over the slopes (yes a slope), they ran amok in the beauty section of the local department store and Hector pressed the emergency stop button on the BTSkytrain. The train doesn't stop but you get to talk to the driver, Nick said sorry, Hector said car. Hector can (kind of) say crocodile, please and thank you, Noah can spot taxi's a mile away. Where else could you be brought up and one of your first words is taxi?! He is still sick in taxis maybe this is why he remembers them. We bought the boys guitars which went down a treat, Noah fed his pasta he loved it so much. The noise is not tuneful, better than my singing though. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFCkbaERmLw cool knowledge of Headbanging?!!!
Pi Nung and Lisa are still truly brilliant and enjoy the boys as much as they adore them. They are taking Hector and Noah to Kiddy Kick tomorrow...football training starts now, Noah is a left footer so we have high hopes. Hector and Noah have the sweetest Thai accents, they say "Mumeeeeee," Dadeeeee,"
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 School is good but I am looking forward to the end of term, three weeks to go.
Dad/Grandad/Homer has joined Facebook! Please be his friend! He has three.
Nick has had a filthy cold and the boys have enjoyed springing out of bed at 9pm hoping to watch a spot of Thomas the tank engine or Peppa pig, grrr! Still I think their excuse was Lisa was away in Cambodia for a few days and they were looked after by Khun Air who was just lovely (I certainly recommend her if anyone is looking for a great nanny). Noah is enjoying colouring and Hector is back to his cars. Both have enjoyed shouting moon a lot this week.
We had a hectic weekend of 30th birthdays (Happy HAPPY birthday Lorna :) )and baby showers. Emma's baby shower was held at the Shangri-La with the ballroom dancing hi-so ladies and the camp young men. Great afternoon! I have sent out the invitations to the boy's birthday party...will my jelly look anything like Faye's???!!! Catering by Tops I think. I will attempt a cake, there will be photographic evidence! (and no food poisoning I hope).
Nick spent the day on the campaign trail with Chewit and had a great time. I am excited about meeting up with a school friend tomorrow who I haven't seen in 25 years, brilliant! Been a long week, but under two weeks to go until the end of term, phew. I was so tired yesterday that I accidentally applied nail varnish instead of lip gloss.
http://www.patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220 for what I have been up to in school...YES a VORTEX CANNON watch the video!!!!!
Noah pinched some glassses off someone at the weekend (they must of been on his/her head). Hector threw his water melon at the wall. So how do you tell 2 year old off? Everytime I say "NO," or "that is not polite," (Hector) I get giggled at or they blow raspberries. I think they are better behaved for Lisa and Pi Nung.
Hector is doing some great dancing, wherever he is, be it in a shopping mall or a taxi and he just grooves. Noah is still into colouring/tagging anything in the house.
"Next station?", Hector replies "Nana"
"Bye bye", Hector replies "Miss you"
The twins can sing 'Pull the bobbin in..." "Row row your boat...." and a particular faourite is "hop little bunny hop hop hop". We can even do the actions.
Pi Nung and Lisa have been super wonderful this week, they have taken Hector and Noah to Kiddy Kicks football, the planetarium, play group, on trains, on boats and on tuk tuks. The boys have a great time everyday and this is down to such lovely nannies that really enjoy having fun with them. They are teaching them please and thank you and to eat nicely...what would we do with out them??? Things tend to go to pot at the weekends!
This week has been bonkers...I started off by seeing Marcus Hamlyn a prep school friend from 24 years ago, we chatted through several bottles of wine and there was a lot of laughing, we tried to have one last drink in the (literally) ice bar but it was closed, I thought this was rather rude but we had a last cocktail in the twinkle bars and I got home to find it was 5am...no wonder everywhere was quiet. A lovely evening, I hope it isn't another 24 years!
Bangkok is dry as it is pre election weekend, so as I understand it there is no alcohol in shops, hotels and bars for 24 hrs starting at 6pm tonight because there are elections next weekend. I can't even vote and all the thousands of posters dotting the streets are quite annoying. Still Nick had fun on the campaign trail with number 5 (Chuvit), number 21 we saw in the cafe where Hector turned the lights off so I would probably vote for either of these (maybe this is why I can't vote). The protestors have had a few demonstrations and traffic one day was gridlocked so I got home on the back of a motorbike taxi and he zipped down Bangkok ON the pavements, great fun (for me...not many pedestrians were around thank goodness).
Three days left at school before the holidays. School is still busy though. We had our end of year do at wine connection which was great fun.... http://www.patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220 for latest school blog entry.
We are off to Pattaya next weekend to go on the water slides and now got to dash as we are off to the British club for Nick's football match...the twins have their kit on too (and their footballs). http://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/pattaya_hotels.asp
We had a lovely long weekend in Pattaya and went to the Centara which has a lost world theme, quite bizarre as even the lifts have a metal alligator skin inside (good for rolling your Thomas the tank engine over) and we paid a little more for the club lounge...free nibbles and drinks. However due to the elections the bar was dry. Thaksin's sister got elected but so did Nick's mate Chuwit! All peaceful so far. The hotel was good fun lots of slides, sand and splashing. Hector and Noah's favourite thing was the musical shower by the beach, they danced whilst watching guests hose off their sand. Half of Russia were at the hotel along with a lot of Patana children...easily spotted in their school swimming costumes along with "Hello Mrs Measures....". The boys had fun and we were all asleep by 9pm. H&N still have poor table manners, a lot of spaghetti was thrown ands we apologised for breakfast mess. We discovered Hector loves waffles and Noah doesn't like being sandy...he kept saying "dirty dirty", so we had to take off his costume once damp and then he ran around in his swim nappy looking rather uncouth.
We went to the British club to see Nick play football, the boys were interested, for a minute, then they found the cricket nets and tennis balls and a stage to dance on. Unfortunately Hector touched a light and hurt his fingers, he now knows the words hot and finger and hurt . Poor thing. Nicks team came second. Well played Big Chilli.
We returned to Bangkok and it was their 2nd birthday party, Nick took the day off and we had lots of help thanks to Pi Nung and Lisa (so much so that in the afternoon Nick and I went for a quick lunch and a massage). The boys had a ball, they eventually loved their bouncy castle and the cake decorating, Hector ate most of the sprinkles before decorating his banana bun. Lots of twins and people from our apartment block came, Fumi from upstairs came and bought them awesome cars and she doesn't even have children, Niche came and his bubbles went down a storm! Lots of their friends came and they were spoilt rotten, as it is their actual birthday on Saturday they will open their presents then but they got dinosaurs from Pi Nung (that when then are turned on frighten Hector, he even grabbed his water and train in case they gobbled them up. From Lisa they got cute belts so they look extra handsome and sophisticated, until they eat that is. Table manners and potty training are our missions this holiday. On Friday we plan to go to the aquarium and on their birthday we are going to splash in the Marriott pool and eat cake.
Their party wasn't as great as Faye's last year and the party bags weren't as glam either but they did have lots of fun and ran around giggling. I can't believe they are 2 already.
The end of term http://patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220
I can't believe they are two! They were opening presents with Grandad Ashby on Skype and managed to speak to Uncle Jonathan, Auntie Kate and Granny and Grandad Measures too. Totally spoilt with presents from friends and family! They loved their new shirts and Thomas Jackets which they like to wear even indoors, they received brilliant books and lots of toys, they even slept with their new cars. We celebrated their birthday by going to the Millennium hotel pool ... even the Thomas's came...the plastic engines can swim too, we splashed and played and their favourite thing was the sliding shower doors and the jacuzzi! We went to a chocolate cafe for lunch but within 20 minutes they had managed to spill drinks and fall off the sofa so we got the food as takeaway in the end and left the other guests in peace. We sang happy birthday and they blew the candles out a many times. When they were asleep I nipped out to meet baby Grace! Who was a day old...I can't believe they were once that size (and that quiet!). We then went to funarium on Sunday and once again Granny and grandads have spoilt them with membership for a year, THANK YOU! It is their favourite place! We also went to the aquarium which they loved and they really squealed when they saw the penguins and sharks and they ran all over the place giggling and pointing and saying fish, shark and they got to touch a starfish and play. They met baby Grace and enjoyed stroking her feet and saying baby a lot.
They got custom made BTS polo shirts from Matt and Lorna (Noah even said train, t-shirt!) which they will be proud to wear, they got wooden cakes (which Hector tried hard to eat) and cars and lots of books (which have been studied) and some gorgeously glam shirts from Oisin and Lyla and Indie. They are really happy and spoilt, and terribly well dressed!
Thank you everyone for making them happy and laugh this weekend!
PS Hector has just had a hair cut/trim! He can now see
PPS Went out on Fiday to review a nice Japanese restaurant...lovely sushi. Went to a bar afterwards for a glass of wine and there was a lady knitting on a plinth, only in BKK!
Hector and Noah are now in big boy pants and using big boy chairs! In fact they are so grown up we let them on a ride on their own at Dreamworld (it's a bit like Alton Towers...a bit, it is very Thai and lots of bonkers fun). They went riding on a car track and they waved at us...I promptly burst into tears, huge tears. I thought they were far too young but they loved it so much we had to buy extra tickets and if they had their way we still would be there. They really have grown up recently and are stringing words together, most of their 'sentences' consist of Thomas or choo choo. They love their Thomas socks and jackets and t-shirts, they show people them a lot (and their tummies). This week they have also been in big boy pants after their nap and we haven't had an accident ...yet! The first day they had them on they were very proud and showed everyone. They then sat in the proper chairs for tea...I think the novelty will wear off and we won't catch them soon!
The week started with a hospital appointment for their 2 year check up and injections, they were good and looked handsome thanks to glam shirts from Oisin. They were quite well behaved and then later that week we went to Wat Po on the river, the boys enjoyed it but I think Lisa, Pi Nung and myself were glad to be back on land, we all thought Noah would be travel sick and it was hot. I also realised I was the only swimmer so for the whole journey I kept seeing casualty episodes running through my head...the boat was full and there couldn't possibly be enough life jackets! Still it was an adventure, next time we go to the river it will be for the Marriott hotel! They have done some gardening and we took down the wooden climbing rails and dead trees off the balcony and planted some flowers, it turned into a mud fest. Why did I buy the boys a watering can each? MESSY.
It is Buddhist lent so it is a long weekend, we hired a car with the intention of going away but actually had more fun doing the things we wouldn't normally do here, we went to Dreamworld and experienced snow, drove cars, saw elephants monkey's doing addition sums (yes honest), flying tuk tuks and a giant's house. We went to Ancient City and enjoyed scaled down replicas of Thailand's sites, it has been lovely, the best thing has been seeing the boys grow up, although it is sad too, fancy big boy pants! (15 baht from Tescos!!!). We are off to Crystal design centre tomorrow and have some playdates set up for the week ahead, brilliant.
We had our first movie evening courtesy of Jonathon and Kate, we watched toy story whilst munching on popcorn and hot dogs dripping in ketchup, great fun! We had a play date with Marley which was fabulous especially as she had 3 plastic toy cars to race around her apartment block and we all went up Bayioke tower...we went up in the transparent lift which was awesome but a little scary and we all screamed, it is the highest building in BKK and we enjoyed the surreal photo opportunities on the 84th floor! Enjoy the photos!
A week of politically incorrect behaviour? Performing zoo animals, bribery on a potty and running amok in a temple. Holidays are great. I only have 2 weeks left, where has the time gone?
Both boys have created on a potty and they have discovered how delicious gelato is. We now know gelato stains. Also, when said cone is dropped on the floor Hector cries hysterically. Hector and Noah now wear big boy pajamas and enjoy a round of golf before bed. We are off to a piano recital in the NH library on Saturday which is rather grown up and glamorous (I hope they are quiet for more than a minute).
Well, as many of you know we had a pretty horrible week in Phuket, as Noah came down with pneumonia and we spent most of it in different hospitals. Whilst our holiday was horrid and we are facing the prospect of being back at work tomorrow, we appreciate that it could have been so much worse. We didn't make Koh Lak, have time on the beach, by the pool and only saw one sunset (and need another holiday more than ever) the most important thing is we are all OK now and back home safe and sound. THANK YOU to everyone for all your well wishes and birthday messages, they were much much appreciated! Golly 38!!!! Ahhhhh!!!!!
Looking forward to our first family week away I packed too much, again! It didn't matter as it happened, Noah had had a cold for a few days but was OK, he was sick on the way to the airport but nothing new there, he is always car sick. However, once we landed in Phuket he had a dreadful fever, so we drove the hire car straight to the nearest hospital. His temperature was 39.8 so he was admitted immediately and he was very poorly (he even slept through his blood tests) and we stayed over night. As there wasn't room for all of us at the hospital Hector and Nick went to the Marriott (sadly though a late, late check in meant they didn't get to meet up with Eddie and Lois). Noah was released the next day though he wasn't much better and we all went to the Marriott resort with the decision that if he didn't improve we would return to hospital. He didn't get better, he coughed and was obviously not well so we went back to a different hospital where Noah was immediately given a chest x-ray that showed he really had pneumonia and his right lung particularly was very bad, a sea of white. He was admitted and given a lot of drugs and his oxygen levels slowly crept up.
I stayed in the hospital with Noah for most of the time as I wasn't insured on the car and didn't really fancy driving around Phuket. That meant Nick and Hector ha a lot of trips back and forth between the hospital and the new hotel in Surin Beach. Hector was an absolutely star and at least he did get a dip in the pool and a few trips to a local mall. Thank goodness there were lots of teddies there for him to slobber on. He can break/destroy anything, he managed to spill strawberry milk in a 5 metre line (he did clean up though) he broke numerous toy cars, shoes, anything really. He had one afternoon on the beach, not a lot to destroy there! But he could chase birds and throw shells. I cried because he had so much fun but there was only the two of us, I cried because he knocked over my one holiday drink..before even one sip! I cried because Noah was ill and then I cried when we landed home...JOY!
After 4 days in hospital Noah was discharged, and we flew home, thankfully undramatic. Here in BKK we took him to his normal doctor who told us quite how ill he had actually been, his x-ray still shows pneumonia in-fact it shows his lungs worse than when he had it before 18months ago. Poor boy, still he manages to find the strength to wind up Hector! They missed each other when we were in hospital but Hector was a lovely brother who didn't mind all the traveling between hospital and hotel. They are currently playing with their new Thomas engines and enjoying some juice. The football season starts today, I need some juice!
Noah is thankfully on the mend, he has had his 3rd chest x-ray and the pneumonia is still there but is less than a week ago showing he is getting better. So we are still monitoring his breathing which when he is tired or has been running around is understandably not tip top but he is eating well (he has put on a kg in a week!) and is back to his happy and smiling self again. Lisa and Pi Nung have spoilt them this week with lots of fun. The boys had missed them and there were huge hugs and squeals all round on Monday morning (and a lot of "Mummy where?", "Daddy where?" apparently). The BTS extension is open now so we can all use the sky train to get to school (no vomit from Noah HURRAH!) They came to Patana playgroup on Wednesday and had a lot of fun catching up with friends...nannies and the twins! They have played at the temple and planetarium, funarium and they even took the express train to the airport and had a blast running up and down on the travelators and watching 4 planes take off. The boys are growing up quick and now tell us what they have done when we get home.
They have enjoyed their train set...thanks Auntie Faye, they love the trains (which have been fed and they are turned over at night "night night train". They are still obsessed with cars and it is still Hector's first word every morning.
I am back at school and my new class are quite lovely http://www.patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220 (CLASS BLOG, photos and games) this is what we have been up to in the first three days....busy busy, it is like we have never been away! www.patana.ac.th for all school stuff
CONGRATULATIONS Clare and Tom on baby Barnaby. It was lovely to catch up briefly with Eddie, Lois, William and Lucia in school after we didn't manage it in Phuket. We have booked a long weekend in Samet to make up for the lack of beach this summer so fingers crossed Noah and Hector will make sandcastles in September! Good luck Anne Sophie in France and Natalie in Shanghai we'll miss you.
Hector had a ponytail on Friday and wouldn't let anyone take it out, he wore it all day daintily decorated with a flower, he slept in it, ate in it and he cried when the flower was washed down the plug hole at bath time. It nearly matched his car obsession. STILL his first word in the morning and the last thing he says before bed is "cars". Noah likes bracelets this week and both are good at blowing botty burps on your arms. They enjoy going to Tops supermarket to get parking stamps on their hands, tummies and foreheads. Their favourite songs continue to be row row row your boat and sleeping bunnies. Watch them have their tea http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggxDproLQcQ
http://www.patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220 school is back in full swing and I have had swimming life saving training and a trip (recce) to Kanchanaburi lined up this week. Building in school is nearly finished and the end result is amazing, new libraries, MFL and Thai classrooms, Yrs 5 and 6 and changing rooms, along with the theatre and staff rooms it has really changed considerably in the last year.
Noah is better and only a bit of wheezing and breathlessness but he is eating like a horse and running around giggling and smiling which is nice. Poor Nung has been poorly and they both missed her but enjoyed Lisa's niece coming to play. They all went on the BTS skytrain today where Noah announced he liked lipstick. They have been to Funarium and the aquarium this weekend so Nick and I returned to work for a rest. Both can tell you what they have done that day and usually it involves tuk tuks and seeing a plane, no moon mummy...so fingers crossed we'll see that soon.
Tomorrow they are making rice crispie cakes with Yam Yam and Twins club is back on after the summer.
Happy Birthday Ember and Lucas, we hope you like your cards and presents xxx
The boys are back to their social networking and enjoying playgroups around Bangkok again after the summer break. They play at Patana twice a week, go to little seeds playgroup and twins club. They manage a playdate or two, a trip to Funarium and usually squeeze in a trip to an art gallery, Thai temple or other tourist attraction. Golly! Noah is much better and Hector is still charming in his messy own way. Pi Nueng has recovered from mumps and both her and Lisa plan fun things with the boys and are absolutely wonderful. School is hectic...I went to Kanchanaburi for a night as a pre visit for January's residential, I missed the boys and Nick's colleague enjoyed (?) a morning at Funarium with Hector and Noah, all 4 boys came home exhausted. H and N still love the moon and watching the tractors (cranes) on the nearby building sight, they are saying new words everyday and now know basic shapes and even a few Thai words...especially funtok (rain) as we have been enjoying massive downfalls of late.
http://www.patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220 School is busy and we are all looking forward to a long weekend at the beach next week. Paul and Allie are here on their honeymoon after a jaunt in Australia and granny Ashby had a lovely birthday which is good. I now have a very unglamorous motorbike helmet...bright red with a panda on the back, it was the best I could find, apparently I have a small head so it is children's size. I turned down the helmet with a frog dressed as a lion. Still, the boys think it is great and wore it for tea in Emporium tonight.
Hector and Noah have enjoyed several hair dos this week, bows and shampoo spikes. They had lots of fun at Tilly's first birthday but were exhausted before the cake which was a shame! Pi Nung has bought some land this week near Hua Hin and hopes to build a house there, Lisa's niece April won a modelling catwalk show at the Philippine embassy so everyone had an exciting weekend. Potty training has taken a leap forward of late with Hector's first poop and finally we have had an evening free of Pixar's 'cars', Peppa Pig was a welcome relief. Both boys are still chatty and now say 'share' a lot (they don't) but it is a start.
http://www.patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220 School is good but again busy busy! Reports are due and lesson observations will commence shortly. Ahhh! Nick's work is full on too so we are sooooo excited about the long weekend this week to the beach. We are off to Samed island to play in the sand and go on the ferry. Hector and Noah will (fingers crossed) sleep in beds and I am hoping for a cocktail and Nick deserves a massage. He managed to catch Thai port play here (in the rain) we made biscuits but sadly ate them all before he got home.
Sad news from Kenya, the kidnap was our honeymoon place too...Kiwayu. Paul and Allie Turner are passing through on their honeymoon so that will be wonderful to catch up with them and show them around. A great way to start the weekend.
We met Mr and Mrs Turner on Thursday evening as they were honeymooning between Australia and Thailand, I have known Paul for 20 years and Nick 10 more than that. After meeting the boys we enjoyed sushi and lots of wine around here. It was truly lovely to see them and catch up properly, let's hope they come back soon.
We went to Samet for the long weekend the following morning, hired a car and we managed to catch the 2pm ferry, Noah was rather sick so we made a mental note to try the speedboat on the way back, choppier but only 15 minutes long. We checked in, put on swimming costumes and played in the sand for the next two days. Lots of lovely beaches, ice cream and sandcastles. The only hitch was Hector getting lots of mosquito bites on his little legs, still tiger balm and a 2 hour massage in the night worked wonders. Both boys loved breakfast and demolished 2.5 bowls of cereal (Hector) and 4 sausages (Noah). It was the first time food hasn't been thrown about or we have had to leave early mid-coffee due to ill manners so they must be rapidly growing up! We had a better journey back on the speedboat and Hector thoroughly loved the bumps and Noah wasn't sick.
Back to school now and should be writing reports...instead I am doing this, oops. http://www.patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220 had Indian Mela day at school and all is good.
Congratulations Keri on your birthday...shame we missed your party x
Sadly I never made it to Manila for Vals's 40th, my own fault, my passport will expire anyday, school did remind me in April so I am in everybody's bad books. Val apparently did her Britney impression and consumed lots of cocktails. We had a nice weekend though...get this, I really wanted to buy new storage jars for the kitchen, how old am I????? AHHHH, still Martha Stewart would be proud of my choices though.
Hector and Noah are growing up rapidly and growing quite stubborn in their old age, they spent all Saturday wanting to play with the most dangerous things they could get their little hands on, tin-openers and cheese graters. They did have enormous fun for at least 2 hours with a blanket, they really aren't very good at Hide and seek!!!They settled for a trip to the mall (for storage jars) but they enjoyed the Porshe and Lamborghini showrooms plus rolling around in the teddy bear section. Both ran amok in the art gallery and tried eating with chop sticks, why we tried when their manners are quite atrocious anyway I don't know. They have been swimming and enjoyed pushing Nick into the pool (30 times) and watching tractors (cranes) and jumping on beds. They also like to hide in dens.
http://www.patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220 School good but as usual crazy busy. Class lovely and we are having fun although really looking forward to half term.
Nick's mum and dad are out very very soon which will be lovely and the boys are terribly excited.
Hector and Noah are loving frequent trips to Emporium our local shopping mall as there are currently eagles, chickens, lizards, parrots and fish to look at. Thank goodness there are no tigers this year but there are hedgehogs. With trees (fibre glass ones) to climb and lots of stars to look at they are having a whale of a time. They continue to chatter, Hector couldn't pee pee so he said "Pee pee stuck mummy," and Noah can tell you if he has been naughty...generally yes. I think we are going to stop the afternoon nap...they are not going to bed until 8.30+ which is not helping my marking, they are growing up too quickly.
Although this indicates maybe it is I who is not grown up! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJK1bjBjJMM
They went to an awesome party with a real Pooh bear and bouncy castle, they loved a truck with 10 wheels and the helium balloons...can't imagine them at a party when they are 18! We met up with the Goslings and had a lovely Saturday playing at Playtime (similar to Funarium) and the boys (they have lovely twins 10 weeks older) watched the Rugby. We took over the top floor of the pub. Pi Neung and Lisa are still the best nannies in town and make sure the boys laugh all day long and sit on tthe potty.
http://www.patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220 School is busy, reports done, just gearing up for the last of the CIS inspection report and presenting at Tech-ex which is an IT INSET fair for international schools around Asia.
HandN have just received the cutest spider outfits for Halloween from Granny and Grandad and I am quite tempted to wake them up and dress them right now. The other Granny and Grandad are packed and ready to arrive very soon, roll on half term.
Did they bring the floods?! We are fine!
There is not a lot in the shops (no water, rice, crisps, nappies are scarce etc and you are only allowed one packet of nopodles and eggs!) and school is closed, we are waiting for the water which is due in the next 2 days, school is closed for 2 weeks but we are safe, 8 floors up! We have a lot of dried food water (thanks Golighers!), wine and sweets. We are filling the paddling pool in case the water goes and we have power today! Last night the 4 of us sweated on the bed after a huge storm blew all the transformers out. Shops are eerily quiet as well as empty and most people have gone to the beaches or their home towns. The government as well as closing schools have trned the next few days into national holidays for everyone so hopefully no one will be hurt.
I am teaching from home. http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
and the school site for updates http://www.patana.ac.th/
this news site is also useful http://www.thaitravelblogs.com/2011/10/map-of-flood-risk-areas-in-bangkok/
Pi Nueng has gone to her home near Hua Hin and maybe Lisa will stay with us. The boys are oblivious to all the chaos and are happy and enjoying the sunshine at last. We have had enough rain!
We have loved having Granny and Grandad here, they have loved a few days in BKK and we have enjoyed the delights of Terminal 21 a mall that is set up like an airport and each floor is a different location...London, Rome, Tokyo, San Fransisco (complete with cable cars etc!!!) bonkers.
We then went for 4 blissful days in Hua Hin, we never made the vineyards but we had a great time on a different beach everyday and lots of ice cream. We saw all the cars parked on the expressways on our way back, 100 and 100s. I managed one day back before the Thai ministry shut schools until the 8th Nov, fingers crossed we ill be back to normal then :)
We will keep on line when we can but I have lost my voice! xxx
NO DIET COKE IN THE SHOPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are fine, the floods are yet to reach us and we have water.
I am still off school which is utterly frustrating...home learning ummm take a peek on the blog http://patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220 . It is surreal to be off school but not ill and flood free. The only thing which is problematic is shopping but as I did such a panic buy we have enough crackers, rice and bananas (38 on Monday) to last quite some time. The wine collection is depleting gradually however. I have caught up with friends for coffee and dinner so that part of it has been lovely but I know we will have to make the time up during holidays or Saturdays which will be rubbish.
The boys have had fun and I have loved the extra time with them, look at these videos! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DItTwepaXOM they have loved pool action and halloween. They spent 2 days dressed as spiders and the following day as pumpkins. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltKrQDN_dXQ They have been quite naughty getting covered from head to toe in bottom cream but they did then try to clean up which was polite.
Their playgroups have obviously been cancelled and even funarium was shut for 4 days but slowly things are getting back to normal. We played at the Dusit Thai today and the boys even made cocktails with the mixologist. Alcohol free.
Nicks parents unfortunately left flooded BKK and got stuck with the Quantas strikes in SIngapore but fortunately they have made it to Perth and are due back here next week.
Life is pretty much normal again, no floods here but outer inner BKK has really suffered. A child in my class boats to school and there is not a lot in the supermarket. Dairy is back and vegetables are plenty but finding water that isn't Evian is difficult and I know of only one place that has diet coke.
Granny and Grandad Measures have left but had a thoroughly exhausting and action packed time with the boys who clearly adored them, Hector cried 'no bye bye' as they left. They are currently enjoying play at IKEA...regular Thursday jaunt to play in the kitchens and trash beds and eat hot dogs.
Lisa and Nueng Neung are terrific and enjoy Ikea as much as H and N. They really are super nannies. Hector and Noah love them and Pooh Bear and Miffy at the moment. Noah can draw circles and on a good day Hector can count to three in English and Thai. Both have learnt to use the potty (Bribery worked a treat).
Work is busy and sadly most of the good fun activities (international day, arts week etc) are cancelled due to floods http://patana.ac.th/bpsnet/blog/index.asp?ID=220 Still we look forward to the Hobbs' wedding in April and we have booked our flights...BEWARE!
We have started preparing the boys for school and attempting no nappies, it is entertaining if very messy. We have so far had accidents in Gourmet market (Noah waddled out very sheepishly), my classroom, the cots and found out that Hector doesn't like big boy toilets. Noah is better and today christened a bush in the local park. On the other hand Hector did manage to throw up all over his cot the other night and promptly go straight back to sleep as if nothing had happened - too much ice cream!
The floods still haven't reached us and I have resorted to coke zero. Most people around BKK are returning to their swampy homes which is terribly sad, inner Bangkok was saved to the detriment of the suburbs and the photos are shocking. Crocs have been found and Ikea has done a roaring trade of late.
School is busy but good fun, looking forward to Christmas though and a week at the beach, we have hired a car and plan to go a little south of Hua-Hin and build sandcastles.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
The boys have written to Father Christmas and have asked for Nemo (Noah) and tricycles with peddles, some more Thomas track and new big boy pants. I hope he thinks they have been good.
Both boys are really chatty and Hector can even sing (not as good as me I hasten to add). We have lost the afternoon nap so that go to bed before 9.30...Nick and I were more tired than they were and there is only so much Pingu and dinosaurs you can watch without going totally mad.
If we have your address you should hopefully receive a Christmas card shortly, we are putting the decorations up this week and hopefully they won't be destroyed too quickly. They have advent calendars (and new shoes!)
They have cracked it. We are no nappies and it is saving us a small fortune (have had a few accidents but generally we are there). Bribery works. We had a lovely long weekend as it was the King's birthday, so we enjoyed a picnic in the park with the Golighers and as it was Thai father's day the boys had made Nick a card and his present was a photo shoot of all of us dressed in Thai outfits...we will publish the result, beware.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 school is great, on the wind down a week to go. Phew. Been a long strange term what with the floods...still no diet coke. We have you'll be pleased to know found a supply of ketchup though.
Pi nung and Lisa have treated the boys to some wonderful days out, the zoo, Victory monument and out and about. Everyday I come home to lots of giggling (and that is just the girls!) I don't know what the boys would do without them. Fabulous.
Nick had his new magazine published and it looks fab. Look out for Where Thailand. This weekend we are carolling, Christmas shopping, I have a girl's night out and Nick has a Thai Port football game to go to. The most exciting thing this week was finding out a0 mum loves Made In Chelsea, my favourite show. b) Spencer is a brother of a boy I went to school with. Bonkers. Looking forward to the Christmas special.
Seasons Greetings!
We have had a fun-filled few weeks with parties, photo shoots (for Father's day in Thailand) and an awesome trip to Pattaya. We are all really looking forward to Christmas day and then on Boxing day we are off to Pranburi and Hua Hin for a week.
School finished on the Friday with Father Christmas arriving in a boat,
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Hector and Noah came too which was wonderful and they even met Father Christmas afterwards. We had a lovely weekend with a spot of Christmas shopping and a picnic in the park. On Monday I took the boys to Pattaya with Miss Bo and Khun Tuk and we stayed in the most awesome house ever.. it had a golf course, aviary, spa, cinema and the rooms were just massive. Our hosts were so terrific and made sure we lived like royalty with lobster, crab and a fun-filled itinerary that included nong-nuch animal centre, Greta's farm with magical gardens (we played pooh sticks!), wonderfarm with real baby rabbits running free, Silverlake with gorgeous food and beautiful scenery. Miss Bo, Greta and Khun Tuk looked after us and were lots of fun and we didn't really want to come home. I can't thank the family enough! Thank you Bo and Khun Tuk too, you're the best!
Lisa and Pi Nung (and Nick) were so so excited to see the boys and vice versa! They have enjoyed a day at Chatuchak seeing the butterflies and a spot of action at Funarium whilst I got ready for Christmas. Presents wrapped, the Island of Sodor painted, varnished and sanded. We had a party for Lisa and Nung to thank them for such a splendid year...crackers mince pies and presents. Hector and Noah gave them a photoshoot like ours to have fun with and give them memories and photos. Maybe they will dress up too. They really are the best nannies in the world and the boy's wouldn't be the gorgeous lovely men they are without them.
We have downloaded the Snowman and Santa Claus the movie ready for the big day and have enough mulled wine and minced pies to last for several christmas'. We have a carrot for Rudolph and the stockings are up. I think they have been good boys, I hope Father Christmas will agree.
Even Caggie and Spencer from Made in Chelsea are together, ahhh! Tis the season to be jolly!
Have a terrific holiday and to families we look forward to skyping you on Christmas day
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After a lovely get together with friends over mulled wine, minced pies and lots of other treats for a Christmas eve little tradition we had a wonderful Christmas day, Father Christmas ate his mince pie, Rudolph ate his carrot and drank his boozy tipple and the boys awoke to tricycles, a cooker, marble run, bath paints and lots of glorious other things...including the Isle of Sodor. We skyped granny and grandad and opened their inflatable Thomas chairs and headed to Funarium which was just as surreal as last year and the boys had a ball, the funarium girls there had even bought them t-shirts and they enjoyed ice cream (Hector chocolate, Noah strawberry...this is a regular pattern!) we headed home for more skyping of grand parents and playing and Nick and I enjoyed a champagne takeaway before packing for our trip. All of us spoilt rotten Nick got an ipod touch, I got jewelry and lip gloss, Downtown Abbey and more and we are very very grateful for everything. Thank you.
Our holiday involved heading down the coast past Hua Hin to Pranburi. Nick manging to combine the trip with a cover story so we got some gorgeous accommodation for free. First stop was the Bayburi, a three bedroom pool villa with bar, butler and a jacuzzi bath that we all enjoyed while enjoying the beach side view, even if it was blowing a gale. We then headed further along the coast to the very secluded X2 and had three nights in a pool villa there...it wasn't the most child friendly places but lovely and peaceful (until we arrived). The isolated location and lack of beach meant we had day trips out to see a big (real) train, various stunning beaches with no one else on them (including a favourite; dolphin bay) and a bizarre town with an air force base that happened to have its own amazing beach. We were allowed to wander round and enjoy the planes, runway and scenery.
Next it was back to Pranburi and the Evason six senses resort, which was divine. The boys loved the pool and more beach action and made lots of friends. New Year's was a little different to normal with all of us in bed by 830pm!
None of us wanted to go home..especially as we thought we had left the flat a bit of a mess but Lisa had come in like a magic fairy and tided it up...everything was gleaming and ironed...bliss!
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year and hope to catch up with you all in 2012 some time, some where!
Sadly Lisa is leaving in May to return to the Philippines, we are all heartbroken she's been such a part of our lives and the boys will miss her terribly. So we are packing as much fun as possible into the next few months. Who will miss her most, us, Pi Nung, the boys? It is very sad but at least her son will be thrilled to have her back.
Making the most of the time meant an adventure to Hua Lumpong train station and a ride in a big choo choo to Bang Sue. I suspect a trip to Dreamworld coming up and an excursion to the airport, "Big Aeroplanes". The boys have enjoyed play dates at the British Club, a Farmers Market (in which Hector managed to spit out his sesame sweet back into the taster bowl...embarrassing), listening to the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra play in Lumpini Park. We've squeezed in a trip to a gallery too (so cultured! Although they do tend to just run around screaming and giggling and trying to drive their cars on the actual artworks!)
School continues to be quite manic; I am trying to organise a Science CSI week, we have had 3-way conferences and we go on residential in a weeks time. I will miss the boys enormously but as Granny and Grandad Measures will be here I doubt they will even realise I am not at home. I am dreading it. I am also off to Hong Kong over half term for a few days on an IT conference.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
We have a new mini mall at the end of our street with a Wine bar (just in time for grandad measures), chocolate shop and numerous Japanese eateries, dangerous. The lovely photos on this entry are courtesy of Bo who as you can see is a great photographer and took some awesome shots of our mini break in Pattaya.
The boys have been in school a lot recently ...the Chinese New Year Assembly, playgroup and a lovely birthday party next door. They have their school starting date...the 27th February, we'll start on 2 days a week but in August they will be 5 days...7.50am start!! But they finish at 12.00. I can't believe they are growing up quite so quickly, Hector did try and pinch Nick's beer earlier.
We are now finding stones in numerous parts of the flat that are being collected by little hands from many spots around BKK. Hector still likes Chocolate, Noah strawberry. Both like fire trucks, Hector can dance (sort of) and Noah likes drawing circles. Both enjoy dressing up and both love their nannies. Nick has been busy with work too so weekends have been really cherished and lovely recently, long may it last.
Happy new year again (this time from a dragon's perspective). Gong Xi Fa Cai everybody!
... the mice will play!
THEY CAN ESCAPE.
In the last few says the boys have scaled their cots and can get out. Noah is particularly agile and will wake up hourly and present himself proudly. At 3am this is a rubbish game and we really wanted to keep them in cots until they were at least 18. How do we keep them in bed?
Granny and Grandad came for a short visit and enjoyed going to the park, dreamworld and the zoo, things we couldn't do in the floods when they were here last. Hector dragged grandad everywhere and I bet they are both relaxing hard in Goa right now exhausted. It was their last chance to see the boys before they start school (nursery) at Patana in 3 weeks ...the 28th Feb. Hector and Noah miss you already, was great to see you. They will start with 2 days a week. I hope they love it, wear hats and learn some table manners! I think they will have a ball.
I went on residential last week to Kanchanaburi which was a great school trip.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=440 for the residential blog
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 for my class blog
For school video! http://youtu.be/I2CMqcoA3Qk
Exhausting but great fun, science week soon and just 6 weeks before we hit the UK...hope to see you all! We hope to see a fire engine (Hector), Thomas (Noah), beer (daddy), magazines (mummy).
It has been a chaotic few weeks, Nick went to Kuala Lumpar for work at the beginning of last week (which was also half term) and then I had an IT conference in Hong Kong towards the end. Since I went to Kanchanaburi the boys have been awful at night but I think we have finally sussed it and now bedtime story time goes on and on...I don't think it even matters what the story is but it seems to send them to sleep and if you hold Noah's hand he won't escape. I think beds are next or maybe tents.
The boys have mostly enjoyed Chatuchak park, going to the airport (on a big train), funarium, planetarium (30 baht and it has all been renovated, earthquake machine, train, lots of buttons to press and a plastic supermarket), swimming, playgroup, playdate with Yam and a trip to school. Very cool if you are 2.5 yrs.
Hong Kong was cold, very cold, I nearly had to wear all my clothes at the same time. The course was OK but I had a nice time catching up with Nige (although his flight was delayed so he missed a night out) and friends from school. I tried to be cultural for the day we had. Went exploring and saw Bruce Lee's hand print, went on a ferry, bought a fish lamp for the boys (which didn't work) and ate the most foul crisps ever...dead pigeon flavour? I did see a lovely wedding, and took a photo and they asked for a photo with me, I obliged and on close inspection noticed they had matching teddy bear slippers on. HK was easy to get around and lots to do but too cold to live there I think.
School has been busy but terrific fun, I organised a science week for all 8 classes in Year 4 which has been awesome:
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
http://www.patana.ac.th/PatanaLife/Year4ScienceDay2012/
(take a peek at the mugshots and video of the crime scene!) The children have just finished 4 days of investigations into fingerprints, teeth impressions, bones, powder and fibre analysis and we will arrest the criminal.... the real Bang Na police came and arrested the Primary head, on his 60th too! Handcuffs the lot!
Lisa leaves soon which is terribly, terribly sad and we are all dreading the day, the boys start school next Tuesday and we leave for the UK in 6 weeks, golly gosh, no rest for the wicked!
Watch this if you haven't already! http://youtu.be/I2CMqcoA3Qk
AND HERE IS THE NURSERY BLOG!!!!! the boys may appear soonish http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=381
Hector and Noah loved school. Hector cried at home time, "No go home mummy," and Noah adored the array of trains, cars and trucks. They had a blast and they are so lucky. Lots of free play, stories, singing, dressing up and snacks (for Hector) and most importantly great staff. A brilliant start to education. I cried, the boys didn't.
We went en masse, Nick, Lisa and Pi Nung. Slowly over the morning we drifted off so that there was one of us there but really they were happy and content. They enjoyed a snack and lunch before they left, they had to eat by themselves which was easy for Hector. Hector joined in more, Noah is certainly shyer.
I have filled in their contact books, read their books (buses and tractors) with them, will rename their shoes with marker pen that doesn't rub off and apologise to their teachers for their enormous ice cream sumo drinking cups that they chose.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=381 This is their Nursery class blog.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 My class blog
Thank you Pi Nung and Lisa for such an early start, Thank you Miss Michelle and Miss Margaret for the best first day ever and Thank you Dad for all coming :)
We went to Ikea but didn't buy beds, they are currently sleeping in train choo-choo tents. We are nearly ready for the UK.. We land on 6th, week 1 at Nicks folks and a day in London (Thursday) a great wedding on the Saturday and my folks the Sunday and week 2. then back to Thailand, it will go very quickly!
Boys still loving school, Hector has managed to get over his fear of the blue water in the tiny toilets so fingers crossed no more accidents. He lost a sweet down the toilet at home and it flushed away so he has been very scared of plugs...in the bath when you let the water go he madly tidies his toys away incase they are flushed away too. Noah also gets excited when their uniform comes out...they dance!
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=381 This is their Nursery class blog.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 My class blog Watch the kung fu video for our method of learning punctuation! I am a mean taskmater!
School is hectic as we have our CIS NEASC inspection this week,( the international version of OFSTED but not as scary!)
It has been a long couple of weeks, a lot of work for both of us, a power cut and sickly virused children. They have hand, Foot and mouth virus and luckily it is a bit different to the cow version. We found out today poor things.
Incase you have been in contact with the boys in the past week, sorry,
http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Hand,-Foot-and-Mouth-Disease.htm
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/baby/health/handfootmouth/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/handfootmouth.shtml
They are much better now but I don't know if they were tired or just plain naughty at school tyesterday...Noah hit a girl and Hector poured water over a boy at lunchtime. What is the protocol here, do you email parents and apologise on the children's behalf? I hope the boys apologised at the time but should we too? They are booked for 3 days a week in school next term so they will get a swimming lesson too. Their blog shows how much fun they have!
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=381 boys blog at school, leave a comment!
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 my class blog
We had a lovely weekend away in Hua-Hin is a new hotel. We were lucky enough to have a jacuzzi bath on the balcony, we loved it and the boys were too (gradually getting over their fear of baths and things disappearing down plug holes) until Nick pushed the bubbles, they screamed, got out, pulled me out, wouldn't go on the balcony again. Still they adored the pool and beach and we will go back. Hector and Noah didn't sleep for the first time on the way back, Hector managed to get a lolly so sticky it stuck to the car door, he was very impressed with that.
We have enjoyed Bambi's 30th birthday, lucky Gill's engagement a quick visit from Maggers and have a wedding to enjoy in the mountains this weekend. Two weeks to the UK nearly which is great but that also means Lisa leaving soon which is awful. Nung nung (as the boys call her) is just as brilliant and the boys continue to have awesome days with them.
Hope to see you soon!
Google earth has landed in Bangkok! You can see where we live Sukhumvit 43, Funarium soi 26 and school on sukhumvit 105!
Hector and Noah resisted any temptations to pour water over friends and push other children and had a great week at school. They are back to feeling better! They are currently doing great impressions of rabbits and fibbing saying the shower is broken so they don't have to wash and hiding stones in their beds...so being boys really.
We enjoyed a wonderful wedding, Ali and Jim had the most unique service with Morgs as a vicar, and friends writing a ceremony that was touching, hilarious and romantic, a gorgeous day! I enjoyed Nick's duet and the the little boys chasing girls. We have now witnessed the twins singing, they obviously get their talents from me...shouting, tuneless shouting, I really hope it improves.
We then took the boys to Chokchai farm which was awesome, you can feed rabbits, ride horses, see cows being milked (and here and only in Thailand is someone paid to wipe the cows bottom when it has pooped!!) Obviously the boys thought the poop was hilarious and having someone that could wipe bottoms, well, that was all they spoke of for days! They loved feeding the rabbits and thankfully didn't enjoy seeing the dog in a tutu jumping through hoops.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=381 boys blog at school, leave a comment!
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 my class blog
Our plans so far....Sat 7th Arrive Heathrow 22.00
Sunday 8th Recovery day in Huntingdon, trip to see Thomas the Tank engine
Monday 9th Party at Jon and Kate's in Weybridge
Tuesday 10th Wickstead park
Wednesday 11th. in Huntingdon. Jonathan, Chris , Kate, Lucas, Benedict, Max scheduled to arrive
Thursday 12th At home, boys golf day
Friday 13th London
Saturday 14th wedding
Sunday 15th Depart Retford until flight on Saturday to Thailand
Anyone around on Friday the 13th for a drink in London?
We had a blast! A bonkers trip but it was awesome to catch up with family, friends see a little London and go to a top, top wedding. It was cold and a little wet but apart from that perfect. Thank you to you all for putting us up and making our first trip back in 2 years full of memories. Hopefully it won't be another two years and that we'll get to see more of you next time!
Noah was ill before we left and hadn't slept for two nights, by 3am on the eve of the flight we did wonder if we should actually go. We boarded the plane anyway, he fell asleep and Hector ate and watched ice trucks on the in-flight TV for several hours. Noah woke up and played with his toy aeroplane and shouted crash a lot and Hector ate more food. Both boys have now discovered Kit-kats courtesy of Qatar Air! We had a 4 hour run around in Doha and then left for Heathrow...more TV, food and sleeping so the twins were as good as gold. Nick also managed to catch up on a lot of films he's been meaning to watch for months.
We landed and had a posse waiting! Nicks parents and Jonathan and Kate were there which was a lovely surprise, a glass of wine and an OK magazine and everyone was happy! We went to see Thomas the Tank Engine the next day which the boys enjoyed although Noah was grumpy that someone wouldn't turn the air con off. For days he was cold and wanted Thai weather! Thomas was great and the following day we went and saw Jonathan and Kate's new place down in Woking for a huge family Easter party, lots of sparkling wine, chocolate, newspaper games, hunting eggs, betting and more sugar. It was noisy fun, a lovely party and such lovely chocolate! Thank you to Max and Kate the boys were kitted out for the weather, recognise the coats Val?! We then fed ducks with grandparents went to Wickstead park for train rides and to meet old friends from school, Nick played golf and we went to a farm...with toy tractors, cows, ostriches and crocodiles. We even went to an owl sanctuary and saw eagles eating mice (Hector liked that). Hector and Noah played with their cousins, Max, Lucas and Benedict and loved their company.
We did make it down to London and took the boys to see the dinosaurs, Noah had a melt down at lunchtime so we left and bizarrely they fell asleep outside Harvey Nichols, it was our wedding anniversary, so we dashed upto the fifth floor gobbled some champagne and they slept through. Perfect. We also enjoyed a night out too and Granny and Grandad kindly babysat AND managed to bath the boys. We then left the boys in their capable hands and went to Matt and Gemma's wedding.
WOW! In a real castle, Kenilworth and it was beautiful, a romantic ceremony (Nick did a reading) and both looked so so happy, Gemma's dress was gorgeous and Harry was a delight too. They picked the guests up in a vintage bus and the reception was perfect too. A lot of cocktails, bubbly and rubbish dancing, it was brilliant. We even all had breakfast the next day at the venue and it didn't look anything like how I remembered. The DJ played 'Rock DJ'. I love weddings and this was certainly worth 14 hrs on a plane.
We then went to Faye, Steve, Ember and Coean's for the second half of the holiday. Of course Granny and Grandad Ashby were there too, superb. Tears, and lots of young children playing nicely and Faye's house was soon a bundle of noise except at bedtime when the four of them attempted to sleep in the one bed! We celebrated Coean's birthday with a double decker bus filled with softplay action and a lovely driver, we all enjoyed cake (the most fantastic Bob the builder cake, made by Faye), singing and the boys had a lot more sugar, ensuring more chaos. We went to Pets Corner and had the place to ourselves... we walked in and bought 5 pairs of gloves. It was cold, but no rain and we went on the tractor ride a good 15 times. We went on the train at least 5 times and we were thrown out at closing time. Nick met up with his brother one day (and didn't get quite as drunk as last time and actually made it back home). We went to Granny and Grandad's for an egg hunt extraordinaire: Hector and Noah really believe the garden is full of real rabbits and chocolate. AND we did actually manage to fit it in the suitcase and bring it home AND WE EVEN HAVE SOME LEFT. We rolled our (decorated real) eggs (Ashby tradition) and smiled under dad's flagpole, the Thai flag was flying as we were in residence. Faye and I went shopping and sadly 2 weeks had flown by.
Hector enjoyed more ice trucks and food on the flight home and we were straight back to work after 2 hours sleep. It was worth it.
So we have now recovered, the boys are in school three days a week and swimming and loving it, but Lisa is leaving next week so we are off to Ampawa this weekend to all stay in a hotel and see the fireflies and the floating market, Nung has bought a new dress and Lisa is in for a treat, we will all miss her, very very much.
It is 43 degrees and Noah would like the air con on outside now.
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http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 My class blog
Thank you to you all and I am sorry Helen we never met up, it was a hectic 2 weeks.
The boys are still talking about their cousins, Thomas, eggs and buses. We had a wonderful time, congratulations Great Grandma and Mr and Mrs Hobbs. Thank you
x
Lisa left this week to return to the Philippines and it was very sad, we know we will see her again but all of us were terribly upset to see her go.
We had a weekend in Ampawa to say good bye to her properly. We hired a huge 4x4 and stayed on the river in a quirky hotel. We thought both she and Nung would love the fireflies so after a dinner we hired a boat to track them down, within 5 minutes Noah was moaning and due to his car sickness we dropped him and Nick off at what we thought was a hotel/restaurant, it was actually someones house which was a bit embarrassing as we didn't return for an hour. We found fireflies and this is the conversation
"Wow there they are," said Clare pointing
"They are fireflies?" questioned Lisa, "We have those back home in our house, we catch them, sometimes we kill them," Clare and Lisa laughed
"Oh I was looking for fireworks!" said Nung puzzled,
We all laughed, a lot, and the boat rocked.
Lisa and Nung then spent ages trying to get a photo of them, they didn't. We then travelled around the river and saw many more and didn't stop laughing, Hector liked them and then we found Nick and Noah who had been brought back to the the floating market after the houseowner was obviously worried they were going to stay.
Lisa and Nung shopped and we all had icecream and slept well. We enjoyed breakfast and gave Lisa a photo album and a few other gifts to wish her well and to try and show her how much she will be missed. We all cried and she gave us a gorgeous DVD she had made which I will try to load here too.
We returned to meet Uncle James and Auntie Mary who were passing through back from Australia after having Business class seats on the Airbus 380 and a wonderful time in Sydney, Hamilton Island, Port Talbot and were heading to Koh Samui and the Evason Six Senses. We met them at Vertigo the roof top bar and that was stunning and then we ate at the Issaya Thai House which was gorgeous, (thank you James and Mary!). We thought we could tire the boys out at Funarium so they might be quiet for lunch but no! We showed James and Mary around our little neighbourhood before they left to pick up tailored clothes. It was lovely to see them, and naughtily they spoilt the boys with glow in the dark t-shirts, Kangaroos and pencils with wombats on!
I have had my first parent teacher interviews being the parent. I told their teachers "Miss Margaret and Miss Michelle" that as long as they are happy, well behaved and polite then that is great by me. Hector is seems is very sensitive, doesn't like doing new things but also won't listen to instructions where as Noah is a little more gung-ho and listens. They are settling well. We are going to start being stricter!
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http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 My class blog (outdoor classroom this week)
Nick's birthday on Wednesday so I think we'll have a long pub lunch with friends over the weekend and the boys gave him a tattoo (that isn't too chavvy) I got him t-shirts! Hector has demanded a cake and Noah would like candles.
Congratulations Alexis and Little Eliana x
Pi Anne will be our new nanny and she is Pi Nung's sister and Pi Mai's mum. Welcome Pi Anne!
It has been a while hence a lot of photographs...sorry!
Hector and Noah are on good form, they sang happy birthday to Nick and when I asked them how old he was Hector said "big" and Noah said " he walks nicely"???? Ask Hector what he wants to be when he grows up and he replies "bigger", obvious really. Noah would like to be a train, not the driver but a train.
We have enjoyed a run of birthdays! This means lots of cake and sugar for the boys who tend to run wild for 30 minutes and then flop! We loved the party with Pooh bear and a bouncy castle, we have been swimming/splashing and dunking at others and LOVE party bags! So happy birthday Daddy, Grandad, Yam, Marley, Jasmine and Lucas and Por!
Welcome Pi Anne! Nung Nung's sister joined us after Lisa left and loves the boys! She is lovely, great fun and has fitted in well. We have booked flights to the Philippines so we will shortly see Lisa too!
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Got to dash, reports to do, grrr!
It has been a while!
We have enjoyed lots of events; the Jubilee at the British Club where the boys happily spent hours going down the slide on the bouncy castle and waved flags, they have eaten their first candyfloss (which didn't send them as bonkers as we had feared), the Olympic opening ceremony in their Foundation stage at school (Nick's rolly poly was a highlight), they loved their first Sunday brunch...Hector couldn't quite believe the array of chocolate deserts and made the most of it. (He didn't have any tea, his tummy hurt!).
The boys are still loving school and now put their arm bands on for swimming and talk about their day in detail, Hector has a new friend called Dan who he follows everywhere. Noah likes "Bikes and Maisie Mouse". School has been great for Noah who is gaining confidence but he's still a little shy in new situations, Hector doesn't really listen to instructions but at the moment we are working on this! They aren't 3 yet so as long as they are happy, polite and not too naughty it is OK I think.
Granny and Grandad Ashby have moved into the temporary house whilst the renovations happen and seem very happy, they are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary soon...golly. I don't suppose they are having a bouncy castle, face paints and pass the parcel? The boys will as it is their party in the 24th...nearly finished the party bags.
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http://www.patana.ac.th/Gateway/PatanaNews/NewsItem.asp?VolumeID=14&EditionID=33&NewsID=1422
School is winding down, art exhibitions to go to, class hand overs and lots of farewell do's and then off to the beach and cjhocolate hills of Bohol.
Nung Nung and Pi Anne still absolutely wonderful and fabulous...they must be thrilled at the upcoming holidays too!
A few too many photographs...do feel free to scroll through the majority!
We have enjoyed BBQs, picnics in the park and the boys third birthday party! They aren't 3 for a while but as it is the holidays coming as most of their friends will be travelling we thought we would have it early. GREAT fun! Face painting, cake decorating and bouncing is always fun and even though there was ice cream cake and more sugar there was no vomit!! And probably no afternoon naps either! The boys were spoilt rotten and THANK YOU to everyone who came especially Nung nung and Pi Ann who wouldn't let us buy them a lunch but came and tidied and joined in and made the party go with a bang, you really are wonderful!
Hector and Noah had their first Art exhibition and both had works of art featured, we followed the footprint trail and went to the exhibition hall and were suitably wowed! Quite Pollockesque I felt. During the opening ceremony whilst K1 and K2 sang the rainbow song Hector stroked Dan, Dan is Hector's friend and will happily follow him anywhere! Next year Noah is in Miss Margaret's class and Hector is with Mr Raj! Wow! They are booked onto the school bus so so grown up! Where has 3 years gone? They say the funniest things and I really must video some of their chatting very soon for you as it is brilliant. Usually it is about H being the fat controller with a flag and shouting GO and STOP and Noah charging about and then telling H off.
We enjoyed a Goligher BBQ although Nick has been very wiped out with a bug but is OK now so guttingly he missed it, we had a date night this Friday and found a few new lovely places but never got to were we were supposed to be going.
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The end of term is here on Thursday YIPPPPPEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeee, it's been a long one! We are off to see the Barratts in the Philippines and Lisa too so we can't wait and are in dire need of sunshine.
Congratulations to Lorna and Matt on a gorgeous daughter, Evelyn Joy and to my parents who celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary next week, GOLLY!!!!!!!
Phew school finished and within hours we were on a plane or two to Bohol and managed to catch the Barratts before they fled.
We stayed on an island that is famed for Chocolate hills, beautiful beaches and little monkeys with big eyes. We landed and saw the Barratts which was terrific, we enjoyed fun in the sun and a night catching up they then left and we had a week of blissful laziness. Apart from building sandcastles and car ramps, pretending to be dogs (see photos) and drinking endless mango shakes we went to a bee farm which the boys loved, the restaurant is organic and the food simply delicious. No one got stung, 50 pesos charge if you do. Because the bee dies.
Lisa came for the day with her son Tim who was just delightful and he played with the boys for ages, Lisa looked splendid and it was wonderful to see her again.... we agreed for her sister in law to take us to the chocolate hills (Hector cried when we got there as they weren't chocolate and he couldn't actually lick them), however Belyn turned up AND SO DID LISA! So we went to see the monkeys and then went to her house and met the whole family AND she prepared the boys second party...cake, spaghetti, chicken, rice and even beer and wine for us! SO thoughtful and a special day. SHe called her new dog Nung (in a very affectionate way!). Lisa thank you...and we'll come back!
We left Bohol for a few crazy days in Manila, we were treated to little luxuries by Val and we were taken aback with their house, it was gorgeous. The boys were spoilt by Lea and Zoe and we had fun exploring the neighbourhood. The children went to bed and we celebrated by having a lot of champagne and we went to to a Handlebar bar and Val and I managed to bribe the DJ into playing Kenyan classics like Sandstorm, Neil Diamond, Rock DJ and Britney. We did indeed take over the stage.
They are members of a club so we did a lot of splashing and lunching before coming home. They are off to Cambodia and Laos and Thailand so we'll see them again later in the holiday. Nick is back at work :( and we are off to IKEA I am moving the bed in the spareroom to the boys and trying to create a playroom, holiday mission is to clear the flat of junk....ummmmm.
A late night unpacking....Noah still up at 1am...3 years ago exactly they were born!
The boys had fun with NUng and Pi Anne at FUnarium where they were serenaded by a guitar and chorus of staff singing happy birthday whilst I rushed around buying 2 wooden fire engines (plus firemen) decorating the kitchen with bunting, cakes and blowers.
Happy birthday boys... we know you had a great day and lots of cake!
Happy anniversary mum and dad....40 years! WOW! COngratulations xxx
It has been a while...a month of fun since Bohol and the Philippines. We caught snippets of the Olympics and I am obviously thrilled to see Posh Spice back on stage. London and team GB were awesome, we are now slowly catching up on races via YouTube (and the boys are re-enacting them and rather oddly boxing even though we didn't watch any). The boys have also now become enthralled with Mr Bean.
We spent a few days after the Philippines changing the house around so the boys now have a playroom and their clutter is finally removed from the living room, phew. We spent some lovely days at the zoo, planetarium, IKEA (Noah can eat a plate of meatballs), the aquarium and other kid-friendly spots around Bangkok. Nung went to do a course on cows for a week and the boys missed her but we had a lovely postcard from Som in Singapore which was brilliant! We then had the delight of the Barretts in town for a few short days. Unfortunately our plans were a little ambitious so we didn't get to do everything planned but its tricky when there's 8 of you trying to get around town! Maybe we should have just swum in the pool but it was really great to see them all again and the boys remain absolutely obsessed with Zoe and Lea, who are very good at putting up with them. Thankfully Val and Nige have escaped the floods in Manila but thinking of all the people we know in the Philippines.
Nick did some work in Khao Lak so we had a lovely week up there, lots of walks on the beach, swimming, feeding elephants and our first rockpooling expeditions....there really isn't a lot there, except a lot of waterfalls so it was wonderfully chilled but very beautiful. Noah discovered the joy of floating around in a dinghy and Hector enjoyed the slides. We caught lots of Hermit crabs, ate a lot of fish and watched quite a lot of Tom and Jerry, it's quite violent but that didn't stop the boys trying to recreate it, Hector is usually Tom. Thankfully there was no pneumonia this year!
Following this we were back for a few days before heading off to Hua-Hin for Adam's 30th. He rented a giant villa with a pool and we had giant fun...late nights with champagne and decadent food, perfect! Happy birthday Adam! Matt, Lorna and Evelyn sadly leave today for the UK. Where has the summer gone? I went to my classroom today and the boys start on Monday...on the school bus! Golly gosh where have the last 3 years gone???!!!
Nick took me out for my birthday which was elegant...the Cabouchon and Quince....I kind of remember coming home. 39, crikey. Thank you for my thoughtful and exquisite presents..pyjamas, perfume, books and love!
Hope you all had glorious summers too, INSET Thursday 17 week term starts Monday.
Hector and Noah are having a blast at school. Two days in and they love the bus (it goes over a bridge), adore their teachers and have come everyday chatting about swimming, painting, fire engines, singing and school lunches. Nick goes with them in the school bus at the moment and Nung comes home with them, they aren't fazed at all and have enjoyed seeing their old friends again. After school they have fruit and either play at home, go to funarium, the planetarium or the park. Golly I wish I was three.
School is in full swing, my new class seem really good fun so life is busy busy once again.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 my class blog Yr 4
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 boys class blog K1
Just a quickie....got marking to do!
Boys are missing Arun and Evelyn
CONGRATULATIONS to Fi and Phil on the birth of Poppy
All good here, though school is busy for all of us. Boys loving it, especially swimming and singing classes. They are getting better on the bus and with the early mornings and can now recognise their names. Fortunately, they no longer wear their socks pulled up.
We have had fun in the aquarium, visiting a farmers market, a few nights out and this weekend parties for the boys to enjoy. The rains are in full swing so everywhere is green (and muddy after Hector has been let loose). We are currently obsessed with pirates.
After telling Hector off he agreed he was a bit naughty, saluted me and said "Aye Aye Captain", does this make Nick Long John Silver?
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 my class blog Yr 4
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 boys class blog K1
BK did an awesome cover for this week's edition (you might be able to see it here https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152089370945055&set=a.264121910054.303982.233156020054&type=1&theater) so we are trying to find every copy!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Granny and Ember for last week!
We are planning a jaunt to Singapore in October and it's just 5 weeks to half term!
A busy week, boys independent and going to school on their own, they are enjoying the bus a lot more and spot motorbikes and lots of black racing cars on the way. Hector is no longer a dog but enjoys being an ambulance, ( a bit strange but I think it is just the siren and flashing lights).
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 my class blog Yr 4
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 boys class blog K1
A Thomas, Bob the Builder, Pingu and Fireman Sam show is coming to town soon so we are all excited, Nick more than I expected. I think the characters might burst into song.
Last weekend we enjoyed parties with giant slides and rough and tumble playing, Noah got a black eye after tripping over our chest, Hector got battered by insects so by the time we returned them to school on Monday they looked a state.
Nung is wonderful and coping being a nanny on her own, what would we do without her? The boys adore her and I am sure she gets more kisses than me! Nick and I have a date night tonight so all good.
Noah asked to go to the zoo, we did, Hector liked the giraffe the best and Noah the tiger. Noah also enjoyed his first KFC and Hector ate his ice cream in record time. We saw the sea lion show and at the end did the usual hold the 20 baht and the sea lion collects it, rakes it in he does. Politically incorrect but my favourite bit. Dad liked the gift shop (not) but did enjoy the monkeys and train. A lovely Sunday.
School for me has been a upward battle, reports and lesson planning every lesson like a student has been awful and 14 hour days rubbish, so much for a long weekend.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 my class blog Yr 4
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 boys class blog K1
The boys still love school and becoming more independent on the bus. They enjoy music and can count to 10 (Noah can, Hector still sounds like he is reading the lottery results aloud). They like swimming and Hector would like to marry Mr Raj and Noah Miss Margaret and Miss Ishanti, Khun Tuk and Mr Raj.
School finished on Thursday, Nick went to a wedding on Friday which looked lovely but as it was a distance away we stayed here, I worked and Nung took the boys to the park. We all then went to IKEA, relaxing? No! Great fun and came home with rubbish! Boys loved playing but we judged the weekend traffic wrong and it took 2 hours to get home, poor Nung! Saturday we went to cafe Tartin for lunch and a craft fair and then I got my haircut as the boys went wild in Funarium. Today we went swimming and to the park. Came home and the boys turned into sumo wrestlers so we sent them to bed without supper. At 5.30! Umm will they stay asleep? Nick has gone to watch Thai Port so I hope they don't emerge too soon.
Hector came home with a note in his contact book that he cried....when the bead came out of his nostril. Noah then announced he was going to be a caveman. Life is not dull.
We are eagerly awaiting half term when we are spending a few days in Singapore with old friends from Kenya and can't wait. Hope it is warmer than here, it has been a chilly 23 for a few days.
Been busy, Nick and I went to a retro night market that sold everything from 10ft dinosaurs to old trunks and petrol pumps, there were Barber chairs and old video games, we had a few cocktails and came home with some Kazoos. We have been to Funarium, an organic farmer's market, the planetarium, an art cafe (with luminous 3D paintings...and chips), Lumpini to see the lizards and we've had tiger day (roar) at school, school reports are done :) I have a parents conference for the boys and Nick is attending their open morning, it is funny to see the school from a different perspective. Most mornings they go to school by them selves and I meet them, we say good morning to the driver and escort, the 2 black cats and then Hector grabs a bike and starts laps around the track and Noah goes inside to play with the cars.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 my class blog Yr 4
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 boys class blog K1
They love school and can tell you everything they have got up to. Usually it is about gingerbread men, painting, 3 pigs and a wolf, gruffalo's, riding bikes, singing with Ishanti, not putting socks on, falling over, pasta, and "I not naughty I am a good boy"?!
They love coming home to Nung Nung and resting for an hour before hitting the park, funarium or playing with Amanda (who doesn't eat her tea)..she is now known as Amanda doesn't eat tea.
Getting a new bath and toilet courtesy of our landlord next week. Nice.
Hope it isn't another blue one.
Half term is here and after lots of very long days I am thoroughly loving a week off school. As soon as school finished I raced home, scooped up the boys and met Nick at the airport link and we flew to Singapore, we landed and were greeted by Jeffery, the Magni driver who was lovely and had the most awesome car...sweets in the seats and lights under the chairs. A few glasses of wine and to bed at 2am. The boys loved the cars, trains, tuk tuks and aeroplanes that day. Sadly they still woke up bonkers early the next day.
Eleanor and Harry were just plain gorgeous and the boys adored them and followed them everywhere, it was brilliant for us to catch up with Sonia...it has been 8 years, and always a joy to see Nick. We had just missed the Barratts which was a shame but they left lovely presents and letters. One day we will all meet up (what a shin dig that would be). We walked to the jungle and found a clear quarry, monkeys and a playground, we had lunch and ice cream and bottles of wine. It was just lovely.
Sunday we went to Sentosa and the water pirate ship but it began to thunder so we retreated to wine and lashings of curry and ice cream (not at the same time) and got wetter in the restaurant than outside in the storm. Nick then BBQed steak, the children danced in the rain and we chatted more. We swam in their pool and decided Singapore was brilliant. Not as built up as we thought it would be and very green, lots of parks and not as strict and sterile as I had feared. I loved the high tech taxis ... none of the BKK flagging down, no you phone up, speak to no one and one arrives minutes later, you give a post code they plug it in the GPS and wow no traffic jams and you are there quickly.
We went to the zoo, whilst it didn't have the charm (smell) of Bangkok Dusit it did have incredible animals, another splash park and NO bars. We could have touched the bats and King Julians (we could also have fed Hector to the crocodiles). Loved the gift shop too. There is a lake there and as Harry is learning to read he discovered the boats are called bumboats; obviously all the children and Nick think this is hilarious.
Nick and I snuck off after story time to Raffles and explored the evening, saw a bumboat and lots of restaurants and bars, very nice. On Tuesday morning we visited Marina Bay park with enormous metal trees (Wills and Kate were there a few weeks ago) we sat on mushrooms, followed caterpillars, saw hundreds of dragonflies and Hector wanted to go on the underground so we found a spot of lunch and then packed for the airport. We flew business class which was terrific even on a budget airline, I felt quite glam. I even bought vogue magazine so I looked the part...until Noah said bumboat very loud.
Thank you Magni!
It is nice to be home though, the boys hugged Nung Nung and I have done the weekly shop...I'll do my planning tomorrow.
We didn't really do swinging!
We did do a lot of singing 'London Bridge is falling down' and looking for that naughty Norman Price (from Firemen Sam)
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 my class blog Yr 4
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 boys class blog K1
A busy few weeks, pirate parties, a sickness bug and Granny and Granddad are here!
The boys went bonkers for pirates and we did the moustache, cutlass', hats and stripes, we sang what shall we do with a drunken sailor (a lot) and shouted pieces of 8 and this was a week before the party! They loved it although Noah doesn't approve of facial hair (neither do I , grr movember.....a good cause yes, but terribly ugly.)
Thank you SUE for the halloween cakes...the boys loved them, loved decorating and LOVED the sugar, Hector actually made his with gobbling it up first. They soon disappeared though.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 my class blog Yr 4
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 boys class blog K1
Granny and Granddad Measures arrived from England and the boys were so excited to take them to the park, planetarium, funarium and tomorrow they are off to the zoo and a trip to Dreamworld has been planned. The lucky duo have been spoilt with t-shirts, yo-yos and lots of stories. Mummy and daddy were spoilt with a very glam night in a hotel as they babysat. We were upgraded and enjoyed the executive club and an incredible dinner with more wine. I enjoyed it too much. All the rooms are different and I particularly enjoyed the pillow menu, and round light up bath overlooking Lumpini. Thank you Nick.
It has been a while. My folks have thankfully moved back into their house after 6 long months, Granny and Granddad Measures had a blast here and in Vietnam, and also allowed Nick and I to enjoy a few glamorous nights out, the moustache has only 5 more days left and Father Christmas is definitely on his way.
All is good, the boys had a bug whilst Granny and Grandad were here which was unfortunate but they still managed to cram in quite a few adventures to Dreamworld, the zoo and lots of other exciting places. We enjoyed a brunch, have found a cafe with real cats to play with (that are very fluffy...and a bit traumatised now), extraordinary! We had fun at Ploenchit fair exept for the torrential rain (very British though, stiff upper lip, we didn't leave) and it is Sports day tomorrow...for me not the boys I suspect they are practising for their Christmas concert judging by the incessant choruses of Jingle bells we are being treated too.
They loved the Thomas the Tank Engine/Bob the Builder/Fireman Sam show...Hector danced and clapped (more in time than me) and Noah nodded and delicately ate his popcorn piece by piece. We are still having the sock battle as "too tricky." My foot, the lazy monkeys.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 my class blog Yr 4
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 boys class blog K1
Made in Chelsea is back again which is fabulous. School is busy. Two and a bit weeks to go but four day weeks which is grand. A few Christmas parties and a lot of shopping to do...BRILLIANT!
Nick has been growing his furry top lip since November the 1st for his Movember charity...I even offered to donate A LOT of money to get it shaved off sooner but he wouldn't have it, even Hector said it was yuk. Nick is now banned from coming to school with the boys.
Nick and I loved a friends wedding, terribly grand...three ambassadors and a celebrity chef, in tears with pink hair. I bought some fabulous shoes for it too. Absolutely stunning wedding....a bollywood number too! Massive congratulations to Langers for his news also, when is the big day? Happy birthday Nung Nung and a big hello to everyone
xxxxxxxxxxx
The best thing about December is that MOVEMBER is over. Men's health, worthwhile yes, but there are other ways than growing a nasty moustache.
The other good news is that School has finished for three weeks, phew! A long term.
We had a fun day at the Aquarium to celebrate the King's birthday, a brunch to celebrate Nick Goligher's birthday (some rather bonkers swimming afterwards?!) and Noah is convinced that Christmas is his birthday and all these parties are for him.... he is special but... There was a Christmas party for Bambi We found a new play centre in Ekkamai where you can ride a fire engine, be a postman, dress up as an ice cream shop owner and be a construction worker. Hours of fun for a fiver.
Hector and Noah have recently enjoyed Christmas and Loy Krathong parties at school and there's been lots of dressing up, recently they've been superman, a spider, father christmas complete with welly boots for Hector regardless of the outfit.
There's also been lots of public holidays here recently including the King's birthday, which is also father's day here. The boys decided to give Dad some very nice engraved cufflinks, which is good because he only seemed to have one left.
http://www.patana.ac.th/PatanaLife/viewPatanaLife.asp?PageID=2540
We had a great assembly as a finale to the end of year with the big red man arriving by abseiling down a rope from the ceiling. Then all 2200 children plus staff took part in a Gangnam style dance.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 my class blog Yr 4
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 boys class blog K1
So now it's just a case of counting down to Christmas. Most present shopping done so just a case of getting organized for Christmas Eve drinks and friends coming round for mulled wine and mince pies, and of course Father CHristmas' glass of wine and Rudolph's carrot and then heading down to the beach after a Christmas Day brunch. Can't wait.
Happy Christmas to you all. At last the big red man came...
"Tonight?"
"No,"
"Tonight?"
"No,"
...Hector is convinced Father Christmas hangs out at BTS Phrom Phong, Noah can see the North Pole from his window...strangely in the same direction as the BTS too, there is a white light there. Obviously by Boxing day it had already started "He is coming tonight, also?"
The week leading up to the festivities and our first week off school was great... we visited not one, but two cat cafes and paid a visit to IKEA where Hector got his own mattress (the box we turned into a pirate ship). We also had fun at Funarium and Playtime and even found time for a spot of swimming too.
We had a lovely couple of days for Christmas....friends round for home made mulled wine and minced pies (obviously not home made) on Christmas eve, we left the carrot for Rudolph out (plus some champagne...treat others how you would like to be treated!?!) for Father Christmas. It had gone by the morning.
Christmas morning the boys were crackers - they even managed to get excited by a pair of socks and a tangerine before realising there were other presents. They soon got into tearing the wrapping off, the spoiled little men...a castle, a till, 2 guitars/banjos, 2 musical ties (what was he thinking?!), some Thomas trains and a couple of Maters. Happy boys. They were also spoiled rotten by the grandparents too...Firemen Sam outfits and MUSICAL helmets, Lightning McQueen and lots of Lego, all of which they adore. I was also well looked after with a gorgeous bracelet, spa vouchers and lots of Chanel lip gloss, Nick got a gorgeous bag and dashing camera...and FIFA 2013. Thank you everyone.
We skyped Grannies and grandads before heading to a Christmas brunch with lots of champagne, the boys wore their fireman Sam outfits, and tried to eat all the chocolate, were terrified by the very Thai Father Christmas and I think we were all shocked by the very surreal carol singers. Then it was back home for more christmas drinks and skypes making for a rather blurry end to the day. A lovely Christmas day...and made extra special as Steve Hobbs had a Christmas baby as did Sarah from school. Unfortunately, neither of them called their newborns Jesus.
Boxing day we headed off to the beach (though not quite at 9am as planned!). On the way we stopped off at the Swiss Sheep Farm (obviously that included a UK telephone box, Italian scooters, a fake rhino and some goats) for a break and fed the ducks, drove a train and then stopped off at Tescos for buckets and spades. We spent the week either at the pool, on the beach or in the National Park just next door. We visited a train station, mangrove swamp, huge wetlands (with stinky cats), and spent a lot of time listening to 70s classics at the Monkey Bar on the beach while the boys ran wild. It was all very chilled and lovely. We ended up leaving a day early due to a storm and that meant we saw new year at home...and discovered the boys are pretty scared of 'firepops' (they love 'crackerpops' though - Christmas crackers were according to Hector the best thing about Christmas!?!). Nick and I had a lovely evening...and watched a bit of Graham Norton...how old are we, the show was also old a repeat from 2009!
New Year's Day saw us visit the Siam Park...an Amusement Park with a water park boasting the largest wave pool in the world apparently...the Guinness book of records says so!!!) A strange but good fun theme park 25 mins away. We enjoyed carousels, ice cream, dinosaurs and a lot of water, Nick even went on one of the big slides by got overtaken on the way down by a smaller child. Big sky, happy days.
Back to work soon but off to the spa tomorrow. Happy 2013, sawasdee pii mai xxxx
We are all back at work/school. I was went back later than the boys due to being hospitalised with rubbish kidneys but all well now. Hector and Noah are loving learning all about 'Going on a bear hunt', a lot, last Wednesday we were woken up at 3.30am whilst they acted it out (loudly) with all their toys. They wouldn't go back to bed either so that was a long day especially for their teachers I think. Hector is currently obsessed with his wellies and Noah is in love with his guitar but unfortunately Nick sat on it on Sunday.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 my class blog Yr 4
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 boys class blog K1
We went to Gill and Richard's stunning wedding on the banks of the river in a beautiful colonial house and garden and it was such a wonderful day. A shame we had to take the boys who got a little restless at the end of the day but they loved the 'firepops' this time and didn't throw themselves into any ponds.
I am off on residential next week but we are planning a beach trip for half term...it has been cold here too, maybe not -9 and lots of snow but 21! I wore a jacket the other day. And we are planning a trip to the UK in the summer too so lots to look forward to.
I have an ipad and love it. Siri talks and is incredible
"Please set my alarm for 5am"
"No problem" (done)
"Thank you,"
"Don't mention it,"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Golly and it worked.
Thank you Auntie Faye, Uncle Steve, Ember and Coean for all the 'Cars', they went down a storm and we have only had to listen to the CD story 30 times. Thank you too Auntie Kate and Uncle Jon, for our glam make up (me) and tshirts/knights/games for the little boys and big boy...very spoilt!
This weekend I think we are building a cave and filling it with a bear with a shiny wet nose, 2 googly eyes and 2 big ears. I have to get some trainers, apparently flip flops are not de rigor now for residential, I can't remember when I last owned trainers.
Sadly Nick's Grandma died at the weekend, 92 years old and an amazing lady we are all very sad, and thinking of all the Measures' in the UK.
I have been loving the 'Great British Bake off' so it must be half term. I am supposed to be planning but going through holiday photos is much nicer.
Kanchanaburi residential was great, but good to be home...the boys met me at the BTS and loved their snorting pigs.
CHinese New Year was good...the dragons and acrobats came to school.
恭贺新禧
新年快乐
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 my class blog Yr 4
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 boys class blog K1
We went to Samet for a few days which was idyllic, clear water and soft sand, no one wanted to come back. In fact Nick's folks are coming at Easter so I think the boys may go again for a very long weekend ( I have 2 days of 3 way conferences). We are going to a music festival in a couple of weeks and I have an 80's concert to look forward to. Time flies...soon it will be Summer! We are trying to get cheap flights for the end of July so keep your diaries clear!
Hector and Noah had their first Sports Day...no medals but ice lollies at the end. Great fun; parachutes, ball collecting, obstacles and lots of screaming and confusion. The boys are back enjoying baths and seem to have forgotten the sweet down the toilet incident. Both are loving school...take a peek at their blog, they went to the moon last week:
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399
We have had lots of birthday parties to attend and trips to cat cafe. We have enjoyed picnics in the park (although I don't think any of us will forget the shoe in the tree incident...So we're in the park and playing when a little boy near us loses his ball up a tree. After Nick failed to climb up, we then decided to get it down using Noah's shoe (he was wearing his really hideous black school shoes that he loves) even though he initially refused to give it to us, 30 mins later the ball comes down, but shoe stays in the tree. Big crowd gathers, so another 30 mins is spent throwing the other beloved shoe until we finally get both of them down again. Phew.
Steve Hobbs was filming in Thailand so we caught up with him, I as usual got a little over excited and had a glass too many! Boys now know him as the godfather. Very funny and very cute. Great to see him.
After much deliberation and getting through a few cheap plastic guitars we eventually decided to buy the boys proper ukuleles. Noah is now perfecting his Elvis impression. They even have rock star t-shirts courtesy of Matt and Lorna and Evelyn, thank you.
School is busy, we are Antarctic explorers in Year 4 for the next few weeks, authors are coming and it is the book week dress up...I as going as the Queen's Knickers, Hector would like to be a monster and Noah would like to be Meg and Mog's broom stick. See more here: http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Hope all is well with you all, we plan to UK it late (July 20th-August 5th ISH...dates TBC) Are you around? Fancy meeting up? You know you want to!!!!!!!!!!!
News just in Victoria Beckham at my old Stomping ground in Sloane Square...At Garden House!!!!!!!!! My goodness, I would have cried.
It wasn't my idea, but, actually camping was great fun. One night was quite sufficient but we had fun...and some of us even got some sleep. We drove to Khao Yai and watched Nick struggle, Hector took lots of photos of his feet, Noah played his guitar, I drank a little bubbly. We had fabulous company and the plinky plonky music was nice. The toilets however were outstanding. Glastonbury toilets they weren't. A bus with glass bowls, toilet paper, smelling lovely, flushing, gorgeous! Sadly though they were only there a few hours. Keep on the Grass, a lovely festival, we'll go again. SOme people played until 5.30am myself and the boys managed about 9 and goodness knows about Nick. Hector woke up and unzipped the tent ( I was awake as when one person moved on the airbed we all bounced!) :A beautiful place mummy, wow."So he likes nature. We went to Chock Chai farm after wards and saw cows, fed rabbits and saw dancing dogs. Thank you campers :)
School has been busy, red nose day, world book day we can't get enough of dressing up.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
I do like the way Noah changes his mind at the last minute and Nick has to sort outfits in seconds. He is quite good at it too.
Hector and Noah visited the hairdresser for the first time too. We thought it would be the end of the bowl but no actually apart from Noah looking more Justin Bieber alike I actually think I was quite good. They are still bowls, but maybe a little straighter.
Granny and Grandad Measures are here and the twins are enjoying being spoilt and looking forward to time at the beach whilst mum goes back for part 2 of a root canal. Oh joy. Massages, mani, pedi...NO ROOT CANAL.
Poor Grandad Ashby had a bit of an accident and an argument with the bedroom floor. We are wishing you well grandad and hope your back and nose are better very soon. So we are back 20th July- 5th August.
Looking forward to seeing you all.
x
Granny and Grandad leave tomorrow which is very sad but we shall see them in July for a few weeks. But, golly they have had an extraordinary amount of fun! Whilst I have had yet more root canals and three way school conferences they have had days of fun and taken the boys to Koh Samet. Actually I did indeed see an 80's concert (Rick Astley, Belinda Carlisle, Spandau Ballet man and the YMCA men), very good night, plus a great birthday dinner at Quince too. So actually I had a nice weekend too. Rather bizarre to be in a quiet and tidy home though.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 Boys school blog
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 My class school blog
That didn't last long though, on returning from Samet we did traditional Ashby egg rolling and an egg hunt. The thought of chocolate hidden in the flat excited Hector to the point of bursting.
We went to Siam water park which was lovely (hot though....42 degrees), thus we are all sporting tans (mine is pink). It is Songkran here shortly so we all have water pistols for school and the holidays start on Friday! Hopefully we'll get to see a few people (the Molins are over from Kenya) and we are off to Koh Chang for a few days R+R. Brilliant.
Safe trip Granny and Grandad Measures, thank you for spoiling us!
Happy birthday Grandad Ashby on Friday :)
Another New Year here in Thailand and lots of Songkran splashing although, Hector got a little confused and was convinced it was flashing time..."those peoples are flashing mummy". Noah likes flashing too.
School finished after ladies night which was enormous fun. An amazing race treasure hunt across Bangkok involving cow costumes, an all-in-one Russian ski suit and a senior teacher stealing innocent people's chip packets in MacDonald's. The boys brought home their very lovely learning scrapbooks and I enjoyed a week at home, we went to the aquarium, the park, Mr Jones' Orphanage with Ali, Marley and bump, all very lovely and a day of catch up work for me. The fabulous Molin's popped in on their tour of Thailand and it was lovely, sadly no grappa this time but great to see such lovely friends from Kenya. They hadn't changed a bit except they had two very lovely and well behaved boys now.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 Boys school blog
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 My class school blog
We then hired a car and set off for Koh Chang and stayed one night in Rayong...a most bizarre hotel, nice, but there were deer roaming the grounds and fish the size of small family cars. A great pool with a cave and much to Hector's delight a lot of flashers.
We left early for Koh Chang expecting huge ferry waits and queues but it was easy, no waiting and more flashing. The first hotel at the top of the island was nice...Noah got a little carried away being the Titanic and was a bit late for the loo so we didn't stay too long! The boys are really quite obsessed with the Titanic, usually Noah will be the boat, Hector plays the part of the iceberg (very well too) and they collide and one sinks...they do this for hours. Special thanks to Lenny and expat holiday for great booking! There was torrential rain so we spent a day exploring Koh Chang and driving around to the other side, Thailand is really beautiful, I don't usually like green.
Hector and Noah do enjoy the countryside...they like caterpillars and snails.
We had fun on the beach and traveled down to the Centara which was luxurious and I could quite happily live there. Superb pools, slides, beach and staff. No one wanted to go home. All good things come to an end though and we are all back at work now. Still school is good so far and we do have 3 more bank holidays in MAY :)
Plus someone turns 40!
Well hello everybody. A bit of a rarity in that it's actually me Nick writing this entry - it's a special treat for you all to celebrate turning 40. Clare is also walking wounded after losing a fight with a table - 13 stitches but as she's very hard no tears! The accident wasn't even anything to do with the 40th celebrations which is pretty impressive.
In fact, everyone involved last week's party unscathed though after my rendition of Suspicious Minds many will be complaining of damaged ear drums. We ended up booking a room above a favorite pub/restaurant but little did we know it also contained a karaoke machine so much fun and much singing followed. Clare and I also got the pleasure of staying in a new hotel overnight thanks to Nung's kind offer of staying over with the boys. It certainly made the next morning a little less painful not having to deal with H&N first thing. The Marriott was lovely and we were really well looked after. In fact we seem to have been spending quite a bit of time there visiting the week before for the opening of their rooftop bar - very impressive views and definitely one to take visitors too whenever anyone drops by. We enjoyed the red carpet and a celebrity evening.
Perhaps as a result of my advanced years I had a strange urge to get a record player so looking forward to cranking that up soon and raiding my v old record collection when we are back in England. As a further present we are all off to Hua Hin with some friends tomorrow for a long weekend at the beach - I need to warm these old bones somehow.
All in all I've been absolutely spoiled rotten so thanks to everyone who made the transition into the best years of my life so painless.
Aside from me all is good here, it seems like the rains have finally arrived. It's actually quite a relief it was just getting unbearably hot here but I am sure we'll be complaining about it soon enough. We've been having lots of fun of late and been on quite a few adventures thanks to the seemingly endless stream of public holidays in May. Outings have included returns to the cat cafe and aquarium as well as our first visit to a Maid Cafe. For the uninitiated these are cafes where the staff dress up as cutesy maids, it's all very Japanese, very kawaii (cute) and was very very bizarre - particularly the fact we had to shower our food with magic before we could eat it - to be honest it didn't really help. Lots of 4 year old birthdays and a lovely afternoon with the Coutts clan, who have the most incredible living room with boxing gear and 2 lovely children who entertained the boys for hours. Happy days.
We also took their boys on their first ride in the swan shaped boats in Lumpini. To be honest they weren't impressed. After about a minute Noah grabbed the tiller and steered us straight back to the dock! Both Hector and Noah continue to love school and are becoming proper little boys, incredibly chatty and very funny. Clare has only got 5-6 weeks left at school and really cant wait for the long holidays. We're all getting very excited about our return to England.
Well I think that's about it better go and finish packing. Hope everything is good with everyone wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Good luck tomorrow for your wedding Langers and congrats Charlotte on the arrival of Teddy. Take care and hope to catch up soon. Also congratulations to ALi and Jim and baby Dylan. But very sad news for Val whose Dad passed away, we are thinking of you and all your family.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 Boys school blog
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 My class school blog
School photos! Noah looks a little bonkers and isn't called Andrew...he'd been ill on the bus that morning!
We had a wonderful weekend in Hua Hin...details and photos to follow...
Thought I would post these quickly before I forgot though.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 Boys school blog
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 My class school blog
Just realized it has been some time, apologies.
I've been writing and editing reports, Nick has been writing magazines, Noah is writing his name and Hector is writing blobs. School has been crazy busy with assemblies, trade expos, art exhibitions days out and lots more, copy and paste the school blogs into a new tab and take a look.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 Boys school blog
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 My class school blog
Still we have also had time for a lot of fun too... a weekend in Hua-Hin with friends at a gorgeous condo (so nice we are going back this weekend for a leaving do). We have come across protest marches, I have had a hen do, we have eaten a lot of ice cream (with sprinkles exploding out of fireworks), playdates (boys), a few nights out for us and just 1 month until we visit the UK...and less than 2 weeks until the summer holidays start.
PHEW.
The boys received their school reports, love that we have such lovely and detailed accounts of their learning at 3 years old. We've now booked their 4th birthday party...a Funarium bash, complete with Cars pinnata - they're still obsessed.
I woke up on Saturday at 5am, got dressed as normal before realising it was SATURDAY clearly a sign that the end of term can't come soon enough. Hope all is good with everyone else and hope we get the chance to catch up with lots of you very soon.
Where have the years gone? 4! Golly.
We had a great party at funarium to celebrate and lots of the boys classmates made it which was fabulous and they were spoilt rotten with t-shirts, books, a garage, remote control cars, book vouchers, lego and hot wheels! they were overjoyed and were convinced they were 4 before they were 4. They had a pinata and 2 gorgeous cakes, overjoyed and very happy they played at funarium for ages.
We have been to the aquarium, the zoo and a lot of softplay and scooting. They are excited about the UK...especially Tower bridge and Big Ben and their cousins. We are looking forward to the plane trip being over and seeing everyone.
Nung Nung has been awesome and moved house and made the boys new man bags for their cars. Lisa our old nanny even remembered and sent the boys a gorgeous card and photos of her puppies (called Thonglor, Ekkami, Ratchtewi and Phrom- prong!)
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=399 Boys school blog
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220 My class school blog
Hector's favourite track to get dancing to; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJO3ROT-A4E
We plan to do more scooting today and maybe cat cafe, we have hired a car for the weekend and will probably go to dreamworld before heading to the airport :)
We'll skype late Grannies and Grandads when you are awake ! Happy 41st wedding anniversary Granny and Grandad Ashby...Murray was thoughtful for you! xxx
We had a birthday trip to Dreamworld which was a blast, but first this is our rough itinerary:
Friday 19 Arrive in the evening UK Nick's parents (fly with EVA air, direct!)
Saturday 20 Nicks folks, lazy day and feeding the ducks
Sunday 21 Nick's parents and a little get together - all welcome just let us know if you think you could make it. Looking forward to seeing the Tighe's, Paul and Allie, and fingers crossed Vas. Huntingdon.
Monday 22 Nick's parents
Tuesday 23 Take boys to London and go on open top bus and see Tower bridge and Big Ben (as first seen in Cars2)
Wednesday 24 Go to Jonathan and Kate's in Bath (maybe some camping?!)
Thursday 25 Jonathan and Kate's
Friday 26 Leave Jon and Kates and head up to see the Hobbs clan.
Saturday 27 London to meet with friends...who is around?
Sunday 28 See Helen on route to Clare's parents
Monday 29 At Faye and Steve's (Lincoln)
Tuesday 30 At Faye and Steve's (Lincoln)
Wednesday 31 At Faye and Steve's (Lincoln)
Thursday 1 At Faye and Steve's (Lincoln) possibly meet with Kenya bunch? Langers? FS? Vickie? Eddie and Lois?
Friday 2 At Faye and Steve's (Lincoln)
Saturday 3 Clare's parents and cousin Joanna and Colin.
Sunday 4 Nick's folks
Monday 5 Fly to Thailand (evening)
Let us know if we can squeeze anyone in somewhere... we really would like to see as many people as possible but as you know (and can see from above) these 2 weeks are crazy bonkers, especially when you add in some jet lag. I appreciate I have been rubbish at getting in contact with people we would love to see, I am sorry.
Dreamworld was a lovely day, we arrived to find that the boy's favourite car ride was in the process of being scrapped and changed to water splash/ climbing frame. The boys were obviously upset, but we made them go on the cable car instead, fortunately after some tears they ended up loving it, Hector declared he was a risk taker so that is the IB curriculum there for 3 year olds. Following this they wanted to go on everything and eat everything and were snoring by 5pm. Great.
over 1000 miles driving, numerous trains, taxis, buses and walking we nearly covered the whole island, it was enormous fun and thank you to parents, grandparents, family and friends for making it such a terrific time.
There are LOTS of photos so beware, but if we saw you I am sure it is captured on film here!
The flight went well, 12.5 hours during the day with 4 year olds could have been a lot more painful but thanks to the minions and cartoons we survived. Granny and Grandad track (AKA Nick's folks) picked us up in a SUV in style, thank you. For the next 3 nights the boys handily woke up at 2.50am. Jetlag.
Our first day we enjoyed a trip to Tescos and built numerous train tracks that covered the floor of the house and outside and littered along the way were factories and farms and even zoos...hence 'Granny and grandad track', awesome fun for toddlers and grandparents. On the Sunday we enjoyed catching up with the Foxes, Phoebe and twins Maisie and Millie who were unbelievably gorgeous and later a family party with the Measures' and Lorna, Matt and Evelyn plus Allie and Paul. Matt was 33 so there was a lot of cake and pimms, the boys loved their mini London's and have recreated the capital here in the living room. The following day we went to Wimpole Hall and the heatwave kicked in, a stunning place and lots of farm animals to feed, tractors to drive and cows to milk. Kate (duchess went into labour).
We went to London to see the sights of Cars 2, and timed it well as Prince George was born so there were bells ringing and gun salutes. Noah had a meltdown at tower bridge and wouldn't walk across as he thought it was falling down (like the song). We saw beefeaters and paid 8 pounds for three ice creams. We caught a boat to Big Ben and the boys screamed "It's the real one!" we went and had some Prosseco and later to the foot of Big Ben, Hector was distraught that we weren't allowed up but then Prince George's bells started ringing and he thought that meant Mater was free so all was OK. We met up with Fi who I worked with in London who is pregnant and due in December which was lovely news, her daughter Florence was gorgeous and pack away the biscuits, lovely catch up and by the skin of our teeth we made the train home.
We were up early, jet lag, and went to Bath to see Jonathan and Kate. They have an incredible home and put up the whole clan with panache! We had an expedition to Bristol to find Gromits and board the SS Great Britain. Bristol is a wonderful place and Kate was an expert guide, leader and host...thanks Kate. We left Hector's bear in the NCP and drove 2 hours to get it back. That evening we celebrated Jonathan's birthday in Mexican style and I quaffed my bodyweight in champagne, great family fun.
We then drove to Leamington Spa for a Hobbs brothers reunion, luckily we didn't get too far down the wrong road to Wales, it was close though, the bridge is seven pounds. Matt and Gemmas home was glorious and baby Ava so well behaved...until I cuddled her. Harry, Pippa and Alex played well with our two hooligans and it dawned on us we are grown ups. Superb to catch up with everyone and they spoilt the boys rotten with the works of Dr Seuss (we need a new suitcase) and dinosaurs that roar. Thank you. Good luck with the move.
We then headed to Lincolnshire to be spoilt by Faye and Steve. Enroute we stopped at Thame to see Langers and Liz who told us the story of their engagement over a glamorous brunch, what a tale, it involved Japanese professors, a black shirt and Yo Sushi. It was wonderful to catch up and even better to meet Liz. A perfect couple.
We also stopped off at Ginger Helen's and Michael's, they have have had the builders in and their new home is amazing, full of skylights, a music room, beautiful patio, a laundry chute and lots of chatting. It had been too long and the afternoon wasn't long enough. Alex is so intelligent...writing and reading, Oscar played so nicely with the boys and his robots. Great to see you all! Lovely Pimms. Let's make a proper day of it next year, please.
On the way up to Fayes, Noah announced that he was looking forward to seeing Coean as he had shown him a Mac (Cars...McQueen's lorry) and he would like to play with it. Aha Faye had got the boys one (each, she isn't daft) for their birthdays and their house was never quiet again, especially at mealtimes. Pizza and chips and a great week, thank you Faye and Steve for looking after us so well. The cousins got on really well (when Hector behaved) and we loved trips to Pets corner, the wildlife Park...in Doncaster (!!! It was outstanding) and Sherwood Forest. Sadly my mum is very poorly so she wasn't involved as she would like to be and we missed her. We had great fun and lots of happy memories and bacon.
Faye very kindly invited our Kenya friends down for an afternoon and it was fabulous to catch up, no one had changed although Vicky's twins had grown in to lovely young men. Happy days. The boys slept with Ember and Coean...'slept' used loosely. One night and still it wasn't quiet we kept hearing "Cannon ball!" from upstairs, on investigation Noah was fast asleep on the mattress and Hector and Coco were jumping on the mattress to see how high Noah could go. Jet lag had worn off and they were great friends.
Mum and dad realised that maybe a restaurant wasn't the best place for a family do and Faye and Steve yet again were the perfect hosts for a family BBQ with Joanna and Colin, sadly mum was too poorly to make it but we had a splendid afternoon and toasted her. Very funny day and super to see Joanna and Colin properly. We are FB friends now!
We then left for Huntingdon and had dinner with the Cambridge Measures before heading to the airport. Thank you John and Jennifer for the car and for everything, the boys are recreating huge tracks as I write.
We bought 2 new suitcases and the boys wore their suits for the flight...I still think there is a slim chance we'll be upgraded, (although as soon as Hector appears I know there isn't). The flight was smooth, they slept, we got through immigration and collected 4 very heavy suitcases before getting home to find Nung Nung had tided the flat and left bread and milk for us.
Awesome memories and thank you to everyone who fed and bed us and sorry we didn't catch up with everyone especially the Huntingtons and Goddards....next time!
Now to start the washing!
Hector and Noah started K2 and are thrilled to be back at school, second day in and Hector is still in love with the school "cafe", it is actually a 300 seater canteen, according to him " I had some fish and rice, some more fish and some more fish, there is a lot of food you know." Noah however is not bothered about that, he is impressed that in K2 they have bigger trucks. Both boys are doing the buttons on their shirts and loving their new teachers. Mr Callum was an archeologist and is tall so Hector has promised to be a good boy. He will try not to break everything...."It wasn't me it was my fingers," Noah loves his class too, Axel is there and there are lots of trains. They think , they play, they learn.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
I have moved up to Year 5 and my new class are brilliant, lots great stuff going on.
We also borrowed a kitten for a weekend and I turned 40. Nick surprised us all with a weekend away on the river, the boys adored the London eye at Asiatique and I loved the brunch with friends on Sunday...good job it was a long weekend and everyone could recover on the Monday.
Got marking and planning to do :)
Couple of busy weeks; Nick has been to see elephants play polo, Hector has hidden everytime his class have tidy up time, Noah has been either Spiderman or a cowboy, I have been really enjoying teaching Year 5.
http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Hector is a little tea leaf, we have found numerous toy cars in his bag from school, ("but K2 have LOTS of cars daddy") and is returning them tomorrow, a thousand baht Nick had given me to pay for lunch and other bits of debris mostly bottle tops.
Hector's favourite song continues to be one Direction, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJO3ROT-A4E
He found the said tune in build a bear, but they had run out of the paw buttons, after phoning around Thailand 2 were sourced and saved, build a bears went in for the operation (sound and a quick stuff) but oh no, only one sound button, Noah got it, Hector cried. None left in Thailand, or the UK, one found in Florida...without thinking I bought it...$4, YIKES, 2000 baht postage. Worth it though he was very very happy. WE ALL HATE THE SONG NOW THOUGH.
I met with their teachers, Noah happy socialising doing all the right things, Hector however, has the concentration span of a gnat, likes to eat (with his hands) and hides when there is tidying up to be done.
The kitten, Kipper won't be visiting again. It woke up on Saturday night and rampaged through the house tickling, nibbling peoples toes and scrating ears. Plus, the food smells.
Had a lovely weekend, a birthday party (adults), farmers market and Funarium. The boys start their full days this week!
Golly, between the twins this week we have so far had: the Hand, foot and mouth virus, 2 enemas, no nanny Nung and an Octonaut and Spiderman have moved in. Surreal but entertaining fun.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Hector actually was quite poorly this time with HFM, due to the ulcers he wouldn't even touch ice cream, for 3 days, he is now over it and school (Foundation Stage) is closed. I am still loving Year 5, lots of work but all good.
The boys are currently obsessed with Octonauts and we have re-enacted the stories. We are face-painting tomorrow as we have already made hats. Nick has his new record player so Elvis is blaring. Chaotic.
We made a cake for Emma's baby shower but William came early...many congratulations and he is gorgeous. We ate the cake but actually I should have bought one and pretended I'd baked it. Nick and I had a date night which was lovely. Well deserved Nick for looking after the boys so well, thank you...plus Hector loved attending your meetings :)
Expat TV is great...I can watch come dine with me, Grand designs, You've been framed and Location, Location, Location whenever I want! Such an intellectual. Shame I don't watch more of the Great British Bake off after my attempts.
Back to school tomorrow after a weekend of fun. Met up with the Goslings for a twins reunion...quite different now they can wipe bottoms etc! Pete and Merran we had a drink...and photo for you. LOVELY and today started with a treasure map so we had to then go off and find the treasure, it was a tough trip...choppy waters, lots of pirates to battle (protesters at Lumpini) and a volcano, we made it though.
A horrific week for Kenya, the news from the Westgate was shocking and very very sad, we had 4 incredible years there and feel devaststated for the families invovled and the country. I can't imagine what it must have been like for those trapped inside and for all those people stuck outside too, my heart goes out to them.
School is good but crazy busy, critical friends are in (pretty much Ofsted), reports, a residential recce to Khao Yai on Friday night and Saturday and a busy weekend of dinosaurs, planning and football (for Nick obviously). The boys are happy although, I have cut their hair which seems to be more bowl-like than ever. Hector hasn't tea-leafed anything from his classroom this week and Noah is enjoying witing on everything and telling everyone and anyone which dinosaurs he likes.
BLOGS:
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Hector and Noah in the arcade http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqzaaaI4GBA&feature=c4-overview&list=UUSO56g52yQjLggq9Vuo7PbA
We enjoyed a long weekend last week and went to IKEA and had a lovely BBQ with the Golighers, we have booked a beach break for half term (apparently there are rabbits in the gardens) and once the nest two busy weeks are over we'll enjoy the breather....and some sunshine as it seems to have rained for weeks.
Hector made me cry today as Noah had been quite naughty and mean to Hector and so wasn't allowed an ice cream, at which point Hector said he wouldn't have one if Noah couldn't, and then got Noah's hands and wrapped them round himself and they proceeded to hug and cuddle in the shopping mall. We gave in.
Thai port won as did Villa so Nick is happy.
Busy week; school Tiger Spirit day, I face painted, the school wore orange and black, the boys wore their green Robin Hood hats. Sickness bug here and I am the only one so far unscathed. Nick saw the football and I took the boys to the aquarium...by Saturday they understood Tiger day and wanted their face painted. I was in school on the Sunday and they made t-shirts at funarium. Next week is a short week for them which they are in desperate need of....we are all very tired!
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
We are off to the beach soon...after swimathons and open days and can't wait.
Hope all is well with you all xxx
A hard slog to half term but we made it. I have enjoyed 2 inset days with Paul Ginnis whilst the boys lived it up with their friends. Nick and I had enormous fun at a mid week food and drink buffet for the Year 5 night out and we are off to the beach on Wednesday.
Hector and Noah have gone bonkers for the fox song and we went to Cat cafe today where one of the cats climbed into my bag and purred for half an hour. Having friends round for lunch tomorrow which could go a little bonkers as the boys want to paint EVERYONE'S faces, umm one of whom is 6 weeks old.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
We had a lovely half term. A few days to recover at cat cafe and lunch with friends, the fox song on a loop and we were ready for Pattaya. Golly, it is not a sophisticated town but we have now been there and done that. The hotel is part of the HIV charity Cabbages and Condoms restaurant so the boys favourite word this week is condom, ummm. Also, they are rather good at spotting ladyboys now.
Ideal for them, bach pool and lots of sundried pork and rice. Nick and I too had a lovely time and whilst I went with great intentions of completing my reading list I did actually sunbath and have the odd glass of wine.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
We took them to the cinema for the first time which unfortunately was Planes in 3D so Noah gfot a little travel sick and managed 30 minutes but Hector loved it, wore his wellies and quickly polished off his popcorn. Hector also managed the slides, trampoline and cycling bikes to squirt water, Noah prefered creating dinosaurs in the sand and stroking rabbits. Both are pleased to be back at school. Noah is uncovering fossils this week and learning about the number 9. Hector is going to sing the fox song to his poor teacher.
Hope the storm hasn't been too strong.
Happy Halloween, I enjoyed 3-way conferences and the boys went bonkers at funarium wearing spider/pirate costumes. Puppy went too...in Hector's wellies.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Phew it is Friday.
Loy Krathong and Friday, phew!
A weekend of lego, sleep and a roast dinner (plus a little planning, marking and catching up) to look forward to.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Sad sad news from the Philippines, Nige and Val are OK but not heard from Lisa...hoping she is safe.
Last week I came home to find the boys obsessed with christmas, Hector was dressed as a reindeer and Noah as Santa. It is going to be a long month, we have since put up the tree, met Father Christmas at Plonchit Fair and discussed shepherds and Jesus and crackers.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
School has been good, sports day and some nice learning, 3 weeks ish left and 2 bank holidays to look forward to. Plus a trip in a hot air balloon. Christmas parties have started so I bought a new dress :)
The boys have begun reading. We can do sit, sat, dog,it , at and the Oxfod reading tree has started! Grown up now. I cried.
Nick's Aunt and Uncle, Liz and Martin came fleeting by which was lovely and the protesters are staying peaceful at the moment.
If we don't have a new address for you then please send it. Guess what might be on the Christmas card this year ?!
Hope all is well we are enjoying the run up to Christmas with lots of parties and quite a few bank holidays. Unfortunately, there was a staff night out the evening before Father's day and due to a mixture of singing, cheap gin and sparkling wine the day after was a bit of a write off, I couldn't find his hidden presents and we forgot his card until the afternoon. Still, it was a lovely night out. Sorry Nick, Happy Father's day.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
School is still busy, 2 weeks left but all good fun, we are looking forward to the boys' Christmas play and sing-a-long on Thursday.
We just spent the weekend up in Chiang Mai for a balloon festival. The trip was great despite delayed flights, little sleep and some very early mornings. The balloons, views, atmosphere and concert was lots of fun.
As you'll see from the pictures Nick was lucky enough to get a balloon ride. He had a blast skimming a tree and then bouncing along a lake in his balloon before a perfect landing. We went with Gregoire and Fiat and there ride ended with a crash landing in a tree. Hector and Noah coped well with the early mornings and the colder weather. Hector chose a nice new hat to keep his ears warm! I loved it and wearing a press badge was glam!
Most of you will have probably seen that Thailand is once again on the news. Despite a few minor clashes - all taking place miles away from here its been very peaceful and has had minimal disruption on our lives and we've all had to go to school/work every day. It's been very odd something that started as legitimate grievance against something out of order the government were trying to sneak through parliament has really snowballed. How the protesters have got their own way I don't know, it is democracy gone mad. Fancy protesting against the elected government and then sitting in the ministries and just chilling there and taking a few photos. Strange.Anyway it still seems like there are some twists and turns to come so lets see what the next few weeks and months bring.
In other important news we are rooting for Clare-Abby, Noah-Patrick, Hector-any costumes that involve animals, in Strictly Come Dancing. Right hope all good with everyone we're off to a cake party, Hector is very, very excited.
The boys had their sing-a-long and enjoyed dressing up and a carosel of fun activities and dressing up. Very cute, quite chaotic!
Sad, sad news about Sophie and may she rest in peace, news like that certainly puts things in perspective.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
We are wrapped, boys in bed after leaving a multitude of treats and bribes for Father Christmas and ready for tomorrow. Hector and Noah are excited but also a little scared that a big red man is going to bring many reindeer and then break into our house but I suspect they will have forgotten that by the morning. A certain box is unexpectedly being delivered too tomorrow so it is shaping up to be wonderful... Nick and I have just watched It's a Wonderful Life for the first time.
Looking forward to skyping, brunching and seeing Jan and Andy after many years. We had a lovely party (complete with children's vomit....not from any adults), and a happy birthday brunch the week before. Happy days.
We wish you a very very happy christmas and hope all your dreams come true xxxx
We made it to midnight...just. Firepops were awesome and Noah woke up too to watch, he liked them but not half as much as 'You've been framed'. We have tried to culture them well with Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang but they do love YBF and Eddie Stobart.
We had a wonderful Christmas day followed by fun at Ancient City and Dreamworld, making a volcano and wondering around in a cool and empty Bangkok. THe heat has just kicked in as Nick's folks land in a few hours, whoop whoop and then off to the beach( Koh Lanta) before school.
Hope you are not too hungover but happy and excited about 2014.
Granny and Grandad arrived and we flew then sailed off via 2 little ferries to Koh Lanta for a week. Bliss.
We stayed in a really friendly resort (thank you Lenny) and enjoyed rock-pooling, walking, exploring, swimming, building suncastles and generally having a lot of fun. We ate like kings, set off lanterns and got a little sunburnt. The boys caught crabs and Hector found his mojo. Noah can be quite the bossy boots but actually Hector is so placid he doesn't mind! I feel quite mean writing this knowing what the weather has been like back in the UK and hope none of you have been flooded.
The old classic: Why was the beach angry?
Because the sea weed! Was repeated daily.
We hired a car from Krabi and drove to Lanta so we were mobile on the island, Nick and John went caving, we all visited the old town and we explored all the different beaches, some busy, some silent, some with soft powdery sand, others full of exciting rock pools. Some resorts were terribly glam there was a huge yacht out at sea for a few days and some back packer areas but we love Lanta! Hector and Noah ate their body weight in ice cream and we didn't want to come home. Thank you John and Jennifer! We did and there was 6 loads of washing and decorations to take down, I have done some planning and only have this week before residential and just 4 weeks until half term!
Before we left Bangkok we had Christmas part 2 and the boys (and ourselves) were extremely spoilt. A lot of fabulous lego, dinosaurs and planes and that was just for Nick...ha ha ha!
Thank you thank you.
Sadly, it was Sophie's memorial yesterday so we thought about her a lot. Also we never got to meet up with Jan and Andy...such a crazy busy time of year and it would have been wonderful. Let's hope there is a next time.
I wonder what the Bangkok Shutdown will bring tomorrow...Patana is open, as is Nick's office, fingers crossed it will remain so, the prospect of Saturday school is not favourable!
Back to school tomorrow the alarm is set....5am is going to be TOUGH.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
It has been a long while since the last update from sunny Bangkok...I have been on residential to Khao Yai and we said goodbye to Granny and Grandad.
Whilst the protesters carry on school runs as normal and the residentials went ahead, I had a great week in Khao Yai but it was so so cold, I had to pyjamas one day (they were sophiticated and long trousers) and hairdryer inside my bed before I got in. The children's talent show was awesome with baton twirling, singing and comedy squeaky voice acts. I was a judge (not the Simon Cowell one).
We have recently been to the dentist, Noah didn't cry and Hector's pirate tooth should clear up which will be good. They are enjoying the Sochi games so we went ice skating, they weren't naturals but Hector went round with a penguin and Noah refused to even put his boots on as it was too cold. He played with his triceratops. Music in our little park was nice this weekend.
I visited Prada as we have sold most of the baby items so I now own a very sophicticated black bag :) Half term now and I am off for a haircut and leg wax as we are off to Hua Hin for a couple of days. The boys are going for swimming sessions to build their confidence in the water on Tuesdays which will be fantastic. A heated pool, I am jealous!
Nick's parents had a lovely month and enjoyed bird spotting and playing train tracks. My parents may visit but it will be hot and we don't know the political situation so we shall see. Nick's magazines are suffering due to lack of advertising and there are more elections to come. The farmers are due in town today.
Spot the young man!
http://www.patana.ac.th/PatanaLife/viewPatanaLife.asp?PageID=2747
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
Well it's certainly been an eventful half term, especially the last day in Hua Hin!
Definitely a TV show theme to our week off. Having recreated Dancing on Ice at the rink last weekend, Noah being Jason Gardiner (the judge), me as Jayne Torville (obviously), and Hector and Nick as Christopher Dean, we headed down to the beach and recreated Splash! the diving show. Hector and Noah impressed us with their jumping in and willingness to go underwater, I was not Jo Brand! Noah liked being the para-olympian and Hector anyone muscley!
Although they are still not independently swimming it was still so MUCH better than their first lesson earlier in the week at Bangkok Dolphins where Noah refused to leave the step and Hector didn't kick his feet once. It was so nad they were demoted to a class below! Still it is better to build up their confidence rather than push them in at the deep end (!!!!)
We had a few days in BKK and the we went to Hua Hin and enjoyed staying at the Sheraton, the boys loved the canal pools and we enjoyed the company of the Golighers. Lovely hotel and lovely company.
Nick appreciated his chef knife set for Valentines! I did also get a visit to Prada having sold most of the baby items. This certainly made getting rid of their baby items a lot less painful. The bag is gorgeous, black and classic and the box is enormous. I am shallow and a sucker for packaging.
On our last day Noah desperately wanted a rubber ring that you can hire, it wasn't available the day before so we got up early and went to get it, thrilled he put it round his waist and we set off for breakfast. He missed the step. Fell onto concrete and managed to impact two of his front teeth up into his jaw. We rushed to the hospital, as the x-ray showed a fracture in the root they suggested pulling it down, splintering it and waiting.
We decided to get a special opinion and sped back to Samitivej (getting back in a record time of 2.5 hrs) where they suggested leaving them for a week and we shall see. As it may damage his adult teeth we will make a decision on Saturday. Poor boy, he managed a syringe of ice cream yesterday and din't sleep at all last night (but is sleeping now thank goodness).
Hector is having a special class to help his handwriting which is great as he doesn't really use his index finger but he likes his Biff and Kipper books! Noah loves writing and I find his name all over the place.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
Have a great week and I hope all is well with you all
x
After last weeks dramatic teeth escapades and another appointment at Samitivej I can report that although Noah's teeth are not good we don't have to put him through any lengthy operations and splinting. We will just wait and see, he can eat again and his adult teeth will be treated when they appear. The baby ones are starting to fall back down from his jaw and if they become painful or too wobbly then he'll have root canals but nothing yet, phew. He is back to throwing himself around and I was very nervous at Sports day but he was fine. Thank you for all your well wishes.
Nick went to Singapore this weekend to see a band and had a great time, we played with Lego, cooked rice and fish (Hector) and had swimming lessons. It was lovely. Within an hour of Nick returning he had managed to slice his thumb with a knife and burn the bread on the stove. Bless.
Sports day was just brilliant, all events had a nursery theme so the parachute was the magic carpet and hitting a ball was Humpty Dumpty. Hector obviously complained of exhaustion after event number 2 but soon perked up, Noah loved it all and especially the ice lolly at the end.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
Congratulations Omar and Abby on the birth of gorgeous Sophia. Hector and Noah sadly aren't up for marrying her (yet), they have decided to marry me, Nung and Nick, Patrick and then the converstaion degenerated into processed cheese and Wall-e's cockroach, puppies on Crufts and good guys made of lego. Ahh the things you love aged 4 and a half!
Funday was fun. I enjoyed my stint on the Happy Train and the boys loved the most bizarre dog show ever, (hilarious music, puppies that kept scampering away, a missing assistant and a lot of barking). Swimming lessons are going down a storm and Hector is afloat. We have enjoyed a few children's parties (candle making and poolside) and a lovely playdate with Patrick, whom according to Noah, he is going to marry.
We went to the Keep on the Grass Music festival in Khao Yai, it is folky, nice plinky plonky music all night concert, the stage is wicker and full of fairy lights. I was bribed to go camping with wine and the boys bribed with a trip to Chok chai farm. However, no bribing necessary, it was lovely. We set off and had a late lunch at the PB Valley gardens and the put up the tents (Nick did, we had ice-creams), then Adam and Por arrived which was super. We played, listened and jumped on the inflatable mattress. Noah had a massive strop on Sunday morning and scared Adam and Por with his stubborn "I will not get changed" several hours later the compromise was he kept his lightening McQueen pants on (that he had slept in!). We then enjoyed Fake Khao Yai...Kensington (a hotel and villas built around a (fake) river Thames) and Tuscany, a (fake) yellow cobbled streets sprawling coffee shop and boutiques place (with a Tops and haunted house). Chok chai was great, we fed calves, saw the artifical insemination lecture and ate more ice cream. Took us 4 hours to get home though.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
School is good but busy. T-ball today, claywork on Wednesday and busking day Friday! Phew!
The rain came last weekend which was refreshing for an hour or so and we jumped in puddles Peppa Pig styleee. Obviously the best thing about a downpour is wellies. The boys are loving their swimming lessons and Hector is nearly there, Noah finds it 'exhausting' but he is managing a few strokes. So their confidence and skills are growing which is great....and just in time for a beach holiday to Khao Lak for Songkran.
We have enjoyed some lovely lunches with friends, the Lego movie (which Hector was happy to watch with a giant tub of popcorns), Noah screamed for 10mins, left, fell asleep, came back, woke up and enjoyed it immensely. We now sing the awesome song every evening.
School is good, both boys are writing and reading a little, and enjoying it a lot. I see them at lunch a couple of times a week and try and make them eat vegetables, carrots are good at the moment (because then you have good eyesight like superheros). My class are great but I am mortified as I fell down a set of stairs today, 3 somasaults later and they had seen my pants. Humiliating (and rather bruised).
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
My dad has not been well the last few weeks with huge swellings in his leg but fingers crossed he is on the mend. It is all systems go for the move to Singapore with dates and housing benefits through which is exciting. We are SO SO SSSSOOOOO going to miss Nung, Hector especially has started getting weepy about it, but the thought of Legoland and a new bike seems to cheer him up. We have signed them up for their first ECAs, the poor music teacher! Noah wanted to do running and Hector wanted to sing. Bless! They are growing up fast!
3 way conferences for the next two days and Disney on Ice and Khao Yai this weekend! Hurrah!
A splendid weekend, Disney on Ice...we only just got there, we got lost. I thought it would be very cold so I made the boys wear trousers (their only pair are over 3 years old and utter half masts), grrr the one time I wish Hector would wear his wellies but he didn't. Hector cheered along and ate popcorn, Noah really wasn't happy but we bribed him to stay. A lot of expensive plastic tat and no burgers in the McDonalds for Nick but honestly it was good fun. We then travelled (slowly) up to Khao Yai for a lovely evening with friends. Noah hid Nick's phone and Hector grooved along with the band. A really lovely lovely weekend.
Two days to go, a songkran splash with water pistols and a songkran assembly to go. The heat is on. Looking forward to a long weekend with Nick as Monday is a bank holiday followed by a week in Khao Lak. A long term, fun though...this week has been clay nature masks and a write-a-thon. Always action packed Patana Style!
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
A-ha! We made PATANA LIFE!
http://www.patana.ac.th/PatanaLife/viewPatanaLife.asp?PageID=2786
and spot the boys!
http://www.patana.ac.th/PatanaLife/viewPatanaLife.asp?PageID=2788
Brilliant!
We broke up for the fortnight to celebrate theThai New Year Songkran celebrations and enjoyed a week of day trips around Bangkok, including a trip to Kidzania which was expensive but great fun. The boys chose the jobs they wanted to do (obviously Hector chose McDonalds and the Vets as his first choices). Noah loved bricklaying and being a paramedmic and air steward. Both loved being pilots and firemen. They earnt wages and then got to spent it on plastic rubbish.
We had a nice family brunch and obligoratory trip to Funarium.
I bought a pew, a lovely one too. Useful when you are about to move.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
For the second week Nick joined us on holidays for a trip to Khao Lak for the Songkran break and loved 4 nights at La Flora. We got to watch the happy staff play a lot of games and squirt water interspersed with long walks to the rock pools and for sunset drinks on the beach. We then moved onto Casa De La FLora (the upmarket siste resort) which was outstanding. We stayed in the Presidential suite and had our own 6m pool plus a bath the we could all lie down in, at the same time! We topped it off with a private tour and lunch at Inailia Beach Resort where the Kardashions have recently stayed. It took our breath away. A lot of lovely family time and a very happy wedding anniversary.
The holiday was lovely, we ate and drank on the beach each afternoon, swam and watched the odd Disney film and played with Lego. Hector and Noah are really coming on with their swimming and they have been promoted at Bangkok Dolphins! They are also signed up for their first after school ECA (Music with the famous Miss Shanti, poor lady, Hector and instruments??!!!!)
Poor Nung is ill so we have struggled without her and hope she is better soon, the boys missed her and have made her a sea shell necklace!
Victorian day at school tomorrow which is going to be full on, Patana of course goes the whole hog and there is an inspection, gruel, drill, deportment and elocution (me), military training, object lessons, and even Latin. The children stay in role all day and even play Victorian games during breaktime. I look great in my out fit sure lots of photos to follow!!!!!
It has been a while!
We have had an easter egg hunt, written reports, bought our flights home and to Singapore, kind of arranged shipping, bought a bookcase (handy before the move), celebrated several bank holidays and all of us have had man flu/colds. A spot of APP to go along with some packing, selling and parties and before we know it we will leaving on a jet plane.
Furthermore, it was Nick's birthday. So tired we just managed to scoot around a vintage night market. It was great and I could have gone wildon the shopping front! There was everything from pews to American gas pumps to 6Os clothes and Vespas and even more. We came home with a t-shirt, some LPs and some lego Star wars characters. We really are 41!
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICK, who as we have all been struck down with flu was quite a quiet one. We have got him a nice suit and the boys chose lego men for him as he '"Plays with it all the time,"
"I think he is playing with you?"
"No mummy he is playing with lego, he likes it, he wants some for his birthday, he told me." Followed swiftly by "Is daddy 5?"
Nick:
ROUGH PLAN when we head to the UK on the 15th July with mum and dad Measures for couple of days and watch cricket (17th July). Then looking to organize meeting up with Matt, Vas, Paul and all on 18th. Believe we'll then head up to Clare's mum and dad on the 19 th as Faye and family off to the Barbados on around 25th. I have just booked tickets for a music festival called deer shed near Thirsk on 25-27 I think - I already emailed chris and Jon about this. We were then thinking about spending day or so in Knaresborugh (all welcome to join) before heading home ahead of Clare's flight on 31st (maybe squeezing in day trip to London). Me and boys will then be around till 5th or 6th.
Another coup!
Please don't worry about us, so far the coup has been peaceful and I have seen only a handful of the army. Unlike 2006 when Bangkok was a ghost town of tanks, today life goes on. Nick giggled at the 24 hr shops struggling to shut their shutters, he witnessed Villa Supermarket puzzling and pulling over their chains. Even the 7-11s close early. Fingers crossed various Lego shops will be open this weekend but I think we will mostly be by the pool. School is closed and we are online learning but all is peaceful and Nick still plans to go away to Phuket this weekend. TV channels have been shut down (icluding Disney) and there is a curfew (10pm-5am). However, I nipped into school at 6am and the roads were bustling and street stalls were serving breakfast, we also have expat TV on the go as the internet is still on.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
Follow @ Richard barrow on Twitter for up to the minute news and pictures from Bangkok.
Well, the Disney Channel is back on and we didn't lose the wifi, thank goodness. Fortunately still haven't seen any tanks, much to the boy's displeasure! But during the coup without Nick, who was on a boys weekend in Phuket, we enjoyed a lot of swimming, and even made it into our big pool!
Enormous and huge congratulations to Adam and Por who got engaged on Frday, he literally popped the question and we are absolutely thrilled for them both.
We made some biscuits (which Hector very kindly pointed out looked like big poops) and we bought a Yoda book and Clifford book. The coup? Shmoop! We ate a soldiers breakfast today and watched helicoptors fly overhead!
Back to school tomorrow, all is fine! The curfew is still in place but it doesn't really affect us and Nick didn't seem too bothered by it in Phuket....
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
Follow @ Richard barrow on Twitter for up to the minute news and pictures from Bangkok.
Hilarious shots of what looks like mushrooms/gangstas!
Ahhh! Not the most traditional of poses but lovely nonetheless. Their last Patana photos :(
How ironic as these were taken the week before Noah's tooth incident; I was so grateful that the photos had been the week before and now I see there are none of his lovely smile! Nevermind the ghastly Spongebob squarepants watch features quite heavily! Hector has little style!
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
All quiet on the coup front although Facebook went down for a little while.
Hector has decided he is going to work with machines in a lego factory and Noah is going to be Luke Skywalker's lightsabre. Interesting job prospects.
The boys won't be 5 for another month but we thought we would celebrate early so all their friends could come. Terrific fun! A great magician and Hector and Noah had a blast. Thank you to everyone who came and their awesome presents, they feel very lucky.
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
Bad timing though, just several hours after England Italy (Nick went to pub at 4.30am) and after a night out for Hockers' leaving do and a glass of wine too many!!! It was worth it.
The curfew is lifted and we baked some bad tempered ladybird biscuits and a hungry caterpillar for FS charity...I pity who bought ours. 2 weeks of school left and a short holiday with nung and her cows before a whistle stop tour of the UK.
Congratulations Matt and Lorna, Langers and Liz :)
It's the final countdown, ddda da dd ddaddadaaaaaaaa.
The packers arrive in ten days, 4 more get ups at school, 3 more leaving parties and LOTS of sorting out and paper work to do. Thank goodness for Nung!
We celebrated the weekend with friends in Hua-Hin in a gorgeous villa with a fully kitted-out bar, BBQ, pool and a lot of fun and cocktails. It was bliss. Thank you Golighers, Delina, John and Kay (and the Sykes...there in spirit).
The boys enjoyed their Foundation Art exhibition which was awesome.Their pictures were great and the explanations were amazing. Highly imaginitive, volcanoes, apples, aeroplanes and musclemen. We were very proud. Not sure how we going to survive the next few weeks but it should be fun!!
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
We leave a week today. The boys will be 5 tomorrow and so we will celebrate with a trip to Dream World. We have cleared the flat of endless bags of shredded paper and rubbish, donated a lot to charity and the packers will come take the rest on Thursday.
The end of term was very sad, I didn't really stop crying and quite a few of my grown up classes came to say goodbye, which made me cry some more. Hector came onto the stage and thought he had won my Patana paperweight, he wouldn't let it go. It has indeed been an extrodinary 8 years and I have so much to thank Patana for, I have learnt too.
For one last time;
Hector's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=529
Noah's class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=528
My class http://www.patana.ac.th/BPSnet/blog/index.asp?id=220
Twitter @bpsmeasures
That weekend, we had a party at Tuba which was lovely, surreal for some and great fun. Nick did a tremendous 'Suspicious minds' , I tried to do 'Rock DJ' but I still don't know the words. A superb night and many thanks to everyone who came.
Monday we took off to Pranburi with Nung for 4 nights at Dolphin Bay, where we had a delightful set of rooms, a terrific pool and slide and pretty much the beach just for us. We explored, Hector had a tummy ache one day and so enjoyed the Muppets and in particular the Swedish Chef on a loop. He still finds the chocolate moose joke hilarious. A great 4 days with Nung and we lit a lantern for her but, the icing on the cake was going to her farm. Way out in the sticks we travelled on good roads and reached her farm in time for lunch. We met Pancake who was just a few months old and there were 16 fresions in all. However, for Hector and Noah the best part was Peter had bought them catapults! We spent a long time firing rocks into the pond which it was lovely.
Since a relaxing break we have packed, cleared, sunday brunched, and sorted bits out.
CONGRATULATIONS ADAM AND POR! A happy wedding day to you both.
Congratulations Mum and dad, Chris and Kate too on your anniversaries :)
A week to go....
At 1.20 and1.21 am the twins turned 5.
Happy birthday Hector and Noah, you are brilliant and deserved your day of fun, lego and pupppies. Hector loved his new Boo and Noah loved waking up Nick to make his Lego Jedi Interceptor at 6am. We took Nung and the boys to Dreamworld where they managed to laugh hysterically on the cable cars, ride trains, tractors, cars and boats, feed rabbits and micro pigs, stroke real puppies and eat ice cream and candy floss. A great time was had by all.
Angry birds, bears and Doremon macaroons with 5 candles finished the day perfectly. Thank you granny and grandad for singing Happy birthday. See you soon!
Saying goodbye to Bangkok and Nung Nung was really hard but after a great flight (so good I even wrote a thank you note to BA), we landed in the UK smiling, the weather was lovely and the boys were excited about seeing everyone. Unfortunately, jet lag woke the boys up early and we discovered that Cbeebies isn't 24 hrs here! They were spoilt rotten with birthday presents and played parachutes for hours with uncles and grandparents.
Nick then went to Lords for a cricket and beer marathon and I met him and Jonathan for a few drinks after a whopping London (whoops found a bag) shopping spree. A very funny evening of wine, sushi, lost train tickets and sleeping on a train followed. We then managed to catch up with Vas, his awesome jukebox, Rosanna, bump and Will which was lovely. The boys were still jet lagged and quite naughty. We then traveled to Kenilworth for a night of fun with the Hobbs, and the gorgeous Harry and Ava. They spoilt the boys rotten with fantastic superhero costumes that they wore for two days straight. Thank you Matt and Gemma you are incredible hosts and good luck with the wisdom teeth removal.
We then all went up to Lincoln to meet my family before Faye left for Barbados. We had a lovely BBQ at Mum and Dads, went to Pet's corner (tradition now), a great water and dinosaur park and watched Ember and Coean win prizes at school. We were proud relatives with Hector and Noah clapping loudly! Quite bizarre to be in a small primary school of 90 children compared to Patana. We had a splendid day at Sherwood Forest pretending to be Robin Hood and firing arrows everywhere. The cousins got on so well (even if it did lead to some very late nights) and we hope they love the beach as much as us. Thank you so much Faye and Steve for being brilliant and Mum and Dad for looking after us all so well.
Following Lincolnshire we drove up to the Deershed Festival in Thirsk. We met Nick and Emma, Grace and William and loved meeting James, Lesley and Paul. An awesome festival especially for the children, there was jousting, science experiments, jokes, bubble blowing, rides, crafts, pond dipping, magic, films, music and a PROSECCO tent. A very different experience to Glastonbury but probably just as fun. Noah loved the Pom Pom teddy tent (free crisps) and Hector loved the trebuchet (danger). We feasted on pizza, wraps, chicken roasts and lots of prosecco. I will send a thank you note to deershed too, not only a wonderful experience but they found my bag (complete with wallet, phone, ipad, var keys, lipgloss etc ) and handed it back after an exuberant first night at the disco. Emma and Nick, it was special, thank you. We also saw Donna and Andy and their children Eric (who we last saw at 3 days old and Andy was living on Espressos) and Leela who Hector fell in love with, she even gave him a loom band ring. Very, very lovely to catch up with you guys too.
Following this we have had a few gorgeous days in Knaresborough at Nick's parent's holiday home. We have explored the castle (the resident lady knight had 2 ravens, an African magpie and a mobile phone!), Hector and Noah fought with their swords and walked by the river. Harrogate was terrific, they loved the gardens and train and next year we promise to go to Brimham rocks. Faye, I did indeed go to Primark for shorts and swimmers for the boys, yep. Thank you John and Jennifer for your homes, car and fun!
Tomorrow we head to my folks for lunch and then onto Huntingdon before meeting up with Fat Steve and Langers for a pub lunch before I head off to Singapore. Nick has a fun week planned at Duxford and Ipswich with the boys before flying out to Singers on the 6th by which time , fingers crossed I will have found us somewhere to live. Exciting but nervous adventures ahead.
To those I haven't seen we are sorry but its been the same manic whirlwind, next year we will make sure to have longer to get around everyone To those we have, giant thanks for making the summer so fabulous.
So it's clearly been a very long time since our last update but we've had a fairly good excuse in terms of upping sticks after 8 years in Bangkok and heading South to Singapore with a little detour in the UK thrown into really mess with our minds and body clocks. Well thankfully I think we might just be coming out the other side of a suitably stressful few weeks. I am writing this from the comfort of our church pew surrounded by all of our stuff, which is now thankfully removed from the countless boxes and for the large part put where it's meant to be in our new flat. As you might have heard Singapore is a little on the pricy side, especially when it comes to rents so we've got a slightly smaller place than we had before which has made fitting everything in a challenge. On the plus side we're in a great location two minutes from the MRT train link, have a tennis court, gym and 50m pool, boast a spectacular view over a canal and lake and best of all have an oven and a gas hob -you might have guessed from that last comment that this is Nick not Clare writing this. Most importantly we also have a spare room cum play room so we can happily squeeze a visitor or two into stay.
So what do we make of Singapore, well its hard to tell really as it's been a pretty mad month, especially for Clare. She had to battle serious jet lag and a hotel room while finding us the flat, buying school uniforms, opening a bank account, visiting Ikea and generally setting us up for life here. After a lovely extra week in the UK, which included a weekend running riot with the cousins, a visit to Concorde at Duxford and a rather arty day and boozy night out in London for me, and a relatively relaxing flight her three boys arrived to really make things difficult. Most of our time has been getting ourselves sorted out, usually that means handing large sums of cash over to people for deposits both at home and at school but we have enjoyed a few trips out and about. These have included a visit to the beautiful Gardens by the Bay packed with locals celebrating the country's 49th birthday, an open bus tour of the city, an expensive outing to the Aquarium (five pound ice creams!) and probably the favourite a day at the impressive zoo. In fact it's so impressive we've signed up for the year and me and the boys are heading back tomorrow for our last day of the holidays.
Clare actually started a couple of weeks ago in school but today was the first day that the children came in. Think it all went pretty well considering the cranes only left the school site a couple of days ago! Generally I think she seems very happy with the ethos and set up of the school but obviously with it all being brand new, think it will take a while for everything to settle down.
As for me I have spent my first few weeks running errands, heading on expeditions to IKEA, exploring the local area, and embarking on a rather stop-start campaign to find work. I also managed to mop the floor the other day and it did seem to take most of the day! Thankfully Clare picked a good spot and we are blessed with a host of cheap markets selling fresh fruit, meat and veg and complete with hawker markets, all within a short walk and about 5 massive malls a bus or a quick MRT ride away so its made life easier.
We have also found time to catch up with a few friends. Clare went to see and old uni mate Jo who unfortunately is about to head home, we've had a couple of lovely lazy sundays eating well with the Springs and I got to go to a dodgy mall for a Thai meal and a fish market at 4am with an old work colleague so it seems its possible to have adventures even in Singapore - I also had the fastest and cheapest hair cut the other day which has left me and my hair traumatised.
Sure there's a million other things to tell you all and as I am out of work sure that I'll be boring you all with such tales over the next few weeks-unless anyone wants to give me a job-so should probably stop there for now. Hope all is good with everyone wherever you are and speak soon.
So I must admit to being slightly shocked and amazed about quite how long it is since we last posted an update – August 27th apparently – where did the last two months go?! Well the simple answer is we’ve all been pretty busy trying to get our heads around our new life in Singapore.
Clare’s plunged into the new school life with gusto. Obviously with it being a new school and a new role for her, working life has been pretty full on with lots of hours spent sat on the sofa with her shiny new Macbook Air planning and marking. On the plus side she’s absolutely loving it and enjoying all the new challenges of starting a brand new school with 800 kids. She’s even found time to head out on a four-day school trip to the nearby Indonesian island of Bintan where she went rafting, abseiling and a heap of other outdoor activities that no-one who knows Clare can imagine her actually doing-she had a ball.
After a few wobbles the boys have also settled into school and, aside from a spot of Scarlett Fever are loving having a routine and making lots of new friends – even if Hector can’t always remember who they are or what he’s done that day. They are both growing up so fast, the reading is coming on and Hector seems to be growing extra teeth and has already had a visit from the tooth fairy.
As for me, well it’s been a slightly odd and often frustrating time as I try and make new contacts, apply for jobs and generally get my head around the publishing world of Singapore. In hindsight it’s actually been pretty productive, I’ve had a couple of failed interviews for jobs but also picked up a bit of work freelancing for a range of different people. As well as doing some editing for my old company I’ve also managed to pick up a poorly-paid but lots of fun job doing some freelance work, writing about Singapore Football. The standards not great and the atmosphere is no Thai Port but its’ been interesting finding about a whole new world and I’ve loved writing match reports again – you can read some here http://www.goal.com/en-sg . It helped that I got to watch a masterclass from Neymar as Brazil took on Japan at the impressive new National Stadium and that the S-League finale was one of the closest ever, only being decided on the final day. I also managed to wangle a trip back to Bangkok (heading off tomorrow) to write a few stories for a couple of airline magazines which is nice.
It’s been tricky juggling everything and looking after house and the boys but I’ve now been fired from that role as we have just bitten the bullet and got ourselves a live-in helper. The lovely Joneyln started Monday and she is already making all our lives a little less stressful.
We have also found some time for fun and exploration of the island. Highlights include trips to Sentosa’s beaches, the nearby Science Center and a very boozy Sunday lunch that somehow saw us come part of the way home by boat. Where we live is a way out of town but there’s lots to do round here, including loads of wet markets, an amazing library (I’d forgotten how great they were after living in Bangkok for 8 years), a trampoline center and a brilliant water park that’s walking distance from our flat and has a lazy river which the boys love.
Talking of lazy river, half term saw us fulfil our promise to the boys and head to Legoland just over the border in Malaysia. We even stayed two nights at the bonkers hotel, complete with life-size pirate ship and castle in the lobby, disco balls in the lifts and a Lego monkey in our pirate-themed room. Legoland was equally awesome and we had load of fun on most of the rides, though I don’t think Clare and Hector will be going back on the dragon anytime soon. There was also time to check out the water park next door which was equally great. The Lazy river there had the added bonus of floating lego bricks and we even persuaded Noah to go rafting down a big slide with the rest of the family!
Other than that I think we’re finally adjusting to Singapore, it’s no Bangkok and life is very, very different but believe we’re getting over the culture (financial) shock of the place and are ready to start enjoying it more.
Oh and I nearly forgot as it seems so, so long ago now that Clare and I both went to the Grand Prix, albeit on different days. Clare didn’t see a car but absolutely loved the Prosecco tent and Robbie Williams, while I had a great time catching up with partner in crime Pete, then spent most of the race drinking in a bar under the grandstand but all good fun. Reckon we’ll take the boys next year.
We also have a trip to the Philippines coming up before Granny and Grandad pay us a visit just after Christmas, so life can’t be all bad. Fingers crossed, I’ll also start updating this a bit more often then I won’t need to waffle on quite as much. Hope all are doing well wherever in the world you might be.
So despite my best intentions it has been another big break between posts. Somehow we blinked and November and December just disappeared. The good news is we’ve been busy having lots of fun, as well as working pretty hard.
Clare’s still full on at school but still loving it, while I seem to be getting there work wise and had lots of different projects and some part time editing at my old company to keep me on my toes. Particular highlights for me had been covering the Suzuki Cup (won by Thailand), writing a feature on clubbing despite not having stepped foot in one in a long while and some interesting interviews.
It all meant the run up to Christmas was a bonkers whirl for all of us what with Christmas shows (Hector a Star and Noah a wise man), carol services and parties, in between trying to get all the loose ends tied up. It meant it was a big relief to be getting on a plane and heading to Manila the day after term ended (albeit with a rather fragile Clare after her end of term party).
It was really great catching up with Val, Nigel, Zoe and Lea in yet another lovely new house – this one had a rooftop pool and pool table (nice) before we were off again via another plane and ferry to the island of Siquijor. It was well worth it as we had a blissful week at Coco Resort not doing too much except playing on the beach and pool with the occasional trip out on the kayak to check out the nearby reef. We did also squeeze in a tour of the island on a motorcycle-side car which took in lots of random Christmas parties, a sacred grotto, a gorgeous waterfall and some beautiful old churches. A great trip.
There was still time pre-Christmas to stop off again in Manila for one suitably drunken night involving lots of champers with the Barretts, where the adults managed to shame themselves again in front of their children with our attempt at recreating Pop Idol. Can’t wait to do it again. Hector and gang were judges and his infamous line t Val was perfect, “ You started well but then just got carried away.”
So then it was back to Singapore for our first Christmas here. Avoiding brunches for once we attempted our first home-cooked Christmas dinner with much success despite a very explosive party popper. A very chilled day which involved a lot of Lego construction.
I got a bread machine and Clare got a bike and I managed to break both within a few days. Fortunately, nothing too serious and after a new inner tube Clare is now pedalling everywhere and I’ve finally managed to make a loaf of bread that looks like a loaf of bread!
Jonelyn, the boy’s new nanny has been a massive help, and actually allowed us to start getting out and about for some expensive but entertaining nights out as we try to get our heads round this city. Our explorations have been helped by the arrival of my mum and dad just after Christmas.
They’ve popped off to Borneo for a jungle adventure but we already crammed a lot into their initial stay, from a trip on the cable car to Sentosa to a tour around Jurong Bird Park where Noah’s love of owls saw him overcome his fear of dark places—great stuff. It also meant Clare and I were able to have a rather odd New Year’s out, which included a food review and plenty of wandering the streets—we also completely missed the fireworks.
We also managed a return to Legoland, which the boys loved even more than last time. We definitely got to try out some of the bigger slides in the neighbouring water park for one and spent a lot of time in the Star Wars exhibition.
And now it’s back to reality. Clare is busy getting ready for her second week of school, boys continuing to progress well with reading and writing and me heading back out into the job market. Still we’ve got a trip to Bangkok next weekend for Adam and Por’s wedding, which should be great once I’ve written the speech and then it’s Chinese New Year so plenty to look forward too.
Sorry we’ve been so rubbish staying in touch of late but hopefully we can work on that for 2015 as life settles down a little. Once again though a very Happy New Year to you all wherever you are and let’s hope we meet up somewhere and soon this year.
So here we are again, a little sooner than expected. I seem to have a bit of free time on my hands at the moment and thought I would send a quick update as we say goodbye to January.
It’s been a pretty packed month, what with a whistle-stop weekend in Bangkok for the amazing wedding of Adam and Por and a last couple of weeks of adventures with mum and dad before they headed back to the icy climes of the UK. Throw in going back to school for Clare and the boys and me learning how to become a TV producer for Fox Sports and we’ve been busy!
It’s all been lots of fun. Mum and dad kindly came back from the jungles of Borneo to look after the boys, which allowed me to head off to Bangkok to make sure Adam had one last stag do before getting married to Por for the third time. It was a beautiful setting and a beautiful day that even my best man’s speech couldn’t spoil. It was really great catching up with lots of people and getting to properly meet Adam’s friends and family from back home— it’s taken a good few weeks to recover. It was lovely being back and we hope to return soon to try and meet all the people we didn’t get to see. Adam and Por, all the best for the future and Bangkok we still love you.
On the flip side we are starting to enjoy Singapore more though as well. We managed trips on the Singapore Flyer and around downtown on an amphibious vehicle with mum and dad, who also had an interesting few days in the heart of the hip hood of Duxton Hill. It was really great having them here the boys loved it. It was also the perfect excuse to discover some cool new spots such as the Asian Civilisations Museum, Tiong Bahru and Rochester Park. Seems like there’s plenty of places still to discover, so there’s hope yet.
Last weekend saw us head to the Turf Club, and we found out that it’s actually really lovely—despite us both having rather bad experiences on our first visit! We particularly loved Junkie’s corner an absolute treasure trove of a huge warehouse piled high with old bric a brac — we’ve got our eyes on a safe, so will be back soon. Clare also went on a hat buying spree coming back with two chef hats, a union jack bike helmet (for kids) and a very sophisticated floppy number from Panama. You can never have enough hats.
We are also starting to make the most of our condo’s facilities. The nicer weather means a lot of time in the pool, I’ve even begun using the tennis court and we had our first BBQ at the condo this weekend, thanks to Tash and Phil for organising that, which was lovely. And to show we are starting to get out and about a little we have a mini-festival coming up soon, which is all very exciting.
Then it’s Chinese New Year, just round the corner. Hector and I went to the local market the other day for decorations and came back with a Chinese Dragon among other things. Pretty funny seeing Hector and Noah dancing around the living room. It’s still another week or so away but it looks like it’s going to be a pretty crazy event here, the holiday will be very welcome, too.
I should admit that we’re still not completely sure whether we’re meant to be celebrating the Year of the Goat or Sheep, though. If anyone has any idea please let us know, all the decorations seem to veer wildly between the two depending on where you are!
Other than that the boys still super happy at school and Clare still working long hours but enjoying herself. She’s kept up the bike riding, too, so my next mission is to get bikes for the rest of us. On my work front I am still pursuing a few potential leads and this month will see me start doing freelance work at Fox Sports helping put together a sports programme, which is going to be an interesting learning curve. Fingers crossed some more good news on that front soon, but still doing bits and pieces here and there to try and stay busy.
Right promised to keep this brief and I am falling asleep at my laptop after staying up to watch Villa embarrass themselves again. So I’ll end it there and just want to say happy February to you all!
HAPPY 70th Grandad ASHBY! Sorry we weren't there but hope you enjoy the Tigermoth and Austin Healy racing. Can't wait to celebrate in July.
Nick has been busy working so I will take over briefly. It has been some time and we have ventured to Bali (will go again), seen Jonathan, One Direction and Belle and Sebastian (not at the same concert). It has been crazy busy.
School is busy but continues to be great. We have explored Singapore a little more and discovered Prawning (fishing with a glass of wine), a Karaoke room near by, more parks and a few nice spots on Sentosa. The biggest find has been the Turf Club, nice shops and a farmers market type thing.
Nick continues to do writing for Fox sports and a maternity cover magazine as well as some freelance bits so he is kept out of trouble. The boys are better at swimming now and venture out of the little bubble pool slightly more at home. On our Easter trip to Bali they loved the slides, Hector went down a couple of scary ones and went back for more. We have also discovered he can eat a whole pizza. Hector has also become addicted to massages. Bali was gorgeous we did Ku De Ta and the Potato Head, made all the better with the fab company of the Barratts and Jonathan. Sadly everyone experienced a few days of Bali Belly but all good now and we are back in Singers. It is hot here, humid and wet in the afternoons so our easter egg hunt was quick before they all melted.
For Valentines day Nick and I went to see Belle and Sebastian which was corking although we had rough heads and later on in the month we saw One Direction (with Zayne), unfortunately they were an hour late onto the stage so by the time they were belting out their classics the boys were finished. Still, we got the t-shirt and they had a blast. Sadly Our tickets were very cheap and they were only a few millimetres tall. Loud though.
We all have bikes and have been to the Chinese garden park. On a less (some would say more) cultured Saturday we have found Saturday brunches.... dangerous (especially when you leave your shoes on the 7-11 counter).
Have a great Songkran Thai peeps and we are off showing Jonathan the sights of Singapore, not Hector's favourite, the gondola in a mall, as one capsized yesterday...the twins were not involved you will be pleased to know.
Happy birthday dad!
xxxxx