Christmas Halloween Party

Last night we attended the postponed Halloween party (due to King's death) and as Christmas is around the corner they decided to combine the two events.  It was a great night and I must say I am pretty proud of myself.  I think I take after my idol Madonna, both so youthful no matter our ages.  Some people made Friday night, some Saturday night but if they went to both must ducked out early last night.  In fact actually I am the only one who did all three nights out (wine night being on Thursday).   With forty quickly approaching I think this a pretty good effort.  And we were up at the crack of dawn to get things ready for our upcoming trips. Not bad at all!

 Some did Halloween.

 Some did Christmas.

 A little card game.

   We finished the night, again, with some pretty amazing karooke and a little bit of dancing.   

There is Winning and Then There is Winning

I am no stranger to winning at Ecuador's national card game, in fact I would go as far to say I win 80% of the time (Luis would probably object to this). But not often do I win how me and Kim did last night.  We took on the boys and well to say we beat them is an understatement.  But we did not rub it in too much as we did victory dances and victory laps around the house.  It really is just such a great game.  We then went to watch a staff members band at a bar down the road.  We had missed the band though and they were now onto some pretty horrendous karoke.  But it was a still a fabulous place (super cheap white wine, always a winer!)

 First we had some delicious tacos

 Look at the unhappy face as we racked up the points

 Winners!

 Kim taking a funny selfie that I am sure she was hoping did not end up on here!!

What a great night we had!

Christmas Bubbles

Generally I could always do with some bubbles in my life, but yesterday I needed them.  Just one of those weeks.  The green machine is seriously sick and with some other financial pressures this is not great news.  Of course, we will sort it out and it is not the end of the world just a minor set back.  Trying to get ready to leave next week and ensure Lola is all taken care of another slight stress.  So yep, I definitely was ready to have a glass of bubbles with some lovely ladies.  We were a small group this time, people are all feeling the last week of term rush.  It was lovely, the bubbles were great, the people lovely and the headache real.

 Till next year ladies!!

Bye Bye Cozier

Craig is sadly on his way back to India, his plane leaving in about an hour.  He must be sitting at the airport right now looking outside and feeling a little frustrated.  Predictably it is beautiful sunshine today, so annoying!
However, we had a fabulous time anyways despite the weather trying to sabotage his mini holiday and hopefully he will come back to see all the sights next time in the sunshine.
We spent the last evening out for dinner at a restaurant we had heard lots about but not been to yet.  It was super yummy and really for the first time put my no fish eating to a serious test.  We then returned back to the casa to try and solve all the problems of the world.  Sadly, we did not complete all as I had to work today and 1am was my limit.  Another reason for a return trip.

 We were all team Ecuador for a day, but still had the Bajan flag flying

 This looked ridiculously good

And this is the sunniest day we have had since last Wednesday, the day before Craig arrived!

Khao Sok

Well the weather has not played cricket Craig's trip.  After three weeks of sunshine he has had five days of cloud and rain.  Of course this not the end of the world and we have been having a great time but everything is just so much more beautiful in the sunshine.
Yesterday we set out for Khao Sok, a National park on the main land.  We had a bit of a rocky start with the Green Bean breaking down.  So we came back and swapped for the Green Machine.  The Green Machine made the trip, there and back and we were so happy that we ended up going.

 Poor Green Bean, just kept over heating.

 Cards, and then Heads up, which was a hilarious game to play

 The Riverside cottages we stayed at.

 On our private boat

 Luis getting ready fora  swim.

Lola all tired out from a long trip.  Last night with Craig and then I am sure the sun will return tomorrow.  Very frustrating!

It's Beginning to Look a lot like...

Christmas! Well it is not really, as Christmas is not celebrated here there is little indication that the day is quickly approaching.  But this was the theme of the second staff party that we hosted last night.  We decorated the house, downloaded Christmas tunes, and got the fridge stocked.  It was not a huge turn out, which I largely blame on the ridiculously unseasonable pouring rain, but we had a blast.  We danced, limboed and made mannequin videos till the wee hours of the morning.  A fabulous group and a really memorable night despite the ridiculous rain!

It definitely helped get me in the Christmas mood and excited for our upcoming Christmas adventure!

Craig does Patong

We were so excited to welcome Craig, my fabulous cousin, yesterday to Casa Luchanda.  I have been counting down the days and changing his itinerary every five minutes to ensure a perfect trip.  So far so good with little alteration to the schedule that was presented yesterday. It is an action packed five days, we are trying to show off Thailand's best features in a pretty short time.

Last night we headed to Patong for dinner and drinks.  I must admit the place is growing on me.  It is great to sit and people watch, there are lots of street performers and loads of variety of food.  It is definitely unique.  We met up with our new best friends forever, Jaye and Zoe who have been staying down South.

 The Black Horse, our new favourite pub.  Craig tries his first Thai bucket.

 Craig checking out one of the one million menus presented to us.  There is pretty much nothing not on that menu.  The guy was a little unimpressed at us taking a photo.

 Team Patong

 Craig checking out some of the local items.

 A potential bride

Luis loves Patong his eyes light up upon arrival.  He just loves the crowds and all the things to do.  Here you had to pay a few dollars and if you could last two minutes you won a bottle of whiskey. No one we saw lasted but all were determined.  Luis already wants to go back to show he can do it!