Week 1 Done and Dusted

The first week of term was a struggle, I cannot believe it is Friday and I haven't even had a minute to think about writing my blog.  Firstly, the jet lag has been bad for much longer than normal and what also hasn't helped is that I have been quite sick (apparently my theory that teachers are sick at the end of term has just extended to beginning as well).  The good news is I am on the mend for the weekend and the weather has been glorious, so hoping to get some good beach time in!

This is me off to work this morning with my brand new lunch bag.  Father Christmas gave it to me for Christmas and what I did not realise is that it also comes packed for me every morning.  I am so super lucky!

Jet Lag and Catch Ups

Despite some crazy jet lag, we have managed to get out and see some people before the start of school tomorrow.  We didn't get to do all that we wanted to do as the end of a tropical storm hit us and we have had loads of rain.  But still has been nice seeing some of our Phuket peeps (even if not on the beach as planned!).

 Friday the Lawson's came over for a game of Dixit, an Indian and of course some dancing.

 The winners of the night

 Our house sitters had a special visit from Master Jay, who they became very close to while we were away.

The dancing

Saturday we met Richard and Sara for lunch, which is always a treat and today (Sunday) Luis is back a t work and I am hoping to head to the beach in a bit as the sun is out (also had lunch with Jacqui, Quinlan and her Dad but forgot to take pictures!).  And tomorrow it starts all over with term 2.

Home with Lola

The worst thing about traveling is leaving Lola.  I hate leaving her and just wish she could go every where with us.   The only thing that makes it bearable is leaving her at home with wonderful people.  We have been so lucky with some great pet sitters and once again hit the jackpot.  Jan and Ls have been fabulous and it is clear that Lola had a lovely time with them and was spoilt rotten.

We have loved spending some extra time with Jan and Les, they have been great to have here and even treated us to a lovely meal last night.  All three of us will be said to see them go off on their next adventure tomorrow.

Happy 2019

My Happy New Year message is a tad late being January 3rd!  But in my defence, we pretty much missed a whole day with travelling back to Thailand.  We ended the year and our holiday with a night out on Lock Island (where the Hopkins live) and then set off New Years day back to Thailand and Lola.

 A few pictures from the night.

New Years day, Jake made a delicious brunch to start the year the right way.  We are now back in Thailand trying to win Lola's affection again and enjoying the warm weather!  Happy New Year to all!

Bye Bye 2018

In a few short hours 2018 will come to an end, a year full of ups and downs.  A year full of visitors in Phuket, new places explored and many friends and family seen in-between.   The year started off very rocky with the loss of my father and Lola falling very ill.  But by April things were looking up with Lola on the mend and the Hopkins visit to Thailand.  We also both got to see our families in the summer, Luis traveling to Ecuador and me to Barbados and the UK.  We were also lucky enough to see many of the Ecua crew in Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and even Romania.  I also got to be a part of Maria's beautiful wedding and see all the Basel crew again (goodness when you look back it does seem like we did a lot!).  And of course we have spent some wonderful times with our friends in Phuket, even picking up a few more along the way.
And even if the start to the year was far far from ideal we have been able to end it with family and good friends and the excitement of what 2019 holds for us.  

 We have been having such a great lead up to the New Year, eating loads and playing games with the Hopkin crew.

 Luis and myself made an Ecua lunch yesterday for the crew.

 And of course the one that made it the most special is Freda, she is such a joy and just love her to pieces.

 This morning we ended the year having a lovely brunch in town.
We are now gearing up for the big night, and celebrating the start of a new exciting year.  Love to everyone and all the best this last night of 2018!

Hopkins Happiness

We arrived at Lock Island yesterday, one of my favourite homes with one of the most amazing families of all time, the Hopkins.  You just feel happy and welcome from the minute you cross over the lock onto the island.  We had such a wonderful evening of way too much food and 'Amanda's' game (a game that has apparently been boxed and marketed as Re-Play, but we have been playing for years together).

We are very happy to be spending a few days here and bringing in the New Year with the Hopkins.

Beach Boxing Day

I have spent many Boxing Days on a beach, but I do believe that this was a first.  Boxing Day on a cold beach in the UK, but as days go we were super lucky to have bright blue sunshine and the beach was beautiful.  We spent the day basically like the other days, eating too much, but at least we had a bit of a walk to counteract the calories this day.

A nice three day mini break was had by all.  We returned to Bristol the next day and today have headed to Marlow for the next four nights.  Even with some sickness and ear issues with Luis we have had a lovely holiday in Bristol and Dorset.