December 31, 2007

Merry Christmas and Happy NewYear from our little piece of paradise in Hua Hin. Hard to believe it’s all coming to an end. Think we’re in for a pretty rowdy evening from some of the sound system’s I’m hearing being checked. Our plan is to be on the beach for midnight as there are a number of hotels doing fireworks.

Left Bangkok on Dec 23^rd at 8:05 on the express train. It’s two air conditioned cars, clips along at a good speed and took about 3 ½ hours to get here. There was constant carts going up and down the aisle with free drinks, snacks and lunch. Took the drinks and snacks but said no thanks to lunch. We called Job (our manservant) when we arrived and he sent along a van to pick us up. Our place is called Ocean Breeze and it’s absolutely wonderful (same place we stayed last year). It’s just outside of Hua Hin in a place called Khao Takiab (Chopstick Mountain). We have an A-frame home with a large air con bedroom, bathroom and an air con sitting room. There are a couple of sitting areas outside as well as a splash pool and a BBQ area. The gardens are lovely too. We have a little fridge, TV, dvd, movies and books at our disposal. Jennifer and family are across the road in their own little 2 bedroom house with a small garden and a splash pool also. The staff are wonderful. Job speaks English very well but the other two wait/cleaning staff don’t speak any English. Sure is helpful having Gone here. If we need anything at the store they pick it up for us ie: beer. They take Gone to the market on a motorbike to pick up groceries when we want to BBQ or simply lend him their bike. For breakfast every morning you can have whatever you want. Tom usually has yoghurt, bacon and eggs, toast, juice and tea. I have yoghurt, fruit and croissant. In the afternoon when we get back from the beach there is always a glass of fresh juice and 2 refreshing towels waiting for us. The rooms are cleaned every day and every evening they come to bug spray inside and to set out candles outside as well as mosquito coils. It’s all so very civilized!! Every morning we walk down to the beach and there are loungers and umbrellas waiting for us. Tom and I usually go for a walk and then back to read, play, swim or whatever. Lunch is at the beach and is either a shared tuna sandwich and fries and beer or BBQ’d corn on the cob on a stick and a beer. Dinner we BBQ or go out but it usually entails shrimp in some form for me.

Christmas Eve Gone went to the market and picked up some shrimp, squid, fish and chicken. Jenny and I went to the grocery store and got veggies. We had the most lovely BBQ here at our place. Then Christmas morning we also had our breakfast together here. The kids opened their presents and as usual Oliver was looking for something ”bigger” and Nick wanted what Oliver got. Santa did leave a letter though to say he’d left some “bigger” toys in Bangkok.

My birthday was on the 28^th and I actually had a really nice day. I told the kids I wanted hugs and kisses so that’s exactly what I got first thing in the morning. In Thailand the birthday person hosts their own party so that’s what I did. Last year we had found this restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Thailand called La Mer. They even had entertainment – a Thai Elvis impersonator. Well, this year he’s not Elvis but the BeeGees. We had a great time. Before we left, the hotel staff came over and gave me a present – a lovely blue silk scarf/wrap. I was so surprised – what a nice thing to do. Then a bit later there was a knock on the door and it was Nicky calling me to come to a “pizza party”. They had a little birthday cake with candles that even said 59 –how cruel was that!! Gone and Jennifer gave me a lovely bottle of Chardonnay – Long Neck – South African which I saved and then polished off last night. I did share a glass with Tom and sips to the other two……. We had it with some bread, cheese and fruit.

A few days ago we decided to go into town to book our train tickets home – the express at 4:00 PM.. Guess what, the train was fully booked. There is another regular train at 2:00 but tickets don’t go on sale till 1:00. The total cost will be 400 baht as opposed to 2300 baht so don’t know quite what to expect. Think it’s hard seats, no air just open windows and makes all stops. Could prove to be very interesting…………….

The beach is wonderful. The boys absolutely love it. At first they complained about the salty water but now you can’t keep them out. There’s always a breeze but the last few days have been very breezy. The waves are wicked. Much like we experienced in the Outer banks of North Carolina. Looking at the sky you’d think there was a big rain storm coming – but what do we know??

Tonight it’s out to dinner around 7:00, then home for a lie down so that we can go out later to the New Years events. That is if we manage to set the alarm and actually get up. Tom’s already gone in for a sleep and I think I’ll be joining him shortly

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. We think of you often and drank a toast to all at Christmas and will do so again this evening. We wish everyone all the best for 2008. Stay in touch………………..