Thailand Holiday Day 8 – Koh Samui – Relaxing/Chewang Beach

After a decent night’s sleep and a bit of a lay-in (woke up around 8.45am) it was out of the patio doors and into the water for a morning swim! Everyone slowly woke up and after checking out the beach (we wanted to see if people were reserving sun beds and thankfully they weren’t – that was the last thing we wanted to happen!!) we went to breakfast.

Bloody hell, that was a feast! They are so very welcoming and keen to help but the choice of breakfast was over-whelming, made to order drinks, pancakes, eggs etc. Loads of other normal food as well, even chocolate chip ice cream so Jack & Charlotte were very pleased indeed. I tried a traditional Thai coffee, it was gorgeous! A little sweet but so nice and very strong. Will definitely have one each morning for the rest of the week now!

And so, that was done and it was back to our rooms for a quick change and then down to the beach, still not many people there and we were able to pick our spot and have enough beds all together and relax. I’m typing this now at 1145am and Tash, Lewis and Charlotte are down at the sea (the tide is out) and me and Mum just relaxing. No idea where Jack is – up to some trouble somewhere no doubt!!

Took it easy all day, had a few drinks at the poolside bar (cocktails of course!) and just soaked up the nice weather and relaxed atmosphere. There aren’t many people here at all. We decided that we’d go out in the evening and in the afternoon we packed up and went to get ready. We didn’t get the taxi hotel and instead walked down the winding track to the main road and within seconds we’d flagged down a taxi, well truth be told, she’d flagged us down! Got a decent price and she told us about where to go and what to do other the coming days, gave us her number so we could use her again in the future.

She dropped us off and we started walking down Chewang Beach main street, that was interesting! Within minutes I’d been stopped by a European girl at a restaurant who was so helpful and gave us good advise where to go and what to do with haggling etc and with her advise we went down a side street to a restaurant but it was closed. As we were there though we saw another place that looked fine called Mr Crab so we ate there and I had my first cocktail, after a beer of course!

We then were off walking again down the street looking at the stalls etc. The amount of food places and clubs and ‘ladies’ it was bewildering, but exciting at the same time! Such a fantastic place, I’ve not been anywhere like it, except Chiang Mai and Bangkok!!

We took a detour down a side road to head towards the beach and ended up walking through a hotel, once on the beach there was all sorts going on, bars and fire shows and disco! We stopped at one place that had a fire show going on and we bought a bucket of Mojito, a bucket of Vodka and Lemonade and a coke for Jack and relaxed and enjoyed the show. We then got another Mojito bucket that Lewis and I were pretty much only drinking from! More fire men appeared, the music got better and we got rowdier!

Bought another bucket and then they were doing the limbo, each time you got under it there was an ice slush puppy shot waiting for you, we were all up, including Jack! And we were battering the shots!! Of all the people there watching at the bar we were the only ones up there really, we managed to drag some more people off their cushions but we won the contest and won a Bacardi bucket as a result…result!! The limbo was hard actually, we all did it but the 3 kids did it together and got lower and lower – good fun.

We then called over the waiter and suggested that because we’d bought so much drink could we have a shish pipe for free, and he agreed so we got a strawberry one and all started puffing on that. Mum had never done this so it was funny seeing her have a go. We all had such a laugh. The fireman finished with about 7 of them, we were up dancing together and messing about with the DJ and then Jack & Lewis were doing acrobatics with the guys as well. What finished it off was me and Jack singing and dancing to ‘I got a feeling’ by the Black Eyed Peas and then all of us doing Greek Line dancing to a song. It was madness, we were all very drunk indeed!

We decided to go into the street and join the nightclub but Mum and Jack got a taxi home and I was trying to get a cheap rate with the taxi – “Old lady, little boy!” but it didn’t have any effect!

Went into the nightclub and that was great, up on the stage showing off and dancing. Then something snapped and Tash & I started arguing, can’t even remember what about but I was in the wrong. We then left there, got some crisps and that for the fridge at home and got a taxi home. Made the night a little bit of a let down really at the very end but up until then we had such a good time and laugh. Tash and I were still arguing into the night but sorted it before going to sleep. Ah well, will try and gloss over that event when remembering this night!!

Thailand Holiday Day 7 – Chiang Mai to Koh Samui

Leaving Chiang Mai today but not until midday so bit of a lie-in this morning and down for breakfast at 9.30am before being picked up from the hotel at 10.50am. No problems with customs and onto the plane for a 2 hour journey down to our beach destination. Writing this on the plane whilst Jack and Lewis are asleep next to me, Charlotte also asleep and Mum & Tash reading. Food on its way so might have to stop typing briefly!

Amusing in the airport actually as Lewis & Jack disappeared and came back to meet us after visiting McDonalds!! They came back with chicken meals and Charlotte couldn’t resist and got one too. They sat there with such contented faces, Jack was closing his eyes with each mouthful savouring the taste!! He wasn’t showing off either and wasn’t aware I was watching him. Little pleasures!

The flight went really well and was over in about 90 minutes, even had food on it so that was a bonus!

The Koh Samui airport was so…quaint…exactly what I imagined a tropical/Caribbean Island to be like, so small and flowers and greenery everywhere – only one conveyor belt as well! A short minibus journey later and we were pulling up to the hotel. I say hotel but it’s a spa complex and to say it’s ‘plush’ is doing it a disservice…it is stunningly lovely.

Sat in the reception area we could see out across the different rooms that lead directly out of their ‘patios’ into steps into the pool area. So very, very nice! No chance of getting one of those we thought but it all looked lovely anyway, if anything, too nice if that’s possible!! Anyway, we got split up in that the two twins rooms were on one side and our double room was on the other and we followed the lady to our room and the whole time I had my fingers crossed and chanting under my breathe – ‘Ground floor, please let it be ground floor’. We crossed the bridge and walked towards the stairs and instead of going up the stairs we turned left and stayed on the ground floor! Result…Tash looked over her shoulder and was grinning ear to ear.

We walked into the room and it was stunning, and yes, it went out into the pool area, so pleased. Everything else about it was fine too, but this was what made it so good. When she left we looked out across the pool to see Jack in the complimentary bath robe and slippers, and Mum & Charlotte were on the bottom and same as the boys – happy all round!!

So straight into the pool and then a wander around to the beach, quite small and the sea is so very shallow, can’t see that I’ll be doing any snorkelling or scuba diving here, but it’s so picturesque – it’s an absolute picture postcard place. We all keep looking around and can’t quite believe we’re here! It’s very much where you’d expect honeymooners to come, but thankfully there are some families as well so we’re not the noisy, embarrassing family (especially with Jack in tow!!). Tash and I went for a walk along the beach to the next hotel but there wasn’t really one. There were a couple of massage stalls and a bar but not much else. Loads of litter but that was from the sea and not tourists, we both said it was a shame that the hotel doesn’t employ someone to go along and clear it as it would make the walk so much more pleasant (romantic) although I did notice that the width of the hotel’s beach front is litter free so perhaps they only concentrate on that area.

What was also cool were all the coconuts on the beach that have fallen out of the trees, just seemed so ‘Island Castaway’! Back to the hotel and we messed about in the pool, there is water polo set and also a bar so we had a couple of cocktails in the pool area…very nice indeed. As dusk came in they lit up the lanterns and torches and the place looked fantastic.

After a few hours we went back to our rooms and got ready before meeting up and having a look around a different part of the complex and pools and gym etc. Back to our area and we had a meal in the main restaurant and it was lovely. Very expensive, I have no idea how much all this food is going to cost when we get back home, will definitely be doing a bit of overtime!!! Ah well, can’t not do it.

The place was so quiet at around 9.45pm and there was nothing much else to do so we ended up back at our apartment and played cards for a bit before calling it a night.

Really delighted with where we have ended up, really couldn’t have chosen anywhere better, actually, for it to be better it would have been nice to be closer to a town for a livelier bar or something for food. But that’s just being picky because the place it gorgeous. We can use the kayaks, snorkelling and other facilities as well.

Thailand Holiday Day 6 – Chiang Mai – Zip Wire

Up early again this morning with a 6.30am breakfast and pick up at 7.00am to be driven close to the Tiger Kingdom and Orchid place to visit the Eagle Trek Zip wires. Mum was planning to do it but once we got there she decided against it and dropped out. Felt a bit guilty carrying on and having her get up early to join us but with hindsight it probably was the best decision and I think she was okay anyway.

We got kitted out and then jumped on a jeep to the start and Mum came along for that, it was clear that within the jungle there was no way she’d be able to follow us and she went back to base camp for cups of tea etc. And when she saw the first zip wires we went on she was pleased she’d not agreed to do it!!

We signed up for the Gold trek after a lot of umming and ahhing last night and it was definitely correct, we had such a good time and when we got to the Bronze finish line it would have been very disappointing to have stopped then!

So we spent most of the time zip-lining through the trees, longer & longer stretches and it was fantastic fun, it was just the 5 of us with two instructors and they were both excellent and good fun. Making the usual type of jokes about going and then panicking when someone set out as if they weren’t strapped in! There were a few cargo nets and walkways but the majority of it was wires.

A couple of stand-out lines were across the paddy fields and the views were brilliant, that was the highlight for me if I am honest and I think for all of us. There was also a couple of drops, not the Leap of Faith variety but more a controlled abseil down from high, 20 metres and then the very last finishing ones was 40 metres by a waterfall. We had a great time and so pleased we did it. One of the very long paddy field wires took us over the camp and we saw Mum underneath and she was also at the end so it was nice to feel she had some involvement.

Back to camp for some food, which we didn’t really need as it was only 10.30am and a catch up and chat and they then drove us back to the hotel. We all slept on the way and once changed went and sat by the pool which is where I am typing this from now!! And it’s bloody hot!! It’s overcast but the sun is out right now during a break in the clouds but when it’s out it’s amazing weather. And this is their winter!!

That’s one thing that’s surprised us a bit, we’ve not had much rain at all. None yesterday and so far none today. We’ll see how the rest of today goes, if it carries on like this then that will be wonderful!!

Played Lewis at crib and he beat me convincingly – got a 20 score, not bad…I let him win of course.

Got ready in 15 minutes and went out at 4.15pm to go and visit some temples in the Old City but it was still far too hot and Charlotte was hungry so we stopped at the first restaurant we saw and had our dinner, coming out it was overcast and a lot cooler so we wandered down the road and stopped at one temple which was really nice, looked around the side of it and saw the temple that we SHOULD have been at – amazing building where the monks were chanting and praying and around the back of that were the ruins of an ancient one and that was even more impressive. Once done we walked towards the Walking Street Market which is all homemade stuff and it went on and on and on..it was so long and lots of side stalls as well.

It was hot in there because there was no breeze and the number of people crowded there, we saw loads of things to buy and it was so reasonable there was no need to haggle or barter so we just accepted the prices that were offered. Everyone managed to buy something they liked, except me as I wanted a t-shirt in one of the first stalls but waited and waited and thinking we were going to return through the market ended up missing out as we didn’t return, instead we stopped for a drink at a side restaurant and then got a taxi back to our road of the hotel.

Tash and Lewis changed some money and we then went into one of those fish pedicure shops, never again! It was the strangest feeling and we were all shrieking as these fish were nibbling away at our feet. It wasn’t painful or anything like that, just felt like vibrations but not relaxing at all for any of us! Glad to have done it but won’t be in a hurry to ever do it again!!

Walking down this road was an eye-opener as it was a lively road that was full of girls or boys looking very much like girls enticing us in. As a family I suspect we weren’t worth bothering so it wasn’t hassle and more interesting if anything. What was interesting was that whether these were Lady boys or not they were very pretty/attractive so it would be so hard to make a guess as to the sexuality of them, perhaps I’m doing them a disservice and they were all girls who were desperate for a new life or purely for money. The number of European men, older than me, in these bars being paid attention by the girls was fascinating.

We stopped at one bar that looked fairly ‘normal’ and watched some of the telly (Premier League) and chatted to the owner who was American and a nice bloke, and then went a little further down the road to a side street that housed the Thai Boxing Fight that was taking place – we didn’t pay to go and watch but we could hear it all ‘kicking’ off. Good atmosphere. It was here that we stopped at another bar and this one was a little more seedier than the other one, there were a couple of men and loads of girls offering their attention to anyone that passed by. Lewis and Jack played pool and they were both shortly surrounded which was funny! We only stayed for one drink, it wasn’t intimidating at all and I would have loved to stay longer but it wasn’t to be!

Made our way home and another day and night over with! A great day though.

Thailand Holiday Day 5 – Chiang Mai – Tour

We were up early today at 6.00am for breakfast and were picked up from the hotel at 6.40am by a lady called Bammi, who was our tour guide for the day.

This was a fantastic day – let’s get that out of the way first, best day of the holiday so far and something they’ve all been looking forward to. Will definitely get on Trip Advisor and compliment the organisers for this!!

So first we drove up towards the mountain at Chiang Mai and Bammi was giving us information all day long – that was a great thing to have as there was so much information she told us about which we’ve never have got normally. Stopping halfway up the mountain we obtained food and provided it to the boy monks (Buddhist) for their breakfast and dinner and they in turn blessed us. This ritual takes place every day both for the tourists and normal residents so the monks are fed and people blessed. The monks are taught everything as expected and it’s not as strict here as you might expect, if they want to drop out they do. Very often the monks are kids that come from poor families that can’t afford to get their kids into school etc. Again, all very interesting.

With that done we continued up the mountain passing cyclists – bit bloody steep – for 12km until we got to the temple at the top. Jumped out the minibus and walked up the 300 steps to the top. Stayed for almost an hour walking round and having all sorts of information explained, the Buddhist philosophy struck a cord for Charlotte and Tash so I think they were inspired by Bammi and her attitude to life so Charlotte might become Buddhist..you heard it here first!!

Following this we drove a short distance to a very small village that is populated by the Long Neck tribe, this was interesting to hear about how (and why) they do what they do in terms of retaining some of the culture and customs, much of it purely for tourism needs. How they could live there I don’t know, it was dry but what it must be like in the mud there in the rains I can only imagine, strange to see people living like that to be honest. The girls there were doing weaving and some of it was amazing and Tash did buy a scarf from one of them – no haggling either, that would have just felt wrong!

Outside of the Village we travelled about 300 metres and we were at the Tiger Kingdom and the first part that Charlotte was really looking forward to. We paid up for the 15 minutes sessions (which actually was plenty) and Tash & Jack went in with the small tigers and the rest of us went in with the full size adults, and they were full size! In our cage we were with three tigers and took turns to stroke them and have photos etc and it was amazing to be honest. There is a lot on Trip Advisor where people are saying the animals are drugged etc and that may be true, I personally don’t think it was. I think they are both sleepy and also very tame because we saw tigers later that were literally a few weeks old. If they’re in captivity and being trained from that age then they will be tame. Anyway, we rotated around the tigers and hopefully got some good photos and it was definitely an experience not to be forgotten.

Tash & Jack enjoyed it as well and we then walked around some of the other cages, on the outside, as if we were at a zoo and saw some of the baby cubs and other tigers having a rest. A couple of white tigers were also there and looked great. Once done we cleaned up and were ready to move on!

Again, didn’t have to travel far for the next stop which was an Orchid farm where we were had a buffet meal amongst the beautiful orchid flowers and also a butterfly farm we walked through afterwards. It still felt a bit early for food but we had some anyway and Jack was pleased because it included KFC type chicken wings and I was pleased as it had spring rolls and chilli sauce!! Break over…time to move on.

Where next? Ah yes…after about another 45 minute drive we were at an elephant sanctuary but we weren’t there to see the elephants and walked straight through to the river where two old men appeared on a bamboo raft. Climbed aboard and they took us down the river. The flow and current was very quick and strong, we were in any danger of falling out or getting wet so it was a very relaxed, quiet and serene drift down the river to our landing station. A couple of times we were so very much alone and in the jungle it felt with the mountain at the side with all the over-grown plants and trees and no other signs of any life (human interference) at all. Loved it, didn’t last long and after about 25 mins that was it. All the kids had a go posing at the front and halfway through we passed a whole caravan of elephants carrying people in baskets – looked amazing to drift past them on a bamboo raft and they be on these elephants both in the water and amongst the greenery of the jungle – like a scene from a film.

That done we jumped into the minibus and went off through the trees again our final destination – the elephants!

On arrival we changed into our elephant travelling clothes and we all looked great(!) – more like convicts actually but it was good we did change as it protected the clothes we were wearing. We were very lucky also because they took us for a walk into the camp to visit a new-born baby elephant, it had been born the previous evening so wasn’t even a day old! It still could walk and weighed about 60lbs! The mother didn’t mind how close anyone got to it and we obviously stroked it and took loads of photos.

Once done we went back to camp and waited for about 30 mins (we were early!) for the previous bunch of people to get back and for a Spanish group of 4 to get sorted. After a talk about the elephants and some instructions on the basic commands – none of which I could remember 5 minutes later – we then went to the staging area where the mahoots (trainers) brought about 13 elephants, all pretty huge, up and we fed them bananas and then allotted and elephant each and had to climb aboard. I found that hard enough in itself, my elephant was massive and I didn’t feel very safe/stable one little bit. I think my balance has left me in my old age!!

Each mahoot remained so it was a case of each elephant following the other as we meandered through the forest on a trail that was tight and felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. It really was a great experience to be travelling through the forest riding on the back of an elephant but the novelty soon wore off…for me anyway, I was struggling! My groins were aching with trying to stay on and almost every footstep I felt as if I was going to tumble off and I was very high up indeed! We travelled for about 30-45 minutes and as I was thinking “I want to get off now!” we got to a road, crossed it and were at the river.

One by one we entered the river and the elephants would either just dip down or even roll over to one side and we all ended up in the water splashing and washing them, they seemed to like it and were spraying people but the river was incredibly strong, I was struggling to stay in one place!! That was quite a highlight, Mum didn’t come into the water and also didn’t get back on her elephant – she’d had enough like me!!

Getting back on was okay and thankfully we didn’t need to travel too much further for the trek to finish and get changed and get in the minibus for our travelling back home again. As much as I type above that I struggled I am so glad to say I’ve done it, they were clearly well looked after and the experience was brilliant – everyone agreed how much they’d enjoyed it. Charlotte was so looking forward to this and she too was pleased to have done it – so that was good!

Whilst waiting to go home, I asked Bammi about the zip wires and whether she had internet and she was able to phone and make a booking for us to go to the zip wire experience in the mountains tomorrow. We had a bit of a family debate regarding the costs and what package to do and we finally opted for the Silver one which meant we were upgraded to Gold – it is an expensive experience but the kids all fancied it, as did Mum but I am not 100% sure how comfortable she will feel about doing it. We’ll see tomorrow, I am sure she’ll be fine.

It took about 90 minutes to get home and as planned, we arrived back at the hotel at 6.30pm. We said our goodbyes to Bammi and collapsed in our bedrooms for an hour or so whilst Tash went off and had a massage in the hotel…alright for some!!

Once she decided to come back…we left the hotel and immediately got a taxi to the Old Town, it didn’t look or feel any different to the New Town to be far and we quickly found an Italian Restaurant to eat in. Everyone was hungry so we wanted to get some food asap and this was 8.30pm by now anyway! Once finished we walked a bit further into the town although there was nothing to see and found a bar to have a drink in. What a great bar that was – I’d love to have spent some more time there but it was late and we had an early start today and another early start tomorrow so we called it a night, got a taxi and came home.

So a thoroughly brilliant day had by all. I intend to get on Trip Advisor to compliment them as it really was perfect. Nothing went wrong and we couldn’t have done it without the help of the people we booked it with. What was definitely interesting is that the elephant camp for 2 hours was definitely enough time, all agreed, I couldn’t imagine how boring it would be to be there for a full day! Anyway, such a good time, this holiday is going down a storm and we’re creating loads of great memories for the kids I hope. And for us!!

Thailand Holiday – Day 4 – Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Up at 9.00am – hard to do, we’re all knackered

Breakfast and then checked out the hotel and got the minibus to the airport – only took 20 mins to get there and we were straight through customs with no bother. 60 minute flight to Chiang Mai and picked up by the travel people and taken 20 mins to the hotel.

Another very nice hotel indeed. Checked in and then checked out the pool and other areas and went our for a walk. We’re right in the middle of the market area which is really pleasing and walking through at about 4.00pm they were setting up. We decided to eat dinner early so did so and then came back to the hotel to get showered and changed.

Went out again around 7.15pm and walked through the market towards a museum that had everything in 3D – it was amazing and everyone loved it. It was all interactive and done in such a manner that the paintings appeared to come out and include you. Such good fun to try and come up with ways to make them seem even more real.

Once finished there we walked through the market and it was all the same things but everyone seemed to buy items that they’ve had in mind and presents for people back in Oxford. Lots of bartering so everyone was happy.

Back home early (10.15pm) because we have to be up at 6.00am tomorrow – that’s going to be tough!!!

Thailand Holiday–Day 1 – Abu Dhabi to Bangkok

So we crashed out at the hotel and had about 3-4 hours sleep after we’d had some food for breakfast – great few across the region. I was struggling with tiredness and the hangover I think, really didn’t feel on top of the world!

Met down in reception and had a walk around the block to wake us up and say we’d been into Abu Dhabi – bloody hell that was hot, it was about 40+ degrees, incredible heat. Sweating like mad after a few metres, got back to the hotel asap!!

Got picked up and went back to the airport to get our 6.30pm flight which in turn didn’t take off until 7.30pm and was another 7 hours flying. Watch Divergent on the recommendation of the kids and quite enjoyed it, good concept for a film. Again managed a couple of hours sleep and then we were landing in Bangkok for 6.00am

No one was waiting for us with our name placeholder sadly so we wandered around to see if they were outside or anything and then found a tourist info place and they phoned our operator and they turned up about 20 minutes later with the minibus to take us to our hotel. We snoozed some of the way but I wanted to see as much of Bangkok as possible and it’s huge! A mass of sprawling houses and high rise blocks etc. We went through a rough looking area and then stopped at our hotel which was lovely. Very posh indeed!

Went in and were amazed to be staying here, checked in and agreed to meet for breakfast at 9.30am after a sleep, however we all overslept and missed the breakfast! Made ourselves get up, get ready and then go outside to use the hotel taxi to drop us into the centre of Bangkok near the Golden Palace.

As soon as we got out of the minibus we were stopped by a chap who appeared to be a guide and he told us what we needed to do. He was amusing in his own right and we agreed that his suggestions were what we wanted to do so we jumped on two tuk tuks and they whisked us off to the river front. Not before we were laughing and being thrilled at the journey in these death traps! At the river we bartered and argued about the cost of a boat tour around some of the river and we agreed a price and were off in our own mini boat zooming across the main wide river to find some of the smaller arteries and worked our way around these and took video and photos of the houses and temples down here. Some rare sights indeed!

We stopped at a very small floating market but didn’t buy anything and saw tons of fish (big ones) all being fed and coming up to the boat. It was really interesting going through there seeing how some of the people live. After about an hour it was over and we were dropped off at one of the piers by the temples and we walked through another market. These are interesting to view, no one minds you walking through their kitchen it seems as everything is all closely compacted and tight and the markets are full of colour and bargains, you’d certainly never go hungry in Thailand as there are food stalls absolutely everywhere!

We decided to have something to eat so stopped under a canopy and ordered, not too sure what we were getting but it was all fresh cooked and in fact was very tasty. Lewis was good, he was all very confident with ordering and talking to people to try food and that, he’s been here and I think he liked that element of control or responsibility. There was a chap next to us selling fruit and he was doing a roaring trade, I can’t believe with all the options for food and how cheap it is how any of them make any money!!

Once finished we left and decided to look around the Grand Palace. We needed to be respectful so put on long trousers and I put my tracksuit bottoms over my shorts and regretted it immediately – I was soaked in sweat in seconds, it was so bloody hot. I wish I’d taken up the offer of the free loose leggings that we available for people to use. They looked so much cooler. Anyway, we walked further into the place and took some good photos. At the main entrance there was a stall for paying to go in and we ummed and ahhed about doing so but decided we were there so might as well – what a good decision that was!

The Grand Palace is beautiful! As the name suggests, the building and statues are covered with gold leaf and look incredible in the sunlight. We walked around and each time we turned a corner there was another amazing sight to see, I couldn’t take enough photos…literally…as my battery went! Never mind, managed to get enough.

Went inside some of the temples and that was just as impressive to be honest, one of them we were blessing each other with lotus flowers, probably offending someone with our silliness but we kept it to a minimum. Kept going round and round and each time, like I say above, it was more and more impressive. I could have stayed so much longer but Tash and Charlotte were flagging (too hot) and wanted to move on. So we left it behind and I gladly, i have to admit, removed my tracksuit bottoms. So where next?

We decided the next location should be Khoasan Road which is one of the most famous roads in Bangkok because it’s where back-packers and travellers congregate. So we started walking towards it and ignored some of the taxi offers as I thought we were close enough and we stopped on a street corner and treated the kids to a crepe each and then gave in and got all 6 of us in a tuk tuk…what was a laugh and it was a routine that came to be our method of travel for the next couple of trips! We were right to have got the tuk tuk as it was quite a trek to Khoasan Road, once dropped off it was a bit like Carnaby Street of old as we walked down it full of bars and street sellers.

I found one market stall where I got the flip flops I wanted and got a decent price and we then stopped at a bar for something to drink and watched the world go past. Offered cooked scorpions and other delicacies which we politely refused of course. After that drink we carried on down the road and right at the end Lewis found a stall where we bought some wireless speakers for the ipods. Dr Dre mini speakers which sadly when we got home found that one of them doesn’t work - £14.00 lost there, but we’d bought two others, for Lewis and one to put by for Jack’s birthday.

I was also, for the first time, propositioned for a Thai Massage, and then shown a price list for ‘extras’ including Boom Boom and a Ping Pong ball show – we all know what those mean!! I politely refused and pointed out my wife 10 yards behind me, he shrugged as if to say that was of no consequence! I love this place already!!!

Anyway, once we were at the end of the road we’d decided we’d done enough for now and to go back to the hotel so we ordered a tuk tuk to take us back to the hotel. When we arrived the doormen were all grinning from ear to ear, especially as we were all squashed into one tuk tuk. They opened the door for us and let us in, so we agreed a new time to meet up and went and rested and cleaned up.

Going out in the evening we decided to visit China Town so we got a taxi from outside of the hotel as this worked out a bit cheaper than from the actual hotel and 30 minutes later we were in China Town, just in time as it poured with rain. We kept close to the pavement and were walking quite literally through the actual stores of the people selling food. The smells were lovely, some of the sights a bit dubious and the hygiene you did wonder at as well. Charlotte really fancied a duck pancake and we found a restaurant to use and went inside out the back. It was clearly a Thai/Chinese frequented restaurant as there were no Europeans in sight, but if anything, that gave us more confidence we were in the right place as it was quite busy. We ordered and the food came out in dribs and drabs – Jack’s was last I think but he loved what he’d ordered and we had a really good meal.

By the time we’d finished the rain had stopped and we had a wander through the streets and I even took us along some side roads to explore that caused a few nervous looked from the family so we got back on track asap. After we’d done the length of the street there and back there was nothing else to do other than hail down another cab and get back to the hotel. It’s interesting, the cab drivers are always trying to look out for each other because they’re always suggesting 2 cabs when we’re happy to all be in one. And if we say no to one price another cab will accept the price that we’re after.

Anyway, a very packed day, everyone must be shattered but it’s not often you travel for two days to get somewhere, need to make the most of it whilst we’re here of course!

First impressions, really like it here!

Thailand Holiday - Day 3 – Bangkok

Our second day in Bangkok today and we have the whole day in front of us. I am typing this up by the pool whilst everyone is relaxing and having a rest. We worked hard yesterday so we’re not pushing ourselves so hard today.

Got up at 9,00am after a decent night’s sleep and I think we all could have stayed in bed longer but we’d made plans. Down for a nice breakfast – cooked pancakes and waffles amongst everything else. Made our way down the road to the Sky Tram and went a couple of stops to the shopping district, really hot today, the sun was out but it’s not really the sun that causes the heat it seems.

Walking round the shops was fine and the main shops we the same price as at home so no real bargains! Walked across to MBK and that was one massive market. We only walked around one floor and that was enough – there were at least 6 floors of it, it went on and on!

Bought some cheap clothes and after a coffee and a break we got a tuk tuk to Wat… The chap was laughing squeezing 6 of us onto it and once he’d dropped us off offered to wait to bring us back to the hotel which was fine  because we were leaving after that stop.

We walked up the outside of the temple and the views of the City were quite spectacular, very, very nice indeed. It was so very hot though and we were all sweating like mad. There was just no breeze or anything. After about an hour we came down and our man took us home but with a detour. He has a sponsor and this was a suit shop which he gets a credit for petrol when taking people to the shop. We were offered some decent costs for shirts and suit but I wasn’t really in the right frame of mind to take advantage of the offers and we made our excuses and left. Another manic ride back to the hotel and they laughed again on the door when we turned up at the hotel frontage crammed into our tuk tuk.

Quick change and we’re at the poolside now, Mum is writing her diary, Tash is getting a drink, Lewis and Jack are playing crib and Charlotte is relaxing in the shallow water reading her book!. Took some photos in the water with the camera and it’s so clear it’s unbelievable – especially with the video!

Plans for tonight are to visit the gay area!!

Slept by the pool and relaxed and then got showered and changed and went out around 6.30pm. Got two tuk tuks to the river and it was lovely restaurant that we found and stayed at and there were girls doing a traditional show. That was perfect and Lewis, Charlotte and Jack got called up and did some dancing much to everyone’s amusement as you could imagine!

After that we walked a little way and bartered for another tuk tuk that took us to PatPong road – notorious for a certain lifestyle and Jack’s eyes were out on stalks looking through the doors at the girls in bikinis wrapped around poles! We wandered through and had a laugh and then went down a side road and stopped at a bar. Once in there ordered drinks and then the skies opened – absolutely threw it down. So stayed for another drink and enjoyed the nightlife. We then got a taxi home and Lewis and I went down the road and found a pub, the Saxophone pub and had two more beers whilst watching a jazz band play. It was pretty full in there but it was nice to have a drink with Lewis. He finally bought me the one he’s owed me since his 18th Birthday!!

Another full on day and the same tomorrow I suspect!

Thailand Holiday – Day 2 – Bangkok – Tour

Can’t remember!!

Thailand Holiday–Day 0 – Setting off

So we’re off and on our way to Thailand. Woke up with hangovers after last night’s party, all of us struggling a bit to be honest! Drank too much yesterday which wasn’t the best idea. Packed up the car and met Mum & Derek at theirs and then drove (very slowly) to Heathrow Airport, dropped off the luggage with minimum fuss and said our goodbyes to Derek and made our way through to passport control and all that. Derek seemed a little lost at the airport and also seemed disappointed he wasn’t coming with us, we’ll have to remind him of that feeling next time we organise something so he doesn’t make the rash decision not to come along. Mind you, we do push ourselves!!
Not much of interest in and around the airport, usual thing. Boarded the plane and prepared ourselves for the 7 hour flight, blankets and all the usual things, nice flight with good food and plenty of choice for watching the TV – I took the opportunity to watch the second 300 film – really enjoyed it. Fell asleep for a couple of hours but it’s not comfortable at all.
Landed at Abu Dhabi airport and found out some bad news…our flight wasn’t delayed for much time, it was completely cancelled!! They’d known this at Heathrow but hadn’t warned us. So while we’re at the airport 6.00am their time we were told we were being given a hotel for a few hours to relax and sleep which in fact worked out well. So at 9.00am we got the transfer to Abu Dhabi hotel and checked in…

Charlotte’s Driving Test

She’s done it, Charlotte passed her driving test today at the third attempt. So very, very proud of her.

I got a text from Tash earlier this afternoon saying she’d failed again and I fell for it and got cross and disappointed and sent her a text and she replied with her certificate – really pleased for her. She definitely deserved it

We had a bit of a celebration last night as a result and she was able to go out an pick up Miles in the car!!

Alton Towers Day Trip

Great day today as we went to Alton Towers with Wayne, Kerry & the girls. Really busy but not mental and the only long queue was the new ride called Smiler which was 90 minutes. Worth the wait though! Really good ride. Went on all the usual suspects and got onto the front quite a few times which was pleasing, still really enjoy Oblivion in which we were all on the front row!

Feel a bit sorry for Kerry as she doesn’t go on any of the rides at all, but it works great as a bag carrier!! Got wet on the Rapids and then went into Nemesis Sub Terra which was such a laugh, one of those experiences where people jump out at you – we were at the front again so made us scared as anything, funny.

By the end of the day both Wayne & I had had enough, I think we’re getting too old for this!

Great day and it was 6 years ago since we last went and we managed to get a photo of them posing in the same place as they did after the pirate ship ride, that was nice to see and is below  

Really good fun day, got back home around 9.00pm and the new student was there and he seems nice enough and speaks fair English which is a bonus

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New Tough Camera

Have spent nearly all last weekend researching a new camera and it finally arrived today so I’ve been having a play to see what it’s like. I really wanted a tiny one with powerful zoom lens, but I wanted it to be a tough and water proof camera and these therefore aren’t as small as they could be. So I went for a tough camera instead and I’m actually quite pleased that it’s not as big as I feared it would be.

I tested it in the pond which was odd to do and it was fine, the fish stayed away so I didn’t get a decent image of them but outside of the water the quality of the pictures appears to be excellent and I am pleased with what I have bought.

It has some features like super slo-mo video which is a bit of fun and Charlotte/Tash have played with that already!

Hopefully it will continue to please me as a purchase, we will see how it is after proper use in the water and skiing and being dropped!

Very busy family weekend…

What a weekend we had – so much done!

Friday Night we met up with Kathryn and Pete in Summertown and went to the Oxford Kitchen restaurant. We had a lovely evening and it was really pleasant and the food was excellent but there was a catch…the total bill for the 4 of us was £236.00!! A little bit taken aback I must admit, even though we’d had a view of the prices etc. Didn’t ruin the evening but made it a bit of a dampener to be honest! It was great food but it wasn’t worth that much money! Ah well…

Next day we were up and at the world and did all sorts of jobs, going to do a car boot on Sunday so went through the office area and cleared out all the items we didn’t need/want any more. Didn’t seem to have a great deal but it made some space in the office anyway so that was good.

Charlotte then called Rose and the four of us (Tash!) got the canoe and went down the river a little way and had a picnic sat in the middle of the river. It was nice and relaxing and it was fun listening to Charlotte & Rose gossiping. We didn’t go too far as Rose had to be back for work but it was a couple of hours nicely spent.

Walked Bella in the afternoon and got her to go in the river. She’s a lovely dog and knows when we arrive we’re going to take her out for a walk so she gets so very excited!

In the evening I looked for a new camera and we then went to Rye St Anthony school to pick Jack up who’d been there all day with Ben Millwood. When I got there his Dad, Martin, was chatty but also the mum is Karen Winston I’m sure. There were also two lads from Marston Saints days remembering me from Cold Arbour so that was a coincidence. Jack had a great time and we had a beer with them

Sunday we were off to the Kassam for a car boot sale, got a decent pitch and put our stuff out and watched as people went by. It does make you appreciate the life you’ve made for yourself whether by means or luck, some of the people walking past do seem from another planet. That’s not meant in a snobby fashion, it’s just interesting to see people from a different walk of life and wondering how they get by. We sold a lot of the items we had available and it was a constant stream all morning and we made £70.00 profit. Not bad for stuff we were ready to throw away.

We did go to the bottle & clothes bank to leave items we didn’t want and threw away some other stuff but a couple of jars we kept for the kids kitchen at Uni!

In the afternoon I bought the waterproof camera I wanted and also organised my train and hotel for the next two days as I will be staying in London. We had a BBQ in the afternoon and Miles & his brother came round so that was nice for Charlotte and Jack. We played a couple of games and then Tash, Lewis & I were alone so we played Crib (Tash won and I only taught her yesterday how to play!!)

Got an early night as I need to be up at 5.30am tomorrow

A very nice and relaxed weekend, even if we have spent a lot of money!!

Ladies of Leisure

Tash had a half day today so I went to London with Edustaff once again and did the training and it went went well. Got home and did some more work to keep up to date with things and then went out to get Tash from Kathy Bergel’s. They’d been drinking and relaxing since 1.00pm and to be fair weren’t as drunk as I would have expected!

Steve was there so I was a man to keep him company although I don’t think I was very good at that to be honest!

He did the BBQ and they have a lovely house and garden, I didn’t expect the garden to be so fantastic – amazing. Had a nice evening in the end and stayed a lot later than I anticipated but it was fine

Gave Anna Ballance a lift home and all went well.

Last session this week for TED

Back to London today to run through a training session for the Compliance Users of TED and it went along a similar theme to the others this week where it was positively received but lots of change requests

Really quite tired out now, it's been a full-on week with traveling and catching up in the evenings, late nights and early mornings and it's not it as I am in London again on Monday/Tuesday with Edustaff. Not complaining as it's great to have so much work lined up.

TED Training

Well, it’s day 3 and I am in Birmingham today knowing I have to be in London tomorrow. Been busy week so far with London full-on on Monday and Bristol yesterday. I got home and crashed out for an hour fully asleep. I am training clients on using the new TED interface system and it’s gone fairly well so far. Had a really awkward couple in the first group and the rest of the sessions have been really positive otherwise.

More work next week for them but I am trying to get up to date in the evenings as I am not answering any emails at all throughout the day. I think that the guys are pleased with the work I am putting in so that’s rewarding.

Need to keep tabs of what’s being requested and I must admit I am a little nervous as I am the face that they all now know as the person for ensuing this system works…great!!

Well, train is almost here so best get going!

Boat trip down the Thames

Grandma has been getting upset about me agreeing to take her on a boat trip down the river and then out for a meal but because I didn’t turn up she thinks she’s done something wrong to upset us! Aside from the fact I knew absolutely nothing about this I still felt guilty. Anyway, we agreed we would do it today and we would pick Grandma up (only Tash and I as the kids were all out) and meet Mum and Derek down at the Boat place

Picked her up and she was very confused. Said we were taking her for the boat trip and she then thought it was Waitrose. Difficult to cope with, I don’t know how mum does it every day – so patient and such a shame it really is.

Met Mum and Derek down at Salters and then found out we couldn’t get the boat we intended to. The chap took a booking for 4.30pm and we went to the Folly and had a drink to while away some time.

The trip was excellent and with the weather being so gorgeous it was a very pleasant time. Back all too soon so we went to the Folly cafe and got a coffee and some cake. Very nice indeed – we live in a great City!

Took Grandma home, picking up Charlotte and Rose on the way back as they’d just arrived from Westfield's shopping in London and Grandma said, ‘Oh, I don’t want to be home’ when we got there and she then did all she could to make us stay longer like sorting out the TV and her food and so on. Such a shame, felt really sorry for her when we left.

Dropped the kids off and then went to the Plough and met Wayne & Kerry fro a drink as there was an event in Wolvercote (isn’t there always?) and their girls had worked all day. Nice to see them

Went home and off to bed at 9.20pm as early day tomorrow for the TED training in London. Not much fun setting the alarm clock for 5.30am!!

A lovely day all told – bit of a hangover in the morning but getting used to these now!

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Another Party hosted at the Darks

Spent the day sorting out the house and buying food and drink for the BBQ at ours in the afternoon

The Holdens and the Millars all came and it was good fun. No kids though only Laura because they were all busy or away – very odd.

Had a great load of food and loads of drink…loads of drink!! Got absolutely rip-roaring drunk, even smoking right at the very end of the night

Such a good laugh, can’t think of anything more to say about it if the truth be told!!

x2 Darks visiting the Big Smoke

Off to London today, sat on the train typing this out. Seeing Hodder Education for some SPIRIT Data Mining training, bit concerned as the example scenarios Victoria gave me to run through are hard to find in all their data…hopefully wing it!

Jack is also in London today for an activity day at school, he’s going to Tate Modern, Globe Theatre and St Pauls – a bit more cultured and interesting compared to my day!

Tash is coming home tonight, everyone panicking now to get the house tidied up – that’s for Lewis and Charlotte to sort out now! Miles stayed over last night, they’re getting close together which is nice.

Work is busy at the minute, so much on my place, today is 17th July and including my holiday I don’t have a free day until start of September, it’s good and I’m bringing in a lot of money but it’s hard work, just hope it continues. Next week is going to be interesting as it’s the launch of the TED system for Edustaff. Just hope I can impress enough with them so as to be taken on in a role more than just training, will approach them to request that

Training session was interesting, got it done but wasn’t the best one I’ve ever done!!

Parking fine rescinded

Last week I went to Peters Books in Birmingham and forgot to set my RingGo Parking session until 11.30am. When I got back to the car in the evening sure enough I had a parking ticket on it issued at 11.15am – what bad luck!

I sent a bit of a begging email to appeal the situation saying that I didn’t have a battery for the phone and proved I’d paid etc and they would then write back to advise of being successful or unsuccessful in appealing.

Couldn’t believe it this afternoon after finishing work at Raintree that I had a letter advising me that they’ve dropped the charges. I was gob-smacked, that was £60.00! I immediately when online and thanked them!

Really didn’t expect that money back – cheered me up no end

A Nothing Day really

Worked from home and found it tough going to get things done. Made a great spagheti bolognaise and everyone loved it! I have my own recipe which seems to be working well so that’s one thing I am good at.

Tash sent a couple of messages to say she’s enjoying herself – rubbing it in a bit really!

Took Charlotte to work and she’s now gone to the cinema for a 9.00pm show so I am up late working so I can pick her up later. Not ideal as I am knackered but there you go, that’s what I seem to do all the time now!

Saw Mum as she took Jack to karate and she’s fine so that was nice to catch up for 45 minutes

Busy days ahead of me so best crack on!

Lewis back home from Uni

After work today at Birmingham I drove up to Huddersfield to collect Lewis following him having to go back up there to do re-sits and also move into his new accommodation. Journey up from Brum wasn’t too bad and I had a tour of the place, perfectly adequate and it’s next door to his mates so they will have such a great time.

Journey home was nice as we chatted near enough all the way back. Charlotte had Miles around again (getting quite serious it seems as they’re always together!) and Lewis gave him a lift home, I was pleased as I’d been driving for near enough 5 hours non-stop

Nice to have him home. Off to bed after sending Tash an update

Not sure what he’s going to do with his course though. He’s been speaking to people up there and I think he’s struggling. Not got the same drive and energy that Charlotte has, bit of a shame really. We shall see.

Race for Life 2014

Charlotte and Natasha did their annual Race for Life today and did well. Both did the course in about 225-30 minutes so they were proud of that. There were so many people there this year it was incredible. Saw a few people we know – Wayne & Kerry, Jim & Trish Austin, Andy & Paula Thomas.

Didn’t stay long afterwards as Tash had to get off for the plane to go to France

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Tash off to France

That’s it then, this is one of the last blog entries you will ever see from me, Tash went to France today with Lucie and another woman and won’t be back until Thursday night…we’re going to starve to death!

She’s using a villa owned by Claire from work and she says it’s beautiful there, so she’ll be relaxing and drinking nice wine and food.

Good for her – she deserves it!

Wedding Anniversary

21 years married…wow!

Flowers and chocolates in the morning and a normal day for us

Met with Tash in Walton Street in the afternoon after work and we went to the Brasserie Blanc for a celebratory meal. Had a glass of wine on the street front and then went in for our meal. The food was lovely and we had a nice time

Came home and it was only about 8.00pm so had a drink and relaxed.

Very enjoyable and look forward to many more years together

Charlotte made a nice homemade card for us!!

Cherwell Sports Award Evening

I took Jack to the above and it was an enjoyable evening. I sat with Rob Wilkinson and chatted and Jack was involved a couple of times to receive team awards for Football and Basketball. I should have taken a photo as he was dressed up smart with a tie, bless him!

His Basketball team won the team of the Year for the boys in his age group so he got more recognition

Enjoyed it and was proud of him

Brazil Humiliated by Germans

Tonight was unbelievable, it really was. Brazil, the football team, have not been good throughout this World Cup but they’ve made it through to the Semi Finals and played against Germany. The problem we’ve had with them is that they’ve believed they’re destined to win the cup and their players are not very likeable, especially David Luis who has recently become the most expensive defender in the world – PSG have paid £50million for him.

Before each game he prays and they all sing the National Anthem and cry before and after the match – it’s become unbearable!

So, for once in my life I really, REALLY strongly supported the Germans for this match. It started well and both teams when for it and then Germany scored, Luis losing his man at a corner and out of position (a recurring theme – he’s a crap defender!!)

I cheered the house down, 10 mins later another German goal, and then another…within 30 minutes the score was 5-0, it was incredible. Twitter went mental and everyone was speechless but at the same time, absolutely loving the demolition being handed out to Brazil. Schadenfreude at its most literal!!

The second half was a bit quieter and the scoreline finished 7-1. What a night and history in the making, about 5 records made in that one game. Loved it!!!

Oxford 100 Mile Bike Ride

So today I took part in the above and it’s not something I really would want to do again in a hurry to be honest!!

Tash dropped me down to Oxpens at 8.00am where Andy Leach, Kevin Leach, Kenny Clarke and a couple of other lads were waiting for me. They looked the part and we set off. By the time we got to Botley I was struggling, and told them to continue without me. They didn’t need to be told a second time and I was then left on my own to get on with it.

The course was hard, so many hills and coming down the hills didn’t seem to be as long as the length going up them! I used the stops that were set up and managed to catch up with the lads a few times but after 60 miles that was it and I didn’t see them again.

Tash met me at 75 miles for something to eat and then I continued on my way.

I finished in the end at 7.00pm, the timings system had been packed up and closed but I was more interested and proud to finish the course. I have to admit I was so very, very tired. I could hardly move at the end of the route but I’ve done it!

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Wimbledon 2014

We had ticked for the Ladies Final on Centre Court this year.

Bit of a problem getting there as we set out and got to Wheatley when Tash realised she’d left the tickets at home, the traffic was a nightmare and it took us an hour to get home! So we had a tense time getting to Wimbledon and after parking we got to our seats 10 minutes before the final was due to start – a stress we could have done without!

The final was a let down, no idea who the women were but it was so one-sided, she completely outgunned her.

The Ladies doubles final was the same, I was getting frustrated with it because it’s not good quality when it’s like that. We had a wander around Wimbledon, there was a lot of rain which didn’t affect us because of the roof being over but it eased up and people there for other matches got to see some tennis as well

Went back for the Men’s Doubles Final and within 3 games we saw better quality in the rallies and matches than we saw in either of the women’s games. It was so close and we reluctantly left at four sets because we’d have been home so late otherwise. Found out the Bryan brothers had been beaten on the way home – bit of a shock

Really nice day in the end, glad we went.

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Charlotte & NTU, BBQ & Grandma…

I took the day off today to take Charlotte to the Nottingham Trent University Open Day.

Easy trip up there, 2 hours, and we wandered around and managed to get everything we planned to do…done. She’s very focussed and is determined to be able to do Psychology there. She’s excited by all the activities & clubs that are possible and is confused as to why Lewis has done so little. She’s certainly very keen to get as much out of life as possible, it was very refreshing spending time with her and listening to her.

We liked the tutor, the location, the accommodation and everything about it. We will likely look at other places as well to give her a good idea of what’s available but I think the grades would enable her to get into this one and I think that would be good for her.

A nice day.

Mum and Grandma came over in the evening for a BBQ which didn’t get going at all well, very odd. I’ve not had problems with a barbie for years not lighting. Got there in the end and it was very nice indeed! Grandma is getting more and more frail, physically and mentally (she is 94!) but it’s a shame for someone who’s managed so well. She forgets things and worries a lot. Her eyes and hearing are shot as well!

The sad thing at the minute is that she’s convinced that Tash and I said we’d take her out for a meal and boat trip a couple of weeks ago and when we didn’t turn up she thought that she’d upset us! We knew nothing about it, nothing was even mentioned so no idea where this idea came from. So she’s brought it up again this evening and is apologising like mad saying she’s so sorry and she’d never say anything whatsoever to upset me and Tash – I thought she was going to cry, it was heart-breaking. She repeated it about 4 times throughout the evening, that’s what it’s like now. Anyway, we said we’d organise something and get her on a boat trip asap!!

Busy with work–but good!

Work is quite busy at the minute, I was at Birmingham yesterday, I am driving down to Carmarthen in South Wales today and Thursday I am driving up to Sheffield, so all over the country and clocking up the miles but obviously it’s going okay. Tiring though! It does mean that with so much going on and all these companies wanting my time I’m not having too much time at home which isn’t ideal.

But it should settled down although a possible contract with a company called EduStaff which I have pitched for might change that as it’s loads more work again. Still, mustn’t grumble, I am sure it will go quiet and I’ll be worried about where the next job will come from!!

Things going well though and this month is likely to be my best month for raising invoices so far since this company has started, could be close to £10k which for a month’s work isn’t too shabby!!!

Royal Ascot Family Trip

We all went to Royal Ascot yesterday and had such a great time.

Started off a bit slowly as the driver was very late and meant we were drinking at home and also didn’t get to Ascot until about 2.35pm, instead of 1.00pm as planned!! We were in the Grandstand area, found somewhere to sit and drank and bet for the rest of the day. Jack stayed with me and we had a good laugh and quite a bit of luck. Spent a lot of money as expected!

Didn’t see the queen but she was there!

Coming home we were all very drunk indeed – no one more so than myself but hopefully I made it amusing for them all!! Even coming home the driver took us the wrong way, nightmare!

Got back to our house, carried on with more drink and also got some food. A great day and night had by all!

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Reading Colour Run

We’ve been meaning to do one of these for a long time and finally made it this weekend. The five of us went down to Reading, Prospect Park, and took part in their inaugural Colour Run. Basically we were all in white and had to run 3km and at about 6 stations were people with powdered paint ready to chuck all at us!

Just over 1,000 people were there and it was such a good laugh. Got absolutely covered in the stuff and videoed as much as possible as well as taking photos.

Recommend it to anyone to have a go, don’t really need to do it again but glad we’ve done it once!

Went to Jacob’s Inn in the afternoon and had a lovely set of food, were spoiled a bit because Tash recognised the name of the chef (Noodle) as he worked with Vics before and he gave us free food and didn’t charge for three of the meals, couldn’t believe our luck. Great food as well! Will likely go again, although won’t expect such a great offer as last time…

Jack’s Highworth 6-a-side

Played at Highworth (Swindon) yesterday and it was a good tournament. It started in the afternoon because of the England match being on so late the night before and it was refreshing to play against teams we were not familiar with. The standard was quite good and in fact Jack’s team lost two of their five games. The other side were strong and did well and we got through as Runners Up.

The quarter final was a good performance meaning we had to play each other in the semi and Jack team edged it. It meant we played the team from our first match of the tournament and we tore them apart but the keeper was brilliant, went a goal down near the end and Jenson equalised with a stunning effort, sudden death extra time Steph hit the post and then penalties and we edged through.

For once the team seemed pleased because they’d had to work for it and that was pleasing.

Made it a nice Father’s Day as a result!

World Cup 2014 – Brazil

So the World Cup is finally with us, in Brazil, the ‘spiritual home of football’ and all that guff! The TV companies are going completely over-board with it of course but it’s football, the very ugly and commercial sport that it has now become.

So far so good though, the matches have been really quite good, open and attacking and a couple of shocks, nothing more so that Holland’s demolition of Spain 5-1, some fantastic goals in there, I think Van Persie’s header for the equaliser was the pick of the bunch.

On Saturday night, 11.00pm kick off, we had England’s opening game against Italy. I was planning to go to the pub to watch but was over-ruled!! So watched on the sofa with Lewis and it was a very entertaining match in fact. England made a decent fist of it and attacked Italy but they seemed in control for the most of the game. Andrea Pirlo in good form doing whatever he wanted. I think a draw could have been a far result but Italy ran out 2-1 winners. Wasn’t too disheartened as I felt we created chances and looked promising in attack. Unfortunately, we looked suspect defensively and when we play Uruguay, I think Suarez (if fit) will cause us serious problems. There is muted confidence in England on the back of that defeat as opposed to doom & gloom which is interesting. There is such a lack on expectation for once, unusually low for a tournament…we’ll see.

Last night Messi (who else??) scored for Argentina and tonight we have Germany against Portugal…that’s worth staying up for!!

Anyway, we’re up and running and so far it’s been enjoyable.

Rik Mayall Dead

He died today, not too sure what of which is such a terrible shame, really saddened. I’ve read Facebook, Twitter and the news websites and everyone is in a state of shock and real disappointment, such a very popular and influential man. He will be very much sadly missed.

Too many characters to think of as a favourite, I guess it has to be Rik from the Young Ones, but when you factor in Lord Flasheart and Alan B’Stard along with Bottom and Drop Dead Fred, where do you finish???

So many memorable scenes as well, many hours will be spent now watching him on YouTube

I really am sad about this!

http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2014/jun/09/rik-mayalls-funniest-tv-moments-young-ones-bottom

Back on Track–a brief update!

So much has been going on recently, just a succinct recap on here I think…

Football season for Jack has finished, won the league and the cup, went to Butlins and that was okay, they came runners on on penalties, didn’t concede all weekend.

Lewis was home for a bit and did a skipping session at Lilleshall same as last year and enjoyed it. All is good for him at the minute and he’s working through exams currently.

Likewise with Charlotte, she’s got her A-Levels and it’s going okay, she’s working so hard and doing loads of revision, definitely deserves high scores with the work she’s putting in. She’s officially with Miles, as far as she allows ‘official’ to be stated, he’s still not classed a ‘boyfriend’!!

Tash has taken up yoga!

I’m not doing very well with my bike exercise sadly, getting out once a week if I am lucky! Not good enough, need to get on it better, I know but I allow work and other reasons to get in the way…as usual! Work is fine, lost my contract with Lifetime which is a real shame, but really busy throughout the month of June, every day is booked – madness!

Talking of madness, we’ve got tickets to go down to Brighton in December to see them play, looking forward to that for certain, going with Nikki and Gaz

Charlotte delivery confusion

Charlotte ordered something off the internet the other day and when she got home from school there was the ‘sorry we missed you’ message and it advised that the package was at Karl’s shop. It’s a new process but that’s it now

So she took the notice and went round to Karl’s and queued up and then said to Karl,

“Hi, I’ve got a package waiting here for me, is it okay to pick it up?”

“Yes of course” he replied, “Address?”

“No it’s a grey jacket with black down the sides!”

….silence…..”Bless!”

Fair play to Charlotte, she told us about it and was laughing her head off!!

Cool Dad

Jack made me smile at the weekend, I was driving him back from the Chinnor 6-a-side tournament where they’d come runners-up in and we had the music absolutely blaring and he looked at me and said, ‘You’re a cool Dad!’, I asked if he was being sarcastic and he replied,

“No, you’re just sat there one hand driving, driving fast, shades on, music blaring and you know all the words to Tinie Temper and Swedish House Mafia! What other Dad does that??”

So I was quite proud of that!!

Not sure if i should be proud or if that’s a bit sad…I’m going for proud!!

General Catch up on all things!

Haven’t done the diary for a long time and I’ve allowed myself to get side-tracked by TV and catching up with all the things I’ve had series-linked like Elementary, Banshee, Game of Thrones & Nikita! It’s just too much, ridiculous and I feel I need to watch it. To be fair, they’re all programmes I really love!

I’m travelling down to Rochester today for the second time in two weeks, this time to train EduKent on Data Mining, but should be fun. EdCo doesn’t change at all, the office is exactly the same, different faces and layout but still the chaos around everything. I like going down there and catching up with people but I am so happy with how things have panned out for me now and I’m happy with what I am doing. Funny how it’s worked out, could never have imagined it would have been such a success for all parties when i lost my job.

In saying that, I still have to deal with Lifecycle not sorting out my contract with them to stay involved. Hopefully this will be resolved. Busy with EdCo, Peters and Raintree though so there’s plenty of work to keep me tied up and going.

How long it will last we don’t know!

Fitness-wise, not good at all!. Cycling has dropped off the radar – only 6 weeks until the cycle challenge – I’m really nervous about it now. I am nowhere near fit enough to do this and will let myself and my mates down as it stands. I have to get out on the road and get the hours under my belt!

Next 6 weeks – eat properly and get fitter than the state I am in now – which is fat and slow! Not good! Round is not a shape!

Lewis has been down, he’s done skipping at Lilleshall again and it was lovely to see him of course. He’s gone back this morning on the Big Bus – decent service and cheap. He’s doing well.

Charlotte’s doing her mocks and she’s working so hard. I really hope she does well as she’s very conscientious and is putting in so much effort. She finds it harder than Lewis but she definitely deserves success which I hope she gets and it will boost her confidence in what she CAN do. Her attitude and work ethic is impressive, she’s always got her head in a book or down at the library – so much more than what Lewis did/does!

Got her driving test in two weeks time, she should pass as she’d definitely ready. She should have passed the first one but some weird excuse stopped that happening. Very frustrating.

Jack’s had his success with football, Horspath won the league and it’s their last game tomorrow so hopefully I will get back in time to watch that. They won the cup and it’s a strange atmosphere there. They’re funny buggers as there is little team-spirit and a lack of celebrations taking place, it’s like it’s a chore and they expect to win all the time. A bit sad really as they should be celebrating and making the most of these successes. Hopefully I will be able to get involved and change that attitude. We will see!

I want to get involved and look forward to next season

McBusted

Sat in Costa in Greenwich waiting for the girls to watch the McBusted concert here at the Millennium Dome. Tash, Charlotte, Nikki and the girls are there and I have found the coffee shop nearby on a retail park to sit and work, although I haven’t achieved much to be honest.

Couldn’t believe the parking at the O2 Arena is £30.00 – astonished. Hopefully they had a good time, will get them shortly and drive home. I am driving as Tash doesn’t like driving in the dark any more, apparently, I think she just wants a few drinks!!

Jack’s working tonight in the Plough – washing up again – he doesn’t like it but if he can get a regular shift that would be good because he could then give up his paper round. We shall see!

Collecting Lewis

Long day today, up at 5.30am and then drove up to Manchester for a morning session with DataSpire. Went quick as he was on the ball and happy to keep progressing.

Once done I then drove around the Manchester ring road and collected Lewis from Uni, we went to his digs and tidied up and picked up his stuff. His room was okay, but his shared kitchen was horrible, really badly looked after and minging! I did update Facebook to say that it made the Young Ones appear house proud…

Driving home took ages and we stopped at Burger King on the way and eventually made it for 7.00pm. Finished the packing for the trip to Snowdon tomorrow, had a couple of beers and an early night!

Nice to have him home for a while

30 miles (second time..)

Back from work and out for the ride