It’s been nice to wander down to the ‘Last Fisherman’ for a smoothie and to enjoy both the view & the breeze.
I walked back today in the sunshine and desperately needed to get in the pool to cool off. It was pretty busy today with most of the loungers taken so I ended up over by the kids play area, not a problem, or so I thought!
I walked into the pool by the big red Mushroom 🍄 thing.
Who in their right fucking mind thinks that building a pool with white marble tiles and adding white fucking steps, that become invisible in the water is a good idea?? I’ll tell you who, a sadist, that’s who!
Suffice to say that both my entry and exit from the pool were less than elegant! 🙄🤦♀️
Happy Hour was very welcome today!
I had dinner at a little Indian Restaurant by the hotel, not fancy but it had good reviews.
My dinner was yummy, but too much and I couldn’t eat all of it.
Home to continue reading my book. 😍
I think today I’m going to get a Longtail Boat to Railay Beach, which takes around 15 mins and is the only way to reach Railay.
I have breakfast then start to walk towards the beach to get a ticket, to be honest the weather looks a little dicey, very dark clouds out at sea, I have a little rethink and decide to go another day and instead jump on the local bus to the other Ao Nang Beach, Ao Nang Landmark Beach. You can walk it but the bus is 20baht!
By the time I get there the storm clouds are getting darker and closer, so I have a quick wander than duck into a coffee place just as the rain slams into the beach.
I would not like to be on a Longtail boat in this!
The winds that precede the rain are so intense and strong.
I wait out the rain for around 30 minutes then walk back round to the other beach, it’s still a little drizzly and grey. I stop at a nice little place by the hotel for a smoothie, Pineapple, banana and mint, it looks very fancy, but I’m not sure if I like it, it’s very icy 😬 I’m hot so I drink a fair bit of it.
I’m not sure if it’s the smoothie or the little bit of coffee I had earlier or drinking these things on an empty stomach? but something doesn’t really agree with me 😳☹️ I go back to the hotel and spend the rest of the day there. It’s not as bad as it sounds, the weather had changed again and it was really stormy ⛈️ my balcony is somewhat protected when the rain is coming in from the sea, so I just relaxed there, watching the storm and finally finished my book!! 😍
I’ve been in Thailand for nearly 7 weeks and I’ve had very few issues with upset tummy’s or any other sort of discomfort. But I’ve now had a couple of upset tummy’s whilst here in Ao Nang, and I’m also having ongoing stiffness and pain in my neck, nothing terrible but just annoying. Fingers crossed it all does one before Rebecca, Chris & Anita get here! 🙏🤞🤞
It’s so strange but I’m staying in a larger resort, with lots more people but it doesn’t feel as easy to talk to people here as it did in Chiang Mai. The staff are fabulous, and are extremely friendly and helpful but the guests seem to keep to themselves more.
The weather here is also a lot more unsettled than it was up North, although it rained it was usually late in the afternoon for an hour or so, maybe in the evening. Yesterdays bad weather lasted most of the day. Hopefully this will also do one before Rebecca, Chris & Anita get here! 😂 Although once we are all together I won’t really care about the weather! We can play cards, dice games, catch up and just Hang Out!! ❤️❤️❤️
That’s all for now guys.
Book Read 20
My Father’s House. Joseph O’Connor. Absolutely brilliant. I loved this book. It’s based on real people and events in Rome during the Nazi Occupation. Highly recommend.
This author also wrote Star of the Sea. Which I loved.
I am opting to do very little today. I had a headache yesterday evening and through the night and a sore neck. I think it’s a combination of sun, not drinking enough water and the swimming which puts a strain on my neck.
So I’ve drunk lots of water through the night and I’ll continue through the day. I do usually drink enough water so not sure what happened yesterday.
I’ve also booked a massage at the hotel, a Nick back and shoulder one.
Breakfast is good, not too busy. I spend the morning chilling by the pool, in the shade!
Then it’s time for my massage. I’m not sure what to expect, it’s a little bit more expensive than Lila Thai but then everything is more expensive down in the beach resorts.
They have converted a few of the bedrooms in to treatment rooms. My therapist, Prow, is lovely and the massage is amazing. She uses oils, which smell lush, like limes. It’s a combination pressure and smooth strokes. It is not without pain and she seems to know exactly where I’m stiff, all around my upper neck and shoulder blades. I love the fact that they spend so much time on your arms and hands. It feels wonderful.
After this lovely experience I am given tea and some biscuits. The tea is nice, but very strong Ginger with lemongrass.
After this I take my book to chill by the pool and drink some water. All is well for about an hour then I get really bad cramps and an upset tummy. I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast, so I think it might be the ginger in the tea combined with the massage itself expelling toxins! It doesn’t last long thank goodness.
I have a lovely chat to my Rebecca, only 7 more sleeps till we are together! 😍😍
I have a quick catch up with Tracey who is living her best life with Jaques sailing around the Mediterranean! So happy for them. 💙
I also manage to have a quick chat to Nikki!! ❤️ I’m missing seeing Clementine & Herbie, and worried that Herbie is going to forget his Auntie Claire! I’ll keep up with the WhatsApp video messages.
My plan for dinner is to go to the little place up the road, unfortunately when I get there it’s closed! 😳 This creates a dilemma for me as there are so many restaurants along the main road, and they are all outside trying to entice you in!
I eventually choose one, based on the fact that it has reasonable prices plus I need a wee!
I sit down and I think I’d like a small portion of spring rolls and some vegetable rice. This however highlights one of the problems of eating on your own. The Spring Rolls come in a portion of 4, I don’t want 4, it’s too many so I ask if I can have a portion of 2? This it seems is not possible! I don’t understand why, it’s quite simple just cook 2 instead of 4 and charge me 1/2 they amount 🤷♀️ But No, this can’t be done. This irritates me so I leave. (luckily I had a wee before I sat down!)
I go a little further along the road and decide on an Indian restaurant.
You can really see why they work so hard to entice you in, because as soon as I’ve sat down, right at the front of the restaurant, another guy comes in, he is also sat at the front, this then encourages others to come in and within 5/10 minutes at least 10 more people come in. Nobody likes an empty restaurant!
I have a delicious Chicken Biryani then head back to the hotel.
There is a weird, horrible smell in my room, which gets worse as the night goes on and even wakes me up at around 4am. It’s kind of a food, damp smell but not very pleasant. The air conditioning in the hotel is central air, not individual units and I suspect that’s where it’s coming from. I don’t like it at all! By 8am it’s dissipated, but I am going to speak to them about it.
I’ve spoken to reception about the smell. I’m not sure they completely understood what I was saying and my Thai is non existent! But they were very kind and are going to move me to another room.
I quickly pack my stuff, it doesn’t take me long. I leave it in left luggage as the new room won’t be ready until 2pm, then head out for a little wander.
The temperature here feels significantly hotter than Chiang Mai even though they are the same or just a few degrees warmer here, and there is a sea breeze! For some reason I don’t feel as inclined to wander around for hours. I guess there are fewer little roads and alleys so you’re walking next to large roads with traffic and little shade. It’s also less cloudy.
That said I manage to clock up 8,000 steps!
I spend a little while at a Beach Club called ‘Reeve’ they do good coffee and it’s right by the beach. Their food also looks yummy but I think I’ll wait till Rebecca, Chris & Anita are here to try it. For those who don’t know, Anita is Chris’s Mum, it’s going to be so lovely for us all to spend time together. ❤️
I take a slow walk back to the hotel and have a good swim, 24 lengths (approximately) it’s around 3pm and the pool is lovely and quiet.
Before you know it it’s 4pm and that’s Happy Hour!!! 🎉🍹😂
As it’s quiet I decide to actually swim up to the bar and enjoy my cocktail. Todays choice is a Thaijito, which is made with Thai rum, Coconut Liqueur, lemongrass, lime juice and cane sugar. It is absolutely delicious, my new favourite! The bar plays some good tunes at Happy hour as well 🎶 Happy Days. 😍
It’s actually really pleasant sitting at the bar, drinking my drink, people watching and just chilling. 😎
My new room is great, no smell! 👍
My favourite little place is back open and I have a portion (small!👍) of Spring rolls and some Vegetable rice. So yummy and so cheap! Win Win!
That’s it’s for now guys.
Books read 19 still.
I’m currently reading a great book recommended by Tracey.
I’ve had a good nights sleep, no howling gales to wake me!
I’ve woken to some sunshine as well! 😎🌞
Breakfast a little earlier seems better but still busy.
Sorry to say I didn’t have any stir fry for breakfast I just didn’t fancy it! I stuck to my eggs and toast & Marmalade. What was cute was that before I’d even chosen a table one of the servers had run up to me with a Liptons Tea Bag!! 😍 The reason being that they have a huge selection of lovely teas, there must be at least 10, unfortunately none of them are ‘normal’ tea. I know they have it because they leave the tea bags in your room, so I’d asked for one and there was some confusion before this lovely guy, his name is Best, saved the day! He obviously remembered me, which is so sweet.
I spent a while at breakfast just drinking my tea and writing my blog.
There is really good wifi in the main restaurant, which I need for uploading my photos.
After this I opt to go and lie on a sun lounger by the pool. The pool isn’t very busy and there are lots of vacant beds (unlike Tenerife! 😂) I lie there for approximately 15 mins trying to sunbathe and read, but I just can’t settle so as the pool is now virtually empty I jump in and do my Length’s! I’m not exactly sure how many I’ve done because the pool is a completely different size but by my weird way of calculating I believe it’s 20 -22!
I look sadly at the swim up bar, which is still not serving alcohol! Tomorrow is the day! 🍹🍹🎉😂
After a while longer sunbathing. I go and get changed and head out for a walk. I think there is a quicker way for me to get to the beach rather than go through town, I can see the road from the hotel so I’m going to follow it.
It does indeed lead straight to the beach. It brings me out at the end of the beach and a fabulous beach bar called ‘The Last Fisherman’ it’s raised just slightly above the beach but feels like a proper beach bar.
It’s extremely busy but I manage to get a table and order a delicious Banana, mango & coconut milk smoothie.
The views are stunning and almost surreal as it’s a tiny bit hazy so makes everything look soft focused.
I get chatting to one of the staff, I think he might be the owner/manager, he’s older and speaks extremely good English with an American accent. 😍 The conversation started when he came to wipe my table of the little bits of tree debris, I said they had come from the squirrel in the tree and he laughed about struggling to pronounce ‘squirrel’ I showed him the spelling on my phone. This led to a further conversation about language and its origins, how weird English can be, his examples were knife & Knights, he was lovely to chat to and made me laugh. I didn’t get his name but hopefully I will next time.
From here I wandered along the beach front. There are lots of big hotels along this section. Then back through town to the hotel and a nice refreshing dip in the pool.
I’ve seen a couple of nice looking restaurants which I might give a go tonight. The one I chose looks great. The prices are definitely higher than Chiang Mai, but I knew this would be the case. I order a Chicken Pad Thai. It arrives incredibly quickly, which makes me suspicious. I try it and it is just not great, a very small portion that’s bland and the chicken is a bit hard in places. I’m very disappointed. Now, normally what I’d do is be disappointed but eat it anyway, so as not to waste money it cost 200bht (which is a lot for Pad Thai) or offend anyone. However on this occasion I just can’t, so I ask for my bill and leave.
I’m still hungry so I go back to the place I visited yesterday and get a delicious, freshly cooked chicken Pad Thai for 60bht! Clearly fancy surroundings are not indication of the quality of food. I think this is most certainly going to be my go to place while I’m at this hotel! ❤️
Another good nights sleep, and wake up to sunshine again!
Breakfast is good. Fried eggs and marmalade on toast!
Then it’s some sunbathing by the pool and a good swim, 20 lengths.
I’m lying on my sun bed reading when the young girl next to me points up at the hotel, I look and there is a monkey! In fact there are several monkeys, climbing all over the hotel. They appear to have come down from the roof, 8 floors up! They are all over the place. They are going into rooms where people have left their balcony doors open, then coming out eating whatever they find! They are so agile & brazen!
By now they have the attention of everyone around the pool. Then one of them leaps across from a balcony to a tree by the pool, wanders over and steals a big cup full of smoothie 😂 he is shortly joined by the rest of the troop, a few little ones amongst them. It’s so much fun watching them, they are like a little marauding gang of thief’s! Eventually they head off to raid the next hotel!
I walk into town and treat myself to a pedicure. Then just have a mooch before finding my self back at ‘The Last Fisherman’ My plan was to have something to eat and I’m starving but unfortunately they are closing early for a Private Wedding Party, so I can only have a drink I order a coke and have another little chat to my friend, whose name I still didn’t get! 🤦♀️ He’s telling me that this Bar has been in the beach for 40years, it has had to move numerous times due to the land being sold to developers. Its current situation is not for long as this land has also been sold for the huge sum of £12 million! 😱 it’s such a shame as this little bit of beach still has trees and greenery around it but this will no doubt be cleared for development. I know that development is inevitable but it is sad. I’ve read a couple of blogs about the overdevelopment of the islands in Thailand, especially down here in the South. I’ll add in a picture of Phi Phi Dom as an example.
It makes me feel very conflicted because clearly I’m part of the problem. I want to travel to different countries and places, I want somewhere to stay, I want air conditioning, running water, cocktails by the pool etc etc! The Thai people need to make a living and being a fishermen or farmer is no longer a sustainable option. For the islands in the South they also had to rebuild after the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004.
The blogs I’ve read whilst bemoaning the loss of the beautiful, wild place they visited 25 years ago don’t acknowledge that they are also part of the problem. And it’s all part of Globalisation & rampant Capitalism.
Ok, rant over.
I walked back from the beach to the hotel and it’s very sunny! I arrive at just before 4pm and change into my swimsuit head into the pool to cool down and order some French fries and drink a bottle of water.
I then take a seat at the swim up bar and order my first Alcoholic Drink since I arrived on Monday!
I have a Pina Colada! It’s delicious. 🍹🎉🍹🎉unfortunately I’m in the pool so no phone, means no pics! I have my second on the BOGOF Cocktails sitting by the bar, this time I choose a Long Island Iced Tea! The guy behind the bar is working so hard, keeping his stations immaculately clean, sorting out the tunes all whilst being attacked by wasps! It’s impressive! 👍😂
It’s very strange here, one minute there seems to be loads of people around and the next it seems almost empty? Where do they go?? I wonder if people just come for the day? It’s a mystery.
I head back to the the Cheap place for dinner, I think it’s called One Pad Thai or No One Pad Thai, I’ll check tomorrow and confirm! I have some yummy vegetable rice a bottle of water then it’s home to bed. No Barn Owls this evening.
Book Read 19
The man who didn’t call. Rosie Walsh. This is the Book Club book for August. It was OK.
So it’s my last day today and it’s been raining all morning! This is the first morning rain I’ve had since I’ve been here! Chiang Mai is crying because I’m leaving! 😂
Today is my final opportunity to get a massage and to make it more exciting it’s a free one! The loyalty card paid off.
I opted for a 1hr foot massage and OMG it was absolutely the best one yet! She really got stuck into the tops of my feet which is where they ache the most, and was very mindful of my calves, It truly was the perfect last visit.
I try and log on and check in for my flight but it won’t let me as it’s saying I’ve been allocated an exit seat, not sure what this means exactly but I can only check in at the airport.
I share a Grab to the airport with a lovely young Spanish couple, and as the Cab arrives and I’m just about to get in I go through my leaving mantra; Money, Tickets, Passport? And realise my passport is still in the safe At reception 🤦♀️ Oops! I grab it and we’re off. I jump,out at the airport and just as I start to walk through the doors I realise I’ve left my backpack in the Cab! 🤦♀️🤦♀️ I manage to get it before the Cab leaves, this is so unlike me, I’m not sure what’s going on? 😳😂
I check in and I’m no longer in an exit seat, check my case through, then start to worry that I’ll be stopped with my backpack at security as it’s got a 1/2 full bag of washing powder, which may be mistaken for some other powder! It isn’t and security is a doddle. 😂
Unfortunately my flight is delayed, initially for 2hrs then for another hour. I don’t mind too much although it would have been more pleasant if there was a bar in departures! 😀🍹
I’m reading a book called ‘The Nightingale’ which is about the German occupation of France and the French resistance. It’s a tad disconcerting to be reading about vile SS officers and their behaviour whilst being surrounded by lots of large blonde people speaking loudly in German!! 😬 The language and accent is very harsh anyway without the added trauma of what I’m reading! 😳
The flight is fine a little bumpy but OK. I finish my book on the flight, so I’m sitting there weeping!
By the time we land get my luggage and sort out a cab, which is taking multiple people, it’s getting on for 12.30am It’s pouring with rain and I’m knackered and a tad grumpy when I get to the hotel.
The guy at reception welcomes me and then tells me I need to download an App for the hotel!!! You What?? WTAF! How? why? An App? What in the name of Christ am I going to use a fucking App for!! It’s not a Virtual Hotel? 😠 After some tutting and faffing around I eventually manage to download it. It will now sit unopened on my phone until I leave! 🙄😂
My room is lovely, the air conditioning is good, the bed is huge, the pillows are soft!! I unpack a couple of bits have a quick shower and get into bed. Sleep is a little tricky due to the sound of the torrential rain, thunder and howling wind! I think the design of the hotel funnels the wind and amplifies the sound.
I do eventually get to sleep.
I had set my alarm for 8am as I didn’t want to sleep late. I wake to no rain or wind and check out the view from my room. It’s fine, looking towards the big stone cliffs. It’s not sunny but at least it’s not raining.
The Hotel breakfast is good. It’s busier than I’m used to but OK. There is so much choice. Fruit, Cereal, yogurts, eggs, cakes, toast. All what you’d expect then there is a stir fry station, curry’s, roast chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce (which looked yum!) rice, tortillas, samosas, salad. It’s so weird to westerners that these sorts of things are for breakfast but they are in other cultures.
I’m afraid to say I had eggs and then Toast & Marmalade 🙄 I did try the chicken in mushroom sauce and it was nice. I’m going to try some different things tomorrow, especially the stir fry as it’s made to your specification.
I had a wander down through town and straight to the Ocean or to be correct the Andaman Sea. It’s good to be by the water again. I’m sure if it was sunny and less cloudy it would look glorious, it looks pretty awesome in the wet.
I sit at a lovely beachside Cafe and watch as another big front comes barrelling in. The wind really picks up and the rain slams into everything.
I really don’t mind the stormy weather, what isn’t so great is that it’s a Buddhist Holiday today & tomorrow so there are no alcohol sales at all! Oh well!
The slippery floor issue is going to be huge here in the hotel! So much rain, so many shiny floors! I’ve nearly gone over twice already. TBF the little slider shoes I’ve been wearing are just not going to cut it. The best things I have are some elastic, slip on boating/beach shoes or a pair of sandals that I bought the first time Clint & I went to Africa, which is 29 years ago!! They are Velcro strap things which are now back in fashion!! (I’ll pop in a picture)
I popped out for dinner and am delighted to see a beautiful Barn Owl. It flew right past me then sat on a telegraph pole for a little while. This sighting makes me ridiculously happy! (For any budding Ornithologists I did check and Barn Owls are native to this part of Thailand!)
I think I might have spotted a couple of potential replacements for Kats, I stop at one and have a simple vegetable rice. Tasty!
I’m heading to bed early as I’m knackered.
Books read 18
The Nightingale. Kirsten Hannah. Excellent book, I’ve now read a couple about the French Resistance, absolutely fascinating. Thanks for the recommendation Laura.
I’m still feeling a little discombobulated and tired.
So I’m going to treat myself to a massage. I’ve looked at the options and figure if I go for the oil massage followed by hot compresses it should be relaxing and therapeutic.
I’m greeted by name when I go into Lila Thai, Miss Claire! It makes me feel very special and touched.
I choose a Bergamot oil, just because I like the smell.
We are in a lovely room in the third floor, this place is much bigger than I realised. The room is lovely. My therapist is very small, kind and friendly. I’m looking forward to a relaxing session. Well my therapist may be small but she has hands, fingers and elbows made of steel!! Jesus! This is not quite the slow relaxing experience I was hoping for. 😳 it is a a full on hardcore, deep massage which in some places, obviously where my muscles are tight, is bloody painful 😣. I’m a little concerned she’s going to break me somehow 🥺 even the hot compresses are applied with a degree of force! Although by that point I’m just immensely grateful she’s not digging any of her pointy, rock hard limbs into me!! 😂😂 once it’s all over I do feel remarkably loose and not at all stiff, so it clearly works. It just isn’t quite what I was expecting. 😍
I’ve dropped a dress off with the dressmaker I used to mend my trousers. She’s just taking up, repairing the straps. When I collect it she charges me 30bht which is not even £1!
I jump in the pool but decide not to swim as I don’t want to undue all the good work from the massage, instead I just float about chatting to some lovely Guys from Adelaide in Australia. One of whom really reminds me of my friend Bob, she’s got a really calm, kind vibe and a lovely voice.
I’m not sure what to do for dinner today so first I pop along to the little bar along the road and have a couple of Rum & Cokes, whilst watching all the interesting goings on! Old White guys with their beautiful Thai girlfriends 🙄
I have a look at the menu as I think I might have a snack, I spot an item “Chicken Tendon” I assume it’s a typo and they actually mean “Chicken Tenders” But No!! It is indeed “Chicken Tendons” the description says they come from the chickens ankle! They have ankles?? These tendons must be tiny, although I’m not going to find out, my friend Stretch kindly sent me a You Tube video which I haven’t had the stomach to watch! 🤢 surprisingly I’m not that hungry anymore 😬
I head down the road to a bar which is right on the corner by my hotel, it has a Rooftop Bar which I keep meaning to visit, so tonight’s the night!
Well what can I say, it is indeed on a roof but it doesn’t have brilliant views and it is very quiet.
However whilst I’m there I get a fantastic and much welcomed Video Call from the Gorgeous Anne & Mandy!! 😍 They were both working, apparently! And are very jealous of my bar and drink! It was such a lovely boost to chat to them, they made my night. Thank you ❤️
I’m now on the cusp of having another drink, which would likely lead to me staying Out Out or getting some food and heading home. I opt for the latter. I’ve had a fun evening but it’s time to go!
Food and bed.
I’ve discovered that by increasing the temperature on my Air Conditioner it actually makes it colder, which also then helps me sleep better…..Cryogenic Claire is back! 🥶😉
I wake up and feel so much better today. Rested & back to myself.
I’m going to head over to Nimmanhaemin (Nimman for short) an area to the North. I’ve been before but haven’t explored it in any great way and it’s supposed to have lots of cool places and people, it’s near to the University.
As I’m waiting for my Grab Cab I chat to an America woman, Alison, who is staying for a few weeks. We’ve chatted before a few times. She is just welcoming her friend, Carrie, who has arrived from the states. We have a brief Hello then I head off to Nimman (Alison corrected my pronunciation!)
I think I’ve once again miss timed things. A lot of the places around Nimman, especially in the side roads are closed, it looks like it probably comes to life in the evenings. There are people around but it’s not bustling. I’ve googled good coffee shops, so set out to find the best one. As I’m walking along, two young good looking Asian Guys are walking towards me, they look so unbelievably Cool! Their outfits are fabulous, their bags, hair, glasses everything is so fashionable. I really wanted to ask for a picture, but that seemed a little random! (Weirdo 🤪) But a little later I spot them ahead of me! Yes, I’m going to get a pic, they are walking at a fairly steady pace, I’m trying to keep up and grab a sneaky pic, some bloody random person is walking behind them and keeps getting in my way…Grrr! I must look like some crazy, sweaty stalker! 👀😬😂 But I do get a couple of snaps! Honestly I don’t know what’s wrong with me! 😂😂 The pictures are OK but simply don’t reflect how cool these guys were. 😎
I also spot a couple of young guys wearing inline skates, at first I think, Really? Bit unnecessary, then I watch them head off down the road and wow, they are flying! I’m impressed 👍🤟
All this stalking has made me miss my turning! 😂 I turn around and continue my search for the perfect Iced Coffee, which I’m now in desperate need of, as I’m really Hot 🥵. I eventually find it and guess what? It’s bloody shut!! WTF! Luckily I have data so I google and find another one, which is back the way I’ve just come, but I’m now on a mission. 15 mins and several gallons of sweat later I can’t bloody find it!! Seriously, I’m pretty good with directions and maps but this place is nowhere to be found. By now I’m even hotter, I’m hungry and I need caffeine!
I walk across the 2439 lane main road into the cool of the Huge Shopping Centre, but I think I’m in that place where there is so much choice I can’t make a decision! I go into Starbucks but just can’t bring myself to buy they’re shitty coffee, so I order a Grab Cab, she goes to a different exit, we communicate back & forth for 10 mins, she eventually finds me, we head back into the Old Town and the Burinirattana Hotel, where I finally get a delicious, ice cold, perfect Caramel Macchiato! It’s pure Joy as the caffeine, sugar and ice hit my system! 🧋💙💙
After my coffee and a yummy Chicken Taco I head back to the hotel and have a much needed swim. I’m so lucky that I arrive back when the pool is completely empty and manage to get 30 lengths (60 of this pool) before the hoards descend and the pool is full.
I can’t believe I only have 2 more nights in Chiang Mai! It seems to have gone very quickly in some ways but slowly in others.
I’d like to come back to the American guest, Alison and her friend Carrie. Alison seemed very pleasant when I first chatted to her, but in subsequent chats she’s revealed herself to be a Tad annoying. (Understatement)
She’s corrected my pronunciation of Thai at least 3 times. Informed me I really should learn a language (apparently she speaks Mandarin and is learning Thai) She told me I should eat at a particular Cafe as they do wheatgrass smoothies and great salads! (This advice was given to me whilst I was drinking a beer and eating Crisps!) Informed me that the lovely waiter, Tam, has hit on her (I seriously doubt this) Informed me how well travelled she is and that she’s a master Yoga instructor. Informed me I really should be doing Yoga. All of this arrogant, pretentious, judgmental bollocks has not endeared her to me!
Then at breakfast this morning her friend Carrie who it transpires is a “Psychic Medium” and “Yogi” sat with me and began to offer completely unsolicited psychic bullshit about my Mum, my Mums personality, which was way off. How my Mum passed away, wrong again. I happened to mention my kids and that Grantley was coming to Thailand to do some Mauy Thai training and she saw fit to offer her, again, unsolicited, incorrect opinion on my sons state of mind! Do you know what Carrie, shove your incorrect, fake Psychic Bollocks up your fucking Vinpassage! 🤬
OK! And moving on from that 😂
I had a pretty slow relaxed day today.
I Start packing my case, it has a lot more stuff in now! Grantleys Boxing Gloves take up big space, but at least they are light! As well as various other gifts etc. I still think my case will weigh less than 22kg which is pretty good. I’m hoping it’s actually under 20 so I don’t get charged extra!
I’ve had a good swim, 25 Lenghts and a lovely chat to my Rebecca.
It started raining around 4pm and as I was sitting outside my room reading I heard a loud crash and scream and a poor woman had fallen from the last step on the slippery floor. She landed really heavily on her back. It sounded horrible. I rushed over to help, and she seemed OK, embarrassed probably and trying to be brave. I gave her some Red Tiger Balm to help the bruising and muscles. One of the lovely Australian ladies had also fallen and hurt her back a few days ago, also after the rain! It honestly is so so slippery! Which is why I walk round when it’s wet, like an old lady, slowly and very carefully! I’d rather look ridiculous than injure myself.
After that little drama I finish packing and try to decide where to go for my last night. It’s ‘Walking Street’ but as the weathers not great I think I’ll give it a miss. I decide on a nice glass of wine at the lovely little wine bar next door! A great choice. I enjoy 3 glasses of delicious French Rosé, some olives and have a fab WhatsApp with Jenna then it’s off to Kats for my final serving of my favourite Curried Vegetable rice. Once again the guys here are slammed. They work so flipping hard and are always cheerful and pleasant. I’m going to miss this place.
So that’s it. The end of 5 weeks here in Chiang Mai. I’ve loved it. I think there is something comforting about being in a place that you know and also where people remember you. I feel it’s been very restful and restorative. I loved my wanderings, I’ve loved my swimming and I’ve loved meeting so many lovely people.
I can’t recommend Chiang Mai highly enough. There is so much to do here, lots of activities, hiking, cycling, zip lining if that’s your thing. Temples, markets, mountains, rivers and peaceful places if that is what you need. The people are wonderful the food is insanely good. It has a great energy.
I will miss it. I’m not sure I’ll return as there are too many other places to visit and explore. But I’ll be leaving a little part of my heart here. ❤️
I just wanted to say a massive Thank You for reading my blog, it means the world to me. It is so lovely to receive comments and feedback, it makes my day! 🙏😘❤️
Probably recovering from my 1 night out!! It takes longer these days.
After breakfast and chores, well, sticking my washing in the machine, then hanging it out! Not exactly a huge chore. 😂 I have a wander up to the Coffee shop to write and upload my blog. It’s much more comfortable doing it in a coffee shop with air conditioning, coffee and fast wifi. I see why so many people come to work in Coffee on the Corner.
There are no small tables so I sit at a large one and after a while I’m joined by a European Gentleman. He is busy writing copious notes into a small book, I’m busy writing on my iPad. I comment on this to him and we strike up a conversation.
His name is Robert Trebolang, he’s a writer and published Author and he is wonderful to talk to.
He is 80 and has lived all over the world, born in Jerusalem he has lived all over Europe and now lives in Sydney. He’s surprisingly easy to talk to. He tells my about the book he’s writing, and how stories are constructed. He talks about his life, his great loves, his travels. We talk of places, people and I share my thoughts and feelings on family, friends, traveling alone and blog writing. Time flies and before I realise we have been talking for a couple of hours.
Robert leaves and I’m left feeling tremendously grateful for our brief meeting. What a wonderfully fascinating man.
The rest of the day is spent swimming, 25 Lenghts and reading. I still haven’t finished The Secret History!
I find a new place for Dinner, Nuns, another small family restaurant. I have the Khoa Soi which is so good, the chicken is incredibly tender and it has lots of veggies in! Then it’s time for bed! I’m knackered.
I have a great morning, chatting to some of the other guests. Then off I go for a wander.
The last few days it’s felt very hot, possibly because it’s been very sunny. So my wandering has been curtailed a little.
I eventually end up back at my favourite Coffee Shop, Buritanna and enjoy an iced Caramel Macchiato, and a couple of cookies! I feel my intake of sugar has gone up since I’ve been here 😬😳 They do like things sweet in Thailand.
Then it’s back to the hotel and I finally finish my Book!! Thank the lord!
It’s a great book, long but enjoyable.
I’ve got another couple that have been recommended, but I’m going to read something light first.
More Wandering before dinner and a brief stop for a Mojito, just the one! Then Hummus and a delicious Falafel Sandwich for dinner.
Once again I seem to be having trouble sleeping, not sure why. I’m still trying to sleep in the correct position, I’m using an eye mask as the room isn’t totally dark, but I’m still having trouble nodding off.
I’m feeling a little tearful and missing everyone a lot at the moment. Having a fun night out in Pai made me miss having a good laugh with my family and friends.
Although I love traveling on my own I do miss all of my friends, the lovely people at the Coffee Shop and my gorgeous Children.
I know this is just a little blip, I’ve had them before on my travels, it will pass. In 3 days I’m heading down to Krabi so hopefully new surroundings and a a new place to explore will give me a boost! And it’s only 14 days until I see Rebecca, Chris & Anita which will be wonderful.
Books Read 17
A Secret History. Donna Tartt. It’s long! I really enjoyed it, I think I’ve started it before but not finished it. It’s definitely worth a read. Thank you Dancing Debbie for the recommendation.
We Begin at the End. Chris Whitaker. A Prime reading book. I didn’t have high hopes, but I actually loved it. I will certainly read some more from this author.
I’m up nice and early to make sure I’m all set for my bus.
Pok and Tam two of the staff have organised for me to take my breakfast with me, I asked for a banana and some mango. What I got was, a banana, a whole unpeeled mango, a boiled egg and a pork sandwich! 😬😂 I took the banana and left the rest with Tam!
I got myself a Grab cab to the bus station. Then found my bus, it’s actually more like a little minivan. I had time to go and buy my return ticket for Monday.
I managed to snag the front passenger seat when I booked, which is great and should give me the best views.
The journey to Pai takes around 3 hours, with a short stop halfway. I left at 10.30 so should be in Pai by 1.30ish.
The minivan is full of young backpackers, as are the other 2 minivans that left before and after us!
It takes a while to get out of Chiang Mai its suburbs and outlying areas. It’s fabulous watching the landscape subtly change, we pass large new fancy housing developments first, then smaller less crowded areas, also quite a few college & university campuses and a couple of Army battalion bases, one which has lots of horses!
After this is a slow, steady and winding climb through the mountains.
Apparently there are 762 turns on the route!
It’s beautiful and verdant. I did attempt a few pics but it’s difficult to capture anything when you’re moving!
There isn’t a lot of traffic but our driver is an expert at knowing when and where to overtake. He drove a a fair pace but I didn’t feel unsafe at all.
Pai is in a valley and it was a pretty steep very winding descent down.
I know that my hotel is a short walk from the bus station so I disembark and head straight there.
The hotel looks lovely! My room is great, big and light looking over the gorgeous pool.
I leave my bags and go straight out for an iced coffee, I need the ice and the caffeine! Luckily there is a cute place just over the road. Once I’m caffeinated I go back to the hotel for a nice long refreshing swim. The pool is much longer than I’m used to so I do what I think is equivalent to 16 lengths, might be more might be less 🤷♀️
I then go out to have a look around. It doesn’t feel particularly busy, it’s quite nice, lots of little shops, places to eat, bars, cannabis shops!
There are a few places I’d like to see around Pai, my thinking was to cycle or get a Grab, unfortunately Grab doesn’t work here and the things I want to see are too far to cycle. The done thing is to hire a moped/scooter judging by the number of hire places hiring them and the number of people riding around! I just don’t fancy this.
With this in mind I book myself an afternoon trip which looks like it covers everything, for the bargain price of 300bht (£6-7)
I like the fact you can see the hills from everywhere and it feels greener than Chiang Mai but It is also full of young backpackers! Every 2nd person is a visitor, and the majority of them are British, Irish or European. There are fewer Asian tourists here. It does have the reputation as a bit of a laid back bohemian Mecca! I think it would have been amazing to visit years ago, before it became so popular. It feels a little too western for me.
The night market is just by the hotel and I wander through it pretty early, around 6.30 things are still getting set up. I suspect that things get going around 9. – 10 when all the bars get full!
The night market is OK but I prefer Chiang Mais ‘Walking Street’
I find a place for dinner, I’m bloody starving. I order the Khao Soi and it’s delicious, much more authentic than Kats, it’s also a smaller more manageable portion! Yummy!
I’ve managed to walk over 10,000 steps in the last couple of hours so I head back to the hotel to bed!
The Bed! OMG the pillows! They are amazing, so soft and comfy, literally Heaven! This is making me ridiculously happy! 😍☺️😍
I relax on my beautiful pillows reading The Secret History, which is taking ages, but is excellent.
Then with my head resting of a cloud of joy I drift off to sleep!
I slept very well! 🥰
I thought I’d just chill at the hotel before my trip later.
I had high hopes for my breakfast at this hotel, but was sadly disappointed. It’s buffet style, but everything looks like it’s been out for ages. On a positive note they did have butter and marmalade, so I had toast, with water as I couldn’t get the coffee machine to work and the hot water was luke warm so my tea was blah! (Jesus, this makes me sound so bloody English!! 😂)
No biggy, I pop across the road afterwards and grab an iced caramel latte.
I’m being picked up from the hotel at 12.45. I forget to pick up a leaflet so I’m not sure exactly where we are going, but I’m sure it’ll be fun.
My lift arrives, I have to try and hoik myself into the back of an old pick up truck, which I managed to do with some help from another passenger, I then wacked my head on the roll bars! 😂 Not the best or most elegant start!
We stop shortly after and change vehicles and I get to sit in a seat behind the driver! Praise the lord!
I’m sitting with An Irish couple, Dami & Paul, who are lovely and friendly.
Our first stop is the White Buddha. This big Buddha can be seen from most places in Pai. It sits quite high on a hill. Apparently it has stunning views from the top. The catch is that there are 357 steps to reach the top! I’d already made the decision to not climb to the top, it’s too hot, my knees would kill me on the way down and it’s just not worth crippling myself. I’m happy with this decision, especially when I see that a few others, much younger than me also didn’t go up!
We have been joined in the front of the truck by another Irish girl, called Sarah. Paul Dami and Sarah are all from Dublin. Sarah is also lovely and chatty.
From here we go across the valley and up the other side to a beautiful lookout spot. Which has stunning views without the steps!! 😂👍
It’s a chance to chat to some of the others in the group. Another Irish lady, Aoife,. A couple of English girls, Hannah and Christina. A Spanish couple, whose names I didn’t get unfortunately. A lovely girl called Miriam. A couple, Renne from Florida and her fella from Canada who are quite interesting (more on them later! ) everyone seems really friendly.
The views from the lookout are breathtaking.
After this we head down the mountain and stop at a Chinese Village, nobody is really sure, why or what the significance of the village is!
Our Driver isn’t acting as a guide, he simply drives us from one location to the next says how long we’re staying then puts his seat back and has a nap! 😂
The village is pleasant, lots of flowers and butterflies and a chance to chat to everyone some more.
After the Chinese village we drive to a great Coffee place, which has more amazing views and a lush Iced Caramel Latte! Hannah and I are very happy about this. 😋
More Chatting. It’s so brilliant finding out about other people’s journeys and travels. Inspiring to see so many young woman travelling alone and not just in Thailand but across Asia and Christina also traveled alone in South America. Such a wonderful group. 😍
After our refreshing Coffee our next stop is Pam Bok Waterfall.
The waterfall isn’t too busy, and luckily there is a deep enough pool for dipping! Hannah has been really looking forward to getting in the water! She’s a happy bunny.
I go up to the waterfall but not down onto the rocks. As some of you are aware I have the ability to fall from a stationary position, fall over muffins, off chairs, on drains! And alcohol isn’t always involved 😂
So I feel slippery rocks might be a health & safety issue for me! I also have another 6 weeks traveling to do and feel I’d like working limbs for the duration!
Instructions I act as bag monitor while the guys have a lovely time in the water. I enjoy watching and being visited by a beautiful bright yellow butterfly. 💛
It’s during the visit to the waterfall that Renne says something interesting. Apparently she’s feeling a little homesick, missing her family. I ask what family she has, a 19 year old and a 6 year old, I ask who is looking after them, she says her husband, not ex husband, or the kids dad but her husband! Not quite sure how this tracks with her being on holiday for 3 weeks with Canada Boy??
Anyway!
As a little aside, on the way up to the waterfall we pass a couple sitting on a sarong, on a rock strewn with flowers, he is wafting an incense stick all around her it all looks very romantic. On our way down they are still there and he is now reading to her!
Although this is romantic it’s nothing on our Spanish Couple who got engaged the day before! Unfortunately they had a scooter accident and on returning from the hospital all bashed and bandaged, she proposed to him! She had been carrying the ring with her and waiting for the right time and a near death experience seemed to be perfect ❤️❤️
After the waterfall everyone is feeling refreshed and we head to our last stop which is Pai Canyon.
The Canyon is a great place to watch the sunset, if the clouds oblige.
It’s also pretty scary! The walkways are extremely narrow with sheer, high drops either side! I’m not great with heights and edges of things, but I stayed on the first section you come to thus avoiding walking across the really narrow path😬
The views were awesome, sadly the cloud’s didn’t oblige but it was a fantastic place to end our day.
On the way back a decision was made for us all to meet up later for a drink. So after being dropped off and grabbing a quick shower I went out again to the spot we’d chosen, which I couldn’t find! Luckily I bumped into Aoife and Christina, who were also a bit lost, so we found another bar and messaged everyone to meet there.
It ended up being an absolutely brilliant night! Lots of cocktails and Rum and then Hannah and Paul hijacked the music and we had an impromptu Karaoke session, which seemed to involve Hannah and I performing quite a few songs 😬😂 Our group managed to get the bar packed and pumping, so much so that the staff gave us free shots!
I left at around 2am when the police came, flashing lights and all and said the Bar had to close. 🤣🤪😂 an epic night Out Out!
I was a little hungover when I woke up 😵💫 but didn’t feel as bad as I should have!
I met up with the lovely Hannah and her friend Beth for Breakfast/Brunch. They are getting set to leave Pai tomorrow for Bangkok, before Hannah goes back home to Leeds and Beth goes to Australia for a year! It’s been such a pleasure meeting all these guys. Thank you for making my time in Pai so much fun! See you September for my Birthday! 🎉
Then it was time to get the bus back to Chiang Mai. Can’t say I was looking forward to the twisty turny road through the mountains. Although, to be fair the smoothie I had for Breakfast and the vitamin C drink on the bus seemed to have sorted me out.
The journey wasn’t great, mainly because I was sat towards the back and it was really, really hot 🥵 But it was doable. I got back to a rainy Chiang Mai, a hot shower, Vegetable Fried Rice at Kats then home to bed!
Pai was Fabulous.
Books Read 15 (still)
I’m really slacking as I’m still reading A Secret History!
I didn’t get to sleep till quite late last night which meant I woke up late this morning. Although I guess technically there is no ‘late’ I don’t have to be anywhere! 😂 But I was a little late for breakfast. I wasn’t especially hungry so I just grabbed a cup of tea.
I then had a wander to my new favourite coffee hang out, a lovely Hotel with a great Cafe. I ordered a delicious breakfast bowel, with coconut yogurt, fruit, muesli and honeycomb! It was so delicious. They also do the best caramel macchiato!!
It’s great to sit here writing, checking my emails etc.
I managed 28 Lengths today in the pool! Go me. 😄
I’ve had a little look online for any rooftop bars to watch the sunset. The sun sets behind the mountains but it should still be a great view. I decide to go to the Sala Lanna Hotel.
The Hotel is down by the river and offers great views to the mountains from their nice looking rooftop bar!
It’s a bit of a walk so I order a Grab. My Grab drops me at the hotel.
I go in, ask if it’s ok to go to the rooftop bar, the receptionist says of course, points to lift, explains that it only goes to the 3rd floor then I have to walk up to the 4th floor.
I follow her instructions, up to the 3rd floor, walk up the stairs and through a large wooden door onto a completely deserted rooftop, all the furniture is covered, it’s like the bloody Marie Celeste except there are no bottles of drink left lying around!
Not quite the atmosphere I was hoping for!
After a couple of minutes the receptionist appears with a young guy. She explains that the bar is closed because it’s supposed to rain (to be fair it is spitting with rain and there are black clouds everywhere!) She is so apologetic I feel bad! The young guy is the barman, I’m not sure if he is there to open the bar or as moral support!
She says that next time I plan on visiting to call first to check it’s open, yes, possibly a good idea 🙄
She then takes me back downstairs and through to a bar/restaurant by the river. It seems nice, so as I’ve come all this way for sunset views and cocktails I might as well have the cocktail at least.
I sit at table, they bring tablecloths, candles and a menu, guess what? No pissing Cocktails!! Only wine & Beer! 😳 I’m disappointed and a little irritated. But I’m here now so I order a glass of very expensive wine. Whilst waiting for it to arrive I get bitten twice by mosquitoes!! This night is so not going as planned 😬😂
I drink my wine, order a Grab, which goes to the wrong location, I order another Grab, this also goes to the wrong location! (Apparently the app is showing me in the middle of the Ping River!)
On my third attempt after messaging the driver twice I eventually get picked up!!
Seriously! What a bloody palaver! 😂😳
By now I’m hungry and hot, so I just walk to the Indian by the hotel and grab a yummy Chicken Curry an Iced Tea then bed!
I’ve woken up this morning with a little bit of a stiff achy neck, not sure if it’s from weird sleeping position or swimming?
I may well treat myself to a massage later 🥰 see how we go.
I’ve wandered down the road from the hotel and think I’m going to try a different place for coffee. It’s a lovely little place, I think it sells cannabis as well but as it’s only 12pm I feel it’s a little early for a spliff!
I order an iced caramel latte. It arrives and it’s very disappointing, literally just cold milk with a watery looking coffee slopped on top, no discernible caramel! I have a sip, then look at it for a while and decide, you know what, I’m too fucking old to be drinking shit coffee!
I pay and leave. (😂This is so unlike me! I would usually drink it and be miserable, but not today bitches! )
I stride off feeling great, albeit still hot and caffeine deprived, but never fear my lovely hotel; Burirattana, is not far away. I hear a Caramel Macchiato calling!
Oh yes! Delicious! I’m ignoring the sugar content and just enjoying it! ❤️
It’s amazing but Lila Thai massage is quite close, funny that! So in I pop for a neck, back & shoulder massage. I am greeted like an old friend, which is wonderful.
The massage is amazing, again not always pain free but certainly loosens up my neck and gets rid of my headache. 🙏
I head back to the hotel and have a swim but only 16 lengths, so as not to aggravate my neck.
I meet a nice Australian lady, Diane who has just arrived with her husband, Walter. They have come up from Krabi, Ao Nang Beach, where I’m heading next. She had all good things to report, which is encouraging.
Having lost my favourite BOGOF Mojito spot, I’ve found another pleasant place just along by Thapae Gate. Called ‘Churn’ it’s a small cafe/bar but they do really nice Rum & Cokes with extra fresh lime/lemon and some nice music.
I have a couple before some fried rice at Kats.
I slept pretty well last night and have woken without and aches or stiffness. I followed the better sleeping position as best I could.
I need to get some cash out today, I always like to do it at an ATM at an actual Bank, just to be in the safe side.
I know there’s a bank down past Thapae Gate, so that’s the way I head. I get a little sidetracked down an alley which has a some great food stalls. It’s also an area I haven’t explored much, so I have a mooch down some alleys and discover a large temple I haven’t seen before.
‘Wat Chiang Mun’ Temple is lovely, quite big with some nice greenery.
There are a group of young Thai girls in traditional or just fancy costumes having a photo shoot. They look beautiful.
From the temple I walk down to the Su Phum Corner of the old wall. Which has gorgeous water lily’s, I also see lots of fish in the water for the first time.
I find the bank, get some cash with no drama. I have a fear that my card is going to be swallowed by the machine! 😬
On the way back to the hotel I pass a little food stand, selling these waffle things. I’m a bit peckish but nothing much so I’m not sure what made me stop, but I did.
It turns out this is their first day open!! 2 young girls making Thai Tea and Pandan waffles, drinks etc. They were so pleased that I stopped and asked to take a picture. I said I’d follow them on Instagram, and turns out Coffee in the Corner was their first every follower & Claire Marginson their second! Fabulous. They are called Moonmuang.th if anyone wants to follow them, as a bit of support.
So, some rather big news now.
After my swim today, the pool was empty, nobody was around and I thought I would try to swim with my head underwater! 😬😳
It took me several attempts and lots of deep breaths but eventually I did it!! I swam at least 3 strokes underwater on my first attempt. OMFG! So happy. 😍
I tried again a few times and managed a few more strokes. Then as I was on a roll I put my head underwater and opened my eyes 👀, well to be honest I think it was only 1 eye 👁️ But, this is huge for me. I tried several times last year and just couldn’t do it. So I feel very chuffed with myself!
I’ll keep on practicing and also invest in a pair of goggles, as advised by the Fabulous Curly Steve.
I think I might end on this positive note.
Having listened to your feedback, Tomorrow I’m off to the mountains and a little town called Pai.
Pai is apparently is a must do, which I didn’t do last year.
I’m catching the bus which takes 4hrs through the Mountains and I will be there till Monday.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Books read.
I’m actually still reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt! Report to follow.
One of the problems with not keeping up to date on my blog is that I lose track of the days, where I’ve been, what I’ve done! It’s then really hard to go back and remember it all!
I was making little notes but I seem to have stopped that for some reason? 🤔
It’s been a weird few days. I’ve been feeling very tired, not sleeping great.
I read an article about sleeping positions and apparently mine is the worst possible position! Especially for back ache! With that in mind I’ve tried to switch to a more back friendly position. This is not as easy as it seems, it involves 3 pillows! 1 for my head, 1 to go between my knees and 1 to almost wedge under my tummy to prevent my rolling on to my front! (I’ll put some pics in so you get the idea 😄)
Needless to say my sleep hasn’t been easy, although my back didn’t ache quite so much so I guess I’ll have to persevere.
I’m also sure the air conditioning isn’t working quite as efficiently as it should, but it’s adequate, just not freezing 🥶
Sunday was another day of wandering, ending up again down by the 3 Kings Monument. I think I’m drawn here because it’s green and peaceful.
I was going to eat at the Inmate training Cafe but unfortunately they were full inside and I was just too hot to sit outside in the sun.
I ended walking back towards the hotel and popped into hummus for a Falafel Sandwich, no potatoes!
Back to the hotel, swim, read, relax!
It’s the ‘Walking Street’ near me tonight so I thought I’d head down just for a little mooch. I ended finding branches off the main road that I hadn’t seen before, strangely enough I ended up back at the 3 Kings Monument!! 😳
Some interesting food stalls, Fried Sandwiches??
I stopped at a lovely little place for a drink and their wine was reasonably priced so I had a glass watching everyone and listening to resident singer. Very relaxing.
14,000 steps! 👍
A nice chilled day, only a small amount of wandering!
I managed to track down a copy of a book I’d been after, recommended by Lovely Dancing Debbie, The Secret History by Donna Tartt. Once purchased I realised that I’ve got so used to reading on my kindle where you can increase the font size, that reading this book with its very small print might be an issue 😬 I mentioned this to the book club and the wonderful Tish came to my rescue and bought and sent it to my Kindle! Thank you darling! 🙏❤️😘
Some sad, upsetting and frankly devastating news.
The Spice Garden have discontinued their BOGOF on Mojitos!! WTF! How bloody rude.
I’d wandered over that way around 5.30 and thought, perfect, a little Mojito in the garden, lovely! But this was not to be.
I said Hi to the lovely bar tender, he looked worried, I sat down, the manager came over and explained that Mojitos were now 150bht, OK, that’s not ideal but I can manage that, ‘Still BOGOF?’ I enquired, No, no more BOGOF! 150bht each 😭😭 I said I thought that was really sad, he asked if I wanted one and I said, No, sorry, I’m off!
I left feeling betrayed and somehow responsible for this change! Perhaps I’d used the offer too many times! Sad times.
I found a little place by Thapae Gate selling Rum & Cokes, so I sat there instead. It wasn’t the same. 🙁
Kats was rammed again. Kerry I got some fab shots just for you!
I’m going to go and drop my Book back to the lovely little secondhand bookshop this morning.
I do this then continue to wander down the alleyways finding myself down at Warorot Market, I think I’ll head across the river and find somewhere to have an iced coffee.
Why is it when you’re looking you can never find anything!
I stupidly left the hotel today without any water, this is not ideal. It’s bloody boiling today, the sun is out full blast, it’s 12.30 (I know! Mad dogs etc!) and I am very hot. I end up walking back across the river and find a hotel with aircon and have a large, very cold, much needed glass of fresh orange! I have walked back from this area to the hotel many times, but today I just can’t face it. I’m too hot and bloody knackered! I order a Grab, the best 70bht I’ve spent.
I get straight into the pool where I stay for ages. Swimming and cooling off.
The hotel has got much busier, many more people and families. This means that at certain times the pool is packed! Luckily for me this is usually after I’ve been in for my swim! Yeah!
I think my morning in the sun has wiped me out a little, so I hang about at the hotel, drinking lots of water have an early dinner at Kats and then try for a good nights sleep, it doesn’t happen I’m still awake around 3am! 😩 I eventually resort to sleeping on my front! 😬
Books read 15
The Charity Shop Detective Agency. Peter Boland. This was a free book from Prime Reading, it was fine. Along the lines of The Thursday Murder Club, but not as good. It did make me chuckle in a few places.
La Vie, according to Rose. Lauren Parvizi. Another free one, not so good!
Please feel free to recommend books to me via WhatsApp or in a comment!
A nice lazy one, helped by the very heavy rain we had all afternoon and early evening. ⛈️
I managed to get in a decent swim 20 lengths. Before the rain came!
Dinner at Kats and an early night!! Wild! 😂😂
I’ve woken up today with a back ache! Not sure why! I’ve been trying to do stretches everyday.
I think I may well treat myself to a nice back massage with the lovely herbal pads!! 😍😍
I’m finding that I really struggle to not ‘do something’ ‘go somewhere’ ‘achieve something’ every day! I’m not very good at lazing around. I also battle with myself to go and have the massages as I’m not used to being able to afford them or treating myself. It’s not the best mindset to have and I know what I’d be saying to someone else in my position!
With this in mind I headed to Lila Thai Massage!
When I arrived there was a large group of Chinese people there, (predominantly men) I think they had just arrived. I said I’d pop back later but the woman were insistent that I stay. My concern was that the last long massage I’d had was upstairs in a room with at least 5 other beds and just as my treatment was finishing 2 people came in, they proceeded to chat and I could hear their phones beeping and pinging! Not ideal.
I most certainly didn’t want a room full of loud chatty people during my massage!
They took ages to decide and were being very loud and slightly overwhelming.
Even the usually calm and quiet staff seemed a little stressed!
My lovely lady took me to have my feet washed and I watched with a sinking heart as the group all headed upstairs 🙁
I should have had more faith!
After having my feet washed I was taken to another room downstairs all to myself! 😍 Joy!
My massage was insanely good! Such a treat, she seemed to know exactly where needed the most work and she was firm but not painful.
The room was so peaceful and she also wrapped my head so all sound was muffled and my eyes were covered. 2hrs seems to last forever. When you think it must be over and she’s forgotten about the herbal pads, they appear and the treatment goes on for another 30mins! Truly wonderful.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and feel great.
I came back to the hotel and chilled. I was just about to get in the pool when we had a huge rain storm, that actually lasted for ages.
Luckily it had stopped raining by the evening as I needed to go back to the Night Market. I’d bought a pair of white trousers but they don’t fit properly, so I’m returning them. I’m pleased to say there was no issue in getting my money back.
It was a beautiful sunset, really pink sky! I wish I could have been on a rooftop to watch it!
I almost stopped a a fancy Burger Restaurant called ‘Rock Me Burger’ but just couldn’t justify the price!!
So it’s back to Kats for dinner again! It’s tasty, cheap and the vibe is great. 😍
No swimming today but I have done 13500 steps.
Books read 13
Next Victim. Helen Durrant. Crime thriller, it was ok. I think I might have read it before! 🤭
Hereandthereclaire.com 