Tiger Boxing

We had such a lovely day yesterday, a day of beautiful sunny weather and then an evening with our good friends.  We have just been so lucky this rainy season, I would even be hesitant to call it a rainy season and with one month left it could rain every day and I still think we have got off luck (although I hope it doesn't!).

We started the day by driving to Chalong (a place South known for fitness) to have lunch at a restaurant I have heard loads about, Pure Vegan.  It was fantastic, I had a Mexican bowl, which was pretty much one of the yummiest dishes I have had ever!

 I wish this place was a little closer as I would be there every day.

 Then we headed to the beach to try out my paddle board.  I just love them and it is amazing how they are inflatable as you would never know the difference once inflated.

 In the evening we went to Tiger BBQ Boxing back down in Chalong.  Luis has been dying to go since we arrived so it was nice we finally made it there.  It was totally not what I expected, they had a huge buffet for dinner and tables to sit at (I thought we would sit around a ring in stadium style seats).  It was mainly foreigners who have come to Phuket for a holiday to train and fight (which made it far less gruesome) and genuinely had a nice atmosphere about it.

I was happy Luis finally went and I always like a good night out with friends.  But can say I am still only into Muay Thai for fitness purposes.  I really just do not like any type of fighting, just not my thing, there is just too much real fighting in the world and don't see why watching it for sport is fun (but hey ho to each their own).

Tatonka and Marina Fun

I think I am getting use to this double weekend thing.  We have had another fun filled Luis weekend, with dinner at one of our favourite spots Wednesday and then to a cocktail event at a local marina on Thursday.  

Wednesday we asked our new staff friends to join us at Tatonka as we love it there and thought they might too.  I was super happy that they had some new vegan dishes as I was worried I would be having a plain salad.  I thought the new dishes were fantastic and I did not miss my old favourites one bit.

This curried cauliflower was delicious.

Last night Rob and Iwisyi invited us to a cocktail night at a local marina, as Rob's business is making sails.  We had a great night with them, having a few drinks there and then heading out for a yummy Italian.

A really lovely couple of evenings and a great way to kick off my weekend.

Bittersweet

Most days are good and some are not, but there is not a single day that goes by that I do not think about my Dad.  I think about my Mum most days too but the pain is not as red raw.  It is there and it hurts like hell but I suppose I have had a lot longer to live with that reality.  The other day I received a notification that I had a parcel and I was so excited as was not expecting one.  The mail room at school opens at  a certain time and I was anxiously awaiting it to open when a more senior teacher who I don't know so well came to get his parcel.  He asked if I was waiting for something exciting and I said I was not sure what it was.  And he casually said maybe I am lucky and it was a care package from home, from the folks.  It was honestly like someone punched me in the stomach and I struggled not to blurt out that this was not possible as they are dead.

In the last week two of Dad friends have reached out to us which is so nice.  Colleen, who Dad adored, today sent this photo of my sisters old bedroom, now done up for the new owners little girl.  It is so lovely to see it looking so nice and I know Dad would just be so proud that house looks so nice but goodness it is a bittersweet joy to say the least.

(and to add insult to injury the parcel was an insurance bill)

Weekend Two

After a relaxing Friday at home with Lola and an Indian curry a very enjoyable weekend was had.  Saturday the family hit the beach in the afternoon, despite a cloudy and sometimes rainy day.  In the evening we enjoyed the company of Sara and Richard and some other friends at a BBQ they hosted.  

 Lovely evening, what a handsome hubbie I have!

 Sunday we spent a beautiful day at the beach, the weather was amazing and the sea looked like dry season and super beautiful.

Alas, Luis could not join us due to boarding duties so I met him for a late afternoon picnic on campus.  Altogether a great weekend.

Date Night

This new mid week weekend is super fun but super tiring!  Last night me and Luis went on a date to see a DJ at a beach club near by.  Turns out our date involved loads more people than just us, and there were quite a few people from school there.  Turned out to be a lot of fun and we had a great time dancing and meeting new people.

I am now looking forward to starting my weekend, and get some sleep!

New Friends and New Weekend

Luis loves his boarding job but it does mean that he does not have regular weekends, working both Friday and Sunday.  Therefore, Wednesday and Thursday have become the new weekend.  We started off Luis's weekend this week by going out to dinner with our new great friends Iwiyisi and Rob.   First we went to their lovely flat in Phuket Town and then for dinner.  We very rarely make it down that side and had a great night.

 A great Thai green curry, we have actually not eaten much Thai since we have returned so it was a nice change.

 I love that I have two weekends now!! Although it might not be great for my teaching!

Come Dine With Me #1

Last night Kim and Sean kicked off the first evening of our three couple Come Dine With Me competition with what can easily be the winning night.  We love a little fancy dress and even on short notice all went dressed up, the menu was fabulous and the entertainment was really good fun.  It was a cracking night and has left the next two couples (us and Ruth and Adam) shaking in our boots a bit.

 Lola hates fighting so was totally unimpressed with Luis's ninja outfit!

 Adam and Luis the ninjas

 Not really sure the proper name for what we were going for but we looked pretty cute.

 They promised sundowners with a sunset, and even on the rainiest of days they delivered!

 A little Ecua treat from Luis (not the KKK by the way, rather an Ecua card playing group).

 All the players.

 Super yummy appetizer

 The hosts, they did such a great job, going first is never easy. I am super nervous now and jealous that they get to just enjoy the upcoming ones!

 And well the sushi was amazing!  I think it is so hard to get it right, I have tried several times years ago and just decided buying it was best.  But they nailed it, four different types and they looked and tasted great.

One final shot of the ladies!  I wish I had pictures of the game, it was a version of the game that most of my friends in the UK know as 'Amanda's game' (which clearly it isn't), with a really fun.  I might actually steal it!  Cannot wait to the next one :)