Beautiful Sunrise and Day

We should have stayed two nights, really, but we're trying to save some money.  And we did take advantage of two full days, taking the first boat to the island the day before and the last one to leave today.  It was also great to see a sunrise; we always stay in places that face west, and this time it was East.  I was surprised to see the sun coming up and then realised that was why.  Also, we had loads of hornbills singing and flying around, which was just amazing.  We had a delicious breakfast, a long swim, games and kayaking before concluding our mini adventure.  

Nature, nature, nature! That was the theme!  It was just great to spend sometime outside amongst animals, trees, sea and switch off for even a short while.

Paradise Koh Yao Noi

October is the worst but best month to travel in October, depending on your luck.  It is likely to rain all, if not most, of your holiday.  But sometimes you just get lucky.  And if you get lucky, it can be double luck, as hotel prices are heavily discounted.  We decided to test our luck and booked a hotel on a neighbouring island I have always wanted to visit.  We never have, as prices usually range from 300 to 600 pounds per night.  But because it is October and this rainy season has been awful, we got it for 70.  I was not bothered if it rained the whole time or not, but I was extra happy it did not.   The Ross's joined us, and despite a rocky start in the morning with the manager (I think we fit the bill of the people who could only afford the discounted rate when we arrived), we had an amazing day.

Sometimes these pictures post back to front; I am not sure why, but there we go.  Mabye I will work it out in the 15th year of having this blog!

Jellyfish and Elephant Day

Saturday night, there was a big storm that apparently brought millions of jellyfish to the beach.  We were very lucky, as we were in the water for ages, and then we heard this little boy screaming. He was badly stung, and then people started dropping like flies from the sea in fear of being stung.  As the sea was no longer an option we ended our day at the beach and headed to the elephants.  We love this ethical elephant place and had a fun afternoon playing, eating and watching.  The day was finished off by a sunset cocktail and fire show.

The Birthday in Phuket

I love Home Exchange.  We have a beautiful Villa in our favourite part of Phuket for the week.  And we don't pay a cent!  It's so great to be back in Phuket and out of the concrete jungle.  I almost forgot how great grass and trees are.  We arrived late Friday night after many delays and woke up Saturday to blue skies and the perfect beach day.  We started the actual birthday celebrations with a day at the beach with Lyndsey and family, and then had a dinner party in the evening.  Iwiysi and Rob also joined us for the night. It is always so great to see them.

 A lovely start to a needed break.

Sunday Funday at Lisa and Mark's

Going to Lisa and Mark's is like going to a 5-star restaurant.  They have just moved, and their place is amazing.  Lisa always goes all out, and this was no exception. The next time they come over, we will have to make it amazing.  We had a super full Sunday. I had a race, then Gaelic football, then a birthday party, and finally made it to Lisa and Mark's.  I was happy with my race but also annoyed.  It was very unclear on the path, and I took a wrong turn; it cost me at least a valuable minute and my best time.  BUT I have breathed deeply and gotten over it.... almost.