Our Come Dine With Me

Last night it was our turn to host Come Dine With Me.  Who knew how much work it was going to be!! I was literally up at 5am, cooking, cleaning, decorating and organising.  But it was totally worth it, what an amazing night and the best part was my food was good, like actually yummy.  I am not bothered if we win now as it was such a personal win it does not matter.  Of course, Luis was just as much a part of this, it was a huge team effort.  Everything was done from scratch, the flower tortillas, the empanada dough, all the sauces, Luis even brewed his own cocktails by boiling down some herbs.  

Our theme was Club Luchanda (a dance venue, with a Latin Vibe)and it was the opening night .  Luis was amazing, singing a mariachi song, it was so good!

Even Lola seemed to enjoy herself which is super odd (think she had some of that rum).  We had such a great night, although this morning facing this mess was not fun!!

Careless Me

Sometimes I just do the stupidest things, well not even stupid sometimes just careless, sometimes just lazy. I think I have probably lost close to 100 thousand pounds over the years because I have lost money, trusted companies or put it somewhere with no thought or consideration.  A few years ago I lost two thirds of this blog as I trusted one place to store my pictures and really should have had them all backed up.  I book the wrong dates with flights or the wrong budget airlines that allow zero changes and we are always changing.  And now yesterday, I sat looking at my computer screen, too shocked to cry.  I somehow deleted my entire teaching career. Ten years of thousands of works sheets and documents, power points, spread sheets etc that I have created, I managed to erase.  The worse thing was  I thought I was clearing some space off my computer correctly on Saturday, but clearly I was not.  I went to all the experts yesterday afternoon before having a melt down.  But they all agreed I managed to get rid of it all, and then of course asked me a million times had I backed it up, no I did not.  I thought about it loads, just never did it.  I have some of it stored in various places but last June took the time to organise it all and include what I have built in the last three years and yep I never backed it up.

But instead of freaking out I decided that maybe this was a sign, time to think of another job.  As I just don't know if I can start all over again! Super frustrating return from a holiday!

The Last of Seoul

What a great trip we had, everyday was full with walks and exploring.  We didn't even touch the surface of the city as it is way too big and we were there only a short time.   But we were both pleasantly surprised, one it was not nearly as cold as we were told (in fact it was warm) and two the city had much more charm to it then we had imagined.  It was also great to see Jess and Jimmy's home as they have been a couple time to see ours.  Who by the way were fantastic hosts, even though they were working they made every effort to show us as much as they could.   

 We will miss Andes but very happy to have Lola back!  Andes was so sweet, she was so upset that we were leaving (guess that is what daily hikes will do).

We totally conquered this mountain, did every trail possible and by the end and enjoyed the fall weather (I am quite positive we would have survived about two minutes in the winter from all accounts).

I think I have over posted pictures on these recent blogs but I just took so many.  This part of the city is known for its bright lights and street food.  We enjoyed all the people watching and getting to know this culture a little bit better.  Asia is definitely a unique place and we have barely scratched the surface!  Had a great time but certainly happy to be back in tropical, but very rainy, Thailand.

Jimmy Day

Yesterday was a super busy active day, although not nearly enough activity to compensate for the amount we ate.  I actually think we have both put on 10 pounds since being here, even with all our hikes!

Jimmy took us early in the morning up to a fortress known as Korea's 'Great wall',  here we had stunning views and it was also very interesting.  

 My camera could not really capture the colours, but they were spectacular and also a great view of the city.

 After our walk we got cleaned up and headed to Gangnam Square and also had a ridiculously big lunch.  It is nice to be in a big city, so much going on and so much people watching.

 We had a little detour trying to, but failing to, buy a phone.  But we did get to virtually ride a pig in this Samsung sort of futuristic museum.

In the evening the rest of the family joined us for a fantastic Indian.  I was so full before eating but managed to eat it all.  We are now heading off for a final Andes walk before heading home. It has been great to see them and a bit of Korea as well.  I just learnt so much about the North/South divide and conflict, which is one of thea reasons why I love exploring new places.

Hike, Enchiladas and Golf

We spent Wednesday afternoon the same way we have every other one, on a hike with Andes.  Again it was such a beautiful day, warm, sunny and the colours just looked even more amazing.

 We then returned home so Jessica and Luis could do what they love together and me and Jimmy could do what we love to do together.  

 Luis and Jessica cooking

 Us on games and Netflix

 We completed a great day by playing golf in their neighbourhood.  it was super duper cool, never played screen golf before.  Well not totally complete, we had dinner to look forward to on our return, thanks to Jessica and Luis. Another great day.