Hols

she's on holiday again, I hear you cry! Yes I am and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I have had a week or so off because it is the end of term. J and I had our first weekend together in about 3 months and it was great. I set off for Kanchanaburi a day ahead of J and spent all of it in a spa - check it out http://www.suan-nanachaat.com - fabulous place!







These are some random ants we found outside our bungalow building a complicated dn in the tree.


Kanchanaburi is about 2 hours outside Bangkok and is where you will find the bridge over the river Kwai. It is a nice place to get out of the traffic and noise of Bangkok and chill for a bit. We didn't do much just stared at the river and relaxed it was great. Went to the bridge of course and to the museums. Looked at all the different things we can do there, going back for the Queen's brithday later in the month to do some kayaking and elephant riding. J not too pleased about the latter but I simply refuse to have lived in this country for two years and not have ridden one.

this is the view from our bungalow. We were overlooking the river and it was great until a humungous party raft disco went thumping by!















J went back to work on Monday and I swanned off to my favourite island - Samet, with a couple of the girls. Thankfully no vortexes of fire were involved this time. It was great to lounge around and eat barbecue. It was super quiet because it isn't a national holiday so there were no Thais on the island.




This is the view we had at dinner and I am sure you can see why it is my favourite island. Of course any island is good but I like Samet because it is quiet and less developed and favoured by the Thais. Not too many fat old men in speedos, although there is never total escape!












This is a cool little Buddhist shrine by the beach. You tend to find shrines and offerings all over the place. Trees are popular. I have also noticed that Buddha appears to be partial to cigars - not sure what that is all about!






This is the bridge over the river Kwai complete with train crossing it, the red dots are tourists. In thailand it is common to have a day out together and all wear the same colour t-shirt. I had to do it once, 200 of us in bright pink shirts - whale of a time. Well, that's it for now. You'll be pleased to know I start back at work on Sat and have loads of overtime as we are short staffed at the mo!