Most people know we are now home and I’m sat writing this to finish our story.

We landed at Phuket following another smooth flight. It was 10am and once we were through baggage claim we went in search of a taxi. That was easy too. The taxi rank told us the price and we were soon on our way. It was a 45min drive to Bangtao Beach and our hotel. We were staying here for a whole week! It was exciting knowing we were going to see the little ones, Archie & Aiva, and have some fun in the sun (and water) with them. That’s not forgetting Mark, Sarah and Myles too.
We were staying at the Andaman Bangtao Bay Resort. It sits directly on the beach.

 

We soon checked in and settled into our room. We spent the afternoon relaxing and taking dips in either the pool or the sea. We finally heard from Mark (they hadn’t been able to check into their room until the afternoon and then had all had a sleep due to the time difference) and we arranged to meet them that evening at their hotel. It was so good to see them all again. We do miss the kids when we are away.
The next couple of days were spent by the pool or on the beach, building sandcastles, digging holes, riding pink flamingos (inflatables of course!), sitting in the jacuzzi, learning to dive and don’t forget eating ice cream 😍😍 The beer was good too 😂😂

 

 

On Thursday we all met just before 8am as Sarah had booked a driver to take us to some places to visit. First stop was Tiger Kingdom. You could choose what size tiger you had a 10 minute close up experience with, but the kids could only do the smallest so we all chose them with the exception of Mark who chose (well Sarah chose for him really 😂😂) the big tiger! It was a little overwhelming for Aiva and she had to sit out with Mark so we could continue. Archie’s face was a picture and when Andy asked him if he was okay he said “I’m just so excited Grandad” There were 2 small tiger cubs, just 3 months old and brothers. Archie loved it and sat there beaming as he stroked the tiger cub. The trainer picked a paw up and told Archie he could hold it, it was huge! We all had a pat and a stroke and then we moved to the next tiger cub who was being a typical mischievous little boy and didn’t want to sit still for us. We managed a stroke or two and then the trainer brought out a baby bottle of milk and let Archie feed him. What an experience that was, Archie was so happy.

 

Mark had his experience next. That tiger was huge! I don’t think I could have gone in there even with three trainers sorting out the tiger and ensuring his safety.
After a little chat and promising to keep her safe Aiva said she would go in to see the tiger. (The attendant had said I could go back in with her) It was a success as she slowly relaxed and in the end totally enjoyed the experience. I was so proud of her for overcoming her fears. 😍😍

 

 

 

Next stop was a monkey show. The kids really enjoyed it but as adults we were not so enthralled as the monkeys were either chained or in cages. They did appear to be cared for and healthy. Archie enjoyed feeding them banana pieces.
Then it was on to have an elephant ride. Mark, Myles and Archie had a ride whilst the rest of us were happy to watch them. Aiva and Archie also loved feeding the baby elephant bananas.

 

The next place to visit was the upside down house (literally!) The kids enjoyed this place and were amazed in every room.
A temple visit was next but by the time we arrived Archie and Aiva were asleep. It had been a very active morning. I stayed in the taxi with them and everyone else went taking photos.

 

The final visit was to see The Big Buddha and the kids woke just in time. It was huge and the view from the area was amazing but it was so hot!! We didn’t stay long and the swimming pool was calling 😂😍 Aiva had a little poolside dance session to the music playing for an Aquafit session.

 

We had a great day and managed to fit so much in. The kids had been really good and it was time to go and have some fun in the pool.
The next three days were spent enjoying our time together, more swimming and fun in the sun, more building sandcastles and riding pink flamingos. The jacuzzi was a favourite place to chill.

 

Mark managed to agree on a good deal with the jet ski team and so he first took Archie out for a spin. Speeding around and having great fun. Then back he came with Archie and took Myles out, this time going even faster. A great experience for them all.

 

On our last evening together we had our evening meal at a restaurant on the beach. This was a great place for the kids to be able to play and enjoy themselves once they had eaten.

 

Halfway through it began to rain!! The staff were great moving everyone undercover. It only lasted 10mins and it was gone. At the end of the evening it was time to say our goodbyes as we were flying to Bangkok in the morning. It wouldn’t be long before we would see the kids again 😍😍 The sunsets each night were gorgeous. I was happy sat watching the light changing, Andy was happy clicking away with his camera. With a taxi booked to take us to the airport at 10:30am it was a leisurely morning and our last breakfast with that beautiful view.

 

The flight was on time and within no time at all we were at Bangkok airport needing a taxi to transfer us to our hotel, Travelodge Sukhumvit 11. The taxi system was amazing, you take a ticket at a machine and are given a number. The taxis are in bays, find your bay number and your taxi is waiting. We checked into our room and then headed for the rooftop pool. It was a beautiful area and we stayed there until dark.
The next morning we took the hotel shuttle to the sky train station (aptly called Nana 😂) we took the train to the river and then a boat to the Royal Palace area. There was so much to see along the river.

We went to see the White Buddha and the Happy Buddha. Another boat trip along the river and back to the hotel for a chill by the pool. After some sunset photos we headed for the MBK centre. A shopping mall and food court. Andy was a little disappointed that the cameras weren’t as cheap as he hoped. I had my phone repaired on the spot. Repaired screen and new battery for about £25.
The next day we headed to The Royal Palace.

We could not believe how busy it was. The place was amazing though. So intricate in design and beautiful colours.

We had tickets for the hop on and hop off boat and we went to visit Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple.

There was nowhere to hide from the sun and it was so hot. Andy got his photos and we were off on the boat once more.

As the boat headed down the river the breeze was beautiful. Back to the hotel pool once more. A bucket of beer enjoyed in the pool was just what was needed. It brought a tear to my eyes as I stood there in that pool realising that the adventure was almost over.

We had travelled so far together and honestly, there hadn’t been a cross word between us. I feel we are blessed and so lucky to be able to enjoy our gap year together. 😍😍
We were up at 5am for our taxi to the airport the next morning. Our flights were great even though a little bumpy at times 😂😂 and at 6:20pm we landed at London Heathrow. We had a room booked at the Premier inn at terminal 4 and train tickets for the next day, 2:05pm from Kings Cross in First Class.
We arrived at our final stop, Hatfield/Stainforth station and could hear little voices shouting “Nana, Grandad” our little darling and little princess were there to pick us up.
Home safe and sound. About 25 degrees cooler than Bangkok.
What an adventure!! It’s been amazing.

Thank you for following and reading our story.

Life is not about how far you travel, it is about what you discover …….

Carol & Andy