A few more Andaman Seaview pics

Thought I should dig out a few more pics. But rather than go back and edit each previous blog , here they are.

We have a final night shot of the girls at the salon where we had some form of treatment most days ( oilings, toe jobs , reflexology; and facials, during our last week., then there is another of Miss Bossy , our waitress who was just wonderful, really bouncy and cheery ,etc . The Duty Manager Jakkit , who looked after us during our stay and who as a proper gentleman - finally one of the Dragon Flowers which were all around the hotel.

Kafkaesque - now there is a word.

Still on a reverse jet lag and up wandering about during the night as our bodies are now seven hours ahead of UK time. Mrs. B. will get bashed if she does not settle down - up at 5.30 a.m. this morning , so was I , which meant RGB had no peace to get get himself organised.

last night I thought it better to go out rather than sit in and fall asleep, so along with the all conquering Sparky Mark headed down to dalkeith for a meetring of Esk42 RA. There was a good turn out, 51 theere including a group over from France and it was good to see the French MEZ doing part of the ritual, mostly in English , but with one bit in French.

Turns out someone made a boob with my holiday dates , got the OSM meeting mixed up so having thouht it was last week , it is now on 14th, and I could have been installed - never mind, there is still the chance I will miss the Nov meeting also.

Watching GMTV and Mr Motivator doing his thing - perhaps I need to copy him to get rid of the holiday excesses. (but I say that every time I get back).
BUT more concerning is the racist anti British rubbish being spouted by the Muslim demonstrator who has been telling lies about the army - I think they are taking this freedom of speech thing just too far - the parents of one of the dead soldiers were superb, exemplary in their actions and comments.

I see there is a documentary tonight about the Comic Relief team going up Killiminjro, it should be interesting. They were in a big group unlike Sparky who went up with thirteen others, two who had to drop out due to altitude sickness. His blog is up and running with photos, video, etc see "MarkSlight.Blogspot.Com"

When in Bangkok we were told that back at the turn of the century they had a good tram system, but it was pulled up as it was interfering with the appearance of the motor car. It seems that the City is now considering putting in a new tram system, as their public transport set up is not too clever other than the trains and the new sky train being worked on. So it is interesting to see the current furore taking place this week here and Council officials have said that they are past the point of no return although they are considering amendments.

Talking of Council Officials, despite writing to the Chief Executive of Edinburgh City Council looking for information about six weeks ago - guess what !! Still no action - interestingly, someone we know has described what has happened to us over the past forty four months one description meaning "an intentional distortion of reality by powerful but anonymous bureacrats" very apt for what is going on.
The answer being " Do not despair do not let the Bast***s grind you down".

On a more cheerful note had a call from Tom and Isobel in Blantyre with an invite to a dance on the 21st, which sadly we cannot manage, however, got an update on the family who are still in one piece, although everyone a wee bit older.

Dan the Man called looking for more tickets for the Chilean wine tasting session at the Mercat on 31st.

Conversation and the St. Trinian Girls.

I had forgotton all about my wait at Heathrow Terminal One last night , and in any case Mrs. B. was "champing at the bit" this morning waiting to get out.

We were seated, reading and minding our own business but you cannot not overhear phone calls or conversations.
Well dressed older gent arrived and sat down , to be joined by a much younger lady, obviously a colleague. So he being very well spoken and she trying to do likewise, had been working together doing some kind of interviews on behalf of a client in London - they discussed how much they had earned in the two days, around £6000 after expenses, and had been treated to a fancy steak house on Mnday night, up in the City. He was heading home to Edinburgh area, via Glasgow where he had left his car.
He called his wife and it was all Dear One, etc, and "Tickety Boo" etc, had been invited out to some fundraiser but was going to take a rain check.

Once on the plane we were surrounded by all these young , well spoken , girls, mid teens , who turned out to ab a lacrosse team from Glenalmond School who had been taking part in some national Competition. They reminded me very much of the St. Trinians Girls - but were a lot better behaved. I spoke with their teacher and it seems that they were the current Scottish champions and had done well in the competition.

Did not get a smuch donme today as I had hoped, The Ford is still away with the likely lads for repair so they got a kick in the backside this afternoon.

Long Haul home

Sort of tired after a 26 hour journey home.

When I wrote from Phucket we had tried to get our cases put through direct to London , but the chancers on the desk were looking for £24 a case to do it.
The plane was late in leving so when we got to Bangkok we were struggling for time for the transfer and one bright spark told us we were to leave our cases in Bangkok and they would follow us home later - so after a near riot, it was agreed to let us get our cases while one from each couple would go and check in - with us following at speed.
Of course there was still security and immigation to go through, and a long trek to the departure gate. En route, Mrs. B. had been clattered on the heel by a baggage trolly and was limping badly which did not help - so by the time we got on the plane there was only ten minutes to take off !!

Up up and away, leaving the sunshine, and knowing all the "cr*p" awaiting back home - not a pleasant though , and with thirteen hours to sit and think about it.

However, TV's were working and I have never watched so many movies in one day - but crew did well and we landed ninety minutes early!!
Originally when we booked the trip we were told we would not make the connecting flight to Edinburgh so had arranged to stay overnight in London - But - a speedy gallop through the labyrinth of tunnels under Heathrow , with poor William chugging along behind, and we made it to the BMI desk. The flight was due to be busy and as they could not guarantee stand by tickets we had to buy two to get home on the 9 p.m. flight - and they were not cheap.

Lovely to get into Edinburgh , only 32 C difference in the temperatures between a.m. and p.m. , and with snow on the Pentland Hills - just what the Doctor ordered !!! NOT.

So endeth our holiday - now to sort out the pics, go through the mail, and deal with all the rubbish lying here - WHAT HOLIDAY.

On our weary way

Up very early to get checked out the hotel at 7.30 a.m. , then an hours run through the morning rush hour traffic to Phucket airport, where we are now sitting for our flight in about 80 mins. Hour or so up to Bangkok then we have to transfer over to to the other terminal , do all the check ins again before our long trip home.

Not sure if it is possible but we might try and see if there is a flight up this evening , although it could be cutting it fine.

We forgot to wish Stuart Johnston a happy birthday yesterday - so here is a belated greetings from the family,

Cheers.

Monday tea time - cases nearly packed.

Heading out shortly for our final round of treatments , it is just a pity that the Spa in the hotel were not able to give Mrs. B. the tretments in house that she had really been looking for. Anyway i have promised myself a real shot at reflexology, no matter how sore it is.

It was blistering hot today , up about 33 c so I spent all day in the shade reading my Dale Brown book, just not my kind of sun , and to see some of the "virgin" sunbathers out with no shade was sheer lunacy on their part. Even the folks who were letting little kids run around with propers cover need shot , as in the land of OZ where skin cancer is taken very seriously.

Sort of disappointed that i missed "Riverdance" at the Playhouse, Edinburgh , last night, as it is one show I have always wanted to see, Jo said it was fantastic.

Anyway, it is 6.30 p.m. here, our cases are part packed and after our night out we get picked up here at 7.30 a.m. local time and eventually get into Heathrow at about 7.30 p.m. London time - but will have to stop over in London overnight - just thought, I might even get a red wine at Sandra's as we have had none for three weeks - cheapest bottle out here costs about twenty quid in the supermarket.

Might be able to check in later - wi fi still down but using Admin Office machines.

Sunday p.m. and chucking it down

Well, obviously still operating on a borrowed machine through the main server.

Had an appallingly restless and sleepless night, so much so my watch did not stop !!

Now 11 p.m and the heavens opened about 20 mins ago - and we made it back just in time after our nightly trip for toe jobs, oilings, etc, although Mrs B had a lovely facial this evening.
Afterwards the real foot expert had a wee go at my feet, nearly killing me but was able to identify illness which I have had for some time - so tomorrow at some stage I have to go back and see her.

Today was a bit dissapointing, very cloludy and clammy all day , but we spent most of the day on the beach, in and out of the sunshade dodging the odd drops of rain as the darker clouds passed over - but it was very bearable for me, and with a dale Brown book, borrowed from the hotel library I was content.

William took himself off for a trek along the beach, must have walked as far as Sparky, but did not have the altitude problems.

Had a little portion of the deep fried squid with a salad at lunch time - however this evening we once again had a super meal, all ten of us , in the hotel -- bacon and prawn salad ; chicken and sweetcorn soup; fillet steak with veg and fries; lovely gateau and green tea, all accompanied by the resident singer who is excellent

Calling a haly, hopefully I might get back on my own machine tom orrow and add some pics.