Resort relaxation

As we sit by the pool waiting for our massage and facial, satiated by a cocktail and a cool dip in the pool fringed with frangipani trees, I begin to reflect on the resort experience.  It has been so relaxing despite the dramas suffered by the mother of the  bride. Her son and his girlfriend have been rather trying in their behaviour at times which has added a degree of angst.    Travelling can test a relationship that is well established,   so it will be interesting to see if theirs lasts beyond this trip.  

Our arrival late at night was quite challenging because Angie was tired and suffering culture shock. She couldn't quite come to grips with the desire for a formal wedding in an impoverished country. Then the allocated room did not have the anticipated view and the alternative room had a faulty aircon. Eventually they relocated to a villa with private plunge pool. Kirsten negotiated a special deal. Fortunately my room though not looking over a garden as I expected has a view albeit distant, of the sea and a view to the hillside through Palm trees.  It is all green and very private.  I think our arrival confirmed my preference for arriving during the day. I feel that you are able to deal with the unexpected more easily. There was also a flurry over the credit card deposit that hotels like to do in case you abscond. Some of the party haven't travelled much and hardly ever to Asia so they are a little anxious.

After a good nights sleep and a swim I decided to take a walk with Barry(Sandra's husband) into the village. He is looking for runners and swim shorts. I am just curious as I have no sense of our location. Haven't even seen a map yet. It is hit and the road has no footpaths so we dodge the local scooters and cars and trucks to eventually find a Tesco of all places.  It has a pretty good range and I succumb to a pair of lightweight blue slip ons for poolside. All of $5.00  australian  cute and comfy and much nicer than my Chinese black ones.

We had a late lunch poolside and later repaired to the Tapas bar for cocktails and tapas. Our waiter misunderstood our order and we ended up with ten plates of gyosas instead of a plate of ten! As it turned out they were delicious and it was our dinner.

Next day we organised ourselves to go to Chaweng for shopping.  Angie and Phylis bought gorgeous bags and a few treats. I saw nothing to tempt me to open the wallet. It is a mix of upmarket shops and tourist stuff for young ones. One long street and a new plaza called Central. Not huge. Lots if bars and really just a street back from the beach. Geoff and Barry decided to experience the flesh eating fish that are in glass aquariums on the street, at 200 Baht for 15 minutes they let the fish nibble the dry skin off their feet. It was quite a tickly almost painful sensation initially that settled down and eventually delivered smooth feet. I had heard about soldiers doing this during the Second World War to heal their ulcers. I took lots of photos but didn't want to try it.

Back to the resort to get ready for dinner at the Cliff Restaurant. Our first chance to glam up. 

I have enjoyed getting to know Angie and Tim's friends better. We have shopped and eaten delightful dinners together. Everyone is just going with the flow and enjoying the resort and the company. The young ones for the bridal party are all here now and having a lovely time hanging out.

We have had a day out in a resort van visiting some temples, a waterfall and a cultural centre under construction. One of the highlights was a visit to the Retro Cafe at Ne poi?

 It has been constructed out of containers and is beside a beautiful beach. It is just south of Nahon town. A real find. We were back in time for Angie to go and visit the Banyon Tree and for us to have a cooling dip before a degustation meal featuring Thai wines. Who knew they grew grapes?