Relax

The kidnapper happily loaded our cases into the back of his taxi and sped off into the night. Our first hotel was the Aleenta, only a 20min drive from the airport apparently. As the kidnapper drove like a lunatic I began to wonder if he knew where he was going. Then, because I didn’t know either, I began to wonder if the holiday company was dodgy. We turned off onto a dimly lit back road and my anxiety increased. However, we had nothing to worry about and soon arrived at the Aleenta. The K wasn’t sure about how to get into the Aleenta however, and needed help from security. As he pulled up to the entrance though, warm light spilled out. A guy relieved us of our cases and we waved Mr K off into the gloom. Hope he knew the way home. Inside, a lady bowed to us hands clasped prayer like. We bowed back. Japan anyone? Then led us to a settee and offered us chilled ginger water and a cold flannel, great to wipe off the grime and mug. We were checked in really efficiently, and she never once lost the smile. She led us over the road to our villa, promising the bags would come shortly. She showed us all the ins and outs, I was very interested in the robes, slippers, and matching pyjamas. Pyjamas girls! 

Robe (lightweight for the hot Thai evenings) and slippers

Pad see-Iew 

Bed


She showed us the complementary fruit bowl and bottled water. (Don’t drink the tap water. We won’t.) Then drew back the curtains to show us our fabulous pool. Wow! 

True to her word the cases arrived just as she left. It was only 8.30 but we were shattered and hungry, so we ordered room service. A Pad Thai and a Pad-see-iew. We also raided the mini fridge for the heinously expensive beer. A quick shower then we were tucked up in our 400 thread sheets and, I at least, was out like a light. 

Apart from waking up for a bit about 1am, I think it was the banging of our outer door that woke me, (must put the bar across in future) I slept till 9.30. Breakfast finished at 10.30 so we whipped down quick. “Table outside sir?”. Don’t mind if I do.

Breakfast by the beach. 

Neither of us were too hungry but the coffee was great and the selection really good. We then sat on the beach settees for a bit where the restaurant guy fetched us some iced water.

We strolled on the sand. Can’t swim because the red flag is out, and a man in a hut on the beach came out to watch very, very carefully anyone who ventured too close to the sea. 

As you can see he didn’t have too much work on his hands

After the excursions of breakfast we had a dip in our private pool

you can step in straight out of bed if you like

We enjoyed the complementary fruit while lounging and reading before swimming some more. After ‘lunch’ we crossed the road to the beach again.

Stopping in reception to sit on a nice settee. We sat by the sea with a drink,  beer for Ian and cola for me, just relaxing and writing this blog. Too much relaxation can get old though, so we had a swim in the infinity pool. Just us. I get the feeling that there aren’t many other guests here. 

To infinity and beyond

Swim up bar Kay

That’s ian relaxing with a brisk crawl

A Japanese family came along after a while and I got a bit annoyed. Spoiling our quiet relaxation time. The restaurant guy came over with more iced water. We swam some more then strolled back to the villa for a cup of tea (using the bottled water of course)

It was there that we discovered that Ian has a bite. After all out MRIs as well. He hadn’t used the 100% DEET though, so maybe that’s why. I had a shower and ensured I sprayed myself with plenty of that and skin so soft afterwards. The little blighters are NOT getting me. Ian is worried about keeling over due to DEET so he only used the skin so soft. We’re doing a double blind test on Mozzie protection.. 

Because we are so near the equator here the sunrise and sunset times barely change, it’s always 6.30am and 6.30pm. We decided to have our tea at The Edge restaurant where we had breakfast. We sat outside and there were just us. A restaurant on the edge of the sand overlooking a glorious beach, pleasantly warm, and awaiting the sunset. Just us, and a couple sat on the beach settees watching the sunset.

As I sipped my Long Island iced tea the sun dipped lower and lower, there were a few clouds and the colours were amazing. In front of us and behind all the colours you can imagine. It was magical. The waiters were really attentive, even when the other couple joined us in our private restaurant. We started with scallops, then Ian had tuna, the best he had ever had, and I had snapper. Delicious. 

Pajama time

Another couple of families came down when it was dark but there were still as many staff as diners. We finished off with a southern comfort before retiring for the night. I slipped into my Kung Foo Pajamas. Not sure what we will do tomorrow. Probably just relax.

Man of the day

The lack of  other guests at the Hotel means the opportunity for people watching and judging is very sparse. The few others are nice Thai families with well behaved children, a few Japanese (always polite) and what appear to be some German couples. We do, however, have the road guard. He lives in a little hut on the Grand Pool Villa side of the street and his sole purpose in life appears to be to escort you over the, very quiet by English standards, road. As you approach the road he shoots out of his hut and puts his arm out to usher You over. He doesn’t seem to take much of a look to see if anything is coming and to be honest I think I prefer to cross myself. But he tries. So he is Man of the day for today.

Toilet watch

I’m struggling with this one to be honest. In our Grand Pool Villa we have a loo. It’s a loo. It is clean and it flushes. 8/10