Well Miss 8 and I have been home from our latest Thailand trip for 8 days now. This means I have been off the cigarettes for 8 days but that's a whole other whining blog that I will save for another time.
Anyway we had all planned to meet at the airport at 8pm on Sunday 11th Aug which was also Jo\'s birthday. After checking in all of our bags we had a drink and then at about 11.30pm we all boarded our plane. There were 9 of us consisting of 4 grown ups and 5 kids. I was dreading the 8 or 9 hour flight and thankfully the kids managed to get some sleep. I was sitting in the middle of Madi and my friends daughter Ruby and they both managed to get a few hours shut eye. We arrived in Bankok at about 6am and after about an our and a half boarded the second flight to take us to Phuket. We finally arrived there at about midday Thai time and got our various transfers to the hotel. Graceland hotel was ok although it was no HOLIDAY INN. Being that this was my third trip to Thailand it didn't seem my experience or knowledge was really listened to and we ended up at a hotel that was responsible for the majority of us getting sick in one way or another. Anyway Jo and the kids had an adjoining room to Madeline and I, and Kath's family were on the other side of us. It was a wonderful holiday although not as relaxing as I was hoping. I did manage to get two massages in as well as a 75 min facial however not once did I sun bake by the pool which is a regret I have.
In regards to sight seeing this time around we once again visited the Phuket zoo as well as Fantasea. This was another suggestion I made as we had already seen it and the others thought it was fantastic. Madi surprised me by her bravery as she insisted at Phuket zoo to have a photo with a Crocodile.
Madeline, me and the big Orangutan
My brave girl and the Crocodile (this croc had just been the main one in the croc show so he wasn't drugged)
Ruby, Oscar and Madeline at Phuket zoo
Madi and I also went to Tiger Kingdom for the first time which was fantastic. At Tiger Kingdom you can choose the size tiger you prefer and go in the cage/enclosure with them for 10 min for photos etc. Kids were only allowed in with the baby tiger so we went in with two gorgeous tigers who were 4 months old and got some great photos. I then decided I wanted to go in with the big ones so I went back and spent time with about 4 big scary tigers. They do have signs everywhere at this place saying they do not drug the tigers so I was cautious thinking they could snap at any moment.
Madeline with the 4 month old tiger.
Me with one of the Big Mammas
Madeline and I at the Big Buddha.
I did a little shopping but not as much as other trips. Seems I may be a little over it. I had told myself about 5 weeks before leaving for this holiday that I had planned to have my last cigarette in Bangkok on the trip home which I have done and now I am irritable and desperate for one. I am not sure if I will last but I will try.
