Not long until we leave - 3 week countdown!
 

Hi - we are off to Thailand again, leaving on 6 Feb on EVA Air LHR to BKK evening flight. I am almost beyond excitement, although prospect of flight with 9 month old (even one with her own seat) is a little bit of fog in the sunshine ahead.

Current plans:
4 nights at Indigo Pearl
6 nights at Le Meridien Khao Lak
5 nights in Bangkok (tbc - either Banyan Tree/Marriott, Banyan Tree/Peninsula or just Marriott or just Peninsula - don't need to decide that for some time)

We were going to go to Railay Bay for a few nights but Mr BB has kindly said that as much as he would love to go to climbing there again, it can wait until another trip as it is not worth it - to get there we would have a 3.5 hour drive from Khao Lak to Krabi with Baby BB who hates cars, plus 40 minute transfer to port, plus boat ride to beach plus the walk from the boat up the beach with a bag on the head and a child under each arm not forgetting the car seat that will be with us as we need it for the london-bkk flight. I am quite relieved! Bob will be pleased that we are sloooowwwing down and have extended phuket by 1 night, khao lak by 2 nights.

Current plans are really quite vague - will take it as it comes I think but John Gray's Sea Canoe will feature for me, diving in similans for each of us (separately sadly, children not old enough to be left quite yet) and possibly a trip with Captain Mark on a sailing boat. Mr BB will exhaust himself by doing every sporting activity possible wherever we are - including golf, in that heat? I ask you. I will spend a lot of time in or on or under the water, as will kids I expect. We are also going to hire a car whilst in khao lak and phuket. Bangkok - two days out with Tong and other days relaxing and visiting old haunts. Not forgetting shopping. Oh - Little Miss BB desperate to see some elephants & gibbons, go to a dancing show (thinking of either Fantasea or the one in Bangkok that I have forgotten the name of), meet Tong's daughter Pear and go to the Aquarium. phew - am sure our days will be full.

Really really can't wait!!

Aww, c'mon, I've seen those itty bitty wetsuits in the shops. You might as well get the kids started early.

As far as golfing in the heat goes, we'll have to see. It has been positively FRIGID this week. I've actually had to turn the A/C off in my car every morning this week.

please don't tell me it is cold. i am cold - i have been cold for months. i am dreaming of heat!

Baby BB can already swim underwater! she started early and still has the dive reflex - she swims along with her eyes and mouth open and then pops up to the surface. not sure we'll try it out in the big blue though...

I can't imagine BKK being chilly. Weird wild stuff.

BB---there is a nice outside italian rest. in KL, up the road a ways from the hotel...i will look the address up when i get home about feb 2....

good for kids....good pizza and pasta...mr BB will like it for his wallet...

send me an email and i will look it up....i am away on a trip...

Hey BB, all packed?

While you're waiting for flights in Thailand, you might browse the magazine stands to see if you can find a copy of the latest issue of Asian Diver. There's an article in it titled "diving with kids". ;-)

Of course, I picked it up because the rest of the issue is devoted to the 100 best dive sites in Indonesia. Sadly, I've only done two of them so far. :-(

Have a great time, hope your snow clear up !

Bella
Have a super time, i am very envious.
Want to hear all about it when you get back (i stil have my trip report to do from November!!)

Hope the snow didnt catch you out yesterday.
Smeagol

I am very nervous about the snow!! I do not want to be stuck here on Friday because Heathrow closes/planes aren't in the right place - and have just checked the weather for Friday, snow...we have had the heaviest snow for decades, and the authorities just aren't set up to deal with it. Looks v pretty, nice for kids to make snowmen - all very well - but I want to go to Thailand!!!

24 hours to go!! yippee! just trying to persuade Mr BB TO PACK!! He has also asked, tonight, where we go first, where are we staying, have we made reservations. HAVE WE MADE RESERVATIONS - he obviously listens to nothing that I have said for the last six months...Bella (4 year old) was able to tell him exactly where we are going - she is v excited about staying at the Indigo Pearl in phuket (our first stop) as indigo is currently her favourite colour :)
BB

Bon voyage!

May weather and children cooperate handsomely with your plans. The last stage before a family's departure can be grindingly awful for you, the one who is managing all the planning, but soon you will be on your way.

How lovely it will be to be in Thailand. Enjoy.

bon voyage...

huge hugs to tong from us....don't forget!!

Bella
fingers crossed Heathrow stays open. Enjoy the Eva flight and have a super time. Your trip sounds great

Give Tong hugs from Nicky and Muffin too.