Another Very Sad Farewell

Monday 2 October

Juz and Dave’s last day with us. It will be very sad to see them leave. The four weeks they have been here have simply flown by, and it will be very strange to be on own again.

We were up very late this morning, and after my swim, it was 10.00 before we made breakfast. I then wrote up yesterday’s blog and caught up on correspondence, before it was time to visit Chez Bandara to swap some items – mostly paperwork and mementos for Juz and Dave to take back, and bikinis and clothes to top up my wardrobe for us to keep (not sure how this is going to affect the weight in the cases, but hopefully we haven’t added too many extra kilos.

We then spent another afternoon puzzling (I managed to complete the crossword, suduko, word finder and scrabble in one of the Bangkok Times papers!), reading and swimming, before Juz and Dave arrived (slightly later than planned as they had managed to lock themselves out of their safe!). After making a good attempt to finish up some of our drinks store – particularly the malts, gin and “bloody wine”, we adjourned to Happy Elephant for more cocktails and eventually to eat. I was in trouble yesterday for not mentioning “Colin the Kitty”, and tonight, in the bar, Juz made friends with a tabby cat who purred around our legs and loved her tummy being tickled – but we didn’t get as far as naming her.

We sat inside at the Happy Elephant restaurant, and Dave had another Caveman Steak – I think they may be investing in hot griddle plates when they get home. We had more “bloody wine” as it was another ‘last supper’, but this time it was a red Chilean Sauvignon and very drinkable with my pork fillet. Juz and Colin had barbequed barracuda and squid respectively. The food here on Koh Samui is an eclectic mix, with herbs and spices added to meat and fish in so many different combinations, that no two meals are quite the same - which makes eating here like a culinary festival every day.

We then returned to the Elephant bar for one last drink and to say “goodbye” for another six months or so. There were a few tears, of course, as we spoke of things that will happen at home while we are away – Christmas, Nan and Grandad’s ‘flying’ visit up north, EO’s wedding, Kerry and Andy’s new baby. It makes you realize just how far away we are – on the other side of the world really – but equally – how small the world has become in that technology has now ensured we can be home in twenty four hours from anywhere.

It was a sad couple who went to bed tonight. We will miss Juz and Dave greatly – they have kept us entertained here - and after all our traveling it will be wonderful to catch up with them again next April, along with the rest of the family and friends.

We are now looking forward to the next stage of our trip – to mainland Thailand, Malaysia Singapore – and many more exciting experiences to encounter on our voyage round the world.