Sawadee ka Thailand... until we meet again x

Sitting here quietly and alone in the rooms that have been home for our little family the last 10 days I at last, relented and decided to write this last blog of our trip… Fred very emotional, decided to go for a swim and “thought walk” around the pool… as he left, he suggested I write my blog, hmmm… like that was going to help me today as we both were nigh on emotional wrecks… but after a shower, last minute tidy up and whilst drying my hair, so many thoughts of the last ten days were whizzing through my head and the need to not forget anything meant I had to write it down… so here I am!

This was a trip with a difference and one I had no intention of putting a stamp on beforehand.  Everything we did was as a family and impromptu.  Nothing was planned, decided ahead of time and even whilst out together our trips would change at every turn.

As I said in an earlier blog, Leelawadee is an absolute angelic baby.  Born in the Land of Smiles, my granddaughter lives up to the name fully.  In her waking hours she is an absolute treasure, and not because she doesn’t whine or cry, but because as soon as you call her name she responds with a beaming smile that would melt the hardest of hearts.  Grown men have peered into her pushchair and chatted with her only to receive that token smile and their faces then say it all, another broken heart…. Hehehe!!!  She is absolutely adorable and I will sorely miss our baby conversations as I peer around the door to her bedroom and call her name each morning, greeted with her smile and baby chatter, I could have stayed with her like that all day. 

No one prepares you for grandparenthood and we were certainly no exception.  As soon as we held Lia for the first time we were besotted.  It beggars belief that any grandparent can say “at least when a grandparent you can give them back”… to that I say I’m sorry we definitely do not fall into that category… I joked that I had an extra bag in my case ready to bring her home with me… darn it that empty bag is still empty and packed in my case… lol

Lee and Poon not only attentive to Lia, but us also, gave us the trip we so wished for.  Hand in hand with visits to lovely restaurants, shops and spectacular views from the highest point in Bangkok (Baiyoke Sky Tower) we were all also treated to a beautiful hotel with superb service, food, stunning vistas and in a prominent, but unpretentious part of the city. 

The hustle and bustle that is Bangkok was on our doorstep for us all to savour at every turn.  Lia revelled in all the attention given her by us and the ever present hotel staff.  Everyone knew her and loved her.  Her winning smile and excitement at being spoken to just got more of the same and Sawadee was offered to her everywhere she went.  I truly believe it will be her very first word… she already seems to put her hands together as if to imitate anyone offering the pleasantry. 

I personally want to take this opportunity of thanking my son, Lee and Poon his loving partner for making our trip so very special.  Your love of each other and your baby girl know no bounds and that very same love also shown to us throughout our trip will remain in our hearts, always.

X X X

Wat to Do!!!

Wat (Thai for Temple) Saket has an adjoining school and stands next to The Golden Mount.  This is the beautiful temple that can be seen from our hotel room window.  Brightly golden lit at night it stands high above the city and resides between the Khlong Mahanak and Ong Ang.  Fred and I walked Khlong Mahanak whilst the residents went about their daily business.  Trees and plants hung high, and low, along the pathway and there is truly not much between yourself and the dark depths of the Khlong below, so we walked tentatively along the pathway and watched for loose paving underfoot and plants overhead. 

The Golden Mount & Wat Saket

Riverboats passed at speed sending laps of black water waves our way… we continued until we were unable to walk further along the path and cut through an alleyway to the main road. This alleyway was an outdoor launderette complete with washing machines and soap dispensing machines. Stools, and benches lined the opposite wall for the ladies to sit and watch their wash. No different to home, just “open air” lol… fascinating…

We came out onto the main road and found ourselves a few steps from The Golden Mount… an opportunity not to be missed I proceeded to work my way towards both Wat Saket and The Golden Mount with Fred in tow.  Fred isn’t "into" temples and the like, and the thought of climbing the temple steps in the humid heat was enough for him to park his bottom on a bench alongside a plethora of monks gaily chatting together.  Fascinated, I left him to make the climb alone.  With a little over 300 steps sloping gently upwards I make the climb alongside beautiful trees, flora and waterfalls.  Buddhist graves are sited upwards in amongst the undergrowth and small golden Buddha statues and floral tributes can be seen if one peers through the trees.  At every step and turn ascending you can take in the views of the City below and beyond. 

Very large Prayer bells line walls and smaller ones are dedicated to persons passed into a new life.  All very surreal and unusually peaceful considering the manic city beyond.  I would have stayed much longer, but Fred was waiting for me down in the foliage and when I eventually reappeared 1 ¼ hours later, he looked almost relieved although did say he’d had fun watching the monastic antics going on alongside him.  I don’t know where Fred thought the brightly adorned monks hailed from but was surprised that they used mobile phones, stood and chatted happily and loudly and were obviously not the type of monk he’d grown up knowing in books and newspapers… lol… methinks Fred needs some Buddhist reading material… !

Sawadee ka!

Fred Does A Runner!!!

Shopping, sightseeing and lunching with three ladies took its toll on Freddie boy today…  After spending a good while choosing our gift for Leelawadee, the most beautiful high chair cum swaying soother cum sleeper, I appropriately named the “space station”, we had lunch in the Emporium shopping centre at Piri Piri with Poon and Leelawadee… sated and ready for the next leg of our day out, we ventured out into the sunny, buzzing and fearfully hot city and visited a beautiful ornate park.  Small in size it still encompassed everything one would need for recreation, leisure and peaceful meditative beauty.  From an all sport court, basketball court, open air swimming pool, beautiful landscaped gardens and tended trees to works of art in the form of alabaster statues and bright golden epitaphs, this was a place of great beauty in amongst the hubbub of a frenetic metropolis.

After all the recreational walking and sightseeing, it was time for Fred’s delight, a sports bar headed off the main road.  Passing a sea of taxi cabs and heat laden buses we wound our way across the road and into a sports bar called appropriately “The Sportsman”.  Here I knew Fred would be in his element… air con, ice cold draught beer, international newspapers, big screens showing the previous nights’ Premier League footie game, NFL and some other extreme sport and then an even larger screen showing a channel relating to, of all things, surfing and skiing lol!!! Cooled one down just watching it….

Poon went back to the department store to pick up, what we believed would be the lightweight “space station”.  On her return with what appeared to be a box the size of Poons lol… we had to leave Fred’s comfort zone as at 5 o’clock no children (including babies in pushchairs) were allowed.  Fred sighed, got up and made his final visit to the loo before the lovely “stand still in traffic” cab ride back to the hotel…

I’m absolutely fascinated by the traffic situation in central Bangkok… traffic lights have a countdown at junctions… a traffic officer sits in his little box overseeing the traffic on his computer screens and decides what time to add to the traffic signal… it can be anything from 30 seconds to… Lee told me, he once waited nearly 5 minutes, so at each intersection a laborious wait ensued for the lights to change, then an almost free-for-all to get over the junction… cab drivers and tuk-tuks vie for the spaces between lanes and it’s every man for himself… absolutely death defying, but fun nonetheless… hehehe!!!

Our journey back to the hotel, if free from traffic, would have taken no more than 15 minutes maximum, at this time we were 50 minutes into it, and whilst our journey was fascinating, Fred in the front seat was suffering… badly in need of a loo break, he threatened several times that he would have to ask the driver to pull over so he could rush into a bar, hotel or shop to relieve himself… I told him he was expecting the nigh on impossible as we were in the middle lanes and stop starting all the while… Poon assured him that we were nearly at the hotel, but on seeing a shopping centre we’d been to on Saturday, Fred realised we were not as close as he would have liked to be… and so without any notice, just opened the cab door and did a runner… Poon, myself and the cab driver, just looked on in amazement as he ran between a bus that was alongside us and melted into the hubbub on the pavement… Fred was to be seen no more!! L Our cab progressed at speed now as we passed the last “timed” intersection before our hotel and, had he waited, Fred, like us would have been ensconced back in the hotel room within 10 minutes of him making his impromptu escape from our bright pink cab…!!

Of course, I was not worried, as Fred is street savvy in almost any city situation, but Lee on returning to the hotel from work, was not best pleased… his Dad was “lost in Bangkok and in translation” lol and no matter how much I tried to tell him, all was well and he should give his Dad a little more credit, his Dad’s previous antics and those of Thai Joe Public went before him and them!!! Lee was having none of it, but knew he wouldn’t be able to find his Dad, so decided to wait for him at the front of the hotel… not more than 3-5 minutes after Lee left, Fred arrived… excited that he’d had his necessary loo break, had another beer in a 5-star plush hotel bar and took the ever present, ever dangerous tuk-tuk back to the hotel… I called Lee who must have literally passed his Dad on his way to meeting him…!!  After much back slapping and name calling lol our evening shenanigans began, yet another cab ride to Khao San Road J

One Step Forward... Two Feet To Sleep!!!

Saturday evening Poon and I were treated to a traditional Thai Foot Massage… Yayyy! Absolute heaven!

Thai foot massage is an experience not to be missed.  Thai massages are famous for allsorts of fairly “unsavoury” reasons and this is portrayed in the legitimate massage parlours displaying the prices and then in very large letters underneath so no one can be mistaken are the words “NO SEX” lol…

Thai foot massage is not only about the feet… the masseuse will start by washing one’s feet which makes you feel strange and takes you back to your childhood days.  After your foot wash, you are asked to sit on what can only be described as a very large armchair-cum-single bed but far more comfortable with large cushions for you to snuggle into… the masseuse will then continue by massaging the right foot and leg to the knee, pummelling her way around all the knots and tense areas in the feet, arches, heels and lower leg… your right leg is now buzzing and a warmth is felt throughout the massaged area.  It’s now wrapped in a towel to keep in the warm, while she starts on your left foot and leg… for me this was when I began to drift off to sleep… I was so comfortable and blissfully resting while she continued.  I am not ticklish but there was one spot on my foot that brought me out of my reverie each time, opening my eyes to the kind Thai lady’s smile… she knew she’d hit a funny spot each time… lol… wrapping the left leg, she then returns her attention to the right and continues with the same methodical massage and pummelling… After a lot of slapping, gentle clicking of bones and softening of tendons… feet and legs finished, we were unwrapped hehehe!!  I thought it was all over, but was then asked to shuffle back down to the edge of the bed/chair and treated to what can only be described as the most relaxing shoulder, neck, head and back massage… after removing all the knots from said places my arms were then hitched up behind my back and the masseuse’ foot placed firmly in the centre of my spine… Help!! I thought this lil Thai lady has so much strength methinks she will snap my back in two, but after holding my arms back for a little under 2 minutes she released them and rubbed and slapped up and down my back…

Job done… and not a bit of clothing removed, both Poon and I walked away feeling 110%... Am I having another before I leave…?  Do Thai love Buddha?? LOL

So Laid Back... Yet Buzzing....

Frenetic!!! That’s the word I’d use to explain our first few hours in Thailand… and that’s just what the City of Bangkok is too.  From the moment we landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok to the moment of writing this on Sunday morning, we have moved with Bangkok’s sea of people, cabs, tuk-tuks and the ever present motorcycles.  If New York is the City that never sleeps, then whoever wrote that phrase has never been to Bangkok. 

Sitting almost on the top floor, 27 stories up above all the hustle and bustle, we look out from our air conditioned 3 bedroom suite, in the Prince Palace Hotel, and it’s easy to forget what city you are in.  Gazing out the windows over the twinkling night city, the only major giveaway is the brightly golden lit temple standing high above all other buildings and a plethora of smaller ones dotted all around this vibrant vista.

Morning breaks and the night city turns into yet another bustling day of heat, smells and noise.  Nothing prepares you for the city within the Land of Smiles.  Yesterday, Saturday, we took a cab to a shopping centre, by far bigger than any I’ve experienced in the UK and, being just one of five the same size, in a couple mile radius.  As with all shopping centres, you walk and walk and no attempt is made to actually realise the distance achieved.  Not until you sit, then every bone in your body cries with relief.  Hehehe!!!  Lunch is a mixture of Italian buffet foods with attentive Thai serving staff.  International cuisine is the order of “today” but I am more interested in experiencing true Thai food which awaits us at every turn, literally!!

Of course there is one person for whom all this walking is a breeze and that’s my little granddaughter, Leelawadee or Lia as she’s now known to most, maybe because it’s much easier to say.  I secretly love to call her Leelawadee, because it’s such a beautiful name.  Laying in comfort in her pushchair, she is oblivious to all the looks and smiles she receives, but has slowly begun to reciprocate which only brings her more attention. J

She is the most angelic baby I’ve ever met.  Her cry, when she does, which is not often at all, is so miniscule that one could miss it for a whimper.  She is a very happy and absolutely delightful little baby.  My heart lifts each time she turns her big brown eyes in my direction.  Both Fred and I are in awe as to how she took to us, as though she’d known us her lifetime already.  She willingly lets us play, hold and cuddle her even when her Mummy is in viewing distance.  Never struggling to get free or crying so Mummy comes.  It’s as though she knows she’s safe and comforted by all around her and in that respect she is most certainly right. 

Poon (also has a beautiful name Kawadee, but has been nicknamed Poon) and Lee make excellent and very attentive parents.  Their love for Leelawadee is so apparent and it melts my heart to know we have brought up such a loving, devoted and mature man whose respect for his loving partner knows no bounds and, his love for his daughter is phenomenal.  Lee you have made us very proud for all the right reasons.  Poon is a fabulous Mum and I am blessed that I have a “daughter-in-law” who is so magnificently attuned to her baby and Lee.  I wondered before meeting how we would all get on as we were meeting for the first time, not only our granddaughter, but Poon too!  I should never have worried at all, we’ve had fun and laughter already, have misunderstood each other, but then fought through the language barrier and laughed at our mistakes, but on top of that we both have a fervent love for both Lee and Leelawadee.  Thank you Poon, for your love and respect of Lee and, for giving us both our beautiful granddaughter, Leelawadee!! ❀

We are truly blessed… ♥

The Day That Kept Giving and Giving...

Today started at about 6 a.m. after very little sleep... anticipation of what I needed to do before leaving for our trip and the feeling that I might not get everything done in time, was creeping up the duvet... darn it, I threw back the duvet and bounded over to the window that had been rattling iritatingly all night due to the strong winds... and shut it firmly, locking it up knowing nothing could get in and even more so, not the wind!!

I rushed downstairs and swiftly put the kettle on, a couple of caffeine-laced spoonfuls of coffee and piping hot water later, I was well on the way to feeling somewhat normal and then it hit me... this was no ordinary day.... this was going to be a very special, a very exciting day... suddenly I'd got back my tastebuds and realised I'd put much too much coffee in my mug... it was so strong I could have stood my spoon up in it... I was suddenly wide awake and raring to go... we were soon to be on the first stretch of our holiday to Thailand... and more importantly were so many steps closer to meeting the newest addition to our family, Leelawadee... our first granddaughter... and first grandchild...

I'd already packed my case a few days previously and was nearly through with Fred's, although I've always been in the habit of leaving his case open until the very last minute as he's always wanted to add a forgotten item... zipped and locked both cases sat in the hallway... handles at the ready to be pulled out to the car... Fred had gone off to have the car cleaned, do some banking and visit his Dad, oh and have the proverbial haircut... why is it men feel they need to leave everything to the very last minute...

I cannot shout though, I had bought a new washing machine last week and the only day they could deliver it was today... so there I am keys in hand reversing Fred's car out from behind mine, letting the delivery guys park their lorry and unload my washing machine... all this and I still hadn't put the cases in the car...

I will be rewarded for all my efforts to get everything done ship shape before I leave I kept telling myself... and sure enough one of my rewards was that Fred had decided to take me to lunch, to a place I'd never been before... we drove to a lovely Chinese Restaurant on the River Lea facing City Airport... beautiful atmosphere, lovely music, and special company... I actually started to relax and got into the holiday spirit... the very next table to us was empty for most of our meal and then all of a sudden three lovely young Chinese ladies were lunching and one had brought her baby daughter with her... as she lifted the baby girl from her pushchair and tried to fix the chair with her one free hand, the little girl turned and with the biggest eyes looking over to me, gave me a toothless smile... at that moment I knew I was going to cry... all my love for my little granddaughter, that I yet had to meet, had been just waiting to spill from my heart... I couldn't hold back the tears and was smiling back at the little girl, but blubbing just the same... Fred didn't know what to do and all our napkins were soiled with food so he couldn't give me one to wipe my tears... I just kept wiping my eyes and sniffing and then started to laugh at the simple act of overwhelming love... blimey I said, if this is me now anticipating the love of my granddaughter, her smile, her smell, her skin, her excitement... what on earth will I be like on Friday morning when we land in Bangkok and I get to see her for real for the first time...

Since this lunchtime's flood of tears, I've done the same twice again... but for every time I cry I get something beautiful in return... arriving at our hotel, instead of a standard double room that I'd booked we got an Executive Suite... I'd packed my laptop away with no intention of using it at this end of my trip... but wi-fi on tap meant I could now use it... and to top it all I had a lovely conversation with my son on Skype for over half an hour...

Crying? Whose crying now? Not me... I'm smiling from ear to ear... cos this day just kept giving and giving... x x x

2 Weeks 2 Days 2 Go...

... and I'm raring to go right now...

It's been chucking down in Thailand on and off and we're about to go into the rainy season over there, but who cares...!! Not me!

My little granddaughter, along with my Lee and his lovely girlfriend Poon are just as excited as we are to this very special trip. 

Who could resist this little gem... I'm such a proud Nanna and proud Mum too!!

Time waits for no man or woman... so I'm off now to sort out my bits and pieces to pack... it's just gotta be done... catch you all soon. 

With love x x x

Hi ~ Thai, Bye ~ Thai ~ Learning the Language

Well here I go, trying to learn the basic language to get me by on our trip to Thailand.  Lee has done fantastically well learning the lingo, but there will be times when he won't be around and I need to know the basics... so here goes...

Hello ~ sa-wad-dee-ka
My name is ... ~ chan-chue...
Goodbye ~ laa-gon-ka
Nice to meet you ~ yin-dee-tee-dai-roo-jak-ka
Take care ~ doo-lae-dtua-eang-na-ka


Methinks I should learn this one first.... hehehe!!!
Can you speak English? ~ khun-pood-pa-sa-ang-grid-dai-mai-ka
or
I can't speak Thai ~ chan-pood-tai-mai-dai-ka


Yes ~ chai-ka
No ~ mai-ka
No, thank you ~ mai-ka, kob-khun-ka
Do you understand? ~ khao-jai-mai-ka
I don't understand ~ chan-mai-khao-jai-ka

Thank you ~ kob-khun-ka
I'm sorry ~ kor-tod-ka
I like... ~ chan-chob...
Help! ~ chuay-duay!
How much? ~ tao-rai-ka?

Oh and then there are the numbers.... guess I better get my headphones on and practice.  Lee said that was the first thing he learned when visiting Thailand so he'd know how many beers he'd ordered and was paying for!!

Until next time.... Laa-gon-ka x x x

P.s. for your information the above translations are for women speakers.... all men should finish the sentence with "krap" instead of "ka"... Sounds like the Thai people have got it right... need I say more!!! Hehehe!!! x

7 weeks and 3 days to go...

and we will be on our way to see our son, Lee, his girlfriend Poon and our first grandchild, our little granddaughter, Leelawadee (Lia, for those who get tongue-tied easily :)).

It's hard to describe the emotions we are feeling as the time gets closer.  For you see we haven't seen Lee for almost two years, since he decided to set up home in Thailand.  Now in a relationship and a Daddy, he has provided us with a definite holiday/home destination for the rest of our lives.

Leelawadee is an absolute doll and is apparently a "very good baby" as Mum puts it.  As she grows day by day, doing things all babies do, it's hard to imagine she'll be 3 months old by the time we hold her for the first time!

Named after a national Thai flower, I'm sure she will blossom into a beautiful little girl before our very eyes.  Now both Lee and ourselves are connected to Skype, the world is suddenly a very much smaller place!!