Spring/Summer Activities

Another very hectic couple of terms with school and other activities. I was fortunate enough to make it to Isy's sports day, technical issues at school, sadly I missed Maddy's - hopefully that will not haunt me for many years. More great running from Isy in all events, wish I had been able to run like that at 9. Very proud Mum. Very proud Isy. Both girls joined the new Cub Pack. Promise time, Maddy took it all extremely seriously. With swim hats and goggle I now struggle to tell the girls apart in the pool.  Maddy ready to start her race at the swim club gala. Super fast back stroke. Isy in action flying off the board, won everything hands down even against older girls. Certificates and 1st place in the relay, well done Maddy. Lots of awards for Isy but triumph for Maddy as her team beat yours at relay. In addition to all her certificates Isy won the girls' remote control helicopter for collecting the most coins from the bottom of the pool. Top swimmers well done Isy and Maddy you have worked so hard in swimming this year. Isy dressed for Tudor Day, so grown up

Photos from Ko Samet

After all the travelling we finished off with a few days on the  lovely Island of Ko Samet.  It had been a fabulous holiday so far but nonstop. Waiting for the boat to take us to Ko Samet and a well earned rest on the beach Bumpy ride at the front, that is why the adults sat at the back! A chilled walk along the beach searching for a bar. What more can you ask for a bar on the beach serving yummy cocktails Ready to cool off in the sea.

Chiang Mai and Hill Tribe Trek

The chance to do a cookery course in Chiang Mai, including shopping for all the ingredients at a local market, was an opportunity not to be missed. Far too much food but all delicious and what fantastic cooks the girls were. Not sure I will let Maddy near a big sharp knife like this at home, had to look away when she was using it for fear of fingers being chopped off. How much is Maddy enjoying the elephant trekking in the jungle, much bumpier than I expected.  So far this year we have had camels and elephants, what next? A slow plod up the river before we started our trek to the hill tribe.  Have to admit that I was not too excited about the prospect trek in heat and overnight in a hut with no facilities. Crossing a rickety bridge, always let the children test it first. A much needed drink, not sure the picture shows the dirty faces. It was extremely hot and the land was parched, well done girls we just kept going up and up for a long time. The female accommodation, much more luxurious than we expected. A short walk away was a wester toilet, yippee, and also a water butt in a rickety shed which acted as a shower.  Isy and I had lots of fun using the jug to shower in the cold water. New friends. Playing catch.  The local children put a show on for us in the evening we had the to reciprocate with singing, very amusing. The locals then taught us some games, what a great time we had. A short trek on the second day.

Sleeper Train to Chiang Mai

After some yummy street food it was off to the station to catch the sleeper train to Chiang Mai.  How exciting, not much sleep and lots of negotiation to convince Maddy that she was not going in the top bunk as she was likely to end up on the floor.

Photos from River Kwai and War Memorials

In the heat of the afternoon we visited Hell Fire Pass where the PoWs had cut through limestone by hand to build the railway. we received audio guides which allowed us to walk in peace and contemplate how horrendous life was for these men.  We were all immensely moved by the experience, I was shocked how much impact it had on Isy and Maddy. Later we visited a museum by the River Kwai, I had just finished a book called 'The Railway Man" and in this book it talked about a Japanese interpreter who later devoted much time to making amends for events in the war, this is a memorial to that man. We then set off in a convoy of Rickshaws to the Bridge over the River Kwai. Poor chap. Refreshments on the Bridge. War Cemetery. After visiting Hell Fire Pass Isy asked if the next day she could place a flower on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Clearly the experience had made a significant impression on her and we very moved by her thoughts.  I found the visit extremely moving and reading the grave stones had to wipe away tears.

Photos from Waterfalls and fish that nibble your toes

After Bangkok we travelled to Kanchanaburi and a much welcomed dip in some waterfalls.  However, to get to the falls you had to swim through the pools, this was highly entertaining as when you put your feet in the water the fish started to nibble them. Extremely good for removing dead skin but personally not my idea of fun.  Needless to say Rich, Isy and Maddy were straight in there whilst I tried to avoid the fish and failed miserably. No suprise that after this Maddy had holes in the bottom of her swim suit. Some of those fish. To jump or not to jump?