Boom! You're in another Country.

It actually didn't happen that fast. According to Ed (who was obviously bored) we spent 19 hours in the air. Nine hours hanging around airports. Had three ferry rides (this includes Vancouver Island to Richmond). We crossed the International Date Line so basically lost October 14th.

This just struck me as funny - I don't know what Vin-Vin means

We flew Philippine Air

After we waited for 5 fours of which we tried to sleep on some really uncomfortable chairs in Manila I did manage to find some fine Tequila in the duty free. One bottle each and then we hit the skys for Bangkok! This was a little more realistic - 3.5 hour flight. Plane was smaller, seats less spacious but okay just the same. Just look at these Welcome Figures. There were four altogether. Pretty impressive. We also found out when we moved over to Bangkok air that we were overweight. So out comes what will be a series of money to get ourselves settled in our new home.

Bangkok Airport is also very impressive from the outside. Ed wondered if these open like BC Place. I had my doubts but they did look pretty cool.

And so after just a quick one and a half hour flight we touch down in Krabi and meet Stefano. The project manager for Chandini Estates. He has brought our car and will drive us to Koh Lanta Yai (big). Yee ha - air conditioning and soft seats!




One of two ferry rides to get to the island. And yes it does look a little sketchy. I think that every time we go on it. Take off the seat belt and get ready to bail if we need too. Funny thing though, no one turns off their cars. Better to sit in air conditioning then to swelter in the heat!!

 So we cross the first ferry, about 15 minutes, drive across Koh Lanta Nai (small) only to catch the next ferry (also sketchy). They are working on a bridge between the two islands Figure it will be ready in about 10 years!

Sun set on the Adaman Sea!

So here we are - actually we are back up in Krabi town visiting the local immigration office and transportation office, finding out exactly what we will need to get Thai drivers licences issued. Had to stop for some food and beverage before tackling this! We spent 4.5 hours between the offices only to be told to go back make copies, get a letter from Lory saying yes we can live in the house, a medical certificate and then come back and we'll see!!

As you can see - no licence did not deter Ed, and he did a fine job driving us back to the island. Just a little strange sitting to his left. He still can't hear me.....Ah well life just goes on doesn't it??

So just a couple of points:

1) We have mostly figured out the Bum Gun and I always have tissue with me in case there are no pat pats in the toilet.
2) Gecko's are great. They just run around the house eating insects, plus they make cute noises.
3) I will not leave doors open. We had a small cobra in the garage and I don't want them getting in the house!
4) We are loving the food
5) We love swimming a couple times of day and it doesn't matter what I wear - it's just to hot!!

Reality sets in - yikes!!

After arriving home last night from two weeks of visiting friends, a football game (pathetic!), a couple of card classes and of course hunting (Ed was skunked - I got a couple of grouse) I came to the jolting revelation that 'holy crappola' we are leaving for Thailand in just seven (7) days!!

This really blew my mind!

This idea started in May and suddenly there is nothing that has to happen first. We went on a short jaunt to Kelowna (where all of this craziness began) and then into the states camping. I volunteered down at Fort Rodd Hill and Fitzgaard Light House National Historic Site for the month of July.

My Home away from home!

A little Pomp and Circumstance!

The weather was incredible during
July! And I had lots of visitors
this year.

National Historic Site getting all 'gussied up"

                                                    We went to Amanda W's wedding in August.

The Beautiful Bride - Miss Amanda

We were styling that night!

We Danced the night away!










We had Ed's birthday, then went to see Kelly and Jens on Quadra Island. Never been there so that was fun!! Good times my friend!

A view of Campbell River from the other side.

The view from our deck.

        Visited with Bob and Pat in Coquitlam and went to a bad football game. So good to see the                                                                       Vancouver football folks!

Then there was hunting.

The Hunter.

Two Pot Lake.

Camp Cook!

On the way home!

We now appear to be running out of time!

For those of you new to this bit of news, a brief backgrounder (yikes - Parks Canada lingo is coming out of me!). Ed and I were asked to look after our friend`s (Norm and Lory) house in Thailand! Lory works for International Teaching and accepted a five year contract in Atyrau, Khazikstan. They had just completed their retirement home on Koh Lanta, but decided to take one more assignment. After the offer was made to us, we thought and pondered on it. Thailand is along way from Ucluelet and our grandchildren - but it is on the ocean, does having diving, kayaking, scuba diving, stand up paddle boarding, some incredible food - with no dairy and a National Marine Park! Average temperate is 24 C and there are only three seasons - cool (starts now), humid (starts in March) and monsoon ( June to September). We should only be there for half of that. I hear it is warm rain though.
                                 
                                       How great is that! Housing and a vehicle will be supplied.
                                          How blessed we feel to be given such an opportunity.
                                                                Thank you Norm and Lory!

Apartment is under the pool! At the bottom with all the glass.

Living - sitting area.

Dining area.

The lap pool - looking at the Adaman Sea.

                                              So we agreed to one year to see how we do..

                                                        So off we go - hey-diddle-doe!

Oh and by the way, our apartment has two bedrooms, two baths and at certain times of the year
                                           we have access to the guest house. Just sayin........