Let the games begin

Saturday 28th

I checked our path from Friday on Google Earth and It looks like we would have walked 15 or 16km that day.

We decided to give the Chatachuk markets a miss this morning, since we'd done enough shopping and they have more or less the same sorts of stalls that we had seen in many of the street markets or even MBK. This turned out to be a good decision as it meant we weren't rushed with our packing and getting organised to go. It was also quite hot and humid and even a short trip down the road was uncomfortable. Our original plan was to leave about 12-30 on the basis of going to the market but we were ready an hour before that. TVL wanted to change some money so I tried to tell the guy at the taxi stand we wanted to change our time. He didn't get it and wanted to charge us 1500B when we'd already agreed on 1200. Eventually, I gave up and even his parting shot as we left was only down to 1300.

Fortunately the original guy was back by the time we'd checked out and called the taxi for us. We left just on 11-45 and it took us 15 minutes to get back to the tollway, although we didn't get on it till further along. I'm not sure whether this was the first chance or whether he only did it when we said we'd pay the tolls. They totalled about $4 or $5. The trip didn't seem to long although it was probably around 90 minutes to 2 hours. I guess travelling with someone distracts you more than when you are on your own.

When we arrived at the hotel 3 of our group were in the dining area, but left soon after saying we'd meet up at the bar across the road for dinner. We checked in and I found my poolside room, which cost me extra was not in fact "pool side" (as in on the ground floor by the pool like last time) but "pool view" on the 2nd floor overlooking it with a small balcony. The rooms are adequate, as expected from the last trip here, not quite as nice as the Honey but still better than in Wichian Buri. They all provide the essentials of a bed, a fridge, an air conditioner and an en suite. Here we are back to the one tap instant heater for the shower with no separate shower area or bath. (At least it is still hot at full pressure)

I didn't have enough money to prepay the room so I handed over 5000B and once I'd unpacked headed down the street. I stopped at the embroidery shop to get info and options for our souvenir caps then withdrew another 20,000B. I figured, I needed 7000 for the hotel and about the same for the golf as well as spending money. Last time we had to pay up front for the golf. However, this time we just pay as we go so I now have a rather large amount of cash that I'm carrying.

Back at the hotel, I met up with Ed , who had organised the tour, and then went to my room. The hotel now has free wireless Internet in the room and in the foyer, where they also have a couple of PCs for guest use. I can download emails OK, but can't seem to send them from Thunderbird, and had to use the web browser interface. This has happened before with connections from the hotels and has to do with the way they set up the SMTP server. It's quite annoying since you can't just hit reply to an email.

This morning there was an email from Conan, the 7 ft actor/Mensa guy I met up with in Bangkok last year. We had missed each other in Bangkok since he was busy moving to Pattaya, so I may catch up with him here. He said it was getting quite unpleasant living in Bangkok because of the political situation, although it's not something you notice as a tourist.

We all met up at La Katai. the bar across the street for dinner. The first 6 of us arrived more or less together around 6-30 or so and the last 2 somewhat later, since they'd been playing golf. There are 8 of us here now with another one arriving later this week. The bar has changed quite a bit since 2 years ago. They have taken over the next door property as well and are renovating the old place, getting more table area and putting in an internet cafe as well. The guys seemed to know everyone there since most of them came on last year's club trip as well, and some had been back here again since on "private" trips. We finally met Dane's girlfriend, Kiky, who seems quite nice. He seemed quite smitten with her when he came back last time. She also had the Rev's washing from November. He'd left too early in the morning to collect it so she'd picked it up from the hotel and kept it for him.

Andy, one of the bar owners and the local organiser for our golf was there and is changing our tee times to later in the morning. Nobody really wants to get up at 6 on holidays.

Dane was getting us organised for a boat trip on Tuesday. This is 1500B for men but only 500B for women and includes all food and drink. I guess they don't think we can drink as much as the guys. Apparently, you can expect everyone to be quite drunk by the end of the trip. I got the decisions made for our caps which I'll get done tomorrow.

So, we are are here, things are getting organised and it's time to relax and have a fun.