I'm not sure if world economists have cottoned on to this one yet, but for me a sign that the British economy is recovering is the numbers of "Brit's Abroad" - this year in the hotel a much larger proportion is from the UK. For the last few years here, mine has been the only UK voice in a sea of German, Scandy and Russian. This really became noticeable on Xmas Day when every Brit in the resort attended the Xmas Day lunch and we filled a huge table. The hotel put on a buffet lunch, albeit Thai food, but there was Chocolate cake for pudding. No real substitute for Xmas pud but better than a slice of watermelon! There was a band (the same one as the returning guest party band and I think we will see them again New Year's Eve...). We Brit's of course were the first to arrive and last to leave, but a good time was had by all as we belted out a series of Xmas carols over a glass or two. I am still trying to work out what it says about us as a nation - the invite said from 12 midday and all the Brit's obediently turned up at 5 past 12 latest. Every other nationality drifted in much later... Maybe it was the pull of a pre lunch drink... Most of the other guests from Europe had, as is usual for them, celebrated the night before. The French of course nibbled on a bit of fruit, sipped a glass of water and left as soon as they decently could...
I am enjoying being in one of the lovely new rooms here with just a couple of downsides. There is still a lot of drilling and hammering going on as they finish and also fix some of the things that were originally finished to a "Thai" standard.... And as the rooms here are bigger than the others with a sofa that converts into an extra bed there are a few more kids around... I've never been that keen on the pool/kids combination... But no problem really, the water's still a bit cold for me. Unusually it's stayed really windy with high seas virtually all the time I've been here and the restaurant they have on the beach remains resolutely closed. And whilst it is lovely and warm it's not been the wall to wall sunshine I have become used to.
But despite being a long way from home I have still managed to keep up with some of the traditions, watching Downton Abbey whilst nibbling on a mince pie (brought from home - I have finally accepted there are none to be had here) with a glass of why why to go with it being one of the more enjoyable.
There are also an interesting mix of people here, families, couples and groups of friends. But one group of ten comprising of one Brit plus Germans and French has been the object of some discussion between the Brit's here. They meet every other day around a table in the shade and have deep discussions. Turns out they are two psychotherapists and their eight clients. Here for a month of treatment... Nice work if you can get it. Now, how do you feel that went?......
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Location:แม่น้ำ,Thailand
