9th Feb, 2016

Welcome loyal readers and apologies for the long delay between posts. To be honest, we have not really been up to very much – and are now in Malaysia. Anyway, I thought I would whiz through some thoughts on our time in Thailand, so here goes (with a few pics)…

How do we feel?

I will let the photos do the talking – but basically – GREAT!

 

Ko Lanta

We can really recommend this lovely island. Yes, it is touristy, but more in a family friendly way than a party time way. The big pros are that it caters really well for tourists with lovely beaches, some excellent resorts and great food. The downside is that it does take a bit of getting to – but then it possibly would not be as nice if it didn’t. It did feel a bit like Ko Skanda at times, but that was not a problem. Good diving (I am told), good snokelling (I can attest to that), not too hot on the weather front (nice breezes from the sea) and nice people.

 

Table Tennis

We asked the hotel (Crown Lanta) if they had a table before we set out and they actually went to the lengths of buying one so that we could play on it. Most impressed! For those interested in these sort of things, Val usually had twice the number of wins to me – but don’t forget the handicap system described in the earlier blog! Great fun though and good exercise.

Massage

Now this is definitely the life. There is something other worldly about the massages we had. Our top spot was Serenity (check it out on TripAdvisor) and they lived up to their name. I would gladly have one every day if it were possible. I have no idea if it was doing me any good physically – but mentally (emotionally?) it was absolute heaven. We went completely mad on the last day and were there for 2.5 hours. I even had a body scrub which probably took a good inch off me all round. A bit like being rubbed down with sandpaper, but strangely worth it.

 

Scrabble

Yes, the great Scrabble battle is on again. Resuming at John 10 games, Val 2, we have now progressed to 13 – 3. This competition started in October 2014. Watch this space!

Swimming

I shall miss the pool at Crown Lanta, even though it was a slog to even do one length, but I certainly feel fitter and I think it was doing Val and her Parkinson’s a lot of good too. The sea is staggeringly warm!

 

Yahtzee

Val is making a comeback and is now only 10 games behind as we approach Game 200.

Warm Weather and Parkinson’s

OK, this is not very scientific, but it certainly seems to be the case that the warm weather has been helpful for Val – or it might be the lack of stress and lots of opportunities for exercise. Anyway, it has been a success, though her dyskenesia has been bad. It may be an argument for actually REDUCING her dosage, which would be a first – but we would need to see her neurologist first. Wait, I hear you cry, what about your hernia John – you are very kind, it seems to be holding out very well, thanks.

The Thais

Lovely warm people always willing to help, though, to me, surprisingly short on English, considering what a tourist spot Ko Lanta is.

 

Yoga

Well, I did it and I am sure it did me a lot of good, though it was quite hard going at times. I wonder if I am really made for this sort of punishment. Why can’t exercise be painless? Anyway, I will have to see if I can resurrect the yoga disc for the Wii at home and keep it going when I get back. Don’t hold your breath……

 

Food

It is excellent – and ridiculously priced for the most part. Val is already missing her daily coconut, but we had some really good meals, but still managed to lose a bit of weight. Favourite restaurants – Thai Cat (great waiters), Time for Lime and L. Maladhee.

 

We are now in Malaysia………