A holiday within a holiday

On Sunday we stopped for lunch at a place we'd often passed in the car, but had never stopped.  It is on the west coast of the island and has lovely beaches and sunsets.

I-Talay Beach Bar and Cottages

We noticed they had about 8 pretty but very tiny cottages.  So we inquired as to spending the night in one.  So we booked for Wednesday night.  The cottages are very small and basic but very clean.  The only negative comment I have is the mattress was like sleeping on concrete, so we didn't sleep well.  I hope this is resolved as we'd like to spend a few nights here next winter.

The food is average and a bit expensive for what you get, but the location makes it worth it.

It is about 100 metres down the beach from a restaurant we go to, usually for special occasions.  So we had our dinner there - early birthday dinner for me.  The Virgin Coast

Our Cottage

Nice day out

We went to Nathon, the capital, to finish our gift shopping for family.  On the way home we stopped at a restaurant we've passed several times on the way to another restaurant on the west coast.

The restaurant has 6 very small cottages for rent so we booked for one night this week.  I'll add more pics we when stay the night.

Nathon ferries:

The restaurant/cottages where we lunched:

Only two more weeks

February has been mostly sunny.  Lots of bike rides, some kayaking, swimming.

Feburary - the sunny month!

The record-breaking heavy rains finally ceased about a week or two ago.  We've done a lot of bike riding, been in the swimming pool and will soon get back out in the kayak.

We only have 4 weeks left.  Seems like we spent a LOT of time indoors out of the rain.  But we'll make sure we get lots of outdoor time during this last month.

Danny goes out every morning at 6am (unless it's raining) and does a 7.5 miles bike ride.  I usually go to the gym M-F when it opens at 7.  I join him on weekends and sometimes weekdays for the ride.  It's a lovely time to ride as there is little traffic, it is still very cool out, and it's very quiet.

Yesterday we FINALLY got to go out on a longboat to snorkel!

The island of Matsum where the boat takes us for an hour or so after snorkeling:

The all important bar with icy cold beer

Saturday's ritual - a bike ride to Villa Chocolat which is owned by a Belgian with great skill at making pastries.  

Finally lots of pool time!

Rain, clouds, sun.....

Nice long bike ride today and stopped at our favourite pagoda and temple and restaurants.

Walking back down the hill after visiting Rattanakosin Chedi

From the top of the hill at Rattanakosin

Wild waves at Laem Sor Pagoda

Laem Sor Pagoda